For those of you who have been following my writings here, you have realized a tone that I may not have been in the best of moods over the last few weeks. Yes, there is a bundle of joy coming. But the stress of that joy is overwhelming. Just writing that statement made it sound weird. The "stress" of the joy? What is awesome, is that I have seen God give me small victories and joys along the way. I just have to notice them more than I have before. I believe that is how it is with the Holy Spirit. He is gentle and silent, and always working. We have to be willing to respond to His silent call. By responding to the urge to bring me a treat, Erika made my day (and a couple days after, these things are fantastic!). You never know when you will have the chance to brighten someone's day, lift someones spirit, let them experience the Love of God, or open their eyes to happiness. Whether it be a treat for a loved one, a crying shoulder to a family member, a hug for a classmate or forgiveness for an estranged friend.
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| This was a full bowl, they were massacred in 24 hours. The challenge is not eating them. |
Day 23
Scripture
Titus 3: 5-8
- 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
Wisdom
- Let me ask you a tough question. When you see an opportunity to serve Jesus in some way how do you react? What is your response?
- I can tell you some popular ones:
o I can’t or I don’t know how
o I am too busy or this just doesn’t fit into my schedule
o I don’t like uncomfortable situations or I don’t like confrontation
o I’m too young or I’m too old
o I’m just a regular person; not a pastor or spiritual leader.
- Wow, how many times have we all aid some of those things!
- But did you notice a common theme there? It’s all about the “I” in those situations. It’s all about us. Have you ever thought of yourself as an “Idol?” You know how the commandment says, “You shall not worship any false idols.” Well guess what you made yourself?
- Serving the Lord isn’t same grand work like mission or teaching! It is simple; being a Godly and caring parent that leads the home spiritually, an office worker that isn’t afraid to share the Gospel at work or comfort a co-worker during a difficult situation, the student who is willing to talk about their faith to a friend or respect a teacher even when they think they don’t deserve it, or a friend that listens to another when they are hurting.
- Don’t shut the door on God’s will for your life before you see what He has in store for you. Laying down our excuses is the smartest thing we can do to serve the Lord. He will continue to bring you opportunity, He hopes you say yes.
Apply
- Think of a time where you “shut the door” on an opportunity. How would that situation or relationship be different if you had done what God wanted?
- Do you actively look for places you can serve the Lord?
- Challenge yourself to be more aware of the opportunities in your life to be “God’s Love” for someone.
Prayer
- Open your heart to the will of God. Pray that He continues to bring you new opportunities to serve Him. Ask Him to show you places where you can be His light in this world. Ask Him for strength and direction to stay focused on Him. Pray for your family and God’s will in it.
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