Monday's Blessing
Colossians 3:23-24

"Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance.  It is the Lord Christ whom you serve."

Do you ever wonder why some people are so blessed and continue to prosper and get ahead, while others remain in ruts of their own making? There certain reasons for this.  One thing you can be certain of: God doesn't bless mediocrity.  He blesses excellence.  The Scripture says, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole heart, not unto men, but do it unto God knowing that God will reward you" (Colossians 3:23-24). Simply stated, what every you do, give your best effort and do it as if you were doing it for God.  If you work with that standard in mind, God promises to reward you.  

Being a person of excellence and integrity is not easy.  A person of excellence and integrity goes that extra mile  to do what is necessary.  He keeps his word even if the chips are not falling his way. People of excellence arrive to work on time.  They give their employers their best by ensuring a full day of work is offered.  They don't leave early or call in sick when the mood strikes them.  When you have excellence in your spirit, it shows up in the quality of your work.  People notice that type of attitude and respect it.  

If you want to live your best start aiming for excellence and integrity in what you do.  Don't be a follower of the mishaps who say, "A little bit of money a little bit of work." Start doing a little bit more than you are required to do. If you are supposed to be at work at 8:00, get there 10 min. early and stay 10 min. later.  Go the extra mile when you are there.  Don't be one of those individual who show up to work 15 min. late, wander around looking for others, hang out getting coffee, then finally end up at your work station 30 min. later.  These type of people spend half the day on their phones texting, playing games, or sending memes on Facebook.  They they have the audacity to wonder, "God why don't you ever bless me? Why don't I ever get a promotion?"

The stated truth is: God doesn't bless mediocrity.  God blesses excellence and integrity.

Do you really think hanging around socializing with all the employees who are stuck in that same realm will get you where you want to be?  You think someone in administration will look upon you and say, "Hey, look there's Darlene, she goes with the status-quo. She's right there each morning milking the system.  Let's give her an administration position tomorrow."  

Sure, everyone is doing it, you may be thinking.  And, might I add, everyone is stuck in the same dimension where they don't want to be- just like you.  They complain about it near the water cooler everyday that nothing is happening, and I can tell you first hand, nothing probably will.  

Remember you represent Almighty God.  How you live, how you conduct your business, and how you do your work is a total reflection on our Lord.  Do you want blessings? Then try showing more excellence and integrity.

Start making more excellent choices in every part of your life.  Pay your bills on time.  Are you driving a car that hasn't been tided or washed in six weeks?  Is your backseat and trunk full to the brim with items you just can't get up off  your butt to clean?  No one likes getting into a car that stifles the mind with clutter.  It makes you feel unkempt, undisciplined, sloppy, and less than best.

Start looking at life differently.  Declutter your life of such nuances.  

You may be thinking, "I'm just driving an old clunker.  Why should I wash that thing?"  

Well, think about this, if you start taking care of what god has given you, he'll be more likely to give you something better.  Similarly, you may not live in a beautiful new home, but you can keep it clean and looking nice.  It depicts that a person of excellence lives there.  

God's people are people of excellence.  They stand out from the crowd because they do things well.  You may be in a situation today where you are not promoting that excellence.  Or, maybe you are surrounded by people who always take the easy way out.   Don't let that rob you.  BE the one with the excellent spirit.  Do your work well, take care of the resources that God has given you, and live in such a manner that when people see you they are attracted to your spirit and your God.

Monday's Blessing
Matthew 28:20

 "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Many of us are rebounding on the recent news coverage concerning the 10 year 
anniversary of 9/11. I know I caught glimpses myself as I went about my daily 
duties, while my son sat mesmerized at each new, never seen before, 
heart-rendering story. It set a cloud of despair over the day, but also a 
feeling of thankfulness. Thankfulness, that despite recent turmoil we faced as a 
family, we were all here together to offer love and support to each 
other.

"-And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the 
age." Went through my mind yesterday, knowing that God always remembers me. He 
is always with me and never leaves my side. I got to thinking about the people I 
lost touch with, that I chose not to remember anymore. Some were let go because 
of anger, some were discarded because I was disgusted with their constant poor 
choices over life. But, today is the day I pan to reconnect. Who have you left 
standing out in the cold? Who could benefit from your voice right 
now?

Daily Guidance

1. Make a call. Is there someone you need to forgive? Who 
do you need to reconnect with that needs you? Swallow your 
pride!
2. If you can't talk to a loved one, at least reach out 
and hug them.
3. If you haven't already, make a Facebook page. You can connect with relatives all 
over the country, and it takes seconds to open.
4. Get on your email more, 
and make it a point to send out positive messages stating how much family and 
friends mean to you.

​Monday's Blessing
Isaiah 58:11

"The Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire in scorched places, and give strength to your bones; and you will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail."      

It's so funny how human nature works.  We believe God is guiding us as long as we are getting what we want and we're living "high off the hog." This type of life where everything comes our way in consistent blessings is when we feel totally tuned in to our Lord.  But we need to understand that the Lord is directing our steps even when the days seem gloomy.  You may be in a stressful situation today.  You could be living with a spouse or child who is difficult to get along with.  You have proclaimed your undying faith to Jesus, but that other "person" just doesn't seem to get all that wonderful mentoring you've been bestowing each day.  Or perhaps because of favoritism or politics at the office, you are not being treated fairly.  Maybe those in charge are just slapping more and more work on your desk unbeknownst to the fact you are about to burst.  Maybe you are holding down two jobs to make ends meet.  You may be sitting there right now reading this thinking, This doesn't seem right, God, I just don't get all this.  

