Need wisdom?

Over the years, I've been a collector of a wide variety of things including wicker baskets of all sorts, old bottles, glass insulators, brass stuff, hurricane lamps, black and white cows, rocking horses and owls.  Collectors can be very serious about the items they treasure and typically, the items have a special meaning or of special interest. In my case, owls were the subject of my first collection.  I really don't remember why I chose owl objects to collect, but, over time, I collected several. Then, my interest in owls was replaced with something else.   I  still run across owls when I unpack boxes of knick-knacks, or Christmas decor, bringing back special memories of the one who gave the owl to me.  Along with the treasure of the special memories, owls make me think about wisdom...I don't know why, but even the whimsical owl has a look of knowing...

Owls have been a symbol of wisdom in our modern culture, in part, due to the influence of their appearance in story books, like Aesop's fable, The Grasshopper and the Owl. 

Owl holds a position of importance in Hundred Acre Wood, of Winnie the Pooh fame, even though at times, his advice is a bit suspect.  

It is hard to say exactly why the Owl has been chosen as the representative of wisdom.  Some say it is the wide eyes of the owl that gives the "appearance of wisdom" much like the gray-headed elder is often deemed the "wise old man," as if wide eyes and aged gray heads are the hallmark of wisdom (if only it were true!)  

Regardless of the image used to portray her, Wisdom is respected and sought after.  While a trip to the woods to find the owl may work in story books, the only true source of Wisdom is found in God. Godly wisdom may seem to unattainable to us, however, scriptures encourage us that not only should we seek wisdom, wisdom can be obtained!!! A quick search for wisdom in the scriptures will reveal a deep and wide treasure of wisdom related verses, and most importantly, this...you only need to ask for it!

“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.”

James 1:5 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/jas.1.5.nkjv

There is an "if" included with this powerful promise.... 

“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. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

James 1:6-8 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/jas.1.6-8.nkjv

Need wisdom (and who doesn't!!)?  Ask God.  But if you doubt, you won't get it.  Got it? 

Memorial

As soon as I finish and post this blog entry, training will begin, in earnest!  Last weeks preparations included getting back in the work-out routine with my old friend, the wii fit!  Last week, the first trip on the treadmill was interrupted by a call to work and the return to the treadmill thwarted by every excuse in the book...yet the registration form is in the mail and time is of the essence...failure is not an option...and the goal this year is a first place finish in my age group (the goal of the first race last year...to finish...later revised to "finish strong.")  To motivate and remind me of last years accomplishments, I have a memorial. Every time I walk in this room, I see it.  It is a reminder of past experience and encourages me to not give up...

This morning, I am reminded of another memorial, Cane Ridge KY...a place where, for a season in time, God's presence invaded in such an "awe-full" way that it will forever be remembered....a memorial stone...to remember and tell the next generation.  I brought back a stone from that place, to remind me what God did then,  He can do again.

I am reminded of standing and praying on Mt. Pisgah, just off the parkway in NC, a few months after that January trip to Cane Ridge.  Seeking God and praying the same prayer I prayed as I walked over the stones at Cane Ridge..."Lord, pour out your Spirit from the highest peaks of the mountains in our region, running down like a flood and permeate every ridge, hollow and valley with your Presence...."  Every time I touch that white banner, I am reminded that He has done it before, and will do it again....a memorial stone. 

“and Joshua said to them: “Cross over before the ark of the LORD your God into the midst of the Jordan, and each one of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.”

Then Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests who bore the ark of the covenant stood; and they are there to this day.”

Joshua 4:5-7, 9 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/jos.4.5-7,9.nkjv

Memorial stones...put in place as a reminder...to remind us of God's power and to encourage us to pray from a place of faith.  His presence changes everything!   

These memorials of the past are not in place to cause us to make camp in the past...they are the reminders of God's power and His promises. 

“And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand. Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake.”

Revelation 8:4-5 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/rev.8.4-5.nkjv

Revisit the memorial stones and be surrounded by the witness of God's faithfulness..and mingle your prayers with prayers from the upper room saints to present day saints for an Awakening that will be unlike any other...for the saints of today to be so full of His Presence that every place where we stand, His Presence will be so Powerful, that sinners will not be able to stand and will fall to their knees in repentance...for His Presence to so completely envelop this region that literally cities will be saved in a day...

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

II Chronicles 7:14 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/2ch.7.14.nkjv

Aim at and strive for

Since 1991, this devotional calendar has been a close companion.  Every January 23, I read this quote and meditate on the verse. Today, the quote and verse cause me to pause and consider my ways just like before...it strikes at the heart, doesn't it. 

