Mixed Emotions
Christmas is a time of mixed emotions. It runs the gamut from JOY to ANGER and FRUSTRATION and everything in between. And feeling exhausted just makes the emotions even more intense. Pretending that we’re okay when we’re not while missing loved ones, spending too much, get-togethers walking on egg shells and feeling so alone even when there’s people all around can take a toll on us. Let’s spend a few minutes praying for those who are struggling…for whatever reason. And when it’s all said and done, take a few minutes and sit by the lighted tree…forget the mess, turn off the TV and let God’s peace settle over you like a warm blanket of love.
How are You REALLY?
Ask someone how they’re doing and a lot of times you’ll hear them say “Everything’s great, just great!” Too many times that’s not true. But it’s easier to say we’re great than to let people know what’s happening in our heart. So we keep everything inside and go through life without asking others for help or prayer. That’s just what the enemy wants us to do. Carrying pain and sadness is no way to live our life. We can never be what God called us to be as long as we live in sadness. If you’re hurting, please let someone know and let them come alongside you with prayer and support.
Ups and Downs
Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns. We can’t help what happens to us in life but we can sure choose how we respond to it. Anger, hurt feelings, revenge and unforgiveness will all take us down the wrong road. It’s important to ask Jesus to help us in every situation we face in life. And doubly important to keep our mouth shut!
In the Know!
IF the Enquirer is right, then most everybody wants to be in the “know”. And furthermore, IF the Enquirer is right, a whole lot of people like to hear the “dirt” on somebody else. Just remember this…gossip is a sin and it doesn’t matter if you’re doing the talking or the listening. And just a word of advice here: If someone loves to tell you everything that’s wrong with sister so and so, you can bet your bottom dollar that they will do the same to you! Choose your friends wisely.
End of Your Rope
When you think you’re at the end of your rope, when you can’t see how things could possibly work out, when you feel empty and alone, know this: God is working behind the scenes to make this trial a blessing. Hold this thought: One day, that trial that makes you want to pull the covers over your head, will turn out to be your greatest blessing! Romans 8:28 says “and we KNOW that all things work together for good to those that love God and are the called according to His purpose”. Hold on today and KNOW He’s working…even when you can’t see Him or feel Him, He’s still there working on your behalf!
No Stopping Halfway
When David killed Goliath, he finished the job! Never settle for half-way defeating the enemy. If you’ve lost all but 10 pounds, don’t settle! If you stop anywhere along the way, the enemy has time to re-group and suck you into a place you can’t resist. Nobody wants a half-way healing…but when we feel just a little better, we let down on our prayer life and boom! We opened a door to the enemy again. Give the devil an inch and he will become your ruler!! So the next time you decide to let down your guard or stop somewhere on your journey before you have the full victory, think again!!