Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

Nothing good comes from comparing yourself to other people. If you think others are better than you, you'll have low self-esteem and inferiority. If you think you are better than others, you'll be prideful and dismissive. The practice is meaningless ... and wrong.
God created each of us with unique capabilities and individual circumstances. We are equal in His sight: He loves all of us, warts and all. When we try comparing ourselves we become judgmental. We are all familiar with John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." Now go on reading through verse 17, "For God did not sent the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him." If anyone had the right to judge others, it would be Jesus. He never sinned: in thought or deed. Yet, He did not judge others. He asks the same of us in Luke 6:37, "Do not judge, and you will not be judged, and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned."
Some see God as an unpleasant Judge, angrily searching out our faults and failures. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our God is a full of lovingkindness and forgiveness. He died for us so that we might be clothed in His garments of salvation. Psalm 61:10 says, "...For He has clothes me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness." We cannot claim our own rightness with God ... He provides His righteousness as a covering for our sins.
So, stop comparing yourself (your abilities, your possessions, your family heritage, your prospects for the future) with others. Revel in your uniqueness. Claim your inheritance as a child of God.

Tempted? Use God's Escape Hatch

Christians may no longer be sin's slaves but every day we are faced with decisions that can lead to sin. We are not immune to temptation. Will we do something we know is wrong? Or, more commonly, will we fail to do something we know we should. Paul expresses it best in Romans 7:15: "I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate." We all face these kinds of temptations over the course of our day.
But God provides an escape! I Corinthians 10:13 holds the key: "There isn't any temptation that you have experienced which is unusual for humans. God, who faithfully keeps his promises, will not allow you to be tempted beyond your power to resist. But when you are tempted, he will also give you the ability to endure the temptation as your way of escape."
What a relief. With every temptation God provides a way to resist. We do not have to be conquered by sin. Christ gives us victory over sin and it's penalty, death. 
Now, I've found in my experience, the hard part is just taking that escape route. I'm sometimes so rebellious, I refuse to use the way out that is right there in front of me. I pray that in the future, when temptations do beguile me, I have the wisdom to use the escape hatch that will never fail to be provided. Christ is beside me and His Holy Spirit is inside me, helping me make the right choices. 
Next time you're tempted to do what you know to be wrong, don't forget to look around for God's escape hatch.

Day by Day: Moment by Moment

God leads us through life day by day and moment by moment. He doesn't promise to let us in on His plans for the future. We want to know what lies ahead but God asks us to be satisfied with this present moment. Leave the future in His hands. Deuteronomy 29:29 says, "The secret things belong to the Lord our God ..." I believe that the future is one of those 'secret things.' When we try to figure out what comes next, we are grabbing at things that belong to God. This gives us a spirit of rebellion: we begin to doubt God's promise to care for us.
Instead of worrying about the future, return to God. He will show you the next step.
Trusting Christ to see us through whatever life may hold, is one way to develop a perfect relationship with Him. Psalm 32:8 assures us, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you." We are never overlooked by God. His eye is on us. His lovingkindness surrounds us. Begin today in a new journey with the Father. Let Him teach you about His Will. Trust Him to care for you day by day: moment to moment.

Prayers of Gratitude

Some wonder just how one can stay in constant contact with the Father. Exactly how does that happen? One reliable way is to be continually offering prayers of gratitude.
You will find it hard to feel sorry for yourself when you are thanking God for all the blessings He bestows. You will find it hard to worry when you are praying with gratitude.
Colossians 3:2 instructs, "Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving." Praying with the attitude of thankfulness keeps you alert to the power and working of God.
This morning, during my quiet time, I listed many of the things for which I am grateful. From the big (friends who love me, a safe home, good health) to the small (a working computer, plants and flowers in my garden, pets that I adore). During the day today, my intention is to keep thanking God for all the ways He blesses me.
When you're in a conversation with a friend, you become closer as you share the important things about your life. When you're in a conversation with God, you become closer as you thank Him for all the blessings (people, things and events) that He has given you.
I love I Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
It is impossible to be both angry and thankful. You can't feel 'blue' when you are offering prayers of gratitude. Try it. You'll see.

