Sunday, January 6, 2013

What's on YOUR "To-Do" List?




“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Jesus Christ to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)

 “To-Do” lists; those little lists that supposedly keep us on track, but can certainly send us rushing for cover! I like order; I like everything to be in its place. I like the feeling of accomplishment when everything on my to-do list is checked off each day. And I know from experience that if I don’t make a list, I usually forget important things that I either want or need to get done. However, the problem with any to do list is that they can quickly get out of control and become “un-doable”. And as our to-do lists grow in size we wonder how in the world we will accomplish each item? 



“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest in your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
 
We all have days when we are running on empty, and no matter how much we try to accomplish, the list of things just seem to get longer. The best solution is to set our goals and expectations in line with what God desires for our lives. I am pretty sure that the crazy stress that we feel as a result of our list is not on His list. Maybe making a “don’t-do” list is a good solution to this madness! If we focus on the desires and purposes that God has created for us, maybe we would have the ability to say “no” to some of the things we put on our agendas.

“He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary, and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. But those that hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:28-31)

I think that we all learn over the years that it’s really not such a bad thing if everything is not in order all the time.  And as difficult as this may seem, it’s time to do some list swapping and exchange our list for His list; I think that His list might look a lot different! Throughout our days God is calling us to help accomplish HIS purposes, HIS “to-do” list. And if we yield to His purpose for our lives He will equip us with everything we need to accomplish it. It takes discipline to truly spend time doing what is worthy, and instead of trying to ration out our physical and emotional energy to all the commitments we make for ourselves, we need to listen, rest, and be filled with Him. God’s list is very short, but His grace is never ending! And when we spend time with God and allow Him to write our to-do list, the other important things end up getting done as well.


Remember: no matter what you have on YOUR to-do list today, spending time with YOU is at the top of HIS list!
  
Linking up this week with:
 
USE this for BLOG

22 comments:

  1. Hi Denise, such a great reminder for me at the beginning of the year to make sure there is time with my Saviour on my to-do list! Thank you my friend
    God bless
    Tracy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Tracy; I continue to learn about prioritizing the important things! :)Sweet blessings to you dear friend!

      Delete
  2. Sweet , encouraging and so beautifully expressed. Your posts are like a feast of delight for the soul!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love your kind words; they always make me smile Dawn! Thanks sister! :)

      Delete
  3. Hi dear Denise
    Nice meeting you at Laura's. I had to smile when I read your post. A while ago I pondered that Scripture verse that says to lead a still, quiet life. It is so easy to think that our Lord measures worth the way the world does. To count as far as the world is concerned, we have to do, do, do and another do. With our Pappa God it is so different.
    Bless you, dear one,
    Mia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. True, it's important to listen to Him (rather than the demands of others) as He reminds us of His “to do” list and what He has for us to do that day. :) Blessings Mia!

      Delete
  4. I know we all have allot of things on our list each day but I myself am learning to ask God what shall He say be on my to do list. For I know if I don't I will do things He does not want me doing. AMEN

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amen is right sister! Blessings sweet friend!

      Delete
  5. Sometimes my to-do list gets pretty long. However, as I yield my list to the Lord, He shows me what's really important.

    Blessings and love,
    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Denise,

    I like how you said we should trade in our list for His list...That is so true.
    Some days I feel like a Martha, while other days I just want to be like Mary, and sit and rest at His feet...the problem is with the 'Martha side of me always complaining about the Mary side of me, lol! Split personality?
    I just need to focus on Jesus, and my moments with Him should never be rushed by what needs done. There is always work to be done...even once it's all done...it starts all over again, lol.

    Blessings to you Dear lady~ Lisa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha ha; I think I have the same split personality Lisa. You said it perfect my friend! :) Blessings and love sweet friend!

      Delete
  7. Denise, I really needed this reminder. It's easy for me to get caught up in 'being productive'. Sometimes, when I'm having quiet time with the Lord, I find myself thinking of all the things I 'should' be doing... When there's NOTHING more important or 'productive' than being with Him. I'm so glad He's patient with me!
    Blessings to you, friend ~ Mary

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Denise,
    So often "my to do list" is what I am concerned with while neglecting His "to do list." Thank you for this reminder.
    Blessings,
    Ken

    ReplyDelete
  9. "God's list if very short, but His grace is never ending" ....A big Amen to this!! Lord, let us know the peace that comes from being still and resting in the truth that you are God! Thanks for linking this banquet of the soul with UNITE! Have a blessed, blessed week, my friend! ~ jen

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks for reminding me of this, Denise! Our heavenly Father waits for us so patiently to spend time with Him, while we're so busy doing other things! He celebrates and rejoices over us!!!

    Blessings, sister!
    ~Erin

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thankful that we have a patient Father! Blessings Erin!

      Delete
  11. How encouraging--God, waiting to spend time with me! What a blessing this thought gives me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agreed Pamela! Enjoy the rest of your week! :)

      Delete
  12. These past few days, I took a break from bloggy and spent some ample time with my Heavenly Daddy. That is where I am heading and is the main thing on my to do list Blessings my dear.

    ReplyDelete
  13. What a wonderful blog! I am so blessed to be here! Isa. 40:28-31 gives us great inspiration for our dance ministry.
    Thanks so much for visiting and commenting on Saved by Grace!
    Your blog is a blessing and I am now following it, and I invite you to follow Saved by Grace also:
    http://savedbygracebiblestudy.blogspot.com/
    Love in Him,
    Laurie Collett

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thanks Laurie; I am happy to come and follow your blog as well! Blessings! :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. This write up was excellent and very true. Without "a list" we defer and defer and until it doesn't get done at all. Even if we can't follow it exactly, to have it there as a guide is so helpful. Thank you for that reminder.

    ReplyDelete