God's Message Today
Colossians 3:2

"And set your mind and keep time set on what is above, not on the things that are on the earth."

How quickly our mind changes thought even if we try to stay on the right path.

Wet concrete can be moved with ease as it is malleable before it dries or sets.  Once set, it is in place for good. You can not remold it or change it.  The same principle applies to setting your mind.

To set your mind is to determine decisively what you will think, what you believe, and what you will and will not do. It is to set it in such a way that you cannot be easily swayed or persuaded otherwise.  Once you set you mind according to the truth of God's principles for a good life, you need to keep it set and not allow outside forces to reshape your thinking.  To set your mind on Godly things means to be firm in your decision to agree with God's way of living no matter who may try to convince you that you are wrong. 

The reason setting your mind and keeping it set is so important is that there's really not much hope of being able to resist temptation if you don't make up your mind ahead of time concerning what you will do when you are tempted.  You will be tempted; that's  just a fact of life.  So, you need to think ahead of time about the situations that can pose problems for you. If you wait until you are in the midst of as situation to decide whether to or not you will stand firm, then you are sure to give up. 

Make up your mind ahead of time that you are going to go all the way through with God.  Some people spend their entire lives stating and quitting.  They never follow through.  They may set their minds, but when temptation comes, when things get difficult, they don't keep it set.  I strongly encourage you to be one of the ones who finishes what you start by keeping your mind set in the right direction all the way through the victory.

This Week's Meditation:

Teach me to "Keep my mind set."

Pray:

Help me to meditate each day: "Show me how to stay strong"
​
Teach me to be patient and know you will mentor me. Remind me that prayer motivates me.

Meditate on this for several minutes a day. Allow various thoughts to come into your mind.  And realize God has you in his arms always.

Monday's Blessing
Genesis 11:31

"And Terah took Abram his son, Lot the son of Haran, his grandson, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Abram's wife, and they went forth together to go from Ur of the Chaldees into the land of Canaan; but when they came to Haran, they settled there."

Are you sitting there right now in a dilemma that you have been passed up on an opportunity you wanted?  Maybe it was given to a friend.  Or, your boss decided someone else would be better for the job.  Yet, you felt that opportunity was justly yours.  

You may know about Abram and Sarai and Lot, but you may not have heard much about Terah.  I believe Terah, Abram's father, failed to take an opportunity God wanted him to take.  

I believe God wanted Terah to go all the way to Cannan, the Promised Land, but something held him back.  Because Scripture says, "but when they came to Haran, they settled there." In other words, Terah stopped short.  He was supposed to go from Ur all the way to Canaan, but he stopped when he reached Haran. Terah settled for much less than God anticipated for him.  Abram ended up with the phenomenal blessing, but I feel God offered this to his father.  His father simply quit before he reached his goal.  

I urge you today to see what has been laid before you.  Don't allow yourself to get into that position where you lackadaisically give something up because "it may not be the right time".  That's the easy way out rather than fight for that blessing.  Don't allow yourself to get into that position where someone else takes away an opportunity you want because you feel "everything should just fall at your feet" or "when the time comes" it will pass my way again.  

If we read on in Genesis 11, we learn "Terah lived 205 years; and Terah died in Harran (v. 32). He died where he settled.  I think many people do the same thing.  They go on with life letting the best opportunities go because "it wasn't the right time."  Sadly, they may not die physically, but their dream dies; their vision dies; their passion dies; their zest for life dies. Why? Because they mosey along life's path waiting for everything to be in arm's length.  

You will face different types of pain and encounter difficulties as you go through life.  You simply have to choose what kind of pain works.  The pain of pressing through adversity to get to richness or the pain of constantly giving up too easy.  Most of all, stop patronizing yourself each time by saying, "I guess that just wasn't meant for me".  

This Week's Meditation:

Teach me to "Seize the day!"

Pray:

Help me to realize that giving up is not the answer.
Teach me to trust to push when the opportunity should be mine. 
Remind me that everything will fall into place.  

Meditate on this for several minutes a day. Allow various thoughts to come into your mind.  And realize God has you in his arms always

Monday's Blessing

1 Peter 3:18

“Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.”   

Gosh, it goes without saying our lives are just too busy today.  There are times we just sit an ponder, "Lord, I can't take one more straw.  It will break the camel's back."  And right about that time someone comes our way looking for a bit of empathy.  

"I just can't stay one more minute at work. I have to pick up my kids and get them to soccer," Nancy thought as Beth, a co-worker, sauntered her way five minutes before closing time.

"Hey, Nancy, how was you're day?  It seems like you were swamped today.  OMG, I just hate the idea of having to go home to John after all this," Nora continued.

"Oh, John's a sweetheart, he'll get through this soon.  You'll see," Nancy added picking up her purse quickly and moving towards the door.  

Nancy knew first hand the turmoil Beth was in.  After all, Beth made a nuisance of herself ever since John lost his latest job again.  

"I've got so much to do today.  I can't help her. John needs professional help, and I am done offering my advice," Nancy thought as she bolted outside.

We are all so full with obligations.  We have our own priorities and important plans and agendas.  Sadly, our attitude often is: I don't want to be inconvenienced.  Don't bother me with your problems.  I've got enough of my own.  Then we calmly justify why we can't help that person.  

But Scripture says, "If anyone sees his brother in need yet closes his heart of compassion, how can the love of God be in him?" (1 John 3:17).  Take another look at that verse.  God's word implies that we each have a heart of compassion, but the questions is whether it is open or closed. 

Furthermore, the Bible says, "We are to continually walk in love, being guided by love and following love" (2 John 6). When God puts love and compassion in your heart toward someone, he's offering you an opportunity to make a difference in that person's life.  You must learn to follow that love.  don't ignore it.  Act on it,. Somebody needs what you have to give. 

If you study the life of Jesus, you will discover that he always took time for people.  He was never too busy with his own agenda or his own plans.  He wasn't so caught up in himself as we are with our own lives.  Jesus had compassion for people.  He was concerned about what they were going through, and he willingly took the time to help. He freely gave of his life. I believe he demands nothing less from those who claim to be his followers today.  

If you want to experience God's abundant life, you must get your focus off yourself and start taking time to help other people.  Just offering a listening ear can make all the difference in the world to someone.  All you need to do is just reach out and care.  We need to learn to be better listeners.  Be sensitive to other's needs.  Offer them hope in their chaotic world.  Give them a a bit of encouragement.  Stop, look into their eyes, and take a few minutes to listen.

This Week's Meditation:

Dear God, 

Forgive me for the times I have missed the opportunities you sent someone to me.  Help me to notice and give compassion to others that need me.  Help me to be sensitive to your voice speaking within me.  Direct me how I can best help someone.     

Meditate on this for several minutes a day. Allow various thoughts to come into your mind.  And realize God has you in his arms always.  

Monday's Blessing
1 Samuel 30:6

"'David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him.... But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God."
 
Pray, pray, pray.  Give it up to God, and he will see fit when to deliver you from evil.  But, sometimes God DOES expect us to act on will, not our emotions.  That means you may have to pick up your boot straps and trek yonder even if you are grieving, hurting, or still reeling from an attack  by the enemy.  

Before he became king of Israel, David and his men were out patrolling one day. when some bandits attacked their city, burned down all the homes, stole their possessions, and kidnapped the women and children.  When David and his men returned, they were devastated.  But instead of just sitting around mourning over what he had lost, the Bible says that David "encouraged and strengthened himself to the Lord his God (1 Samuel 30:6). in other words, he got up on the inside.  He said to his men, "Get your armor back on.  We're going to attack the enemy." And they did just that.  As David and his men persevered, God supernaturally helped them to recover everything that had been stolen.  but I don't believe any of that would have happened if David had not first gotten up on the inside.

You may be sitting around waiting to change your circumstance.  Of course when that happens, then you're going to be happy; then you're going to have a good attitude, then you're going to give God praise.  But God is waiting on you to get up on the inside.  When you do your part, he'll begin to change things and work supernaturally in your life.

And, yes, this can be seen throughout various stages of our life.  At one point my son cracked his front teeth during an accident.  He was only eight and suffering from anxiety and panic attacks already.  He was little, in pain, and unsure of how things would turn out.  I remember praying and praying because no dentist would take him since he became emotional in the dental chair crying.  One dentist told me, "He will scare my patients, you'll have to leave."  Right then and there we packed up, roots still exposed, and went home with the same bottle of codeine.  

