What is it inside me that still thinks I can do anything to help anyone? Why is it that when I hear a story about someone in need or someone with a problem, I immediately start wracking my brain for the solution? Until I stop doing that and start coming to You, Lord, I will never be effective...

"Paul wrote to the young minister Timothy to warn him of the sort of evil he must guard against. "Men will love nothing but money and self... men who put pleasure in the place of God, men who preserve the outward form of religion but are a standing denial of its reality. Keep clear of men like these.... These men defy the truth, they have lost the power to reason, and they cannot pass the tests of faith" (2 Timothy 3:2, 5-6, 8-9, NEB). God help us not only to stand for the truth, but to obey it scrupulously that we may not lose the power to think as Christians." Elisabeth Elliott

Even though it's slow progress, my mind is slowly being conformed to the mind of Christ. So many setbacks. So many chances for You to say "yep - you're not there yet!" Thank You for not letting me forget the times I've flubbed so that hopefully next time I'm tempted to disobey, I'll remember the embarrassment and obey.

Lord, please help me calm myself this week. Thanksgiving prep can feel overwhelming. Please help me check my ego as I relate to other Christians and non-Christians. Do a powerful work in me, help me in my unbelief, fill me to overflowing, use me as a vessel. I know there's my part as well, so please guide me to know the things I should do to make myself available for Your work. The ONLY reason I'm still here on earth is to fulfill Your plans, so help keep my focus on You, with that perspective. It will change the way I think and act. I believe my heart is right, but I'm still a LONG way from disciplined. I'm excited to see what You're gonna do this week!