The Best News!

Christ himself suffered for sins once. He was not guilty, but he suffered for those who are guilty to bring you to God.

1 Peter 3:18 

 

I don't know about you, but I like good news.  I'll go out on a limb here and say you do too.   Think about this for a moment, God knows EVERYTHING about us, even the stuff we think we can hide from Him, and God loves us anyway.  THAT is some good news.

 

Not only does God love us, but He also sent His Son, who was perfect, to this earth for the purpose of enduring the torment we deserve for our sins.  Why? So we would be made pure in the eyes of God.  THAT is the best news ever!!

Take A Break

"Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and thankful heart."

Colossians 4:2

 

 What's better than a cup of coffee?  A cup of coffee and conversation with a friend.  As I sit here with my coffee, writing this to you, I can't help but have prayer at the same time.  You see, when I feel ill at ease, or troubled, or frustrated, or concerned, the best thing I can do is get a cup of coffee and have a conversation with Christ.

 

Taking a coffee break and some quiet time helps.  I can pour out my heart, talk about everything that is on my mind, and listen to Him while I sip my coffee.  

 

Perhaps it's time for a coffee break. 

Cognitive Behavior

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4:8

 

I like to read.  I love to read books that help me learn things.  One of the books I'm currently enjoying is called "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy" by Seth J. Gillihan, PhD.  The premise of this book is that nothing our body does happens without the mind telling it to do so.  This includes such instinctual actions like breathing because, unless the mind tells the body to breathe, it will not happen.  

 

Also, whatever we allow INTO our minds, will alter our behavior.  Therefore, we need to be very careful what we allow into our minds.  In order to change a habit, we must change our minds.  Replacing the bad input with good input can change our habits from negative to positive.  In order to become a more positive person, we must change how our minds perceive.  This takes a LOT of effort, but the result IS worth it!  Imagine the most negative person you know seeing you in the hallway and giving you a happy greeting and an encouragement....after you pick yourself off the floor...remember that in order to change, our minds have to be changed!

Protected

Today's verse is one that I cling to because of the promise of God's protection.  I, honestly, need God's protection because I am prone to temptation, God is not. Therefore, I can trust Him!

Meet Fears With Faith

Be satisfied with what you have. For God has said,

“I will never fail you.
    I will never abandon you.”

So we can say with confidence,

“The Lord is my helper,
    so I will have no fear.
    What can mere people do to me?”

Hebrews 13:5-6 

I was told,  by a wise person, that "You've made it this far in life, why worry about tomorrow?".  That wise person is absolutely correct.  Think about it, we have lived through a LOT of events to make it this far.  God has never once abandoned us, but has taken care of us each and every time.  So why do we worry about tomorrow, or event the next minute?  Is it because we don't trust Him to keep on taking care of us?

God hasn't brought you this far to abandon you know.  How do I know?  Because God loves us far too much to do that! 

Firm Steps

Have you ever stumbled in your life?  As a Christian, I have stumbled more times than I want to remember.  There are scrapes, bruises, and scars from my stumbling and bumbling along trying to do the right thing.  Being a Christian doesn't mean we won't stumble.  Being a Christian doesn't make us perfect.  Being a Christian means that we have the Father who loves us so much that he picks us up when we stumble and gives us another chance.

Self Care

Then Jesus got up early in the morning when it was still very dark, departed, and went out to a deserted place, and there he spent time in prayer. 

Mark 1:35

 

It creeps in slowly.  At first we are able to manage without slowing down.  And it builds a little at a time.  Before we realize it, the feeling of being overwhelmed crashes on us and we wonder what we can do to find relief.  To be honest, somewhere along the line we have been taught that taking care of your spirit was selfish, so we push forward.

 

The fact of the matter is that spiritual self-care is absolutely VITAL!  Jesus made sure to take time to restore, and insisted His Disciples did as well.  Jesus shows us a way to prevent stress and the feeling of being overwhelmed. He was the sinless Son of God, but He often went away by Himself to get away from large crowds—even from those that needed His help and healing (Mark 1:35). At times He retreated even from His disciples. Other times, He retreated with His disciples: “Because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest’” (Mark 6:31). It was not selfish of Jesus to get away from people and commune with God. It was wise of Him to seek time for His disciples to rest, as well. We can rightly assume it is okay for us to spend some time alone, too, if we are feeling overwhelmed by people and responsibilities. It is interesting to note that Jesus also enjoyed great inner peace because of His trust in God.  

