What Are You Lacking Today?

When some basic need is lacking - time, energy, money - consider ourselves blessed.  Our very lack is an opportunity to latch onto Him in unashamed dependence.  When we begin a day with inadequate resources, we must concentrate our efforts on the present moment.  This is where we are meant to live.  It is the place where He awaits us.  Awareness of our inadequacy trains us to rely wholeheartedly on Him.  Self-sufficiency is a myth perpetuated by pride and temporary success.  Health and wealth can disappear instantly, as can life itself.  Rejoice in our insufficiency, knowing that His power is made perfect in weakness.

James 1:2; 2 Corinthians 12:9

The one thing I lack, and struggle with, on a daily basis is dying to myself.  There are lots of moments when I want to react on my emotions; anger, annoyance, bitterness.  I want to be entitled to my rights and throw myself a pity party.  That is my greatest weakness.  Sometimes I cave in, but most times I look to God and ask for His Spirit to take over.  When I do, He pours His Spirit into me and I go the opposite direction.  I have more compassion, love, empathy.  When I go that route, there is more peace around me and in me.  I should never be ashamed to ask God over and over again to make up for my shortcomings.  He prefers me to depend on Him than to learn how to be self-sufficient and never need Him again.

Back during the spring session of ladies bible study, I took up a study on Gideon.  The main point of the study is that our weakness is the key to unlocking God's strength.  All of us have shortcomings.  I have a lot of them.  But if I did not have them, I would have no need for God.  God designed all of us to have a need for Him; a desire; an emptiness that can only be filled by Him.  We need to embrace our weaknesses because that is the key.  The key to unlocking God's power; the key to a life dependent on Him; the key to an intimate relationship with the One who longs for us.

Taking It Slow

I like to work out first thing in the morning.  That is where I get my energy from; and I like getting it out of the way.  However, it looks like I will not be able to get my workout in until nap time today.  My children have their 6 month dental checkups this morning, so I can either workout and rush to get out the door, or I can grab my hot cup of coffee and spend time with God.  I chose the latter.  One of the things I am trying to work on is not to be such a control freak.  To not have a mental itinerary of the day.  God is teaching me this morning that I have a choice.  To either follow my mental checklist and be stressed, or to take it slow.  Each day is a gift from God, and I am to use it wisely.

Let Him teach us thankfulness.  Begin by acknowledging that everything belongs to Him.  Each new day is a gift from Him, not to be taken for granted.  If we slow down our pace of life, we can find Him anywhere.  Some of His most precious children have been laid aside in sickbeds or shut away in prisons.  Others have voluntarily learned the discipline of spending time alone with Him.  The secret of being thankful is learning to see everything from His perspective.  His world is our classroom.  His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light for our paths.

Hebrews 12:28-29; Psalm 119:105

Yesterday I hurt my ankle.  I jumped from our tub and landed hard on our tile.  So today I am switching my workout days and doing upper body.  I do not want to injure it more by doing all sorts of crazy moves.  I did not get to do Meatless Monday yesterday so I will be doing Meatless Tuesday today.  I had lunch with my neighbor at a Japanese restaurant, and who does hibachi and has vegetables?!  Not me!  I know, I am so not disciplined!  But I have to live life right?!  Or at least I tell myself that...hehe.  I started BETA yesterday, and even though it was not as tough as I thought it was going to be, I did get a great workout.  It felt so good to sweat like I did.  Here's to the next 5 weeks!

Which One?

As we look into the day that stretches out before us, we see many choice-points along the way.  We must make our choices one at a time since each is contingent upon the decision that precedes it.  Instead of trying to create a mental map of our paths through this day, focus on His loving presence with us.  He will equip us as we go so that we can handle whatever comes our way.  Trust Him to supply what we need when we need it.
Lamentations 3:22-26; Psalm 34:8

Sometimes I get so wrapped up with my own life that I forget to reach out to others.  Sometimes I go through a struggle and wonder if anyone can relate.  Sometimes I forget that we are all human and that life is not perfect.  I found out today that my sister is going through a tough situation.  I want to be there for her and help her in any way that I can, but I am not enough.  God reminds all of us that everyday we are faced with choices, and we have to be careful because one choice is a direct result of the previous choice.  We need to constantly focus our attention on Him.  He will direct our paths.  He will guide us in whichever way we should go.  He will equip us so that we can handle whatever comes our way.  And through it all, He will never forsake us or leave us.  Call upon His name, and He will come ready to fight the battle with us.

His Nurturing Side

Go to Him with empty hands and an open heart, ready to receive abundant blessings.  He knows the depth and breadth of our neediness.  Our life-paths have been difficult, draining us of strength.  Go to Him for nurture.  Let Him fill us up with His presence:  He in us, and us in Him.  His power flows most freely into weak ones aware of their need for Him.  Faltering steps of dependence are not lack of faith; they are links to His presence.
John 17:20-23; Isaiah 40:29-31

We have had an exhausting weekend; just nonstop from dawn to dusk.  I am utterly exhausted.  I am drained of strength and energy.  I have no more to give of myself.  God tells me that on days like this, I need to go to Him.  He will nurture me back to health.  He will give me more of His strength to continue on another day.  On days like today, I realize how much I depend on Him.

