Day 34 - “What’s Getting in Your Way?”
Passage: Acts 5:20-21a

“’Go, stand in the temple courts,’ he said, ’and tell the people the full message of this new life.’ At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people.”

Devotion:
Peter and John had been thrown in jail by the high priest and his associates, but an angel of the Lord had rescued them and said, “Go stand in the temple courts and tell people the full message of this new life.”

When we are given a God directive He is constantly at work with us and ahead of us cutting a path through the wilderness of the task He has given us. So much so, all we have to do is stay on that path for things to work out perfectly. Unfortunately, we have a tendency to get distracted and stray off course. Sometimes that’s in the form of doing things our own way versus God’s way, other times it’s allowing other people or problems to distract us, and sometimes it’s fear. The Apostles have given us a clear example of how to avoid straying off course: Do as you are told!

Verse 21 tells us how the apostles followed God’s direction, “At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people.” They didn’t swing by Starbucks, drop off the dry cleaning on the way, or get the car washed. Instead “at daybreak” – first thing in the morning they did what they were told. It was their number one priority and the only task on their “to do” list. Single minded focus. When was the last time you had single minded focus?

Our modern society has become scatter brained. It seems the goal is multi-tasking versus accomplishing any one thing. When was the last time you started the day with only one thing to do and the commitment to accomplish that one thing? We’ve forgotten the value of order and the meaning of obedience. Our God is an orderly God.

I’ll bet you collapse in bed every night like the rest of us, not at peace with what you’ve accomplished, but instead restless and unsettled because of all the half finished, uncompleted, or new things needing attention on your list that just have to get done no later than tomorrow. It’s frustrating, tiring, and completely unnecessary.

Question to Ponder:

Stress is the sum total of a bunch of unresolved tasks. So the key to stress free living is completing tasks. The problem is differentiating between what is important and unimportant. The best place to start is with the Lord. Take time to read your bible and pray. Ask the Lord, “What is the most important thing you want me to do today?” When you get your answer, don’t get distracted: Every Day – Do the One Thing. Your life will change dramatically. What is that one thing for you today? How will you focus on it and it alone this day?

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