Better is Better – Part 2

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2

Yesterday, I wrote about the first thing God was prompting me to do better with: I am to put Him first in my day, my mind, my heart. Today I will tell you some other ways He prompted me.

Live fully in the present moment. I drift. In the midst of activity and conversation my thoughts are running through fields of wildflowers in some distant and imaginary meadow. I make up stories and tall tales and have grand adventures—in my head. And in the meantime, I miss the wonder of life happening right in front of me. I clog the “airways” of hearing God’s voice to me. My chaotic thoughts are drowning out what God would say in my inner being. So I determine now to focus, to listen, to look into the eyes and hearts of those speaking, and to be open to God’s whisper in my attentive ear. I will not dwell in the past nor will I fear the future. My focus will be on what God is doing and saying in this day, in this hour, in this moment.

I can do better in prayer. For me it is a matter of being intentional about talking to my Father. I need to take the time, make the effort, put aside the scramble of life long enough to have a conversation with Him. I must not take His love for granted and think God already knows. He wants me to talk to Him about it and it is becoming my pleasure to do so.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God” (Philippians 4:6).

And the final “action plan” was to be obedient to His word.  It is not enough to read the Word, research the Word, agree with the Word.  I must obey the Word of God. I must work out my salvation with fear and trembling. He has instructed me in all truth and now it is for me to carry out His will and His wisdom in my life.

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22).

This is what God has shown me when I asked how I could do better. Your action plan may look different. I share this in hopes that it will encourage you to do better also.

I can do better and with the help of His Holy Spirit, I will do better.

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Father, strengthen my faith and change me to reflect Jesus in all I am. Revive my spirit in the Lord who is my wisdom and counsel. Amen.