Finding My Path

In the sacred ground of this present moment, I find myself seeking a path, a direction for the remaining years of my life. I want it to have mattered that I walked upon this earth. Has my life made a difference? Rhetorical questions without answers… for now.

Maybe it’s the Lenten season. I desire a closer walk with Him who loves my soul. I want to pour out the oil of my devotion on His feet, wash them with my tears and dry them with my hair… if only I had hair like that woman we have read of so often.

Or maybe just to get close enough to Him to touch the hem of his garment so I could be cured of my infirmity like the woman with the issue of blood. Can you imagine her? This poor woman couldn’t attend the temple and worship because of her “issue.” Mine may not be the same as hers, but I do indeed have an issue. What about you? What is your issue? What is it that keeps you from pure worship?

Lord, deliver us! Prepare us for worship. Keep us from evil that we may not sin against You or the family of believers. Help us to have the eyes of Christ and the stamina to do what You ask. Forgive us for the times we have turned our backs upon those in need.  In Jesus’ name I pray!

Psalm 25:4-6

The Message

⁴ Show me how you work, God;
School me in your ways.

⁵ Take me by the hand;
Lead me down the path of truth.
You are my Savior, aren't you?

⁶ Mark the milestones of your mercy and love, God;
Rebuild the ancient landmarks!

Tamara

Today's Devotional

TODAY’S VERSE
“Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

Now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.”

Colossians 3:5-10

TODAY’S THOUGHT
Just say NO! Okay, so maybe it’s not quite that easy. But you have to admit that the attitude you take into a situation can help shape the outcome. If we can read this list that Paul gives us and determine that with God’s strength we are going to say “No” before we get into a challenging situation it will help.

Paul uses phrases like “Have nothing to do with” and “get rid of”. This indicates that God expects us to take some initiative, so action. What I like the best about today’s passage is the phrase, “Be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him.” So do we get victory over these sins because we focus on them and fight diligently to overcome them or because we focus on God and try to be more like Him? I know, I know, it's some of each, but I really believe that a positive focus will always win over the negative. Try what Paul suggests, focus on God, get to know Him, let Him mold you more into His likeness and He will help you take care of any negative behavior.

And let's be honest, this isn't an easy subject to address.  It helps to remember 1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it." NIV  Just say NO!

TODAY’S PRAYER
Lord you know I want to live a life that pleases you. I don’t want to be sexually immoral, evil or greedy. I don’t want to be angry or full of slander or dirty language. I don’t want to lie. Help me today to focus on you. Help me to know you, to love you, to commune with you and I will trust you with all my other behaviors. Help me today, to be more like you. In Jesus Name I pray ~Amen!

Yours, because we're His,

Tamara