NEVER too Late!

“Even now,” declares the LORD,
   “return to me with all your heart,
   with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

 Rend your heart
   and not your garments.
Return to the LORD your God,
   for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
   and he relents from sending calamity. (Joel 2:12-13)

It is NEVER too late to begin a life centered on God.  You have the choice to believe in Him, trust His ways and follow His plan for your life.  You exist not by chance or accident.  Every event and every breath happens for a reason.  God does not create a person without a plan.  A construction site will not break ground without a blueprint, the proper equipment at hand and a reason for the structure to exist.  Whether it be a house, workout facility, shopping center or restaurant; someone had an idea, a plan and a purpose to build.  Well, my friends, God did not bring you to being without a plan and purpose.  He provides the exact tools needed to complete any task given to you. 

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope." (Romans 15:4)

  

"and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:15-17) 

"In him we were also chosen,having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory." (Ephesians 1:11-12)

The time is now, today, this very moment, to accept Him as your Lord and Savior.  It is not too late to begin life fulfilling the plan set for you.  He will take all of you (past, present and future) and work it out to conform to His purpose and will.  Put Him first every day.  Let Him lead every step.  Use the tools and equipment provided in Scripture to become a servant of Christ.  His Word brings encouragement, guidance, forgiveness and a way of living that results in an Eternal life next to Him.  He will meet you just where you stand today, now, in this very moment.

Vacant land will remain until someone takes initiative to delegate an idea.  Once the first brick is laid, then step by step the structure comes to life and fulfills a great purpose for the once desolate land.  Refuse to let your heart, body and soul remain vacant.  Fill your whole being with Him.  Accept Him into your life and He will begin planting seeds, one by one to bring to life all the plans and purposes He holds for you.  You were chosen, predestined to live according to His blueprint, unique to you.  Will you take that blueprint today and agree to fulfill His purpose?  Break ground today and build a life to further His Kingdom.  It is NEVER too late to begin.

God, thank you for this day.  Thank You for the chance to begin life all over.  I know that Your mercies are new every morning and my past is pardoned.  Today, I choose You and know that pleasant things are in store for me.  Thank You for guaranteeing a future life in Eternity with You.  Thanks for providing the tools needed to stay in concordance with Your will.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

Don't Deny your Heritage

It amazes me to watch my daughter/son act like me or my husband.  It is as though I am looking in a mirror or watching an old home video of myself or my husband.  This makes sense because, as we all know, a child possesses equal parts of DNA from each parent.  Even more so, both children look up to my husband and me as an example of how to act in this world. 

Some characteristics they display are innate, while others learned.  For example. . .

• My daughter chews on her tongue while dribbling a basketball (innate b/c she has never watched me play).
• My son watches sports intently and makes the calls (learned from his dad).
• My son draws fantastically (innate from his dad).
• My daughter cleans like none other (learned every day of her life by watching me).

The above only lists a couple examples.  I could write down numerous I see daily.  As they grow, they may choose to change some of the learned characteristics.  They may refuse to partake in the innate characteristics, denying the similarities to us.  But, they will never lose the chemical makeup inside.  They will not forget what they learned from my husband and me as they grew each year.  They each have the choice to allow these characteristics to be active in their lives or lay dormant and create their own ideas of how to live and what little quirks to display.

"So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:26-29) 

"Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children  and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (Ephesians 5:1-2) 

DNA comes from both parents through fertilization; but, one more additive exists when an embryo is created.  God's hand is present and touches every fiber of our being.  Therefore, God is in us from the beginning.  He is with us at all times from fertilization through Eternity.  We must choose to activate His character in our lives and allow Him to guide our motions, mouths and meaning here on Earth.  We were created by and for Him.  We each are heirs to God and cannot lose Him Who resides within.  Unfortunately, we have the choice to allow Him to live actively within us. 

The example of His Son, Jesus is given freely for us to follow.  There again, we have the choice to follow or ignore the teachings in His Word.  Failing to follow Him, leads to destruction.  If we choose to create our own ideas of how to live, follow a path laid by ourselves and deny our heritage; we lose our Eternal life in Heaven. 

By looking at and observing my children's behavior, others clearly see to whom they belong.  My children stand proud and gleam when others say, "You look just like your dad/mom," or, "You act just like your mom/dad."  Let us, as children of God, clearly show others by our actions to Whom we belong.  Let us be proud to display characteristics of our Father.  Begin every day by asking God to actively be in your life.  Shine His glorious light wherever you travel.

