In one of my recent devotional readings the question was asked, "Are you living life for yourself or for God?" I can usually read a devotional or listen to a message and make a pretty generalized life application and move on. But, I have found myself going back to this question quite often, which means God is wanting to take me deeper on this one. I don't really like "deeper" because that usually means I have to do something that I may not be comfortable doing. Or face something that I have been ignoring. It might even mean I have to give up something I've been holding on to a little too tightly.

God was asking me to do some soul searching. Am I living a life that is truly dependent and trusting of God? The answer to that question is no, so often I'm relying on me. And, relying on "me" can often times be pretty unstable, impulsive and sometimes controlled by fears. Can you relate to that? Do you sometimes allow those same characteristics to get in the way of living a life for God and not yourself?

When we lose our self-centeredness and let go of trying to control the outcomes we will find that our life is more about Him and less about me. Am I going to be perfect in this life? No, but I can rely on the promise stated in Philippians 1:6, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ. I agree with Paul in his writing that we all share in God's grace and when we acknowledge and repent of our shortcomings, God is so faithful to forgive and move us forward.

I want to live my life for Him. I want my life to draw people to Him and not myself, and I believe that you want that as well.

The great thing about sharing the Christian journey is that we can encourage and inspire one another. So my prayer for you will be just like the prayer that Paul prayed as he encouraged the church at Philippi, "That your love my abound more and more in knowledge and insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ -- to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-11).

To that I say Amen, amen!

Blessings,

Cheryl

Wow, it's hard to believe that we are living in the year 2012. It sounds so futuristic doesn't it? I believe there was a recent movie titled "2012." It was an epic adventure about a global cataclysm that brings an end to the world and tells of the heroic struggles of the survivors. I myself did not see the movie, but my husband and one of my daughters saw it and loved it so much they had to own the movie. Anyway, I'm hoping that 2012 is nothing like the movie!

For several weeks I have been trying to put my thoughts together for a devotion that would inspire everyone for the new year. When I say I've had a writer's block, I really mean it. I was having the most difficult time getting my thoughts together. I really did not want January to end without posting a devotion for this webpage. Last night all that changed. During one of my sleepless moments, I begged God to please tell me what to write. This is what He said, "Tell them how much I love them." It was a very clear and succinct statement. I had received my answer immediately. God is so good!

We do not know what the coming year holds. Scripture does not give us any promise of an easy life here on earth. For many, the day to day struggles will continue. For some, there may be a temporary reprieve. We just don't know what is ahead. But the wonderful thing is we know we have a God that loves us! He loves us no matter what our circumstances, no matter what our background, no matter what our future holds. Let me remind you of a few verses that speak to His love for us:

1 Chronicles 16.34 - his Love endures forever.  Psalm 36:7 - How priceless is your unfailing love!  1 John 4:10 - He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.  Jeremiah 31:3 - I have loved you with an everlasting love.  John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son.  Psalm 103:8 - The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.

As we begin 2012 I would like to encourage you to spend time daily in the Word. He wants to speak to each one of us His tender words of love. May we never forget how deep, how wide, how matchless is God's love for us.

Blessings, Cheryl Howell