Drops of Sunshine - Daily Bread

 There is a saying that the only constant is change. In an odd way, it's meant to provide comfort with an assurance that change is inevitable. There is no point in getting complacent, when things are bound to change. I choose to take comfort in the fact that God is truly the only constant. Through the bible, I see so many examples of Him being the same God He has always been. We can each hold on to that as an assurance for our faith, whether we are in a beautiful season or a tumultuous one. 

A concept that I always disliked in school was when teachers would ask the class to "show your work". No!! I couldn't stand it. I know that 8+8=16. That's factual. I don't want to explain it. It just is! It wasn't until I grew and matured that I began to truly understand the value of showing my work. It's not just about producing the correct answer. But I illustrate for the teachers that I have an understanding of the concept and I know how to reach the appropriate and correct conclusion. By learning that in math class, I also learn that there are many other paths with different variables. For example, 15+1, 26-10, and so on. That's how I sometimes think about understanding with the word of God. Exercising my faith is showing my work. There may be a great many of paths each of us will take, but the end goal should be the same destination for all of us. So when those tests of your faith come, be prepared to show your work. Be prepared to step out on fai...

Each day, it becomes increasingly vital for our overall well being to be able to have some semblance of control over our emotions. I listened to a writer/speaker on the topic of perfectionism. She hit on a very valid point that I held on to ever since, but I incorporate my spiritual belief into it. It's simply this. In a world where Satan is always busy, tearing us down mentally and trying to convince us that we aren't good enough and never will be, he doesn't need my help. And I'm not willing to offer it. I don't want anxiety or worry over what circumstances look like to dominate my mental bandwidth. This is a time when we need to be in prayer, no matter what circumstances we find ourselves facing. The more we pray and the more we exercise our faith, the less room Satan has to convince us that whatever we're dealing with is hopeless. Keep trusting and believing God to turn those situations around for you.

The scriptures reveal that the Lord searches our heart. That's a necessary thing to do because in it are the hidden things. Every single day we should make it our mission to rid ourselves of the mess that we store up in our heart. Just like weeding out a closet, which I've mentioned previously. The more old that we get rid of, the more Jesus we can receive. At the end of the day, that should be our desire. 

Redemption is a beautiful thing. It indicates that there was a price, one that I don't need to pay in order to gain something. That's salvation in a nutshell. With His life, Jesus purchased my freedom. It would be insane for me to reject such a loving and essential gift as eternal life with Him. 

A rewarding pastime for me is doing my laundry. I love the smell of my laundry room. It's so refreshing and makes being there practically all day worth it. As much as I love it, when I do laundry or clean my house, I wish it would stay that way forever. That small moment in my life gives me a regular glimpse into the cleansing that God desires for us. Even the desire for us to remain clean. Unlike the temporary of my home or my laundry, this is an eternal cleansing and I should desire it just as much.

There is a saying that one bad apple spoils the bunch. Just like the scriptures that say that a little leaven leavens the whole lump. Those things teach us that sometimes a little can be too much. I often say that a little can go a long way with faith. But the expectation is that the little will blossom into something great. That shows me the strength of small things. There is potential for growth. I don't want that to happen with sin. When my eternal home is on the line, a little unrighteous living has a very hefty price tag.

I'm going to be honest enough to admit that I struggle with cleaning out my closet. I try, I really do. But the hard part is getting rid of things I think I may need in the future. Yet, even as I say that, I'm not as bad as I once was. I've learned that when I desire new things, I need to make room for them. I can't do that if I'm holding on to all the old stuff. That describes my spiritual walk too. With each new day comes an opportunity for God to bless me with newness. It is increasingly vital that I let go of all the old stuff that only serves to weigh me down. It's time to embrace the new.

 Change can sometimes be daunting. It's not surprising that some people baulk at the uncertainty. There is nothing more comforting than what's familiar. Sometimes, though, change is propelling us into purpose. Rather than hesitate in the doubt, we should step forward in the bold faith that God wants us to exercise.   

 In talking with a friend, we shared how easy it is to become overwhelmed. It's easy to focus on all the things that seem like they are not going right. Through those types of circumstances, I've learned the importance of keeping my attention on Jesus. Doing so decreases the opportunities for woe and worry to consume me. My mindset plays a huge role in my daily living, not just naturally, but spiritually too. Thinking on the things of God is a sure way of lifting your spirits. If you find it a struggle to do so, start small. A little goes a long way. 

