About the time 2020 detoured into the Coronavirus Pandemic, we started a home remodel/addition. Having our home turned upside down at the same time the world spun into unknown territory was about as much as I could manage at one time, so even though writing material was in my brain, and Daily PICs were added to my notebook, I found it hard to update this site.
You have been in a similar place . . . when distraction and fatigue win the day, and you drift off course finding that it gets harder to redirect the further you get off track.
I’m seeing this same thing as I study the book of Haggai with Jennifer Rothschild–
And God is encouraging me to put into practice what I am learning from the Jews and their temple rebuilding project:
When we find ourselves off track, tired, and discouraged, God reminds us that He is present, and He’s inviting us to- BEGIN AGAIN!
Through the prophet Haggai, God said to his people-
Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the LORD. Work, for I am with you, declares the LORD of hosts.
Haggai 2:4, ESV
When I launched this site, I wrote a personal mission statement to guide me forward in ministry. The overarching word that I focused on was DWELL because it summed up the desire of my heart- to DWELL in God’s presence and have his presence DWELL in me. I want to live abundantly and victoriously in His Kingdom even as my feet are on planet earth. I also want to encourage and help others do the same thing by learning, applying, and praying God’s Word.
This is where Daily PICs connects to the work God has called me to do. It’s a way God has asked me to encourage others to learn, apply, and pray the Word in order to DWELL in Him more fully and walk in abundance and victory.
So today in obedience, I’m rebooting to BEGIN AGAIN!
Since my last post, one of the new PICs I’ve added to my folder is helping me navigate these turbulent times. With all the problems, opinions, and division, it can be hard to know how to live out a life of faith. We can be tempted to err on the side of isolation or silence to be sure that we don’t offend or add to the chaos.
But God tells us through the prophet Micah the good work He requires, so I’ve added this scripture as a reminder of how I am to live-
Whether I find myself disagreeing over issues, disgruntled by news, or distressed about the future, the good that God requires is clear-
When encountering others, God asks me to do what is just, loving, and kind. This is a step of obedience like the restart of Daily PICs that I must BEGIN AGAIN! I know that just as it is with writing, there will be days when it seems insignificant, and I’m tempted to veer off track and retreat. I’m asking God to remind me of his heart toward those who BEGIN AGAIN, to help me be strong, and to continue the work.
Do not despise these small beginnings for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin.
Zechariah 4:10, NLT
What is God asking you to restart or begin today? Know that He rejoices to see you take that first step of obedience. He’s with you and will give you the strength to do the work to which you are called!
Daily PICs for Life 