One Day At A Time

A popular song, I love to hear Cristy Lane sing is One Day At A Time. The lyrics go like: 

 

One day at a time, sweet Jesus
That's all I'm asking from You
Just give me the strength to do everyday
What I have to do
Yesterday's gone, sweet Jesus

And tomorrow may never be mine

Lord, help me today, show me the way

One Day At A Time is also a slogan I used a lot when I was going through a difficult time in my life and it is also what scripture tells us to do. We are to live in the today. Yesterday is gone and Tomorrow may never be.

 

Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” 

 

If I have problems worrying about what I did yesterday or what will happen tomorrow, I am simply to pray.

 

Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.” 

 

If I cannot stop thinking about yesterday or possible problems of tomorrow I can always strive to change my thinking.

 

Philippians 4:8, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”

 

So, I have to tell myself, “Yesterday is gone, it cannot be changed. Tomorrow may never be. Lord, help me plan for good and not evil Today, for it is here right now. Help me live in it. Lord, show me the way One Day At A Time!

 

 

 

Pass It Around and Pass It Down

My ancestors were mostly farmers. They grew their food. The table was sometimes scarce of food, but they “passed it around”. They also “passed it around” to neighbors when they could.  And, they believed in God. They kept the faith, and they “passed it down.” 

     This is exactly what Paul said he was thankful for in 2 Timothy 1:5, “For I am thankful of the sincere faith within you which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well.”  

     Here it is generations and generation after Biblical times and faith is being “passed around" and it is being "passed down.” 

     There is a God and He sent His beloved Son to die for me and I am “passing it around" and "passing it down.”  

The Key Ring

I wrote a poem a few years ago about a key. It was about the key to my heart; it opened the door to give me Christ as my Savior. 

     I have other keys I carry; one opens the door of courage; it helps me to walk away from what might or who might harm me and hinder the work of God in my life. I also carry a key which opens the door to a surrendering heart; one which allows God to come in and guide me through tough situations. Yet, another key opens the door to each morning’s adventure. When I use that key, I never know what to expect. I only know that God has walked through the open door because I invited Him in, and all will be well for God brings love with Him wherever He walks. 

     The moral: Keep your key ring close by and if the key fits; open the door.

The Final Test

I’ve taken many tests in my lifetime. I remember in school that all was silent with the teacher quietly walking around and observing. Would I cheat? Would I copy? Would I work on my own? This was more than one test! It was a test of knowing the answers and a test on how I would act. 

     With each test, I have been anxious but should have been confident in my ability, in my knowledge, and in my judgment. 

     I know I will always have tests, but I also know there will be one final test. I will be anxious but confident when it is graded. I will be anxious about how many “Xs” I receive versus how many checkmarks, yet I will be confident about passing because I have done the one thing in life that I truly needed to do in order to pass.

     I received and believed in the One who sits at the right hand of God. I believe in Jesus! He came to save me. He is the Teacher who observes my work. He walks around silently watching whether I cheat, copy, or stand strong with the answers He has provided. 

     When I take the final test, I know I will pass. I also know I will not be assigned the chair of honor because Jesus claimed that seat when He bled upon the cross and took my sin, but I am assured I will pass through the gate, and I will fall at my Teacher's feet. 

LET Go!

Psalm 46:10 KJV tells me, “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

     The GW translation states it like, “Let go, of your concerns. Then you will know that I am God. I rule the nations. I rule the earth.” 

 

The GW version reminds me of a slogan used in AA- “Let go, and let God.”

It could also be said, “Let go and know.”

 

God is over all! I just need to "let go" and let Him take the wheel. What God has planned will, in His time, come to fruition in my life and in the lifetime of this world. 

Lord, 

     I pray to let you control every thought and action today as I place my concerns into your mighty hands. I pray that the leaders of our nation look to you for guidance in their decisions and actions because You are truly in control. I pray all people will be drawn to you and KNOW you are the ruler of all. 

                                                       Amen!

Adding a Balance

“For the body is not one member, but many….the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.”  1 Corinthians 12

     I never realized how necessary all the members of my body are until I had to use crutchers when I sprang my ankle. My foot was injured, and I needed my hands in order to walk around.  That left me with no way to carry items.  All my members work together as a whole. Consider the fingers and toes; how even the big toe keeps me stable.  All my members add a balance.  

     It is the same when people congregate to work together. They become a team! Just yesterday, it took ten people as a “team” to co-ordinate a very successful wedding shower. 

     It takes the body of Christ working together to serve God. Although I have no special talent to speak or brag about, I am so glad to be a member of my Church- a body of Christ working to serve the Lord with the gifts that God provides to each individual member. 

     My presence may be the only gift I give, but it supports the church and the pastorial staff. My prayers may be the only gift I have to offer, but it benefits the one needing my prayers. My words of kindness may be the only gift I provide, but it uplifts a friend. Even outside in the community, there are needs to be met with the gifts God gives me. 

     Although weak in talent, I believe, somehow, I add a balance! 

Capital "D's"

My capital “D’s” for the Day: 

 

Daily, on my own I can create

         Doubt and 

         Despair 

OR I can 

         Do Damage control by 

         Deciding to 

         Dispel Doubt, follow God’s  

         Direction, and obtain His 

         Discernment. 

 

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”