Your Choice

We have many opportunities to make choices in the course of a day.  The alarm went off this morning and the choice to get up or stay in bed was before you! This choice laid the groundwork for the next choice, and on and on it goes.  I won't ask you to tell me how that whole process went for you this morning, but I will ask you to consider that no matter what you are dealing with today, from the sound of the wake up alarm to bedtime, you can choose an attitude of joy.

Let me prepare you...today stuff is going to happen.  Some stuff may be small aggravations that have the potential to get you irritated.  Some stuff may not be so small and may be life altering.   Either way, you get the opportunity in every situation, to choose how to respond.  I wonder, will you choose to let circumstance dictate your attitude or will your attitude be one of joy, in spite of the circumstances?

“So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength).”

2 Corinthians 12:10 AMP

http://bible.com/8/2co.12.10.amp

Regardless of the circumstances surrounding you today...refuse to allow anything to steal your joy! That is your choice!

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.”

James 1:2-6 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/jas.1.2-6.nkjv

Anxious?

Just hearing the words "black Friday" over and over and over again is enough to raise the blood pressure of the most relaxed and peaceful among us!  Barely past the day set aside to give thanks to God, anxiety rises...and the pressure is on to find the perfect gifts, plan the perfect party...POP!!!  Does the Christmas season have to be a pressure cooker?  Only if you let it!!!!

Start off this Christmas Season with a new dedication to be thankful, prayerful, watchful, joyful, and willing to tell!!! 

How? Simple, start today with a notebook, pen, Bible, and a quiet place. Find a devotional or start reading the Gospel of John.  In your notebook, write down a scripture and then write about what the Holy Spirit is saying to you through the Word. Thank Him for His Word!!! Next, write the names of 10 people with one word that describes the need in that person's life (i.e. Johnny-salvation, Suzy-healing), then, pray over each name at least 1 minite each.  Thank God for the answers in advance!  Now, write down the focus or greatest need for your day and tell God about it, then…stop and listen! Spend a few more minutes in worship and praise for what He has done, is doing and will do!!! 

If we will keep our focus on Him and remember that this season is all about His coming, both as a baby in a manger who came to die for our sins and as the ONE Who will Come again, we will find that the pressure of the worldly focus will release as we engage in God's focus...His Son! And that is the message we need to share boldly this season.  Jesus. 

Black Friday? Make it BOLD Friday as we ask God to give us the boldness to turn the anxiety to anticipation by seeking Him first and finding every opportunity to share the true reason for this season, Boldly!!!

Anxiety will melt away if we focus on Him and cast every care and concern on Him.  

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

I Peter 5:6-7 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/1pe.5.6-7.nkjv

Pray for Paris

Not me!

Children are experts at shifting blame, especially to avoid punishment.  From a simple excuse, to claiming ignorance, to placing blame on another, or to an out and out lie...seems like any answer is better than taking responsibility and facing consequences. For some reason, adults also find all sorts of methods for finding justification for wrong choices.  Even in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve tried various excuses to cover up their sin.  God wasn't fooled but we aren't all-knowing, and often find every possible excuse to shift the blame, especially when the root of the problem is within us.

Today, let's ask God to help us see clearly the areas in life where wrong desires and wrong thinking are causing us to get out of step with God's desires.  He will show us.  Be quick to accept responsibility, ask for His forgiveness and direction for avoiding this area of weakness.  Not only will we find forgiveness, we will find strength to avoid the temptation altogether!

“Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.”

James 1:13-14 NKJV

Preparation Technique

Our life group is working through a powerful Bible Study called "The Battle Plan for Prayer" by Stephen and Alex Kendrick.  The readings last week brought focus to the importance of recognizing the enemy and how to be prepared for spiritual warfare.  The focus was on Ephesians 6:10-17 and the reminder of the weapons God has given us was empowering.  A warrior must be equipped for battle and know the enemy before going to the battlefield.  

We are engaged in ongoing spiritual warfare with an enemy that is relentless in attacking.  

With the knowlege of this ongoing battle in mind, a quote from the "Battle Plan of Prayer" is well-worth sharing.  The authors write "Keep in mind that putting on the armor of God is not a battlefield technique, but a preparation technique...don't wait until the battle is raging to gird yourself with the protection of the armor of God." 

