November 1

Are we really in November? Just thinking about the holidays gives me shivers. Thinking about that (that I have shivers) draws me to think about keeping my focus on Jesus Christ and His Kingdom and His righteousness.

It seems the older I get the less I like the holidays. My question is who stole my joy! The holidays are fun and enjoyable! I see people I don’t see that often, I spend more time with my family, I intentionally bless people with gifts, I see people come to church who normally would not, and I get the shivers because…? If you are older like I am you can probably guess the answer. It means I have to shell out more time and money and I am a little short on both! What in the world are we talking about here? Could it be that 2 “gods” are ruining what THE God wants for my life? YES!! God wants me to enjoy today but I am think about tomorrow, and tomorrow’s tomorrow! In fact I am thinking all the way to Christmas! There is no doubt that we have to plan and think forward, but instead of strategy, we tend to project stress and projected stress always stresses us out today!

Matthew 6:33–34 (NIV84) — 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Each day has trouble. So what? With effort go after the Kingdom of God! Think about your righteousness – the one God has put on you because of Christ! The battle for the holiday joy is in the mind – you CAN win it. Focus on the Kingdom!