A Life of Simplicity
November 21st, 2009Saturday’s Reflection
WHEN WE BEGIN to live a spirituality of simplicity,
our primary concern ceases to be success
and becomes faithfulness.
We are called to live with integrity,
to express the truth as we perceive it,
and to trust in God’s ability to use what we offer.
- Elizabeth J. Canham
Heart Whispers
From Heart Whispers by Elizabeth J. Canham. Copyright © 1999 by the author. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission of Upper Room Books. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Advent begins on November 29, 2009. Consider the new book, The Uncluttered Heart by Beth A. Richardson, as a part of your Advent discipline this year. Purchase your copy today. Join Beth for daily conversation at unclutteredheart.org.
Today’s Question
What is your “primary concern” in life? Are you focused more on “success” or “faithfulness”? Share as you feel comfortable.
Today’s Scripture Reading
Jesus said to Pilate, “I was born and entered the world so that I could witness to the truth. Everyone who cares for truth, who has any feeling for the truth, recognizes my voice.”
- John 18:37, THE MESSAGE
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for the Scriptures and inspirational writings. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Get Ready for Advent. Advent starts on November 29. This important Christian season helps us get our spirits ready for the coming of the Christ child. Prepare your heart — observe Advent.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Gertrude the Great of Helfta (November 16).
- Lectionary Readings:
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November 21st, 2009 at 5:50 am
A life of faithfulness is my goal. When I lose sight of that, it is not necessarily that my goal is success. But rather, I wander, led subconsciously by selfish thoughts, unfocused living. I so need to keep my eyes on Christ – His example – and to be attuned to the leading of the Spirit.
November 21st, 2009 at 7:56 am
To me, faithfulness IS success. When I am “prone to wander”, I remember that goal.
November 21st, 2009 at 8:06 am
You said it Connie.
I hold my faith so dear, that there is no success greater. Since I’ve rededicated my life to Him, I have an unexplainable peace in my life. And this in the midst of my husband’s lay off from his job and not knowing how we’re are going to pay our bills or buy groceries for that matter.
My ‘old’ self would have been worried sick, not knowing what to do. But, the Lord has given me this comfort of knowing that everything is going to be o.k. and I have faith that He will provide our needs…He always does.
November 21st, 2009 at 8:56 am
I am more successful b/c of my faith. I know God will help guide me esp when business is low. I pray before preparing proposals. I open my mouth and ask God to supply the words during talks (I prepare too) I lean into and onto HIM for it all. Succes is an outcome of Faith.
November 21st, 2009 at 9:02 am
Success. For a long time I strove for secular success – money, possessions, and status. God blessed me after I self-destructed and showed me success is helping others live a more Godly life. Now a successful day is one where I see the impact of Godly behavior and God’s blessings on a struggling individual.
November 21st, 2009 at 9:10 am
I am more concerned in keeping faith, for with faith we can do everything, even the impossible ones. But keeping your faith in the unstable environment and social prejudice, there’s so many things that constantly challenge your faith in God.
November 21st, 2009 at 9:16 am
Yep. Lord, help me to be successfully faithful.
It is not an either/ or.