Changing Perspectives

Welcome problems as perspective-lifters.  If we encounter a problem with no immediate solution, our response to that situation will take us either up or down.  We can lash out at the difficulty, resenting it and feeling sorry for ourselves.  This will take us down into a pit of self-pity.  Alternatively, the problem can be a ladder, enabling us to climb up and see our lives from His perspective.  Viewed from above, the obstacle that frustrated us is only a light and momentary trouble.  Once our perspective has been heightened, we can look away from the problem altogether.  Turn toward Him, and see the light of His presence shining upon us.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Psalm 89:15

It seems as if I face problems almost on a weekly basis.  Most are small, but even the smallest of problems will get some sort of reaction out of me.  Some I handle well, others not so much.  When I do not seek God during the midst of my problems, I let "me" take over.  I react the way I want to; I feel the way I want to; and through it all, I feel entitled to it.  That is when the problem escalates because it lingers and won't go away, until I die to "me" and let God work.  We need to see everything through God's perspective.  Only then will we see problems for what they really are.

I lost a pound today, after not losing anything for the past three weeks or so.  I am two pounds away from my pre-pregnancy weight, even though it does not look it.  My problem area is my mid-section.  Having three kids has not been kind to my lower stomach area.  I have loose skin that will not go away with crunches.  I guess I will just have to get a job to save up money for skin removal surgery...haha!  Today is the last day of the ALPHA cycle.  Monday starts the BETA cycle.  I have heard it is extremely hard, but I am ready to take my fitness to the next level.  I am ready to start feeling pain again.  Hopefully the BETA cycle will help tone my mid-section.  A girl can hope right?!

In a Blink of an Eye

Make Him our focal point as we move through this day.  Circumstances are in flux, and the world seems to be whirling around us.  The only way to keep our balance is to fix our eyes on Him, the One who never changes.  If we gaze too long at our circumstances, we will become dizzy and confused.  Look to Him, refreshing ourselves in His presence, and our steps will be steady and sure.
Hebrews 12:2; Psalm 102:27

In our crazy household, things are always changing.  One minute the kids are playing well together, and before you know it, a fight breaks out.  One minute my daughter is calm and collective, and all of a sudden she has an emotional meltdown (it all starts now folks.  She is 8 and full of DRAMA).  One minute life treats us well, and in a blink of an eye it changes.  But God reminds us that even though this world is whirling around us, changing minute by minute, He never changes.  When we become dizzy, confused and even overwhelmed, we need to turn our focus back to Him.  He is refreshing.  He is safe.  He is my shelter.

Tomorrow is STATday and my last day of the ALPHA cycle.  I am excited to start the BETA cycle; something new to challenge my body.  I feel confident about tomorrow.  I have done extremely well this week with my calories, and I feel great!  I need to always remember how I feel vs. how much weight I have lost because at this point, the number does not matter, for various reasons.  Not only is my body changing, but I am changing as well.  I feel like a different person, inside and out.  I have come a long way, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually; and I never would have embarked on this journey, nor been successful at it, without enlisting God's help.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Time Management

Rest in the stillness of His presence while He prepares us for this day.  Be still, and know that He is God.  There is both a passive and an active side to trusting Him.  The passive side is resting in His presence.  The active side is responding to the circumstances of our lives with affirmations of trust.  He is always with us, so we have no reason to be afraid.  Our fear often manifests itself in excessive planning.  Our minds are so accustomed to this pattern of thinking that we do not realize how pervasive it is and how much it hinders our intimacy with Him.  Repent and resist whenever we realize we are wandering down this well-worn path.  Return to His presence, which always awaits us in the present moment.  He accepts us back with no condemnation.
Psalm 46:10; Romans 8:1

Chandler has been sick with the stomach bug for the past three days.  As soon as he was back to his old self, I sent him off to school; and since today is Thursday, I attended ladies bible study.  The spring season of ladies bible study has officially come to an end, but they are offering a mini-session for the next three weeks on various topics.  No more small groups, no more formal bible studies, no more homework.  I usually do not attend the mini-sessions, but since Caleb and I have been cooped up in the house with Chandler, I thought it best for both of us to get out.  Today, one of our church members spoke on time management.  She categorized women as unplanners, to-do list ladies or control freaks.  I am borderline to-do list ladies and control freaks.  Then she posed the question, "would your life be different if you sought the Lord in your daily time management?  How?"  I answered "yes.  I would spend it in a way that glorifies God and benefits others.  Priorities over selfish desires."