God, thank you for this day.  Thank You for the freely given gift of grace and acceptance into Your family.  Please send Your Holy Spirit to be active in my life today.  Consume my whole being and shine Your light through me so others see clearly to Whom I belong.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

Enduring Each Season of Life

I dread the cold winters.  My blood pressure remains low; so, the cold weather increases the chill I experience regularly due to BP.  I spend most of my time throughout the day trying to stay warm.  I find it hard to function.  I would much rather bundle up in my robe and blanket and remain still for the day.  I am not really worth a hoot during the cold months.  I become so exhausted trying to get warm.  It feels impossible to survive the day.

My van dreads the cold winters about as much as I do.  The cold engine has a difficult time functioning correctly.  I must allow enough time for my van to warm up or driving may become risky.  If the engine is cold, the accelerator refuses to do its job and the gages will give up and fail to work.  The van lacks the power to work under such terrible conditions.   

I believe my van and I would rather bypass this season and begin the summer months.  

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. (Hebrews 10:35-36)

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)

Although I would love to live only the warm months and remain comfortable, I know I cannot.  My van also must endure the cold months.  Outside circumstances, beyond my control cannot cause me to give up.  I need to learn what I must do to persevere; layer my clothing, take hot showers, drink something warm, and try to avoid the outside for long periods of time.  My van must be kept in tiptop shape to survive the winter.  It needs proper care; oil changes, tires with good tread, full tank of gas, etc.

In order for us to fulfill our purpose in life and not give up, we must refuse to allow outside circumstances, the evil in this world, to alter our faith and perseverance.  Though many trials will come in this lifetime, God never leaves our side.  He remains the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.  He provides strength to endure, learn, increase faith and uses those times we experience to help others.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.  This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones." (Proverbs 3:5-8) 

Our physical health plays a huge role in surviving hardships.  Our bodies must be at the level of health God intends to better endure hardships.  Give God your menu plan each day, your level of activity, your addiction to toxins and the contents that fill your mind.  He knows what is best for each of His children.  He will help you eat right, exercise properly, avoid harmful ingestions and provide Truth to fill your thoughts.  Then, you are better equipped to face any trials that may come.  He is with us and will take care of us!

I believe we all would love to live only the good times in life and remain comfortable.  Sorry, this is not what God intends.  He wants to grow our faith, strengthen our walk and shine His light through us under the most difficult circumstances.  Some days may feel impossible to survive or you feel lacking in strength to endure such terrible conditions; but, take heart He has overcome the world.  The battle is already won and He who is in you is greater than anything this world will throw at you!

God, thank you for another day.  Thank You for all the tools to survive, endure and persevere.  Continue to teach me the necessary steps to function and fulfill Your plan on my life.  Keep me nourished.  I give my meal plan to You today to fill my body with enough food for me.  I give you my activity level so I may not exceed the amount of movement for my body frame.  Feed me Your Word constantly so I may keep my spirit filled.  I trust in You for You created me and know what is best for my life.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

He will Respond

My daughter spends most of each day asking questions.  She will inquire about anything unfamiliar to her so to better understand a new concept, situation or item.  She will send out requests often for a snack, drink or specific toy.  Upon leaving the house, she will call upon me for socks, shoes, coat and security blanket (we dare not leave home without it).  I quickly respond to each inquiry to appease my daughter.

My day consists of losing, forgetting and dropping items.  I lose my keys, my 'to do' list, my cell
phone (yes, I have called it from our land line many of times) and my patience multiple times throughout a 24 hour period.  I will walk into a room and forget the very reason I went in there.  At work, I will drop everything I touch.  Numerous times throughout my shift I drop coin from a transaction.  My day also consists of seeking those lost items, racking my brain to remember what I am to do and closely scanning my perimeter to find items dropped.  More often than not, all things are found and completed.

My husband will not let anything get past him.  He would not walk past a door without opening it to see what lies on the other side.  He tries new things, figures out solutions to problems and remains confident in any task presented to him.  He succeeds more than not.  If he avoided trying or feared stepping out in the unknown, then very little would be accomplished.  He gives every situation and task 100% effort.

Where am I going with this one? . . .

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." (Matthew 7:7-8) 

‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ (Jeremiah 33:3)

"But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul." (Deuteronomy 4:29)

"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is." (Ephesians 5:15-17) 

Call to God always.  Ask Him for guidance.  Seek wisdom from His Word.  Listen closely, with all your heart, mind and soul to clearly understand His answers.  Once the answer is clear, do not fear the unknown.  Take every opportunity given, every open door presented and each moment lived to fulfill your purpose.  God will clearly show you the way when you ask, seek and open doors!

