In the post Creating Order, some thoughts were shared
about the Ten Commandments. God wants the best for us but history tells us that
humanity focuses more on the things of the world rather than the “Good News” of
God. When we pay attention to the world, disorder expands to fill the void of
human failure. When we pay attention to God, order fills the void with
greatness.
Distraction steals our heart
from God. Worry and the senseless noise of the phone, television, and the bad
news of the world can get us down. Each of us could use more of God’s “Good
News”. Here’s an uplifting video that inspires this thought: Stop the World – Matthew West
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on
earth. – Colossians 3:2
Many may think following God’s way is boring and there is no liberty or the ability for amazing success but in reality, there is freedom and great success in obeying God’s way because God cares for us more than we care for ourselves. He understands our needs more than we do.
We should strive to be prepared daily through His Word in order to receive His divine power. The first priority is seeking more patience in making Christ more than an acquaintance which is one thought from today’s video: Lead me to the Cross - Hillsongs.
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. – Joshua 1:8
The night before going to a concert with my daughter, I had a major project due and really didn’t know if I could finish and be able to make it. It was just a matter of putting it into God’s hands. Many years into the future, I will not remember the project but I will remember the concert that I went to with my daughter. Time flies by and this song puts everything in perspective for what is truly important: Cinderella - Steven Curtis Chapman.
Teach us to number our days aright. That we may gain a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12
In the post Developing the Right Attitude, the people still did not get it. They were thirsty in the Desert of Sin and complained to Moses; even ready to stone him but Moses prayed and God told him to hit a rock with his rod and when he did, water came gushing out for them to drink.
Later in the passage, we are told how they overcame their enemy in war. Moses lifted his hands toward God and as long as his hands were above his head showing total dependence on God, the Israelites were victorious.
Each of us face trials in life. There may be times when projects are due, bills are due, or for a business … payroll must be met. Many go into panic mode, but followers of Christ have developed a different attitude.
Followers of Christ just keep stepping ahead steadily towards the victory because they have developed the right attitude; the attitude of “been there, done that” and constantly relying on God’s guidance. The challenges in life are handled victoriously on a regular bases because of their faith.
Followers of Christ know that the King of Glory; Jesus laying down His life for our freedom brings victory into each of our lives. Here’s a video that inspires this thought: This is Amazing Grace – Phil Wickham.
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. - Colossians 2:8
In the post Following Instructions, the Israelites complained because they were in the desert. They were hungry and thirsty but then God provided for them through some amazing events. Unfortunately, they didn’t follow God’s instruction in collecting the food He had provided.
God tested the Israelite community to see if they could follow specific instructions. They were to gather enough quail and Manna for one day. Some didn’t pay attention and the food became full of maggots and smelled.
As we go through life, there is a need to follow the perfect instructions from our Father in Heaven. Unfortunately, our children follow what we do and it may not always be the perfect example. Then there are times when we hit a homerun as in today’s video: Watching You – Rodney Atkins.
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. – James 1:19
Shared in the post He Clears the Path to Safety, the lesson was to examine our hopes and dreams and strive to accomplish them in order to give glory to God just as Moses did by creating a path through the sea to the other side.
Keep in mind that God can create a path for us to victory. So this day with God, remember there is no more fear because the path is made clear with His Son beam to our every hope and dream.
Since God always delivers on His promises, let us do like Moses and the Israelites by praising Him with a song. Enjoy today’s video: Hope in Front of Me – Danny Gokey.
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. - Romans 15:4
Shared in the post Turning Tough Situations into Something Positive were thoughts about how God led His people through a tough situation as they were trapped between the Egyptian army and the Red Sea but then the sea was parted allowing them to escape.
Just like He did with the Israelites back then, God can take us out of tough situations today and turn them into something positive. Out of intense difficulties, God can make simplicities emerge.
Ever hear a song that gives you a lift during times of struggle. We get hit with so many negative thoughts on a daily basis. One idea is to start the day with uplifting positive music that gets your mind in the right frame of mind as you start your day. Here’s one for today: It’s a Beautiful Day – Jamie Grace. Enjoy!
Now we can look forward to the salvation God has promised us. There is no longer any room for doubt, and we can tell others that salvation is ours, for there is no question that He will do what he says. - Hebrews 10:23
Pray for families to help each other be at their best - helping with chores, planning together, encouraging each other, and having fun together. Praise God for providing for needs; for food, shelter, and support of each other. Each evening, let us thank God and pray for His guidance for the future so we can help others be at their best and set out to follow Him. Make it a habit to pray before eating meals and ask that God plants inspiring thoughts into each other’s heart; finding ways to pass on to others thoughts, ideas and inspiration for a brighter future.
Here is an old song and video to inspire us today. It’s about the need to take care of each other; parents providing a bright future for their children and children to look after their aging parents: Teach Your Children – Crosby Stills Nash and Young.
They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship to the breaking of bread and to prayer. – Acts 2:42
