Commit

You never know the full extent of any moment until you fully commit. The excitement (or sometimes fear) in this knowledge always means more is expected from you. Facing each moment truly invested in the cause builds community, strength and hope. Turn to God. Give Him the glory for every work of your hands and you will find blessings in every endeavor. 

Give thanks to Yahweh, call on his name, proclaim his deeds to the peoples! – Psalm 105:1

Response

Today, people will gather around the hole of Punxsutawney Phil, our National Groundhog, waiting for his reaction to the elements around him.  Will he see his shadow and hide, or stay and enjoy the moment? Many times, when shadows find their way into our day, it is tempting to retreat to the den of familiarity and wait for our situation to change. I pray we remember it is God who set the sun in the sky and He who places the clouds around it. To respond in faith to whatever greets us in our day, be it sunshine or shadows, will bring Glory to God's name and peace to our soul.   

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.    1 Peter 4:12, 13

Redirected

Well, I had a devotion written out, but my computer utterly ate it as it decided to shut down on its own and erase my work. Even my auto save is not coming up. When we have days this, we can groan (do groan), or say, its' ok.  The work is Yours, Lord, do with me what You wish. 

Whenever your day feels chaotic or frustrating, remember to stop and place it at God's feet. The day is His, rejoice and be glad in it. 

Someone who thinks himself important, when he is not, only deceives himself. - Galatians 6:3

Comfort Zone

I woke at 6:00 am to the ring of the cell phone. I wanted extra sleep, yet something might be wrong. The call did bring urgent news, but nothing I imagined. There was a phenomenon taking place that I was sure to miss if I kept dreaming. At this exact moment, the earth was eclipsing the moon and was turning it red. My friend knew me well. A celestial moment from our Creator was not something I would want to miss. While watching this beauty unfold, I reflected on the many times that I had been lifted out of my comfort zone. I didn’t necessarily enjoy being pulled from those moments and thrown into action, but when I looked back on them from God’s perspective, the call was always good. What a beautiful gift God has given us in loved ones who help guide us into His presence. His Mercy and Love brings unceasing blessings.   

Come then, let us enjoy the good things of today, let us use created things with the zest of youth. – Wisdom 2:6

Skill

New ideas and skills appear in science, technology, and medicine daily. The talent found in the arts and athleticism are amazing. These Graces from our Heavenly Father are here to enhance our life on earth. Giving thanks to God and seeking His direction when we look for cures, ability and joy, brings delight to The Creator. Rely on Him when you seek. When He directs the path, your joy will be complete. 

Of all the promises that Yaweh had made to the House of Israel, not one failed; all were fulfilled. – Joshua 21:45 NJB

Believe

Demons are real and I believe we all have them at some point in our lives. They appear suddenly in many forms - fear, anxiety, addiction, despair - and seep into our doubts and confusion. In their strength, we begin to believe that this is who we are, what the world is meant to be. This is their goal. They seek to blind us to God and His promise to us of everlasting life. But, our God is an awesome God. He has gifted us with the Hope of Jesus and the Power of the Holy Spirit. Never forget this. Even in your darkest moments know that God, the Omnipotent, is in control and the world is unfolding as it should.  In faith, call on The Heavenly Father and seek His mercy, for He stands willing and able if we but believe.

Immediately the boy's father cried out and said, "I do believe; help my unbelief." – Mark 9:24

Positive

“As you fill yourself up with positive things, stress will

have a harder time establishing a hold in your life. -

Gregory L. Jantz PHD 

Guilty pleasures, we’ve heard this term used often. For me, it usually is centered around chocolate or sneaking away for time by myself. But, in reality, we should never be afraid or feel guilty for doing something truly pleasurable for ourselves or one another. Positive moments in our lives help to reinforce our own goodness and wellbeing. Any time we fill ourselves with good and positive things, we grow in goodness and love.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. – Philippians 4:8