DON'T LOOK BACK

The past often creeps up to remind you, of the unpleasant memories you've tried to leave behind. And past mistakes, people, and lifestyles somehow keep lingering in your mind. 

 

You find yourself confused, and your spirit is in a bind. And you're not sure of tomorrow, because you're concentrating on what's left behind.

 

Memories of the past don't mattter, so free them of your mind. And pray for total deliverance, and peace will come in time. 

 

Always keep in mind that bad memories don't matter any more. And start looking forward to tomorrow, and all the promises that God has in store.       

 

 

(C) Montez Dove 1995 - All Rights Reserved.

"TURN DOWN FOR WHAT?"

But Martha [overly occupied and too busy] was distracted with much serving; and she came up to Him and said, Lord, is it nothing to you that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me [to lend a hand and to do her part along with me]!

 Luke 10:40 (AMP) 

 

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the noise and the demands of life? If so, you are not alone. All day, every day, there are multiple things in our surroundings that are pitching for our attention. Our jobs, friends, family, devices, and social media are just a few things that are contending for our time. In America, we live in a fast paced culture where everything is "Turned Up." It seems as though everyone around is in a rat race. Nowadays, it is a present to just be in the present. Just the other day, I was attempting to have a heart to heart conversation with a loved one and it was like playing a game of Double Dutch. I was left desperately trying to see where I could jump in between all of the things that consumed this person's attention. Nonetheless, I was able to successfully jump in, but after a short round, I quickly chose to jump back out. You see, it wasn't one of those days where I felt like skipping rope for a conversation. I simply wanted to spend some quality time. So, how do we handle all of the amplified busyness of life without losing ourselves, our relationships, and a quality life? I believe we could all learn from Martha's sister Mary. In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus is passing through a certain city and both Martha and Mary are preparing for His arrival. However, the sisters are both preparing for Jesus in very different ways. While Martha has chosen to be preoccupied with natural preparations, Mary has chosen to prepare her heart for spiritual impartation. It is obvious that Mary knew the importance of seizing such a moment. Today, I encourage all of you who are over the top busy to chose like Mary. Slow down and make Jesus a priority. Make the decision to lay at His feet everything that consumes you. Be intentional about "Turning Down" the demands of life, so you can all in all "Turn Up" in a more intimate relationship with God.

 

(C) Montez Dove 2015 - All Rights Reserved.           

 

Know Your Benefits

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

Psalm 103:2 (NKJ)

What you don't know could be depriving you. Recently, my employer sent me an up-to-date print out of my insurance coverage. Although it was quite lengthy, I took the time to read it and gained an even better understanding of my coverage and all that my insurance policy had to offer. As I was reading, I immediately discovered that one of my benefits was over the counter drug reimbursement. I must admit that before reading my plan, I was not taking advantage of this benefit, because I was unaware that it was available to me. Unfortunately, I had been paying for over the counter medication with no expectancy of anything in return. As I pondered the situation concerning my insurance coverage, a question about God's word came to mind. I wondered how many of us as God's children forfeit His promises, because we are unaware of what is available to us in His word. Did you know your righteous coverage in God includes: Direction (Proverbs 3:5-6), Encouragement (Joshua 1:9), Forgiveness (1 John 1:9), Healing (Isaiah 53:5), Love (John 3:16), Peace (John 14:27), Prosperity (Proverbs 8:18), Protection (Psalm 91), Provision (Philippians 4:19), Purpose (Jeremiah 29:11), Salvation (Romans 10:9), Wisdom (James 1:5), and more? If you don't know what's in God's plan for you, it's not too late to discover what's yours. You should know that you have a policy in God that's paid in full. Therefore, take time to read the manual (the Bible), and don't forfeit any of God's benefits for your life. Know your benefits.

Lord, thank you for all that you have provided for me concerning every area of my life. Thank you for all of your benefits and for a life of abundance. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

(C) Montez Dove 2015 - All Rights Reserved.
Compel Enhancement/Tip: I used a strong first sentence as a hook.