Minute Musings...Forgotten?

It's normal to sometimes feel like you have been forgotten by others, especially if you are
older, sick or disabled, unable to get out and to see others for periods of time.  But do you
ever feel like you have been forgotten by God?  Do you feel alone in your sickness, that
your problems are consuming you and no one cares?  I have...and I'm sure if you are
totally honest with yourself, everyone of you will have to admit that there have been times
when you felt deserted by all, including God.

The Psalmist experienced times of great oppression, times of fear, loneliness and desertion.
Psalms 42: 5  "Why art thou cast down, O my soul?  And why art thou disquieted in me?"
Psalms 109:22  "For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me."

There were times when he cried out wondering where God was, Psalms 10:1  Why standest
Thou afar off, O LORD?  Why hidest Thou Thyself in times of trouble?"  

But, at no time did David doubt God.  You see, there is a difference! He knew that his feelings
did not alter who God was!  Psalms 31:1  "In Thee, O LORD, do I put my trust:  Let me
never be ashamed:  deliver me in Thy righteousness."   Your feelings are not to be the measurement for God's faithfulness.  We don't understand God's ways, why things happen,
but never let that take you to a place of doubting God's presence in your life!

David knew that regardless of his "feelings," his trust must be in the Lord.  Remember that the
Lord is not blind to our feelings.  He's walked this way before.  He knows what it is like to
suffer betrayal, hunger, weariness, pain and sorrow.  What are you trusting in today...your
feelings, or the Lord God Almighty?  One will take you to the pit of despair, the other to the
place of spiritual victory.

Minute Musings...Delight Or Drudgery?

What do you delight in?  There are many things that can cause us to step back and pause
with delight, a sunrise, a sleeping baby, a loved ones smile, a gorgeous autumn day...and
the list could go on and on.

Psalms 40:8  "I delight to do Thy will, O my God:  yea, Thy law is within my heart."
The utmost delight in our hearts should be to do the Lord's will, to live and serve Him with
our whole being.  If we truly delight to do the will of God, then He should be our first and
top priority every day.  Do we awaken with the burning desire to enter into the Holy of
Holies and commune with our Savior?  Do we find our hearts turning to Him throughout
our day for guidance, comfort and fellowship?  Do we close our eyes at night thanking
our God for His presence and the help that came from His loving hand.  When we delight
in His will, He will be first in our lives.

We read in Ecclesiastes 12:13, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:  Fear
God, and keep His commandments:  for this is the whole duty of man."  And just what
is His commandments to us?  It is summed up in Matthew 22:37 & 28, "Jesus said unto him,
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with
all thy mind.  This is the first and great commandment," 

What are you delighting yourself in today?  If you want to be blessed by God, then you must
be willing to obey Him, to love Him with all your heart, soul and mind.  This means what you
love should center on Him;  what you worship should center on Him; and what you think on
should center on Him!  A child of God who is walking in fellowship with his Savior, will
find obedience to Him a delight, not a drudgery!  "I delight to do Thy will, O my God:"

Minute Musings...Waiting

Do you ever just sit by the phone, waiting for a loved one to call.  If you're like me and you
have children that live away from home, you long for a phone call.  You don't have anything
in particular that you want to tell them, you just want to hear their voice, to spend a few
minutes in conversation with them.  After getting off the phone with my children, the day
always seems a little brighter.  I just want to hear their voice.

Our Heavenly Father just wants to hear our voice!  He waits daily for us to stop and have a conversation with Him!  It's hard sometimes for me to comprehend how the sovereign God
of the universe would want to spend time with me...but He does, He loves me!  He wants to
hear from me that I love Him.  He wants to hear about my day, my good news and my problems.
He wants to know from my lips that I need Him, miss Him and that I can't wait to see Him.
When I hear these things from my children, it fills me with delight...they confide and trust
me.

Proverbs 15:8b  "But the prayer of the upright is His delight."

God delights in our prayers, our conversations with Him!  Do you delight in your prayers?
Is fellowshipping with your Heavenly Father top on your list of "must do's" each day?  As
an earthly parent it pains me when I don't hear from my precious children.  Do you realize
that the same can be said about God!  He created us out of intense love for fellowship with
Him. 

Can you with all honesty repeat the words of the Psalmist in Psalms 5:3, "My voice shalt
Thou hear in the morning, O LORD:  in the morning, will I direct my prayer unto
Thee, and will look up."  Your Father is waiting!

