July 24: THERE'S A LOT OF SECOND BEST AVAILABLE. JUST WALK BY LIKE IT ISN'T EVEN THERE.

Affirmation: I choose to be authentic. I let go of what other people think. 
~~~~~~~
Live in Grace. Walk in Love. By Bob Goff

                       July 24


THERE'S A LOT OF SECOND BEST AVAILABLE. JUST WALK BY LIKE IT ISN'T EVEN THERE. 

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 
MATTHEW 5:6 

In-N-Out is a famous burger chain, and there are plenty of locations where I live in Southern California. If you've ever eaten there, you know it may not be the healthiest choice, but they have some of the best burgers on the planet. Which is why, many times, I have faced the temptation to hit the drive-through even when there's a feast with friends or a wedding reception planned hours later. This usually happens when I skip lunch or get up extra early and my body is signaling for more fuel. Our hunger urges us to seek immediate satisfaction, and the apple we brought with us doesn't stand a chance next to a burger with everything on it. It proves a point. We easily settle for second best when a feast is already prepared for us. 


We do this in a lot of other ways too. We settle for work that doesn't inspire us because we want some fast cash. We settle for friends who put a wet blanket on our dreams and constantly bum us out, but they're available so we keep inviting them into our lives. We settle for lives that fall far short of our imagi­nation because short-term pragmatism wins out over long-term perseverance. 


We don't need to feel ashamed about our tendencies. All of us have settled for second best at some point in our lives. I think it's part of being human. The only thing worse than settling for second best today is allowing shame to keep you there tomorrow. 


The good news is this: there are always second chances. If the path you took overpromised and underdelivered, then get back to dreams you started out with, and let today be the day you hold out for your God-given passion. You don't need to settle for second best anymore. 


What have you been hungering for lately that isn't God's presence? 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

July 20: MOST OF OUR DECISIONS ARE DRIVEN BY EITHER LOVE OR FEAR.

Affirmation: I am compassionate. I care about myself and others. (Repeat 10x) “When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they replied.” (Matthew 9:27-31) Our compassion seems to be tied to belief in the Lord. Do you believe He is able to do this? Even more importantly, do you believe the Lord has compassion for YOU? ~~~~~~~ Ponder: Memorize Psalm 25:4-6. Make this your prayer today. This is a prayer for everyone to personalize and practice at any and every moment as you seek to live your best life. Pray this prayer at least 10 times today. “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from days of old.  Psalm  25 :4-6 ~~~~~~~ Reading for Today Walk in Grace. Live in Love. by Bob Goff                ...
Read more

August 22 Sailboat without a Sail…

Affirmation: I am grateful for this body, mind & soul. God made me. I have had times in my life that I questioned God’s existence, His goodness, His love. But my questions never changed the reality of His love for me and it won’t change the reality on your life either. He created you in your mother’s womb. He loves you intensely. ~~~~~~ Ponder, Personalize, Practice: There are many promises in these verses… -the Lord will always guide you -He will satisfy your needs -& strengthen your frame -You will be like a well-watered garden - ruins will be rebuilt -God will you use to repair broken walls & restore streets. Spend time pondering on this these verses. “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, ...
Read more

January 28: Keep Showing Up; You’re The Only You There Is

Affirmation: I am imperfect and I am enough. ~~~~~~~ Ponder and Personalize :  The book of Joshua was written after Moses died and Joshua is left to lead the Israelites into the promised land. God has freed them from slavery in Egypt.  “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, …” What significance does the Book of Law have? Why was it important to meditate on it day and night? Talk to God about this directive and how it might impact you. Joshua 1:8-9 “ Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night , so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” ~~~~~~~ Catching Whimsy: 365 Days of Possibility.  By Bob Goff                        Jan ...
Read more