Time-Out with Tami

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Today, let's take a moment to examine our hearts. It is so much easier to look outward and judge those around us. In fact, we could easily busy ourselves attempting to correct the wrongs of others and do all those things to control our environment just so our life will go the way we want. But if you have ever tried this route to find peace, you know it is often something that remains just out of reach. Are you tired? Are you angry? Are you exhausted? Just stop for a moment and meditate on these verses…

Proverbs 21:9  It is better to live in a corner of a roof than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

The definition of contentious is tending to argument or strife; quarrelsome: obstinate. To be obstinate is to be firmly or stubbornly adhering to one's purpose, opinion, etc.; not yielding to argument, persuasion, or entreaty. To be characterized by inflexible persistence or an unyielding attitude.

If you’re like me, and one of your strengths is persistence, it may be a good time to give yourself a time-out and ask yourself these questions…

Have I been stubborn with those around me this week? Are my actions pushing them to the edge, or corner of a roof? In what ways have I been inflexible? Am I overwhelmed with feelings of injustice, judgement, hurt, insecurity or bitterness? Do I feel like I am always defending myself? If yes, there is hope…read on!

Proverbs 25:4-6  For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

What is weighing heavy on my mind? Are these things that I have taken time to tell the Lord about? Am I willing to release my burden and concern to God? If my life is now hidden in Christ, am I living as one who is dead to sin, my rights, and the desires of my flesh? Is my goal to be in unity, putting on the mind of Christ, for the glory of my Father in Heaven? 

If you have answered "no", to any of these questions, it isn’t the end of the world! It just means it is time to yield all your worry and control to Jesus, and ask Him to fill you with His peace & joy so you will increase in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is the one who has the power to change you and your situation. This is the GOOD NEWS, my friend!

The Word says that the fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. That means if your life is hidden in Christ through the blood of Jesus, and you earnestly seek Him, your prayer will have force or value. Thank God it isn’t about us, but about His power that is able to accomplish His purpose in and through us! But remember, we must let go of what we are holding on to, so our hands are open to receive what He has for us.

Don't know how to pray? It's easy. Begin with telling God how you feel, what is heavy on your heart, and then ask Him to forgive you for trying to do it on your own. Now that you released "your way" to God, ask Him for His help. Here is a prayer inspired by Proverbs 25:13, to pray out loud if you are ready to earnestly seek Him.

Now I ask You, Father God, My Hope, to fill me (body, soul & spirit) with all joy and peace in believing, so that I will abound in hope by the power of Your Holy Spirit.


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