Everybody Has A Story To Tell
You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8
How many times have you heard someone say, "Well you don't know what I've been through…" as an excuse for something they are doing? That's true in essence. We don't always know the next person's story. But we are to testify about what God said He will do, what He has done in the past, what He has done in our own lives and what He can do for them! (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15)
Some people will not always respond to scripture and people threatening them with the punishment of God. But truth be told, when someone honestly and wholeheartedly tells others what they have gone through and what God has done to bring them over, it often has a stronger and lingering effect for the better. Many others can turn to God through hearing your story. Take me for example…all I can say is that I am more than my transplant, just ask me, I'll tell it all. God has gotten me through lots more--several near-death encounters, the effects of alcoholism, low self-esteem, molestation, just to name a few--and is leading me through things right now. Quite frankly, the devil tries to kill believers everyday just somedays he is bolder than usual, lol. You are going through and have gone through everything in your life for God to get you to the point where is He can fully use you.(Romans 8:28) Point of clarity, God did not do those bad things to you, but He will use them for your eventual, overall good. John 10:10(BBE) says "The thief comes only to take the sheep and to put them to death: he comes for their destruction: I have come so that they may have life and have it in greater measure." You have been misled, abused, used, deceived, abandoned, lied to and on, hurt, and many more things. But how can it do you any good if you don't use your triumph to bless someone else? Sometimes, in my case especially, healing only comes when you share your story with others. I have been able to truly forgive those who have hurt me and lied to me because God led me to share that painful situation with others. Don't block your blessing by keeping your story to yourself and holding onto that pain! If you continue to hold onto the hurt, you may eventually hurt others, including those you love and continue that cycle. Don't let me start--potential rant on the problems plaguing the Black community. Release it to God, and let it go!
"No one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life."
Don't you love this promise??? I do!!! I love you!!! Be blessed!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Daily Devotion--10/02/2009
So I Choose to Be Happy
Phil 4:7
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (KJV)
Ahh! Today is a great day in spite of the weather. I'm back in Atlanta and I hope to see all of my loves. My friends, my linesisters, my numbers, and just being here makes me so happy. I even missed my hair stylist and just being around them--so of course I went by and got my hair laid out!
Sometimes in life we will not always be happy, pleasant, joyful, or enthusiastic. There is no guarantee that we will not experience suffering in life but God promises us a great reward in heaven.(1 Peter 3:14) Troubles come and go but you should rest in that promise of eternal happiness. I sure have experienced my fair share of unhappiness, but God surely has blessed me tremendously so that I cannot complain. God's peace will rest on you and get you through.(Romans 5:2, Phil 4:7) In every difficult or trying situation I have gone through, earnestly praying for peace has helped me to survive and not get defeated.
So choose to be happy today and enjoy the plentiful blessings God gave you, even if things may be hard right now. I love you!
Ps 144:15
15 Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD. (KJV)
Phil 4:7
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (KJV)
Ahh! Today is a great day in spite of the weather. I'm back in Atlanta and I hope to see all of my loves. My friends, my linesisters, my numbers, and just being here makes me so happy. I even missed my hair stylist and just being around them--so of course I went by and got my hair laid out!
Sometimes in life we will not always be happy, pleasant, joyful, or enthusiastic. There is no guarantee that we will not experience suffering in life but God promises us a great reward in heaven.(1 Peter 3:14) Troubles come and go but you should rest in that promise of eternal happiness. I sure have experienced my fair share of unhappiness, but God surely has blessed me tremendously so that I cannot complain. God's peace will rest on you and get you through.(Romans 5:2, Phil 4:7) In every difficult or trying situation I have gone through, earnestly praying for peace has helped me to survive and not get defeated.
So choose to be happy today and enjoy the plentiful blessings God gave you, even if things may be hard right now. I love you!
