Have you thought about what makes you get up in the mornings to begin your daily routine? Would you rather stay in bed longer, go into work much later or maybe have a four-day workweek? Well, I have thought about it. Truthfully a four-day workweek does not sound bad at all. In fact I experienced this time frame at work during the summer. It was nice to have a three-day weekend. But back to reality. I need to know that when I get up in the mornings, I will live my day as someone whom God created to be His reflection of love, joy, peace and excellence to others on this planet. I have an opportunity each day to live, laugh, enjoy with others, knowing work is simply a means to plant and reap the essentials of life.
So how do I live my life? I live it by first giving thanks to God when I get up for blessing me with a new day. I give Him a big smile. I then offer the day to Him by putting it in His hands, because I cannot handle all that life throws at me in my own strength. I need God. “…He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him…You give me your shield and your right hand sustains me.” Psalm 18: 30b, 35 (NIV) I have learned the importance of honoring God throughout the day by respecting the authority in my home, work place, organizations I belong to and Church. I honor Him by valuing and nurturing my relationships. I strive to work in an excellent manner, “straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13b-14 (NIV) I am so grateful to God for loving me in spite of all my flaws. I know I am beautiful in His eyes. This is why I want to honor Him with all of my heart. He fills me with favor and grace as I step out in faith to begin my day. I urge you to honor God in the simple things as you get up and begin your day. He honors us when we focus on Him, read His Word, accept His Son Jesus into our lives as Our Savior and live out a life reflecting His love. Enjoy your day walking in the love and presence of God… Subscribe to my weekly devotional. It will guide you to the heart of God. In Christ’s love, Maria Esther
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The past weeks have been intense for me. I have had situations that have made me uncomfortable, distraught and without energy. I had to make a decision and take a risk. I had to trust in what was right. Doing what is right is not always a comfortable thing to do. So how do you know what the right decision is? You know when you focus on the things that matter. You see, I realized a long time ago when I need to make a change in my life or a decision, I cannot rely on my emotions but I need to go before the ONE who can “direct my paths and make them straight.” (Proverbs: 3:6) “ I began to close the door to my bedroom and sit before God and put it all at His feet. I focused on Him. I read His Word and asked the Holy Spirit to illuminate my mind on how to react, walk or decide whatever I needed to do. I found the more I did this the more confident I became. I began to memorize small verses of the Bible that would help me to keep focused. You know how fearful and anxious you get when you are not sure of something? Well, I began to memorize Philippians 4: 5-6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (NIV). As I read this passage and memorized it, I truly began to feel peace. Peace helps us to put things into perspective. I have to be vigilant of my time with God because I can so easily get distracted with work, TV, activities, things that make me lose my focus. My relationship with Him needs to be continuous and work on it everyday just as I have to nurture my relationship with my daughter, family, co-workers and friends. The more I seek God, in my quiet time in my bedroom, put the day He has blessed me with in His hands, and think of Him and His Word through out the day, the better it becomes to live out my day. It does not mean I am exempt of troubles, it means I am not alone and whatever decision I need to make, I wait for God’s peace to take over my being and walk in the direction He is leading me. I invite you now to focus on the things that matter. Follow God’s purpose for your life. God loves you so much and wants to build a relationship with you. Put your cares before Him… Give Him the opportunity and your life will be transformed. Subscribe to my weekly devotional. It will help you to grow in your relationship with God. In Christ’s love, Maria Esther Jenn Johnson (Bethel Church), God I look to You |
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March 2020
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