 

Take time to restore your relationship with Abba and rest in Him. 

 

Teach Me

Lead me; teach me; for you are the God who gives me salvation. I have no hope except in you.

Psalm 25:5 

Where is the best place to find the truth?  From the source.  God has given us the Bible so we can learn about Him and how we are to live.  The best way to learn from the Bible is to read it.  The best way to start is with prayer, something like "Abba, You have much to teach me, help me learn."

Time for a Chat?

There have been times when I was tired.  Not just tired but exhausted. So exhausted that it hurt to breathe.  Not from exercise, but from dealing with the things of life.  I tried to pray but couldn't because my mind was reminding me of all that had happened which left me so soul weary.  

Finally, I said, "Abba, I just can't do it anymore."  That may not sound like much of a prayer, but it was all I could manage.  I don't remember much after that prayer except waking up the next morning feeling much stronger.  Did it change the events of my life that lead to that point?  No.  But God (two of the most wonderful words ever) filled me with His strength and peace.

In the moments where we feel drained and weakened, talk with God.
In the moments where we feel strong and energized, talk with God.
In the moments where we feel happy, talk with God.

When we make a habit of talking with God, He will do amazing things through you.

It's All In The Translation!

Tell me if you can read this: ταπεινώθητε ἐνώπιον κυρίου καὶ ὑψώσει ὑμᾶς

It's a familiar verse.  Okay try this: Behave in an unassuming manner in the presence of the One who is in control of everything, and He will raise you to dignity, honor and happiness. Sound anything close to familiar?

Here's how James 4:10 reads in our interpretation: "Humble yourself before the Lord and He will lift you up."

You see, in order to truly understand a verse, we have to study so it will make the most sense to us.   

Who Have You Been Called To Be?

"Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life."

Galatians 6:4-5

 

Believe it or not, God calls us to be.....well who He created us to be, that being, His child.  God has never called us to be like any other person! He created each of us to be unique and for His specific purpose.  Trying to be someone other than who God created you to be will leave you frustrated and miserable.

 

Let me put it this way, God did not create me to be like Mozart or Michelangelo or Billy Graham.  God created me, called me, and instilled in me to be an encourager, a ponderer, a contemplative, a listener, a student.  I cannot be anyone other than that.  Trust me, I have tried and after bumping into proverbial walls...He finally got me to understand, He made me for His purpose...not mine.  I have never been happier than being the oddball you know now.

Your Sweet Spot

God is working in you to help you want to do and be able to do what pleases Him.

Philippians 2:13 

 

Have found your "Sweet Spot"?  That place where you know what you do well and have love to do?  I admit that for the longest time I knew what God called me to do, but I honestly couldn't imagine doing it.  But know that I am doing what He called me to do, created me to do, designed me to do, filled me with the passion to do, I can't imagine doing anything else.

 

God didn't design us to live a life of misery.  He didn't instill in us gifts and talents just for them to remain dormant or never be used.  He loves us too much for that.  Take an inventory of your life to figure out what you are good at doing and what you enjoy doing.  You'll most likely find more than one sweet spot.

It's My Job

So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God.

Ecclesiastes 2:24 

 

I remember my very first job...I was a cook for Captain D's.  I didn't like the job because I would always come home smelling like fish and grease.  In fact, on Saturday's I had to spend the first four hours of the day hosing down the parking lot, then I got to go home for four hours only to come back and cook for another four hours.  

 

I found no joy in my job.  Until the day I was hosing off the parking lot when the garbage truck came in.  The stink was more horrible than the fish and grease, yet the guys working the truck were whistling, laughing, and having a great time.  Being curious, I asked how they could be so happy to be around that stink all the time.  The older guy smiled and said, "Son, to you, this is just a job.  To me, this is where God put me.  Who am I to tell God that He was wrong? I do this job with joy and will always be grateful that I have a job."

 

Needless to say, that got my young mind thinking.  On my way home, I heard a Jimmy Buffet song "It's My Job" which, I believe, God used to change my perspective.

 

It's been many (many, many) years since that day, and God has blessed me with a job I cannot imagine loving more. Each day I get to come in, enjoy interacting with those God brings my way, offering encouragement, hope, and perhaps a bit of wisdom.  How about you?  Miserable is a choice! Angry and Bitter are choices!  Happiness, Joy, Gratitude are Choices!  What will you choose?

