INCH BY INCH!

Sunday’s Monday

     I was reminded this morning in a conversation of a dear friend of the importance of being interdependent to the family of God.  My friend used a phrase his wife used a lot by John Bytheway, “Inch by inch, life’s a cinch. Yard by yard, life is hard.” “The best thing about the future is it comes one day at a time.” No author listed. “Just put one foot in front of the other, and don’t worry about the length of the path. “Martina Navratilova. In so many words, don’t bite off more than you can chew or, in more simple terms, “How do you eat an elephant, one bite at a time!” 

     As we close out 2025 and open the gateway to 2025, we enter with dreams and visions usually fueled by our ambition. As humans, our value system is generally warped and highly out of touch with biblical teachings. We dare to dream of wealth because of its comfort, or we dream of fame to fuel our ego. Whatever the case, our dreams most always involve a me-first attitude, and that is not biblical. Philippians 2:3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 

     Throughout time, wise men have sought to help others learn to control the fleshly need to be drawn to the dark side of greed. These wise teachers have learned how to turn their animosity into generosity and live a more prosperous life for it. I think, many seek fame and fortune because of fear, the fear of their life not counting for anything. I also believe that Satan uses this fear as a tool to draw us into His rule. Remember, Jesus said in John 10:10 (NLT), “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”  This is a stumbling point for many folks; they usually interpret the rich as financial, which they believe would satisfy their needs. But we know that God’s blessings bring more value to the receiver than money or fame. 

     As we enter 2025, let’s take a good look at who we think God is. Then, look at who we think we are and compare our thoughts to who God says we are. This will help us tremendously in seeking our path into the New Year. My heart goes out to all who choose to start the new year without preparation. As Jeffrey Archer said, “Time spent in Preparation is seldom wasted time.” We find in Philippians 2:13 (NLT), For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. It helps me to remember something Oprah Winfrey said, “We can’t become what we need to be by remaining who we are.” We’ll get there inch by inch!

     Father God, I pray Philippians 2:12 (NLT), Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. As we move past the celebration of your birth and into the birth of a New Year, may we know you and who we are in you. May the love you bestow on us be poured out on all we meet. Our love for each other should be a beacon for the pathway to you thrown. Lord, may we each be pleasing to your heart today and always. Amen

HAVE A BLESSED WEEK BY BEING A BLESSING TO OTHERS!

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