It's hard to imagine, but it's true.  Even his primary was afraid to give him a narcotic to relieve his anxiety and get him into a facility that could help him.  This went on for several days, I followed protocol looking for various endodontists according to his insurance.  I was kind, considerate, and frightened for my child.  Nonetheless I prevailed.  Then days were beginning to turn into a week and there my child lay with roots still exposed.

I prayed longer and harder getting no recourse.  One day, I got up resolved to go out of the basic companies procedures, state insurance which is always great until SOMETHING HAPPENS, and began tapping into the head of the organization.  I went past all the agents and asked to speak to the top.  I was on a warpath and God was by my side.  I explained my dilemma to a district manager and threw in I would be seeking justice if this wasn't amended today.  This was patient cruelty at its best.  Baffled he gave me his number and ID and said if you can find a doctor, even if he is not on our policy, we will pay for it as long as they are willing to accept our terms.

One day later, we found a pediatric specialist and he was sedated and in the chair getting two root canals on his front teeth.  Mission accomplished.  I was over whining and began winning.

When you face adversity, don't be a crybaby.  Don't be a complainer. Don't wallow in self-pity.  Find a way out!

Don't allow yourself to wave the white flag of surrender.  You must get out of that defeated mentality and start thinking and believing positively.  Find a tunnel, move stealthily, and keep going. You must show the enemy that you're more determined than he is.  Shout allowed, "I'm going to stand in faith even if I have to stand my whole lifetime! I'm going to keep standing up on the inside, no matter how long it takes."

Don't allow yourself to wave the white flag of surrender.  You must get out! Start feeling positive. Your attitude should be: I'm coming out of this thing! I may have been sick for a long time, but I know this sickness didn't come to stay.  It came to pass. I may have struggled with this addiction for years, but I know my day of deliverance is coming.  My children may not be doing right, but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!

Got wants you to be a winner, not a whiner.  There is no reason for you to be perpetually living "under the circumstances," always down, always discouraged.  No matter how many times you get knocked down, darn it, get up! God sees your resolve.  He sees your determination.  Find that unseen tunnel, get moving! Get back your sanity!
​

Monday's Blessing
1 Peter 4:12

"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange things were happening to you."
​
About five years ago I went through that fiery ordeal.  In fact, as I look back, that fiery ordeal seemed to be an understatement.  I had thought, at that time, the fire was so intense, there was just no way to forge through it.

In less than a month, I had lost my job, I was over 50 (which meant the pickin's were slim), my son was diagnosed with a disorder (that required money for testing), I came down with a chronic illness (and I didn't have insurance), and my car began to fall apart (which made it difficult to get to interviews.

To top it off, my illness prohibited me from getting out of bed for too long and walking any length of distance.  I was on unemployment, tinkered with the idea of SSI (but knew that could take up to two years for approval).  "Why me?" I asked God quite often.  "How am I going to press onward when I have not one opportunity at my feet?" I don't even think that word "scared" sheds a fraction of light on what I was feeling.  I had kids. I had a home.  There was no one else to turn to. "How will I survive?" I thought.  "Unemployment will end in four months, and I'm too sick to work!"

​When adversity comes to your door it doesn't knock.  It just barges right in, plops down on your living room floor and begins to wreck havoc in your life.  The scripture says, "Don't be amazed at the fiery ordeal that's taking place to test your quality, as thought something strange were happening." God is placing you in line to test your character and refine you.

At some point a year into my ordeal I met with an amazing God-fearing Christian woman.  I liked her immediately.  I had met her at the CBE (facility to help the unemployed) on one of my downer days.  She brought me into her office and sensed my disconnect from the world.  We began to speak in length about my trials and tribulations of the past year. She listened intently and looked straight into my eyes, and spoke softly, "Child, God is putting you through the fire.  When you come out you're going to be like gold this time."  I totally "got" what she was saying.  I knew I would be stronger, but I just couldn't put my finger on when.

She explained if God didn't put us through adversity you wouldn't be prepared adequately for what he has in store for you.  Sometimes great lessons are learned through the worst circumstances.

There maybe be a reason God is causing us to grow.  We can't see into the future, but I can promise you these lessons will be remembered at a later time.  

