Good morning, world. Things are looking pretty good from the front porch of my farm in Virginia today. It wasn’t warm enough to spend more than a minute or two outside on this first day of November, so I settled for the inside instead. For me, that’s a major sacrifice. Although I don’t necessarily need to be outside to enjoy the spectacular view (for me), it takes being outside to fill up my senses because it’s not just about satisfying my eyes. Spectacular view or not, I wasn’t feeling spectacular myself this morning, so I prayed. I read His Word. I contemplated my Journey, BUT I just wasn’t feeling anything move in my Soul at all…UNTIL God reminded me of the “man after God’s own Heart”. So, I turned to my Bible and read the Psalms, and before you know it, I was weeping with Joy and Overwhelmed by my God all over again. HE SHOWED UP! I could easily have “done my time” this morning and chalked it up to “not feeling anything” OR to it just being “one of those days,” BUT that wasn’t good enough for me. It never has been, and it never will be. Instead, I sought Him out the way He sought me out, and I wasn’t giving up until my Spirit was filled with Him on this new day. Isn’t that the way you determine to spend your time with Him, too?

It’s amazing how easily people are inclined to “settle” in this life, but they lose out on genuine Joy when they do. They’ll “settle” for allowing their relationships to go stale while never looking for more (as if not being alone is the only thing that matters), and when they do… there’s a train wreck around the corner just waiting to happen. They’ll “settle” for 3 square meals and an iPad for their children as if that defines a family, and before you know it, there’s a train wreck around the corner just waiting to happen there, too. They’ll settle for a bland time with the Living God, as if God is alright with a little time without Heart. Those people check it off their list as if it’s a duty they fulfilled instead of a missed Opportunity to feel the Presence of a Mighty and Merciful God. Living a fulfilled life in all these areas takes Determination and a Commitment to Excellence every single day. It takes Persistence and Perseverance, and it takes a whole lot of Love for the One who died for me. Sometimes I wonder if people realize what they’re missing or if it’s even possible for them to Comprehend what a genuine Relationship with the Living God is like? As long as they’re willing to settle for less in every other area of life, why would they Expect more with God?When we’re satisfied with the status quo in every area of our lives, we not only miss out on an Extraordinary Journey with Him, but WE’RE ALREADY DEAD, we just haven’t been buried yet.

I’ve learned to be content in this Journey of Life but Contentment should NEVER be confused with a willingness to “settle.” The Apostle Paul said, ” I have learned to be content in whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Paul learned to be content no matter his circumstances…but he NEVER gave up. He never quit Striving for More. He never quit Trusting. He never stopped Seeking the face of God. He never got in a rut, and he never threw in the towel. He never lost His excitement for the Living God, and He never “settled.” Instead, He determined to be Persistent, to Persevere, and to make the most out of His Journey while He still had time to Serve the One who Sought Him and Bought Him too. There is Joy beyond measure when we determine to Live that way too. Never “settling”…not with our Relationship with the King of kings or anybody else in our lives. We are peole of Excellence!

I began this new day with a spectacular view and a numb Heart, but I’m Energized and Ready for this New Day now, and I’m overwhelmed with Love…ALL BECAUSE I REFUSE TO SETTLE for a mediocre Relationship with the Most High God. I refused to quit, and I refuse to stop Growing. He’s the Love of my Life! He’s worth it…I’m worth it…every relationship I have is worth it…every one of His Creations is worth it…the Journey is worth it…Life is worth it, and Love is worth it. Why in the world would I ever settle for less?

How about you?