A little folding of the hands to rest- and poverty will come on you like a bandit. Proverbs 24:33-34 |
Ask any keen gardener what happens to his garden if it is left alone. The magic formula for a shabby garden is no water, no fertiliser, no weed killer, no care. Nobody wants a shabby garden but they can end up with one simply through neglect. Our spiritual life is the same. I often ask myself how much time and effort I am dedicating to my relationship with Jesus. It is so easy for the weeds of anger and discouragement take root in my soul and how quickly anxiety erases the peace in my heart. The formula for a bad garden and a bad life are identical-just a little neglect.
“Lord, help me find the time to be with You and share my life’s achievements and discouragements and listen to what You have to tell me. Show me those areas of my life that need to be trimmed and groomed. Help me seek and live Your Word and help me to manage my time so that I can have more time with You because I need You by my side every single minute of my life.”
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Whoever heeds correction shows prudence. Proverbs 15:5 |
As a young football player I had received some rather hard criticism and my coach’s words linger in my mind to the present day. “If the criticism about you is true, mend your ways! If it isn't, forget about it!” It is always wise to analyse any comment and if it is not justified, let it roll like water off a duck’s back, however if they are true take the necessary steps to correct them. Peter says it so nicely, “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But whoever is made to suffer as a Christian should not be ashamed but glorify God because of the name.” (1 Peter 4:14, 16).
“Lord, I will be meeting many people today, who will look at things in different ways but there is only one way and that is Your Way. Guide me by sharing what is right, what is just and whatever brings a change into our lives. I need You as my guardian and protector and give me the strength to put my complete trust in You and do what is right.”
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He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress. Proverbs 14:26 |
Do you remember all those situations when you felt uncomfortable at the thought of talking about Christ? If so, you are not alone. However you can overcome your fear of people, if you learn to fear God. Jesus says, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” The truth dissolves fear and gives courage to those who accept it. Think of that when God gives you an opportunity to speak or act on His behalf. Once you see your life as secure in God, as David did in Psalm 3, your initial fear just melts away.
“Lord, as I go out today to do my chores instill in me the strength to look around me and feel the need of delivering your Word to those I meet because as David said, “You are a shield around me”. Make this day be the start of a remarkable day in the lives of those I share Your Word with as they find in You all that they ever need. Yes, may your blessings be on your people.” |
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