Devotional Time with God

I’ve seen (and felt) what my bad habits can do to my spiritual, mental, and physical health.  I got too much stress, too much resentment, too much doubts that led me to be distant from family, friends, and God.  It doesn’t have to be this way.  There are better ways to get better.

Focus on changing my character defect, one at a time.

There are many areas I have to tackle, but I can’t change them all at the same time.  I have to pick one, perhaps the easiest one, like eating too much junk food.  Then I’ll get into the tougher ones, like looking at questionable material on the internet.  Eventually I’ll overcome the big one: my hot temper.

Focus on success, one day at a time.

I can’t forsee the future.  I don’t know what’s going to happen.  That’s up to God’s will.  But what I can control is my actions today.  The Lord’s prayer says, “Give us our daily bread.”  One day, today, I can make it happen for the better.

Focus on God’s power.

He’s the source of my strength.  God’s character is my goal and model.  My strength is insufficient.  I need God’s power to add to my willpower.  If I need change, I need God to steer me to the right direction.

Focus on the good things.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Phillipians 4:8

The good things are the only thing worthwhile doing.  I only have so much time and energy.  Staying positive will only bring joy and happiness.

Focus on doing good.

What good have I done for you lately?  That’s the question I should be asking everyone.  Today I have to continue to build relationships, continue to be a peace maker, and continue to be helpful.  My tendency is to make myself feel good.  I must stop being selfish.  I must continue to do the right thing.

Focus on people who help.

People can hinder my progress.  They can be critical, judgmental, and down right unhelpful.  These are the ones I want to be associated with.  They’ll just slow me down, and will one day take me down completely!  I have to surround myself with kind, compassionate, and Godly people, for they’ll help me change and grow for the better.

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

1 Corinthians 15:33

Focus on progress.

I’m not a perfectionist.  Sometimes I say “Good enough is good enough.”  I’m taking this step to keep myself sane and not stress over the little things.  I can imagine the amounts of energy and time required to be “perfect” in everything.  I know God loves me for who I am.  I don’t have to be perfect in His eyes.  I just have to be believe and be willing to change.  When God is shaping me, that’s progress for me.

This is going to be my first monday devotionals.  A collection of inspirational verses that put focus on what I have to do to start off the week.

John 11: 1-6 – Lazarus, Jesus’ best friend, was sick. However, Jesus stayed in Bethany for another 2 days. God works at His own time.  I must wait for God’s time.

Ephesians 5:15-20 – Be very careful on how I proceed with my daily routine.  Evil lurks in every corner of my life.  I get to stumble easily.  I need to focus on God’s will and always give glory to Him.

Philippians 3:12-21 -  Look out and Look Up!  Focus on heaven, a place where God wants me to belong.  I should not look at the earthly riches.  I must expect heavenly reward for it is more satisfying than worldly reward.

2 Corinthians 5:21 – Jesus saved me.  I am right with God if my life is with Jesus.

What now?  I must include God in my daily walk, keep looking for heavenly goals, and be careful doing my due diligence – not rushing God.

What would my family and friends say is the driving force of my life? What I want it to be?

The Purpose Driven Life, p. 35

Living in this world has a lot of pressures: friends, family, and sometimes self-imposed ones. When I grew up, I tended to find approval from my parents and friends. My parents would like to see me succeed in life, either in wealth, or in raising a family of my own. I was asking the questions: Do I make enough money to equal Dad’s success? Am I married to a woman that my mother approved? Will my friends still be friends when I’m in a less fortunate situation? Will others see us as bad parents if my child does not behave to a certain “standard”?

The stress that I put on myself are not necessarily in sync with God’s purpose for me. In fact, if it is God’s will, my life should be very easy! I had those moments where things look straight forward and simple. It felt like walking on a tight-rope; sometimes I felt in control. But as soon as I looked down, I lost my balance and fell.

This world also puts an emphasis on money as a measure of one’s success. I never forget the verse from 1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV):

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Money is not evil. It’s the love of money that is evil. It’s a verse that’s often misinterpreted and miscommunicated. Money is essential to survive in this world, but the drive to accumulate more of it is not healthy at all. I must teach my family that sometimes enough is enough. We don’t need expensive SUVs. We don’t need 100″ plasma TVs. We don’t need to travel every 3 months, etc.

Another concept that shows God’s favour is the act of giving. After providing for my family, I must also help others with my money. In Malachi 3:10 (NIV)

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.

This verse was given to us by my church friend, Sherry. I was on unemployment insurance, getting $300 per month. How could I give that away as tithe? It turned out that we could still give 10% to God and He still provided for my family! People helped us in our time of need. I received a substantial tax return. We stayed healthy. We were never short. Eventually, I got another job that paid more! God is that simple — give to Him, and He will give a lot more back to me!

Once I know that God is in control, my life is more focused and clear.