Some of you may have seen this article before, but I imagine that many of you have not seen it, and would find it useful. It was written by Richard (Dick) Innes as his “Today’s Daily Encounter” on ACTS INTERNATIONAL.

“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”

Psalm 37:3-6 (NIV)

So, here are “Twenty tips for better living in the New Year.”

1. Rise and pray every day: “Again, today, dear God, I commit and trust my life and way to you. I’m available. Please use me to be ‘as Jesus’ to every life I touch.”

2. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

3. Remember these simple sentences: “I was wrong.” “I am sorry.” “Please forgive me.”  “Thank you.” Say them whenever needed, and say “I love you” often – whether needed or not.

4. Come apart and rest awhile before you come – stress is a killer.

5. Remember, “Nothing changes if nothing changes.”

6. Don’t nurse grudges: “Failing to forgive is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.”

7. “Carpe Diem.” Seizer the day. “Opportunity comes to pass – not to pause.”

8. Quit the blame game – “choice, not chance, determines destiny.”

9. Control your thinking, or your thinking will control you. “What the mind dwells on the body acts on.”

10. Invest your life in a worthwhile cause, by having a noble purpose for which to live – one that is bigger than yourself – one that will help make your world a better place in which to live.

11. Be a positive realist. You will always see what you are looking for: “Two men look out the same prison bars. One sees mud, the other stars.

12. The greatest abilities are availability, dependability, and responsibility.

13. “There is no pillow as soft as a clear conscience.”

14. “Smooth seas never make skillful sailors.”

15. When God is silent, “I believe in the sun even when it isn’t shining. I believe in love even when I’M ALONE. I BELIEVE IN GOD even when He is silent.

16. Cry when needed. Every unshed tear is a prism through which all of life’s hurts are distorted.

17. Laugh a lot. It’s still the BEST medicine.

18. Remember, “The bumps are what we climb on.”

19. Fear not. At least 95 percent of the things we fear never happen. Trust God for the other five percent.

20. Have faith and PUT GOD FIRST with your time, talents,    and tithe (money).

Prayer

“Dear God, please help me to so live. Thank You for hearing and answering My prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name.  Amen!

“Ten Commandments For Christmas”

Most of us are familiar with “The Ten Commandments” God gave to Moses, in the Old Testament – “Laws” to govern the people of Israel – “His People” – after their long period in the Land of Egypt, and the “Exodus” from that Country to “The Promised Land”. But, are you familiar with these “Ten Commandments For Christmas”? I thought you might find them helpful as we continue our “Journey” to the manger, and the Birth of the Christ-Child – Immanuel – God With Us.

THOU SHALT PREPARE EARLY.

Don’t wait until the last minute to get into the

Christmas Spirit – the REAL REASON FOR THE SEASON – the Birth of the Christ-Child – our Lord and Savior. THOU SHALT KEEP CHRIST THE ‘CENTER’ OF OUR CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION.

Don’t allow yourself to be overwhelmed by the

commercialism of the Season.  Resolve to read one of the Gospels in The New Testament during these

Remaining days leading up to Christmas Day, and

meditate upon what it means “that Christ CAME into the world.”

THOU SHALT MAKE CHRISTMAS A FAMILY TIME.

Do things together: decorate the Christmas tree, play games, bake cookies, write cards, read the Christmas “Story”, go caroling, and ATTEND CHURCH TOGETHER ON CHRISTMAS DAY.

THOU SHALT REMEMBER THOSE WHO ARE LESS FORTUNATE THAN YOU.

Contribute generously to an organization serving the needs of others throughout the year. Give a Christmas “gift” to your church.

THOU SHALT GIVE THYSELF WITH EVERY GIFT YOU GIVE.

Put some thought into the gift you buy. Give a gift that represents you; if possible, make something rather than BUYING something.

THOU SHALT LEARN TO BE A GOOD RECEIVER.

Many of us have trouble receiving graciously and gracefully.

THOU SHALT PUT MUSIC INTO YOUR CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION.

Buy a few Christmas CD’s and play them often during these days left before Christmas.  Attend the Christmas      cantata and other programs; Worship the “Newborn Savior”.

THOU SHALT SLOW DOWN.

Remember, Christmas is supposed to be a season of PEACE and Goodwill; not hypertension and stress.

THOU SHALT REMEMBER TO WORSHIP.

Your church is the place you are, most likely to be

reminded of the “REAL, TRUE” meaning of Christmas.

THOU SHALT RECEIVE CHRIST INTO YOUR LIFE. Don’t just talk about the “Christ of Christmas.”

RECEIVE HIM INTO YOUR LIFE AS LORD AND SAVIOR – YOUR Lord and Savior. Let His Holy Spirit come alive in you.

MERRY CHRISTmas!  Bill.