The Scripture says, "Since the Lord is directing our steps, why try to figure out everything that happens along the way?" (Proverbs 20:24)  Let me tell you right now, that you are never going to understand everything you go through in your life or why certain things come against you. The only recourse is to learn to trust God anyway.  Throughout this keep a good attitude in the midst of the chaos and confusion, knowing that God is still in control.  And, THIS is hard to do some days. 

There is a story that is a great example of true faith in the midst of adversity.  A short time ago there were two basketball players who were headed to Kenya to work on a missions project in the late 1990's. Somehow they were delayed and missed their plane.  They were terribly disappointed, as the next flight wasn't for eight or nine hours.   

When it was finally time to leave, there were only two seats available up in first class.  The attendants seated the big guys directly up front.  This made the flight bearable with more leg room.  In the midst of that flight, the plane took a nosedive and started streaking toward the ground at full throttle.   People began to to scream frantically around them.  The flight attendants tried to subdue the passengers.  Everyone knew that the end was near.  

The two big basketball passengers, being men of God, tried to regain their composure by praying, "God, we really don't understand this, but please use our lives somehow." 

Immediately following they heard loud noises coming from the cockpit.  A flight attendant opened the door  and there was a deranged man, over seven feet tall, hovering over the captain.  The copilot was no match for this man and was trying desperately to subdue him.  The man was trying to gain control of the plane.  He was a madman and no one in that cockpit was a match for him.

All of a sudden the two basketball players saw what as happening from their front seats.  They pulled the attacker to the ground and pulled him out of the cockpit.  By the time they were actually able to get him under control, the plane had fallen from 30,000 feet to 4,000 feet.  Had the pilots not been able to regain control, within seconds the plane would have crashed and killed everyone on board.  

You are never privy as to why God puts you in some predicaments.  Sometimes you may be placed there to help others just as those two basketball players were.  God delayed those two young men on purpose. He put them right in first class, right up front, so they could help save the lives on that plane.  

Sometimes God will put you in an uncomfortable situation so that you can be of service to someone.  God delayed those two men on purpose to save that entire plane.  God knows what he's doing, and you need to be open to when he needs you.  Stop waiting on him to give you what you want.  Today, open your heart.  Ask God to place you where he needs you.  

​Trust that he will give you what you need to do his work.  Be open.  Listen to his voice as he directs you.  Start each morning with a prayer, "God place me where you need me most." 
​

Monday's Blessing
Psalm 119:105

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."      

God's word voices many views on maintaining healthy relationships.  Healthy relationships bring us added blessings each day.      The Bible offers several good points on maintaining a healthy relationship.  There is an added benefit when seeking a partner that is also parti  After all, the Bible clearly says, "Do not be unevenly yoked."  Those individuals who share the same faith philosphy can often weather the storms easier as their faith is a shared common bond.

But what constitutes a health relationship?  What does God's word say about our own self happiness?  What are we to expect from our loved ones in life?  One thing is certain, it should contain the following guidelines:

* Communication is open and spontaneous, including listening.
* Rules/boundaries are clear and explicit, yet allows flexibility
* Individuality, freedom, and personal identity is enhanced
* Each enjoys doing things for self, as well as for the other
* Play, humor, and having fun together is a commonplace
* Each does not attempt to "fix" or control the other
* Feelings and needs are expressed
* Ability to let go of the need to be "right"
* Self-confidence 
* Conflict is faced directly and resolved
* Openness to constructive feedback
* Each is trustworthy
* Balance of giving and receiving
* Tolerance, forgiveness
* Mistakes are accepted
* Each can enjoy being alone
* Personal growth is encourage
* Continuity and consistency is present in the commitment
* Responsibility for own behavior and happiness, non blaming

How does your relationship score on the list?  Do you feel many of the characteristics are there?  Or, do you feel you are deficiet in certain areas?  Sometimes bringing these areas to light can shed a ray of sunshine on the bonds of love, strenghtening them more.  After all, God placed us together to be of love and support to one and other by offering a beacon of light on dark days and a ray of happiness to share on bright days.

Daily Guidance     

1.  Providing a Christian home is important.  Rely on the principles of the Bible to provide a safe, nurturing home for your family members.

2.  Should you need to resolve some of the above matters, do so immediately.  Bring it to the table with your suggestions.  Ensure your partner of his/her great worth and love on your behalf. Should this prove unhelpful, seek counseling.

3.  Look at the above list again, are you deficeit in any area?  Are there areas of your own that need changing?  Remember love is a two way street.

4.  Plan an absolute date night ONE DAY a week.  Etch it into your schedule as you do all other important life tasks.  Do so away from children.  Even if your finances don't allow dinners out, there is much to do outdoors and it's free.

5.  Most importantly, be patient.  Relationships are made for a life time.  Often our need for instant gratification remains on the fore front.  Don't expect miracles, and learn to give a little. ​