Actually, I DO Have Time for That

Scripture:
Psalm 63 KJV
63:1  O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is

2 Peter 3: 8 KJV
But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.




Note:
Hey TODders! I 've missed you! We haven't blogged since Monday, right? I've spent the time meditating on the Word of God and previous posts... especially the ones that are a real struggle for me (http://todforgod.blogspot.com/2014/01/peace-wise-mans-jordans.html  &  http://todforgod.blogspot.com/2014/01/scripture-matthew-537-niv-all-you-need.html).

It's IMPOSSIBLE to master any of these TODs in one day so hopefully you too have taken the time to reread and reapply. Everyday we have to make the choice to walk like Christ Jesus and walk in Christ. We have to choose to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lusts of our flesh (Galatians 5:16).

 Don't let blog posts bog you down or overwhelm you as you may sometimes feel that you mess up. As long as you are a human being, you will mess up. Know that God is gracious and merciful. He is a God of second and third chances. TODs are meant to dig deeply into the crevices of LOVE and give us daily examples of moments when we can walk in love; however, please remember that the Holy Bible states it simply, and most perfectly: Love God and love people (Matthew 22:36-40).


Inspiration:

The other day, I was listening to the radio and the speaker said, "Love is spelled, T, I, M, E."  He went on to talk to parents about how children don't necessarily require quality time, they simply require and want TIME. Whoa. What does that mean?

In examining myself, I know that I can sometimes be overprotective with my time. If I give it and feel that it is not being used efficiently, I am not a happy camper. If I feel that it is somehow being usurped in what I deem fruitless efforts, I become irritable. Excessive entertainment and shallow interactions, not my thing. Fellowshipping until the sun comes up and talking about a whole lotta nada? I don't think so. Time is so precious and I typically see value in quality over quantity.

But then there was that radio broadcast....

"[People] don't need quality time, they simply need time..."

If the interaction isn't deeeep then I typically chalk it up as shallow. Either that, or I overanalyze the interaction and ask God, What was it all about LORD??????

Whenever I've inquired to God about the reason behind an out-of-place, intrusive, or seemingly unimportant interaction, I've always received a response.
 
Those random moments are never actually unimportant. They are never pointless. They are never for naught. They always serve some greater purpose that I have simply not yet realized. There is always a lesson and always a blessing in it.

We're all so busy doing our own thing though, right? We have stuff to do! We have jobs, classes, errands, chores, hobbies, and a whole lot of STUFF. Vanity of Vanities...

• How do we allocate the time that we spend one on one with God?
• How do we allocate the time that we spend with his people?
• How do we allocate the time that we dedicate towards family and friends that love us?
• How do we allocate the time that we spend with the Church?
•  How do we allocate the time that we dedicate to pulling sinners from the flames via witnessing?

There is just so much to do! Who has the time??????

A quote from one of my favorite movies states "how can we ever have time if we never take/make time?"


Today's TOD is the unveiling of a secret on how to multiply time. A group of friends and I tested this out for a week and it is the real deal.

TASK OF THE DAY:
There is only one way that we will know how to allocate our precious time. There is only one way for us to have time for it all. We must give God first fruits. Since time is often compared to a type of money or currency, scriptures about money are key to figuring out how to most efficiently use and even how to multiply time. Malachi 3:8-11 explains in detail.


 Let's dedicate the first moments of every day with and to God. He will honor our schedules, task lists, and impossible timelines and work miracles. Let's try it out faithfully for an entire week. Let's rewind our clocks to awake earlier and spend time with the one who created us. Let's dedicate at least a 10th (2.4 hours) of every day to the LORD.  You can do this by reading the bible, praying, praising God, singing to God, writing to Him or merely having a conversation with our King. The only caveat is that you must be focused on Him. Be present.  If other worries try to interrupt that secret place, rebuke them and take those worries to Jesus.

Lord, I just want to praise you right now but I can't stop thinking about this bill that needs to get paid or this paper that needs to get written, or these kids that won't stop crying....

Take it all to God. We are so blessed that we have access to speak directly to God! We don't need to talk through a priest or prepare an elaborate sacrifice beforehand. We can come as we are, while we are yet sinners, and have an audience with the Ancient of Days. WE ARE BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE.

#T.O.D.for God

Be Inspired By These Time Miracles:

• God stopped the sun from going down for Joshua (Joshua 10:12-14).

