November is a time we make plans to gather with our families and think about being grateful for our many blessings.  However, there are 12 months in a year – how are we acting toward people the other 364 days of the year?  We gather to eat turkey on that one special day, but are we acting like a “turkey” on the other days?

Many of us try to appear like we have our act together, especially on social media with the constant posting of our Photoshopped lives.  The truth is we all have issues. Romans 3:23 (ESV) says, “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.”  It doesn’t matter how much money we have, how educated we are, or what kind of religious title or position we hold in a local church – we all have areas in our lives that need to change.  I might not be struggling with what you are dealing with, but all of us are dealing with something.  These things usually are displayed toward the ones closest to us through bad attitudes, snappy words, or impatience. You may be thinking, “she is not referring to me, I have many great qualities.”  If you are in doubt about needing to change, just ask your spouse, children, or those that know you very well. I assure you they see what we don’t see, or want to see, about ourselves.  They observe the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Fortunately, we can be transformed by the word of God and by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Meditate on the following Scriptures:

• Psalm 119:11 (ESV) I have stored up the word of God in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
• Galatians 5:16 (NLT) So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.
• Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law.
• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT) All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

PRAY THIS PRAYER:

“Lord,because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live and in your name. I will lift up my hands. Thank you for your patience with me in my foolishness. You don’t want anyone to perish, but to come to repentance.  I confess my sins to you and ask you to forgive me. Help me Lord with my weaknesses and flaws. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a right attitude within me. Please don’t banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Take away every desire in me that displeases you. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.”