It's A Brand New Day!

Lamentations 3:21-25

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: (22) Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. (23) They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (24) I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." (25) The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; (NIV)

Good Morning!

1. Did you wake up this morning needing a fresh start?
2. Was yesterday or last week not one of your finest expressions of the love of Jesus Christ shining in your life?
3. Did you do something, say something or offend someone?
4. Did the enemy of your soul beat you up and tell you how unworthy you are of God's love because of your actions?
5. Did he lie to you and tell you that you were a terrible person, wife, mother or friend?
6. Did he tell you that God was angry with you because God had forgiven you for the same sin over and over again?
7. Did he tell you that God was tired of forgiving you for the same sins?
8. Did he tell you that you just need to quit trying?

I have had days when it seemed like I couldn't do anything right. I would say the wrong thing, react without thinking, get frustrated or angry at my family, say things that weren't pleasing to God...you could say that if I could mess it up that day, then I messed it up.

You know, when you have moments or even, days like this when you lose focus of God, not guarding your tongue, ignoring the nudge of the Holy Spirit to keep you mouth shut. When we lose our focus, not listening the Holy Spirit, we end up doing and saying what we want to or feel like at that moment so that we feel better. We use many excuses to justify what we did..."I was just being honest", "I had a bad day", "well, you ALWAYS do this or that", or out of frustration and/or retaliation...well, you get the picture.

I haven't had one of those days that was that bad lately, but I have moments nearly everyday that I mess up and say or do the wrong thing. Sometimes, you just open your mouth and not think before you speak. I have days that I might have had a bad day at work or somewhere else and it seems to erupt on my family. You know what I mean...they do or say the wrong thing...no biggie but because you are already frustrated...it become a huge issue.

The Holy Spirit is gently nudging you, then poking you and finally, He is practically screaming in your spirit to shut your mouth or to just stop. There are many times that I listen and will be obedient and there are times that...I just let it all out...get it off my chest.

I Corinthians 2:10

but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God (NIV)

After this happens, the Holy Spirit will still check your spirit, convict you and help you to see the error of your ways. At that time, we still have the choice to either repent, make amends to those we hurt or be defiant and refuse. Sometimes, for me, I have to cool off or calm down first before I am willing to listen to the Holy Spirit. When I get to that point, then I feel terribly guilty that I did or said what I did.

I Peter 5:8

Keep a cool head. Stay alert. The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping. (Message)

Oh, but the good new is every moment of the day and every morning that you are blessed to wake up...you have another chance to make things right and to choose to do the right thing today. God is a god of..."another chance". I am so thankful that He forgives me when I repent and He helps me to not make the same mistake again. However, if I make the same mistake again...He is right there to correct me, forgive me and give me another chance. God looks at our heart and He knows what is truly in our hearts. The flesh is weak and will be tempted by the enemy. What we can't allow the enemy to do is have a foothold in our lives of guilt and condemnation.

Ephesians 4:26-32
"In your anger do not sin" : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, (27) and do not give the devil a foothold. (28) He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. (29) Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (30) And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (31) Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. (32) Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (NIV)

Today is a new day for a fresh new, forgiven start. Don't let the enemy convince you otherwise. Walk in peace today with your head held high for you are royalty...you are a child of the King of Kings and the enemy is under your feet.

Romans 16: 20

And God, our source of peace, will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

FYI: I guess only Beth aka sailorcross will be getting one of my "jeweled" handcrafted wooden crosses since no one else signed up for Pay It Forward :-(

Beth, I plan to get busy on your gift in the next few weeks...hopefully, it won't take me 365 days to complete. Please email me with your mailing address so I can ship it to you when it is completed.

Have a wonderfully blessed day!