Category: enjoying life

Walk In Your Truth

John 16:13(NLT), “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.”

I recently saw a movie in which the main character had been the victim of a really difficult life. He had many negative experiences and was raised in an environment that was lacking in love. As a result of his upbringing, he made some bad choices that lead him down wrong paths and left him feeling empty inside. This movie was actually based on a true story so my heart went out to this person, but it also caused me to stop and think about the reality of the lives we live as people. Everyday when we wake up we are faced with a reality, sometimes that reality is what we want and sometimes it is not. Then I thought about truth. Truth may not necessarily be the same thing as the reality we live in. We can spend our days existing in a reality that is not really our truth. Our goal should always be for our truth to be our reality, the truth of who we are and what we believe. We can find this truth in the Word of God. When He reveals truth to us through His Spirit and His Word we can live our lives in confidence and quickly dismiss the lies that the enemy tries to send our way as well as the people he may use to convince us that the lies are true. The lies of the enemy will keep us bound to a reality that is not God’s truth. God’s truth will open our hearts to see how valuable we are so that we will not accept a reality that is not His best for us. But instead we will strive, with His help, to live in the reality that He has planned for us. A reality where we can be healthy spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially. A reality where we can achieve things that will make a difference in our lives and the lives of those around us.

Choose your own reality. Don’t just be content with the one the world throws at you. Trust the Holy Spirit of God, the Spirit of Truth, to guide you into truth each day.

Walk In Your Truth. You Are Worth It.

Father,

Thank you for your Spirit of Truth that keeps us safe from the lies of the enemy. Help us to apply the truth of Your Word to our lives and live in victory. Help us not to accept less than Your best. Teach us to live in the reality of who You say we are and to be satisfied as You fill us each day.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

automatic city control crossing
Photo by JESHOOTS.com on Pexels.com

 

 

Life is Short, Make Everyday Count

James 4:14(NIV),”Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”

Just about a week ago, I was telling a coworker about the influx of car accidents I’ve been seeing over the last couple of weeks while driving to work. Here in South Florida where I currently reside, the area is heavily populated and therefore there is an abundance of traffic on the road. I guess the allure of beaches and palm trees, combined with the warm tropical climate and endless summers, is a welcome oasis for those looking to relocate. Since relocating here from Michigan several years ago, I myself have definitely enjoyed the beautiful weather and I truly don’t miss Michigan’s snowy winters even though I do miss many of my friends and the peaceful parks that were some of my favorite places to commune with the Lord.

Well while driving to work earlier this week, I unfortunately encountered yet another accident but this time it involved one car and a bicyclist. I was passing by on the opposite side of the street but even from a distance I could see the up and down motion of the woman’s chest who was laying on the ground as she struggled to breathe. I figured her shortness of breath was a combination of injury and fear. The lady who appeared to own the car that was involved, was anxiously pacing back and forth as she talked on her cell phone. There was a man standing over the bicyclist speaking to her, and I could see that although she was very short of breath, she was speaking back to him. As car after car made it’s way around her, I watched as long as I could until my light turned green and the traffic in front of me began to move. As I moved, I could faintly hear the sound of a siren in the distant. I felt scared for her but prayed that God would bring healing to her body and that she would be alright.

As I got up on interstate 95 to continue my drive to work, this incident reminded me just how quickly life can change or even worse, end. As I saw that lady laying on the ground and gasping for breath, I was also reminded how important it is to make everyday count. I’m sure she never imagined that when she left her home that morning she would get hit by a car, but she did. We can be here one day but gone the next. It’s God that watches over us each day, offering His protection as we go about our daily tasks.

photography of people wearing blue shirt
Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

When we realize how brief our stay here on Earth really is, it makes us want to live life in the best way possible instead of just going through the motions. Living our best life isn’t only about acquiring more material things or accolades for ourselves, but it’s mostly about asking God to use us to be a blessing to others. It’s about the opportunities He allows us to have where we can pursue our purpose and use our gifts to help people and help make the world a better place. There is something special that God planted inside of each one of us. No one can be you or me, except you or me, so let’s make the most of the time God has given us to share His love with those around us.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Thanks for reading, click below to listen:

Loving God and Enjoying Life

When I first graduated from college I was so excited to be able to finally have more time to spend in God’s Word. I had a deep desire to know him better and I knew that his word would be the way I could do that. Not that I didn’t read my Bible while in school, it was just that now I knew I would be able to dedicate much more time to developing a better relationship with him.

Getting closer to the Lord is like most other relationships, as you spend time with him and get to know him you grow closer to him and love him more.  Deuteronomy 6:5 says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” I’ve definitely come to understand that learning to love God is a process. I’m surely glad that everything God ask us to do he is willing to help us with through the work of his Holy Spirit our divine helper, and I’m ever so grateful for his patience. As he guides us and teaches us we become more of who God wants us to be. Submitting to God’s will is a choice we have to make daily but ultimately it leads to days filled with peace, joy, and direction. As we begin to see him work more in our life we begin to love him more.

The days that I enjoy the most are the ones where I can sense his presence the most. But fortunately even on days when I may not feel as close to him I know he is still there because he promises in his word to never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6).
Over the last several months God has illuminated the word “joy” to me. I think his reason for doing that is because He knows joy is a key factor in enjoying life. Joy is something that can be experienced regardless of what difficulty we may be facing. Our hearts are joyful when we love God and are aware of the fact that he is always in control of our circumstances. When we encounter life’s setbacks joy says, “My God will never fail me, his love for me is greater than my problems so I don’t ever have to worry. He will take care of me.”

It’s so true, God will take care of all your needs, so do not despair! Reach out to him in good times and bad. Learn about who he is through his word and talk to him throughout your day and watch your love for him grow. As our love for him grows, we will have the contentment that comes from facing each new day aware of his presence with us and his love for us. As we look out and look up we can see the beauty of God’s love all around us, especially through his creation that he has given us to enjoy. Many days I just look up at the sky and I say, “Thank you Father for this beautiful day and for being here with me, I love you”. I certainly know that he loves me and being sure of his love for me causes me to enjoy my life more. He has given us all things to enjoy. In 1 Timothy 6:17 it reads,” Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

What’s your greatest fear or worry? As you ponder this question just realize that whatever the answer may be through the love of God you can still find peace and enjoy your life. With all that is going on around us, it may be hard sometimes to understand that our main focus should be on loving our God because he first loved us (1 John 4:19). It amazes me that he first loved me, even before I knew him. My prayer for my life and yours is that we will love our God with all our heart, soul, and strength and enjoy the life he has given us!

P.S.

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. (Psalm 27:13)

Dear Father,

Thank you for giving us all things to enjoy! May you be glorified through the lives we live here on Earth. Please teach us to love you with all of our heart, soul and strength. Help us to walk in the joy that comes from understanding in our hearts that you love us and want us to enjoy life.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.
.

%d bloggers like this: