Monday Morning Minutes

“For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” -Hebrews 2:1

Who could forget that pinnacle moment in the movie “Castaway” starring Tom Hanks for which he played a stranded survivor on an island in the Pacific Ocean. Chuck,  (Tom’s character) had unknowingly fallen asleep on a raft in the ocean only to awaken to see his only companion of four years, a volleyball which he had named Wilson, drifting farther away from his presence. Although one-sided, theirs had grown to be a very unique relationship as Wilson had become Chuck’s only source of communication and sanity during that four year period on that deserted island.

Drifting off course in our Christian faith and walk with Christ is one of those great evil influences which affects the believer and is always lurking close by. If we’re not careful and paying close attention to what we have heard and practice as the writer of Hebrews mentions in the opening verse, it can be extremely easy to find ourselves caught up in the downstream of this world’s damaging current. I can recall even in my own life the times when out of neglect of keeping that intimate time spent with God either through my quiet times spent in prayer, reading His Word as well as missing church. How very easy it was to begin to justify and convince myself that “hey, everything’s cool”, or “We can miss this Sunday’s service”, etc…the list goes on and on. And before you know it, you’ve already begun to enter the “danger zone” of choosing the path of least resistance. The life of drifting is an extremely easy course to follow. It takes no output of energy to float down a stream, or be carried forward on the crest of a running tide. All that’s necessary for a life of drifting is to relax, to do nothing, to let go, to cease struggling, to submit to the worldly influences within and around us. Jesus said in Mathew 7:13 that “The gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction.” No man by chance ever drifts towards Christ. This needs energy and force of character. But to drift away from Christ needs neither. We only have to surrender ourselves to the force of our natural instincts. It’s as easy as that my friend. 

One can also enter into the drifting zone when we are pre-occupied with doing other things that take care our minds off of what we should be doing. How many times have you been driving behind someone or even meeting someone on the interstate, freeway, etc, and all of a sudden begin to see them swerving to and fro? Most often you find these people either texting, putting on makeup, “reading” (yes…reading), or some other distraction that keeps them from staying “focused” on their intended destination. As believers, we must continually remain focused and keep our gaze and site fixed on the author and finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ.

Many years ago, daddy had purchased a lake-house on Lake Murvall right outside of Carthage, TX. We were still currently living in Bossier City, LA., as daddy was serving in the U.S. Air Force. How I still remember those times when we would load up and travel to the lake-house and spend the weekend with relatives. On occasions, we would go fishing on the lake in a bass boat daddy had purchased. We would venture out until we reached our destination of where we thought the fish might be biting. To prevent the boat from “drifting away” from where we wished to remain steadfast, daddy would throw an “anchor” overboard. Much like this anchor was used to prevent us from drifting away from our location, we too must anchor ourselves to the only One who will keep our footing secure and prevent us from falling. Jude 1:24 reads, “God can guard you so that you don’t fall and so that you can be full of joy as you stand in His glorious presence without fault.” If you will anchor your life to Him, He will steady your ship, calm your stormy seas, and see you safely home. A ship securely anchored never drifts. And a life anchored to Christ by the four cables of faith, hope, love and service, consciously made and continually tested, will never drift. Thank God His Anchor Holds.

To Further His Kingdom,

“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” ~ Proverbs 22:1

I was honored and blessed to have a father in my life for thirty-nine years here on this earth. My father, Richard Jonathan “Dick” Tarjick was a good man. Perfect? No, but a good man, great provider, husband, grandfather, friend, and someone who was always willing to help others if he possibly could. There are so many lessons that my dad would ultimately teach me although; at the time of which many were being taught, I turned a deaf ear and for many of my teen years would live my life much like that of the prodigal son Jesus spoke about in Luke 15. Before my dad went home to be with the Lord on February 9th, 2002, there were on many occasions that I had told him “Thank You”. Thank you daddy for never giving up on me, thank you daddy for disciplining me when you did, and thank you daddy for showing me the value of living a life of integrity as well as the value of keeping a good name. That was one thing daddy truly valued with high esteem. Keeping a good name and that he did. A remarkable job he did I might add for a man who never knew the love or blessing of knowing who his earthly father ever was. Yes, daddy raised three sons and a daughter without ever having the advice, mentoring or guidance from that of a father and even had to face the reality of having a mother who would eventually give him away as a child to be raised by his uncle. Even in light of having been dealt the hand in life as he did, he was always a great provider and was always willing to try and give the best advice he could to all of us children.

