To be blessed is a wonderful thing! There are times in life when it feels almost too easy, that life is just grand and working at moving forward is really not a challenge at all. Then there are times when life is just plain hard, blow after blow after blow, getting beat down just to be challenged to get up again and take some more. I say, in both situations, as a lover of Jesus, you are blessed.
Life is the best teacher of principle and universal law in that nothing goes unnoticed, for every positive there is a negative, for every devastating event there is a building up event and for every loss there is a gain. Being blessed, to me, is part of the understanding that we serve a loving God that is abundant in every way, for all people, no matter what the situation or circumstance!
"Blessed is the man who always fears the Lord, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble." Prov 28:14
Blessings are not just for the rich, or just for the poor. Being blessed is the result of living a spiritually inclined life where seeking God, fearing God and loving God are at the very core of your existence. As the world comes crashing down around us with nuclear meltdowns, horrible natural disasters and silly wars, we remain blessed as followers of Christ for when it is all said and done, we WIN!
We WIN! We WIN! We WIN! How blessed are we to know the answer before we even finish the test! We don't have to eat the box of cereal to find the prize at the end, we already have it! We are blessed coming and going in this life when we know Jesus and believe in the sacrifice that he made for us.
Being blessed is the result of a choice, that we must make, with our own free will. And, more than that, we must live it daily. How great is our God to provide us with a life filled with support and challenge, love and hate, abundance and scarcity, victory and defeat so that we might understand that we are blessed in all ways, at all times, in all things in our lives. Blessed be the name of the Lord!
This is the day that the Lord has made...
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
How well is your house built?
By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. Proverbs 24:3-4
King Solomon was a mighty, rich and powerful ruler of Israel whose transformative vision and unmatched relationship with the Lord led to his writing of the book of Proverbs and 2 other books of the Bible. He wrote the book of Proverbs to share his spiritual understanding of leadership, decision making and, in general, how to live a God-fearing life.
As followers of Jesus, and in relationship with Holy Spirit, it is of utmost importance for us to develop the wisdom necessary to decipher the clues, communications and signs that are given us as our lives our led under the direction of the Holy Spirit. As Solomon says here, wisdom is what gives us refuge, safety, protection, comfort.
I've struggled with understanding "wisdom" for a while, and, only recently, have come to a conclusion regarding this "wisdom". This type of wisdom is imparted to us through the Holy Spirit, as a result of our understanding the principles of the Scriptures and Jesus' teachings, and our use of the knowledge gleaned through life experience as a believer.
This "wisdom" can't be learned in a book or bought for a price. No, it is the result of a commitment to Christ and living according to His laws. King Solomon knew these Heavenly principles, lived them, and, in time, wrote them down to share with the generations who would follow him. Because of his wisdom, we now have a "User's Guide" for this life on Earth, a reference manual if you will, to give us help in our understanding of the Lord's ways.
"Faith comes from hearing the message and the message is heard through the word of Christ" (Rom 10:17) As we study Scripture, learn the principles of Christ and apply them to our daily lives, we build our faith in His ways. As our faith grows, our ability to trust in these principles grows and strengthens. As our trust builds and our decisions in life get bigger, and consequently better, our life becomes enriched. After enough time studying the principles, building our faith, making decisions based on our understanding...we come to that place of wisdom. Wisdom is the end result of life well-lived in studying, learning and living the principles of Lord.
"Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things will be added unto you." Matt 6:33
King Solomon was a mighty, rich and powerful ruler of Israel whose transformative vision and unmatched relationship with the Lord led to his writing of the book of Proverbs and 2 other books of the Bible. He wrote the book of Proverbs to share his spiritual understanding of leadership, decision making and, in general, how to live a God-fearing life.
As followers of Jesus, and in relationship with Holy Spirit, it is of utmost importance for us to develop the wisdom necessary to decipher the clues, communications and signs that are given us as our lives our led under the direction of the Holy Spirit. As Solomon says here, wisdom is what gives us refuge, safety, protection, comfort.
I've struggled with understanding "wisdom" for a while, and, only recently, have come to a conclusion regarding this "wisdom". This type of wisdom is imparted to us through the Holy Spirit, as a result of our understanding the principles of the Scriptures and Jesus' teachings, and our use of the knowledge gleaned through life experience as a believer.
This "wisdom" can't be learned in a book or bought for a price. No, it is the result of a commitment to Christ and living according to His laws. King Solomon knew these Heavenly principles, lived them, and, in time, wrote them down to share with the generations who would follow him. Because of his wisdom, we now have a "User's Guide" for this life on Earth, a reference manual if you will, to give us help in our understanding of the Lord's ways.
"Faith comes from hearing the message and the message is heard through the word of Christ" (Rom 10:17) As we study Scripture, learn the principles of Christ and apply them to our daily lives, we build our faith in His ways. As our faith grows, our ability to trust in these principles grows and strengthens. As our trust builds and our decisions in life get bigger, and consequently better, our life becomes enriched. After enough time studying the principles, building our faith, making decisions based on our understanding...we come to that place of wisdom. Wisdom is the end result of life well-lived in studying, learning and living the principles of Lord.
"Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things will be added unto you." Matt 6:33
Thursday, March 24, 2011
The Greatest Pursuit
There are many desires and pursuits throughout the course of one's life here, in this world, that at the time appear genuine and important. Everything from raising a family, to creating a successful career and maintaining exemplary health. Each desire and pursuit has beneath it a hidden, subconscious goal or ideal that moves us forward toward that which we want. And, many times, the achievement of that pursuit, or attainment of this desire, leaves the mind wanting more.
I know, Lord, that this is not you at work in my life, but the work of the enemy. Fulfillment and satisfaction are the direct result of spiritual attainment not mortal attainment. Those things that move us, satisfy us and glorify the Lord are of the spiritual nature, yet we are constantly attracted to those of the mortal world.
He who pursues righteousness and love finds live, prosperity and honor. Proverbs 21:21
At the center of our very being is a spiritual desire and unending pursuit of love. Love is the power that connects, binds, bonds and fills the holes in our spiritual armor. Love is at the very core of what we want out of this life and the next. Living with love is a completely different experience than living without love.
From love come all things that satisfy us spiritually and mortally for where there is love, there is God. And wherever God is, there you will find life, prosperity, honor. To truly know what love is provides an anchor for your spirit and a fountain of never ending refreshment.
Our greatest pursuit is of love and that begins by following the Lord, accepting Him into your heart and allowing His spirit to make you a new being, born out of His holy love. With this love in your life, you now have a well spring to share with others which brings peace, joy and complete fulfillment.
Find the love of Christ in your life and new meaning for living will abound. It is not I, but He who lives in me, that satisfies my soul's yearning for love.
I know, Lord, that this is not you at work in my life, but the work of the enemy. Fulfillment and satisfaction are the direct result of spiritual attainment not mortal attainment. Those things that move us, satisfy us and glorify the Lord are of the spiritual nature, yet we are constantly attracted to those of the mortal world.
He who pursues righteousness and love finds live, prosperity and honor. Proverbs 21:21
At the center of our very being is a spiritual desire and unending pursuit of love. Love is the power that connects, binds, bonds and fills the holes in our spiritual armor. Love is at the very core of what we want out of this life and the next. Living with love is a completely different experience than living without love.
From love come all things that satisfy us spiritually and mortally for where there is love, there is God. And wherever God is, there you will find life, prosperity, honor. To truly know what love is provides an anchor for your spirit and a fountain of never ending refreshment.
Our greatest pursuit is of love and that begins by following the Lord, accepting Him into your heart and allowing His spirit to make you a new being, born out of His holy love. With this love in your life, you now have a well spring to share with others which brings peace, joy and complete fulfillment.
Find the love of Christ in your life and new meaning for living will abound. It is not I, but He who lives in me, that satisfies my soul's yearning for love.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Daily Struggles
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-8
Some background is necessary to fully understand the power of these couple of sentences. This is an apostle of the Lord, writing to his people who have just accepted Christ into their lives and are filled with the excitement and exuberance of having a new life in Christ. Here, Peter is giving them instruction and, in some ways advice, to take what you have been given, add to it and live it!
In essence, these few short sentences are the new Christians handbook to life success! If you want to be a man or woman of God that has a positive impact in the world, then here are a few qualities you should have: faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness to your brothers and sisters in Christ and love for all.
I struggle with this daily. I know in my heart there is more that I can do for the body of Christ. I know that my individual outreach isn't what it could be and that I am certainly falling short. I look at the list given by Peter and see that I certainly have grasped many of these qualities, yet others, I need help...daily. Faith, self-control, godliness. Yeah, these I have not fully applied to my daily life with the same level of commitment as others.
I fall short, Lord, and I thank you for your perfect love and support of who I am, who I am growing into and what I can become with and through you.
Some background is necessary to fully understand the power of these couple of sentences. This is an apostle of the Lord, writing to his people who have just accepted Christ into their lives and are filled with the excitement and exuberance of having a new life in Christ. Here, Peter is giving them instruction and, in some ways advice, to take what you have been given, add to it and live it!
In essence, these few short sentences are the new Christians handbook to life success! If you want to be a man or woman of God that has a positive impact in the world, then here are a few qualities you should have: faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness to your brothers and sisters in Christ and love for all.
I struggle with this daily. I know in my heart there is more that I can do for the body of Christ. I know that my individual outreach isn't what it could be and that I am certainly falling short. I look at the list given by Peter and see that I certainly have grasped many of these qualities, yet others, I need help...daily. Faith, self-control, godliness. Yeah, these I have not fully applied to my daily life with the same level of commitment as others.
