New Year's Resolutions - The Fourth Commandment
http://pitcherministries.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&view=post&articleid=New-Years-Resolutions--The-Fourth-Commandment&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
2019 is here and many are making New Year's Resolutions. Most of us are conditioned by society to start something NEW at the beginning of a New Year or even at the beginning of the week. For example, very seldom do we start a new exercise program on a Wednesday. Most likely we say I will start "XYZ" on Monday. Of course, the NEW year is ALWAYS full of "I am going to start XYZ on January 1st." So how does the Fourth Commandment play into resolutions? Read on and see...
We hope everyone had a great time of celebration with their family and friends during the Christmas and New Year seasons. Now it is here...2019! We are so excited to see what God has in store for us this year, are you?
Many of you might have New Year's Resolutions set and are already working hard to accomplish your goals. Some of the more common resolutions are:
- Start a diet
- Start an exercise program
- Read at least one book a month
- Start a new job or career
- Build better relationships
- Start a devotional
Obviously, this is a short list, but it does have a few of the most "attempted" resolutions in it. As you can see most of these are "starting" something new; however, a resolution can involve "stopping" something as well. Such as:
- Stop drinking
- Stop smoking
- Stop swearing
- Stop going to be late
- Stop overreacting
The word "resolute" means "A firm decision to do or not to do something."
As we were reading one of our devotionals, "Emotionally Healthy Spirituality" by Peter Scazzero, we wanted to share this one with you. We pray that it will challenge you to a New Year's Resolution to obey the Fourth Commandment.
Let us state up front, we know this is a challenge in our very fast paced world we live in with so many busy schedules. However, what this boils down to is choices, our choices, our priorities, etc. If we truly desire a closer walk with God, we might give this a try. Start with small increments of time and see what happens with your relationship with God.
As you draw closer to Him, He draws closer to you AND you start to become more of the image of Jesus Christ! As we become more like Jesus, we cannot help but become a more loving, serving and present spouse, mother, father, uncle, aunt, sister, brother, and friend. Enjoy this devotion and may God bless you in 2019!
-EmotionallyHealthySpirituality.JPG)
http://pitcherministries.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=Shortcuts--Part-1&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
We live in a FAST-PACED society! Most of us want everything RIGHT NOW! Many times we are looking for a "shortcut" so we can move on to the next thing. However, we must understand relationships will NEVER be able to mature and grow "correctly" if we try to shortcut the steps of development and process of them. Never forget...there is always a downside to "shortcut" a relationship! Do you really want to deprive yourself of ALL that God intended for you?
http://pitcherministries.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=Who-Is-Covering-You&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
When it is raining outside, do you grab an umbrella? When you go to the beach, do you put sunscreen on? When the sun is brightly shining, do you grab your sunglasses? If you go to the gym do you wear gloves while lifting weights or boxing? Our guess is you answered YES to all of these questions. So what do all of these items have in common? For each question, there is a "protection" if you will for the answer. We don't want to get wet, so we grab an umbrella to PROTECT us! We don't want skin cancer, so we use sunscreen to PROTECT our skin and so forth. Now the BIGGEST question we have for you is...Who or what is PROTECTING your relationship?
http://pitcherministries.org/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=0&url=10&view=post&articleid=What-is-Your-Weapon-of-Choice&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
In our relationships, we bring many different forms of "weapons" into our battles. Okay, so you don't like the word "battle," understand! How about "conflicts," "arguments," "disagreements," "discussions?" Do any of these sound better? Bottom line is a couple will NEVER agree 100% of the time. The time when we are in disagreement is when we normally bring out the "weapons." Today, we want to talk about one "weapon" that we encourage ALL couples to use. Yes, you heard right. This "weapon" is one that you need to keep sharp and ready at ALL times. NEVER should you have to "blow the dust" off of this one. Matter of fact, it should and needs to be the FIRST "weapon" you reach for!