Karen and I were also honored that he performed our marriage ceremony at the home of her mom & dad. I can still remember daddy placing both hands on our heads and praying God’s blessings over us and our lives together. That blessing prayed over us, God has abundantly answered in so many ways throughout our lives together as well as with our children and their families.

On several occasions, Karen has told me, “You look just like your daddy when you do that” or “You sounded just like your daddy” when I would do something funny, make a funny expression or say a certain phrase that daddy would recite from time to time. Daddy loved to joke, laugh and have a good time which I also do myself. Life is much too short not to enjoy this life God has given us friend and embrace each day with expectation, wonder and thankfulness. Of all the memories that I hold dear and cherish with my dad, the greatest is that day when I accepted Jesus as my personal Savior following a sermon that daddy had preached on a Sunday evening back in 1980. Because of daddy answering the call to preach the gospel several years before, God used him to plant the seeds which would eventually take root within my heart and lead this prodigal back home. Daddy’s life verse was John 8:32 which reads, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Every time dad would sign his name to anything, he would also often write that verse to follow his signature. Daddy may not have left us as his family the riches of this world, but what he did leave us far outweighs any earthly treasure that will last throughout eternity. And although I am quite honored to carry on his name & legacy as his son and humbled when others may see certain characteristics of him in my life, there is an even higher calling that I continue to aspire to.  And that is the desire to have others see my heavenly Father and His traits evident and working in my life.

 Jesus said in John 14:9, “…Whoever has seen me, has seen the Father…” Jesus came to this earth to reveal the true identity and character of God the Father. When one may wonder what God the Father is like, they need not to look any further than listen and look upon the life of His Son, Jesus. For what it true in Jesus, is also true in the Father as well as His Holy Spirit which dwells in each of us who have accepted Him as Savior & Lord over our lives. I can truly testify that I am not the same man that I used to be before I accepted Jesus as my personal Savior. And yes, while eternal life through His death on a cross at Calvary is the greatest gift of all He’s given me, He’s also given me so much more that I could never deny His existence and presence working in my life each and every day. In other words, in more ways than one on a daily basis, “I’m Seein’ My Father in Me”. 

To Further His Kingdom,

“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” – Mathew 6:27

There’s a place not so far away. In fact, for many, it’s a lot closer than they realize. A place where in the blink of an eye, you’ve arrived at before you’ve noticed you had even departed for. A place where truth turns into doubt, peace turns to frustration, contentment turns to discontent until it continues to rob you of all that you once held dearly with full assurance. It’s a place I like to call “Worryville”.

Many people arrive at Worryville on a daily basis. They come from all walks of life including CEOs from large corporations, teachers, lawyers, office workers, parents, even those involved in full time ministry are known to visit Worryville from time to time. So what makes Worryville the kind of place that’s so tempting to leave for, yet offers nothing but misery, panic, anxiety and the feeling of hopelessness? Let’s take a closer look.

I believe people are prone to visit Worryville (worry) when they feel helpless and believe that it is out of their power to control circumstances that are weighing them down whether it be a physical, financial, mental or especially a spiritual need in their lives. Scriptures command us in Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious [do not worry] about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” The last time I checked, “anything” included “everything”. There is nothing absolutely nothing that our heavenly Father does not already know is a need in your life. Notice I said “need” although he’s such a loving, good & caring Father that He even desires to give us some of our wants as well as long as our wants will not interfere with our relationship and time with Him.

Do you also know what you give up and lose when you visit Worryville during your frequent visits there and fail to lay all your concerns at Jesus feet? You lose the precious and priceless “Peace of God”. Isaiah 26:3 reads “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.“ Friend, when you come to Jesus in full assurance and trust Him with whatever burdens you, you can be assured that He will never leave you nor forsake you regardless of the situation. I’m not saying that every situation and every need will be met overnight but I am saying that God knows full well what Your needs are and that He will make a way where there seems to be no way. God says, “I am going to do something new. It is already happening. Don’t you recognize it? I will clear a way in the desert. I will make rivers on dry land.” ~ Isaiah 43:19

So friend, the next time you’re tempted to board the train to Worryville, take a step back and let the enemy know that you’ve made that trip for the last time. That you serve a God “who’s got your back” and that it is in Him and Him alone that you are fully trusting from this day forth.