Sometimes God uses other people to put us through the refining fire.  You may be thinking, "But I can't stand the way my boss reacts when I say certain things I feel improve the company.  God, can you please make him change?" Well, maybe God doesn't want him to change, maybe it is you who is on his list.  God is not going to change anyone you are dealing with until he changes you.  

A year spent in havoc was all it took on my part.  Yes, it seemed a bit long, but all my needs were met along the way.  I know the route would have been easier if I just let God take the steering wheel the whole way.  But, as you know, being human gets in the way some days. I now have a job I love going to work.  I didn't always feel that way. Most importantly, great lessons were taught that year that help me prepare for my present position.

This Week's Meditation:

God, please give me the strength and courage to make these changes in my life.  

Meditate on this for several minutes a day. Allow various thoughts to come into your mind.  If you are especially upset state:

I know you will work it for my good.  It is stretching me, but I know I'm growing.  I'm going to come out of this stronger, happier, healthier, and better off than I was previously.  

Remind yourself of healing each moment. ​God has you in his arms always.

Monday's Blessing
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
 
"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. "
​
During this Lenten Holy Week, I am prompted to look upon the virtues God entrusted to me: Faith, Hope, and Love as I prepare for the coming of Christ.  Easter Sunday is less than a week away, and I ask you, "How have you prepared yourself spiritually for such an awesome event?"  Or, have you been inundated with life's worries and events and forgotten about the essentials of the season?

If the latter is true, take a moment right now and quiet your mind remembering what Christ has done for you.  All that pain and suffering to ensure your passage to the Holy kingdom.  Say a prayer of gratitude and ask him to speak to your heart this week as you go about your daily duties.

Love is the basis of all good things from God's blessings. It accounts for our happiness and trust in one and other. Without love there is no hope or faith. When I am feeling frustrated, angry, or just out of sorts, I pray for God's love. I know how much he deeply loves me, despite my wrong doings. Some days I wonder how he tolerates me. His patience is enough to keep me inspired to hold an enormous amount of love in my own heart for all of his creations. But, in order to truly be blessed with love, you must love yourself completely. If there is any facet that is out of whack in this self-proclaiming love, then it is important to pray for acceptance to move pass it immediately. Loving yourself enables you to love others and all things.

Faith is the center of our Christian spirituality.  Without faith, there is no religion.  Faith keeps us going strong throughout the blind days and keeps us fulfilled when in times of need.  Faith allows us to "Let go and Let God" and truly be at peace.  Is there something you are holding onto this week that should be in the hands of God?  Take a moment right now, bow your head, and ask God for acceptance.  Acceptance is the first order in securing unconditional faith.  It is a difficult thing to do as we must admit failure in our own hindsight, but remember there is no failure in God's eyes.  To have complete faith means you may not understand why these afflictions are happening, but realize there is a divine plan.

Hope is what we must never lose site of no matter how pressing life's events may be.  Once we relinquish hope, we relinquish our spirit into the hands of darkness.  Hope may not mean getting what you think you want.  Rather, through hope and placing things in God's hands, allows him to do his work and give back what he knows you need.  Never lose sight of hope no matter how bleak things get.  Just center on love, and through love will come faith and hope mending these roadblocks in life.
 
Daily Guidance 

1. During this Holy Week practice numerous counts of love.  Hug those you love more often.  Give your spouse compliments all this week.  Stop at work and help a coworker.  Don't expect anything in return.  While out, look for those in need.  Step up to the plate and reach out your hand.  Don't go out with blinders on this Easter season.
 
2. Practice compassion this week.  Before you speak THINK.  Let your contemplative awareness guide you into a better response.  Aim to guide and help others not admonish them.

3. Work on your listening skills this week.  Be quiet and reflective as friends and family speak to you.  Listen for hidden meanings and don't jump to conclusions.  Remember, you can learn something from everyone you meet.

4. Make a pact with God to read your Bible this week.  Every night before you open the pages, ask him to touch your heart and find deeper meaning into all you are reading.

5. Go to church this week!  
 

Monday's Blessing
Matthew 6:14-15

"If you forgive others for their "transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions."

There Is no will but God's may sound a bit unnerving.  After all, God did plant our own will in each and every one of us. We do have the means to act upon our own life in ways we see fitting.  But, there are clear roads to follow in the Bible.  When we deviate from those roads, life can get a bit bumpy, challenging, and uncomfortable.

