Monday, January 24, 2011

Proper Balance


The pain is back. I'm not sure what I did. Maybe it's just a combination of my daily routine and general muscle tension, that causes a few vertebra in my spine to shift just enough to cause the familiar ache I'm feeling. My shoulders tense up, and I have a burning sensation in my upper back. Time to schedule a visit to the chiropractor.


It never ceases to amaze me, that the chiropractor can run a hand along my spine and tell me what I've been experiencing. He gives a simple explanation, "It's your spinal cord that acts as the major cable exiting your brain, travels down inside your spinal column and branches off into spinal nerves at various levels of your spine. These spinal nerves then exit between individual spinal vertebrae and go to the various parts of your body." Makes sense. So when T8 is out of alignment, my stomach is affected. When C6 is out of alignment, it's my neck muscles, tonsils, and shoulders that suffer. An adjustment makes all the difference.


Reminds me of the importance of proper balance. Remember the time Jesus sent seventy disciples out on a mission? They were to travel to various cities, preaching and healing the sick. The results were pretty amazing. "And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name," (Luke 10:17; KJV). He had given them a job to do, and they were successful, but don't miss His focus, "Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven," (Luke 10:20).


My focus is to be on the Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, He has a job for me to do, but it doesn't take priority over developing my relationship with Him. I have to be honest, sometimes when I focus on the tasks I'm to accomplish, I'd like to take credit for the work. When my priorities are straight, and I'm seeking Him first, my heart beats in rhythm with the Master and I gladly give credit where it's due.


Fulfilling my purpose in life is only possible when I have a proper relationship with the One who gave it to me. My faith in God leads me to serve Him. Faith and works cannot be separated. Look at the words of the Apostle James, " What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone, " (James 2:14,17). When I spend time cultivating my relationship with the God of the universe, I can't help but love Him. Works flow freely out of my love for Him.


Are you out of balance? Do you find yourself working for God's approval - trying to earn His love? Restore proper balance by developing your relationship with God first. Know God's love for you and then serve Him out of a heart of love!


Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for reminding me of the importance of proper balance. It's so easy to try to do things to gain Your approval. Help me to take time to know You. I long to love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Give me the desire to serve You out of a heart of love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

21 comments:

  1. Wise words! Will pray for you.
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  2. Blogger ate my first comment! Urg! Glad I came back to check.

    This post resignates with me today. After a few moments on bended knee, reasoning that my writing isn't progressing as quickly as I hoped. I long to write with all that is in me.

    Thankfully, through you I know see that it took a higher place in m life than my Savior and that is dangerous.

    Thanks Maria for the tilt back in the right direction.

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  3. This was appropriate for me to read. I tend to be task-oriented. Thank you.

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  4. Hi Maria,
    A timely reminder for me and thank you for sharing!
    Hope all well with you and I wish you a good day!
    Blessings and hugs.

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  5. Karen - Thanks for the prayers! After a visit to the chiropractor, I'm feeling much better! I think we figured out it's from lifting the garage door - definitely motivation for getting the silly garage door opener fixed...Have a wonderful week! God bless!:)

    Tamika - So good to see you, my friend! I appreciate your honesty. It's amazing how things creep into our lives and we don't realize the priority we've given them. Daily evaluation is a must for me! You've got the right approach - praying on bended knee. Nothing quite like acknowledging His sovereignty! And He's so eager to show us His truth! Have a blessed week! :)

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  6. Terry - I can totally relate! Sometimes I get so focused on my 'to do' list that just 'being' with the Lord becomes just one more thing to check off my list. Fortunately, the Holy Spirit nudges me and helps me to discern the most important thing - getting to know the Lord. It's all about relationship! The works will flow out of a heart of love for the Savior! Have a truly blessed week!

    Linda - So good to see you! This is a subject I have to revisit often in my life. Continuing to pray about your job situation. Have a wonderful week enjoying the fellowship of the Lord! Hugs & Blessings! :)

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  7. Good post Maria, I recognize that all too well, sometimes I am so focussed on being productive... for His glory of course :)

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  8. Marja - Just shot back over here from Karen Lange's blog. Thanks so much for the thumbs-up! I truly desire to point others to the Lord! (BTW - I'm thoroughly enjoying your book! How did you go about choosing your publisher?)Have a wonderful week balancing being and doing, my friend!! :)

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  9. Hi Maria -

    The chiropractor example resonated with me. I went through two weeks of back pain recently. Prayer and a couple of adjustments made it go away.

