The past cannot be changed. Perhaps not all choices and actions were the best. Know that people can change. You can change. It is always a heart issue! Situations do shift.
Do not miss today’s opportunities while malingering over yesterday’s issues whether real or imagined.
In this microwave society we can think that if something does not happen in a nano-second God must be saying no. He may be, but often He is just saying ‘wait.’ He may be working out something in your heart (for it is always a heart issue), the heart of another or in the situation. He may have something far better in store for you than what you can think or imagine.
The other day a person, who sits in church every Sunday, told me that they pass the same woman daily on their walk and have chosen not to say hello or even give her a smile. She appears unfriendly so they have decided that she will never respond and therefore they will never show any kindness to her.
WOW! Talk about heart issues (and it is always a heart issue!). I could not help but think that this very woman could probably use a kind word-not a lengthy conversation, just a simple hello or smile.
There is so much division swirling around today in our country and in the world. We appear divided on every front…race, creed, political proclivity, etc. I cannot help but think that corporate division manifests as we allow division into our heart and into our individual lives. It starts with each of us.
If you follow Christ you are called to love one another. That does not necessarily mean that you will like everyone but you are called to love them. Seems confusing, doesn’t it? Let’s go a bit deeper. This includes loving yourself and those in your own household.
In this life you will not like everyone. That is OK. You will not like everything that happens. That is OK also. Just remember to be kind and gracious to all you encounter. Do not let circumstance dictate your response!
To carry extra weight in the natural is unhealthy. It can affect your overall health and tax your heart. To carry extra weight in the spiritual realm is also unhealthy. And, it is always a heart issue here!
The extra weight of anger, resentment, bitterness, rejection and more can weigh you down so very much and affect your emotional well-being and every relationship in your life. At the root of most if not all heart issues is the issue of un-forgiveness. If you choose not to forgive others for things said or done in the past, you actually hold your
When dealing with stage 4 cancer in 1992, I chose to use the Word of God as medicine. I wrote out and diligently spoke every healing scripture over myself several times a day. I was persistent and I prefaced each citation with, “It is written.” When I was too weak to speak all the scriptures, I simply said, “It is written.” I posted this phrase all over the house so I would see it throughout the day.
I walked through this season alone with God without any support in the natural. My prognosis in the natural was death. My firm
Are you in a situation where you are not sure what next step to take? Sometimes, after you have diligently prayed about something and have heard God’s still small voice beckoning you to go further, you just need to step out in faith despite what you may feel in the natural. You will know in your heart (for it is always a heart issue). You will know that you know that you know even if in the natural it may appear completely impossible or at the very least highly improbable.
Kingdom living stretches you. Stepping out in faith…stepping out in
When you live with thanksgiving every day despite circumstances, your life will change. You will literally rewire your brain to grow new pathways that are positive. Negativity and toxicity will begin to feel so uncomfortable that you will no longer entertain such or want to be around it.
Start today. Walk away from negativity. Walk away from toxic people and situations. Walk away.
Make a strategic choice today to be thankful for all that you do have and for all those God has placed in your life.
Sometimes the crustiest person on the outside is really a person hiding much pain. Be pleasant. Be gentle. You have no idea the impact of a smile or a kind word. Show compassion.
For it is written:
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”