• God extended the life of Hezekiah for 15 years (Isaiah 38:1-5).

Love Them Back to Life

Scripture:

Luke 6:31 KJV
And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.


Luke 6:31 NIV
Do to others as you would have them do to you.




Inspiration:
Caught up in my own stuff, I almost didn't post today. In the middle of scooping myself some ice-cream, giddy with anticipation, the LORD spoke to my heart, "Didn't I tell you to do something?"

Dag. My bad, LORD. I'mma do it!

Today's T.O.D. is an imperative word from God and also fitting considering our commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr..

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I was won to God by a former colleague, +J Curtis , who was unrelenting in his Christ-like love towards me, despite the fact that I treated him as an enemy. I was cold, rude, and condescending. I murdered him behind his back, yet I was deceitfully charming if such was conducive to personal benefit or gain. For two years straight, in the midst of my onslaught, he remained steadfast in his love. He continued opening doors for me, greeting me with a genuine salutation of peace, and continued to converse with me as though the LORD Himself had both tamed his tongue, and transformed his heart.

Although I did not immediately recognize or acknowledge his Christ-like actions and love in the moment, when I was in the spiritual space to learn more about God, this colleague had developed a reputation of having integrity and showing love (which confused me at the time), and this piqued my curiosity. How can one man withstand so many darts of wickedness? How can one person show love to someone who has just spat in his face?!

This love shown towards me was as a mirror, allowing me to see myself. This love not based in conditions was something unlike anything I had ever seen. I came from a school of what goes around comes around,  I'm gonna treat you how you treat me, and most popularly, let me treat you like crap so that I don't have any problems out of you later!

Such a toxic perspective promotes negativity. A simple "hello" can be misconstrued, taken out of context, and lead to offense when we operate in a "Well, you did it to me first/I did X because you did Y"  type of mentality. Such conditionality is a gateway to an unlove that reverberates throughout time and space. How can I love you, if I don't know how? What does it look?

How much more powerful would it be to love the unlovable? How much more power is there in blessing those that curse you and pouring love into those that desperately use you? What if, in the midst of pain caused by another, we extend a hand, understanding the high probability for rejection, yet walking and being led by the love of Christ.

You hurt me, you stepped on me, you gossiped about me, you cursed me, you ignored me, you abused me, you lied to me, you betrayed me, you sold me out for 30 pieces of silver, you laughed at me, you scoffed at me, you hurt my feelings, you lead me on, you let me down, you discouraged me, you cheated me, you murdered me...

And yet...

I love you.

You were convicted guilty of committing a crime in which the punishment was death. And yet, I love you enough to die in your place. I love you so much that I will die/died so that you may live.  

I love you back to life.

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According to the WORD of God, we have been instructed to: LOVE LIKE THIS and LIKE THIS.

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TASK OF THE DAY:

Think of someone in your life that treats you or someone else unfavorably. Think of someone that you may interpret as short tempered, disgruntled, angry, or bitter. Recognize (but don't necessarily articulate) these as symptoms of a deeper pain. This may be a  close associate, a friend, or maybe even a relative. Think of someone that at one time or another, treated you as though you were an enemy. This person should have done XYZ better, but he/she didn't. Love anyhow.

Your task for today, and everyday afterwards is to LOVE IN THE MIDST OF.... Love this person in word,  thought, and action, in the midst of their drama. Don't go all Dr. Phil on them, attempting to assess the source of their unlove. Simply love and don't grow weary of loving.

There is transformative power in and through the love of Christ Jesus.

 



#T.O.D.forGod
#BetterLover

Seventy Times Seven = LOVE



Scripture:
Matthew 18: 21-22 (KJV)
²¹ Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? ²² Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Inspiration:
Per the request of my mother to "make your blog posts shorter," coupled with yesterday's task to "listen" more, I am trying my hand at brevity. Here we go....

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Before you can fully embrace Christ, you must forgive any offense that you are holding onto. Once you are in Christ, to STAY IN CHRIST, you must continue to forgive everyday. Keep no record of wrongs. Wipe the slate clean as if your brother (or whomever) had never offended you. Before coming to God in prayer, you must forgive and relinquish any unforgiveness that is holding you captive.

