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Sunday, January 22, 2017
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
A New Day!
Light is sweet; how pleasant to see a new day dawning.
Ecclesiastes 11:7
Lately I struggle waking up early to fit my quiet time in before the day gets ahead of me. As I try to understand why, this scritpture helps me realize that it's not my reasons for sleeping in but my attitude about waking up. While it may be darker during these winter mornings, and my schedule may be busier, the reasons for pressing snooze on my alarm have nothing to do with what's happening around me but more with what's happening in my heart. When I wake up I am not thinking about what a blessing it is to receive another day of life. I am not thinking on my new day as an opportunity to grow closer to God, or to share His love. I am taking for granted another day and my attitude shows.
So I wonder if revival, in my heart, starts with appreciating God's gift of sunshine, or even rain, and a new day to live for Him, instead of just dragging my butt out of bed. The changes I want to see aren't going to happen even if I do find some way to wake up, if my heart isn't pleased and excited to spend time with Him. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Light. Yes He is the light and light is sweet! Light tells us we have one more day to spend with Him and one more opportunity to love like Him. How pleasant to see a new day dawning!!!
Things to think about.
Am I happy to see the new day dawning?
Do I see a new day as an opportunity to further God's kingdom?
Am I pleased to wake up to His light?
How can I pray and ask Jesus to change my way of thinking?
Monday, January 9, 2017
Ding, Ding! Round 15
I am in the middle of a fight. My spirit wants to rise early and spend time with God. My spirit craves exercise for my soul and my body. BUT.... my body is fighting against me. It's tired and out of shape. It enjoys the warmth of the electric blanket and my handsome man snuggled next to me. It's a battle, a constant battle!
Jesus was on his way to the cross as he asked his disciples to, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation." And yet, upon his return, the disciples were fast asleep. Even at this most critical hour. Jesus knew they were weary. He knew they would have a fight on their hands to stay awake and pray. He knew there would be a fight, not only with Satan, but within themselves. Why? Because he warned them, "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
Jesus knows our weaknesses, and Friends, our flesh fights against us. Throughout scripture, we see the word, "If." We have choices to make. When my alarm goes off, I must be reminded that it is a fight to win, not just an extra snuggle that I'm choosing. You see, if I stay in bed I miss my quiet time with the Lord. If I stay in bed, my body and mind grow less sharp and focused. We are cautioned that Satan prowls around looking for someone to devour, and in our battle against our own flesh, he finds us weary.... and that, My Friends, is when he will pounce.
So, as the enemy counts you out while you are down snuggled for those last moments in bed, look up. Shake the sleepiness from your head and fight back. Don't allow the stolen moments that result from staying in bed. Get up and begin the next round toward victory... Ding, Ding! Round 16
Jesus was on his way to the cross as he asked his disciples to, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation." And yet, upon his return, the disciples were fast asleep. Even at this most critical hour. Jesus knew they were weary. He knew they would have a fight on their hands to stay awake and pray. He knew there would be a fight, not only with Satan, but within themselves. Why? Because he warned them, "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
Jesus knows our weaknesses, and Friends, our flesh fights against us. Throughout scripture, we see the word, "If." We have choices to make. When my alarm goes off, I must be reminded that it is a fight to win, not just an extra snuggle that I'm choosing. You see, if I stay in bed I miss my quiet time with the Lord. If I stay in bed, my body and mind grow less sharp and focused. We are cautioned that Satan prowls around looking for someone to devour, and in our battle against our own flesh, he finds us weary.... and that, My Friends, is when he will pounce.
So, as the enemy counts you out while you are down snuggled for those last moments in bed, look up. Shake the sleepiness from your head and fight back. Don't allow the stolen moments that result from staying in bed. Get up and begin the next round toward victory... Ding, Ding! Round 16
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of so many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:12
Monday, January 2, 2017
As Iron Sharpens Iron
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
Proverbs 28:17
A good friend should sharpen you. With the forever goal of causing you to improve, a friend should hold you accountable to doing what is right and staying true to your faith. She should push you to go further, deeper and higher. She should love you for you and encourage you to be who God has called you to be. She should walk with you, but when the time is right be willing to speed things up and encourage you to run. A friend who only agrees with you and goes along with everything you say and do, although easy and comfortable, isn't always what is best for you.
As you begin the new year think on your friendships. Who is a friend that sharpens you? Who do you sharpen? In what ways would you like to change your friendships this year?
Sunday, January 1, 2017
Sunday Scripture
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
Isaiah 43:19 NIV
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