big ideas // Wednesday E-Devotion

My brother and his family attend the Tulsa Campus of LifeChurch. This is one of the happening churches around our nation that God is using in huge ways. Their pastor, Craig Groeschel, and other leaders from the church have a blog that really rocks. Take a look at Swerve...you will be encouaged.

There are a couple notes from recent posts on that blog that I want to call your attention to in today's e-devotion. I pray that these two big ideas will have much of the same effect that they had on me, making me stop and think. Both of these are from church leaders or guest bloggers. Read on...

This first blog entry asks the question about making a difference. The writer shared three areas that are important to the church making a difference in our community and around the world: structure & organization, sense of community among volunteers and vision. Here is what she writes about vision (this is good):

People respond to vision, NOT our need or crisis. Volunteers get excited about seeing their part in the bigger picture and knowing they make a difference. Mine for and share stories of lives being changed because of the selflessness and sacrifice of the volunteers.

The second blog entry is about quality time and simplifying our lives. The word simplify is used to remind of of areas that can make our lives count more:

S - Slow down
I - Imagine doing less
M - Make time for loved ones
P - Practice patience
L - Learn to gently say no
I - Increase your quiet time
F - Follow your heart
Y - Yield to life, yield to peace, yield to joy

In what areas are you trying to do too much? How can you simplify?

Here is where I am coming from today. The big idea is that we ought to LOVE GOD so well that we lead others to LOVE GOD. Our vision and some simplicity can make a huge difference in how we love God. That is a big idea!

Matthew 22:37 (nlt) --- Jesus replied, "'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind."

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Michael Harrison's e-devotion

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