Category: Devotions

Refocusing your mind

“I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

My mind has been all over the place this month. I couldn’t even say a few weeks because since September 2 I have been getting thrown at! I’ve been struggling to regain my focus amidst all the drama, but this has been very hard. However, I’m going to embark on a new approach: trying to “subliminally” refocus my thoughts. I have plenty of inspiration all around me, but if I don’t enact some of these things and try different approaches, how can I truly get back on focus. So I’m going to record different scriptures and play them to myself at night in my sleep and see how that affects my day.

You may not need to go to as drastic an approach as that, but we all need motivation and variety to refocus our thoughts. Sometimes we get discouraged or disenchanted by all the struggles and pains of life. Simply knowing that God loves us and is there does not always ease those thoughts. Sometimes you need to surround yourself with God-filled, encouraging people. Sometimes you need to hear that one thing you’ve been needing to hear to get you out of your funk. Sometimes you only need a listening ear. But whatever it is, remember that we can ask God for anything in Jesus’ name–especially if it is going to help keep us focused on His will for our lives. Be encouraged–if you need a listening ear, a word of inspiration, encouragement, whatever–I am here for you!

Love ya!

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4

Motivation

“Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently in the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing–he will be blessed in what he does.” James 1:23-25

As I looked in the mirror at the pudge protruding from my midsection I cried out in utter horror, LORD I need to lose weight, I GOTTA work out. (Y’all know I’m dramatic so just imagine what this sounded like.) Now mind you, I have been PIGGING out all summer and only sported my two piece once because I didn’t feel like having to go through all the motions with getting in the pool. So now I’m on a serious grind to work out, Slim Fast and all, to lose what I think is necessary. I made some progress, starting last Friday and continuing yesterday, especially after I ate so many mustard greens on Sunday I was nearly sick. I even went to bed before 12 last night and would have been on time to work were it not for my having to get labs.

I’m gonna stop right here. Because some of us have more motivation for losing weight, working, getting up on time in the morning than we do for spending time with God and doing His will. We want to do what WE want, not what HE says. I admit, I have probably been one of the most disobedient people in the last month than anyone. Sporadically reading, not really writing my devotions—yes I have reasons for my disobedience but excuses, which they are, do nothing for the fact that I should have done it. Don’t allow your circumstances, because we all have them, to make you miss an opportunity for divine advancement. (MBP haha..copying and pasting this one into my personal quote file) All I can do now is drop to my knees and beg for God’s forgiveness and trust that he will continue to guide me.(Psalm 32:8) That’s the beautiful part of it all, God will forgive us. (1 John 1:9, Psalm 32:5) So now what? We need to put our lives into proper perspective: God, God’s mission and purpose for your life, then whatever else you deem important–as long as it does not go against the word. My motivation is to please God with everything–my life, maintaining my health, blessing others and following His will for my life. (Matthew 6:33) Sometimes you need a little help from someone else–a motivation partner–and don’t you know God is committed to that!! Jesus tells us in Matthew 28:20 that “…And remember, I am with you each and every day until the end of the age.”(ISV)

So my current weight crisis fits right in as well as me setting new habits for myself; God and the mirror will motivate me to stay on track. Being obedient does not just include following God’s will in your personal lives, but at work, at church, and in your entire life for that matter. Make sure you have the RIGHT motivation–pleasing God–not ANYTHING else!

“Therefore do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16

Love ya!