Ps 144:15
15 Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD. (KJV)
Daily Devotion--10/01/2009
In Due Time
"Just keep your faith in me
Don't act impatiently
You'll get where you need to be, in due time
Even when things are slow
Hold on and don't let go
I'll give you what I owe, in due time" OutKast f/ Goodie Mob In Due Time
"He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6
I love OutKast! Yeah, I listen to rap. I have always listened to OutKast. Since I have gotten older, I listen to the words of the songs I listen to because you cannot just let anything or anyone plant seeds in your mind. OutKast is pretty good, Goodie Mob too. But the chorus of this stuck out to me when I was thinking of what to talk about today. In due time all things will work out, all situations will resolve themselves--this applies to a lot of things.(Romans 8:28) Primarily waiting on God to act on a situation. One of the issues I have been dealing with is my desire to be challenged and grow in anything I involve myself in. Currently, I am having to search for projects to work on, looking all over for different projects. However, it gets discouraging because I want to do something I like, something that I can learn from, something that will continue to give me flexibility and room for growth. I have even gone as far as looking for things outside the box but to no avail. Sadly I went through this same ordeal before I had my surgery last year and became very disheartened. But I will be humble and patiently await what He has in store for me. We can trust that if we desire to follow God's will for our lives that He will make it plain for us.(Psalm 27:11)
When you feel like this, stop and think about these things: God loves you , He and Jesus want us to trust them, and God does not want your heart to be troubled.(John 14:1) But thinking about God and His plan, He always gets us where He wants us, which is where we need to be. He always promises to give us strength, encouragement, or anything we need in order to fulfill His will for our lives.(Philippians 4:13, Colossians 1:9) Hebrews 13:20-21 says "May the God of peace...equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." The thing to do in situations like this is to submit to God and trust Him.(James 4:7) You can also know that if you do not give up, you will reap the harvest for everything you have sown.(Galatians 6:9)
I say this to you because regardless of what you may be facing, it will eventually be over. Regardless of whats going on at home or if someone has done something to you, you were allowed to go through it for a reason and to get you to a particular place. Don't give up and don't let go because God promises to complete His work in you!
"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised." Hebrews 10:36
"Just keep your faith in me
Don't act impatiently
You'll get where you need to be, in due time
Even when things are slow
Hold on and don't let go
I'll give you what I owe, in due time" OutKast f/ Goodie Mob In Due Time
"He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6
I love OutKast! Yeah, I listen to rap. I have always listened to OutKast. Since I have gotten older, I listen to the words of the songs I listen to because you cannot just let anything or anyone plant seeds in your mind. OutKast is pretty good, Goodie Mob too. But the chorus of this stuck out to me when I was thinking of what to talk about today. In due time all things will work out, all situations will resolve themselves--this applies to a lot of things.(Romans 8:28) Primarily waiting on God to act on a situation. One of the issues I have been dealing with is my desire to be challenged and grow in anything I involve myself in. Currently, I am having to search for projects to work on, looking all over for different projects. However, it gets discouraging because I want to do something I like, something that I can learn from, something that will continue to give me flexibility and room for growth. I have even gone as far as looking for things outside the box but to no avail. Sadly I went through this same ordeal before I had my surgery last year and became very disheartened. But I will be humble and patiently await what He has in store for me. We can trust that if we desire to follow God's will for our lives that He will make it plain for us.(Psalm 27:11)
When you feel like this, stop and think about these things: God loves you , He and Jesus want us to trust them, and God does not want your heart to be troubled.(John 14:1) But thinking about God and His plan, He always gets us where He wants us, which is where we need to be. He always promises to give us strength, encouragement, or anything we need in order to fulfill His will for our lives.(Philippians 4:13, Colossians 1:9) Hebrews 13:20-21 says "May the God of peace...equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." The thing to do in situations like this is to submit to God and trust Him.(James 4:7) You can also know that if you do not give up, you will reap the harvest for everything you have sown.(Galatians 6:9)
I say this to you because regardless of what you may be facing, it will eventually be over. Regardless of whats going on at home or if someone has done something to you, you were allowed to go through it for a reason and to get you to a particular place. Don't give up and don't let go because God promises to complete His work in you!
