Being Intentional: The MUSTS versus the CANS

Parents and students,

“Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15). Busyness does not mean that I am diligent. Busyness does not mean I am faithful. Busyness does not mean I am fruitful. When we consider our schedules, we have endless options. But there are few clear priorities and projects, derived from my God‐assigned roles, that should occupy the majority of my time during a given week.

In addition, there are a thousand tasks of secondary importance that tempt us to devote a lopsided amount of time to completing an endless to do do list. And, if we are not intentional, we will inevitably neglect the important for the urgent. It is good for us to ask, “Where has God placed me? and “Where am I positioned to serve others?” If you are a parent, then God has placed you in that role to shepherd your children in formal teaching/training and discipline/correction while not provoking them to anger (Ephesians 6:4). If you are student, God has placed in that role to obey and honor your parents and authorities with joy (Ephesians 6:1-2; Hebrews 13:17). There are thousands of things that we CAN do as parents and students, but it is essential for us to discern what we MUST do in these God-ordained roles! The MUSTS are clearly defined in the Scripture, and we must search them out and then strive with utmost diligence and fervor to live them out for the glory of God! So, are you majoring on.....the MUSTS or the CANS?

So how has God called you? I encourage you to take a moment to list God’s callings on your life and the personal roles you have. Writing this out will increase your awareness of your God-given roles, which will help you prioritize and plan. (You can read more about Biblical Productivity here: http://www.sovereigngraceministries.org/blogs/cj-mahaney/post/biblical-productivity-series-pdf.aspx)

In Sunday School, we are continuing our DVD series with John Piper on “The Blazing Center: A Soul-Satisfying Supremacy of God in All Things.” Last week could be summed up in this phrase: “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” Our pursuit of satisfaction and glorifying God are not at odds when we pursue satisfaction in God alone! Last Wednesday, we continued our series on the Church. We specifically met in discussion groups, breaking down the one-another passages in the New Testament. Tonight I will be preaching for Pastor Ferrell in the old sanctuary, so we will have a combined service with students and adults. Please make note of the change!

Here is what is coming up in 10:31...

• CALENDAR CHANGE: The Underground Church Activity that was scheduled for this Friday has been postponed to the end of the year. Thank you for your flexibility.
• 10:31 Christmas Caroling and Party will be held on Saturday, December 11th from 4pm-9pm. More details to come!

As a final note, I would love for you all to come to a special Thanksgiving Praise Service this coming Sunday night, beginning at 6pm! We will be devoting this time to sing with thankfulness in our hearts to the Lord and give testimony to His all sufficient grace. There will be a brief time of ''open mic'' testimonies, so come ready to share with the body of Christ how God has blessed you in times of blessing and trial. We are looking forward to this time together with great anticipation! We hope to see you there.

Let’s remember to seize the opportunities to be intentional and invest for eternity!

Your fellow servant,

Pastor Stephen


(You can view all of our fall events on our website:
http://www.timberlakebaptist.org/images/stories/documents/2010%20fall%20event%20calendar.pdf)