by George | Jul 1, 2020 | Community News, Devotional, Newsletter
In the Morning
“My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; In the morning I will direct it to You, And I will look up.”
Psalms 5:3
There’s something to be said of rising early, while it’s quiet, before everyone else gets up.
If I linger in bed, and wait for the absolute last minute to get up, I risk not having time for the most important thing. Being quiet, and listening to God’s still small voice.
My personal preference is to start out with the Lord’s prayer. Not merely repeating the words, but trying to make it heartfelt. It focuses my attention on God.
Remember the first part?
“In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:9-10
We are praising God, putting Him first. Then we say in essence, “Not my will, but yours be done.”
Like you, I struggle to get out of bed sometimes, but I firmly believe that if we put God first, He will bless our efforts.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33
Give it a try!
by George | Jun 22, 2020 | Community News, Devotional, Newsletter
“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:12-14
I started using a step tracker app to keep up with how far I walk, i.e. exercise.
It also keeps up with how long I walk and the calories. It has some built in daily “goals.”
After a couple of days, the app noticed I hadn’t reached the calorie burning goal. ( I guess I wasn’t working hard enough!)
The app asked me if I wanted to “adjust” the goal. Make it more attainable.
At first it was tempting. “Maybe I can settle for an easier goal and SOMEDAY reach the higher goal.”
There was also this thought that I was failing. (That’s not a good feeling!)
Ultimately, I decided to keep the goal. I can’t say that I have attained it yet, but I’m going to keep pressing on. A little at a time.
What if Paul had just “settled” for an ordinary life? Just getting by. Lowered his goal.
Where would be our inspiration to keep running the race? Let’s keep our goal just like Paul.
“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.”
Philippians 3:10-11
Sure, we are going to stumble sometimes, but if you keep your eyes on Jesus, and commit your life fully to Him, you will reach the goal. —
Blessings!Pastor George Nix
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by George | Jun 15, 2020 | Community News, Devotional, Newsletter
Choose Joy..,
Have you noticed that television stations repeat some of the commercials over and over again? (Sometimes I turn the volume down to avoid getting nauseated!)
One such commercial is for American Home Shield, an agency that offers warranties on major appliances, etc. They show 3 different homeowners with equipment that is malfunctioning. One lady’s central air unit is literally blowing her out the door, while she is sitting in her chair. She is smiling as she tells you about the product. As she’s being blown outside her house she exclaims, “It’s a beautiful day!”
I’m not so sure I would be so positive about the situation if it happened to me.
Then I thought: She’s choosing joy in the midst of her adversity! Joy is a choice. Everyday we wake up, we have a decision to make. Will I rejoice and be glad I’m the day the Lord has made or will I be sour and bitter?
“This is the day that the Lord has made WE WILL rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24
Choose Joy! —
Blessings!Pastor George Nix
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