~Diligence in Prayer~

     I have been sick the past four days. (bleh) Sore throat, achy bones, too much television...yeah...you get the point.  However, in the midst of my bronchitis/flu mix, I relearned a skill that had been long forgotten in life's highs.  This low, which snuck up on me when least expected, has taught me the necessary discipline and diligence needed in prayer.  I find myself praying more than once a day, and asking for healing. However, it's much more than a casual "dinner-table" prayer, where the smell of the food in front of you drives you to speed through the words. The prayers that I have said the past couple of days have been from the heart, and each one has left me on my knees (figuratively), letting all of my requests float from my heart to God's open right hand. Ahh! It felt so good.

     Life is going to give us lows when we least expect it, but you must learn from those instances, and remind yourself not only what a real prayer sounds like, but what one feels like. I still need to work on my prayers, and make them more Christ-oriented, but through this illness, I know I am inching towards improvement.

Reflect, Relax, Refresh, & Recharge

Spring Break is finally here! Families load up the mini-vans in a feverish race to warmer weather, crystal waters, and sandy beaches. Others pull out the bag of potato chips from the pantry and lazily lounge on the sofa, watching reality television. In the midst of this much-needed break, it is easy to loose focus of God. You prayed and sought after him during school and work, but now that a break has arrived, you forget that you still need him. Rather than spending your break away from God, let God journey with you on your vacation. Get up early and meditate on his word.  Say a prayer every morning giving thanks to him.  During our break, we must reflect on God, relax in the midst of his beauty, refresh ourselves through his word, and recharge, so that after the break, we are spiritually intact.

Don't Worry, Be Happy!

I'm an obsessive worrier. My mind is always searching for something new to lay it's hand on and worry about, day in and day out.  Can I blame genetics? The truth is, NO, I can't.  Through God, there is peace for the moment and joy through the hardest trials.  I have control over my worry, and must find a deeper trust in my Lord to avoid uncontrollable worry. So often, I forget God is in control...and then I have to remind myself that my God can move mountains.  Today, don't let your worry hold you captive. Instead, break the chains and stand strong in God's right hand. :D :D :D

Confronting the Corrupt

We are all sinners saved by God's unending grace~Amen! However, there are millions of humans who have not yet accepted this free gift. If they knew that it was a prayer away, would they take the step into God's open arms? Would they?  Share the light that changed your life, and let others see just how merciful and gracious our Lord is.  Many of today's people are twisted in liberality, writhing in wicked character.  We can't be hypocrites to this, because at one time, we were the same way. Instead, we must love on these people, and reach out to them in willing discipleship.

Spiritual Integrity

God puts his strongest disciples to the test of spiritual integrity.  Integrity in this sense is our willingness to maintain the pace and breadth of our faith and stay obedient to God in the midst of those that degrade, ridicule, or reject.  We must be so willing to follow after Jesus, that we fear nothing.  I know this is something I must work on.  Whatever comes our way is passible and we must carry the message of Jesus onward, and keep living with spiritual integrity.  As you go your own way, live for God in every one of life's aspects.  "Your grace abounds in deepest waters

Your sovereign hand

Will be my guide

Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me

You've never failed and You won't start now" (OCEANS~Hillsong)

Positivity-It's crucial!

Positivity-it's our internal motivator telling us to keep driving through.  It provides us with renewed work ethic and a fresh train of thought.  Positivity also brings about happiness and joy in others, and allows others to put their best foot forward.  As disciples to the world, positivity is crucial.  Pass on a grin to that lonely man, eyes glazed over in bitter sadness and sorrow.  Share a hearty laugh with one who doesn't believe in Jesus yet.  Through positivity, people will see the difference "you" make in their lives,  and it is then that you can let them know that God is the reason for your eternal smile, and he is the one working that smile through you. 

Good Samaritans to the World

We've all heard renditions of the good Samaritan story, and the selfless action that the Samaritan took to save the broken traveler.  This act should serve as a prime example of what Jesus looks for in his most willing disciples.  No matter who, we should all be willing to stop for that person at work, school, or at home who is drowning in life's sorrows.  Today, be a Good Samaritan, reaching out to the everyday person, and giving them a shoulder to lean on for support. Let them know that God is there for them.