First Things First

...man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.

1 Samuel 16:7

~~~

The peace that passes understanding *

gifts us with confidence

 even when things that are important to us

 have not come to fruition as we had hoped. 

When circumstances are difficult 

and our hopes of good and Godly outcomes are dashed,

 even then we can rest in the confidence that the Lord is in control.

We hear the Holy Spirit whisper: 

“When the heart is set right, the rest will follow. 

Godliness comes ahead of physical training,

 and always remember this: God looks at the heart."  

We can be certain God does not waste one failure, 

and that even our sin, 

when forgiven, 

drives us more expediently to the results He has planned for us. 

~~~

Pray: Father, forgive me for the ways I’ve sinned today. Thank You for being in control, not only of the things I do that are pleasing to You, but also of the results of my forgiven sin. Lord please deliver me from bondage to sinful habits, and by Your grace and sacrifice on my behalf, rescue me from the fruits of my sin. Keep me from the despair that comes when I look at myself, and help me keep my eyes on You. Help me to rest quietly in Your arms in the circumstances You have provided, trusting that You work in ways I can’t see to bring me into alignment with Your Spirit within me.  In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

~~~

Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him,
    for he shields him all day long,
    and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders.

Deuteronomy 33:12 NIV

*Philippians 4:6

--from day 57