Set Your Standards

Isaiah 33:15-16 (Message Version)

The answer's simple: 
   Live right, 
   speak the truth, 
   despise exploitation, 
   refuse bribes, 
   reject violence, 
   avoid evil amusements.
This is how you raise your standard of living! 
   A safe and stable way to live. 
   A nourishing, satisfying way to live.

Think for a moment about what standards for living you've set for your life. We've all set some of our own standards for living, no matter how big or small they may be. Go through them a few times in your head and be honest with your self about what standards for living you really set for yourself. Now think about how well those standards have worked out for you, and how those standards have affected you in your life. Chances are you haven't met all of your standards, and not all of your standards have worked out perfectly. The reason behind that is that we are all human and imperfect. No standard we set for ourselves will ever turn out perfectly, and we all fall short and fail to meet some our standards. But here in Isaiah, God sets out standards to give us a stable and satisfying life that will glorify Him. Will we meet all of these standards perfectly? Nope. Because we are human and we all fall short of the glory of God. But can we use these standards God has set to make our paths straight in life? Absolutely. 

Open up to God about your standards for your life, and talk to Him about how they compare to the standards He has set for you. Talk to God about how those standards have affected you, and be honest with Him about what is on your heart right now. If you feel God leading you, give your life to live for Him and ask Him to guide you to live a life on the straight path he has set before you based on His standards. Once you do, you'll find your life becoming safe, stable, satisfying, and nourishing as well as filled with an incredible purpose.

I pray that this empowers you in God's purpose for your life throughout today. Hope you all have an awesome day! 

Madelynn