Guess what I did this morning?!

A habit…

I’ve gotten into the habit of taking the trash out early in the morning before Duane gets up…

Now I know it’s trash day today and as I walked outside I specifically noted how Duane had put the trash barrel and recycling barrel at the end of our driveway…  I marveled at the glorious snow, the trees laden with it, the sounds of the crunch, crunch, crunch under my feet! I love it! (And there was a time I thought I hated snow! See how silly and stupid we can all be?)

So what did I do? What did I do upon seeing all of God’s glorious Minnesota snow and noting what Duane had put out on the driveway on trash day??? Why, I went to the garage, opened the door, and then remembered what I saw down on the street!! I’m so thankful I can laugh when I miss it! This, my friends was no sin. But it was stupid!

Proverbs 12:1
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.

I love that I can laugh at myself! I love that I cherish and receive godly correction! I love that I hate to sin and strive not to. And I love when I repent!! Think of these things next week and more when you put out your trash. Remember Beloved, some habits are excellent and praiseworthy such as constant rejoicing in the Lord:

Philippians 4:4-9
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

While others are to be cast out:

2 Corinthians 10:4-6
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.  We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Habits, like money, like guns, can be used to bless or curse…
Today and always choose the joy of the Lord and fight the good fight!

SCRIPTURAL TRUTHS FOR THIS JOY STORY:

Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,  and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

1 Peter 5:6-11
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

2 Timothy 4:7-8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.