Day 1: Why is there a colony of bees above my bed? There’s no honey in here, and there’s nothing sweet about me. Oh wait, that’s my alarm clock.
As I began my day, I noticed I was out of soap, toothpaste, mouthwash, and toilet paper.
However, I did not despair; today is payday.
It was early enough for me to run to the store before work to grab some toiletries, but I wanted to ensure I had enough funds to cover my needs.
Upon facial recognition, I made a shocking discovery: my account had a negative balance.
How could this be?
Today was payday…
After further investigation, I concluded that the money deposited into my account wasn’t safe.
The culprit, “Bills,” broke into my bakery and stole all the
bread.
Reminder: disable autopay.
Looks like I’m working from home today.
Day 2: Why is there a colony of bees above my bed? There’s no honey in here, and there’s nothing sweet about me. Oh wait, that’s my alarm clock.
As I began my day, I noticed I was out of soap, toothpaste, mouthwash, and toilet paper.
However, I did not despair; today is payday.
It was early enough for me to run to the store before work to grab some toiletries, but I wanted to ensure I had enough funds to cover my needs.
Upon facial recognition, I made a shocking discovery: my account had a negative balance.
How could this be?
Today was payday…
After further investigation, I concluded that the money deposited into my account wasn’t safe.
The culprit, “Bills,” broke into my bakery and stole all the bread.
Reminder: disable autopay.
Is this Déjà vu or something else?
I don’t know.
I’ll call out of work and accept defeat.
Day 3: I beat my alarm to the punch this morning.
I spent time with the Lord, went to the gym, ate a hearty breakfast, and made it to work on time.
What changed?
“He must increase, but I must decrease.”
John 3:30 (HCSB)
Last night, I threw myself a pity party; my sin was the only guest who showed up.
We had a wonderful time, or so I thought. Once the night was over, I noticed a beautifully wrapped present on the table.
As I went to open it, I was met with a radiant glow, but looking closer, I noticed that the box was empty.
Sin leads to misery.
That’s what my sin gifted me: misery.
By God’s grace, I realized that I had idols before Him.
I was not able to think or see clearly because of it.
Sin took me down a continuous loop that felt like a lifetime but only lasted a few seconds.
I’m so glad that’s over. Thank you, God!
Do you want to know what else is over?
This dream.
Yes, the two days of misery were a dream.
What scares me is how poorly I responded during those “trials.”
If my behavior in my dream reflects my heart, I’m in trouble.
Thankfully, I’m not alone.
“What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?”
Romans 8:31 (HCSB)
Joy is a gift from God; it’s too good to be shared in isolation.
Abiding in His Love
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
John 15:9-11 (ESV)
Worshipping With the Brethren
“Above all, put on love — the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of the Messiah, to which you were also called in one body, control your hearts. Be thankful. Let the message about the Messiah dwell richly among you, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, and singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Colossians 3:14-17 (HCSB)
Counting It All Joy
'My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. '
James 1:2-6 (NKJV)