I urge you to suit up and stand ready to defend your territory.  God's defense system is powerful but you must put it on!  Read Ephesians 6:10-17! 

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

Ephesians 6:10-11 NKJV

Your Assignment

You have an assignment this morning, consider it your mid week reminder that God is Faithful! Find a quiet place and go to the Word, find Psalm 91, and immerse yourself in the sweet warmth of your Heavenly Father's protection.

No matter what you might be facing today, take the words of Psalm 91 to heart! You are covered under His protective wing, trust Him!

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”

Psalms 91:1 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/psa.91.1.nkjv


 

Do Good

The walk of a follower of Christ can be challenging at times...the pull of the world makes a valiant attempt to draw us away from the right path.  

Sometimes, the devices  the enemy uses are subtle, other times it is clear what he is up to.  Either way, he will do anything to keep you from doing the will of the Father, even to try to get us to question if we even can know God's will in a matter.  Be diligent to defend yourself from this kind of attack!  The Word of God is full of clear instructions for the believer.  Your Heavenly Father wants you to succeed and provides a clear path, with plenty of directions and sent the Holy Spirit to teach and guide us.  It only gets complicated when we allow our thoughts to be bombarded by the ways of the world and try to live with our feet trying to go in different directions, following the world and following God.   

Doublemindedness is the source of unstable ways so guard yourself and do not allow yourself to think that you can't know the Will of the Father!    

Here's a couple of the many reference we find in God's Word about His Word.  

Today, purpose in your heart to do the Will of the Father, by doing good! 

“Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God’s emissaries for keeping order. It is God’s will that by doing good, you might cure the ignorance of the fools who think you’re a danger to society. Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government.”

1 Peter 2:13-17 MSG

http://bible.com/97/1pe.2.13-17.msg

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Romans 12:2 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/rom.12.2.nkjv

Someone else

The beginning of a new day, a new week is here and with it comes an opportunity to reorder priorities, rewrite the to-do list and refresh your perspective on what is truly important!!!  Before you dismiss this as another time management suggestion, allow me to challenge you with this thought...today is your chance to do something for someone else!

Ask God to open your eyes to the needs of those who cross your path today and to have the boldness to meet the need!   

Too often we allow ourselves to get so wrapped up in our own stuff that we fail to see the needs of another...and miss the opportunity to allow God to use us to meet the need!  

Let all that you do today be done as unto the Lord, but be on the lookout for your special assignment.  It may be that one of the many faces that looks at your face will  need the Light of Christ and want what you have.  The chance to share your testimony may the cup of cool refreshing that one needs or it may be that you literally need to buy the guy next to you in line a cup of coffee!  However the need comes, purpose in your heart to be the hands, feet or voice to bless another! Be ready!!!

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

Philippians 2:3-4 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/php.2.3-4.nkjv

Rebuke

Have you ever been rebuked?  How did you respond?

Receiving sharp criticism is not something anyone relishes, however, few will walk out this journey without receiving a rebuke of some kind.  For some, criticism isn't well received and others, let it roll of their back.  Some criticisms may be deserved and point to an area that needs improvement and some may not be warranted, yet received all the same.  

What should our response be to a rebuke?  How do you handle criticism? 

It is important to respond correctly and not from the seat of emotion.  Take time to consider the source delivering the rebuke and reflect on the nature of the rebuke.  The rebukes in life may come in order to bring correction in an area or bring attention to something that could be done better.  Even in a situation that you feel chastised without cause, an opportunity to gain insight is presented!

Consider the source and take a step back...is there something God is trying to show you?  

Be open to instruction and be wise! 

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.”

Revelation 3:19 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/rev.3.19.nkjv

The ear that hears the rebukes of life Will abide among the wise. He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.”

Proverbs 15:31-32 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/pro.15.31-32.nkjv

Praise Break

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/php.4.6-7.nkjv

Today you have the opportunity to practice thankfulness!  In reality, we should be practicing thankfulness every day but let's keep this simple and focus on the new day before us.  I challenge you to literally count your blessings...start a list...be specific...write it down!  

