Do you exercise as you should?
Drink enough water?
Eat plenty of leafy greens?Get 8 hours of sleep each night?
The list goes on and on….

We know what we should be doing, but somehow we don’t do it.
And then what happens?
We worry.  We suffer.  We complain.

This issue is not new with our human nature.
God tried to reach His people for hundreds of years with His hope, His Truth, Himself.But…..they refused to listen.

God offers (and expects!) repentance and rest…quietness and trust….ready to try it?

“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.”  Isaiah 30:15

Was your Easter basket full?
I hope not!
It seems that God does more when we come to Him empty!

Jesus emptied the temple courts
The alabaster jar was emptied of its perfume
And of course, the tomb was empty!  🙂
 
Hmmmm….we try and try and try to fill up our schedules, our homes, our lives, etc.
God seems to have a different economy!

Let’s dump our baskets and come to Him with nothing so HE can be our everything!

“He made Himself nothing…by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!  Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  Philippians 2:6-11

Hurry home!
Get the car in the garage!
And get locked in safely behind closed doors!
Whew!  You made it through another day!

Being alone has its strengths.  Not just a time to hide, but a time to rest and recharge.  Ponder and pray for the next adventure with God!

Right before Jesus was arrested He went out to pray alone….a very powerful prayer.

“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”  Matthew 26:39

In His time alone Jesus got deep, vulnerable with His Father in prayer.  

His time of intimacy prepared Him for the heart wrenching journey that would follow.

How are you preparing for the next step God has for you?

Get alone.

Cry out to the Father.

And then get back out there!

“Look, the hour has come……Rise! Let us go! ”  Matthew 26:45,46

King Jesus born in an animal manger
King Jesus arriving on a donkey
King Jesus laying down His life for every person everywhere for all time

How is God asking you to serve Him in humility today?

“Who is this King of glory?

The Lord strong and mighty,

the Lord mighty in battle.

Lift up your heads, you gates;

lift them up, you ancient doors,

that the King of glory may come in.

Who is He, this King of glory?

The Lord Almighty—

He is the King of glory.”  Psalm 24:8-10

Did you ever look in the mirror and dreadfully murmur….”Not today, Lord!”

Let’s turn that around and face our trials and fears in confident prayer…”Lord, I feel like I could drown under the pressures around me.  I can’t do this on my own.  But in YOUR strength and wisdom I declare:  “Not today, world!”

Under the shadow of God’s wing we can hide in His great plan!  His almighty provision!  His perfect wisdom!  His absolute power!

“God said, ‘This far and no farther will you come. Here your proud waves must stop!”  Job 38:11

Sweet and delicious
A diner regular
And a treat for holiday desserts

How do you view the Bible:
A formula you have to follow?
Or a sweet and delicious treat, an everyday regular need, and a special Word for every season?

“How sweet are Your Words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!”  Psalm 119:103

Today is Pi Day!  3.14 But who likes Geometry anyway?
Most people celebrate Pi Day with PIE!
Most everyyyyyybody likes pie! 🙂

“It’s broken”…..is that good news or bad news?

If we’re talking about an egg, a new puzzle or a bad habit – that’s great news!

What about a broken heart?  That is awful news!  Or is it?
On a human level a broken heart represents hurt and betrayal.  That is very bad news.

But if we can consider giving God our all – even our tender hearts – for Him to shape and mold – and even break away that which does not please Him – He will create a masterpiece!

God wants our all – even those things we hold dear – so we can hold HIM most dearly!

“You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;

You do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.

My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;

a broken and contrite heart

You, God, will not despise.”  Psalm 51:16,17

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord.”
Psalm 150:6

Looking out at our night sky lately reminds me of a Christmas carol:
Joy to the World, the Lord has come….let heaven and nature sing!

Whether we have winter or spring-like weather, nature is singing!
The planets are shining brightly and singing God’s praises!
And even the robins are back and singing!

How about you?
Whose song are YOU singing these days?

Were you ever so desperate you just wanted to stand up and scream, “HELP”!?!?  Wouldn’t it feel good to shriek and bellow out your frustration and pain?

Do you know a good antidote for feelings of helplessness?
Go help someone else!  🙂
Find something you believe in….your passion….your joy. Get lost in time and space.  Give of yourself.  Share generously.
And God Himself will meet your needs in the most amazing of ways!

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”  Romans 8:28

Today’s verse is a simple thought….yet a very deep and significant challenge!

“Do everything in love.”  I Corinthians 16:14

I can hear you right now:  There is no way on earth I can do EVERYTHING in love!?
Cut the grass?
Grocery shop?
Do my taxes?
Sit in traffic?
Deal with _____?  

That’s exactly the point:  There is no way ON EARTH.
It is a supernatural feat!

God is the Author of love, so let’s speak His language!
“Be on your guard;
stand firm in the faith;
be courageous;
be strong.

Do everything in love.“
I Corinthians 16:13-14