Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Be More Childlike

When my little granddaughter doesn't want something, whether it is certain foods, going to bed, or meeting someone, her first reaction is to turn away from what she doesn't want in her life with such a frenzy while saying, "I don't want it!"  She will not look at the person or thing as if repulsed by it.  Sometimes my cajoling only makes her cry harder.

There are many things in my life that I don't want as well--anger, fear, doubt, and temptation.  Especially temptation to do all those things!  Why can't I be like her--a two-year old who only wants to be at peace.  Satan has had many years to cajole me, and along the way he has deceived me into seeing things his way.  It's more fun to hang out with cool people than godly ones, or to agree that some people aren't worth loving, or it's okay to be mad, healthy even!  Lord, help me to turn away in disgust from the temptation to sin.  Help me to turn my back on what doesn't bring me peace.

"Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven." Matthew 18:3 NIV

From From My Heart to Yours by Deirdre Tolhurst

Friday, February 19, 2016

The Best is Yet to Come!

On those days when life seems to be getting the best of you, when all your attempts at success seem to be less than you desire, and failure looms like an albatross around your neck, remember that it is in your weakness that you gain your strength.

If not for those times when you fall on your face, how would grace be able to lift you up to see a new achievement? How dull your life would be if you remained stagnant, never moving ahead!

So look at your trials as building blocks of faith.  Look at what you have learned, and remain steadfast. This too shall pass, but you will have grown in faith and strength, God's warrior, no longer afraid of the battle!  Onward, mighty Christian soldier!  Your heavenly reward is great!

"That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong."  2 Corinthians 12:10 NIV