It is promised

So, I had one of those moments when something I've been reading in my Bible time came up at a different seemingly random event soon after. God's way of making sure I don't miss his point. :)

I've been reading about the blessing passed on through Abraham and Isaac and Jacob etc. I tried to open myself up to what God was saying to me and was finding it challenging to relate to this account of generations. Then, on Saturday, a good friend invited me to attend service that night at her church. I honestly had planned on a quiet night at home, but I just couldn't settle in, so I reluctantly got ready and left my house 10 minutes before service started.

They were still singing when I arrived and the usher led me straight to the 4th row. The music was so beautiful and within minutes I was already glad I decided to come. Then the Pastor began speaking and he said that 'tonight, we're going to talk about legacies and about Abraham and how the blessing was passed down from generation to generation'.  I just sat there smiling at what God had orchestrated. I hadn't even planned to going to church that night, but God had me front and center and was reviewing what I was just reading about.

The Pastor explained that Abraham had a promise from God.  Abraham longed so deeply for God to deliver on his promise. Time passed and the longing never ceased, but God continued to confirm his promise to Abraham.  Of course, God did deliver. He keeps his promises.  Abraham was being prepared for something so much bigger than he could imagine, but the waiting was still difficult.

This was such a beautiful reminder to me that God has something in mind for us. Something that he's working on while we are waiting. The Pastor asked about the promise that God has given each of us and then reassured us that even when it doesn't look like it, HE really is working on/toward it.

I know for myself, this is confirmation that if I continue to do his will each day, I can rest assured that I am coming closer to his promise being realized in my life.

God is FAITHFUL. Always.

God, thank you for the blessings in my life. Thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for promises kept. I love you.

relinquish

When I find myself in the middle of a challenging situation, my instinct is to try to fix it, control it or even run from it. There are so many things that I don't understand. Walking in faith and trusting in his will for me has, at times been simultaneously comforting and frightening. I know that he is working toward good in my life. I know that he has placed me where he wants me. The big picture is clear. He is my lover and provider. Protector and healer. I know that he is all sufficient. It's the details that I tend to fret over. Like, what do I need to do right now to get to where it is he wants me to be? Am I making the right decisions? Do I need to do more or maybe step back and let go? I know for sure that he desires that I love as he loved and that I see with his eyes. He doesn't want me to be afraid.

So, I move forward each day, trusting in the basic truth that he is in control and that everything will truly be ok. I feel that all I can do is seek his will. Be in his word. Pray for his wisdom and guidance. And then let him do the work he has intended in my life and in the lives of those around me.

Dear God, heavenly father, I pray that you will give me the ability to see things as you do. That you will help me to seek, know and do your will, outside of my own desires. Life can be confusing. Please give me discernment, guidance and wisdom. I lean on you, Lord. On your strength. Help me to forgo my pride and my ego and to be your hands and feet. Help me to allow your light to shine in my life, that others may see your glory. I love you Lord. I want you to be with me. I know you are faithful and merciful. I give this over to you with confidence and assuredness. Thank you for your perfect love.

Amen

He's got this.

I'm a worrier by nature. I want things to be just right and I want others to be happy and that can tend to lead to unnecessary worry on my part. I often times feel that I can never do or be good enough. It's that perfectionism trap that I find myself constantly avoiding over the past few years. I really struggled with the concept of not earning God's love. I believed that if I did everything right, I would receive his blessings. A+B=C. :) Well, turns out, it doesn't work that way. All this time I've been suffering over this notion that I had to earn my salvation. Now I know and understand that it is a gift that we only need receive.

The big difference is that while I still try to do my best to follow his will for my life, I am able to accept his forgiveness when I mess up. He knows my heart, choices and thoughts and he LOVES me despite all of it. I just needed to learn to love myself through it. No person is perfect. We are just trying our best, which is greatly enhanced when we add his love, mercy and grace.

I remind myself daily that the worries I have are self inflicted. He has shown me such great faithfulness and love. I know that he will take care of me and my needs. He always has. So, now when I start to worry about something, I tell myself, 'He's got this." I don't need to worry, because I know he's already on it. My focus is just obedience. I want to be ready to play my part in his plan. It's an active, not passive role. I stand at the ready for when he calls me to move. Sometimes scared and sometimes excited. Either way, I can rest assured that he's in control.

Thank you God for your faithfulness and love. You give more than I deserve. I love you.

Amen

Empty

Lately I have found myself feeling discontent and even resentful. I have been struggling within my work environment and with an old friendship. I do not want to become bitter. And I definitely do not want to be unforgiving. At church I had learned about how when we are angry it's usually because we feel that someone owes us something. And once we are able to forgive the 'debt' that we feel owed, we will have peace.

I pray that God empties me of what I have been filled with lately. Those feelings of resentment and entitlement. I pray that God will clean out all of my dark corners and fill me with his love, goodness and peace. I pray for wisdom and for a forgiving heart. I want to love my friend and accept the love that she gives in her own way.

Lord, help me to let go of my expectations and to see things the way that you do. I know that you love me just the way I am. Even though I am not perfect and I am good at making new mistakes as well as repeating the same one's over and over.

I love you God and I need you. I know you are faithful. Thank you for your love and mercy.

Amen

exercise

So, lately, like many of us, I've been thinking of making this year healthier. Exercise more, eat better, you know, take care of myself.

And I was thinking, that's great. I should definitely do that. But I thought of a different type of exercise that I've been practicing and am thankfully improving upon. I've been learning to exercise my attitude 'muscles' over the past year or two.

My routine included individual training in reading the bible and prayer/reflecting time, daily. I also took part in group exercise by getting involved in and staying in a small group at church. My personal trainers were my accountability partners and mentors. And to top it all off I supplemented with starting to read 'the treasure principle'. Wow! This has really boosted my development of good strong attitude muscles.

All in all, I would have to say that God has helped, loved and strengthened me. It is not as difficult as it used to be to keep my focus and attitude on Him.

I'm thinking I better stick to my routine. And if I have extra time, maybe I can fit in some walking. :)

Thanks God, you rule!!