Covenant Community Services
Enjoying Life
Finding Joy in God's Plan July 6, 2010
Greetings!

The past week and the 4th of July celebration was spent with friends and family. We had a wonderful time of refreshing and renewal. I actually could feel the "slow down" as I attempted to depart the busy train and enjoy the simple life.
 
Vacations like the one I have just completed have a way of dealing with the soul. I believe God uses the non-normal and the extra time of reflection to break us from rut and rot. Once our heads and hearts are clear of to-do lists and duties the smoke settles and we see who we are and who we have become. Often, transformation awaits as we realize that life doesn't have to be lived by any rules except God's.
 
One of the many lessons learned this past vacation was the need to slow down and enjoy life. Just last night, Kim and I had both sets of our parents over and just enjoyed each others company. We were not in a hurry and just listened to the stories and wisdom in our parents. It was a blast and a learning experience to just soak up life. I desire that quality in all my relationships and mostly my relationship with God.
 
I don't know why our world is so consumed with hurry and pace. Yet, it is and we are on the train that seems to keep gaining in speed. As I search the scriptures and read to grow in Christlikeness, I am amazed to watch Jesus simply enjoy life and share it with others deeply. This past week has taught me to imitate Jesus in decreasing my need for speed and slowing down to enjoy and drink deeply of the abundant life on this side of eternity.
 
Understanding the Good Things
 
4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. 6 I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. 7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
 
~ Philemon 1:4-7 ~
I Pray We Understand the Good Things
 
Paul wrote this letter to a wealthy ministry partner that was discipling people in his home. Philemon was a big-time player in the ministry of Paul's day and Paul needed his help and also used the letter to disciple Philemon.
 
One of the traits Paul highlights about Philemon is his hospitable nature. Paul speaks of Philemon's faith and love for the saints. Next, Paul turns to sharing about the things he has been praying for regarding Philemon. His prayer is simple - be active in sharing faith so you can understand the good things we have in Christ.
 
Friend, you need to get a grasp on the good things God has for you. As you "do" life and share your life in Jesus with others, either by living your faith out or actually sharing your testimony, you will begin to see the thread of God's grace in all that is good. Next, it becomes much easier to enjoy what God has before you rather than rush to the next thing you have for you.
 
I guarantee you this, God desires to use you in the life you are living and He doesn't mind you enjoying life. In fact, God has placed you right where He desires and in the "sphere of influence" he desires. You have a full-time ministry right in front of you ... it is called life. You simply need to change the lenses you have viewed life with and enjoy it to the fullness.
 
The best way to enjoy life is to slow down and ease up. Slow down. Simply build margin into your day and when you meet with people really meet with people. I am sick of meeting with people that are more interested in their cell phone and I am changing that in my life as I know I do it. Another easy way to slow down and enjoy is to listen. Listen deeply as everyone has something to share and something to teach. Listen and learn and enjoy.
 
Ease up! Don't wait to say "Jesus take the wheel" when you are about to wreck. Give Jesus the wheel and let Him drive! Ease up on your expectations and come expecting God to do great things without expecting what you want. Ease up and enjoy the ride. Remember, God has promised to never put you through something you can't handle or that He doesn't make a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13). So, ease up. Enjoy life. Enjoy those God has placed around you. Enjoy what God has placed around you. Don't be fooled by the enemy of distraction and busyness. Understand the "Good Things" and the "Good Life" and get to living it!
For King and Kingdom,
 

Randy Martin 
661-326-8304