Any Given Day lives on...Jesus is the Man!

I have decided that instead of wasting my time writing about relationships with men, I will spend my time writing about my relationship with THE MAN.  Jesus, the human representation of the Almighty Himself!

I imagine Him with a twinkle in his eye, a sly sense of humor, a self-depreciating style, and a sense of quietness about Him.  He was wise, yet never made others feel ignorant.  Ok, maybe some of those guys that needed a smack upside the head...

He was gentle and kind, yet fiercely protective of his flock.  He respected and admired women, and oh how hard that must have been to fight those biological urges...dang!

My guess is he was pretty hot.  Women threw themselves at him, without a doubt.  Oh to have that self control...we can only pray for it, right?

It's what I am praying for most these days...  patience, kindness, and self control...my toughest fruits.

I need to keep my eyes where they belong...on Him.  I need to be faithful that He will deliver the promised goods, at the appointed time, when I will understand and appreciate the gift.  Like a rose cut at just the right time, it will blossom into the most amazing flower...

Prayer for right now:

Hey Lord, could you give me a little patience and self control, please?  I having a tough time of it right now and it sure is easy to lose my faith these days.  Even in the darkest places of my brain, I know you are there, waiting for me to "get it."  Please help me "get it" and move on, and be who it is you want me to shine as.  With your favor I ask for some kind of sign that I am headed in the right direction and that things won't be quite so tough forever...thank you, as always, from the bottom of my heart, for your version of the perfect man.  Amen.

Any Given Day: 38

Choices...

Given a choice between right and wrong, what you would you choose?

Tough question right? "It depends" may have popped in to your head. Who defines right and wrong? The Law? Your conscience? Other people? God? We make choices all day long, many of them unconsciously. All have consequences...

Many of us think we are choosing the right thing, only to find out later it was wrong. Very rarely does is work the other way around...

Prayer works well. Praying before making a decision requires you to slow down. It brings God into the mix. The best part is He never steers you wrong if you give Him the chance. It requires you to actually listen.

Whether the decision is big or small, God wants to be a part of the process! Let Him in and give Him a chance. Prayer isn't just for when you wake up and go to bed, or something you recite at church. It's a chance to communicate with the One who created you and has your best interests at heart. Try it.

Lord, I am at a crossroad and I need your guidance. Help me to make the decision that is best today. Keep me focused on the big picture, Your picture, and do what is right. I trust your decision above my own. You know the ripple effect my decision creates, please help me make the right one. In Jesus name, AMEN

Luke 6:12-13

Fruit of the Spirit, it's in there!

Galatians 5:22-23 (New International Version, ©2011)

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

We are these things. If we have accepted Christ as our Savior, and His Spirit lives in us, then we are these things.

We forget though. We get caught up in our personal drama and we believe Satan's lies...

Next time you find yourself saying the opposite, try this instead...

"I am loving, joyous, peaceful, forgiving, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and I have self control. I just need to act like it." It feels weird at first, but it really works!

A prayer for reminder:

Lord, I don't feel the Holy Spirit inside me sometimes. Quiet and peace is necessary for me to redirect my compass, breathe your love, and freshen my mind. Remind me today that I am Yours, You reside in me, and I am your faithful servant! AMEN

Any Given Day: 8

Worried about something? Someone once said that worry was negative meditation. Fixating on a problem without taking action is wasted energy, and affects your outlook and behavior. Fixating on stuff you can't control makes you miserable. We walk around heavy and it keeps us from being our best!

There is always something you can do, however!

Pray about it. God asks us to come to Him in times of trouble. The bible is full of stories of historical figures, both important and insignificant, who come to God with their troubles and are granted answers, comforted, or issues are resolved. Solutions may not come immediately, or in the form we would like them to, but crying out in faith can work miracles! God has his reasons for things. Trusting that He not only heard you, but cares about you, is key. He knows your heart, He already knows your desires and needs. He is waiting to hear from you so you can grow in you faith in Him and His Son.

Lord, my troubles are wearing me down. I am worried and upset. I have little control over the burdens I carry. Please take them from me today. Give me the ability to walk in faith knowing that you have my best interests at heart. I trust in You and Your son, AMEN

2 Phillipians 6-7