God waits to for you to come to Him.  He will respond to questions and concerns.  He will come to you as you pursue Him.  He will provide opportunities for you and not leave you without purpose.  These are promises found in His Word.  He fulfills all of His promises, so relax and believe in Him to provide, be present and allow favorable circumstances.  Trust in Him will all your heart and live in His timing, not yours.  Open that door to the unknown with the full confidence in God!   

God, thank you for another day.  Thank You for the opportunity to work and serve You.  I am here to obey Your commands and step out into the unknown without question.  I know You will provide strength through every situation and make all things work for the good.  Thanks for listening to me, being present every moment and guiding me to fulfill my purpose in this life.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

In His Presence

I experienced one of those days.  The kind which feels like Heaven!  The last day of my Christmas break I spent carefree, joyously, in the presence of my most favorite man and filled with smiles.  It actually began the night before. . .
. . .I became excited before laying my head down to sleep, knowing the next day would be a whole day spent on a date with my husband.  I awoke with a smile, went about my morning ritual and helped the kids get ready.  My husband drove our son to school and came back to pick me and our daughter up.  We dropped her off at my mother-in-laws for the day.  Then, our date officially began.  We had a few goals in mind, but nothing set in stone for our time together.  I felt like we turned back time to high school when many of dates were spent traveling to a nearby city to shop, eat and maybe catch a movie. 

We shopped, held hands, laughed, enjoyed some Starbuck's, shopped some more and ate lunch at a place we often visited in our younger years.  At each store, we helped one another pick out clothes.  We stayed by each other's side and rarely separated.  The day was all about US!  I mentioned that I wished this day could last forever. 

But, Satan never misses a beat.  He tried to steal my joy, but I refused and clung to God's Word and presence.  Satan threw lies my way each time I stepped in a dressing room, when I entered Starbuck's, the moment I sat down to pick out lunch and then again at supper.  He also tried to bring anxiety to me as we ate lunch later than my usual time.  I firmly said, "Satan, get behind me and quit trying to be a stumbling block to my joy.  Leave this day for God, Brian and me to enjoy."  The enemy even had the audacity to try and end my night with anxiety.  Snow and ice fell to create a disaster for traffic.  The bridge that led us home shut down.  We traveled our 25 miles home in 2 and 1/2 hours. 

In the past, knowing my night did not occur as planned and that we would need to eat supper out after already eating lunch out, would have sent me in a tailspin.  Then, not sticking to a schedule for my meals and allowing for specific obsessions and compulsive behaviors I must complete; plus trying on clothes all day and seeing myself in the mirrors continuously, would have sent me over the top.  Boy, God has brought me a long way.  I clung to Him and I enjoyed every minute of my day with my husband.  The travel home allowed Brian and I to bond even closer as we reminisced of the 'old days'.  Thank You God for a glimpse of Heaven!  Thank You for allowing me to see how far I have come through Your strength!

"Teach me your way, LORD;
   lead me in a straight path
   because of my oppressors.
Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
   for false witnesses rise up against me,
   spouting malicious accusations.

 I remain confident of this:
   I will see the goodness of the LORD
   in the land of the living." (Psalm 27:11-13)

 "Give me a sign of your goodness,
   that my enemies may see it and be put to shame,
   for you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me." (Psalm 86:17)  

Our days are filled with goodness from God.  He continually confirms His presence among the living.  He will open your eyes to the progress made on the journey planned for you.  Praise Him for the blessings, healing, comfort, love, joy and peace.  His power will defeat any lies from our enemy.  Stay close to God and Satan will gain nothing on your life. 

God will throw His arms around you and protect from any schemes or lies coming at you.  He loves you unconditionally, never quits helping, comforts in every trial, provides strength to persevere and (did I mention?) never quits helping.  Rest assured, He always comes through for you.  Reach to Him to receive inner peace which passes all understanding.  He can and He WILL do immeasurably more for your life than you can ever ask or imagine.  Praise be to God always!

God, thank You for another day.  Thank You for being present in my every moment.  I enjoyed my day so much with You and my husband.  Thank You for such a loving, fun, faithful teammate here on Earth.  Continue to strengthen our relationship as we keep You at the center.  Thank You for bringing me to where I am today and defeating the enemy.  Lead me down the straight path always.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig  

 

Avoid the Fade

You finally found "the one".  Your mind cannot quit thinking about this person.  At work, you find your thoughts drifting to all the magnificent things about your new love.  At the store, you dream of the day when you will share a home and spend every moment in their presence.  The love held inside you is deeper than any word can describe.

