Saturday, January 28, 2006

Hardway

“some people gotta learn the hard way…I guess I’m the kinda guy who has to find out for myself. I gotta learn the hard way. Father, I’m on my knees and I’m cryin…for Him.”

I know that God has times where he just looks at me and shakes His head in wonder thinking, “Dude, come on!!” (In my head, God says things like “dude”) This morning was no exception…I am on a shoot in Atlanta and it is the last day. We get to the set after checking out of our hotel and I decided to balance my Petty Cash Registry (Petty Cash is the ‘on hand’ cash that the producer (me) keeps for paying crew, incdentals, etc.) Well, I can’t find the envelope anywhere and that is really not good because I am responcible for that money. Anyway, I was in the midst of scouring my luggage and sending PA’s to the hotle to check the room when I realized that I hadn’t done my quiettime. So I started reading the following from “My Utmost for His Highest”…

A warning which needs to be repeated is that "the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches," and the lust for other things, will choke out the life of God in us ( Matthew 13:22 ). We are never free from the recurring waves of this invasion. If the frontline of attack is not about clothes and food, it may be about money or the lack of money; or friends or lack of friends; or the line may be drawn over difficult circumstances. It is one steady invasion, and these things will come in like a flood, unless we allow the Spirit of God to raise up the banner against it.
"I say to you, do not worry about your life . . . ." Our Lord says to be careful only about one thing-our relationship to Him. But our common sense shouts loudly and says, "That is absurd, I must consider how I am going to live, and I must consider what I am going to eat and drink." Jesus says you must not. Beware of allowing yourself to think that He says this while not understanding your circumstances. Jesus Christ knows our circumstances better than we do, and He says we must not think about these things to the point where they become the primary concern of our life. Whenever there are competing concerns in your life, be sure you always put your relationship to God first.

"Sufficient for the day is its own trouble" ( Matthew 6:34 ). How much trouble has begun to threaten you today? What kind of mean little demons have been looking into your life and saying, "What are your plans for next month— or next summer?" Jesus tells us not to worry about any of these things. Look again and think. Keep your mind on the "much more" of your heavenly Father ( Matthew 6:30 ).

As soon as I finished reading, I went to put my book down and sit to pray and ask God to forgive me for letting anything rob me of my joy and ask him for his help. As I sit down, the holy spirit reminded me of exactly where the money was (In my jacket next to me) even though I had already looked all over that area. I love it when he does that!