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My Navigator hero Skip Gray has taught early and often: “The need does not constitute the call.” Skip added a new metaphor recently: “Life is like baggage claim. Not every suitcase has your name on it.”

Just because a business acquaintance needs something I might be able to do, doesn’t mean I have to do it. I’m trying hard to hold that line on a particular project, and even after I explained what I could do and what I couldn’t, and he responded, “Understood and accepted,” it’s apparent he doesn’t understand and hasn’t accepted! 

It’s important to me NOT to say I’ll do something that I know I can’t do or won’t have time to do.

But let your “Yes,” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment. (James 5.12, NKJV)

LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart…He who swears to his own hurt and does not change… (Psalm 15.1, 2, 4, NKJV)

June sensed God speaking to her spirit during her prayer time recently. It’s a word we both need to remember:

These could be the best years of your life if you listen to me and don’t overload.

I’m praying I’ll be able to implement that caution and Philippians 1.9 – 11. Anyone can discern good from bad. I need to discern and commit only to what is excellent!

And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1.9 – 11, NKJV, emphasis mine)