Minute Musings...A Tattletale Heart

I just read this quote online, "If you want to know where your heart is, look to where your
mind goes when it wanders!"  Wow, now that's hitting the nail right on the head isn't it.  We
find this exact thing in Proverbs 23:7  "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:"  Our
actions and speech are directly related to the condition of our hearts. 

So, just what do you feed your mind?  What goes in will be what comes out!  If you feed your
mind on the impurities of this wicked world, that is what is going to be manifested in your
life.  We are given a list of things in Philippians chapter 4, beginning in verse 6 through 8.

"Be careful for nothing:  but in every thing be prayer and supplication with thanks-
giving, let your requests be made known unto God, and the peace of God, which
passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever
things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever
things are of good report:  if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on
these things."

I'd like you to notice a couple of things.  First, God's peace will keep our hearts and minds
safe when we spend time in prayer and fellowship with Him.  Then notice that the list of things
which we are told to think on, things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely and a good report,
all can be applied to the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.  When our mind is stayed on Him, our
hearts will only have room for worship and praise!  

What are you going to feed your heart and mind today?  The world will leave you dissatisfied,
empty and weak.  Take time alone with the Master...your heart and mind will be spiritually 
strong and healthy. 

Minute Musings...Godliness With Contentment

Are you a contented person, or are you always wanting more?  A person who is thankful for
what they have will also be contented with what they have.  Philippians 4:11  "For I have
learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."  To be truly content is to find
joy in what God has seen fit to bless you with.  This does not just consist of material things, in
fact true contentment comes from a Godly life, a life that is focused on the riches of eternal
gain.

To be discontented is to give way to the worlds way of thinking and living.  It is to have a
heart that is led about by greed and complaint. 

To be content is a learned virtue.  Humans by nature are selfish, always wanting, seeking,
craving more.  In contrast to be truly Godly is to have a Christ-centered, Christ-honoring
life.  We have already read the verse from Philippians 4:11..."For I have learned..."  This
needs to be a practiced habit in our lives.  This is a learned practice that must be worked
on, and can only be achieved with the help of the Lord.

1 Timothy 6:6  "But godliness with contentment is great gain."

There are a lot of things in this world that people work to gain, wealth, prestige, fame,
possessions.  All these things are temporal, no lasting eternal value.  However the gain
we obtain by combining godliness and contentment will go into eternity with us.

Have you learned contentment?  Start praising God for what you do have instead of
complaining about what you don't...you'll find yourself embarking on a whole new way
of life with untold blessings that you were too blind to see before.

Minute Musings...Live What You Believe!

Some Christians live like God is dead.  I'm not saying that it's abnormal to feel down and to
get discouraged at times, but don't stay there.  We have a great God, Who has blessed us with
tremendous blessings, wonderful promises, and a fantastic future. 

There's the story of a missionary wife years ago, who came down to breakfast one morning
dressed in mourning clothes.  Her husband looked at her and asked who had died.  She relied,
"Well, from the way you are acting, I thought God was dead!"  Do you act like God is dead?
Do you go around each day with a "Woe is me" attitude?  Yes, this world is filled with hard-
ship and problems, I'm not denying that fact, but we have a God who has overcome this
world...don't you deny that fact!

In 1 John 4:4 we read, "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world."  If you
truly believe this verse, then you will live victoriously in the Lord, even among the problems
that assail you in this world.  I have seen time after time in my own life, situations where I
could not fathom how things could turn out ok, but God had all things under control.  When
we allow God to live through us, then we will have no fear of what surrounds us.

When we live by faith, having a simple child like trust in our Heavenly Father, we will be
able to say like the Apostle Paul did in 2 Timothy 4:17, "Notwithstanding the Lord stood
with me, and strengthened me:"... no matter what comes.

How are you living today?  Do you serve a god who is dead?  Or do you live in the power
and strength of the living God?  If you claim that your God is alive...then live like you
believe!

Minute Musings...When I Behold

Have you ever sat in silent awe at the birth of a new day?  The sky bathed in the new light of
another 24hrs that God has given you.  Or perhaps you've gazed in wonder at the vibrant colors
that the setting sun paints the evening sky with at the close of a day.  The beauty of this country,
from the green fields of the prairies to the majestic Rocky Mountains that reach for the clouds;
the thundering Niagara Falls, to the swelling sea's that beat upon our Canadian coastlines, all
gives way to the amazing world beyond.  The rich greens of Ireland; the ruggedness of the Grand Canyon; the gently rolling hills of Italy; the hot springs of Iceland and Turkey; the luxurious
tropical islands of the Caribbean, which glisten in the crystal clear ocean; the marble caves of
Chile; the miles upon miles of terraced rice fields of China; the molten lava flows of Hawaii; the
mighty Amazon River that slices through South America and Brazil.  All this and so much more
is the artwork of the great and powerful Master Designer.

