I think just having something "eating" on us is a BLESSING… because: then we KNOW something is out of kilter… (It's like our "reins" that God pulls on so to speak). It's easy to get back on track WHEN we know we're off track...but there are many who don't recognize the signals...

We have dominion over our lives and a good brain to make decisions. We are not stupid and we should not put ourselves down, just because something gets hold of us. Like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, you've always had the "power". We just deny it. We can do ANYTHING we CHOOSE to do. But if others expect it of you it doesn't work...YOU have to be the decider. So live with it - or quit it. I think we can beat anything in this world we just have to Let Go...and that is the hard part, because we're "stubborn." We naturally have a stubborn "will."

Forgiveness...it really ALL goes back to that. Right now you may be "unforgiving" of yourself, your worst critic, WHY? That gut feeling that "something" is off track. ADMIT (you're doing that) - QUIT (you will if you want to badly enough) - FORGET (the hard part, but people prove it can be done daily). Let yourself off the hook...poop or get off the pot, so to speak. You CANNOT serve 2 masters.

I am referring to two Scriptures in James: James 1:2-8, and James 4:7-10. It's either selfishness (me, me, me) OR self-lessness (Jesus, Others, and You.) When God says to 'repent' - cleanse your hands - and purify your hearts - He's talking about self-inspection: Forgiveness. Sin is guilt from unforgiveness. We can be self-serving or we can serve the ONE who said: "Deny YOURSELF (your wants and wishes)" and follow me (Jesus).

Jesus was very clear on that point. "Seek FIRST the Kingdom of God, and ALL THE REST will be added to you." These words are meant to soothe our spirits at such times. His Kingdom is just of good, pleasant, happy things. Everything in this life is by "choice." Our GIFT from God. It is out of his control... we MUST "police" ourselves. He does furnish us Angel care (Psalm 91:11) when we need it however. Plus we are to minister to each other (believers) to help each other to remember that life is meant to be enjoyed, not a drudgery. I think we are WAY too hard on ourselves.

Jesus says His yoke is a 'Lighter" one (Lighten up maybe?) We are in charge of our lives and only what we allow in, can come in. If the devil can find a way to distract us, he will, we know that, and that is why we have to work hard to stay focused and it takes a lot of practice, then it will eventually become second nature.

See a storm coming...call on God...get over it, demons kicked out... SMOOTH SAILIN'...GOOD FISHIN'... We just have to slow down, seek Him, and relax. That is FAITH.

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