godsworshippers’s posterous

Changing Our Nature

Today's Word

And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you. ~Phil. 1:6

Today's Thought    (From the Book "Next Door Savior" By Max Lucado)

My dog Molly and I aren't getting along. The problem is not her personality. A sweeter mutt you will not find. She sees every person as a friend and every day as a holiday. I have no problem with Molly's attitude. I have a problem with her habits.

Eating scraps out of the trash. Licking dirty plates in the dishwasher. Dropping dead birds on our sidewalk and stealing bones from the neighbor's dog. Shameful! Molly rolls in the grass, chews on her paw, does her business in the wrong places, and, I'm embarrassed to admit, quenches her thirst in the toilet.

Now what kind of behavior is that?

Dog behavior, you reply.

You are right. So right. Molly's problem is not a Molly problem. Molly has a dog problem. It is a dog's nature to do such things. And it is her nature that I wish to change. Not just her behavior, mind you. A canine obedience school can change what she does; I want to go deeper. I want to change who she is.

Here is my idea: a me-to-her transfusion. The deposit of a Max seed in Molly. I want to give her a kernel of human character. As it grew, would she not change? Her human nature would develop, and her dog nature would diminish. We would witness, not just a change of habits, but a change of essence. In time Molly would be less like Molly and more like me, sharing my disgust for trash snacking, potty slurping, and dish licking. She would have a new nature. My wife might even let her eat at the table.

You think the plan is crazy? Then take it up with God. The idea is his.

What I would like to do with Molly, God does with us.

He Changes Our Nature From The Inside Out!

"I will put a new way of thinking inside you. I will take out the stubborn hearts of stone from your bodies, and I will give you obedient hearts of flesh. I will put my Spirit inside you and help you live by my rules and carefully obey my laws" Ezek. 36:26--27

God doesn't send us to obedience school to learn new habits; He sends us to the hospital to be given a new heart. Forget training; He gives transplants.

Do you understand what God has done? He has deposited a Christ seed in you. As it grows, you will change. It's not that sin has no more presence in your life, but rather that sin has no more power over your life. Temptation will pester you, but temptation will not master you. What hope this brings!

It's Not Up To You! Within You Abides A Budding Power. Trust Him!

God will do with you what I only dream of doing with Molly. Change you from the inside out. When he is finished, he'll even let you sit at his table.

Today's Prayer

Father In Heaven, Thank You for my New Nature. Help me to Stay Connected to the source of my New Life. Teach me to worry less about Productivity (That which I can do or produce) and Focus on Fruitfulness (That which You Do Through me) By Your Indwelling Power make me into who You need me to be. I will be Transformed in Jesus Name. ~Amen.

Integrity

To thine own self be true. And it must follow as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man. ~Shakespeare

Today's Word

He That Is Faithful In That Which Is Least Is Faithful Also In Much: And He That Is Unjust In The Least Is Unjust Also In Much. ~ Luke 16:10

Today's Thought

There was a man who up for a big promotion, and it was a "done deal."

In the company cafeteria one day, the existing CEO was behind this man in line. The CEO saw him take a pat of butter that cost about 3 cents, then put a slice of bread over the butter so that no one would see it.

The CEO went back to the Board and told them they had the wrong man. He told them that he didn't have integrity, and for 3 cents the man lost a monumental promotion.

People love, value and honor a person of integrity. Integrity will bring true peace of mind to one's life, along with a quality and richness of living. A life of integrity is a life that is full of accomplishment and meaning.

In any situation, we have several choices. We can choose to do the easiest thing, or choose to do "what everybody else does", or we can choose to do the right thing. Integrity means doing the right thing every time.

Integrity is a passionate commitment to the truth, in what we do, what we say, and in our relationships with others. When we are true to ourselves, we cannot be false to anyone else.

Integrity means acting to make the world as much a better place as you possibly can. It means discovering your own unique set of skills and abilities, and using them to achieve maximum benefit for those around you. It means finding what you do best, and doing it with all the commitment and energy you can muster. There is no better path to success and accomplishment than this.

Are you faithful in the little things?

Let this be the beginning of a new day of faithfulness in your life. 

Remember the little things and that God is watching to find you faithful.

Today's Prayer

Father In Heaven, I know this is "One" of those things it is pointless to Pray about without a serious level of Commitment to life change and choice. You don't Make people have Integrity, but could I be so bold as to ask You're Help! I need Your Power in my life to Aid me in Doing the right thing. I know what is right. I will Do what is Right! In Jesus Name. ~Amen.

Supply & Demand

Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy -- because we will always want to have something else or something more.

Today's Word

My God shall supply all your need. ~Philippians 4:19

Today's Thought

There's a big difference between your wants and your needs.

Your desires come from many different sources. Some come from your peers and friends, others from your age and stage in life. Something as aggravating as a TV commercial can actually influence what you think you need.

Amidst all these influences, God will not grant you everything you request. A good father doesn't give in to his child's every whim. No, he carefully considers what they need; then decides: (a) what's best for them, (b) when they're ready for it.

This means growing up!

