Practicing Honor, Day by Day 77

“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:18 (NKJV)

Today, we look at a verse that gives us hope and peace.

I appreciate this passage so much, as it begins with “if it is possible” and is followed by “as much as it depends on you.”

God knows it is not always up to us to be the peacemakers.

Jesus was perfect and plenty of people hated him, mocked him and falsely accused Him.

We are not perfect, so it would stand to reason that we will also be hated, mocked and accused.

What will we do when we face those relationships that are painful?

We must seek forgiveness when we offend, even if our intention was not to harm.

We need to apologize for how we make others feel.

We must forgive those who hurt us, in the same way that God has forgiven us.

We speak kindly and show honor to those who have hurt us.

If they do not receive our love, we can still have assurance in our hearts that we did our best to live at peace with them.

Heavenly Father, thank You for understanding my heart. Thank You for taking time to know me and to search deeply into places where most people are not willing to go. I trust You to protect my heart as I love those who are unlovable.  As You have loved me, so I will love them. When it is not possible and when it does not depend upon me, I will trust You. I cannot make peace when others are not willing, but I can still be at peace, knowing I have done my part.

Practicing Honor, Day by Day 76

“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”  The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.  Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” Romans 8:14-17 (NIV)

Today, consider the fact that all of God’s children have been adopted.

We can run to His open arms and call Him “Abba,” or “Daddy.”

I have witnessed love so deep, so selfless.

Love between a birthmother and an adoptive mom.

Love between a daughter and her mothers.

Love of a young woman for her Savior and King, in abandoned worship.

Miracles happen in the place where life and love are chosen.

And to think, God chose me to be His daughter.

Heavenly Father, I thank You for adopting me. The very essence of who You are—“Daddy"--shines through. Thank You for bringing me into Your family. Thank You for giving me life and for choosing me. I pray that my life will bring honor to Your name.

Practicing Honor, Day by Day 75

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.  Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,  I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV)

Today, and most days, I am reminded that I am not perfect.

I have not attained the goal or arrived at my desired destination.

I long to become more like Jesus each and every day.

More days than not, I blow it.

I raise my voice at my children and model lack of self control.

I speak an unkind word against another and enter into gossip.

I choose not to exercise or overeat things I know I should not eat.

On and on and on.

Can I give myself grace when I blow it?

I confess my sins to Him and to the ones I’ve offended.

Then, all too often, I stay stuck in a place of defeat.

I question whether I should reach out to others.

I doubt my discernment to hear God’s voice.

I listen to the screaming lies of the enemy.

“You are worthless.

”You have no right to write “The Honor Project.””

“You’re a fraud.”

Today, I am going to choose to forget my past mistakes.

They are covered by the blood of Jesus.

I am going to strain toward and press onward for the prize.

God knows my heart.

He is my audience of One.

Heavenly Father, I am running to Your arms today. I find safely in the shadow of Your wings. You have been with me in this race called “life.” You know every hurdle I have jumped, every difficulty I’ve encountered, every mistake I have made and still, You love me. Today, I ask You to help me to love myself.  I choose to forgive myself. I want to press on, I do not want to stop when I am this close to reaching my goal. I need You to give me the strength to carry on!

Practicing Honor, Day by Day 74

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Proverbs 31:28-28 (ESV)

Today, consider honoring the women in your life.

Every woman was created to give life, to nurture, to protect and to care to for others.

They may be a mother by "nature" or by "nurture."

Whether they are biological mothers, adoptive mothers, surrogate mothers, aunts, sisters, mentors, or friends...I am certain that their lives are impacting someone!

Celebrate all women today by finding a way to honor and affirm the ones God has placed in your life.

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for my mother and for the choice she made to give me life. I thank You also for _____________ and the way she ____________________. I thank You for ___________________________ and the way she _________________. Today, I choose to honor the women You have placed in my life by ___________________________. Thank You for giving me many women who pour into my life.

Practicing Honor, Day by Day 73

“Joshua said, “Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.  But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”” Joshua 24:14-15 (NIV)

Today, choose who you will serve.

Our idol worship may not be as blatant as the people of Joshua’s day.

We may not sacrifice our family heirlooms of jewelry to be melted into a gold statue of a cow.

We may not bow down to images.

But, we all worship something.

We all devote our time and attention to something.

Anything that we are consumed with can become an idol.

Our culture idolizes fame, fortune, relationships, religion (void of relationship), status, success, money, good looks, and other temporal pursuits.

God calls us to live lives of sacrifice, compassion, fellowship and eternal pursuits.

What are you living for?

Whom are you living for?

Heavenly Father, I do not want to chase after worthless idols any more. I confess that _______________ has become an idol in my life. I do not want to allow _______________ to stand between me and You any longer. You are the only One worth living for. Your ways are eternal and my ways are temporal. I choose this day to follow You. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!