Do you realize that sometimes your own act of will can prevent God's blessing from pouring into your life?  That stubborn act of will can stop the flow of God's favor.  Acts such as unforgiveness of others can keep your prayers from being answered.  It can keep your dreams from coming to pass.  You must  move past your inflexible mindset and begin to realize that true happiness only stems from God's will. You need to get the bitterness out of your life to be truly free.  You will be amazed at the new heights your life can take once you release all that poison.  

A few years ago a woman was buffeted with an unusual eye condition that doctors could not explain or treat.  Unable to look to the left or right; wearing dark glasses indoors; forced to keep blinds closed even on overcast days.  Reading was almost impossible because of how the condition affected eye function.  What’s worse she was set to take a two-day medical board exam with hundreds of questions which required pouring through volumes to prepare.  It wasn’t just textbooks, she couldn’t read any text without having to stop after just a few lines.

She was in the middle of applying for a residency job that had already been delayed for a lengthy amount of time and everything was at a standstill because of an anomalous eye disorder.  Doctors seemed to think it might have been related to an autoimmune illness called Hashimoto’s Disease, but after extensive testing still could not give a definitive diagnosis.  At a loss on what to do, only the Lord could help her with this problem.

After a spark began to ignite in her heart,  she picked up the Bible and was immediately able to read without stopping.  She was also able to get back to studying and eventually completed the exam. During this time she prayed for all blackness in her heart to dissipate. The Lord began with her job situation. She had faith this would happen because Jesus never forsakes us.  There is power in His Word and He hears our prayers.  

Today you may be at a crossroad.  You may have issues to deal with and people to forgive.  Take a moment and get it totally out in the open and ask God to help you forgive all your transgressions in life.  

This Week's Meditation:

The light will come.  

Meditate on this for several minutes a day. Allow various thoughts to come into your mind.  If you are especially upset state:

I am at peace.
Nothing can disturb me.  My will is God's.
My will and god's are one.
God wills peace for me.

Remind yourself of healing each moment. ​God has you in his arms always.
​

Monday's Blessing
2 Samuel 23:3

"He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.”         

The upcoming election is one of the most heated debates in the history of our country.  Most Christians are still vacillating on which candidate is the "lesser of two evils".  Or, you may have given up completely and decided to vote for the candidate who is affiliated with your political party.   

Being Christian and voting for political correctness can be confusing as both candidates seem way out there on the moral spectrum.  But I've found an interesting article to share from Christianity today from professor, Norman L. Geisler, Ph.D., which sends a highlights on ethics and religion during this political debate.

Basically, there are only two realistic alternatives in the coming presidential election: stay on the same liberal path we have been on for years or try something new. But why Trump?

Trump is a Flawed Candidate
A common charge against Trump is that he is a flawed candidate. But in a Two Party system, such as we have, our choices are limited. We do not have perfect candidates with whom to replace imperfect ones. In fact, there are no perfect candidates. Jesus is not running! We have only imperfect candidates from which to choose. However, some are more imperfect than others.

“The Lesser of Two Evils”
In politics, as in life, sometimes we must choose the so-called “lesser of two evils.” So when both presidential candidates have high negatives, we must choose the one with fewer. A friend once described his dilemma to me as a choice between “a known devil and a suspected witch.” If so, then we should choose the suspected witch!

A More Excellent Way
Actually, we are never really faced with a situation where all the alternatives are evil. One alternative is always the greater good. The doctor who amputates to save the patient’s life is not doing an evil by cutting off his leg. He is doing a greater good. We never have a moral duty to do a moral evil. So our choice in the presidential race is never between two evils, but it is a choice of which one is the better candidate, the greater good. But before we decide this, we must avoid a tempting alternative, “the cop out option.”

Staying Home Does Not Help
Not voting is a cowardly way out. It gives away our God-given responsibility to do our best, even in bad situations. Sitting it out is like the doctor deciding not to amputate to save the patient because he does not want to cut off someone’s leg. If we don’t vote, there will be one less vote for the best candidate who may lose because of our failure to participate in the election. In this case, staying home is a morally bad decision.

