Lists can be good, but also create pressure to be successful in all areas. Take a look at the following list and allow God’s Spirit to speak to you.As I looked over the list, three steps jumped out at me. It's those three I will bring before God. I know if I am going to Love God and others, I need to deal with these issues because if I do not, they will pull me in negative directions.
1. Make amends. Take steps to correct any problems you may have caused for others and acknowledge to them your regret for causing difficulty in their lives … Pursue peace with all men and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14
2. Make friends with failure. The fear of failure can hold you back from success. Most successful people have failed many more times than they’ve succeeded.
3. Don’t say yes when you mean no. If you feel it is always your “duty” to say yes to a certain person, that may be reflective of an unhealthy relationship.
4. Streamline your life. Take an objective look at your schedule and let go of the truly unimportant things. Don’t be held hostage by an overburdened agenda … Cease striving and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
5. Give yourself some slack. There is a difference between striving for excellence and striving for perfection. The first is attainable, gratifying and healthy. The second is unattainable, frustrating and neurotic.
6. Appreciate the value of sorrow and pain. Truly, difficult times are unavoidable. See that God can draw you closer to Him, family and loved ones through troubled circumstances.
7. Examine your negative attitudes and beliefs. Negative attitudes are one of the chief causes of depression. Try to determine the root cause of your negative attitudes and take responsible steps to resolve them … You harvest what you plant, whether good or bad. Proverbs 14:14
8. Strengthen your relationships. Human relationships, especially within the family have a forceful impact on life. Nurture relationships with people who lift you up and recognize your role to lift their life as a friend too … Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to do it. Proverbs 3:27 9.
9. Nourish your spiritual health. It is cliché in the Christian culture, but spending time in the Bible, with Christian friends and in prayer is vital to being truly free emotionally. Pour out your sorrows to God. Spiritual strength can uphold you when it seems that all other strength is spent. James 5:16 tells us to Confess your sins one to another and pray for each other that you may be healed. Emotional freedom comes when we open our lives up to others. Confess to God and another and Satan will no longer be able to blackmail you with your secrets. In secrecy there is secrecy and in openness there is wholeness.
10. Take the first step now. Procrastination is the enemy of emotional freedom. Talk with a trusted friend, pastor or counselor. Get resources that can help you grow.
Which step(s) stood out to you? Pray over them today. Honestly ask God to open your heart towards positive change and freedom to love God and others while experiencing greater peace and joy in your life. Pray for a close friend to walk with you and discuss these steps.
3 comments:
Love this list. Very helpful. I'm going to focus on a couple at a time as was suggested. Thank you, I'll be thinking about it throughout the day.
very helpful...i think both devotions are good, ones that teach abour Jesus cause thats importent and some that help with addictions and stuff like that. thanks man
Ry Sugar thinks these are awesome ways to start the day and also stay a part of his original CR group.
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