A shorty...

Friends,

God has laid something on my heart and I just wanted to share some thoughts. I would also like to solicit for some of your comments...

A couple of weekends ago, I was blessed with the opportunity to attend Joyce Meyer's conference at Lakewood church in Houston, TX. I've read some of her books / articles and try to catch her daily show in the mornings (usually via podcast).

Although her messages are dynamic and inspiring, it occurred to me that she really doesn't offer anything that her audience doesn't already know. I'm sure she knows this as well. My question is this: What is it that keeps us from applying what we know is right to our daily lives?

Excuses: We tend to justify not taking action or changing our behaviors when we really need to. This can involve anything from managing our finances to losing weight. What excuses do we use? I don't have time. I can't afford it. What does it take to break us of this dangerous mentality?

Discipline: This is something crucial that we tend to lack. Again, this can involve a myriad of circumstances. We even ask people to hold ourselves accountable because we are incapable of doing it ourselves. Then we get frustrated at said person for holding us (or not holding us) to the fire.

Laziness: This is the devil's favorite weapon. We simply fail to do anything because we "don't want to." How can we change our behavior when we don't even start?

So, how do we overcome this? God!

"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Phillipians 4:13 (NKJV)

When we get the "I don't want to's", we need to pray! Don't give Satan a fighting chance. Keep your heart and your mind positive and thankful.

"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Jesus Christ." 1 Thesallonians 5:16-18 (NLT)

Most of the time, it's the things that make us a better person that we don't want to do. What is it in your life? Focus on the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There is no law against these things!" Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

I totally respect and appreciate Paul's writing in the New Testament. However, I'm going to add one more fruit to the list – forgiveness. This is something that I have struggled with in the past. However, through Christ, I can do this.

"the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Collosians 1:26-27 (NIV).

Wow! This is where the fruit of the spirit can take us! It can make us so powerful that we can become Christ in the lives of other people.

What are you struggling with in your life? If you have financial trouble, bless others. If you need a friend, be a friend to someone else. If you want a new job, bless someone else with one first. We reap what we sow!

In Christ,

James