“Father, I thank You that you know all about me and what my needs are before I even come to You. I thank You that You have told me to come to You when I am weary and burdened and You would give me rest. Father, from this day forth, I willfully choose to trust You in every circumstance knowing that You will never leave nor forsake me. Please help me and give me strength when I am tempted to worry when the path is rocky and uphill and I will give You all the glory, praise and honor which is due Your name, Amen.”

For His Kingdom,

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness” ~ Colossians 2:6,7

Have you ever cleaned out a flowerbed, pulled up some weeds by their roots or possibly tillled up a piece of land preparing it for a spring or fall garden? If so, did you notice that when you began to pull them up, several things occurred in the process?

• The undesired weeds or grass were only removed by “your efforts”.
• Upon removal, each of these immediately began to whither and die.
• Change took place in appearance of the surrounding area at which you were actively working.  (It became more appealing to the eye.)
• Newly developed area or space allowed “new” plants or fruits to be planted and for a “new” root system to develop.

As believers in Christ, we’ve been called out of this fallen world of darkness into God’s glorious light. I Peter 2:9 reads, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

Where is your life rooted today friend…right now at this very moment? What fruit are you bearing? Is your life similar to these flowerbeds in which some “unwanted weeds” have been allowed to take root over time? When others see your life, what fruit does your life bear? Do others see what Christ has done in your life as a result of you actively yielding your life to Him? Or do they see a life which is producing the rotten, spoiled, “fruit of this world”? If you chose the latter my friend, today you can begin to develop & have what God’s Word refers to as the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 actively working and present in your life. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control..”

Only by actively yielding to the working and voice of the Holy Spirit within and turning away from our selfish desires and flesh can this Fruit of the Spirit take root, develop, grow and be produced in our lives. And just as fruit is not evident to be seen on the vine or tree overnight after planted, be patient as God works in your life on a daily basis and allow Him to bring this fruit into existence. Why not today pull up those old dead “roots of the world” that you’ve been wanting to “weed out” for so long and allow God’s delicious fruit to manifest itself and begin to take root and grow in your life. The choice is up to you my friend.

“Father, thank You for the Fruit of the Spirit that is by faith continuing to develop inside of me and within my life. I also thank You for the power of Your Holy Spirit within me which continues to give me strength, peace and direction in my life each and every day. I choose willfully from this day forth to serve You with my whole heart in all you’re calling me to do to further Your kingdom here on earth. In Jesus’ name, Amen”.

For His Kingdom,

“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” – Revelation 22:12,13

Turn on any news channel today or even pick up a newspaper and it won’t take very long before you either hear or read a story which centers around yet another victim who’s fallen into one of our enemy’s many snares. Satan has many different types of these snares which come so easily disguised and rarely appear in plain view but yet are placed strategically in our daily lives like pieces on a chessboard in the forms of free will and the choices we make. I believe one of the greatest and most destructive snares Satan uses in our lives is pride. Remember, it was pride which got Satan and a third of all heaven a one way ticket out of paradise forever. “For you have said in your heart: I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High. Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor.” – Isaiah 14:13,14 & Ezekiel 28:2 

Interestingly, “I” is found to be the center of “pride”. When people begin to think of only themselves while neglecting the needs, attention, and presence of others, it ultimately can lead to a very lonely, bitter and unfulfilling life. I must admit that earlier in my life, I lived this selfish unfulfilling life for many years. It was all about me getting my wants & needs met. It was all about me having things go my way. It was all about me, me, me. I’ve heard it said before that being selfish and prideful is one of the loneliest tunes you’ll ever hear. Instead of “do re me fa so la ti do” as I learned many years ago in music class, it simply goes, “Me, Me, Me, Me, Me…..” Furthermore, people wrapped up only in themselves make for very small packages. Yes, for far too many years, I was simply lookin’ out for number one. Now, here I am at age fifty-two and I’m still lookin’ out for number one…the “One” and only which I have surrendered and given my life to and ultimately matters.

