#intentionallyfocused

Satan is very sneaky if you haven’t realized that already. He used Eve’s senses and desire for knowledge to tempt her into disobeying God. He used her sight, taste and touch to trick her into falling into sin. Does that game plan sound familiar to you? Though Satan might be tricky, He isn’t very original. The same game plan he used on Eve long ago, he uses on us today. Part of honoring God with our body is putting these desires under Christ’s control. Pay close attention to what you look at. If you find yourself being tempted by what you are seeing whether its clothes, decorating décor, shoes, food or another person…pray and ask God for His help and then remove yourself from that situation. Let’s learn from Eve’s mistake and be proactive, not giving Satan an opportunity to trip us up. #morningdevotional #youversion #intentionallyfocused https://www.instagram.com/tdowning79/p/BubLcg0AgMO/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1jnkfs837b86l

When your mind is set on earthly things, your body tends to follow. Keep heaven in focus. Eagerly wait for Christ’s return. Don’t allow your stomach to become your god or the appetite of your pride dictate your choices.  Focus on where your true citizenship resides, in heaven. You are a foreigner in a foreign land for just a short time, set your mind on things above and watch how that simple act transforms your whole life. Are you struggling with certain sins or desires in your life? Reach out to God and ask Him to bring those issues under His control. And be encouraged, one day God will transform your body to be more like His! How cool is that!!! Think of it as you version 2.0! #morningdevotional #youversion #intentionallyfocused https://www.instagram.com/tdowning79/p/BuYmgAgAb9c/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1r9o2wkef359

You my dear friend are fearfully and wonderfully made. You have been hand crafted by the same One who made the most beautiful springtime flowers, majestic evening sunsets and power of the ocean waves. You are not a mistake but have been planned since the beginning of time. Realizing this truth should help you combat the lies our world throws at you. Rest in this truth, you are beautiful in God’s eyes. He loves you just the way you are. Take time to praise God today for the unique ways He created you! #morningdevotional #youversion #intentionallyfocused https://www.instagram.com/p/BuTclivAMNL/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1uy51s79kau8f

Hospitality is hard for me. I fear that my guest won’t like the food I have made or that the conversation will be lacking and yet we always have a good time. Spending time with fellow believers is very important to our spiritual growth because there we find encouragement. Godly conversations spur us on to good works, to run the race and not give up. But it’s not just beneficial for us, it is also beneficial for those whom we invite into our home. It is often during these times of fellowship that we find out how we can pray them and they for us. So invite someone over from church and get to know them. Remember you will be spending eternity together. #morningdevotional #youversion #intentionallyfocused https://www.instagram.com/p/BuJeIDsAZ26/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1wdrjkhf6ehhs

Our first ministry is to those who live in our homes. Though our families are not the only ones we are to minister to but they should be our first priority. But sometimes it is more fun to help out our friends or volunteer at church instead of staying home and taking care of our home, husband and children. It’s not always exciting or fun, but it is very important and very worthy because it is a mission given to us by God. We must protect ourselves from being idle and lazy at home. We must take pride in the little kingdom God has put us in charge of no matter how mundane our tasks may seem. #morningdevotional #youversion #intentionallyfocused https://www.instagram.com/p/BuEBBytA3Qi/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=htpewyver45k

God has blessed each and every one of us with gifts and he expects us to use them for his glory and the encouragement of those around us. For some it may be the gift of encouragement for others it may be the gift of giving. Some may be really good at cooking while others are master organizers. There may be some who are gifted at teaching large groups while others are good at leading a small discipleship group. No matter what, find out what your gift is. Ask yourself, What do I like doing? What am I passionate about? What have others complimented me on? Then start trying things out. Have people over, make meals for others, bake for your neighbor, start a Bible study, visit the elderly. #morningdevotional #youversion #intentionallyfocused https://www.instagram.com/p/BuBpc11AZPn/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=gombvawau67f

Just like the disciples in today’s verses, we could stand to learn a lot from our kids.  As adults, we tend to live more complicated lives than our younger sidekicks. Somewhere along the road to adulthood, added responsibilities and the weight of the world often make us more prone to a greater skepticism and pride that we weren’t as familiar with in our youth.   God values children in the faith – those who simply, humbly come to trust in Him and long to be at His feet - and He tells us to become more like them.  And when we see through the eyes of Jesus and value what He values, we too will take great care and intentionality in loving and leading other believers (our children, as well as others around us) well - not leading them into sin.  How we treat other Christians is a reflection of our view of Christ, and that comes with great responsibility. #morningdevotional #youversion #intentionallyfocused https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt3LrRTg3ks/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=d5wnuxdot00w

As I read these verses, I thought about what I typically talk about throughout my day as I interact with my kids and others. Certainly there are many opportunities each day to instruct, encourage, share facts or feelings with my words.  It makes me sad to think that there are also days when I use my words to be critical, to complain or to tear down instead of build up.  Psalm 78 beautifully reminds us that our words should be used to tell the next generation about our powerful God, so that they will put their trust in Him!!  We have our precious children in our home for just a short time.  What will they remember from our words… a critical, negative spirit, or “the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done”?  Let’s not forget that what is on our lips can make a difference for eternity! #morningdevotional #youversion #intentionallyfocused https://www.instagram.com/p/Btx_xrAA1IY/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1pxdir18hlwqj