 At my job, there is a coffee club. That's not uncommon in office environments. What I find mystifying is how many people feel that they "need" coffee in order to start their day. For some of my coworkers, I've seen it with my own eyes. They really do seem to function better after they drink a cup of coffee. My coffee is my morning prayer. The more quality time I spend with God, the more I've embraced Him as my greatest "need". In the scriptures, we learn to see God in the role of provider, healer, savior, friend, father, and so much more. He's far better than Folgers in a cup!

I once heard someone say that the greatest thing they could do for an enemy is to pray for them to receive salvation. Yet, when the majority of people think about those that have treated them badly, well wishes aren't usually at the top of the list. Mercy and vengeance both belong to the Lord. It would be of greater value for us to pray, not only for our enemies to receive salvation, but also for ourselves to release the hurts we have a tendency to hold on to.

I used to work in retail. My sales were never that great because of one little problem. I knew what I was selling wasn't worth it. I had a wealthy knowledge of the product and my inner monologue was always telling customers to save their money. That translates to my faith because it wasn't until I began trusting God for myself, instead of just word of mouth, that I truly found myself able to express how good He is. 

I've had several conversations with different people the past few weeks and a single word has surfaced in each. Seek. We've been talking about how intentional "seeking" truly is. Several scriptures show us that if we purpose to earnestly seek after the Lord, we will find Him. So in all that we do, we should have a desire to see and hear God's voice.

A piece of encouragement to hold on to is the reminder that there is no greater love than the love God has for us, his creation. His children. As His child, it's important for me to remember that my faith walk is not always what I see. In fact, the enemy will at times use what I see as way to convince me that my situation is hopeless. But where God is, there is always hope.

There is a saying, "Dance like no one is watching". It's meant to encourage people to just let go and not be concerned what others think of them in that moment. We're also less composed when we don't have an audience. We should embrace that mindset when it comes to our spirit. Except, I'm not alone, but in the presence of God. Desire an audience of one. Rather than focus on what others believe my praise and worship should look like or what my prayers should sound like, I should only be concerned that my praises leave my lips and reach God's ears. There's no need to be composed with the one that made you. 

We say a lot of things, but God hears what is in our heart. The things that sometimes remain unspoken. Things that we can't quite put into words. That's the beauty of who He is. We should be mindful of such when we pray. You can deceive others, but you can't deceive God. Why would you want to? Be sincere, honest, and earnest. 

I often hear people say that faith, like love, is an action word. It's true. Saying you have faith in something will only be words until you put it to work. If I make a choice to serve God and trust him for everything I need and desire, than I shouldn't waver. Instead, I should go all in. That's where we should evaluate ourselves each day. Are we trusting God with everything we have or only a little bit? 

There is a saying "say what you mean, mean what you say". Prayer is such a valuable means of communication with God, that I don't want my words to be just...words. So when we pray, we must believe and have unshakeable faith that God is not limited in what He can do. We just need to believe Him for it. Don't dictate the how. Let Him do the impossible!

Preparation is remarkable and at times, it's just as emotional as when you receive what you've been preparing for. Like a good meal. Lots of us see that during Thanksgiving, right? All day  long prep and process. And there's some waiting too, like yesterday's verse noted. But when it's meal time, it was all worth it. Trusting and believing God for something is similar. But the reward is beyond compare. If we keep trusting him. He won't fail us.

We live in a culture that wants everything to be "instant". No one wants to wait anymore. It's so amazing to think about the fact that God waits for us. He gives us opportunities to come to him. Grants grace and mercy when we aren't making such good decisions or are trying to do our own thing. Yet he shows repeatedly that we're worth waiting for, worth saving.

It's a blessing knowing that, just as God did for the children of Israel, he is doing for us today. Daily. And it's so important that we not get greedy and try to store up or hoard blessings. Yesterday's are for then. Today is for today. Tomorrow is for tomorrow. Rest in the promise of God's provision every day.

 Did you know that "stuff" can become tainted? We sometimes put so much of our attention on our things that we glory over them more than the creator of all things. This story of Korah and the "everything must go" following the rebellion always reminds me of that. If God instructs you to cut something loose, don't look for loopholes. Just do what God tells you to do.