For me, I know that my aim is off and while I may be striving after His kingdom and righteousness, the worries and concerns of life tend to affect my aim.  I am so thankful for this tender redirection from my Loving Heavenly Father.  

The things I put first speak volumes of their importance in my life.  I need to examine carefully what I do...what I think is first in my life may not be proven in my actions.   Too often the things made time for are, the things that get attention, the things that demand attention...have little to do with first place priorites.  Like all the "c" list things getting accomplished instead of focusing first on the "a" list...those of you who practice task management by priorites will understand!   There are times that the thing that screams the loudest gets the attention. There are times that nothing seems to get done because there is no focus at all.  The amount of time in a day remains the same...and like it or not, I seem to have time for what is most important.  The question then, is what I make time for really most important?  

Take a few moments on this snowy Saturday morning, perhaps as you gaze out the window at the winter wonderland forcing you to slow down and change your normal routine, to take a look at what you "aim at and strive for," just to be sure that what is most important, really is. 

“But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.”

Matthew 6:33 AMP

http://bible.com/8/mat.6.33.amp

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Matthew 6:33 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/mat.6.33.nkjv

““If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.”

Matthew 6:30-34 MSG

http://bible.com/97/mat.6.30-34.msg

Imitators

Young children are great imitators! Precious eyes watch and tender ears hear...and learn! Children are quick to learn to repeat the words they hear, along with the actions they see.  It is not a surprise that "No!" is among the list of first words used with emphatic emotion in the emerging language of a toddler! What parent isn't a bit flattered when watching their youngster acting like them...wanting to dress the same, climbing up on the bathroom counter to put on makeup or shave,  "helping" in the kitchen or pushing a toy mower around the yard. Children imitate what they see!  If you are a parent, grandparent or caregiver, this may be a humbling moment or you may be thinking "uh oh."  This should give us cause to stop and think about the example we are setting for our children...and others.

 “THEREFORE BE imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father].”

Ephesians 5:1 AMP

http://bible.com/8/eph.5.1.amp

As followers of Christ, children of God, we are also to be imitators of Christ. The Bible is our greatest resource and the scriptures are filled with easy to follow instructions and examples...like this...

“And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance. [Ezek. 20:41.]”

Ephesians 5:2 AMP

http://bible.com/8/eph.5.2.amp

Our walk in this life should be imitating the love of Christ...delighting in each other and willing to put others first.  

There's more...the scriptures offer specifics... 

“But immorality (sexual vice) and all impurity [of lustful, rich, wasteful living] or greediness must not even be named among you, as is fitting and proper among saints (God's consecrated people). Let there be no filthiness (obscenity, indecency) nor foolish and sinful (silly and corrupt) talk, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting or becoming; but instead voice your thankfulness [to God].”

Ephesians 5:3-4 AMP

http://bible.com/8/eph.5.3-4.amp

Our walk (actions) should be love-filled and our talk should be full of expressions of thankfulness...

Pay attention to your walk and talk today.

     

You are setting an example someone else will follow. 

I'm telling!

Spend a little time with a pre-school age child and you will soon discover they love to tell!  Anything and everything is open for discussion, especially if the event was traumatic and resulted in a band-aid or was especially fun!  If another child in the room does something wrong, they tell! Young children will tell anyone who will listen about what they've seen!

Like little children we should be when it comes to telling about the love of God and what God had done for us.  

Someone who crosses your path today needs to hear about what you've seen God do in your life.  Go ahead, tell!

“By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.”

I John 4:13-15 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/1jn.4.13-15.nkjv

“This is how we know we’re living steadily and deeply in him, and he in us: He’s given us life from his life, from his very own Spirit. Also, we’ve seen for ourselves and continue to state openly that the Father sent his Son as Savior of the world. Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God’s Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. We know it so well, we’ve embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God.”

1 John 4:13-16 MSG

http://bible.com/97/1jn.4.13-16.msg

Preeminence

Your word for the day: preeminence.  Meaning in the Greek: to have first place.

Many thoughts are fighting for preeminence in my mind and spirit right now...after a powerful time of worship and Word with my church family yesterday morning, followed by an evening prayer service that was full of the revelation of God and the Holy Spirit...it is difficult to discern exactly what should be shared in this moment or is to be shared later. But I will power through and share what I believe is an important wake-up call to all: Who is first in your life?

This morning, let our hearts be fixed on putting Jesus first in our lives.  Let's take time to openly examine ourselves and ask God to show us what we need to change in order to be purposeful about living our lives as followers of Christ.   Yes. I said change.  There are things that God will change and there are things we need to change.  The question is, are we serious about putting Him first? If so, then the thought of changes or changing something will be welcomed and willingly accepted. However, if the gate swings open to a place God wants us to go and we remain chained to the rock of self preeminence, we will not be able to go through the open gate.  

