“Oh, to be more like the Lord can you imagine how wonderful that would truly be? If we all had more compassion, if we all showed more honor toward the next person in life than toward ourselves. Amen. If we all had more patience, if we could speak more kindly and live with greater grace and dignity. If we could humble ourselves and deny ourselves in this life. Amen.

If we all went about our days as the Lord did, being about His Father’s business even all the way to the cross. Amen. If we could care, love, and give from a heart that looks beyond what the natural eyes can see, and instead looks within a person’s being rather than what they portray on the outside the front, so to speak, or the attitude they give. If only we understood that people are the way they are for a reason.

If we could sit down with both saints and sinners and treat all as one no favorites, no so-called cliques just living together in unity and peace with one another. If we could agree to disagree for the greater and more important things in life. Just as the Lord showed us, sometimes it is better to remain silent than to prove a point, because love is what wins in every area of our lives.

If we could feed our enemies as the Lord did. If we could bless and not curse all people. If we could give to all who ask of us. If we could even wash the feet of thieves and liars not literally, but by treating them as they need to be treated, not returning evil for evil, but overcoming evil with good. Amen.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we were all more like Him in this life? If we could get past ourselves long enough to truly see, love, and care for everyone in this world to the very best of our ability. Amen. To be more like Him that is the goal of life. We are called to become more like the Lord daily, to be obedient above all else.

But Scripture tells us that in the last days people would be lovers of themselves covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, without self-control, fierce, despisers of those who are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God having a form of godliness but denying its power. From such, turn away (2 Timothy 3:1–5). Amen!

Can we not see this clearly in our lives and in the world today? Amen. The “turn away” part should shake us to our very core, because that is exactly what has happened. The no longer church going people. The “used to be” believers the ones who used to sing in the choir, lead Bible studies, attend conferences, go on mission trips, feed the hungry, and volunteer at food banks and soup kitchens. Amen. I could go on and on, but you understand my heart this morning.

When we turn away, we don’t grow we are deceived into thinking we can live however we want and still somehow be doing the will of God. My dear friends, that is simply not the truth. That is one of the biggest lies this side of heaven. Amen.

So this morning I pray for us all that our eyes would be opened to the Lord Jesus, that our hearts would truly want only Him and to be more like Him. That we would hear His voice, follow His lead, and obey His commands as He speaks to us. That we would make no excuses for why we do or do not do certain things, but instead rise in honor and praise to the King of Glory, King Jesus, honoring Him for who He is. Praise the Lord!

May we desire with all our hearts to please Him, so that at the end of it all, we can stand before Him and say, “Father, I used everything You gave me.” Amen. May we stand unashamed, for in God’s presence sin must flee, self must die, and hearts are softened and made pliable. Amen.

As I move into this new year that is quickly approaching, I choose to say yes more, deny myself more, and follow the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit in my life. For His ways are better than our ways, and His plan and will should be the greatest desire of our lives. When we live that way, we are truly living and living well.

We will never be more happy or more free than when we are doing what God has made and designed each of us to do, whatever that may look like. Oh, to be more like Him how wonderful and marvelous that would truly be. Amen!”

“For it is in His name, Jesus’ name, that I do ask and pray..Amen and Amen..Be blessed today my dear sweet friends and remember wherever you go and whatever you do, Be a light for our Father, Much love to you all, Mandi ❤️