Power Corrupts…
Our Founders believed that “power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” This is why they built checks and balances into our system. We have a Two Party system, states can recall elections, and citizens can impeach bad candidates. The major check is “We the People.” The candidates have terms to their offices, and we get to vote for who will serve the next term.

Some Reasons to Vote for Trump

Given the foregoing reality, there are several reasons to believe that Donald Trump is a better moral choice.

1. A Vote for the Right to Life
The right to life is the right to all other rights. The nearly 60 million aborted unborn humans have no rights. And only one of the two presidential candidates is Pro Life (Donald Trump). Since protecting the right to life of all human beings is the most important right (being the right to all other rights), then a vote for Donald Trump is certainly one of the most important votes we can cast.

2. A Vote for National Security
One of the most important things a government can do for its people is to protect our God-given right in “the Pursuit of Happiness.” This is what our National Birth Certificate (The Declaration of Independence) declares. And it is because all lives matter—since “all men are created equal”—that we must protect our constitutional right to bear arms to protect ourselves. This, along with a strong police force and fair court system, protects us and helps guarantee justice for all. This begins with Law and Order because there is no security in an anarchy. Donald Trump promises to be “the Law and Order” candidate who will help strengthen our society and provide freedom and justice for all.

3. A Vote for International Respect
“No man is an Island” applies to our nation as well as to individuals in it. In a shrinking world, isolationism is no longer a realistic option. America is no longer feared by its enemies or even respected by its friends, chief among whom in the Middle East is Israel. Long ago, God promised (Gen. 12:3) to bless those who bless Israel. But recently, we have given support to a nation (Iran) which is dedicated to Israel’s destruction. Trump has pledged to reverse this self-destructive path.

4. A Vote for the Supreme Court
The last word on all our rights is decided by the Supreme Court which is now split down the middle. The next President will tip the scales on the liberal / conservative divide on the High Court. Our next chief executive officer may very well appoint two to four justices who, when elected, will form the court for a generation or more. “We the People” will decide on who the President will be, and he will decide which candidates will be voted on by the Senate. The candidates for President have clearly declared themselves on this issue. Trump is on record in favor of conservative judges, and for this reason I am for Trump.

5. A Vote for Religious Freedom
It is no accident that freedom of religion is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution. It uniquely opposes having one national religion for all while promoting religion in general. The Northwest Ordinance 1787, Article 3 declares that “Religion, morality, and knowledge” are “necessary for good government.” Recent liberal policies have separated these two things and have transformed “freedom of religion” into “freedom from religion.” Candidate Trump has declared his desire to change this and the other candidate has not.

6. A Vote of National Prosperity
Tied up in the right to pursue “happiness” from The Declaration of Independence and the right to “property” of the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments is the key to our national prosperity. Some presidential policies promote these goals well and others do not. It seems to me that Trump’s policies on taxation, regulations, balancing the budget, and immigration will promote national prosperity better than his competitors. He is a proven job-creator, and his competitor is not.

7. A Vote against National Corruptions.
Since our Founders believed that “power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” limitations must be placed on government. Smaller government, less regulations, and more local and state control of education will aid against the national corruption of our institutions. I believe Trump’s stated policies fulfill our constitutional rights better than Hillary’s liberal agenda.

Monday's Blessing
Deuteronomy 4:40

"Therefore you shall keep his statutes and his commandments, which I command you today, that it may go well with you and with your children after you, and that you may prolong your days in the land that the Lord your God is giving you for all time.”         

I was recently privy to a lecture concerning the 10 commandments.  The general theme was the importance of following God's original laws.  The orator stressed that life just seems to fall into place if you do.  "Are you a part time Christian?" he asked.  

"Of course not," I contemplated and immediately counted off how many Commandments I could remember off hand.  Funny, despite my intense faith, I could not recount each one effectively.  Yet, these are God's governing laws imposed to make our lives easier to follow.  How could I be so neglectful of such an important component in the Bible? These commandments have no compromise, no personal adjustment to fulfill my own needs.  God clearly states that if you follow his commandments and hand them down to your children, "you may prolong your days in the land that the Lord your God is giving you for all time."  Let's become familiar together again:
 
The Ten Commandments 
Exodus 20 1-17

And God spoke all these words, saying,  
“I am the Lord 
your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery." 
  
1. You shall have no other gods before me.  You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.  

2. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.  