Psalms 8:3 & 4  "When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and
the stars, which Thou hast ordained;  What is man, that Thou art mindful of him?  And
the son of man, that Thou visited him?"

God gave us all this beauty to enjoy because He loves us!  How can we not praise Him when
we see the miracle of creation that surrounds us?  If we live amongst the wonders of His
creation here on earth, can you imagine what He has in store for us in Heaven?  We are
told in 1 Corinthians 2:9, "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither
have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that
love Him."

From the smallest insects, to the giants of this earth, all were created by God.  We are part
of this creation as well.  We were created by God to glorify Him, to serve Him, and to worship
Him. Be mindful today of the beauty that He has blessed us with.  Even if the day is hard, filled
with battles and problems, look up and behold!

Genesis 1:31  "And God saw every thing that He had made, and, behold if was very
good."

Minute Musings...The Lights Of Home

Have you ever been on a long trip?  You are on your way home.  The closer you get the more
anxious you are to get there.  Perhaps the trip was difficult, problems battered you as you
traveled, and you are longing for the peace, rest and comfort that you know home will afford
you. The closer you get the more you strain, trying to catch a glimpse of your desired destination,
trying to see the lights of home.

The lights of our eternal home are beckoning to us, calling to those of us who are still
sojourners here in a strange and weary land;  they seem to say to us, "You are almost here,
don't give up.  Just a little longer and you will be home." 

We are like Abraham, Hebrews 11:8 & 10 "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go
out into a place which he should receive for an inheritance, obeyed:  and he went out,
not knowing whither he went.  And he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose
builder and maker is God."  God called Abraham on a journey into the unknown.  What
was the secret to Abrahams journey?  Faith.  He trusted in God who had promised to go
with him. 

How are you traveling today?  2 Corinthians 5:7 tells us that we are to "Walk by faith
not by sight."  Walking by faith goes against the natural man because it entails giving up
up control...and we like to be in control. 

As you begin another day on your journey home, remember that it's a journey of faith in
the One who knows the way.  Psalms 32:8  "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the
way, which thou shalt go:  I will instruct thee with Mine eye."  Keep close to your
heavenly Guide as you make your way toward the welcoming lights of home.

Minute Musings...The Golden Years

The graying (and thinning) hair, stiff joints, wrinkles, failing sight, loss of hearing, arthritis.
Does any of this sound familiar?  As one grows into the winter season of life, unfortunately
all these things become part of our lives.  Some also have to deal with worsening health, loss
of income due to retirement, and the very hard to handle...empty nest.  Some seem to be able
to sail into the "golden years" with little to slow them down, while others limp through it,
silently wishing for those long ago days of youth when everything seemed bright with
promise.  Aging can be a depressing experience for many, especially for those dealing with
worsening health issues.  But there is one unchangeable thing...God's love for us!

Jeremiah 31:3  "...Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love:  therefore with
lovingkindness have I drawn thee."

Children love the chorus "Jesus Loves Me."  Somewhere along the line I came across
the "adult" version of this chorus.  I don't know who wrote it, but I'd like to share it with
you.

Though my steps are oh, so slow,

With my hand in His I'll go.

On through life, let come what may,

He'll be there to lead the way.

 

When the nights are dark and long,

In my heart He puts a song,

Telling me in words so clear,

"Have no fear, for I am near."

 

When my work on earth is done,

And life's victories have been won.

He will take me home above,

Where I'll fully know His love.

 

I love Jesus, does He know?

Have I ever told Him so?

Jesus loves to hear me say,

That I love Him every day.

 

CHORUS

 

Yes, Jesus love me...

Yes, Jesus loves me...

Yes, Jesus loves me...

The Bible tells me so.

 

Is old age starting to creep up on you?  Are you beginning to perhaps dread what the

coming years will bring?  Take heart today in this wonderful truth...even though there

are things that we will have to come to terms with losing as we age, we will never lose

the love of God!  His love will some day carry us into His loving arms in our eternal

home...that will truly be our "golden years."

