As I Obey
Being obedient can be difficult to do without the right attitude. There is something deep down inside us that fights against submission and obedience. But in a loving relationship with God, our will becomes aligned with His will because He has our best in mind. Our heavenly Father takes joy in knowing we happily obey His requests of us. What is your attitude towards obedience?
Journey to the Manger
Everything Is Worked Out For Our Good
We know that all things work together
for good to those who love God,
to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
Whenever you are facing something insurmountable in your life—such as a financial disaster, the loss of a family member, problems with a child, serious illness, or any of the many dreadful things that can happen—invite God to do something in your situation that your mind can’t even conceive of or never thought possible. Keep praying, no matter how hopeless it seems, and don’t stop thanking God that He works out everything in your lives for good when you love and trust Him for your future.
Tripping Seven Times
The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked. (NLT) ( Proverbs 24:16 )
Your passions come from God. If you follow them, you will always get back up after a fall. If you follow a path devoid of passion, not only are you ignoring God’s message to you but you are likely to fall quickly and permanently. Are you working on things that you’re truly passionate about? Maybe it’s time to curate the list of projects you’re involved in.
Chance To Grow
For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. (NLT) ( James 1:3 )
Yes, we do endure trials that will test our faith. Yes, we may fail and not behave as honorably as we would like, but use it as a learning experience. The next time you find yourself getting swept away in drama, bitterness, and anger, step away. Regain your composure and consult God to provide you with the attitude and words that will allow you to respond in a loving manner and produce an endurance of faith.
Invisible Wounds
He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. (NLT) ( Psalm 147:3 )
Wounds are no longer visible to others when they heal. However, the memories and emotions remain. Without knowing, our words can sting vulnerable spots where wounds have previously healed. We should always try hard to be mindful and encouraging. In other words, master the art of exhortation. Encourage others today, and remember that God heals your wounds if you so accept.
Not A Reward
Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (NLT) ( Ephesians 2:9-10 )
The majority of things in life we work hard to earn: a living, an education, trust, respect, etc. But, opposite to the ways of this world, God doesn’t ask us to work for His love. There is nothing we can even do to earn God’s love. It is by grace alone that He loves us.
A Godly Life
As hard as it may be, this truth is something we will encounter in our lives. We will suffer persecution because we believe in justice and standing up for our belief in Jesus. This means we will be criticized for our faith. What can we do to strengthen our faith now so that later when we encounter persecution we are ready? Staying connected in the Bible daily and constantly talking to God.
Four Steps To Stop Worry
“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” (1 Peter 5:7 NLT, second edition).
It takes more than willpower to stop worrying. You already know that, because you’ve already tried it. You’ve thought, “I shouldn’t worry about this,” and yet you just keep on worrying about it.
It’s going to take more than your willpower to stop worrying. It takes four things:
1. You have to get to know God.
Jesus says in Matthew 6:32, “People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things” (MSG). If you don’t have a relationship with God, you have every reason to worry. You’ve got to get to know God! As a believer, you have a heavenly Father who has promised to take care of you. You are God’s child, and children get special privileges. When you worry, God says, “You’re my child. Why are you acting like an orphan?”
2. You have to put God first in every area of your life.
Matthew 6:31-33 says, “Don’t worry at all about having enough food and clothing …. Your heavenly Father already knows perfectly well that you need them, and he will give them to you if you give him first place in your life and live as he wants you to” (TLB). Any time you take God out of the center of your life and put anything else there — no matter how good it is — you’re going to worry.
3. You have to live one day at a time.
The Bible says, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34 NCV). If you’re worrying about tomorrow, you can’t enjoy today. You miss today’s blessings. It’s OK to plan for tomorrow, but you have to live for today. Also, when you’re always worried about tomorrow, the future gets overwhelming. But God will give you the grace and strength you need when you get there. Right now, you only need enough power for today.
4. You have to trust God to care.
“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you”(1 Peter 5:7 NLT, second edition). How do you do that? One way is to memorize God’s promises in the Bible. They’re like an insurance policy for believers. When you know something’s covered, you don’t worry about it anymore. Another way is to pray. If you prayed as much as you worried, you’d have a lot less to worry about.
What’s the result of taking these four steps? Incredible peace of mind: “You will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand” (Philippians 4:7a TLB).
“Soft” Grand Opening
