Start with yourself

Moments to give devotional by Robert Strand

When I was young and free and my imaginations has no limits,

I dreamed of changing the world.

As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change,

so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country.

But it, too, seemed immovable.

As I grew into my twilight years,

in one last desperate attempt,

I settled for changing only my family,

those closest to me, but alas,

they would have none of it.

And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize:

If I had only changed myself first,

Then by example I would have changed my family.

From their inspiration and encouragement,

I would have been able to better my country  and,

who knows,

I may have even changed the world. (-anonymous)

"Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them 

into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rocks."

-Matt. 7:24

A Worry List

I myself worries a lot of stuff and since Christmas season is at hand... my worries are more about money and materials things. I  don't know... the devil got me of thinking over these nonsense things and have robbed me of my peace and stillness in God. Not to mention that my daughter got an upper and lower right lung pneumonia and this got us in going back and back to the hospital.

"Do not worry about tomorrow"

I was worrying about a few things as I sat in my car under a shade tree at lunchtime.  Then a robin, with a fat worm dangling from its mouth, landed near my door and looked up at me. The robin was a vivid reminder to me of Jesus' words in Matthew 6:25-26 -"Do not worry about your life... look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap  nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father  feeds them. Are you not of more than they? 


Years ago, in an article in Denver Seminary magazine "Focal Point" Paul Borden gave some helpful suggestions  for worriers: Start a worry list - write down what you're worried about. The bills, your job, your children or grandchildren, your heath, the future. Then turn your worry into a prayer list - ask the Lord to work in those situations you're concerned about. Pray specifically for your needs and depend on Him.  Turn your prayer list into action list - if you have any insights that there's something you can do about your cares, do it. As we turn out worries into prayer and action, Borden says (Another author), "Paralyzing anxiety can be replaced by concern for the responsibilities of life."  Why not start you list now? - Anne Cetas

Don't fret about the future,

 Or be consumed by cares,

 Instead take all your worries,

 And turn them into prayers. --Sper

Waiting for God's Best

Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you;

he rises to show you compassion.

For the Lord is a God of justice.

Blessed are all who wait for him!

--Isaiah 30:18-- 

Challenge:

Have we been working our own accord to try to "make something happen" in our life? Maybe it's a relationship, job, family issue. Whatever it is, slow down and wait patiently on God's timing. begin today to move at God's perfect pace and receive all that He has planned for you.

Prayer:

Lord, you know how hard waiting is for me. Please give me the patience I need to wait for Your perfect timing in everything. Help me not to settle for second best. When I'm tempted to "something happen," speak to my heart and remind me what my impatience can cost me. Help me to not only wait, bu to do so with a good attitude.

Thank You for all the blessings You have in store for me!


Inspired by: J.M Farro devotional