Minute Musings...Spiritual Emergency Kit

I've been sitting here today watching the swirling snow of the 2nd blizzard of 2014 piling
up outside.  On the table in the living room sits my flashlight, matches and candles.  When
ever you hear the forecast of an approaching storm you automatically go into survival
preparedness.  You make sure the flashlight works, that you have candles and matches on
hand, enough food.  I always turn up the thermostats a little more then normal just in case
the electricity does go out...the house will stay warmer a little longer.  You make sure that e
very thing outside is secure so that nothing blows away in the wind.  We take every precaution
that we can think of, in order to remain safe during a storm.

What precautions do we take to be prepared for the spiritual storms that come our way
in life?  Or do we find ourselves floundering, unprepared for these tests and trials?
Hebrews 10:23 tells us, "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering:
for He is faithful that promised:"  The first thing we need to make sure of is that we
have a strong faith in our God.  You have heard the saying, "If God brings you to it, He
will bring you through it."  Hold fast unto your faith...without wavering...God will not
leave you helpless.

Secondly remember that the Holy Word is to be our light.  Psalms 119:105  "Thy word
is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."  When the winds of adversity are
howling and you can't see your way, turn to the Word of God, let Him guide you through
the storm.

Lastly, remember also that the Word of God provides spiritual nourishment for you.
Jeremiah 15:16  "Thy words were found, and I did eat them:  and Thy word was
unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart:"  Stay spiritually healthy and strong
by feeding daily upon the Word of God;  that way when the storms of life hit, you will
be strong in the Lord, able to withstand whatever comes your way.

Remember...be prepared.  Put just as much effort into preparing for spiritual storms
as you put forth in preparation for the blizzards that come howling at your doors. 

Minute Musings...A Family Resemblance

How many times have you looked at someone and you could see the family resemblance?
When my grandson was born in November, I found myself checking to find that family
resemblance, the shape of his little head and the hint of red hair remind me of my son, his
daddy; but his eyes come from his mommy's side of the family.  We always look to see if
they have their father's nose, mother's eyes, grandfather's chin, aunt's smile.  I've had it
said about me, that I have my dad's smile and grandmother's nose.  When I hear that, it
gives me a feeling of belonging, connection, of sharing something that is deeply rooted in
"family."

As a child of God, there should be a "family" resemblance.  People should be able to look
at us and see our heavenly Father.  1 John 4:7 & 8  "Beloved, let us love one another:
for love is of God:  and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.  He
that loveth not knoweth not God:  for God is love."  God is love, therefore it stands to
reason that His children should have this distinct characteristic.  There are many today
that say they are Christians, yet hate permeates their actions and speech.  A child of God
will love.  This doesn't mean they accept the sin, but they will love the sinner.  You've heard
the saying that actions speak louder than words; a person can have all the right "talk" but
it means nothing if they don't have the right "walk."

1 John 2:6 says, "He that saith, he abideth in Him, ought himself also so to walk,
even as He walked."  The Lord Jesus was known for His love and compassion for the
multitudes that daily flocked to see Him.  We are to pattern our lives by His example.
Can people look at you and see the Savior through your actions, motives and speech?
Are you someone who is known for your love of others?  Make sure that your talk and
your walk match.  There should be a family resemblance if you're a child of God!

Minute Musings...Duel Citizenship

I am a proud Canadian.  I love my country.  I do not agree with all the laws, but for the
most part I do.  I love the way that Canada supports Israel, God's chosen people.  I love
to see the Canadian flag waving.  I get the chills when I see the flag and hear our anthem
at the Olympics.  I believe that I live in the best place on earth.

However, I am blessed with duel citizenship.  You see, I also am a Christian, I have a
citizenship in Heaven! 

Philippians 3:20  "For our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven:  from whence also
we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ:"

This duel citizenship was bestowed on me the day I asked the Lord to forgive me and I
invited Him into my life.  I became a child of the King that day.  Not only am I waiting for
the Lord Jesus to come back and to take me home, but He is busy preparing that home for
me!

John 14:2 & 3  "In my Father's house are many mansions:  if it were not so, I
would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a
place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself:  that where I am,
there ye may be also."

I cheer for the Canadian teams, I'm excited to see them win, see the flag hoisted and hear
the Canadian anthem belted out with enthusiasm.  But how vocal am I for my heavenly
home?  Do I show excitement about sharing with others the gospel?  Do I cheer and help
those who are on the front lines in sharing God's love to the world?  A citizenship not only
carries benefits but it also comes with responsibilities. 

I have a wonderful future awaiting me in the "other" country to which I have citizenship.
How about you?  Do you have your duel citizenship settled and in place? 

