February 26 - Compassion

Chapel of the Holy Cross,
Sedona, AZ

We were not all created to share the same point of view, but rather, to use these separate views for creativity and advancement. Helping another to feel good about their accomplishments when things have gone off course can be difficult. Betty Clipman, chorus director of The Woodlands Show Chorus, teaches, "correction without compassion is brutality.” Our goal must be to help advance the other person, never to bring them down.

Jesus said to his disciples: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. – Luke 6:36

February 25 - Triumph

Carlsbad Caverns, North Rim, Day 4 - Triumph! 
God reveals His angels. 

God calls us to Him.  He has set the principle of humility, sacrifice, and giving.  Yet in today's society arrogance, entitlement and self-indulgence are the three top elements of motivation to many people. God empowers His followers with Grace. We are not called to sit back passively waiting for others to do the work. We must step out of our comfort zone. We must do our part to bring the goal to success. When you do so, you will be a better person. You will experience more gratification than ever imagined, and to the one you help out, you will be their angel.

All his brothers, and all who had attached themselves to his father, supported him, and they fought for Israel with a will. - 1 Maccabees 3:2

February 24 - Support

Where is God in times of crisis, in a troubled soul and spirit, within physical weakness? God is good and answers all prayers for help, but He expects active support from us. We cannot sit still and wait passively for a miracle. In times of trouble, we must continue our life’s journey with faith and trust, doing all things right and to the best of our ability. Show mercy and kindness to all who cross your path. Complete your tasks. Persevere in your mission. You may be delightfully surprised to find the miracle you’ve been waiting for is rooted inside you.

 

That is why we do not waver; indeed, though the outer human nature of ours may be falling into decay, at the same time our inner human nature is renewed day by day. – 2 Corinthians 4:16

 

February 17 - Stand

We should never use God as a platform for our cause. Rather, our cause should use God to justify its existence. As Christians, we take a stand by allowing God's Holy Spirit to step within us, penetrating our very soul. In thinking and acting through Him, spoken words find Truth and the life we lead finds glory in Christ's Name.

And you reject the word of God for the traditions that you deliver, and many things like these you do.” - Mark 7:13

February 14 - Love

When you wake up every morning, you are faced with a choice. Let it be one to love.


And we believe and we know the love that God has for us, for God is love, and everyone who dwells in love dwells in God. - 1 John 4:16

February 12 - Moments



Sequoia National Park, CA

Moments do not just happen; they unfold.  God has full knowledge about each moment you encounter, the good and the bad.  He has ordained you to be the one to work through the particular moment you are in right now.  No one else has been placed here.  No one else could take your place if they wanted.  It is you.  You are the one that God conceived in His thoughts before the world began.   Reach out to Him. Trust each moment. Know that He has brought you here with every resource necessary to conquer each challenge. 

For so many marvels, I thank you; a wonder am I, and all your works are wonders. You knew me through and through, my being held no secrets from you, when I was being formed in secret, textured in the depths of the earth. - Psalm 139:14-15

February 11 - Focus

Every successful athlete puts his complete focus on his training.  He eats, sleeps, and even socializes with his performance in mind.  He will not do anything mentally or physically that could possibly jeopardize his ability to finish well in the race.  He surrounds himself with friends who support him, trainers who push him, and mentors who focus him. Embrace your earthly purpose with this focal point and you will stand before God with a trophy larger than life.

Every athlete concentrates completely on training, and this is to win a wreath that will wither, whereas ours will never wither. - 1 Corinthians 9:25

February 10 - Discernment

Sunrise, downtown Greenville, SC

My mother used to say, "Be careful what you ask for. It just may come true." Many times temptation enters into a split second decision. Impulsiveness can push us down a wrong path. For a person of prayer, these moments are less stressful. Walking closely with our Lord creates a relationship of trust and faith. Our discernments become simpler as we learn to recognize His Will and trust in His omnipotent plan.

When You said, "Seek My face," my heart said to You, "Your face, O LORD, I shall seek." - Psalm 27:8

February 7 - Whine

I find myself doing this a lot: whining. It is not very flattering. I become annoyed listening to it in others. I've tried to justify it by saying, "I'm just stating an 'awe' moment. I'm amazed that I have the endurance to get through this." But, the truth be known, I'm whining. God places every moment in our lives for us to enjoy. Let me repeat that. We are to enjoy every moment. I've buried loved ones, endured great sickness, watched my children hurt. How can I enjoy that? Merriam-Webster defines enjoy as "to have for one's use, benefit, or lot". Dictionary.com states "to experience with joy". Our loving God surrounds us with His Grace. It is up to us to open our hearts and minds to find Him in the moment. God is our only source of joy. This truth just becomes more apparent in our pain and despair.

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire. – Hebrews 12:28-29

February 6 - Encourage

Temptation has many names: struggle, fatigue, disappointment, resentment, anger, pride.  It can even take on names that are associated with good things, like determination and tenacity. Temptation is anything that makes us forget or devalue the love of Our Heavenly Father.  The discouragement of facing temptations can turn into encouragement when we place our hope in Christ. Every moment in life has a bigger picture waiting to be revealed to us in God's time. Be patient and seek God's Grace and your struggles will be fruitful. 

Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. - Galations 6:9

February 4 - Simplicity

Life’s choices do not have to be complicated.  Simply order each with this one assessment:  Is the moment God driven or self-driven?  It’s your choice.

 

Love uprightness you who are rulers on earth, be properly disposed towards the Lord and seek him in simplicity of heart. – Wisdom, 1:1

February 3 - Commit

It isn't much fun to sit back and watch everyone else having a good time, especially when our day is filled with commitments that we cannot break, plans that cannot be altered, and other things that interfere. However, we must realize that God never intended for us to do everything. The world is made up of many people and all of these people cannot possibly, and should not, be in the same place. So when commitments beyond your control keep you from stepping out, remember you are God's chosen and place yourself completely in the moment. True joy comes when you realize you are exactly where you are supposed to be.

Commit your works to the LORD And your plans will be established. - Proverbs 16:3

February 1 - Distractions

                       
God asks for all of us.  When we pray, He wants our full attention.  Distractions are many times hard to avoid, especially for a parent, roommates, pet owner, a soldier. . .The world does not stop, even when we wish it to.  However, the key to devotion is to be able to give yourself to God amid distractions, not without. We must set our minds so intently on God that we can work at a Christ-like autopilot in times of stress and diversion.  Spend time with God.  Learn His Word, His Character, His Nature, and Love.  Then turn your distractions into works of praise.  Thank God for Your purpose.  Be confident in your mission. Rest in His Truth and become rich in the Spirit of Christ.

In the service of the Lord, work not halfheartedly but with conscientiousness and an eager spirit. - Romans 12:11