Day 1

We go through seasons in life with highs and lows, and everyone has a period where their relationship with Christ feels stagnant. Being there, I actively want to work on my relationship with Him and my servant's heart. Over the next month, I'm going to share what I'm working on to try and go from a stagnant lifestyle to an active one.

~ John 7:38 ~ Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.

Day 2

At times we can feel so disconnected from God, that we don't even know how to begin to pray or what to pray for. We should feel as if we're communicating with a friend, and be completely open; I mean, he already knows our thoughts before we speak them. I'm going to try and just talk with God today; not simply pray, but sincerely communicate with Him. I'm going to talk out loud, and treat it as any conversation ... and just talk with my best friend.

~ Romans 8:26-27 ~ But in the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

Day 3

I need to not let my emotions get the best of me when I become agitated. When I let frustration and irritation take control, I make poor decisions. It's easy to get overwhelmed and forget who's ultimately in control. When I'm faced with a trying circumstance, be it at work or at home, I'm trying to remind myself to turn to God. Keeping the line of communication open with Him has improved, but I want to share and be thankful for all situations I'm placed in. I'm hoping that when I get flustered I am able to turn my thoughts to God and not act/speak in an unacceptable manner.

~ 1 Thessalonians 5; 16-18 ~ Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Day 4

Taming The Tongue. What powerful comments I can make that have the ability to strengthen or obliterate my friendships. Why do I make statements that are so belittling? This is not a righteous act, beneficial, or uplifting. I want to be more aware of what I speak and how defaming my words can be.

~ James 3:2-5 ~ We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.

Day 5

I gripe, grumble, and complain far too much about trivial things. By continuing to work on my patience, I'm finding this an area that needs improvement as well. I am absolutely carefree and happy-go-lucky when I have a good tune stuck in my head; but when the music is the further thing from my mind I find myself not as easily encouraged to do a good job, and to do it with enthusiasm is an even farther reach. I need to focus on being positive more oft than when I am just happy ... I need to be encouraging and gracious no matter what my mood. How excited has God been working with me? I'm sure I can do the same.

~ Colossians 3:17 & 23 ~ And whatever you do, whether in word or in deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him..... Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.

Day 6

It's one thing to actively engage in conversation, but I am doing it on my terms. I can tell when He's tugging at my heart saying, "Hey, I wanna chat," but I'll continue with whatever idle task is at hand. He'll be there later. And it just seems like that time never comes. Two weeks ago I cancelled my tv, to prevent meaningless down time stuck in front of it. I should have more time to talk with my Creator than what little I set aside. I need to continue actively seeking him out, and honor both sides of our relationship ... and not have Him be the only one listening. I want to grow in my talks with God, and a healthy relationship takes hard work and dedication. There is much ongoing work to be done.

~ Hebrews 11:6 ~ And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

Day 7

God has blessed me with gifts, which can be drastically frustrating. I am good in multiple facets of life, but do not excel in any of them. I am well-rounded, which is awesome, but every now and then I just wish I could shine in at least one area. Romans 12 has been weighing on my mind the last couple weeks, and I wish He would just point out and say, "Hey, this is your gift to share." Yeah, doesn't work that way. I find comfort that in time I will be able to use each of my gifts to glorify Him. I pray that He reveals the moments to me, and that I'll have the strength to act and give Him full credit.

~ Jeremiah 29:11-13 ~ "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and cone and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

Day 8

Before I began earnestly searching my heart and God's word for the direction He wants me to take, I sought other's advice on the direction I should take. In a season of loneliness and frustration, I should have looked to those around me sooner for support and prayer. I know many of you are praying for me as I delve into my walk with Christ. Thank you. I know this was written with struggle of sin in mind, but I think it applies to other areas of difficulty as well ...

~ Galatians 6:2-5 ~ Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.

If you have time, check out Romans 15:1-7

Day 9

Continuing from my note yesterday, I'm thinking about what/when we ask for prayer. Often it is in times of need: finances, health, direction, wisdom, not seeing eye-to-eye with someone or having difficulty at work. Asking for wisdom on how to handle these issues may not result in immediate answers, but we need to trust that prayer is not fruitless. When a prayer is answered, it may not have been in the way we anticipated. I need to acknowledge when they are.

~ Colossians 1:9-10 ~ For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of...