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Wednesday, June 18, 2003

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2 Corinthians 9:6-11
Psalm 112
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

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zoning changes

"He dawns through the darkness, a light for the upright." —Psalm 112:4

In many aspects of our lives, we have various zones. For example, we all have comfort zones in work, relationships, prayer, study, service, etc. In our comfort zones, we are relaxing and probably enjoying ourselves.

If we, because of love or some other reason, cross the boundary of our comfort zone, we enter into a discomfort zone. In this zone, we are struggling and suffering. In this zone, we find both the danger of burnout and the opportunity for significant growth in holiness as our faculties are challenged and exercised vigorously.

If we proceed further in love and cross the boundary of the discomfort zone, we enter a new, mysterious zone which is difficult to name. It is a zone of mystery and of the paradox of indescribable joy combined with crucified love. In this zone, we are living, giving, praying, and fasting "on the edge." We are secretly extending ourselves more than ever before, and our Father Who sees in secret will repay us (Mt 6:4, 6, 18). This is the zone of agonizing temptations and Paschal victory.

Cross the border into a zone of greater love.

Prayer:  Father, may I accept that my life is zoned for the cross.

Promise:  "He Who supplies seed for the sower and bread for the eater will provide in abundance; he will multiply the seed you sow and increase your generous yield." —2 Cor 9:10

Praise:  Moving out of his comfort zone, naturally timid David led worship in front of multitudes of people and saw God work through him in life-transforming ways.

Reference:  (Presentation Ministries offers Discipleship Retreats from June 28 through July 24, 2003. Accept the challenge to move into a new "zone" as Jesus' disciple by attending one or more retreats this summer. For information or to register, call 937-587-5464 or e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com. See the back inside cover of this book for more information on retreats.)

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, December 29, 2002


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 31, 2002