Peace

In the center of a hurricane there is absolute quiet an peace.  There is no safer place than in the center of the will of God.  -Corrie ten Boom

Matthew 19:6
What is impossible with man is possible with God

As my favorite coffee mug reminds me each morning: Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work.  It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.

As you live today's adventures, don't be pushed by your problems, rather, be led by your dreams!

Blessed is the man whom thou choosest and callest to thyself.
With thee is mercy, redemption, assurance, forgiveness;
Thou has lifted me, a prisoner, out of the pit of sin and pronounced my discharge,
Not only in the courts of heaven, but in the dock of conscience, hast justified me by faith,
Given me peace with thee, made me to enjoy glorious liberty as thy child.
-The Valley of Vision, A Collection of Puritan Prayers

Self Improvement

What is your motivation for self improvement? 

We might spend countless hours to better ourselves, but to what end? 

Are we seeking betterment for our own personal gain, or are we improving so that we can serve others?

It is wonderful to feel good about yourself and your skills, but it is far better to watch lives being transformed by your influence and effort. 

Today I will examine how I invest my time.  Today I will evaluate my priorities.  Today I will explore my options and seek out a means to live a more balanced life, taking care of myself, training myself, but not with the goal of selfish improvement on skills that will bring no comfort to others, rather, I will begin seeking to 'fill my bucket' so that I can pour myself into others without running dry.

We can have a life changing impact on those we choose to reach out to. We need to be more aware of our power of influence.  We need to use our power purposefully and wisely.

I was reading Michelle McKinney Hammond's book this morning, feeling lucky to have the opportunity to gain from her guiding questions.  I believe in always questioning your own motives.  I believe in searching your own heart to remove ulterior motives and to prevent yourself from becoming manipulative. 

It is essential to clear our hearts, minds, and lives so that we can focus on what truly matters. 

Luke 10:41-42
⁴¹ “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴² but few things are needed—or indeed only one.^[f] Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

In God We Trust

Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God; trust also in me.  John 14:1

Managing money wisely can be difficult.  Worrying about money is so easy.  When I look at the back of a dollar bill, & read: 'In God We Trust' it reminds me that I need to learn to trust God with my finances. 

The Bible says 'Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain'  1 Timothy 6:17

With wealth being so uncertain, but God being always faithful, my response when I face difficult decisions should be to wisely search for the best way to please God with my money. 

I need to look to God for courage. 
I must read his Holy Scripture to gain a better understanding. 
I must learn to trust in God financially.

Some trust in chariots and some in  horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord or God.  Psalms 20:7

All the power, glory, and the entire universe belong to God.  I need to give thanks to God for the work he allows me to do, for His provision, and for allowing me to have the opportunity to learn to trust him more with my resources. 

In God, whose Word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid.  What can mortal man do to me?  Psalms 56:4