As I’m sitting here wondering what I might write about today, I happened upon a video by Matthew McConaughey. Yeah, I know–who would have thought I’d be talking about that Matthew in one of my daily devotions. But, the fact is that he’s piqued my interest in recent years. I’ve seen crumbs here and there that lead me to wonder what’s changed. I’ve heard him talk about his relationship with Christ. Whether his faith is deep, and whether his faith is genuine, is between him and God, but for now I’m thankful for the fruit that I see.
I start watching his video on the body of Christ, and I’m warmed by his message. He’s talking about the beauty of delayed gratification.
“We used to independently call our own shots.” he says, “But then we entered into a large and integrated life in which He has the final say in everything. This is what we proclaimed in word and action when we were baptized. Each of us is now part of His resurrection body. Refreshed and sustained at one fountain–His spirit where we all come to drink.”
I lean in and I listen more closely…
“Don’t leave crumbs,” he says. “The crumbs I’m talking about are the choices we make that make us have to look over our shoulder in the future.”
I love the way he explains that because I’ve been there and it’s a dark place to be…
You didn’t pay that guy back the money you owe him and tonight he’s three rows behind you.
You slept around on your spouse and now you just found out that he and the man you are having an affair with will at the same meeting tomorrow.
“These are the crumbs,” he says, “They come in the form of regret, guilt, and remorse. You leave crumbs today, they will cause you more stress tomorrow.”
And so, he talks about flipping the script. Doing things today that will set you up for a better future tomorrow–delayed gratification. In other words, clean your house today so you are ready for unexpected company tomorrow. Work hard today so it will pay off tomorrow. Eat well today so you have energy tomorrow. Pay your debts today so you don’t have to hide from your friends tomorrow.
Taking this a step further, let’s remember that the choices we make today have eternal ramifications. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul writes,
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. (2 Corinthians 4:17, NIV)
Yes, it might be hard to break off that relationship you shouldn’t have started.
Yes, it might be tough to return the money you shouldn’t have kept.
Yes, it might be hard to love that difficult person at work.
But, the pain you endure today will never compare to the joy that awaits you in heaven.
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2, KJV)
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Tilling the Soil
Read Romans 13.
Planting Hope
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. (2 Corinthians 4:17, NIV)
DIY Scrabble Wall Tiles
This DIY project took a little extra time to get it the way I like it, but with that said it’s also a very easy project to do. I don’t think I’ve ever had a project go as smoothly as this one did. Every single letter came out crisp and perfect, but there’s definitely a way to paint them and a way NOT to paint them, so make sure you read that part below. Each letter is 4.5 x 4.5 which makes it the perfect size for an empty wall. I love mine!
Visit My P31 Home for some easy to follow instructions.
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Darlene Schacht and her husband Michael live in Manitoba Canada where the summers are beautiful and the winters are cold. Together they’ve come to learn that relationships aren’t always easy, but that marriage, the way God intended it to be, is a treasure worth fighting for.
She began her publishing journey about twelve years ago when she pioneered one of the first online magazines for Christian women, known at the time as “Christian Women Online Magazine.” After three years, Darlene left CWO to blog as a solo author at Time-Warp Wife Ministries.
It was also during this transition that she worked alongside actress Candace Cameron Bure to write the NYT Best-Selling book, Reshaping it All: Motivation for Spiritual and Physical Fitness. Reshaping it All was the winner of both the 2011 USA Best Book Awards and the 2012 Christian Reading Retailers Choice Awards.
Author of more than 15 books, Darlene continues to write and to minister to her readers through her blog at TimeWarpWife.com.
Connect with Darlene:
Facebook: @timewarpwife
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You are loved by an almighty God,
Darlene Schacht
The Time-Warp Wife