Instead of jumping out of bed, ready to tackle my tasks for the day, I need to be still and ask God for what He has for me that day.  He might have a different agenda.  He sure did the last three days of this week.  Instead of attending playdates or a MOPS meeting, I was at home catering to my 4 year old.  But spending my time His way allowed me to set aside my selfish desires, and put someone else's needs before mine.  It helped me to see what is important in my life, and place that at the top of my list.  We were told to make a to-do list and put A, B or C next to it.  A means "must be done today or it will lose value."  God has shown me over the past couple of months that things that used to matter do not have value.  It's the things I have placed on the bottom; the things that I thought would always be there; those are the things that must be done today or it will lose value.

Privileged

Keep our eyes on Him, not only for direction but also for empowerment.  He never leads us to do something without equipping us for the task.  That is why it is so important to seek His will in everything we do.  There are many burned-out Christians who think more is always better, who deem it unspiritual to say no.  In order to know His will, we must spend time with Him.  This is not a onerous task but a delightful privilege.  He will show us the path of life; in His presence is fullness of joy; at His right hand there are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 141:8; Psalm 16:11

When I first started blogging my daily devotionals, I made sure that I never turned it into a task; something on my to-do list that I had to complete by the end of the day.  Spending time with the Lord is not a tedious task, but a desire on my part.  The Lord not only gives me guidance, but He also empowers me to do things I cannot accomplish on my own.  He gives me the Fruit of the Spirit that I do not possess in my own DNA.  He gives me a peace that not even the best of circumstances can bring.  He keeps me grounded when at times, certain things can veer me off the path.  Every road He has lead me down, good or bad, is for my good and for His glory.  I will never doubt His path of life nor His will.  We never go through anything in vain.  Anything in puts in my way has a purpose, even though I might not understand.  All He asks of me is to be faithful in completing the task set before me.

My Controlling Ways

I live by my calendar.  Without it, I am lost.  When you have three kids, it is hard not to make your calendar your life.  I use it so that I can control what my day will look like.  I need order so that I do not create more chaos in my already chaotic world.  But God has told me before, like He is telling me today, that I need to let go of my controlling nature.  To live each day, ready to drop whatever it is to do God's will.  To not overbook my schedule; to not constantly be on the go, but to be still and listen for what God has for me that day.  I was not able to attend a MOPS meeting today due to Chandler being home with the stomach bug.  I was a little annoyed that I could not go, but God has revealed to me that sometimes I get too wrapped up with my social life.  There is a time and a place for everything; and today, Chandler just needed his mommy to be there for him when he needed me the most.

Listen to Him continually.  He has much to communicate to us, so many people and situations in need of prayer.  He is training us to set our minds on Him more and more, tuning out distractions through the help of His Spirit.  Walk with Him in holy trust, responding to His initiatives rather than trying to make things fit into our plans.  When our minds spin with a multitude of thoughts, we cannot hear His voice.  A mind preoccupied with planning pays homage to the idol of control.  Turn from this idolatry back to Him.  Listen to Him and live abundantly!
John 8:36; Proverbs 19:21; John 10:27

So yesterday, I completed my very first Meatless Monday.  I thought it was going to be tough, since I am such a carnivore, but it was not that bad.  Actually, I feel very good about giving my body a break from meat!  This week is the last week of the alpha cycle in T25.  I have heard the beta cycle is extremely hard.  I hope I am up for the challenge.  I am worried that if it is too hard, I might give up.  I just have to keep reminding myself how great I have been feeling physically, mentally and emotionally, and that should be motivation enough.

Mind Games

Let Him control our minds.  The mind is the most restless, unruly part of mankind.  Long after we have learned the discipline of holding our tongue, our thoughts defy our will and set themselves up against Him.  He risked all by granting us freedom to think for ourselves.  This is godlike privilege.  He made us in His image, precariously close to deity.  Though His blood has fully redeemed us, our mind is the last bastion of rebellion.  Open ourselves to His radiant presence, letting His light permeate our thinking.  When His Spirit is controlling our mind, we are filled with life and peace.
Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 8:6

On a daily basis, I have to give my thoughts over to God.  My mind can either encourage or destroy, and it is up to me to decide which way I want it to go.  Yesterday we attended an Easter family gathering, and like at most family get-togethers, there is just way too much food.  I do what I do best; I over-indulge.  This morning as I am putting on my workout pants, I notice my stomach bulging out.  I beat myself up for eating too much the day before, and vow to starve myself today to make up for it.  But instead of beating down on myself, and getting discouraged in the process, I give my thoughts over to God.  He reminds me in today's devotional that my bad thoughts are an act of rebellion against Him.  Instead of complaining, I need to see what He has done over the past few months in my journey.  Who cares if I slip.  I need to get back up and move forward.

As I was making my bed this morning, God revealed some things to me.  God has brought me through trials so that I can encourage others that are on the same path.  I had to come out of my comfort zone in order to be obedient.  I have been so self-centered, making it all about me, when in fact, I am to encourage those who have encouraged me over the years.  He has done some great things because of my obedience, and like I said before, He knows what I need.  He knows what is best, better than what I think is best for me.