January 31 - LOSS

A loss hits us with an astonishing sensation of surrealism. A dreamlike sensation floats in and we keep waiting to wake up. But after a while the shock subsides, our minds refocus, and we move beyond the moment. Life situations have changed, our plans are rerouted, agendas of before are minor and muted, and as we turn our thoughts forward, we reassess our life's goal. To set our goal, we must know our purpose and our purpose on earth is to follow the path of Christ.  With this as the forethought of every action and the strength of every response, we can walk assured that God is always there to catch us and bear us up.  Times will be hard, this is life, but as we reaffirm our trust in God, He will set our feet on solid ground and restore our joy.

I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. - Psalm 27: 13,14

JANUARY 30 - RESTRICTIONS

Many times, we bring on unnecessary burdens. We really want the puppy, or the cable TV. We stock our home with the latest in technology, kitchen appliances, and yard tools. Our time becomes engulfed in yard work, laundry, and household tasks. Then we volunteer. We are needed on this committee, or that planning group. With the restrictions of earthly burdens, we lose our freedom to embrace the beauty of life. God makes many good things available to His people. It is up to each of us to decide which of these truly is meant for us. Uncomplicate your life. Set aside time for God each day, and bring Him into each moment and He will help you to see what is truly necessary for your happiness.

You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your own affections. – 2 Corinthians 6:12

January 24 - Comfort

We have to step out of our comfort zone in order to fix a problem. From potty training the new puppy to a global issue, no problem will go away without commitment. When we place that commitment in Christ, no matter where He leads us, we will reach a new level of comfort; resting in the Grace of God. 

Then once again you will see the difference between the upright person and the wicked one, between the one who serves God and the one who does not serve him. - Malachi 3:18

January 23 - Tools

The gardener’s friend is her spade. It is easy to dig a hole in soft ground. But for the times when the hole becomes deeper, and the hard earth becomes unyielding, we have to grab hold of bigger tools. Scripture is filled with the tools you need for life. Within its pages lay the Wisdom, Faith, Trust, and Hope to overcome all obstacles. Set your meager tools aside, and take up the strength of Faith. You can move those mountains in your path.

 

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "But the righteous man shall live by faith." – Romans 1:17

January 22 - Relationships

Our views of success, morality, and integrity can become compromised when we entertain the viewpoints of the world. We profess to be Christians, but live with a different perspective. Caught in a lie, the unaccepted becomes the acceptable. Sometimes our friends discover we are lying well before we realize it ourselves. They've seen us as we are, not as we want to be, and the good friend will point out our shortcomings in a loving way. Daily time with God is essential in fortifying us against the temptations of the world. Relationships developed through Christ's love strengthen our accountability toward one another and help us all walk a life of Truth.

 

Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as He is righteous. – 1 John 3:7

January 20 - Dust

Corners collect. Each time I dust my home, I have to spend more time on the corners of all of my walls, furniture and fixtures. If I truly want the house to sparkle, I have a nice box of Cutips in case I get industrious. Typically, my box of Cutips stays full.

Many times, we face our personal corners in the same way. We've allowed the dust to settle around us, finding comfort in familiarity, not wanting to make that impending turn. We allow our doubts, wonders and what-if's to build up rather than examining ourselves and taking them before our God. Simpler to stay in the dust, we find ourselves not moving forward. God, our Creator, fashioned each of us from dust. He molded us to rise up out of the dust and join Him. When we give ourselves daily to God, placing our dust at His feet, He brings us the Grace to pass faithfully from one bend to the next. Allow Him to enter into your home and clean every corner, bringing you the Grace to rise up with Him.

Isaiah 43:19
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.

January 17 - Laughter

Outward laughter is indicative of an inward joy. When we daily exude this disposition, it reflects very well on our Savior, especially when we openly credit Him as the true Source of our joy.  - Dr. David Cox

"He will fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with shouting." Job 8:21

January 14 - The Way

In Noah's day, a dove brought proof of a promised land, a place of fruitfulness, peace and joy. At the Baptism of Jesus, a dove appeared as many in the crowds heard God's voice announcing His favor on His beloved son. Jesus, the Lord of peace and brings all of us hope, for He provides the true way, the promised land which was won by His sacrifice for all.

For as the new heavens and the new earth I am making will endure before me, declares Yahweh, so will your race and your name endure. - Isaiah 66:22

January 13 - Character

J. K. Rowling penned, "It is our choices, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."

Our gracious and generous God gifts each of us with ability according to His Will. In choosing to do goodness with our talents and skills, we honor His name and receive the Grace to live as a child of God.

I have applied myself to understanding philosophy and science, stupidity and folly, and I now realize that all this too is chasing after the wind. - Ecclesiastes 1:17

January 10 - Patience

There are times in our lives when our patience is tested:  the traffic, the workday, the family, and our friends.  The moment can be minor or chaotic, momentary or lingering, but in each instance, it is temporary.  When we stay strong in our Lord by calling on Him before, within and after each moment, we will find the strength and the promise of hope.

Now, master, you are letting your servant go in peace as you promised. - Luke 2:29

January 9 - New

When we take on Christ, we take on a new being. Becoming fully engaged in the ways of God transforms us. No longer seeking satisfaction from the empty promises of this world, we can look forward in faith and hope. A daily walk with Our Lord instills strength and fortitude to withstand temptations and truly honor our calling as children of God.

And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas,” which is translated Peter. - John 1:42 

January 8 - Grace

The talents you have are never given for your own benefit, but in order that you may shine God's light on another. When you find that special ability, offer your gifts up as a channel of His Grace. Bring your gifts worth by living for God and allowing Him to spread His mercy and joy through you.

From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, the Name of the Lord is worthy of praise. - Psalm 112:3

January 4 - Humility

As we look forward to a new year, setting resolutions and goals, let us remember our humanity, realizing the greatest goal we can set for ourselves is to walk humbly with our God.

Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a town and spend a year there, doing business and making money.’ Yet you do not even know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wishes, we will live and do this or that.’ - James 4:13-15

Inspiration

Place your heart before the Lord. Tell Him everything that worries you and brings you pain. Pour out your sorrows, dreams and hopes. Empty yourself and, when you are finished, stay. You have just given our Creator your heart's desire. Now it is time to let Him tell you His. An empty soul is so receptive and there is nothing greater to fill it than the Grace of God. Cling to His Spirit, listen to His prompts and guidance. Allowing God to direct our paths and inspiration takes man places never imagined before.

"I thought age should speak, And increased years should teach wisdom. "But it is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding. - Job 32:7-8