New Week - New Zeal

I'm not trying to be a "Debbie Downer", but it is almost Monday!  It is true that the weekend is on the way out, but look - a new week is on the way in!  

Let's learn to make friends with Monday. There is something so fresh and new about the beginning of the week. Last week is gone, lessons learned can be made right, mistakes made are in the past with a clean slate ahead. It's a do-over if we will embrace it.

A good devotion, Scripture or promise from God can set the tone for the week. It can put in our heart an eternal perspective, an attitude that looks beyond our circumstances to trust and faith in God who loves us and has great plans for our life.  YOU MATTER - You make a difference!  

This Sunday as I walked the halls of the church I've attended for 20+ years, there was such a familiarity, which although comfortable, often puts me in auto mode. Speak to this person, answer this question, sing the familiar song, hear the Scripture, so much can be done out of habit. 

But, the Bible speaks of rivers of LIVING water flowing from our hearts. It speaks of newness of life and boundless opportunities to be salt and light in our world.  Christians are called to lift one another up and be a voice that encourages. These things force us to step out and put some bounce to our steps, to be intentional and ready to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. This is a new, daily or weekly challenge that when embraced can energize us and fill us with renewed vigor. 

A prayer found in a devotion recently is a cry of my heart.  This is my prayer for the week and I hope it will bless and encourage you as well:

"Dear Lord,

Don't let my zeal for You grow dim. Don't let complacency hamper my spiritual growth. Manifest Yourself to me today in a new and deeper dimension. As much as I know, teach me more!  I don't want to merely survive, I want to thrive."  

Will you join me this week in seeking God in a heartfelt way?  I can't wait to see what this week holds!