The right choice.

The temptation is to step on the broken circle. Be content to stay on solid ground. God is there and Jesus is with you. 

Acts chapter 19 verse 36.

Since this is an indisputable fact, you shouldn't be disturbed no matter what is said, and should do nothing rash.

Do you take the time to think things out before you react? 

   A great example is a building project. It makes sense to plan out how many materials are needed and in what order they are to be used. A good plan is essential to saving time, money and the success of a job well done. 

   Sometimes we are faced with confusing statements, that make us form opinions. When that happens things get said that can be harmful. Is your livelihood being affected? Is your family being threatened? Has unforeseen circumstances caused you grief and interrupted your peaceful life?

   Money, relationships, job, government, education, damage to your home, car or processions? Is weather the cause? Or maybe your home was broken into. Maybe you are saddened by sickness, the passing of a loved one or maybe someone you love was taken by an accident. You are the only one who knows what it is that upsets you. God knows that if your thoughts are worried, confused or upset then they are not on Him. 

   The trials we face daily are meant to distract from God. Most people do not know they are being distracted, they think it is normal to be on guard all the time and that it is ok to voice your opinion every time you feel like your life is being threatened.

   Todays verse from Acts chapter 19 is brought on by a big blow up developed in Ephesus concerning the Christians. At the time Greece worshiped a Greek goddess named Diana. A silversmith who employed many craftsmen to manufacture silver shrines of the goddess, felt that his business was being affected by Christians. Verse 25 says, "Gentlemen, this business is our income."  

   He felt that the talk of Christ was the cause in drop of sales and so he stirred up trouble. Verse 29 says, "A crowd began to gather and soon the city was filled with confusion." 

   We live in a world that is filled with distractions. It is easy to get caught up in the spending curse. There are so many shinny things. Can you walk into a store and come out with only what you went in for? Can you go through a day without the need to go shopping? Are you content with your life? Do you see the beauty of God's world? We are God's children, living in His presence. That is all you need! He supplies our needs. So there is no need to keep going out and getting more, just for the sake of spending. 

   Get only what you need and enjoy what He has given you. Be inventive, be creative. Crafts and hobbies help us be creative and the result is the success of our labor. God loves someone who is creative and uses those creations to help others. We are to reflect God and we do that by doing things. It is in the things we do that others see our joy. The joy we have for God because of Jesus. 

   Proverbs chapter 3 verses 5 and 6 say, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all you do acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths." 

   You may already be someone who needs to control everything. That's sad, because there is a joy, an unlimited amount of happiness that comes from trusting God and watching as He works through you. Take on challenges, and use common sense to stay away from the things that want to lead you away from God. 

   Hebrews chapter 12 verse 1 says, "Let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us."

   Jesus has answered your prayers and has given you freedom from your old nature that had such an amazing grip on you. He has shown you God's love and that has filled your heart with thanksgiving and gratitude. You can't forget it or walk away from what Jesus has done for you. Everyday we make mistakes but that does not change the fact of what happened to you when Jesus came into your life. He is and always will be with you. 

   It is because of your grateful heart that you want to live a life that is pleasing to God. You get to live in His presence, loving and praising all that He does for you. Just as Jesus did so many years ago and has done for you now, by bring you into the presence of God's Holy family. 

   You have made the right choice. Hold on tightly to it by focusing on God and doing the things that He can use to shine His light through. You are His and He holds you tightly in His grip, He does not want to lose you but to see your smile, your joy, because of Him. And it is that same joy that Jesus has, that He wants others to see to. 

   Thank You Father for Jesus. Thank You for Your love, grace and mercies. You are the smile we reflect. 😊  

Ephesians chapter 4 verses 20-24.

But that is not the way Christ taught you! If you have really heard His voice and learned from Him the truths concerning Himself, then throw off your old evil nature---the old you that was a partner in your evil ways---rotten through and through, full of lust and sham. Now your attitudes and thoughts must all be constantly changing for the better. Yes, you must be a new and different person, holy and good. Clothe yourself with this new nature.

Romans chapter 8 verses 38 and 39.

For I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from His love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels won't, and all the powers of hell itself cannot keep God's love away. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, or where we are---high above the sky, or in the deepest ocean---nothing will  ever be able to separate us from the love of God demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ when He died for us. 

John chapter 17 verse 22-24. 

Jesus speaking to God said, "I have given them the glory You gave Me---the glorious unity of being one, as we are---I in them and You in Me, all being perfected into one---so that the world will know You sent Me and will understand that You love them as much as You love Me. Father, I want them with Me---these You have given Me---so that they can see My glory. You gave Me the glory because You loved Me before the world began!"