Soon and very soon, the clouds will be rolled away, and the Lord of lords & King of kings will break open the sky for His triumphant return to gather His bride, the Church. The scriptures tell us in I Thessalonians 4:16 & 17 “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.”  How I so look forward to that day when I’m finally home. Finally able to look upon the face of the One who loved me and ultimately gave His life for me. Finally able to see my loved ones who have gone before me and enter into eternal paradise. Until that day arrives my friend, there is much work for you and I to do. Jesus said in Mathew 9:37 that “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few;..” I believe far too many believers today are simply waiting for the “Sweet By & By” while there are so many perishing without ever truly knowing that God loves them and is not willing that any perish. When I completely surrendered my life to the Lord and gave Him all, I repeat “all” the pieces of my heart & life, I can honestly say that I’ve never felt such peace, freedom, and completeness. I truly hope friend that you can say the same of your life.

So yes, I can once again admit after all these years without apologies or revocations that I’m still “Lookin’ Out for Number One!”

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. ~II Corinthians 5:17

I’ve always been fascinated with car enthusiasts who were into car restoration. Taking a huge hunk of metal, plastic, vinyl and so on and spending countless hours to bring it back to its original state or condition. This takes much knowledge, talent, and patience on behalf of the one completing the restoration process. Upon doing some research of what the actual process of restoration involved, I came to appreciate these classic car buffs even more.

1. You must have all the necessary tools in advance to start the car restoration.
2. Car restoration needs ample amount of space almost double of your garage.
3. Always use the original parts for the job of restoring the vehicle to it’s original state.
   
4. Put greater emphasis on the place where rust is more prevalent.
   
5. Clean the engine a couple of times over and wipe out all the dirt and oil stained slush.

When God sent His one and only Son, Jesus Christ into the world, his primary goal was to “restore” the broken relationship back to Him which had been lost through sin in the Garden of Eden. The original model for all of mankind had been broken and flawed through Adam and Eve’s disobedience and sin.

Like these classic vehicles, our lives can similarly be compared to the restoration process. Our Father & creator, the God of the entire universe can make us whole once again through a process which can only be achieved by allowing the “master mechanic”, Jesus Christ to complete His work within us.

Philippians 4:16 reads “Being confident of this very thing, that he which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

God originally placed all the “necessary tools” talents and gifts within each and every one of us. By creating man in His own image, He gave us all our “original” parts needed for this process. Many times in our lives there are some deeper “rusty” areas which will require much more time and attention such as more sanding and shaping to get down to our original state of what we were created to be. These rusty areas might be in the form of habits, addictions, behaviors, negative thoughts, bad relationships, etc., but through the victory we have in Christ, He can help us rid our lives of these detrimental areas which can keep us from becoming all God purposed & destined us to be.

During this restoration process in our lives, which is a daily one,   it’s extremely vital to continue in God’s Word, fellowship with other believers and to be “filled” by His spirit daily to keep all the “gunk and junk” of the world out of our system. This will maintain and maximize your life in becoming a “Classic” unlike the world has ever seen.

“Father, I thank You in knowing that You have a divine purpose and will for my life. There is absolutely nothing that you allow in my life each day that You are not able to use when I willfully surrender it to You. I thank You that Your Word tells me that all things are working together for my good when I keep my eyes on You in every circumstance to fulfill Your purpose in my life. Thank You also for restoring me each day knowing that I am becoming more like Your Son Jesus for it’s in His Holy name I pray, Amen.”

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
~ Proverbs 17:22

My heart’s desire and purpose for writing these devotionals each week is that you would be ministered to in body, soul and spirit. I believe that when either of these is affected either positively or negatively, it has a direct effect on each of the others. Today, I would like to focus on the positive effect that the gift of laughter can have on us. I’m so thankful for this powerful expression and gift that God has blessed us with. When was the last time you can remember that you had a good ole’, belly shakin’, red faced, teary eyed laugh? It might have come in the form of your favorite comedy show, movie, one of your children or grand-children doing something really silly or possibly even your pet. There is nothing like letting it go and enjoying one of these moments to make you feel good. You might not know it, but these laughing episodes are extremely healthy for you as well. Let me explain…

Did you Know?

• Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.
• Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.
• Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
• Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

Scripture tells us in Ecclesiastes 3:4 that “…there is a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;…” I do realize however that there are often times when laughter is not so easy to deliver and release. And like me, you can most likely recount events in your life where God seemed to be on vacation or on some distant far away planet and silence was all you heard in reply. But in each instance, when God delivered me through that dark night of the soul, I was able to once again experience what the Bible tells us in Psalm 30:11 which reads “You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,…” I truly find it hard to believe how people go through life not experiencing the Joy of the Lord and experiencing the inner strength He gives. Nehemiah 8:10 assures us that “…the Joy of the Lord is our strength.”

