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New Ways to Begin Each Day

Good morning my sisters in Christ. I hope you're having a lovely day as you read or listen to this post. If you're listening, please click on the linked text in this post to read other related posts on my site. 

Continuing with the New Year, let's talk about learning some new practices or habits. Luke 10:27 states, "You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind." And, "Love your neighbor as yourself." In order to be able to do this, we must practice being like Christ. This means that we set aside time with God each day to learn how to be like His Beloved Son - just as a pianist sets aside time to practice her music each day. The more we practice, the better we get at loving God, Jesus, and others the way we should.

What does this practice look like? First of all, thank God for another day upon awakening. He has given us the gift of life, and we should be grateful for that. Intentionally breathe in deep breaths of air, and drink a glass of water. These are other gifts God has provided to sustain life in our bodies. You'll remember from one of my previous posts that God's name, YHWH (I AM), is the sound we make as we breathe in and out. We are continually speaking God's name as we breathe. What a beautiful thought.


 Song: Great are You Lord: Your Breath in Our Lungs by Casting Crowns

Also, don't grumble about the day ahead. Let's be thankful we have jobs, homes to clean, children to raise, or whatever needs to be done each day. In Colossians 3:23-24, Paul tells us, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord...since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

Next, set aside at least 10 quiet minutes a day to spend with God. Read devotions or a few Bible verses. If you don't have a book of devotions or a Bible, you can find these online at BibleHub.com, Crosswalk.com, BibleStudyTools.com, and other sites. Then pray about what you read, asking God to help you be the person He wants you to be based on the topic of the day. Your prayers should also include time to listen to God. Often, He reveals His messages in the silence. 

I also want you to know that this special time you set aside for reading and prayer aren't the only times we talk to God. Honestly, I talk to God and listen for His direction all day. "Help me with this, Dear Lord." Or, "Forgive me for that, Father." Sometimes, we even laugh together. If I'm sad, I know He's by my side, perhaps hugging me and consoling me with, "I am here, my child." 

Life is a gift. It was meant to be enjoyed. The joy comes with knowing God is always near. He isn't in a far-away place. His Precious Son, Jesus our Savior, came into the world as Emmanuel, or God with us, and His Holy Spirit resides in us.  And every time we breathe, we speak God's Holy name. May this message bless and console you as you carry on with your day.

Listen to today's message.

Patricia


Sermon on the Mount
Jesus preaching the Sermon on the Mount courtesy of Wikipedia
Artist: Carl Bloch, 1877




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