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