Daily Dose 1-2-16

Genesis 3:12-13 The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this you have done? The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

From the beginning of time we have played the blame game. Adam blamed Eve; Eve blamed the serpent. Who do you blame? When you are called out for sin or even simple mistakes, is you immediate response, “Yes, but...” to blame circumstances, someone else or justify your actions? God knows we will sin. He knows we will make mistakes. His desire for us is to accept responsibility, repent and learn from each wrong how to make it right. Our society likes to justify actions and give people the victim mentality to excuse their behavior. We talk about generational cycles of poverty, abuse, discord and poor decision-making. At some point, someone must take a stand and say, “Enough! No matter why I am ‘justified’ to behave this way, it does not honor God and it stops with me.” Become the patriarch or matriarch who generations to come can point to and say, “Because of (Your name) our family began a closer walk with God that changed the course of our lives.” Stop the blame game and begin accountability actions. Take responsibility for your own actions and line them up according to God’s desires for You. You never know how far your influence will go. It begins with you. It begins today…what steps will you take to lead you and yours to God’s intended path?

Father, I know I fall short of Your expectations in so many areas. I am quick to justify my actions. Help me begin today with Your perspective. Keep me close on Your path and teach me to push through to Your will no matter what excuses could be given. I want to be a difference-maker for You. I know that starts by changing my life game today. I love You! Amen

Daily Dose 1-1-16

Proverbs 1:1-6 (MSG) “These are the wise sayings of Solomon, David’s son, Israel’s king—
Written down so we’ll know how to live well and right,
to understand what life means and where it’s going;
A manual for living, for learning what’s right and just and fair;
To teach the inexperienced the ropes and give our young people a grasp on reality.
 There’s something here also for seasoned men and women, still a thing or two for the experienced to learn—
Fresh wisdom to probe and penetrate, the rhymes and reasons of wise men and women.”

It’s a new year – a fresh start full of possibilities! Disappointments and heartaches of 2015 can take a back seat for a moment as we pause. Pause for a moment to hope. Pause for a moment to dream. Pause for a moment to imagine your life lived to the potential God created it to be! What does that look like for you? Has the road been so rough you are afraid to dream again? Take heart…you are not alone. If you are still here – reading this and breathing – God isn’t finished with you yet. Stop the recorded loop in your head recounting past hurts, disappointments, losses and pain. Stop wondering why it is what is and start worshiping the One Who spoke the world into existence! Ask God for His wisdom to guide you into His work with His purpose for your being. Just as a new year begins with a page turning of the calendar, let your new life this year begin by turning to His Word. But don’t stop there. James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Make this new year the opportunity to read the instruction manual for your life – and actually follow the directions!

Father, Thank You for clean slates! Write Your dreams in my heart and give me the courage to play my role in fulfilling Your will. I love You. Amen