No Limit On God's Love

There is no force in the universe more powerful than God's love for us. We humans experience limitations of all kinds. We usually are able to love ... up to a point. Human love can be weakened by circumstances, by disappointments, by betrayal. God's love never grows weak. He will never abandon us.
Now we see only part of the story: as through a dim mirror, I Corinthians 13:12 tells us. But someday we will see Christ face-to-face. Then we will know fully, just as we are fully known.
Then we will see exactly how wide and long and high and deep is Christ's love for us. Someday we will have unlimited access to His Presence: an eternal ecstasy. For now, His loving presence is sufficient to get us through our day.
Thoughtfully read and meditate on Ephesians 3:16-19, "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

Don't Let Satan Win

Divide and conquer. Divide and conquer. That has been Satan's tactic down through the ages. Wherever there is confusion, disillusionment, conflict, Satan is there to make things worse than they need to be.
Recently, in the church where I attend, decisions were made that have mystified many in the congregation. Rumors and misinformation have spread quickly. Many have been hurt and many are considering leaving our church. Satan must be dancing with glee (if the Devil can feel joy). This is the perfect opportunity for Satan and his minions to split the church.
We are in the process of calling a new minister. Satan must be very afraid that the church might start growing again. He will use every bit of dissatisfaction and every piece of bitterness to worm his way into the hearts and minds of our members.
I Peter 5:6-9 warns us, ^"And God will exalt you in due time, if you humble yourselves under his mighty hand by casting all your cares on him because he cares for you. Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. Resist him, strong in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring the same kinds of suffering"
Don't let Satan devour you. Don't let this trial become a tool in the Devil's workshop. Stand firm in your faith. Pray for guidance. Pray for wisdom. Pray for peace. Don't let Satan win. 

Are You Too Busy for God?

God is waiting for you this morning. Perhaps in your favorite chair, next to the bookshelf that holds your Bible. Perhaps He's waiting in the kitchen table or even at your bedside. He wants to talk to you. He has important things to say before you begin your day. Don't let the concerns of the day crowd out this precious time alone with Jesus.
Yes, we all have duties that constantly demand our attention. Yet, taking a half hour with the Lord will give you a better perspective on what is important and what is trivial.
I love the quote by Martin Luther, "Work, work, from morning until late at night. In fact, I have so much to do that I shall have to spend the first three hours in prayer." Martin Luther knew that in order to get everything else done, it was important to meet with his Savior in prayer. We may not have the full three hours that Luther spent, but you'll find that even half an hour in communion with God will make the rest of your day smoother and less stressful.
"Don't fall into the trap of being constantly on the go," my devotional Jesus Calling advises. Much of that busy work is meaningless in light of eternity. Make you day count for Christ. Psalm 32: 8 tells us, "I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you." God promises to be our time-management counselor. You are never out of His sight. He can supernaturally bring about more time in your day to finish all those pressing tasks.
First, though, it is necessary to spend time in His Presence. Reading His Word, the Bible. Meditating on the meaning of those Words for your life. Making your requests and giving Him praise and thanks. Listen to that still small voice that will direct your feet and make your way clear. Don't be too busy for God.

With Christ in the Heavenly Realms

Christ is above all things: our everyday concerns, our paid, the events that overwhelm us. He invites us to rise above these worldly troubles. Ephesians 2:4-7 gives us the invitation, "But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus."
What a transforming thought: God didn't leave us to die because of our sin, but had such love and mercy for us He made us alive in Christ so that we can dwell with Him in the heavenly places. Doesn't your small worry fade in comparison to these riches? Don't you long to leave the world of woe behind and live with Christ? It's not an impossible dream. That is where God wants us to be.
Whenever circumstances get you down, simply ask for Jesus to help you. He is draw you out of the turmoil and give you peace and rest.
Take a moment to thank Him, then take Him up on His offer. Walk in His presence. Be with Christ in the heavenly realms.

Beating the Blues

For no apparent reason I was feeling 'down' last night. It seemed I was such a failure in so many areas of my life: money, men, dieting. I took my eyes off Jesus for just one moment and all the cares of the world come crashing down. It can happen to any of us ... at any time.
Give Satan an inch and he'll take a mile, as the saying goes. He can turn even good things into despair. He is always lurking ... waiting for a minute of weakness to rob us of our joy.
I'm so glad that God gives us refreshment from sleep and a new outlook each morning. What a wonderful, dependable promise in Lamentations 3:22-23, "The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning."
Today's devotion in Jesus Calling gave me this to think about: "I (God) can fit everything into a pattern for good, including the things you wish were different. Start with where you are at this point in time and space, accepting that this is where I intend you to be." What great news. God has put be where He wants me to be. I can thank Him for all the things he provides: a safe home, a reliable car, food to eat, friends who care, a wonderful church to attend, my precious pets, on and on, too many to name. God is good.
Psalm 42:11 asks, "Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for once again I will praise him, since his presence saves me and he is my God."
The blues can catch any of us unawares. But praise God that He won't leave us in our depression. If we look for Him, we will find Him anew every morning. Focusing again on Him and His power will beat those blues.

