P.B.'n J. vs. P.H.'n J.!?

Making choices in life constantly confounds me as my flesh battles against the Lord's best for/through me. So, what about today's title? Well, I love to tell others that 'True PEACE, HOPE and JOY are available to me at all times.' This is true if only I welcome the power of HIS presence within me as the Holy Spirit overpowers the enemy's attempts/intentions to rob me of the peace, hope and joy, I've realized I know a LOT of the time.. So, I 'get to' choose between a gooey, fattening, not-very-healthy, peanut butter and jelly sandwich (or another sort of indulgence!) and a much wiser option to eat. When I do choose healthily, the PEACE is worth the 'sacrifice' of not eating whatever was 'calling me' to eat unwisely..
I recall my early college years when I would ask my mentor why I insisted on depriving myself of the 'delight of discipline.' I still ask the same question.. Basically, the answer is that my creator chose to allow me a free will.. He wants me to be able to choose HIS BEST for/through me, rather than 'foist' his presence upon/within me... So, dear readers, I don't know what 'plagues' your mind, causing you to refuse his deliverance a lot of the time, but please join me in desiring the PEACE, HOPE AND JOY HE imparts, over the 'satisfaction?' found in a PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY SANDWICH. (or anything else that would leave you under conviction and 'wishing 'I hadn't done that!)
As I've typed this, many scriptures have come to mind... How about 'Be transformed by the renewing of your mind,' from Romans 12:1-2 or "Set your minds on things above,....Put to death therefore what ever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.." from Colossians 3:2-5... We will do these more readily if we 'Fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith who for the JOY set before Him, endured the cross...'(Hebrews 12:2) I'm sure many more came to your mind as you read.. Today, dear reader, may you, along with me, choose our 'claim' to the wondrous Peace, Hope, and Joy that only comes by letting our Lord's presence rule over our earthly nature moment by moment because HE LOVES US!

SHOPPIN' FOR RELIGION?

Today's title is inspired by a local real estate office's reader board.. On one side it speaks of a property with 'Peek-a-Boo' views and the other side speaks of one with a 'mother-in-law' unit included.. The 'peek-a-boo' really made me giggle the first time I read it... Now, where am I going with this train of thought... WELL, I'm just beginning to wonder how many individuals have 'shopping lists' when they begin to search for that elusive 'whatever is missing inside of me..' Often, as one is realizing the need for help from that 'higher power,' (or whatever!) they dread the prospect of walking through the door of 'just any old church,' etc.. They have preconceived fears, prejudices, and other hesitations.. Many probably think they'll have to ''give up" the 'good times and all included in them.' So we, as the Lord's children, have the responsibility to represent the desirability of a personal relationship to the LORD, as the true answer for the emptiness mankind experiences at some point in life. I am wondering which 'features' of my love for the LORD might attract a seeker to Him, were they to be displayed in a 'reader board format.' Peacefulness, joyfulness, and hopefulness are just 3 of the ones I'd hope would be 'advertised.'
I am going to switch 'trains' at this point to simply affirm what most of us know if we are already the LORD's--- We are NOT 'RELIGIOUS,' but are ones who live in a deepening personal relationship to HIM!-THE KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS! Those who are seeking a 'religion' to satisfy them or to provide a sense of 'purpose for living,' will only be perpetually empty inside.. For, it is only the LORD JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF- THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE, that can abort the 'shopping for a good religion' trip!!

WHOSE TURN TO TURN?

As I considered the possible uses of this morning's time slot for my 'study/writing/quiet' time, I realized I needed to concentrate on the gist of this message.... One of my family members is my inspiration since they have acquired an affectionate nickname of 'Wrong-way_____.' For, it seems this individual is 'directionally impaired,' especially when it comes to learning their way around this area we live in.... So, each time they realize they are headed the wrong direction, they must decide to 'swallow their pride,' then, turn around!! Well.... That is just about like any/all of us who find ourselves needing to relinquish our 'rights' to any bad habits or indulgences so we may truly turn to our Lord for his strength and direction in our lives.. Recently, I have adopted this phrase... "To turn, is to return.." For me, it means realizing my dependence upon our LORD so I can live the truth of the first song I heard on my Morning Devotions radio show on KCIS AM630 today..The song was, STRENGTH WILL RISE AS WE WAIT UPON THE LORD. Now, 3 or 4 songs later, I've turned up the radio volume to "THE JOY OF THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH."
I don't know about any of you readers 'out there,' but I am not one who makes New Year's resolutions. I do realize though when I need to intentionally turn from my sinful indulgences so I can glorify my LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST daily.. For, when I do, the JOY He fills me with is beyond description! Strength to resist temptations comes from swallowing my pride instead of all that I consider to be so 'desirable.' Blessings to all who read this! Which scripture verses can you think of to support your desires to glorify the Lord??