"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised." Hebrews 10:36
Daily Devotion--9/30/2009
In The World
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:15-17 NIV
I do not believe in hate. There are many things I do not agree with, but I respect differences. However, in the world we live in, there are two extremes, extreme acceptance and passivism, and extreme hatred and disdain for differences, for instance skin color. In fact, a huge reason that slavery was legal for so long was because slave owners bended God's Word to make excuses for it! Now people do the same thing, just to condone whatever it is--being selfish, abusing others, stealing, cheating and adultery, lying, alternative lifestyles. Yes God forgives, but why do it in the first place if you know its wrong! When I do something wrong, well first I try not to think about God which makes me think about Him more--go figure, second, I'll immediately ask for forgiveness and then try to shut it out of my mind. I'll give a lightweight example. I am a recovering road Rage-R--I used to be a lot worse, threatening to throw rocks at people or cursing them out in my car. Of course, it was nothing drastic--I value my life!--although I know people that have followed people or gotten out of the car. I think one time I flipped somebody off. Then I realized how angry I was getting and how bad I would feel later. I started praying that God delivers me from it--I still battle with it DAILY because these country bumpkins are not used to gravel haha, and I have gotten better. I take that approach with all the things I struggle with.
Sometimes we forget why we are here. We are here to tell people about Jesus and guide them in the way to receiving Jesus and salvation.(John 6:40) Yes we all have our weaknesses and shortcomings--we all have things that we do that are wrong. But think about it, who better than imperfect people are best to rescue other imperfect people! The problem lies in our refusing to admit our wrongs and turn away from them.(Acts 3:19) We must continually turn away from them because Satan will continue to attack us through our weaknesses.(1 Corinthians 15:58) Ask yourself, is your act of condoning or if it’s a personal situation, accepting certain things really helping? Do you say, "That's just how I am."--NOT! That’s who you CHOOSE to be. Is that obedience? Instead of avoiding and ignoring a problem, as Christians we are responsible for trying to save our brothers and sisters--extend that to members of the Body of Christ, who are our brothers and sisters.(Matthew 18:11-14) So when you/they do wrong, do not just overlook it, instead pray without ceasing that God guides you/them in the way He would have you/them go.(Romans 15:30-33, 1 Thessalonians 5:11-18) If we practiced living in God's love, caring for the wellbeing of others more and being obedient to Jesus' instructions instead of living selfishly, we would make a major impact and bring millions to Jesus.
I SHOUT TO YOU ALL, I'm not perfect; in fact in an imperfect, sinful world, who can be perfect but Jesus? In fact I have many weaknesses and things that I struggle with daily--personal imperfections that we all have; but I or others remind myself of my salvation and not to fear or doubt God. I then come before God whose power is perfected in my weakness and repent, even when I don't want to.(2 Corinthians 12:9) This is open to you as well and God can right those wrongs. I apologize if it seems judgmental, but it was just heavy on my heart. Be blessed and may God cover you and carry you through it all!
These people belong to the world. That's why they speak the thoughts of the world, and the world listens to them. 1 John 4:5 NASB
"If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you." John 15:19
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:15-17 NIV
I do not believe in hate. There are many things I do not agree with, but I respect differences. However, in the world we live in, there are two extremes, extreme acceptance and passivism, and extreme hatred and disdain for differences, for instance skin color. In fact, a huge reason that slavery was legal for so long was because slave owners bended God's Word to make excuses for it! Now people do the same thing, just to condone whatever it is--being selfish, abusing others, stealing, cheating and adultery, lying, alternative lifestyles. Yes God forgives, but why do it in the first place if you know its wrong! When I do something wrong, well first I try not to think about God which makes me think about Him more--go figure, second, I'll immediately ask for forgiveness and then try to shut it out of my mind. I'll give a lightweight example. I am a recovering road Rage-R--I used to be a lot worse, threatening to throw rocks at people or cursing them out in my car. Of course, it was nothing drastic--I value my life!--although I know people that have followed people or gotten out of the car. I think one time I flipped somebody off. Then I realized how angry I was getting and how bad I would feel later. I started praying that God delivers me from it--I still battle with it DAILY because these country bumpkins are not used to gravel haha, and I have gotten better. I take that approach with all the things I struggle with.
