Psalm, Matthew, Proverbs, and Abram

January 5th readings:
Psalm 5:3
In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait in expectation.

Mr Mike asked what we do in the morning to set our hearts and minds on God?
Every morning is a new day in Africa... and if I don't lay my requests before the Lord, I know I will suffer. This verse is a great verse to post on my bathroom mirror as a reminder that God is waiting for me to say Goodmorning! With the Jackson family, we do morning devotions... it's like coffee-- starts the day off right! Morning devotions get your heart beating in the right rhythm earlier rather than later.

I think Psalm 5:3 along with:
Matthew 5:14,16 NIV
"You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

are a good reminder to me that my attitude when I wake up in the morning and go about my daily business should reflect godly character. Being away from home for so long sometimes makes days difficult to reflect the right attitude... but by first going to the Lord in the morning, I am refreshed and ready to do my best to shine!


January 6th readings:
Genesis 13:8-9
So Abram said to Lot, "Let's not have any quarreling between you and me, or between
your herdsmen and mine, for we are brothers. Is not the whole land before you?
Let's part company. If you go to the left, I'll go to the right; if you go to the right,
I'll go to the left."

I absolutely love Abram's attitude in this verse. He not only chooses to solve an argument peacefully, but also gives up first choice of the land. When dividing or choosing things, it is important for me to give my friend first choice. As Mikey says in his blog, Abram was okay with 2nd choice because of his relationship with God. So, whether I get second best or tenth best, it's actually THE best because the Lord is with me. What's even better about Abram's character? Even after parting ways and getting second best, he rescues Lot without thinking twice about it! So, say I get into an unending quarrel with a friend... step 1: End the argument peacefully and possibly part ways. Don't fight to the death... and don't be bitter about getting 2nd choice. 2nd choice is 1st. step 2: if this person comes back in need of help, don't refuse. Help him without hesitation.

Another good bathroom mirror verse!
Proverbs 1:31
"they will eat the fruit of their ways
and be filled with the fruit of their schemes."
The path I choose each day and in each situation is important. I will fully experience that path I choose... that can either be extremely good or extremely bad.