Building Character in Hard Times

It is easy to follow Christ and focus on His Presence when everything is going well. But what happens when tough times come your way? Although your world may be shaken to the core, Jesus still offers Peace, Light and Joy. If we can take our eyes off our troubles long enough to see God at work in our lives, we will find that the hard times ... times when we need the most help ... are when our faith is strengthen and our trust can grow.
When we face trails and temptations, we can find comfort in such scriptures as Matthew 11:28-29, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Sometimes we need correction. Sometimes we're headed in the wrong direction. Yet Jesus always provides a way out. Keep Him at the center of your life and everything else will fall into place. Who else can offer such a promise?
Don't give up when the going gets tough. Hebrews 10:35-36 warns us, "Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised." 
If you face hard decisions or life seems particularly difficult today, keep your focus on Jesus: bathe in His Peace. Be glad that He is offering you the opportunity to build character and develop greater faith in the hard times.

Grasp Jesus' Hand and Let Go of the Rest

My devotional, Jesus Calling, contained this interesting thought today: "The only thing you can grasp without damaging your soul is My (i.e. Jesus') hand." Holding onto worry and fear will only damage your spirit. When you 'let go and let God,' you find that He will fill your mind and spirit with contentment. The mind controlled by Christ's Spirit is full of Life and Peace.
Romans 8:6 says, "For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace." You can have as much of Christ's peace as you want, as you make thousands of correct choices today. Decided to trust Him instead of worrying. You will never run out of things to worry about until you place your mind under God's control. He will replace the worry with joy and the fear with courage and the weakness with strength.
Rely on the words of Psalm 46:1-2, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;" Now that is faith ... to have no fear even when the earth starts shaking and mountains tremble and fall.
Let go of the things that weigh you down and grasp the hand of Jesus. He will never fail you. Just believe.

Is the Path You Follow Headed For Heaven?

John 14:6 says, "Jesus replied, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.' "
It can't be any plainer than that. Unless we put our faith in Christ Jesus, we cannot be assured that the path we are on will lead to eternal life. How God the Father will apply this truth is beyond our comprehension. Will we and our loved ones have a second chance to accept the truth of Christ's death and resurrection after our own death? We just don't know. But why take a chance about that when we have the opportunity to accept His salvation today.
Many people seek Truth. Some are looking in all the wrong places. The only sure path is the one Christ calls us to ... the path of truth that leads to Life (a richer Life, here and now; a promise of Life Forever after death.)
John 8:31-32, "...If you continue to follow my teaching, you are really my disciples and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Freedom! We all want to be free. Free from worries, free from strife, free from anxiety and mostly, free from sin.
Trusting God is where the blessings begin. Psalm 13:5-6 says, "But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness: my hearth shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me." 
What path are you on? Choose the path of truth: the path of Christ. Let God deal 'bountifully' with you by trusting in His 'lovingkindness.'

Focus on the Unseen, Not the Seen

As we go through our days, Jesus is urging us to focus our attention on the unseen (and eternal), rather than the seen (and temporary). II Corinthians 4:17-18 tells us, "For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at things which are see; for the things that are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal."
Where is your focus today? On the eternal ... things of the spirit and God ... or on the temporal ... problems, worries, cares of the world? With God, we can live in the present, not having one care about the future.
God, through the Spirit of Christ, offers His presence. He will be with you, beside you and in you ... but only in the present moment. That's the only place we can meet Him. He doesn't promise to to be with us when our attention is focused elsewhere ... on things of this world. What a futile effort to try to grasp for future gifts from God, when He has given you all you need for today. Verbalize your trust and thankfulness. Receive today's gifts with gratitude. Unwrap them, one by one, and appreciate what you've been given. Stay in the present moment where God is. As Romans 8:31 assures us, "... If God is for us, who can be against us?"

Follow Jesus One Step at a Time

Not only is walking with Jesus one step at a time all that He asks, it is the only safe way to walk through this world. Why is this such a difficult concept to accept? Why do was want to see ahead? Why do we want to rush head-long into the future? When we take our eyes off Jesus and see the looming mountain ahead, we become discouraged, even fearful. We start worrying about how we are ever going to climb that mountain (whatever your mountain: debts, poor health, failed relationships). If you're not keeping your focus on just this one step ahead, you're likely to stumble and fall.
When we fall, Jesus will pick us up, dust us off, and remind us to follow Him just one step at a time. Our path may take an abrupt turn, leading us away from that mountain. There may be an easier way us the mountain ... one that is not visible to us right now. Or even if God does lead us up our own special mountain, He will never leave our side. Psalm 91:11-12 promises us, "For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, that you do not strike your foot against a stone." 
With Jesus beside us and angels around us, we are not going to fall or even hit our foot on a rock along the way.
II Corinthians 5:7 says, "for we walk by faith, not by sight ..." Jesus sees the path ahead ... we don't. Trust Him to guide you. Take courage and have faith. You will never regret following Jesus one step at a time.