Sometimes we forget why we are here. We are here to tell people about Jesus and guide them in the way to receiving Jesus and salvation.(John 6:40) Yes we all have our weaknesses and shortcomings--we all have things that we do that are wrong. But think about it, who better than imperfect people are best to rescue other imperfect people! The problem lies in our refusing to admit our wrongs and turn away from them.(Acts 3:19) We must continually turn away from them because Satan will continue to attack us through our weaknesses.(1 Corinthians 15:58) Ask yourself, is your act of condoning or if it’s a personal situation, accepting certain things really helping? Do you say, "That's just how I am."--NOT! That’s who you CHOOSE to be. Is that obedience? Instead of avoiding and ignoring a problem, as Christians we are responsible for trying to save our brothers and sisters--extend that to members of the Body of Christ, who are our brothers and sisters.(Matthew 18:11-14) So when you/they do wrong, do not just overlook it, instead pray without ceasing that God guides you/them in the way He would have you/them go.(Romans 15:30-33, 1 Thessalonians 5:11-18) If we practiced living in God's love, caring for the wellbeing of others more and being obedient to Jesus' instructions instead of living selfishly, we would make a major impact and bring millions to Jesus.
I SHOUT TO YOU ALL, I'm not perfect; in fact in an imperfect, sinful world, who can be perfect but Jesus? In fact I have many weaknesses and things that I struggle with daily--personal imperfections that we all have; but I or others remind myself of my salvation and not to fear or doubt God. I then come before God whose power is perfected in my weakness and repent, even when I don't want to.(2 Corinthians 12:9) This is open to you as well and God can right those wrongs. I apologize if it seems judgmental, but it was just heavy on my heart. Be blessed and may God cover you and carry you through it all!
These people belong to the world. That's why they speak the thoughts of the world, and the world listens to them. 1 John 4:5 NASB
"If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you." John 15:19
Daily Devotion--9/28/2009
Refocusing your mind
"I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14
My mind has been all over the place this month. I couldn't even say a few weeks because since September 2 I have been getting thrown at! I've been struggling to regain my focus amidst all the drama, but this has been very hard. However, I'm going to embark on a new approach: trying to "subliminally" refocus my thoughts. I have plenty of inspiration all around me, but if I don't enact some of these things and try different approaches, how can I truly get back on focus. So I'm going to record different scriptures and play them to myself at night in my sleep and see how that affects my day.
You may not need to go to as drastic an approach as that, but we all need motivation and variety to refocus our thoughts. Sometimes we get discouraged or disenchanted by all the struggles and pains of life. Simply knowing that God loves us and is there does not always ease those thoughts. Sometimes you need to surround yourself with God-filled, encouraging people. Sometimes you need to hear that one thing you've been needing to hear to get you out of your funk. Sometimes you only need a listening ear. But whatever it is, remember that we can ask God for anything in Jesus' name--especially if it is going to help keep us focused on His will for our lives. Be encouraged--if you need a listening ear, a word of inspiration, encouragement, whatever--I am here for you!
Love ya!
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4
"I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14
My mind has been all over the place this month. I couldn't even say a few weeks because since September 2 I have been getting thrown at! I've been struggling to regain my focus amidst all the drama, but this has been very hard. However, I'm going to embark on a new approach: trying to "subliminally" refocus my thoughts. I have plenty of inspiration all around me, but if I don't enact some of these things and try different approaches, how can I truly get back on focus. So I'm going to record different scriptures and play them to myself at night in my sleep and see how that affects my day.
You may not need to go to as drastic an approach as that, but we all need motivation and variety to refocus our thoughts. Sometimes we get discouraged or disenchanted by all the struggles and pains of life. Simply knowing that God loves us and is there does not always ease those thoughts. Sometimes you need to surround yourself with God-filled, encouraging people. Sometimes you need to hear that one thing you've been needing to hear to get you out of your funk. Sometimes you only need a listening ear. But whatever it is, remember that we can ask God for anything in Jesus' name--especially if it is going to help keep us focused on His will for our lives. Be encouraged--if you need a listening ear, a word of inspiration, encouragement, whatever--I am here for you!
Love ya!