I also believe that we take ourselves way too seriously too often and limit this joy from emerging from within. The older I get, I find that I’m not at all concerned as I used to be what others think about how I live my life. Life is too short and really too long friend to be concerned with what others think of you or what you do. I tell people all the time that it matters not how good you try to be, how nice you try and dress, how much you try and gain others approval, the list goes on…, there will always be people that will not agree or even like you for whatever reason(s). That’s ok. There should only be one with who’s approval you are concerned with anyway. He loves you unconditionally just the way you are and wants you to just be you and truly experience your life to the fullest. “…For in His presence there is the fulness of real Joy.” ~ Psalm 16:11

I want to leave you with a clip from the Carol Burnett Show from several years back and give you the opportunity to burn a few calories and release some of those feel-good endorphins. So get ready my friend as you continue to Loosen Up, Laugh & Live!

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. ~ Galatians 5:1

In the final scene from the movie Braveheart, we see Sir William Wallace ultimately sacrifice his life for the struggle to free Scotland from English rule at the end of the 13th Century. Wallace’s place as a hero in Scottish history is assured. There can be little doubt that he has always been revered as a self-effacing and passionate patriot by later generations of Scots. Unlike the conniving Scottish nobles who had collaborated with the English in return for financial benefits, Wallace had never sought personal fame nor benefited from it. He had accrued neither wealth nor land. He represented the spirit of the common man striving for freedom against oppression. Braveheart continues to be my all-time number one favorite movie. (just ask my dear wife) I love the movie for a couple reasons; number one being that it is based on a real character and his life experiences; number two being for what Sir William Wallace lived and ultimately died for, his quest and belief that all men should live free.

When Jesus Christ came to the earth, he also ultimately gave his life for the redemption and freedom of mankind. This is what Jesus came to achieve in the world. He took upon Himself the sins of the world…and answered with LOVE…and He broke the chains that were holding mankind a slave to sin and bondage. Psalm 116:16 reads, “O LORD, truly I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant; you have freed me from my chains.” Jesus broke the chains of death, sin, bondage, addiction, habits, curses, and everything else that keeps individuals from experiencing the life Jesus came and lived and ultimately died to give us. Jesus told his followers in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” This abundant life which Jesus is speaking about is filled with peace, joy, love, contentment, and so much more. Jesus desires so much that we live this abundant life that He willingly chose to sacrifice His life to purchase it for us that we might walk in it and live it.

Although the movie Braveheart was based on a real character and the events which tells of the life of Sir William Wallace, his heroic life’s events although sacrificed for the freedom of Scotland and its people, cannot compare to the ultimate gift of eternal life Jesus purchased for all mankind. My friend, if you’re not experiencing this kind of life which Jesus purchased to give you right now, I ask you to consider dropping that “ball and chain”, “shackles” or any other bondage or addiction which has ensnared you for so long and begin walking in the freedom and liberty that Christ through his death on the cross has purchased for you. You must also know that while you are powerless over your sin, God is ready, willing, and able to give you His power to conquer your bondage’s and addictions. Jesus said in John 8:32, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” We also read in John 8:36 “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Why not begin to walk in this truth today friend and start experiencing this abundant life which comes through “walking in freedom” through faith in Christ.

“Father, I thank you for the freedom that you have provided and given me through faith in Christ Jesus. I thank you for the truth and reality that the chains of sin, bondage, and addictions have been broken in my life and that you have given me victory over them all through Jesus’ name. Please help me to walk in this reality and give me the strength daily to do your will in everything you have called me to do for your glory for its in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Recently I introduced myself to an old friend which resides in my “Man Cave” by the name of “treadmill”. Yes, that contraption that when first purchased we are so excited to be with each day until eventually after a few weeks,  we lose our desire to spend time with, get too busy, and quite honestly just become lazy in our exercise routine. We rationalize with thoughts like “I’ll get started back tomorrow” or “I’m really not in that bad of shape” and succumb to just sitting in front of the television eating junk food, staring at our computer screens, cell phones and just “vegging out”. Treadmills have many health benefits when regularly used for the participant though. Some of which can be but not limited to:

• Reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke
• Reduces body fat
• Reduces high cholesterol
• Helps to our control body weight

Have you ever considered that treadmills and the Bible have some similar purposes in common? For instance, treadmills have built-in devices and equipment that keep track of things such as heart-rate, pulse-rate, fat-burn loss, etc. All of these help inform or alarm us of our condition while on the treadmill. If our heart or pulse rate is too high, the machine will alarm us that we are in danger and should slow the machine or work-out down. Similarly, the Bible when read, believed and applied helps keep our spirit, heart and mind in good condition. James 1:23-25 tell us that “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.” God’s word acts as a “spiritual treadmill” if you will that helps monitor our spirit, our heart and our mind’s condition. We most likely will never know that either of these are “out of shape” or are in need of a “spiritual workout” until we are exposed to God’s word and see our spiritual life revealed and reflected back to us.

In today’s opening scripture, God’s word told us that as believers, our bodies do not belong to us but to God. When He sent Jesus to the earth to die for our sins on the cross, Christ’s blood purchased or redeemed us back to God. In I Corinthians 10:31, the apostle Paul wrote “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” We should always strive to do our very best to keep our bodies, God’s temples,  in the best shape possible. This is not always easy to do as mentioned earlier for it can become routine to make excuses such as not having enough time, other obligations to keep, etc. However, we should make every opportunity to commit in becoming the people God has called us to be and this includes keeping our bodies, our soul and our spirit fit. This also includes eating healthy, life giving foods and nutrients as much as possible. I know…I know…I hit a nerve there but by doing so, we will be honoring God as well as being able to adequately do the work He has called us to do without giving out, giving up and strongly finish the race He has called us to run. Who’s with me?

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland…” – Isaiah 43:18-20

Back in 1994 following my accident, I came to some crossroads which prompted for a decision. A decision to move forward with my life. A decision that would alter who I used to be and who I was to become. I have to be honest and express that it was one of the most frightening, challenging things I had ever done. In order for me to move forward with my life, I had to “forget the former things” that had happened to me and trust God with my future for which He was leading me into. I enrolled into college at the age of thirty four in the Fall of ’97 to begin a new career. A career that I had no idea would eventually materialize in my life and would allow me to use knowledge and skills that I had no idea even existed within me. Looking back during that chapter in my life, I’m amazed every time I think of all that God has miraculously accomplished in my life.

Choosing to “forget the former things” in our lives is a conscious and willful decision we have to make. God has such great plans for each and every one of us. Plans that dwarf ours in comparison to nothing. I’ve heard it said that “If you want to hear God laugh, tell Him your plans”. I can almost visually picture God with a huge belly laugh at this statement. Scripture tells us in Proverbs 19:21 that Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. God desires to bring us into a rich fulfilling and satisfying life filled with new growth and meaning as we trust Him in all we do. This scripture was fulfilled in my life many years ago when I willfully had to “forget former things” that had happened in my life and trust God with where He was leading me. Although I had no idea how He was accomplishing this, my obligation was to trust and know that He was doing it each and every day. Proverbs 16:9 says The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. If we truly believe that God is faithful, that he is sovereign and will do as He says He will do, there shouldn’t be any reason that we should not be willing to trust Him in every circumstance of our lives.

The year 2014 may have brought you some difficulties, storms, health issues or possibly even the loss of a dear loved one. Let me encourage you friend that there is absolutely nothing that God allows into our lives that He cannot use to bring us into this “new growth” as I mentioned above. A tree does not develop it’s roots overnight nor does it produce it’s leaves or fruit either. There are seasons the tree must endure to complete the process as is the case of our lives and experiences we are allowed to go through in order for this new grow to take place.

On the other hand, I know without a doubt God has been so good and merciful to each of us. He has faithfully brought us through another year of blessings. I think of my grandson that continues to bring me such joy each time I look into his eyes and see the love he has for his “Pops”. These are the blessings that I call “priceless”.

As you move into 2015, may I encourage you to reflect on God’s goodness and know that once again He has even greater things in store for you in the coming year.

“Heavenly Father, I pray over each one reading this right now. I pray that You would fulfill Your perfect will in each of these lives. I pray over their families and pray Your favor over each one. I pray for a year of peace, divine health and prosperity for them. Most of all, I pray that they would come to know You as their loving Father in a more intimate way this year as they surrender their will to Yours. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen”.