I know it will eventually happen. The temperatures will drop. The season will change. We will feel like autumn has arrived.

But not quite yet. Looks like we will have another week in the 90 degree area.

Fall brings a lot of excitement to my life in many ways, but for certain one of them is the buildup for November and National Novel Writers Month or National Non-Fiction Writers Month. I’ve tried the novel writing and last year I tried the non-fiction challenge. I must admit I love a challenge, but sometimes writing can be difficult.

I found a comical chart entitled “why I’m not getting any writing done on my so-called novel.” It went through an array of issues or problems including mind wandering, time wasting, forgetfulness, distractions, and decisions to name a few. I could relate to some of them.

Sometimes it seems like whatever we want to do we don’t get around to it. And what we shouldn’t do gets pushed out front on more occasions than we’d like to admit (Romans 7:15). It can be disappointing when over and over again we seem to get nothing done.

We can blame this on a lot of things, but it really comes down to the fact that we will do what we want to do. When our minds are made up and we are determined to do it, we do it.

This is the determination we must have when it comes to our spiritual lives.

You know those mornings when you’re running a bit behind, or when nothing seems to be going as it should, or maybe you didn’t sleep well the night before and your first thought may be to skip prayer and Bible reading. I think you know what I’m going to say.

Don’t even think it! Dig a little deeper. Find that extra little something within you to follow through with your dedicated time with God. It will make a difference in your day.

So today I offer you words of encouragement to help you find that extra boost to be with God. Don’t give up. Don’t put it aside. Keep going. Keep reading and praying. Do it because you want to. After a while you’ll wonder how you ever thought you could live without it.

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11 – NIV)

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105 – NIV

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33 – NIV)

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” (John 14:4 – NIV)

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14 – NIV)

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 – NIV)

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22 – NIV)

There are so many benefits to spending time with God and knowing what His Word says. I can assure you that as you take the time to read God’s Word, communicate with God through prayer, and ask for guidance through God’s Spirit, you will be encouraged, uplifted, and renewed to face your day. Don’t ever believe it’s not necessary or that you don’t have the time. It will be a big mistake.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

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