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4
Daily Devotion--9/29/2009 Devotion
Motivation
"Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently in the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing--he will be blessed in what he does." James 1:23-25
As I looked in the mirror at the pudge protruding from my midsection I cried out in utter horror, LORD I need to lose weight, I GOTTA work out. (Y'all know I'm dramatic so just imagine what this sounded like.) Now mind you, I have been PIGGING out all summer and only sported my two piece once because I didn't feel like having to go through all the motions with getting in the pool. So now I'm on a serious grind to work out, Slim Fast and all, to lose what I think is necessary. I made some progress, starting last Friday and continuing yesterday, especially after I ate so many mustard greens on Sunday I was nearly sick. I even went to bed before 12 last night and would have been on time to work were it not for my having to get labs.
I'm gonna stop right here. Because some of us have more motivation for losing weight, working, getting up on time in the morning than we do for spending time with God and doing His will. We want to do what WE want, not what HE says. I admit, I have probably been one of the most disobedient people in the last month than anyone. Sporadically reading, not really writing my devotions---yes I have reasons for my disobedience but excuses, which they are, do nothing for the fact that I should have done it. Don't allow your circumstances, because we all have them, to make you miss an opportunity for divine advancement. (MBP haha..copying and pasting this one into my personal quote file) All I can do now is drop to my knees and beg for God's forgiveness and trust that he will continue to guide me.(Psalm 32:8) That's the beautiful part of it all, God will forgive us. (1 John 1:9, Psalm 32:5) So now what? We need to put our lives into proper perspective: God, God's mission and purpose for your life, then whatever else you deem important--as long as it does not go against the word. My motivation is to please God with everything--my life, maintaining my health, blessing others and following His will for my life. (Matthew 6:33) Sometimes you need a little help from someone else--a motivation partner--and don't you know God is committed to that!! Jesus tells us in Matthew 28:20 that "...And remember, I am with you each and every day until the end of the age."(ISV)
So my current weight crisis fits right in as well as me setting new habits for myself; God and the mirror will motivate me to stay on track. Being obedient does not just include following God's will in your personal lives, but at work, at church, and in your entire life for that matter. Make sure you have the RIGHT motivation--pleasing God--not ANYTHING else!
"Therefore do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." 2 Corinthians 4:16
Love ya!
"Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently in the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing--he will be blessed in what he does." James 1:23-25
As I looked in the mirror at the pudge protruding from my midsection I cried out in utter horror, LORD I need to lose weight, I GOTTA work out. (Y'all know I'm dramatic so just imagine what this sounded like.) Now mind you, I have been PIGGING out all summer and only sported my two piece once because I didn't feel like having to go through all the motions with getting in the pool. So now I'm on a serious grind to work out, Slim Fast and all, to lose what I think is necessary. I made some progress, starting last Friday and continuing yesterday, especially after I ate so many mustard greens on Sunday I was nearly sick. I even went to bed before 12 last night and would have been on time to work were it not for my having to get labs.
I'm gonna stop right here. Because some of us have more motivation for losing weight, working, getting up on time in the morning than we do for spending time with God and doing His will. We want to do what WE want, not what HE says. I admit, I have probably been one of the most disobedient people in the last month than anyone. Sporadically reading, not really writing my devotions---yes I have reasons for my disobedience but excuses, which they are, do nothing for the fact that I should have done it. Don't allow your circumstances, because we all have them, to make you miss an opportunity for divine advancement. (MBP haha..copying and pasting this one into my personal quote file) All I can do now is drop to my knees and beg for God's forgiveness and trust that he will continue to guide me.(Psalm 32:8) That's the beautiful part of it all, God will forgive us. (1 John 1:9, Psalm 32:5) So now what? We need to put our lives into proper perspective: God, God's mission and purpose for your life, then whatever else you deem important--as long as it does not go against the word. My motivation is to please God with everything--my life, maintaining my health, blessing others and following His will for my life. (Matthew 6:33) Sometimes you need a little help from someone else--a motivation partner--and don't you know God is committed to that!! Jesus tells us in Matthew 28:20 that "...And remember, I am with you each and every day until the end of the age."(ISV)
So my current weight crisis fits right in as well as me setting new habits for myself; God and the mirror will motivate me to stay on track. Being obedient does not just include following God's will in your personal lives, but at work, at church, and in your entire life for that matter. Make sure you have the RIGHT motivation--pleasing God--not ANYTHING else!