 

LORD, forgive us for our debts as we forgive our debtors. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Matthew 6:14-15 (KJV)

¹⁴ For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
¹⁵ But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

TASK OF THE DAY 17:
Forgive someone today. Perhaps this is someone who has never asked for forgiveness. Perhaps this is someone that does not even think that they need your forgiveness. You can do this in person, write this person a letter, or give him/her a phone call. I've forgiven someone via text message before and the LORD honored that. Pray about it and let the Holy Spirit guide you. Loose these bonds of wickedness and forgive! Forgive your parents, siblings, children, spouse, Christian brethren. Forgive yourself if you must. Additionally, admit your faults and ask for forgiveness if the Holy Spirit leads you to do so. When we walk in the Spirit of God, we are able to freely forgive, seventy times seven and beyond. When we loose the bondage of unforgiveness, we are making ourselves available to the LORD for His use. We are free to operate in the gifts, calling, and purpose that He has set aside for us! We are free to LOVE!
#T.O.D.forGod
#BetterLover

Click here for a website that consolidates a list of scriptures about unforgiveness.

We Have A Listening Problem

 

 Scriptures:
Proverbs 18:13 (KJV)
He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

Inspiration:

We love the sound of our own voices. We especially love that tingly sensation that we get right before making a point. We cut people off before they have finished talking and we interject with what we deem to be a connection when in all actuality, we have hijacked the conversation and managed to make yet another conversation about us. That reminds me of the time....

We feel the need to assert our verbal prowess with a selfish verbosity that causes others to dread even asking about our day. We sure love talking. And advice? Who needs it? Receiving it would require that we actually close our mouths long enough to hear it!

Usually, our incessant talking involves dumping our burdens onto someone else. Sometimes, our incessant talking involves us throwing around epiphanies and revelations that may or may not have been meant for other folks.

Why, LORD? Why does he/she/we talk sooooo much and listen so infrequently?!


Potential Reasons Why Folks Talk.Talk.Talk.Talk

1. Excitement~ We are just so happy to speak with youuuu!
2. Ignorance~ We just don't know any better
3. Selfishness~ We know better, but we don't do better
4. Nervousness or anxiety~ Any ounce of silence leaves us alone with our own thoughts for too long! Must. Make. Noise!!!!
5. Doubt or self-consciousness~ "Are you judging me? I'm going to talk until you nod or say that you agree with meeeee!"
6. Desire to show what you know~ "Oh, so you're one of those intellectuals? Well, I know some things about some things as well!"
7. We don't respect other people/certain people as having credible funds of knowledge:  "Noooppeee, you're wrong! I read a study and heard the opposite of what you just said. In fact, I disagree with everything that you said just because YOU said it."
8. Inclination to restate what someone else just said but as if you said it ~"Ya, it's like I was saying the other day...."
9. External vs. internal processing of ideas~ Speaking my thoughts helps me to process what goes on. Pondering internally is not my thing.
10. We need to vent or decompress ~ You're the first human that I've come into contact with all dayyyyyyyyy! Let me tell you about my day, week, and month!!
11. People need/want to feel loved~ Will you please just listen to me? I have something valuable to say and offer to this conversation... and possibly to your life.

After doing this root-cause analysis, attempting to determine why we talk so much, and listen so infrequently, I think I've stumbled upon the root. Not surprisingly, we over-talk and under-listen because we need love and have a desire to feel that love from other people. People want their perspectives to be acknowledged, we want our intellect to be validated, we want to engage with you through words. We don't listen because of a preoccupation with receiving love without considering how we could actually give love by really listening to someone. When we truly listen to someone, we are ministering to them!

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Confession: I think that it's important for me to admit that I've had some experiences with excessive talkers that have possibly created some biases in my root-cause analysis. Although I am confident that the ROOT is a lack of love/quest for more love, the list of potential reasons why we over-talk is by no means exhaustive!


A word of caution: Don't let the enemy distort today's focus and prevent you from verbalizing your testimony or sharing a word of encouragement with someone. The goal is to do more listening, less judging and less talking. Encouragement is welcome! Be wary of slipping into condescension though! Be prayerful throughout and let the Holy Spirit lead you!

You may end up getting blessed through actually listening!

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TASK OF THE DAY 16:

Today, your/our task is to LISTEN. Like, really LISTEN to others. When you really listen, ask curious questions, refrain from judging or challenging or sharing how this conversation reminds you of another conversation where you're the star attraction. As we're listening, let's give the speaker eye contact if they are giving it to us (they may want to look away and that's okay too!). While listening, let's remain prayerful. Pray for the speaker regarding the various issues and topics that come up. When you do speak (without taking over the conversation), let the LORD speak through you... Speak scriptures as though they were flowing from your belly. Listen closely, receive a word from God (through an unlikely vessel) and speak life!