You finally saved enough money to purchase the vehicle of your dreams.  The minute you drive it off the lot, you cannot stop thinking about it.  Sitting in the driver's seat, with hands on the wheel brings unexplainable peace.  You come up with a list of unnecessary errands just to be inside the vehicle.  Your dreams came true.  You will do whatever it takes to keep this vehicle in tiptop shape and in your presence.

You finally made the team.  The past months have been tough with all the practice, sweat and tears shed.  But, the day came when your name appeared on the list of new players added to the team.  Words cannot express the joy consuming your heart.  Your commitment to this team will not be broken.  Every day will be spent listening to the coach and learning what is needed to remain faithful to the team.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)    

"May my lips overflow with praise,
   for you teach me your decrees.
May my tongue sing of your word,
   for all your commands are righteous." (Psalm 119:171-172)

"I will listen to what God the LORD says;
   he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants—
   but let them not turn to folly." (Psalm 85:8)

After a while, the newness of a relationship, a new car or becoming part of a team fades.  The excitement may still exist, but not with the same degree of strength.  Yes, you still enjoy the presence of your spouse, curling up on the couch to watch a movie or sitting down to a candlelit dinner; but, your every thought does not revolve around love for the other.  The new vehicle still drives great, remains clean inside and shiny on the outside; but, you would not mind lending it to a friend or going a whole day without driving it.  You may still dedicate time to practice each day, call upon your coach for guidance and look forward to playing a game; but, things in life begin to override time spent on this sport. 

Newer Christians may resemble the first three scenarios.  They cannot quit thinking about God and the wonderful life now received since accepting Him into their lives.  The love consumes their thoughts and hearts.  New Christians see their prayers answered and want to spend as much time as possible with God.  They are willing to do whatever it takes to keep the relationship on fire.  New Christians become so excited to be a part of God's team and take every minute available to learn from their new Coach.  Each day is spent listening, obeying and growing in faith.

We must strive to ALWAYS keep this newness flowing in our lives.  The excitement, love, commitment, dedication, learning and strengthening faith must never cease.  If we find ourselves distant from God, we must stop and do whatever it takes to get the closeness back to where He intends.  Keep Him on your mind every second of every day.  Nourish the relationship, keeping it strong, and keep Him in your presence constantly.  Stay active as His team player, listen to your Coach and learn what is needed to remain faithful.  Do not allow the relationship to fade!

God, thank you for this day.  Thank Your love consuming my thoughts and heart.  I never want to lose sight of You.  I will keep You present in every moment I live.  I will praise You always and make all decisions with You.  If I should slack, drift away or become complacent in my faith; show me immediately.  Teach me how to remain faithful to You and avoid anything in this world that would place distant between You and I.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

There is no Better Time!

Now  -  The time is now, today, at this moment, don't delay any more!

               "And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.  

               Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" (2 Corinthians 5:15;17)

Encourage - Be His hands and feet and encourage one another to follow His Truth.  Use this time now to spiritually teach and lead one another with His Word!

               "He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.  Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:10-11)

               "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called 'Today,' so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness." (Hebrews 3:13)

Wipe out - Take sin and eliminate it from your life.  Wipe out any wedge between you and God.  Set an example today to encourage others by striving to avoid and clean out sin in your life!

               "Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith." (Hebrews 13:7)

Yearn for Him - Begin today and spend each moment pursuing Him.  Desire that relationship so others will be inspired to live as you do, trying each day to follow Truth and avoid sin!

               "My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God." (Psalm 84:2)

Express - Show your love and gratitude to Him daily.  He will use your eager heart to spur others to come and want to know more about how to eliminate sin and live for Him.  Praise be to Him always!

               "Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name."

(1 Chronicles 29:13)

Answer - Don't hesitate, now is the time to answer when He calls.  Your plan and purpose here is to abstain from the patterns of this world, excite others about Him, engage in relationship with Him and display the love you feel for your Father.  Obey His commands!

               "You will call and I will answer you; you will long for the creature your hands have made." (Job 14:15)

Rejoice - A new day is dawning.  Celebrate all the goodness of the Lord.  Be glad in spirit and in mind.  He is your Creator and allows opportunity daily to serve Him wholeheartedly.  Will you accept Him into your life today?

               'Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!”' (1 Chronicles 16:31)

               "I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.  I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High." (Psalm 9:1-2)

God, thank you for another day.  Thank you for the chance to begin life all over again.  Take my every move, every thought and every word and make it obedient to You.  Use me and begin anew in my heart today.  Thank You for new mercies each morning.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig