Therefore don't be anxious, saying, 'What will we eat?', 'What will we drink?' or, 'With what will we be clothed?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first God's Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore don't be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day's own evil is sufficient. Matthew 6:31-34 WEB.When you begin to dig too deep into the "Thou shall" and "shall nots" of the Bible and compare it to your own life, it will soon overwhelm you. You may spiral into an attitude of defeat. "This is too much. I can't do this. Why bother?" The enemy wants you to give up and will quickly point out your flaws to discourage you from trying.
You will find a bottomless list of things that need to be done before you can feel "right with God." Before you can pray for someone else or speak something in faith or begin to encourage others. After dwelling on the "list" for a while, many people just give it up as a lost cause. It's just too much, too confusing.
There is a better solution to this problem:
* Forget the to-do list and take small steps.
* Involve the Lord in whatever you are doing each day.
* Don't focus inward on yourself. Instead, focus on Jesus.
You will soon find yourself fulfilling His will in your life automatically, and it will bring His Kingdom into your environment. I am not saying that we should ignore the Lord's commandments, but we should focus more on loving God and loving others instead of legalism.
Yes, we have many problems, but this life is the only one we have, so let's make the best of it. Even if you take baby steps, you will still move forward a little each day. Besides, the Lord is more concerned about who you are as a person than about what you can do for Him.
If you don't change your direction, you will end up where you're headed. You can do this and be successful if you keep a positive attitude and keep pressing forward. Don't get overwhelmed, and don't turn back. God loves you, and He is so proud of the progress that you have made so far. Let go of the do's and don'ts and just say, "Lord, just as I am, I give myself to You. Please help me."
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please forgive me for sometimes taking my eyes off of You and getting overwhelmed with rules that I don't really understand that well. Make Your love simple to me and reveal it to me in a transparent way. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!Note: Ladies, today is Thankful Thursday at the "Ladies in Distress" group (our RHM women's group)! You are welcome to join in our weekly sharing of thankfulness for the Lord's presence and any blessings you may have experienced, big or small! "Ladies in Distress" is a private group, so if you have any problems joining, just post anywhere and we will help you :). Here is the link:
Ladies in Distress > You can subscribe to our daily devotional here <
Thanks so much for the message today Brother Dion. I do think that it's possible, that often, in our effort to be productive, to make "a showing", and to be significant, we miss the point of God's Love for us. Have a wonderful Easter!
Amen
Exactly Amen
AMEN. Heavenly Father, my focus is on You. Thank You for being with me and blessing me. Amen
Brother Todd, thank you for the words of encouragement this morning! I really appreciate you and what the Lord has done with you regarding this ministry. You reach a lot of people and the message is sound. Keep it up! God bless you and keep you...
Amen Good Morning Everyone
Amen!!
Yes, amen Lord
Amen
Our God is so awesome....Amen
Amen!
Thank you Pastor Dion.This is just what I needed to hear.
Heavenly Father, many times I feel discouraged for not being able to do what I want to do while knowing that You are there and will help me when I need You. Speak to me and through me to understand Your word and follow Your will. In Jesus Christ name I pray, Amen. Thank You Lord, don't abandon us,Amen.
Pastor and Sylvia thank you for all you do for us, for leading us to the Lord through your daily devotionals. God bless you both, Amen.
Amen
In Jesus name I ask,Amen.
Amen!