Minute Musings...This Is The Day

Psalms 118:24  "This is the day which the LORD hath made:  we will rejoice and
be glad in it."

Be honest...is this how you truly view each day?  I'm afraid that if you are like me, there
are many days that are grumbled and complained about.  How we view the day will be
how we live the day.  If we see the day as just another 24 hours of undesirable chores,
drudgery and insurmountable problems, then the day will take us to a defeated and
depressed state.  However if we see the day and what it holds, as from our loving Father's
hand, then we will go through those hours in thankfulness and victory.  Our state of heart
determines our state of mind.

The Lord made this day for us!  As with everything we receive from God's hand, this too
should be offered back to the Lord.  Our days should be lived to bring honor and glory to
the Lord God Almighty.  You cannot view your day as an offering to the Lord and complain
about it at the same time!

How are you spending your days?  Are you able to "rejoice and be glad in it?"  God
doesn't give us hard days in order for us to fail and be defeated in them.  He gives days
like this so that we can learn to depend on Him for our strength.  Every day is a day
that God has made.  Determine to rejoice and be glad, no matter what happens.

Psalms 118:28 & 29  "Thou art my God, and I will praise Thee:  Thou art my God,
I will exalt Thee.  O give thanks unto the LORD: for He is good:  for His mercy
endureth for ever."

Minute Musings...Before We Ask

One of my very best friends just stopped by, she and her kids took my shopping list and
have gone to the grocery store for me.  Hilda, another sweet friend from church stopped
by this morning with a lovely meal for my dinner.  Both of these ladies knew nothing about
the physical condition I was in today...but my God did.

It says in Matthew chapter 6 verse 8, "...for your Father knoweth what things ye have
need of before ye ask Him."  If this is the case, and it is...why do we worry and fret over
things?  I never thought that I was a worrier, but I've noticed these past few years the
tendency to do so increasing.  I think that the more that I'm physically unable to do, the
more I worry about how I'm going to do things.  There's a little chorus that says, "Why
worry when you can pray, trust Jesus, He'll be your stay.  Don't be a doubting Thomas,
trust surely in His promise.  Why worry, worry, worry, worry, when you can pray."

I've seen the Lord provide for me in ways that I never thought possible, so why do I worry
about the future when He's been always faithful in the past?  It's because I take my eyes
off of Him and look at the problems around me. 

God not only used these sweet friends to meet my needs today, He used them to be a
blessing to me.  As a partial shut-in, there are days when the walls just seem to start
closing in around me, and I feel cut off from the world.  When these two ladies breezed
in with their smiles and hugs, they seemed to bring the sunshine with them.  I was in as
much need of that as the other things...and my Lord knew that too.

Look around today and take note of the things that the Lord has blessed you with, you'll
be surprised at the number of things that you've just taken for granted.  Then remember
to thank Him!  Also, open yourself up to be used of the Lord to be a blessing to others,
I guarantee that you'll find yourself being blessed in return!

Minute Musings...Shattered Glass

Ever try to do too many things at one time and then end up just making more work for
yourself?  Last night I thought I would be smart and grab some things from the front
room that I had decided I didn't want to pack and move with me.  Already with an armful,
I figured that I could carry one more thing, then stood in dismay when it fell to the floor
shattering in what seemed like a million pieces.  I stood pondering my dilemma.  I have
diabetic neuropathy in my feet, meaning that I have no feeling in them.  The glass had
shattered all across the room, including the doorway.  I stood barefoot amongst the broken
glass longing for my broom which was in the front hall closet!  I did eventually find something
that I used to push the glass out of my way;  however this incident made me think about my
life.

How often do we make plans, organize our lives, only to watch them all shatter before us
like the glass that had blanketed my floor last night.  It made me realize once again that we
are not in control.  We like to think we are, even feel some pride perhaps in our well laid out
plans. But the reality is that we don't control what happens to us.  However we can rest in
peace and contentment knowing that the One that gave us life, does control it.

Psalms 31:15a  "My times are in Thy hand:"

I am so thankful that I have a God that I can trust to direct and order my life.  He knows
what is best for me.  Some of the hardest things that I've gone through have provided the
most valuable lessons in my life.  Would I have chosen those trials and heartaches...no! 
Many times I have stood and watched my life shatter around me, not able to do anything
to prevent the catastrophe.  Looking back I can see how my wonderful Lord directed in it
all, and I am thankful for the lessons and growth those "shattered glass" experiences have
taught me.  My loving Heavenly Father knows what is most needful in my life.  Even the
shattered pieces become priceless when God's in control.