Late last week, in a moment of prayer as I was sitting in my car, preparing to head out to my next destination, my Heavenly Father dropped this in my spirit:  "this will be a year of changes."  I received this Word willingly and with a sense of anticipation since there are several specific areas of change that I have been diligently praying for...but after several days of praying and waiting, I sense that there are things that I need to change in order to be prepared for the changes God will bring.  There will be gates of opportunity that will swing wide open, of their own accord...in other words, I won't have to unlock the gate, or lift the latch, or reach for the handle, or push or pull...the gate will swing open...God will open the gate to the change but if I stay chained to the past, or chained to doing things my own way, or chained to self...the gate will open and I will remain bound. 

This posting may be just for me, there are many areas in my life that I need to be willing to change, but my sense is that we all need to allow God the break a few chains of change-resistant self preeminence to be freed to walk through the open gates.

As for me, I want to be prepared for change and the only certain way to be ready is to keep Jesus in first place in my life...that is the starting point that will insure a strong finish.  My prayer is that you will want the same and purpose to put Jesus first. 

For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. (Colossians 1:9-18 NKJV)

Love one another

We are liberal with the use of the word love.  Our love is declared freely for just about everything...I "love it" has become an overused phrase.  If only we were as liberal with the practice of truly loving others.  It is easy to express a passionate emotion over a food, place or thing. We can be very expressive, passionate and excited when we just love a thing.  But what about people?  Do we just love them? Every one? Granted, there are different types of love.  Love for a hamburger isn't the same as the love for a friend or the love for a child.  Better still, God's love for us.  Unconditional. Our love for Him requires all our heart, mind and soul.  God expects us to love others like He loves us...no matter what.  Love trumps hate.  And that takes loving it to a whole new level.  Saying it and showing it, there's the challenge.  Hate destroys. Love overcomes. Think about love today..all kinds of love...especially God's love. Allow His love to invade your heart and demonstrate your love for Him by loving others like He does...

“If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?”

I John 4:20 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/1jn.4.20.nkjv

Vital necessity

Allow me to ask you a question this morning.  What do you consider to be of "vital necessity" in your life?  

That question is harder to answer if you really stop to think about the vital necessities of life.  As we consider the many things that we think we can't do without, several things probably come to mind aside from the obvious, like the very breath we breathe.  A light hearted approach may be easier, we all know that chocolate is a vital necessity, right up there with oxygen!  But to keep this line of thought on track, seriously consider this...love? money? car? job? children? husband or wife? a certain brand name item? the next newest version of a tech device? food? water? sleep? rest? relationship with Jesus? finding God? 

Consider this....

“For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you. Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. [Deut. 4:29-30.]”

Jeremiah 29:11-13 AMP

http://bible.com/8/jer.29.11-13.amp

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”

Jeremiah 29:11-13 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/jer.29.11-13.nkjv

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”

Jeremiah 29:11-13 KJV

http://bible.com/1/jer.29.11-13.kjv

Wake up

Mornings are my favorite time of day. Time to wake up is normally not an issue for me, although I readily confess to enjoying sleeping-in occassionally. On those mornings that I resist the early morning wake up call, I feel like I've missed something that I can't get back.

We have a choice to make every time the alarm sounds...get up or hit the snooze button.  There is an alarm sounding right now...it is time to reset and refocus...it is time to get up and get out...it is time to pray...it is time to tell someone about Jesus...it is time to give up self-centeredness and love like God loves us...it is time to desire God's truth in His Word more than stuff...and it is time to obey.  The alarm is sounding...wake up or go back to sleep? Your choice. 

“Love does no wrong to one's neighbor [it never hurts anybody]. Therefore love meets all the requirements and is the fulfilling of the Law. Besides this you know what [a critical] hour this is, how it is high time now for you to wake up out of your sleep (rouse to reality). For salvation (final deliverance) is nearer to us now than when we first believed (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Christ, the Messiah). The night is far gone and the day is almost here. Let us then drop (fling away) the works and deeds of darkness and put on the [full] armor of light. Let us live and conduct ourselves honorably and becomingly as in the [open light of] day, not in reveling (carousing) and drunkenness, not in immorality and debauchery (sensuality and licentiousness), not in quarreling and jealousy. But clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and make no provision for [indulging] the flesh [put a stop to thinking about the evil cravings of your physical nature] to [gratify its] desires (lusts).”

