Have a great weekJ
2/15
The Narrow Path
Matthew 7:13-14
Life as a Christian can sometimes feel like a pressure cooker. God speaks to us about issues and works to bring correction. There are things in our lives that hinder us from being all God wants us to be and He deals with them because He loves us and wants to release His best into our lives.
This is an ongoing process. God shows us something, we usually wrestle with Him for a while, and then we finally change. He lets us rest awhile and then shows us something new that needs to be dealt with.
We once walked on a wide and reckless road that led to destruction, but now we are guided down a narrow path that leads to life. There is no room on the narrow path for our old fleshly, selfish ways. No wonder Paul said, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ ….lives in me" (Galatians 2:20).
2/16
Shake It Off!
Acts 28:3-5 Read this!
When Paul was shipwrecked on the island of Malta, a deadly snake that was driven out by the heat of the fire bit him. He simply shook the creature off into the flames. You should follow Paul's example and do the same in your own life.
Whatever may be troubling you, shake it off! God has great things planned for you. The dreams of the future leave no room for the snakebites of the past.
2/17
A Heart of Flesh
God puts a sense of right and wrong deep within your conscience, but if you rebel too many times, you can become hard-hearted. If that happens, you need to let Him soften your heart so you can be sensitive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
The only way to develop a heart of flesh is to spend time with God. You must be in His presence on a regular basis to hear what He is saying. God often speaks gently, and those who are busy doing their own thing will not hear His still, small voice. Tonight as you spend time in the Lord's presence, ask Him to soften your heart so you can receive His direction at all times.
2/18
Sanctification of the Soul
James 1:21
Once you are born again, your spirit has been reborn and you will go to heaven when you die. But God is not finished - He is just beginning. You need to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12KJV). In other words, your soul needs to be saved. The soul is often defined as the mind, the will, and the emotions. Each of these areas needs salvation.
The Holy Spirit works relentlessly to transform the whole man/woman into God's perfect will. This process is called sanctification. When your soul is renewed with His Word, you think His thoughts and not your own. Submit yourself to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to change every thought and motive.
2/19
Resist Rejection
Romans 8:31
Do you feel as though the world is against you? Does it seem that no matter how hard you try no one is pleased? Maybe you have conflict with a family member. Perhaps your boss finds fault with your work. Sooner or later, you will experience some form of rejection. Not everybody will like you. Some may even aggressively dislike you. No one enjoys being rejected, but you can learn to handle rejection and get on with your life if you remember that Jesus was also rejected and despised. If you feel rejected, give your hurt to God.
Lord, I cannot please everyone all of the time. I will concentrate on being a God pleaser and not a man pleaser. The rest I leave in Your hands, Lord. Grant me favor with You and with men, and continue transforming me into the image of Your Son. Thank You, Lord.
2/20
Play Your Part
John 3:36
John the Baptist came to prepare the way for the Lord. That was his purpose on earth and he knew it. But John's disciples tried to incite him to jealousy over Jesus' ministry! John relied, "A man must be content to receive the gift.
You have a unique role in the body of Christ. There is no point in being jealous of someone else's spiritual gifts or ministry. God is the only source for gifts and His plan is perfect for each of us. If your gift is giving, then give with zeal. If your gift is helping, then help somebody! Rather than worrying about what others are doing, figure out what God wants and go do it!
Mrs. Robin L. Johnson
Analyst/Customer Advocate
Team NY RG&E & NYSEG
(585) 771-4537 Office/(585) 771-6383-Fax
Robin_Johnson@RGE.com