It means understanding and accepting that if God doesn't grant it, you don't need it - at least not yet! If it were a genuine need He'd have supplied it already. Anytime there's a discrepancy between what you think you need, and what's actually being supplied - trust God, and thank Him for knowing what's best.

Remember, you're to prosper and be in health - as your soul prospers. If you're not growing spiritually, that should be your primary concern! Every other supply will flow "as your soul prospers."

That's why it's so important to maintain a healthy heart towards God; for what would it profit if you gained the whole world and lost your soul? Mark 8:36 Don't stress out, burn out, become jealous, or strive for things. Keep your head in the right place. Seek His kingdom first, and all these things, whatever they are, will be added to you Matthew 6:33 God guarantees it!

Today's Prayer

Father In Heaven, Thank You for Supplying all I have, and for giving me what was best even when I made demands. You are a Wonderful Father and I will Trust You Today! Give us this Day our Daily Bread. Whatever Type You know is best. Pumpernickel, Rye, Whole Wheat or dry toast. I will not complain or Demand different I will thank You for the Supply. In Jesus Name. ~Amen.  

Trust Me, He Always Answers.

One Moment Of Patience May Ward Off Great Disaster. One Moment Of Impatience May Ruin A Whole Life.

Today's Word

I will answer them before they even call to me; While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!  ~Isaiah 65:24

Today's Thought

When we pray to God and ask for something, often we are asking him to answer it a specific way within a specific time frame. And sometimes, that's an easy way to become frustrated with God. You can feel like He's not paying attention and not listening to you. But really we're the ones not paying attention.

Just because God doesn't answer a prayer the way we want, when we want Him to, doesn't mean that He didn't answer the prayer. He always answers.

Sometimes we don't see it because we are busy looking for something different.

When we are thirsty, we might be looking for a glass of water, but miss that God has given us the rain. Sometimes answers to prayer come in ways we wouldn't have imagined. Watch for God to answer prayers in unexpected ways, and try to notice when He does.

Are you thirsty, standing in the rain?

Today's Prayer

Father In heaven, It's really hard for us mere mortals to comprehend, but I chose to believe Your Word over my Circumstance and over my Colossal Logic. I believe that even before I read and prayed this prayer You where already moving to bless me because You KNEW I would be calling!!! WOW! Thank You! For Whatever Happens in this day You have planned and provided for me. In Jesus Name I Believe Your Promise. ~Amen.

Less Stress, More Meaning This Holiday Season!

If You Have More Than You Can Organize, Prioritize Or Supervise You Have More Than God Intended.

Today's Word

Casting The Whole Of Your Care [All Your Anxieties, All Your Worries, All Your Concerns, Once And For All] On Him, For He Cares For You Affectionately And Cares About You Watchfully. ~1 Peter 5:7

Today's Thought

With Christmas less than two weeks away, many people are feeling stressed by the expectations, shopping and obligations that come with the holiday season.

Here are a few strategies for dealing with stress this holiday season:

1. DECIDE WHAT WORKS FOR YOU

Decide what is most important to YOU this holiday season. Then center your holiday around it. Just because your friends' idea of Christmas is elaborate gift giving and 10 parties in three weeks, doesn't mean you have to do the same. Do what works for you.

2. ASK FOR HELP

If you are the person responsible for Christmas dinner or hosting family gatherings, don't try to do everything yourself. Make it a true family affair and ask for help.

3. PLAN A BUDGET

If you haven't finished shopping, take time to plan your gift budget and stick to it. Don't feel pressured to spend money you don't have. If you do, you'll have a bad financial hangover in January. It's OK to tell people you are cutting back this year ... they may even be relieved to hear you say it because it will take the pressure off of them, too!

4. PLAN YOUR GIFTS

Shop with a purpose! Don't go to the mall looking for whatever jumps out at you.  Give it some thought ahead of time. This saves time and the gifts tend to be more thoughtful.

5. REMEMBER THE "REASON FOR THE SEASON"

Since Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Christ, take time to incorporate a spiritual tradition into your holiday celebrations such as Christmas Eve or Christmas day church service. (We have one on Christmas Morning every Year at New Life. Join us if you can 9:00am to 10:00am ~ www.NewLifeCt.com )

6. APPRECIATE YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Many people are stressed by the prospect of spending time with their families. Rather than focusing on what you dislike or disapprove of about some of your loved ones, take time to appreciate them and the fact that you are blessed to spend another holiday season with your family. Make A Decision To Appreciate The People Who Are Present In Your Life.

7. CREATE NEW TRADITIONS

If your family has changed because of death, divorce or other circumstances, take the opportunity to create new traditions that will make the holidays special. It will take some adjustment, but the most important goal in this new tradition:  Is celebrating love for one another, and Remembering God's Wonderful Gift at Christmas.

This month, stay focused on what's most important and you'll find that stress will be the furthest thing from your mind.

Today's Prayer

Father In Heaven, Forgive me for celebrating the Holiday without making it a HolyDay. Help me to Organize and Prioritize so that Stress is replaced with Meaning. Would You help me put some of these stress reducing principals into play in my life and the lives of my family and friends. In Baby Jesus Name. ~Amen.