Restoration

I woke up early this morning. That in itself is unatural, I am a 6:30 am and after kind of gal but give me until about 8:30 before I can get going. As I write this it's 5:30 am. There is nothing better than to wake up in total quietness and get before Jesus. I reflected on the week passed and focused on the days ahead. I praise God for the way He works. I see so many times where Satan wants to come in and tear things apart but this morning I was assurred that Jesus has a plan.
The devotion this morning talks about Getting Past Your Past, by Joyce Meyer available at joycemeyer.org New Day New You 366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life.
The scripture referenced was Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the thoughts and the plans that have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for the welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome"
How appropriate for today. I could so easily get bogged down in yesterday but I serve a today God that offers a fresh start. Miracously as thoughts of yesterdays failures started to flood in the Holy Spirit took over and the Word began to speak to my heart and I begin to speak the promises and good plans over myself and my family. I could so easily question God on some of the things I am walking through but I have a peace today and am choosing not to do so. I am choosing to say Yes Jesus as You open the door Father I will walk through it filled with Your Power ready to take hold and come against the schemes of the devil. No weapon formed against me shall prosper and I will walk in Your Ways, not my ways and live with purpose and power for You. You are the potter and I am the clay, I am open to Your molding.
How Refreshing is it to be given a clean slate. When I worked as a ministry assistant I would write the prayer request on the white dry erase board in the hallway by our pastor's office. After some time the marker ink would absorb into the board. I would try and clean it with water and cleaner but it never would fully be white. The only way to solve the problem was to get a new one. That's what Jesus does for us. No matter how hard we try we cannot clean up our board but He comes with a brand new one and gives us a fresh start!
Joyce says "Whatever Satan has stolen through deception, God will restore doubled, if you are willing to press forward, forgetting the past. You have to let go in order to go on!"
I am envisioning opening a box, removing the plastic wrap and experiencing the smell of a new board.
May the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob open your eyes today, may His restoration be yours today as you seek to follow Him.

I normally have a song to close with but this morning all I really have is just a praise for restoration.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, sweetest name I know! Fills my every longing, keeps me singing as I go...