Barb's Word of Encouragement

 

July ~2007

Is your heart God-Centered or self-centered?

We are half way through the year of 2007.  Isn’t that hard to believe? July is a month of patriotism and summer vacations, at least for some of us.  I’m wondering if we have left God behind in all the busyness or all the relaxing & fun times of summer.  Our routines change in the summer and I always think I will spend more time alone with God. However, that has not proven true for me. My weakness is a lack of self-discipline in my quiet time and my exercise time. It seems other things call my name.

 We were all born with the natural bent to selfishness.  Observe that sweet little baby who smiles and plays until he has the need to eat. He becomes a demanding; crying infant and nothing will comfort him until he gets his bottle or breast.  We can be like that also.  Always trying to get what we want, when we want it!

God wants us to want Him first and foremost!  You are as close to God as you choose to be.  Jeremiah 15:19 says “Return to me and I will restore you’.” If you really want to be close to God, He will draw you close to Him. Run to Him and he will wrap His arms of love around you.  Self-denial is difficult but God makes available the power to say no to self and yes to Him.  He will plant His word in your heart and will nourish you spiritually, if you seek Him. When we live to please God we can break the pattern of self-centeredness and lack of discipline. We can become God-centered women!

 Are you up for the challenge?

 Barb