A Challenge

Sometimes we need a fresh perspective on our lives. Have you ever noticed that when you are focused on your problems whatever they may be....family stresses, financial pressure, relational trials, spiritual dryness...they don't go away, they are magnified instead?

If your routine is mostly the same each day it's easy to get stuck in a rut....with the way we think, what we think about, our responses to people, the way we spend our money etc. We may realize that we are going around the same mountain AGAIN and yet to get over the mountain seems too hard and hey, since we've been around the mountain before at least we know the way! No need to ask for directions!

With this kind of thinking, we are missing out on the joy the Lord wants to bring to us each day in our circumstances, tough as they may be. So today, I decided to issue a CHALLENGE to whoever wants....

For the next month, let's purpose in our hearts and make the choice to speak life, regardless of our situation. To dwell on the Word of God, despite our feelings. To confess His faithfulness in our lives, no matter what we see with our human eyes.

The Word says that we are to think on those things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. Phil 4:8. It also says that we have a responsibility to renew our minds. Rom12:2 Well, how do we renew our minds? THe best way, I think, is with the Word of God. We need HIS perspective on our situation. That is the fresh perspective we should be looking for.

Daniel paused three times a day and prayed and gave thanks to God. This was his custom. Psalm 55:17 says..."Evening, morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, And He shall hear my voice."

So, this is my challenge...regardless of how you feel ask the Holy Spirit to remind you to pause in the morning, in the middle of your day and in the evening to "fix your eyes on Jesus", rather than on what is overwhelming or frustrating you. Pray and see the Word begin to transform your thinking and your responses. We do many things more that once every day....we eat, we are in the bathroom, we drive our cars, we talk to friends...surely we can pause and pray the Word. I guess it depends how badly we want to get around our mountains:)

Send me an email if you're up for this challenge and check out the next blog for ideas of what to pray. Write these verses and statements out and put them somewhere you find yourself at least three times a day. In the fridge, by the coffee maker, in the bathroom, in your vehicle. Let's encourage each other in our faith in Him.