Sunday, June 10, 2012

God-sized Vision

The Lord said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, “Lift up your eyes from where you are and look north and south, east and west. All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever. I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted. (Genesis 13:14-16 NIV84)
You may know that Abram (Abraham) became "The Father of Many Nations" even though he and his wife were old. God worked it out His way & His timing. Is it just me, or does anyone else sense God doing a mighty work in our generation? People of all ages are turning their hearts to the Lord & taking drastic measures to protect their children/grandchildren from being sucked in by this world & it's empty promises. Listen to God's voice because He may be telling you to look at where you are & show you where you are going (how He's going to use you if you're willing)... Takes steps today toward that vision!!

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Want a Peaceful Lifestyle?

Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7 NLT)

It is our job to develop a more peaceful lifestyle, so that when life becomes challenging, we can hear God's voice & sense His peace.

Here are some steps to take:
1. Choose the way you spend your time wisely. Schedule your time so that you are not rushing around.
Joyce Meyer says, "Hurrying is the flesh trying to do more than the Holy Spirit is leading you to do"

2. Get good at saying, "No." You know what your priorities are and how your calendar looks. Make a habit of putting your answer off until you can think things through.

3. Avoid procrastination! This is a joy and peace killer. Practice the self-discipline God speaks about to do what needs to be done, so you can rest when it's time to rest.

4. Eliminate distractions, interruptions or too much noise in your home. I cannot handle the TV being on when my kids are running around playing. Set up windows of uninterrupted office time (get a babysitter if you must). Set healthy boundaries!

5. Schedule in breaks for yourself to re-energize. Do something you enjoy doing: read, sit outside, play a game with kids, drink tea, listen to music.

6. Be flexible and make adjustments along the way to save time & trouble. Ask God for inspiration and wisdom in this. Using paper plates when you won't have time to do dishes is one example. One of my favorites is streamlining errands (I'm going to be out anyway - I'll stop by the store).

7. Pray & Listen. God desires for you to do what you can to create a peaceful home & life. Ask Him for wisdom & guidance. Then do what He says!