Sunday- Abiding Worship

Abiding in Christ is what connects us to His glory, mercy, and all the good gifts  that are ours in Him..   Keeping Him in our  day, our  heart,   and mind,  can sometimes  get lost in the  tempest that our  days can become.  But there are some things we can do to keep  Him uttermost in our lives.. ...   that are essential    for our eternal  relationship.

• We can begin each day eating from His word..   if you  haven't read through  the Bible  using a daily reading plan I can recommend   Pastor Allen Jackson's  Daily Bible Reading plan.  My husband and I have  been dong this, this year and I really  like the way it was divided. It made us stick with it  almost to the end!  Just a bit left to go!!  If  you  can't do this,  a good morning devotional  is  needed.  I  personally love  Jesus Calling.  Beginning your day  with a Word from  above  helps to establish your mind and heart for whatever  comes  ..
• Maintain a thankfulness journal.. I  started  mine  back  when Ann Voskamp   introduced 1000 Gifts,  her book on being Thankful,.. We were encouraged to watch for the small things that God sends our way..  "the  glow of the sunlight on the dish water  in the morning."    I mean it really  made  me quite intentional as I sought God in my day!!
•   Set side  some quiet time in  the later part  of the day  to just reset  and  reflect.  Reflection is very important. I think it carries with it healing.  Sometimes I turn on a YouTube  instrumental hymn  video and let that beautiful music carry me through  my household chores, as well.
• All the while during these exercises reflect on the goodness of God, how  he cares for you, personally,  and  build on your personal relationship you have with him; He is the lover of your soul.  And  I love  Jeremiah 29:11,"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'
• Even if your day is full of trouble, pain,  sorrow, and bleakness,  still remember these words..1Thessolonians 5:16-17  Now Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens.

Remember, nothing takes God by surprise, and  everything that happens is by his indirect or direct Will.   And,  as bad as. it appears, it  is always for our ultimate good.   I rely on this truth all the time, because  sometimes life is hard, but I  know that God is  faithful and  just, and I, also, know   that  I sometimes have to be taken to the woodshed by the  troubles that come my way, to test me and see if I am trusting Him, or going off on my own.   Just keep pressing in to Him and things  turn out,  I may not realize  that His way is best at the time,  but  I eventually realize  that He is God and He knows  best, and His mercies endure forever!!!  The Lord of All who   called the Universe into existence  loves you  dearly, and seeks  to spend time with you!