This is today's entry:
January 1
A New Beginning
Genesis I:I
"In the beginning...."
Those words have the refreshing sound of a mountain waterfall. Who doesn't long for a new beginning? One of the things I like to do at the end of each year is to think back over the previous twelve months and consider what want well and what did not go so well. I ask myself some hard questions like these: Am I into any habits that prevent my being what I want to be? Do I need to change any specific actions? Do any attitudes need work? Am I being dishonest with myself in any area of my life?
If you ask yourself enough questions like these, you will get either depressed or motivated! For me, and maybe for you, these questions are motivating. That is why I find Genesis 1:1 so refreshing. Imagine it. You can draw a line in the chronology of your life and say, "I'm starting over. From this day forward, I can change the course of my life by making some corrections."
One of the ways we can change is by spending some time each day in conversation with God. Reading this devotional book will be helpful, but prayer and Bible reading are essential. I know; you have tried that in the past but had trouble following through. You are in good company. But think of it this way. Developing a consistent devotional life is like investing small amounts of money over a long stretch of time and watching the magic of compound interest. Small investments can pay big dividends.
Make up your mind that you will get up fifteen minutes earlier, or keep the TV or radio off for a while, or stay up a bit later to get in your devotion time. You might not notice any difference at first, but stay with it. Let those powerful words in the beginning work for you.
Lord, thank You for the power of a new beginning.
Help me to remember that You were there when the world and all that is in it began.
You are here now, too, through Your Spirit.
Help me develop the strength and resolve to spend time with You each day.
Give me guidance as I grow in relationship with You and others.
Through the name of Jesus, Amen.
A New Beginning
Genesis I:I
"In the beginning...."
Those words have the refreshing sound of a mountain waterfall. Who doesn't long for a new beginning? One of the things I like to do at the end of each year is to think back over the previous twelve months and consider what want well and what did not go so well. I ask myself some hard questions like these: Am I into any habits that prevent my being what I want to be? Do I need to change any specific actions? Do any attitudes need work? Am I being dishonest with myself in any area of my life?
If you ask yourself enough questions like these, you will get either depressed or motivated! For me, and maybe for you, these questions are motivating. That is why I find Genesis 1:1 so refreshing. Imagine it. You can draw a line in the chronology of your life and say, "I'm starting over. From this day forward, I can change the course of my life by making some corrections."
One of the ways we can change is by spending some time each day in conversation with God. Reading this devotional book will be helpful, but prayer and Bible reading are essential. I know; you have tried that in the past but had trouble following through. You are in good company. But think of it this way. Developing a consistent devotional life is like investing small amounts of money over a long stretch of time and watching the magic of compound interest. Small investments can pay big dividends.
Make up your mind that you will get up fifteen minutes earlier, or keep the TV or radio off for a while, or stay up a bit later to get in your devotion time. You might not notice any difference at first, but stay with it. Let those powerful words in the beginning work for you.
Lord, thank You for the power of a new beginning.
Help me to remember that You were there when the world and all that is in it began.
You are here now, too, through Your Spirit.
Help me develop the strength and resolve to spend time with You each day.
Give me guidance as I grow in relationship with You and others.
Through the name of Jesus, Amen.
When I ask myself these questions there is one answer that comes up that needs to be addressed. In the past I was very diligent with my morning devotional time, up until about 6 months ago. I let it slip. I made excuses; I'm busy with work, busy with homework, busy with this and that. My thing was "I will do it later", but most days it never happened. Up until this time I made sure that I got up a little earlier so I could have the time I needed, but complacency sets in. The enemy distracted me.
What would happen today if we asked ourselves these questions and took the time to honestly answer them? What would happen today if we stopped listening to the excuses the enemy distracts us with? What would happen today if we closed the door to our room and got down on our knees and gave God our undivided attention for 15 minutes everyday? What would happen today if we asked for courage, strength, hope, wisdom, understanding and His love?
What would happen today...?
.
What would happen today if we asked ourselves these questions and took the time to honestly answer them? What would happen today if we stopped listening to the excuses the enemy distracts us with? What would happen today if we closed the door to our room and got down on our knees and gave God our undivided attention for 15 minutes everyday? What would happen today if we asked for courage, strength, hope, wisdom, understanding and His love?
What would happen today...?
.
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