Now, take a praise break...and thank God for His goodness!  Focusing your thoughts on all that He has done for you, even as you bring your cares and concerns to Him, have a thankful heart! A heart that recognizes the Giver of all things, a heart that is content knowing that God hears your prayers and knows what you need, before you say a word.  Be thankful and tell Him...your thanks and praise to Him will quickly turn your Praise Break to a time of purely worshipping Jehovah Jireh, your Provider! 

Put it on

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

Ephesians 6:10-11 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/eph.6.10-11.nkjv

We have a very special protection available to us, the armor of God. As you read in the scriptures in Ephesians, there is much to learn about the importance of this covering!

Yesterday, my husband shared this revelation about the armor with me. I asked for, and he granted, his permission to post it today. I ask you to consider your own armor as read this amazing insight and above all, put it on...

Joe writes...

"This morning this was what was laid on my heart. We make our own armor. We use God's Word to build it and shape it so it fits and protect us. When I was a young believer, my armor wasn't that thick and didn't cover much of my body. The more I studied and heard, the better my armor became. It got thicker in the places where I was the weak. It got larger where there wasn't any protection. The more battles I was in, the more I depended on it to protect me. The more I find out how the enemy fights, the more my armor morphed to guard me from those attacks. The enemy can see my weaknesses in my armor and it has changed a lot from when I first started. It's got some dents and yes it's gotten some holes that had to be reinforced, but it's made from the Words of God and will always be under construction."

Source of Strife

Our life group is engaged in a dynamic Bible study about prayer.  Over the past week, the focus has been about the locks that hinder prayer and keys to open up the lines of communication with our Heavenly Father.

One of the hindrances to prayer involves relationships with those closest to us...husband/wife..parents/children. While there were many important points brought out regarding how we should treat each other, we discovered that it is important to understand that when there is strife, disagreement, discord...the underlying issue is self...self-seeking, self-centeredness and selfishness.  When one tries to put self first, attempts to control or manipulate another...the door is open to allow the enemy access and confusion will reign.  

It isn't realistic to think that everyone will agree on everything all the time...it is the way we deal with differences that is the key to maintaining peace.  If we honor each other, seeing one another as God does and recognizing that we don't all see things from the same perspective, we are in a better position to resolve conflict.  If you take a hard look at the last quarrel you had with someone...chances are good that "self" was involved.  The enemy gains ground when we allow self to rule...and as a result, can lock the door to effective prayer until peace is restored.  

Kick strife out of your life...check your own motives when contentions arise...honor your spouse and children, listen with a heart that seeks to please God!  Be quick to seek forgiveness if you've put self first and quick to forgive each other when the enemy has tried to gain a foothold by stirring up strife.  Remember, your spouse or child is not the enemy, but the enemy can use greed,  envy, selfishness and selfcenteredness to  cause issues that can be resolved if we will target the source of the problem by recognizing the true source.  Don't allow the enemy any place in your house..resolve to honor each other and work out differences in a way that will please God and keep your prayer line wide open!

“For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

James 3:16-18 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/jas.3.16-18.nkjv

Good Thinking

The past month has been a time of transition and change in my life.  Times like these are exciting as the Hand of God is revealed!  However, change also brings its fair share of opportunities to focus on challenges,  The battle of the mind is real...and requires a daily, if not momemt by moment, discipline to keep all eyes on God, and guard that "thought life."

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

Philippians 4:8 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/php.4.8.nkjv

There is power in God's Word and in His Promises...so when there are directions about a thing in His Word, we should pay attention! 

So, I made a list of several areas in my life that needed some attention...I won't subject you to my whole list but it started something  like this:

1.  I will walk/run 30 minutes daily.  I am a runnner!  I am strong and healthy!

2.  I will blog 5 days a week.  I am a writer!

And so on!!! You get the idea!  I challenge you to purpose to guard your thinking and speak about the challenge areas of your life with positive words!  Make a list and pray over the list in your quiet time of meeting with Your Heavenly Father.  He cares about every single area of your life!  

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,”

II Corinthians 10:4-5 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/2co.10.4-5.nkjv