The Checklist

As this email is sent out, our team will be en route for our annual mission trip to Haiti.  So much time and effort is spent in preparing for this trip.  With each year "the checklist" is reviewed:

 
* Applications must be filled out and passports acquired....CHECK

* Team members must save or raise money to be submitted by the  

   deadline....CHECK

* Airline tickets and insurance policies must be purchased....CHECK

* Additonal paperwork submitted to Global Outreach....CHECK

* Meetings are held about details of the trip....CHECK

* Packing of the team's supplies....CHECK

* Travel arrangements made to and from the airport....CHECK

* The itinerary of what we will be doing for the week must be

   determined....CHECK

 
And once the checklist for the team is finished, we each have to go over our own checklists:  Snacks and clothes packed.  Sunscreen packed, passport packed, shaving kit...CHECK, CHECK, CHECK, CHECK!

 
It seems like a chore to make sure everything on the list is completed properly.  We have become such a busy society that many of us rely on our checklist each day.  We have become dependent on our lists and routines. 

 
Have we done this in our relationship with God?  Have we relegated our love and admiration for Him to another item on a checklist?  Shave, shower, walk the dog, pack the kids lunch, read our bible for a few minutes, say a quick prayer to start the day...CHECK, CHECK, CHECK, CHECK!

 
It's easy to do.  It's easy to get stuck in a rut and without knowing it our time with Jesus is just another chore to be performed or item to be checked.  I'll admit it...it even happens to pastor's from time to time.  It happens to me.  So since I am admitting it to all of you, let me lead by example with my re-focusing and prayer of repentance and renewal:

 
Father God,

Forgive me for each and every time I jot you down on a list instead of writing your words on my heart.  Help me to have a continual understanding of the importance of time spent with you.  Remind me that because of my weakness and life's distractions I am always too busy not to pray.  Help to me clear my mind when I pray to not just speak to you but even more importantly...waiting on You and hearing You speak to me.  Help me when I read your word to never look at it as something to just get through but instead, something to get through to me.

 
Thank You for loving me.  For saving me.  And thank You for the time You long to spend with me.

 
In Jesus name,

 
Amen

Wouldn't it be wonderful if instead of ever having to pray that prayer we could utter the words of Job found in Job 23:12...

 
I have not departed from the commands of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily food.

 
Prayer journal written for Friday June 22, 2012....CHECK!

--Willis Adkins