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A Generous Spirit – Does Procrastination Block Yours?

Decision Making· Mindset

26 Nov

As we consider a lifestyle of thanksgiving, former procrastinators, we remember gratitude comes from God’s grace toward us.  We in turn, show grace to others – and this can be a form of generosity.

Generosity:  How God’s Radical Grace Makes Us Givers by Tim Keller points out that generosity is not limited to money.  It includes relationships, hospitality, etc.  In other words, a generous spirit.

Too often I have a stingy spirit.  I have so much going on I don’t feel free to give.  The more I do what needs doing when it needs doing, the freer I am.  The freer I am, the more generous my responses.  When I’ve not been diligent and thus create a backlog of obligations, I’m stingier with my time and attention.  What physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual obstacles block a generous spirit in me?

A generous spirit enables me to lay up lasting treasures in heaven rather than corruptible ones here on earth.  Where I invest – money and time, energy, prayer, etc. – there my heart will be.  Matthew 6:19-24

Scripture says our hearts will move toward the place where we give.  The Lord knows we need to invest sometimes where we are not inclined to invest – time, money energy, prayer.  He knows we  actually want to have treasure that lasts in eternity with us, but we can be shortsighted and focus only here.

An area in which I really want to grow in generosity is praying for others – to grow beyond “Bless Susie” or “Help George and Martha.”  This is an investment of time and thought I am inclined to put off.

I’ve been impressed to pray scripture especially for our local, state, and federal leaders. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)  There is specific help and power in praying God’s words.  We can start lifting up those in authority by praying we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  Scriptures on wisdom, courage, truth can guide us.

We can pray whatever scripture we’re reading that day – for ourselves, our family, our leaders. We can pray for salvation, guidance, protection, personal, family, and public lives.

When I whisper a short rote prayer and run off to do my thing, what leader is left to fight his or her battles alone?  How can I complain?  (Likewise for family, friends, missionaries.)

Maybe prayer for leaders will lead to the investment of God-directed action – another area of generosity. I enjoy the benefits of my community and country.  What God-directed contribution do I make?  Sometimes there’s an earthly avenue to  heavenly investments.

Thanksgiving Debrief:

  • What worked well that you’ll want to repeat?  What needed adjusting?  (Think food, schedule, seating, etc.)
  • What did you figure out about cooking ahead?
  • As a traveler or guest, write that thank you note.
  • Jot down new ideas about how to focus on gratitude.
  • Note what you learned about new prayer needs for family and friends.

What leaders will you pray scripture for this week?

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BETH STERNE
Welcome! It's great to have you here. I'm a follower of Christ and a learner of new ways. By His grace, I am gaining victory over procrastination. This is where I share struggles I face and lessons I'm learning. Join me and other sisters as we put off procrastination and put on peace.

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"Beth’s procrastination talk led me to understand procrastination as a heart issue in need of God’s restoration not just a change of my ways. Beth’s personal experiences helped me discover practical ways to attack my own procrastination. As a result I have become a more loving wife, mother and friend who is able to use the gifts God has given me more fully. I highly endorse this talk and would love to hear it again and again."

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Julia F.

"Beth’s procrastination talk led me to understand procrastination as a heart issue in need of God’s restoration not just a change of my ways. Beth’s personal experiences helped me discover practical ways to attack my own procrastination. As a result I have become a more loving wife, mother and friend who is able to use the gifts God has given me more fully. I highly endorse this talk and would love to hear it again and again."
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/julia-f/
“Beth’s presentation on procrastination was truly eye-opening. I knew I had a problem with procrastination, but never thought twice about how it impacted my relationships and showed God that I wasn’t onboard with His plan. I began to see each instance took away from being fruitful; I was living for myself! After this revelation, I have been working on procrastinating less. I can see places opening up in my life for more peaceful moments, more time with and for friends and family, and more time for God’s plan to unfold. It’s amazing to know there’s more to life for me than a life full of “should haves” as a result of procrastination.”

Carole S.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:42:59-04:00

Carole S.

“Beth’s presentation on procrastination was truly eye-opening. I knew I had a problem with procrastination, but never thought twice about how it impacted my relationships and showed God that I wasn’t onboard with His plan. I began to see each instance took away from being fruitful; I was living for myself! After this revelation, I have been working on procrastinating less. I can see places opening up in my life for more peaceful moments, more time with and for friends and family, and more time for God’s plan to unfold. It’s amazing to know there’s more to life for me than a life full of “should haves” as a result of procrastination.”
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/carole-s/
“After Beth came and shared about procrastination, many realized that it is possible through the Lord's power to stop putting off what God has called us to do. One mother finally started a blog and another posted a ladies; tea for her church months in advance so that ...she would not put off having it. Although I thought I was not someone who procrastinates, I realized I had some relationships that I needed to work on. Procrastination, I learned, is not just about getting things turned in on time, it's about listening to God and doing what He says to do when He tells you to and obeying God's Word.”

Rebecca F.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:43:28-04:00

Rebecca F.

“After Beth came and shared about procrastination, many realized that it is possible through the Lord's power to stop putting off what God has called us to do. One mother finally started a blog and another posted a ladies; tea for her church months in advance so that ...she would not put off having it. Although I thought I was not someone who procrastinates, I realized I had some relationships that I needed to work on. Procrastination, I learned, is not just about getting things turned in on time, it's about listening to God and doing what He says to do when He tells you to and obeying God's Word.”
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/rebecca-f/
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Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise! It has
no commander, no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
Proverbs 6:6-8
... you have put off the old man with
his deeds, and have put on the new
man who is renewed in knowledge
according to the image of Him who
created him.
Colossians 3:9-10

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