I love finding meaningful insights in little lines of scripture where you don?t expect it. For example, I recently read this line in my morning scripture reading:
Colossians 4:17 NIV, ?Tell Archippus: ?See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.??
It made me think that I could paraphrase it for myself: ?Pass this along to Alan: See to it that you complete well the writing of this second writing project. It?s a ministry you have received in the Lord.? There is no need for or value in becoming anxious, fearful, doubtful or insecure as I engage this work. I can trust that creative, wise ideas will come as I sit to do it.
There is no ?perfect? time to do it. Today is the day of salvation. Today is the day of good work prepared well in advance for me to walk into (Eph 2:10). I don?t have to have a perfect place or time. The perfect place is here because You are here. The perfect time is now because You are present in this very moment. Everything I could need to move me along in this work is available to me in you.
What good opportunities have you been given to do good work? As a friend? As a neighbor? In your family? In your workplace? What secret dream for creative expression is in you about which you?ve said something like, ?Someday I?ll?? What about today? What little next step could you take?
Invitation and challenge…what we receive from the Lord, we then turn and step into. Such a good reminder, Alan. Today, my little step? Read more deeply of fine writers. Carve from words one good paragraph for my in-progress novel.
I like your steps for today. They have the ring of life to them.
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Great post Alan! I am encouraged this morning to be faithful with what has been given to me but also to encourage others (like Paul) to fulfill what God has given them.
Jeff Umperovitch
Jeff – Thank you. So nice to hear from you. I’m finding it encouraging and energizing to do both (see my word as God given, but also encouraging others with the same good news). Grace to you!
Thanks Alan. A very timely reminder for me.