Friday, February 8, 2013 - Self Knowledge

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. Pressure to act immediately may very well send us down a wrong path. For a person of prayer, these moments are less frightening when they occur. Walking closely with our Lord, makes us receptive to His discernment and our decisions become a whole lot easier. Facing a choice is so much easier with a clean heart and clear conscience.

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

Thursday, February 7, 2013 - Whine

I catch myself doing this a lot: whining. It is not very flattering. I become annoyed listening to it in another. I've tried to justify this 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

Wednesday, February 6, 2013 - Discipline

The word discipline is often associated with punishment.  As a child, I received a quite a lot of discipline as consequences to my actions.  Yet admonishment comes in many forms throughout our lives.  Without it, we would be void of compassion, consistency, focus, and self-control. These are the qualities we must possess to live a peaceful and fruitful life. Do not be discouraged when life becomes hard to bear. We must remember that trying times are allowed by God, for these struggles awake our senses and bring us to total reliance on God. In the discipline of His mighty hand, we will be saved from a greater demise and can learn to walk in dignity and grace.

And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.” - Hebrews 12:5-6

Tuesday, February 5, 2013 - chances

We are placed on earth to help each other. We are also here to accept that help. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we find many opportunities to succeed. Sometimes a door is opened and we discover that allusive opportunity just by being along on the other person's journey. It is good and commendable to stand on our own. However, we must think long and hard before turning away a helping hand. Christ just might be the one extending it. - Becki

He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John, the brother of James - Mark 5:37