Romans 13:10-14 AMP

http://bible.com/8/rom.13.10-14.amp

Smile

Video records of every possible event are becoming a way of life.  Everywhere you look, someone has a phone with built in camera poised to record the moment.   A security camera on a porch, in a business, at the bank, at the gas station, in the park, walking down the street, driving on the highway or thru your own neighborhood,  have captured and recorded your actions. Like it or not.

A few years ago, I recall a report of a woman who was reported missing.  Within a few hours, reports were released showing her car at various locations during the day, thanks to video recordings.  I was amazed that activity could be tracked and accessed so quickly.

Cameras catch criminals in the act of committing crimes.  Cameras catch all sorts of activity, both good and bad.  Police cruisers are equipped with dash-cams, and some law enforcement officers even have body-cams.  A passerby may record a good deed, an amazing moment, a stunt or act of kindness, a child's birthday, a dance recital, a surprise birthday, a church service and chances are good the video is on social media, both recorded and live.  Reminds me of "Smile, you're on candid camera!"

We know we are being watched, right?  

The fact that we are being watched, should cause us to ponder our ways.  With or without a camera, our sins will surely find us out...the consequences alone will strangle us like a cord tightly wrapped.  Nothing is hidden.  Not from the camera and not from God.  Even if the camera fails to capture the whole scene, nothing escapes God.  From His perspective, every detail, every angle, every action is seen with perfect clarity...nothing escapes His view.  We may not care that our actions are captured on camera, but we should care that our Father in Heaven sees all and cause us to carefully consider our ways. 

On this Monday morning, take a few moments to consider your thoughts and actions...not for the sake of the perspective of the camera or the viral video...rather, consider that your actions will have an affect on someone else and on yourself...and are certainly seen.

“For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, And He ponders all his paths.”

Proverbs 5:21 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/pro.5.21.nkjv

“Mark well that GOD doesn’t miss a move you make; he’s aware of every step you take. The shadow of your sin will overtake you; you’ll find yourself stumbling all over yourself in the dark. Death is the reward of an undisciplined life; your foolish decisions trap you in a dead end.”

Proverbs 5:21-23 MSG

http://bible.com/97/pro.5.21-23.msg

Whodunit?

If you have watched a movie or TV show that involves a murder or suspicious death of a character, you've heard the investigating officer ask the question "did he have any enemies"?  The answer to that question is often vague, especially if the victim was involved in a lifestlye or profession that might cause someone to take offense...or the person had a reputation of kindness or goodness that the thought of anyone having something against them is unthinkable.  Then there are those times when the victim had known issues with a person and that individual is named as a person of interest or a suspect.  It is just a TV show but we get caught up in the story line and are waiting to hear the answer to that question of "who is the enemy?" or "whodunit?"

There will be situations and circumstances in our lives that may cause us to think we have an enemy. As much as we would like to point a finger and name a person as an enemy, consider this...they aren't.  To clarify, there is an enemy...and he will sure use anyone he can to come against you, but it isn't that person...

You can fight this enemy.  But the key to victory is recognizing the true enemy.  If you understand who the enemy is, then you will know how to defend yourself. 

The enemy has a name and a plan to stop you from achieving God's plan in your life.  The enemy will use anyone and anything he can to get you focused on everything but using your most effective weapons.  Your enemy is crafty and deceptive...but the only power he has is in what you allow...he can't stand against your praise and prayer power.  

The drama is real, the attacks knock you off course, the focus can quickly shift if you will remember that God is your strength and begin to praise God and pray specifically against the real enemy...and the shift will be from victim to victor!  

“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. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

Ephesians 6:10-12 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/eph.6.10-12.nkjv

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,”

II Corinthians 10:4 NKJV

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

Let your light shine

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine...remember singing this song? Simple song, simple words, powerful message. 

Let your "light" shine and bring glory to God...an attitude adjustment is in order today...you have the light that is needed in this dark world...you have the message of hope that the world needs to hear...and your actions today could make a profound difference in someone's life so consider carefully your actions...let the light of Christ be reflected in every word, every action...let your light shine! 

“Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.”

Matthew 5:15 NIV

http://bible.com/111/mat.5.15.niv

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Ephesians 5:8-20 NIV

http://bible.com/111/eph.5.8-20.niv

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16 NIV

http://bible.com/111/mat.5.16.niv

Lipservice

The dictionary offer this simple definition of lipservice:

"support for someone or something that is expressed by someone in words but that is not shown in that person's actions"

Ever been in a situation where a person is telling you all the "right" things but the test of time proved that the words were it, no action followed the promises...they didn't follow through.  You hope the intentions were good and the follow through was prevented by some good reason so the next time, with the benefit of doubt, you hear the words...and wait for the results...and nothing happens.  You soon realize this person isn't going to follow through...they talk a good talk but their actions don't match up.  Lipservice. 

