Don't Lose the Game Before You Even Start to Play

"Tomorrow, our seeds will grow. All we need is dedication." - Lauren Hill

We all have dreams. Some of them are easily attainable; others seem impossible to achieve. Usually, we say that we are willing to do whatever it takes to make our dreams come true, but are we? In reality, we do not want to put in all of the work it takes for our dreams to come to pass; we would rather have them handed to us. But take these wise words from Lauren Hill into consideration - "All we need is dedication."

So, ask yourself, are you dedicated? Are you really committed to becoming all that you were created to be? Proverbs 24 states, "...I learned this lesson: A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest - the poverity will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber" (verses 32-34). This proverb explains that we will not have what we so desire if we decide to be lazy and not do our part to make things happen.

So, what are you waiting for? Don't lose the game before it even starts; have some integrity and do what's right and necessary to succeed.

He Goes Before Me

"I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved." - Psalm 16:8 NKJV

Have you ever felt like everything was going wrong? Maybe you've had one of those days that you felt nothing good even happened. You probably even wish for an early sunrise when it's still evening. Like it or not, we've ALL been there.

Psalm 16:8 reminds us that as we keep the Lord before us - always thinking of Him and keeping our focus on Him and His plan for our lives - He is always with us. Since He is right beside us, we will not be shaken. It does not matter what comes our way; we will stand firm when our lives are focused solely upon Him.

How is your foundation today? Is it rocky? Do you shiver and shake when the storms of life bring a cold chill to your heart? Or are you firm in the Lord, staying warm and toasty regardless of life's chills? Keep the blanket of Jesus wrapped around you tightly in the midst of a cold storm. There is no need to worry; He'll keep you safe and warm. :)

What "Whale" Must God Use to Get Your Attention?

"Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God’s mercies. But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the Lord alone."

Then the Lord ordered the fish to spit Jonah out onto the beach. - Jonah 2:8-10

A few friends and I went to the FCA college night about 2 months ago in Norman, Oklahoma. The speaker spoke about Jonah and how he refused to go to Ninevah as God instructed. Eventually, after the men threw him overboard during a major storm, Jonah was swallowed by a fish. While he was in this fish, he had time to think. God didn't end Jonah's life after the fish swallowed him, but He did allow Jonah to rethink his decision. Jonah realized that he couldn't run away from God's instruction, and Chapter 2 verses 8-10 paints that picture. Once Jonah realized this, confessed his wrongdoing, and praised God for who He is, God released him from the whale.

What is the "whale" in your life that has swallowed you? Are you in a place right now that you are only in because God is trying to get you to think about the decisions and choices you have made? Turn back to Him, and He will send you on your way to do what He has called you to do. As His child, He will always warn you when you are about to make a wrong decision. Are you willing to listen?

What "Nineveh" is God calling you to that you are trying to avoid? Could it be the need to stop an addiction, let go of a relationship, etc? God loves you and believes that you are precious, but He will not let your preciousness become your God.

It's time to wake up and exit the "whale" by surrendering to God's call to "Nineveh." Will you go?

The Value of Spending Time

"We can't stop the stresses of life...So I keep calling on the Repairman to patch up my soul." - A Worker in China

We were made servants through Jesus Christ so that we can spread the Gospel. But we need to be strengthened and renewed daily if we are going to stay on task for Him. & with the daily stresses and demands of life, our souls need frequent repair. That's why daily time with God is so important. The less time we spend with Him in His Word and in prayer, the less effective we are for His kingdom. We cannot spend our entire lives simply summarizing what the Bible says; we must get out and do what God is instructing us to do. Seek to spend time with Him, and then respond with obedience.

Daily time with God is what keeps a missionary going. In the same way, daily time with God is your fuel for each day. Without it, you will become weary and tired - maybe even injured. Daily time with God will keep you alert, and you'll likely have a more successful Christian walk. Consider Joshua 1:8, "This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do."

As you begin 2011, thank God for His gift - Jesus Christ - and the reestablishment of relationship with Him through this gift. Thank Him for new beginnings, fresh starts, and new mercies. Then ask God to forgive you for any lack of reverence for His time, and ask Him to restore you through your daily quiet times with Him. Lastly, thank Him for the changes He will bring in your life as a result of your diligence. What better way to start the new year than to rekindle that precious time spent with your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!