Choices

Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.  James 1:17

According to the calendar, it's Fall but here in the South, it's still scorching most days. The best time of the day for me is early morning. I really enjoy sitting outside, drinking copious amounts of coffee, watching the dog romp around the yard. At that time of the morning, there is little traffic and little distraction. During this very peaceful time of my day, I read my bible and meditate on the wonderous creation God made when He created our world. The trees, grass, wildflowers, even the weeds.....There is beauty in nature. At this time of year, nature is getting ready to 'change its clothing' and I love watching it happen. It is all part of the cycle of life.

“Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster. Deuteronomy 30:15

Two things we, as humans, have in common is that #1. We were born and #2. We will all die. The cycle of life. What we do between those two events is up to us. We were all created by God, but God granted us free will to choose the paths we want to take in life. I took a wildly circuitous path to get where I am today. I wandered around in circles, fell in a lot of traps, fell off a cliff or two, ran headfirst into obstacles....yeah, it's been a journey, but I have learned a lot about myself --and learned much more about 'what not to do'! I have made some really good choices and some really bad choices and everything in between. 
Those choices are what makes us the people we are today. We were all created by God to be His children and like any good parent, He wants us to listen and obey--make good choices. He has a plan for each and every one of us but in order to follow that path, we must submit ourselves to Him and follow His directives. 

If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it.  Luke 17:33

Our life came with a users manual. It's called the Holy Bible. God wants us to use that manual as a reference point for our lives. Personally, I have never had an issue that could not be solved by following biblical instruction and prayer!

Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.  Joshua 1:8 NLT

Prayer! Yes, God wants to have a close relationship with Him and we can't have that close relationship without talking to Him! God gave us the most wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit that lives within every person who believes in and accepts Him into our lives. The Holy Spirit helps us communicate with God, the Father, even when words fail us! 

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for what He has done. Philippians 4:6 NLT

To sum it all up, we were all made by God but we have to make a choice to have a relationship with Him. As with every choice we make, there are benefits and consequences. Choosing to follow God offers the benefit of having eternal life with Him in Heaven. Choosing not to offers the consequence of the fires of Hell. It's an easy choice. 

I pray that you make good choices in your life. Not that you will be perfect --none of us are nor will we ever be. Accept, believe and confess...then find a good church whose leadership teaches sound biblical principles. Read and study your Bible every day, meditate on its words, and live the life God has for you. Know that God wants to have a relationship with you and He is NEVER not there for you! No matter what God has in store for you, I can assure you that He will provide you with peace and joy that surpasses all understanding. Not short-term happiness!  Actual joy!

Peace be with you!

Til next time!