Job 12:10  "In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all
mankind."

Minute Musings...Take Heed To Thyself

Do you ever find yourself stressed out because you're trying to please everyone?  I saw a
post one day that basically said, that when you try to please everyone you end up pleasing
no one!

I'm slowly learning that there is only one person that we should be focused on pleasing,
and that is the Lord God.

In Deuteronomy 4:9 we read, "Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently,"
There is not enough time in the day to keep myself in line if I'm looking at others, either
for their approval or just because I'm nosy!  "Only take heed to thyself,"  God knows that
we need to be constantly keeping tabs on our own thoughts, motives, actions and words. 
This is a full time job, we will not have time to look at others, for any reason!  We also
need to be spending time in prayer and fellowship with our Heavenly Father in order to
keep our souls from the dangers and pitfalls of this world. 

We please the Lord when we obey His commandments.  We displease Him when we live
for self and the pleasures of this world, it is really just that simple.  I like Deuteronomy
chapter 6 and verse 18a, "And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight
of the LORD:"  This sums up how we should live our lives from day to day.  Will it make
us popular with our friends, families and neighbors?  No, not all the time...but just keep
in mind who it is that we are trying to please!  Please the One who counts and you will
find that the others don't matter anymore!

Minute Musings...Goals

I've started my New Year off with packing up my household for a move that I didn't see
happening.  Being surrounded with boxes is not the way I saw this year starting out, but
it is a good way to start decluttering...again. 

As I sort through my belongings, deciding what to keep and what to let go, I find myself
comparing what I find myself doing, to my Spiritual life.  People tend to make New Years
resolutions, promising themselves that this will be the year to lose weight, to give up a
bad habit and so on.  What do we get rid of from our lives and what do we keep? 

Here are a few things that I'm trying, with God's help, to be victorious with this coming
year.

1.  Philippians 2:14  "Do all things without murmurings and disputings:"

It is so easy to get caught up in the sin of complaining.  But we are admonished to do
all things WITHOUT murmurings and disputings.  How can this be accomplished?  By
focusing on the Lord Jesus Christ, keeping Him first in our hearts and minds throughout
our days.  This doesn't come naturally, it is a learned and prayed about "habit" that must
be worked on...but with His help we can become a child of God who is known for praising
our Father instead of complaining, no matter what happens.

2.  Ephesians 5:16  "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

How many times do we come to the end of our day and realize that we squandered
precious time during the day on useless endeavors?  We know that as we grow older
time just seems to evaporate from our lives!  We need to prioritize our lives.  What
will count for eternity?  Make this the year that we give our hours over to the Lord;
we need to live with eternity in view!

3.  Colossians 3:1 & 2  "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are
     above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.  Set your affection on
     things above, not on things on the earth."
 
As I'm sorting through my things, I'm coming across items that at one time I put value
in.  These things no longer hold any meaning for me, their value has vanished with the
passing of time.  However when our affections are invested in the eternal, their value
will not diminish over time.  What are you placing value on in your life?  We are told
to seek those things which are above, this is what our affections should be focused on.

4.  2 Timothy 2:3  "Thou, therefore, endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus
    Christ."

It's very easy to fall into the pit of pity when we are faced with hardness.  Whether it
comes in the shape of loss of health, loved ones, finances, homes, jobs...hardships are
universal.  But as a child of God we are instructed to endure these hardships as a GOOD
soldier of Jesus Christ.  A good soldier takes his orders without comment, he obeys
immediately, and he will fight to the death for his leader and country...without complaint.
From our past record, would we receive reward or dishonorable discharge from God's
army?

5.  James 4:7  "Submit yourselves therefore to God, Resist the devil, and he will
    flee from you."

It is my prayer this year to be submissive to the Lord God and what He has in store for
me.  Is it going to be easy...no, being submissive does not come naturally to us.  But a
submissive life to the Lord is the only life that will bring peace and blessing.

I encourage you today to make a list of Spiritual goals that you want to accomplish this
year.  If you don't set goals you go nowhere.  With God's help, you will be able to look
back at 2014 and see a year of Spiritual growth and blessing.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year everyone.  Due to health problems and some major changes taking place in the next few months, I will be unable to post devotionals every day.  I will try to post some from time to time...they might be a bit shorter then what I normally post, but hopefully in time things will return to normal!  Thanks for all the continued support, it is very much appreciated.
God bless,
Cindy