We don't like it when someone pays us lipservice.  We can place no confidence in a person whose actions fall short of over and over again.  

We don't appreciate lipservice. Neither does God. 

“The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.”

Isaiah 29:13 NIV

http://bible.com/111/isa.29.13.niv

Enough said? 

Examine yourself...no lipservice...be sure your walk matches your talk! 

All

What do you give "your all" to? You know what I mean, is it your job, children, husband, hobby?  In other words, do you give your best effort to accomplishing your job responsibilities, without distraction?  Do your children or husband come first in your life, before your own needs?  Do you devote hours to a special interest, letting other things go so you can give it all your attention?  Do you  give your all to helping a friend or family member, setting aside your own tasks to do something for another?  We know what it looks like when we give all...usually giving all will require sacrifice, meeting the needs or demands of another means letting some of your own needs or demands be put on the back burner while you do what is needed.  

Giving our all isn't a negative trait.  In fact, devotion and diligence, commitment to a cause or person, perseverence and unselfish surrender of self are signs of a person you can depend on.  The question for us to consider is this, do we give our ALL to God?  Our ALL belongs to Him, first. 

Take a few minutes to consider where you give your ALL and hit the reset button...refocus your ALL on God...He deserves it!

“Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment.”

Matthew 22:37-38 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/mat.22.37-38.nkjv

Treasure

Treasures are still found in sunken ships, buried under water and in the sand...some of these treasures have survived the conditions of time, but most do not...the rust, corrosion and erosion by the elements turns treasure to trash over time.  What was once a prized possession now is valueless.  As much as the things we desire on this earth may look shiny and bright, have great value to our lives or great buying power, they are of little value in the grand scheme of life, have no eternal value.  They won't last forever. And if theses things hold our heart, they have no exchange in heaven. Treasures are not the issue, it is our heart's value placed on treasure over truth.  What do you treasure? Where is your heart?

““Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Matthew 6:19-21 NKJV

http://bible.com/114/mat.6.19-21.nkjv

Happy New Year!!!

The new year is underway...day one is already gone.  While most things in life don't change at the stroke of midnight as a new year dawns, there is a feeling like the reset button has been pushed and the new year gives hope to a fresh start.

The reset button on most electronic devices is a built-in function to restore the factory settings and revive the correct functioning of a device that isn't working as expected or when it is acting "wonky." Sometimes, returning a device to the original settings will make the functions return to normal and all is well...however, there are times that a reset means starting over from scratch...you know,  restoring data from a backup or having to start over.  That was my experience when setting up a new wireless modem...all the work that I had done to complete the setup was wiped out when the technician said the dreaded words...let's try to reset...after all other troubleshooting attempts had failed.   This wasn't an easy task, either.  The reset button on this device is found in a tiny little hole that requires a tiny little something to stick in the tiny little hole to activate the reset function, which also meant getting the step ladder in place so I could climb up to reach the device placed in the highest possible location in the house.  Hitting the reset button worked to establish the necessary connection but all the previous settings were wiped out.  So, I had to start over.   A new start.  While I didn't really appreciate the opportunity to start over at that moment, the equipment was soon functioning as intended.

There are times that we need to push the reset button, especially when the wonkiness is getting out of control and nothing is working as it should.   While we may be ready to throw the device out the window, before taking that drastic action....back up and reset.   Jesus gave us excellent instructions on how to hit the reset button...He would get away from it all and pray.

[Luke 5:16 NKJV] 16 So He Himself [often] withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.

The reset button that is part of our original equipment is designed to work best when we start each day spending time with HIM.   We don't have to wait for the fresh start of a new year, we can find this fresh start every new day...by simply getting away to a quiet place, spending time in the life-giving scriptures, talking to our Heavenly Father and listening to HIM.  This reset button, pushed on a regular basis, will keep the wonkiness in check!

My reset button for this year is found in this verse:

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled."  Matthew 5:6

It is easy to fall victim to the pull of this world that will cause us to hunger and thirst for things that we really don't need and for things that have no eternal value. We become driven by the desires of the flesh and spend more time taking care of self than taking care of God's business.   Let's hit the reset button and check ourselves and resolve to focus our hunger and thirst for the things that God desires and to let love be the priority in all that we do.

[1Co 13:1-8 NKJV] 1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed [the poor], and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. 4 Love suffers long [and] is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails..."