#T.O.D.forGod
#BetterLover

James 1:19 (KJV)
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

Proverbs 12:15 (KJV)

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

A Cold Hearted Sista

Scripture
Psalm 95:8 (KJV)
⁸ Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness:






Inspiration:
God's original chosen people were a fickle group. They wanted to be free from Egyptian rule and slavery, then they wished they were in bondage after experiencing what they considered to be the harshness of their desert commute. They were hungry, yet murmured and complained when they miraculously received bread from heaven. Whenever they were slightly uncomfortable, they complained. They questioned Aaron, Moses, and God Himself. Growing restless as Moses consulted the LORD, they consolidated their gold to create a god that they could see and touch. They knew what the LORD expected of them, yet they hardened their hearts, refusing the word of authority, refusing conviction, refusing rebuking, refusing reproofing and most abhorrently, refusing to change.


Before God gave us hearts of flesh, we had hearts of stone. I can personally attest to this truth. Prior to coming into Christ and having Christ come into me, I was a cold, cold sistah. Nowadays, my love for God and for His people strengthens, deepens, and widens every day. However, in those days, I had no filter, no remorse, no compassion, no regrets, no sympathy and little to no love for anyone or anything. To put it quite simply, there wasn't too much that I cared about. But if I remember this season of my life, then I must remember the season prior to it. I wasn't always this cold, hard, stony sistah. I became her. At some point, my heart was calloused over, a kind of defensive maneuver, protecting and keeping whatever was in, in, and whatever was out, out. At some point, my heart became this impregnable and wintry fortress.


 Although important, I won't detail the "whys" of this counterproductive transformation at this particular time. I will only share that with my heart condition, it was hard for me to feel. As if anesthetics were injected into my chest, I didn't care about hurting feelings or being judged. I didn't care about or respect authority. I did whatever I wanted to do. I had a cold, stony, hardened heart.

Such a heart is not pleasing to the LORD. If we allow our hearts to harden, then we are not receptive to the urgings and ways of God. If we allow our hearts to harden, then we lack the compassion required to truly love God's people. If we harden our hearts, we are unable to receive the LIFE SAVING WORDS FROM GOD.

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Having a hardened heart is having a kind of stubbornness that makes us immune to teaching, allergic to growing, and doomed to the same 40 year desert-fate of the Israelites of old.

Click here to check out: Hebrews 3

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TASK OF THE DAY 15:
As we work to become better Christ lovers and better people lovers, it is fitting that today we focus on our hearts.

The task for the day is to harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness (Psalm 95:8)... You've been wrestling with the same issue/mountain for long enough.; now turn north! (Deut 2:3)

You know what Christ would have you do... don't harden your heart. Do it! Turn north!

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Proverbs 7:2-3 (KJV)

² Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.

³ Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.

 

"I Asked You a Simple Question"

 Scripture:
Matthew 5:37 (NIV)
All you need to say is simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

Matthew 5:37 (KJV)
But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.




 
Note:
If you've been following the T.O.D.s regularly, then you most likely noticed that there was no post for yesterday, day 13. I spent the day consulting the LORD and dwelling in His rest. Although I figured it would be ideal if a day resting in the LORD came on a 7th day, the LORD had other plans. Perhaps a random Monday-rest day is a result of me/us putting too much confidence in our flesh. The LORD rested on the 7th day of creation, what makes us think that WE can keep going and going without burning out our physical selves? Although the above "note" will have to suffice for now, know that an "ENTER INTO THE LORD'S REST" T.O.D. is in order. This much needed topic is coming soon. Will you please pray that the LORD will speak through me when that time comes?

For today's T.O.D., we have another focus...

Inspiration:

I have become notorious for "overcomplicating" potentially simple Yes-or-No questions. I often want to know everything there is to know about an inquiry, prior to my saying yes or no. There are so many factors to be considered! There are so many nuances of language that will play an integral role in how I should respond! Someone asking me if I want to do XYZ will yield a different response than if they simply ask me if I can do XYZ. And a can you will yield a different result than a will you. I wouldn't be surprised if you have a headache just thinking about the complexities that my brain conjures up in the simplest of questions! Probably the most mind-boggling is that I deem the  inquirer as difficult if he/she is unwilling to answer all of my preliminary questions about their question. I won't even pretend to conclude how that person feels in this situation. It can't be good though.