Follow

While he was walking along, he saw a man named Levi son of Alphaeus, sitting in the tax collector’s booth. Jesus said to him, “Follow me,” and he stood up and followed Jesus.

Mark 2:14

Picture it: Jesus is walking along and approaches the tax collector's booth.  Most people picked up their pace to pass by as quickly as possible, because tax collectors were hated.  But Jesus invited Levi (Matthew) to follow Him.  There was something about Jesus and the invitation that motivated Matthew to get up from his booth and follow Jesus.

Understand, Jesus didn't command that Matthew follow Him.  Far from it.  Jesus invited Matthew, who could have refused. But he found Jesus' invitation irresistible.  Jesus invites us to follow Him, too.  

Cleaner Than Clean

Take away my sin, and I will be clean.
    Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

Psalm 51:7 

 

The year was 1984.  The place was Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tennessee.  Snow had fallen all night and the campus awoke to find the campus was blanketed.  I decided it would be a good idea to go get breakfast before class, so off I walked to the Cafe.  On my way, I began to notice that the sunlight on this pristine snow was not only dazzling, but blinding.  Thank goodness I had remembered to bring my sunglasses.  But the brightness gave me pause to ponder...is this what the Psalmist was envisioning when he penned today's verse?

 

Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow.  Wash me and I will be whiter than snow.

Grace

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

Ephesians 2:8-9 

 

Grace....  We cannot buy it.  We cannot earn it. We cannot steal it.  We cannot find it.  We are not owed it.  It is God's gift to us.  

 

Admittedly, we have been conditioned to believe that every gift comes with a catch, thus, we are leery of it.  But here's the good news, there's no catch, God's grace is free!  God offers it to everyone.  We have to accept it though.  

Stress or Patience

If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. 

Habbakuk 2:3

 

I have to be honest, I struggle with waiting.  But I will say God has been working with me about that struggle.  Learning that I can trust His timing...well, it's quite a relief.  Let me ask you the same questions He has asked me when I struggle with waiting for His timing:  "Did I fail you last time?  No!  Did I fail you the time before that? No!  Have I EVER failed you?  No!  And do you think I will start now?"  

 

I am beginning to understand how Job felt with God told him to "put on the big boy pants" and answer a few questions.  God's timing is never late.  God's timing is never early.  It is ALWAYS perfect!  And THAT is the truth that we can relax knowing.  

Rest and Recharge

It is useless for you to work so hard
    from early morning until late at night,
anxiously working for food to eat;
    for God gives rest to his loved ones.

Psalm 127:2 

 

One of the great gifts God gives us is rest.  God didn't create us to work all the time.  He created us in His image, and God sanctified time to rest.

Reborn!

But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

John 1:12-13 

 

 A couple of fun facts about family: You do NOT get to choose your family.  Also, you don't get to choose who is in your family.  But for those who believe in and accept God's Son, become part of God's family.  THAT should get a shout of joy from you!  

 

There is a "however" like any other family, while we are on this side of Heaven, there will be times that we disagree.  There may even be times when we fight and argue.  There may be times that we treat each other badly.  BUT no matter what, we are still family, and family always loves each other!!!  

 

And while we're thinking, consider this: When we get to Heaven...you're stuck with me. :)

Look Up!

When was the last time you took the time to look into the night sky just to look at the stars?  When you look at the stars, think about this: God not only put each one in their place, but each one has a name that God has given.  Not only that, but God also keeps count of them making certain each is where it should be.  

Now, think about this: The SAME God who did all this, knows you....loves you....cares about you....has a plan for you....knows how you feel.....listens to you.....talks with you.....even knows how many hairs you have.  

"I have called you BY NAME, and you are Mine!" - Isaiah 43:1   This is the SAME God who put every single star and planet in place.  Look at the night sky and remember just how much God cares about you.  It's humbling, to say the least.

Each Morning

Let me experience Your unfailing love each morning,
    for I am trusting You.
Show me where to walk,

because I long for You.

Psalm 143:8 

 

Let's take a moment to consider a few things:

     - God loves us SO MUCH that each morning, we get to see His gift of today.

     - God has NEVER let us down, so we can trust Him completely!

     - God's plans for us are so amazing that He will show us the path.

     - Because God cares SO MUCH for us, our very being craves His presence in our lives!

 

 

“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you." Luke 6:27-28

Believe it or not, praying for those who have kicked you in the heart really does work. No, their hair didn't fallout overnight and they didn't suddenly become servants. But in praying for those who have hurt me, my perspective changed toward them.