4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.Six days you shall labor, and do all your work,  but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. For min six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.  

5. Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land 
that the Lord your God is giving you.  

6. You shall not murder.

7. You shall not commit adultery.  

 8. You shall not steal.  

 9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.  

10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, 
or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.”  

As I look through the list, I notice that many are moral principles I value highly today.  Yet, there are a few that I need to work on.  What areas do you slip under the rug and avoid by being a part-time Christian?  Note the most important fact of adhering to these basic principals keep us mentally healthy and guilt free.  They were established to keep us feeling whole, and full of peace and trust throughout our days.  The sad part is, we irrevocably decide what areas we will and will not follow and wonder why we are not happy most days.  Why we feel our lives are being unfulfilled? Go back up and check that list again.  Then decide what commandments are not followed wholeheartedly and get to work on changing your views right now.
 
Daily Guidance

1. Do you covet your neighbor’s things? Are you constantly keeping up "with the Joneses?" Wondering why God has not blessed you with the same? Work on this issue and realize you are right here, right now, where you are supposed to be. God has never left your plan unattended in his hands. You can't see inside closed doors. There may be issues in that house you are unaware of.

2. Are you honest with your co-workers and acquaintances despite how you feel? Honesty is the best policy and bearing false witnesses by lying can come around and bite you. 

3. Have you ever taken what is not yours? God does not define stealing as what is deserved. Stealing is stealing no matter what form it takes.

4. Do not commit adultery. There is no flexibility on your feelings and well-being here. We ultimately find ourselves spun out of control when we do and dragging those we love into our tangled web.

5. Honor your father and mother. Do you call and keep in touch with your parents? Now is the time to commit. 

6. Keep holy the Sabbath day. Go to church. Gather with other 
Christians. God planned not just the building as important, but the fact that we 
gather together in his name no matter where it is. There is strength in numbers.

7. Do not take God's name in vain. JUST DON'T!

Monday's Blessing
Isaiah 26:3

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee."
 
One of the most promising pieces of information you can install on your mental computer is that you are a victor and not a victim.  The Scripture teaches, "If God is for you, who can be against you?" (Romans 8:31)

When negative, discouraging thoughts come, wipe them out immediately.  From this day forward make a conscious choice to dwell on what God says to you.  For example, when a thought comes to you that speaks about how you are getting sick, possibly from some serious disease, cast it out! Instead say, "Father, I thank you that you are restoring health to me.  I thank you that I am going to live a full life and not die. I declare this in the name of Jesus Christ."

Or perhaps a thought comes that you are not going to get that promotion you've been waiting for. Maybe that big business venture is going to fizzle out.  Reject that sort of thinking and declare instead, "Father, you said that your good things will withhold me walk uprightly.  You said when I listen to your words and accept your blessings, that good things will chase me down and overtake me, so I thank you for all of these good things coming."

Remember, the enemy always fights the hardest when he knows God has something great in store for you.  The darkest battle, the darkest storm will always give you the brightest sunrise.  Keep believing, keep praying, keep pressing forward.  The Scripture says, "Don't get tired of doing what's right, for in due season you shall reap if you faint not." (Galatians 6:9) It may seem so difficult right now, but remind yourself that you have the power of God inside you.  You can do what you need to do.

Recall the Old Testament account of how the children of Israel were camped right next door to the Promised Land.  They were so excited, they couldn't wait to enter the land flowing with milk and honey.  All they had to do was go in and fight for the land.  Beyond that, God had promised them the victory, and he had proved his ability to come through for his people.  You'd think they would have been filled with faith, primed and ready to drive their enemies out of the Promised Land, but no, they said, "It's impossible.  It's never going to happen."  Their negative thought patterns kept them from ever going into the Promised Land. 

What are you doing?  Is there a Promised Land waiting for you to open the door?  It's time to reprogram your computer with the most optimal software.  The Bible says, "Let the weak say I am strong.  Let the sick say I am well." Maybe you need to get a mirror and begin the following meditation daily to update your software.  

This Week's Meditation:

I am sustained by the love of God.

Meditate on this for several minutes a day in front of a mirror. Allow your thoughts to come from where ever.  Each time, slowly bring your thought process back to, "I am sustained by the love of God." You are affirming that God will take care of everything.