Recently, I received the revelation that "okay is not yes". Ouch. Laced with reluctance and most likely remnants of judgment (Why couldn't you ask me sooner? Why couldn't you have planned sooner or better? Why couldn't you use these vocabulary words? Why did you ask ME to do THIS PARTICULAR task? Etc. Etc.), I can count on one hand the times that I have said a simple "yes". I'm not talking about an "Oh yea, I can do that" an "okay" or even a "that works". I rarely ever say a simple yes. I am a little better with the NOs. Ha.

Maybe and most likely, your struggle is different. Perhaps you freely say your yes's and no's but then renege, acting in a way that is contrary to your word. Maybe you agreed to show up on time, but then your actions reveal a lingering no in your innermost parts.

For those of you who have children or are responsible for them in some capacity, how often are their yes's YES and there no's NO? From what example have they gleaned? Similarly, what types of yes' and no's are you sowing and reaping with your spouse? In other relationships?

Outside of YES & NO, all that other stuff leaves a cracked door for our enemy to creep in. The devil wants to steal, kill, destroy and deceive. He is the accuser of the brethren. Let's SHUT THE DOOR with today's T.O.D.


TASK OF THE DAY 14:
Today's task is to let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

Remember: ...a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. James 1:8 (KJV)

What Was Christ Thinking?

Scripture:

Proverbs 23:7 (KJV)

For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.

 

Note:

Today's T.O.D. was contributed by a new Christian soldier. Sister Sonya B. is a multimedia student in Boston, MA. She dedicated her life to Jesus Christ, was baptized in Jesus' name, and was filled with the Holy Spirit two years ago. She loves the LORD and has made up her mind to walk in His ways.

 

Thank you Sis for making yourself available for the LORD's use!

 

Here's the word TODders:

 

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Inspiration:

I recently picked up a new read “Battlefield of the Mind” and in one of the beginning chapters the author  talks about how we should think positive thoughts.  I took a couple days to really examine myself and pray that God would apply the eye salve to my eyes that I may see the conditions of my heart. Soon after, I realized that my thought process really wasn’t that positive. If I could be transparent with you for moment, I have to confess that I struggle with doubt, fear, lack of confidence… all that. I thought on and prayed for God to give me a remedy. This is what the Lord gave me:

 

What you think about yourself ultimately determines how you feel about yourself. It also sets the mood for the day / week/ year that your going to have...

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Having the mind of a conqueror lets us know that no matter the situation, we will be victorious and overcome. When we lack confidence,  every situation seems hard. I have experienced cases of anxiety that keep me from the things that make me happy.  This is not of God. God has a plan for us to propser,(Jerimah 29:11) to be the head and not the tail (Deuteronomy 28:13). And this is what our thought process should be.

 

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TASK OF THE DAY 12:

⁸ Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

 

  &

 

² And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2

 

 ****Let us consider what would Christ think in this situation and let us be transformed by embracing and putting on the mind of Christ. ****

Your Success is in Your Submission

Scripture:

James 4:7-8  (KJV)
⁷ Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. ⁸ Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

 

 

Announcement:

Today's T.O.D. was contributed by guest Blogger, Marshanette B., an undergraduate student in a rigorous program in Providence, Rhode Island. Marshanette dedicated her life to Jesus Christ, was baptized in Jesus' name and has been Holy Ghost filled for 11 years.  Marshanette has made herself available for the LORD's use and today's T.O.D. is a blessing that has pricked my heart.  This is truly a Word from God.

 

Inspiration:

Every day, we are bombarded with decisions.  Every decision that we make, big or small, has an impact on our lives. I have reached a season in my life where I need to make many major decisions.  Admittedly, it has become somewhat of an overwhelming process trying to decide what direction to take.  I found myself asking God what I should do because I was at a total loss.   
As I was praying, God pressed upon me the importance of wisdom and seeking spiritual guidance BEFORE we do ANYTHING. I was asking God what to do, AFTER I couldn’t decide, but I needed to take it a step further.

We cannot receive proper spiritual guidance unless we are in submission to the One we seek guidance from (Jesus). What good is advice if we do not communicate with and respect the adviser? 

