I was at the VA yesterday for an appointment and was talking to this guy who was senior to me, and we were discussing what changes we would make in the world if we were King for a day. We talked for ten minutes, and then my Doctor called me in. On my way home, I was talking to God to help me in my own personal life of how I can do a better job of being a Pastor, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Friend, etc. If I have said this once, I have said it a zillion times "How do you eat an elephant? One single bite at a time." Starting today I commit myself, to take a negative of myself and switch it to a positive. I will write it in a personal journal and review it once a week and see how my progress is going :-)
Dictionary: in·stead [in-sted], adverb
- as a substitute or replacement; in the place or stead of someone or something: We ordered tea but were served coffee instead.
- in preference; as a preferred or accepted alternative: The city has its pleasures, but she wished instead for the quiet of country life.
Idioms:
- instead of, in place of; in lieu of: You can use milk instead of cream in this recipe.
Matthew 6:25-33 (NASB)
25 “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27 and who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? 28 and why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, 29 yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. 30 but if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow will be thrown into the furnace, will he not much more clothe you? You of little faith! 31 do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?' 32 for the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly, Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
I'm sure many read the top part from the dictionary of the definition of "INSTEAD," and seen the Bible verse and said to yourselves "Oh yea! I know that from the Bible."
What if you were to pick a day this week and make it a "INSTEAD" theme, and I'll give you a few examples, and you can use them or add your own.
1. A car cuts me off on the road, and I go bunkers! However, "INSTEAD," I choose to stop and think perhaps some reason made them swerve into your lane. Hmmmm?
2. Did you hear that this guy wants to be a pastor and lead our church, and his wife does not believe in God and .... "INSTEAD," Oh I did not know that, but we shouldn't be talking about it like that? Join me now for a few minutes and let's pray for them both, that God gives him the wisdom like with King Solomon, and that his wife will come to accept Jesus. Hmm?
3. Everyone keeps talking about Jesus did this and that. Are these really fables or true stories? One day, I might go to church and ask the pastor about it. "INSTEAD," I want to know more about Jesus. I think I have an old Bible on the bookshelf, and I'll read the four Gospels before Sunday, and I will start going to this church around the corner, and ask the pastor for an appointment to come in and ask him about what I am still confused about with Jesus.
4. ENTER YOUR "INSTEAD." Take one day and make it a day to make a change in your life. You might even surprise yourself and find how much happier you are and have a sense of peace for a change.
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