2 Chronicles 7:14 — “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

James 1:19 — “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;”

I am a terrible listener when distracted. If we are in a crowd, the multiple conversations of the group will get my attention. Busy restaurants are difficult for me. If it is a beautiful day outside and the light is shining through the window, my eyes gaze out the window mesmerizing me and making it difficult to hear the person talking.

1 Timothy 5:20 — “Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning.” 

Every day I begin my devotion in prayer. I ask God to clear my conscience so I can bask in the wisdom of His Words. After reading the word, I begin to go into deep prayer and then write that prayer in my prayer journal. This journal has all of my thanks, all of my request and all of my sin.

There are still consequences of sin after salvation. I was speaking with a man that had come to the Lord some time back, and I could tell that something was weighing upon him. I wanted to ask him about it, but in a way that gave him the options to address it or not. So, I asked him what was going on in his life. I watched a range of emotions run over his face that went from frustration to regret. He took a deep breath and said, I’m paying for past sins. I didn’t say anything as I wanted him to continue on his own accord.

I love my grandchildren! I guess most grandparents love their grandkids. God gives us this bond with them. I’ve analyzed this at length, and part of it has to do with getting a mini do-over. We get to be a “shadow” parent, not real parents, but right behind. Another reason is I can see me in them. I see personality traits, good or bad that they are developing that reminds me of…well me.

Lately, God has given me a desire to add real value to other people. Worrying about my needs all the time has caused me to feel depressed, anxious, and angry.  So although I still care about myself and even desire to make sure I stay healthy and productive, I am trying to be less self-centered. I want to be more others-centered. Because when I am others-centered, I feel peace, joy, and happiness.