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Submit- (verb) to yield oneself to the power or authority of another; to defer to another's judgment

 Naturally, we all have goals for our lives, but how often do we really stop and consider what God wants for us?  Oftentimes we say "I want to be in God's will" or "if it is in His will" but have we taken the time to ask God exactly what His will for our life is?  Are we prepared to accept the answer He gives us?

The ultimate step in serving God is recognizing the futility of our existence without Him. 

 If we recognize God as the sovereign, almighty, and in total control, then it is necessary to SUBMIT ourselves to Him.

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This submission should also extend to  people who have authority over us.  The bible calls for wives to submit to their husbands (Ephesians 5:22, Colossians3:18), children to submit to their parents ( Ephesians 6:1, Colossians 3:20) and for slaves to submit to masters (employees to employers ; Colossians 3:22).

A person who doesn't submit to earthly authority, cannot fully submit to God.   

True and total submission is no easy feat.

 It may seem that we ask God for things and He does not grant them, but in truth, He restricts certain things for a reason. Any good parent would refuse their child something that would ultimately cause them harm , our heavenly Father does this as well. Just because we don't get what we want, this doesn't mean that we do not get what we need.  This also doesn't mean that we should operate double-mindedly, going against God in order to get what we want.

If we take the time to know what God wants from us and be humble enough to follow His lead, we would avoid asking and receiving many things that are potentially harmful to us.

Everything we do has spiritual implications and those implications must be at the forefront of our minds when we are making decisions.  

Remember, submission does not make you weak; it is actually a demonstration of power that makes you wise!

TASK OF THE DAY 11:

Learn submission and practice it, today!  Respect authority, remain patient in persecution, be instant in prayer, take instruction and be humble. Take opportunities today to submit at work, at school, in the home and with your church family. Most importantly, be in submissive to God. Pray and ask God about His will concerning you and pray that you have a mind and heart to ACCEPT it, no matter the cost.  The acceptance of His will for your life is where true submission really comes in. 

"And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will but thine, be done."  Luke 22:41-42 (KJV)

Consider, even though Jesus Christ was more powerful than His captures, He still chose to submit to them so that we may have life more abundantly.

#T.O.D.for God
#BetterLover

 

Peace: A Wise Man's Jordans

                      VS.





Scripture:
Ephesians 6:11-16 (KJV)

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;  And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Inspiration:
Today's T.O.D. topic was initiated by a guest blogger and confirmed by the LORD.

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"Being a child of God, I often feel pressured to say that I have peace even if I do not feel at peace. Like, how does it look for the light of the world, the salt of the sea to be walking around peace-less? "--Anonymous

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It seems  ironic and almost oxymoronic to consider peace in the midst of a call to arms/battle cry of war.  Everyday is a gift, yes. However, everyday we are also in some kind of battle. Whether it be a battle of the mind, a battle of will, or a battle of personalities, every day, as soon as our alarm clock rings, it's on.

 

In my former life, my pre-Christ life, at the sound of my alarm, I dropped whatever four letter expletive came to mind. I was good at cursing.... unbeknownst to me, I was effectually cursing my day and cursing myself in these moments. My cold feet frustratingly thrashed towards my clock; no time for fuzzy slippers or sandals of peace.

 

According to Ephesians 6:15, we must put on these sandals of peace. This lets us know that we are not inherently peaceful and we won't simply have peace in our lives. There is a choice that we have to make everyday to get dressed in the full armor of Jesus Christ. As a good soldier, we must choose to put on our armor and be fully dressed for the battle.  We must choose peace.

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Explore the Word of God and see what He has to say about peace by clicking here.

 

TASK OF THE DAY 10:

We sometimes lack peace because we do not pursue peace. We do not wear peace. We do not make peace with all men in the way in which we have been instructed. 

For today's task, dust off those sandals, repair them if necessary...Be a peace maker. Be a peace keeper. Greet people in peace. Speak with peace in your heart. Think on peace. Wear a countenance of peace. Act in peace.... and you will BE IN PEACE.


Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9 (KJV)


Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. Psalm 119:165 (KJV)

You won't even have to wait in line, pay a few hundred dollars or worry about scuff marks....

#T.O.D.forGod

##BetterLover 

 

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Biblical Greetings of Peace:

• John 20:21 (KJV) Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

 

• Romans 1:7 (KJV)  To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

• Ephesians 2:1 (KJV) Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

• Philippians 1:2 (KJV) Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.