A to Z . . . U thru Z

In A Word . . . An A to Z List of Words that Can Change Your Life

Unplug your television. Try it for a week at first and see how much time you gain for God, others and yourself. Ortberg says, "television kills intimacy and conversation and disrupts sustained thought. Use the freed-up time to do things you've needed or have been planning to do. Get more sleep. Read. Have a really good conversation."

Voice. Listen to the way God speaks to you. God speaks today just as much as ever before. Sometimes it's a soft whisper (1 Kings 19:12) and other times it's loud and booming (Duet. 5:22). The key is to hone in and listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying specifically to you. Just as you talk to Him in a unique way, He speaks uniquely to you. Grow in your communication with Him.

Worship. You were created to worship God. Discover what that truly means. Worship doesn't have to be through song. You can worship through looking at nature, God's creation. You can worship Him in wonder, in amazement over the mind-boggling intricacies of this earth. You can worship Him through service, by being the best parent you can be to your kids, or spouse. You can worship through dancing or drawing or building or simply thinking. Jesus said, "True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship Him" John 4:23.

eXpect the unexpected. It may sound like a cliche' but with God, it's the truth. Ask Him to do amazing things and watch Him do them.

Yesterday. Leave it - and it's regrets - behind. Ask forgiveness from people you've hurt in the past and make efforts to amend fractured relationships. Then once you've repented, it's out of your hands. Hang onto this promise, "as far as from the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions." (Psalms 103:12) Regret will always destroy a hopeful life but hope will restore a regretful one.

Zeal. Passion. Fervor. It's how life should be lived, mistakes and all. God will take a heart zealous for Him over a lukewarm one any day.

So . . . have these "words" spoken to you? Might you make a few changes? I know I will. Remember we were put on this earth for a purpose for "such a time as this." Know your purpose and live it!

Have a great Friday!