Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Choices



Today I’m starting again, to read The 40 Day Soul Fast  “Your Journey to Authentic Living", by Cindy Trimm.  I purchased this book years ago following New Years.  My sister and I thought it would be a great way to start our year. As I look back on the pages, (after dusting them off first!) I realize I’d only made it to page 32!  I can tell you I purchased this book well over 5 years ago!   Okay transparent moment:  I don’t know why sometimes I can’t finish what I start. I have so many good intentions and good ideas. I will start something work on it, put it down, and pick up something else?   Yes, I have accomplished things, but in the grand scheme, I have found there is still so much more that is trying to get out.  I can feel the Spirit trying to birth it out of me, and I will procrastinate on it. I do realize that it is about daily choices.  Choosing natural or carnal things over spiritual. Putting something off until tomorrow, when I’m capable of doing it today.  A few days, weeks, and months of that, and it’s no wonder that “thing’’ that God gave me to do isn’t done yet!  Lord, thank you for grace and please forgive me."  I am making “the better choice” starting today.  

In Cindy ‘s book, I was reading about how the choices we’ve made in life has landed us where we are now, whether we be in a good place or a bad place.  See here: 

Where you are now is a direct result of every decision you have made in the past."  "In other words, the life you are living today--the state of your relationships, the joy, and peace you are experiencing, or the sorrow and pain-find its root in decisions you have made up until this present moment.  Your life is simply a representation of the sum total of your choices---choices that either enslave or save your soul. Think about that for a moment.  Ultimately, you are only one decision away from changing everything. One decision can change the trajectory of your life." 

This is a jolting truth to share in a society where everyone loves to play the blame game!  However, if you’re anything like me you thought, “Oh heck, now I got to be extra super careful of every little thing I do, and the choices I make, even the ones that seem to be small."  This isn’t a bad position to take when making decisions, but I tend to carry it to the next level. WORRY.   We know that God commands us not to worry.  He tells us in Matthew 6:25-34, all the reasons why we shouldn’t. And my biggest take away is, He’s already provided for today. He has placed the right choices here, all we have to do is choose them. Free will right?  Today is Tuesday, July 16, 2019. I only need to be concerned about today, and not in a worrying anxious kind of way, but by making it my business to ask God into His business for this day, so I will make the right choices.  And, if you didn’t think to ask the Lord this morning what His plans where for you today, start now.  Ask Him in this moment. “What do you want me to do?" , And then wait and expect.  I feel it’s the only way to ensure we make the right choice so we will be proud of where our lives end up. Even if your life doesn’t look like you thought it would.  If we are obedient to God we can have peace in knowing that God is pleased with how you are stewarding your life. You will live in joy because you know His plan will benefit you greatly before it's all over.  (Romans 8:28) 


   My prayer today:  “Lord, Thank you for granting me entrance into today. I am so grateful that you have allowed me to live in this day that you have made. Now, “What would you have me do today?” Where are we going? Who should I talk to, where should I go to buy, who do you want me to pray for. What mysteries and treasures have you hidden for today? What problems will I face, tell me now, how do I navigate through them? Word my mouth for whomever I will encourage and exhort today.  What are my responsibilities, Lord?  Please be a light and a lamp for me, in your Son Jesus’ name amen.”  

When you really break it down, today is really the only day you have to inquire about.   Tomorrow has its own set of mysteries and treasures it will hold, and ONLY GOD knows what they are. I don't know about you but that is a load off! We can plan of course, but we can’t be grieved or shaken when things don’t go the way we plan.  I am convinced that we would all be a lot less anxious or frustrated if we diligently entreat God about what He has for us in this day.  Today, not tomorrow, next week, next month, or next year.