So...it's already January 19, 2014...how does time fly by so fast?  How do the days slip by?  I'm reminded to ask myself, "Am I using my 86,400 seconds, 1,440 minutes, 24 hours each day, to the best of my ability...to the glory of God?"
 
"Time flies. It’s up to you to navigate." ~ Robert Orben.    How am I/you navigating this new year, month, day?  Are we "bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;"?

We watched a video in Bible Study last night that made me think about how little I think about God through my day...It was a video talking about the symbolism and meanings found in the Israelite culture during Bible times.  The way they did things, when they did things, how they did things, etc.  Everything had a purpose it seemed.  Yes, they still had a life full of work, play, social time etc. but it seemed like they spent so much of their life reminding themselves of who God was, what He had done and promised....How often do I check in with God throughout my day?  I don't even have to go through a priest like the Israelites did!  He is always right beside me, waiting for me to "check in" with Him. 

My heart was/is convicted.  I need to "check in" and make sure my motives are glorifying to Him.  The job I'm working on honors Him.  The words I'm speaking and thoughts I'm thinking...would they make Him smile?  Do I praise Him throughout my day?  Do I look for His hand at work or do I just pass through my day...not noticing His hand providing, encouraging, helping...waiting for me?

I think it is so easy to focus on the negatives in life and forget about our real purpose in life...why is that?  Maybe because Satan is the Prince of this world and that is what he would like us to focus on...However, Christ is the KING of Everything and I think He wants me to see beyond the negatives, see the positives and keep our focus. See the blessings.  Yes, see the needs, but see them as blessings given to each of us as opportunities to serve our wonderful Savior!

Hebrews 12: 1-3

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted."

 Am I being a lighthouse every moment of every day or only sometimes?  Am I reflecting His love, forgiveness, grace, patience and humility all the time or only when I "remember"?  Am I running the race with purpose?