"Therefore do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." 2 Corinthians 4:16
Love ya!
Daily Devotion
Focus
"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18
Wait wait wait!! I apologize but the devil is a liar!! I tried to find an easy way to send these and block-copied email addresses only for my phone to truncate them. I just realized all my devotions from last week were not posted or emailed out to everyone! But I'm even more focused and renewed to keep writing them! I'm also going to post all the missed ones too.
As I try not to cough because my throat hurts badly, I realize that I can only look straight ahead--my eyes hurt whenever I try to look in any other direction than straight so I have to turn my head a lot or just close my eyes. My equilibrium is off thanks to this sinus bafoolery but the irony of it all, I had an epiphany and revelation all at once: STRAIGHT-AHEAD is where I should be looking, STRAIGHT-AHEAD is where I should be focused. I haven't had a sinus infection in over 2 years because I was always able to catch them and head it off. Unfortunately I was sorely unprepared and focused on the fun I was gonna (and did) have at homecoming. It was on that long rainy ride back to my parents that it hit me. When I got home, I tried to take something but it didn't help at all!
Focusing is not always an easy thing to do, and for several reasons. Namely, because there are many things to distract us from the tasks that God gives us, being obedient, or following through with things we should be doing. The devil sends in his imps of despair, depression, disgust, and self-loathing to blind you from appreciating what you do have. Fortunately, we are saved and redeemed because of God!(Romans 8:24) God can lead us back to where we are supposed to be, He can refocus our attention upward and on Him. He promises to guide us--and sometimes that leading is not so gentle to get you back on track.(Proverbs 4:11, Psalm 25:5)
So maybe my being able to only look in the direction my head is turned is a blessing in disguise. At least I will be able to ignore the sideways attempts of those that wish to distract me from God's plan for my life. Maybe if we all apply this kind of thinking and have that "tunnel vision", we can stay focused on the path that lies ahead. Be blessed! Love always!
"Do you have contempt for God, who is very kind to you, puts up with you, and deals patiently with you? Don't you realize that it is God's kindness that is trying to lead you to him and change the way you think and act?" Romans 2:4 GWT
"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18
Wait wait wait!! I apologize but the devil is a liar!! I tried to find an easy way to send these and block-copied email addresses only for my phone to truncate them. I just realized all my devotions from last week were not posted or emailed out to everyone! But I'm even more focused and renewed to keep writing them! I'm also going to post all the missed ones too.
As I try not to cough because my throat hurts badly, I realize that I can only look straight ahead--my eyes hurt whenever I try to look in any other direction than straight so I have to turn my head a lot or just close my eyes. My equilibrium is off thanks to this sinus bafoolery but the irony of it all, I had an epiphany and revelation all at once: STRAIGHT-AHEAD is where I should be looking, STRAIGHT-AHEAD is where I should be focused. I haven't had a sinus infection in over 2 years because I was always able to catch them and head it off. Unfortunately I was sorely unprepared and focused on the fun I was gonna (and did) have at homecoming. It was on that long rainy ride back to my parents that it hit me. When I got home, I tried to take something but it didn't help at all!
Focusing is not always an easy thing to do, and for several reasons. Namely, because there are many things to distract us from the tasks that God gives us, being obedient, or following through with things we should be doing. The devil sends in his imps of despair, depression, disgust, and self-loathing to blind you from appreciating what you do have. Fortunately, we are saved and redeemed because of God!(Romans 8:24) God can lead us back to where we are supposed to be, He can refocus our attention upward and on Him. He promises to guide us--and sometimes that leading is not so gentle to get you back on track.(Proverbs 4:11, Psalm 25:5)
So maybe my being able to only look in the direction my head is turned is a blessing in disguise. At least I will be able to ignore the sideways attempts of those that wish to distract me from God's plan for my life. Maybe if we all apply this kind of thinking and have that "tunnel vision", we can stay focused on the path that lies ahead. Be blessed! Love always!
"Do you have contempt for God, who is very kind to you, puts up with you, and deals patiently with you? Don't you realize that it is God's kindness that is trying to lead you to him and change the way you think and act?" Romans 2:4 GWT
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