Empowered to Live

Empowered to Live!
What do we need as people to feel empowered as we seek to live life to the fullest? Here are some basics:

Encouragement - We all need some encouragement, and usually on daily basis! Joshua takes the opportunity to remind the people of Israel that God has taken care of them and will continue to take care of them!
“Yes, GOD, your God, dried up the Jordan’s waters for you until you had crossed, just as GOD, your God, did at the Red Sea, which had dried up before us until we had crossed. This was so that everybody on earth would recognize how strong GOD’s rescuing hand is and so that you would hold GOD in solemn reverence always.” Joshua 4:23-24 (The Message)

Mental Support - What are you doing to stay mentally active? Are you challenging negative thoughts with a focus on gratitude? We understand that we are to stay physically healthy to protect our body and mind. It is important that we also proactively stay active to support our mental wellbeing. A focus on gratitude can help shape a more positive mental outlook.  
“I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

Spiritual Support - When we read God’s Word daily, we are reminded of God’s love, care, and concern for us. It is a time to reflect on what He has done for us through Christ. Prayer, thanksgiving, and meditation can be our response to God’s Word, and a simple format can help guide our prayer life. Here’s one using the acronym: ACTS. A=adoration (express God’s greatness!), C=confession (honestly admit your sins and shortcomings), T=thanksgiving (thank God for how He has taken care of you in all ways) and S=supplication (God wants to hear what’s on your heart and the concerns and needs you feel). These few minutes each day of mindful meditation on scripture, acknowledges the mighty power of God and releases the day to Him. A simple prayer of acknowledgement at the beginning of each day can upgrade your outlook: “Lord I adore You, You are the great I AM!”

God reaches out to us. We respond in healthy, proactive ways which leads to refreshment and revitalization. Through this empowerment happens! We can step forward confidently in our day and future, trusting in God’s promises!
"Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you. You, Lord, are forgiving and good,     abounding in love to all who call to you." Psalm 86:4,5

A Prayer:  Father God, I confess that in my weakness I doubt your ability to take care of all things. I often want to interfere and intervene in my own way and timing. Slow me down and help me be attentive to Your leading. Thank you for the many blessings of each day, and for the ways in which You provide. There is, has been, and will be more than enough to meet all my needs. Please take care of my neighbors and loved ones, like:  ____________. Protect and guide my family, nuclear and extended. I pray in the strong and encouraging power of Jesus. Amen!
Start each day with a quick few moments of intentional prayer, scripture, and leaning into the almighty power of God. This almighty power is always there for you: now and for eternity!

4832 Ponderings:  How do your days start? How could giving your day to the Almighty God make a difference for you?