We often betray our selves and our own convictions by allowing things into our hearts that will rob us of what is best for us. The things that are healthier and will make us stronger are sometimes not always the things that “we” think we need. It’s important to keep our hearts clean of negative assumptions. Keep your mind on those things that are first gentle, kind, humble, meek and patient. Put up with each other, and choose to love people despite whether you agree with what they believe or who they are. Love unconditionally, but do always set a healthy boundary against those things that may rob you of what is best for you. No one person is in control of any other person, we however, need to make the right choices for our own ability to be in charge of our own lives.

Who gets the power in your life? Have you learned to surrender any control or power that you are not able to manipulate, – back to a higher power? Many people live very frustrated and unfulfilled lives because they try to control people, places and things that they have no control over. This battle will leave you in a constant state of defeat. The choices of who we will allow into our lives, what kinds of environments that we choose to subject ourselves to, and also to carefully choose the things that we will find life giving that will be in our lives. These things we have more control over, but unless we live in a vacuum, we have no control over all other people’s choices that you will encounter along the way as well as how places that you work may do things. Therefore we yield those weighty issues over to God. I believe that the Lord’s prayer gives us a perfect guide by which we may pace our daily hurdles.

Our Father in Heaven, help us to honor your name. Come and set up your kingdom, so that everyone on earth will obey you- as you are obeyed in Heaven. Give us our food for today. Forgive us for doing wrong, as we forgive others. Keep us from being tempted and protect us from evil. CIV In King James this beautiful prayer ends with, “For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the Glory, Forever. Amen”  Choose to give all your power to the Lord Jesus Christ. He will light your way!

Are we tired of frozen waters? Many times when we have freely released from our bellies those things that we are most passionate about, those thoughts, passions, or convictions are sometimes “slapped down” by the world, a friend , a significant other, or a family member. So the worse thing that may happen is that we choose to shut up and never voice what we believe in again. All those passions become frozen inside of us. It is OK to voice what you believe in , people may not agree, but that is fine. Each has his own passion. What makes people unique are the differences that we all share. I know that living in abuse, you are told that you do not have a right to believe in anything.  You are taught to be powerless. Come to the living waters, be empowered , be renewed and accepted just the way that you are!  Christ gives us  living water that we may never thirst again!

Happy New Year!!! This new year for those who are in Christ be encouraged that His desire is to make things new. He helps us to start over. One act of ours that is most helpful is to change up those things that did not work before. Romans 12: 2 (CEV) says “Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way that you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is pleasing to Him.” Start fresh!

Isaiah 42: 9(CEV)says, ” See the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to You.” Watch on the horizon and expect those new things to come for you this year!

Do you ever ask yourself where does my help and my strength come from? The world is filled with pain and uncertainty , things that we just can not understand. I most assuredly find myself reaching many times when things seem corrupt, bogged with bureaucracy and injustice-to the only entity that has ever given me hope, help and strength. He is the one who laid down His life so that when life does not make sense to me and I have no way to turn, by believing in Him, that He rose again to give me eternal life, I can find peace and shelter in the storms of life, help always when I need it! I look to the hills from where my help comes from, my help comes from the Lord Jesus Christ! If you do not know this savior , give yourself the best thing to be thankful for this Thanksgiving season, call on His name when you need help, strength and hope for the future!