    I think we all fall into the trap of being good little children so Daddy God will love us. Yet we're told that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. God loved us all so much that He sent His only begotten Son to die for us. We're already loved. How nice when we remember and rest in that love.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  10. Maria,
    You always use such good examples. I love my chiropractor too when I need him:)
    Hopefully working toward a balanced life.

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  11. I'm sorry your back has been bothering you. Yes, lately I feel out of balance--trying to cram too much in. It's basketball season, so I have more on my plate with the kids.

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  12. Susan - Thanks for your comment! Very well put! It's often easier to do a bunch of things, than cultivate a relationship. We can control what we do, but relationships require talking AND listening. And we have to be willing to look at things from our Heavenly Father's perspective.

    Glad your back is better! After my adjustment yesterday, mine is much better as well! I'm thankful for prayer and adjustments! Have a blessed week!

    Terri - Great to see you! I know when you seek Him first, everything else will fall into place. Have a wonderful week, my friend! God bless!

    Jill - After a trip to the chiropractor, I'm doing much better today. It's mind-boggling how just being 'off' a little can make such a big difference. Having an overloaded plate is no fun. Being approached with more opportunities to serve,I've had to re-prioritize some other good things in my life. Spending time with the Lord helps me discern what I need to say 'yes' to at this point in my life. Enjoy your family as you pursue your writing! Hugs & Blessings! :)

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  13. Wonderful words Maria. I feel His hand reaching me lately, pulling me closer because I am out of balance with Him. And your words have helped pull me up, walk straighter in His path for me. Thank you!

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  14. Lynn - Great to see you! So glad the Lord could use this post to draw you closer to Him! It's so easy to get out of balance...without even realizing it! Busyness is what usually gets me. I'm caught up in doing good things, but I've lost my zeal. Time to do some inventory and get my priorities straight!

    Have a wonderful week! God bless you!

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  15. Maria, I used to work for a chiropractor and love this comparison you've drawn for us here! Thanks for reminders to keep Him at the center.

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  16. What a great analogy, Maria! I go to the chiro for regular adjustments--to keep in balance. I know when I need his expertise.

    We always need the Lord, when we hurt and when we feel fine.

    Thanks for the reminder!

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  17. Oh boy sister . . . you ask some tough questions! I love it! You always get me digging deeper in my faith! Thank you for your encouragement and praying you get to feeling better. I've learned it takes time. ugh.
    Blessings,
    Cherie

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  18. Sarah - Welcome! So good to see you! I can't say enough good things about our chiropractor. My family and I have been going to him for over five years now - what a difference! And of course the Lord far surpasses any chiropractor. His Word always contains exactly what we need - and just think, we never even have to schedule an appointment - our Heavenly Doctor is always 'in!' God bless!

    Jen - Thanks for stopping by! Having a spine that's properly aligned does make all the difference. And you're right, we always need the Lord! So important to remember! Have a blessed week!

    Cherie - Great to see you! Thanks for your kind words! And I am feeling better. An adjustment always does wonders. Glad the Lord can use these posts to keep you digging! You're a sweetheart! Hugs & Blessings!

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  19. Maria, this is great stuff, my friend. Chiropractor time, eh? Been there done that. I will pray the pain goes away quickly.

    Maria, I long to be used by God. And I feel I am. But I want to be used more and more. And I want to be closer than close with Jesus. After all, it's only because of him that I can live forever in paradise. :)

    Love you. xxxxx

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  20. Robyn - Great to see you, my friend! Yes, the chiropractor made just the right adjustment and I'm feeling so much better! So good to hear you express your desire to be used by God! And you've chosen the right key - a close relationship with the Father! Enjoy your week and God bless! Hugs!! :)

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  21. I see that you're feeling better, which is great. :) Maria, I so appreciate your heart for God's truth and your refreshing focus on Him. Thank you for taking time to write and share. I always feel like your posts contribute to keeping my heart in balance, and I'm thankful to write "with you" in the world of blogging for our faith.

    Blessings on you ... and peace on your spine ;)

    ~ Julie

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