I fall short, Lord, and I thank you for your perfect love and support of who I am, who I am growing into and what I can become with and through you.
Monday, March 21, 2011
The Natural
This world can be a nasty place. It is filled with hate, envy, greed, corruption and pain, all largey due in part from having lost a solid connection to God. When there is light, there cannot be darkness because darkness is the absence of light. The two cannot coexist in the same place, therefore, we get one or the other. When light is added to a place, it exposes all of that which was previously hidden and unseen. The light gives us the opportunity to come face to face with those obstacles that have been in our way and hidden from us.
At least part, if not all, of the challenge in dealing with the darkness in the world is that it arises from our deep seated human-minded earthly desires. When our focus is on the things of this life, this time, this place and on myself, we are stuck with human, earthly results. With this earthly, human focus, by default we are forced to live with what is natural and expect the same. In this world, 2 fish and 5 loaves maybe feeds 10 people because we know that it takes a certain amount of food to nourish us.
Conversely, when living in the light, with the Lord, with heavenly motivated desires, we can open the door to supernatural results. Here, the same 2 fish and 5 loaves can feed thousands.
"His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. " 2 Peter 1:3-4
Living in the divine nature allows us to experience SUPER-natural results in our lives as we may know His goodness and power. With the presence of the Holy Spirit, darkness is gone. Seek Him today for His spirit
At least part, if not all, of the challenge in dealing with the darkness in the world is that it arises from our deep seated human-minded earthly desires. When our focus is on the things of this life, this time, this place and on myself, we are stuck with human, earthly results. With this earthly, human focus, by default we are forced to live with what is natural and expect the same. In this world, 2 fish and 5 loaves maybe feeds 10 people because we know that it takes a certain amount of food to nourish us.
Conversely, when living in the light, with the Lord, with heavenly motivated desires, we can open the door to supernatural results. Here, the same 2 fish and 5 loaves can feed thousands.
"His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. " 2 Peter 1:3-4
Living in the divine nature allows us to experience SUPER-natural results in our lives as we may know His goodness and power. With the presence of the Holy Spirit, darkness is gone. Seek Him today for His spirit
Thursday, March 17, 2011
#100
Well, today is post number 100 for me here on Spiritually Inclined. I can't put into words what writing to and about God everyday has done for me emotionally, spiritually and physically. Having someone or something in my case, to hold me accountable to spend time with the Lord and really study His life and the lives of other great men and women of scripture has brought me to a new level of understanding.
Although Christ has been the same for over 2000 years, He is different to us during different phases of our life. Here's what I mean because I know I am not making sense. At times in my life He has been my comforter, helping me through troubled water, emotional pain. Other times He has been my biggest cheerleader, supporting me and lifting me up during my successes. And on other occasions He has shown me discipline as I have lost my way along the path.
So what I am getting at is that God is not a big, scary entity that does nothing but punish you when you mess up! Moreover, He is not going to rescue you everytime you need rescuing. What He will ALWAYS do for you is to love you. And what more could anyone want from another person than to be loved. Love is the greatest of all emotions, intentions, feelings, attitudes and spiritual states as it has the power to heal, the power to mend, the power to build and on and on. It is for this reason that love is the most discussed topic in the Bible.
Love is why we are all here. To learn to love one another; to learn to love God; and more importantly, to learn to love ourselves. When we prepare our hearts to fall in love with God and ourselves, we have now created the loving, nurturing environment to attract other loving people into our lives. But it starts with loving God and loving self. This I have learned first hand, and have witnessed in other peoples lives time and time again, that when they return to loving the Lord and loving themselves, life is better. Life is more fulfilling. Life is more rewarding. Life works best with love.
Thank you to all of you who have emailed and facebooked me comments. A special thanks to those who have shared stories about what an impact this blog has had on a friend or loved one. As much as I'd like to say that is why I do it, I really can't. This blog has been a selfish production from the beginning that I have simply chosen to share with the world.
I pray that you do continue to read and share, however, because the next 100 posts will be just as good or better than the first!
Life works best with love! I love and appreciate my God, Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for setting the example and showing me how love conquers all and wins every time!
Life works best with love!
Although Christ has been the same for over 2000 years, He is different to us during different phases of our life. Here's what I mean because I know I am not making sense. At times in my life He has been my comforter, helping me through troubled water, emotional pain. Other times He has been my biggest cheerleader, supporting me and lifting me up during my successes. And on other occasions He has shown me discipline as I have lost my way along the path.
So what I am getting at is that God is not a big, scary entity that does nothing but punish you when you mess up! Moreover, He is not going to rescue you everytime you need rescuing. What He will ALWAYS do for you is to love you. And what more could anyone want from another person than to be loved. Love is the greatest of all emotions, intentions, feelings, attitudes and spiritual states as it has the power to heal, the power to mend, the power to build and on and on. It is for this reason that love is the most discussed topic in the Bible.
Love is why we are all here. To learn to love one another; to learn to love God; and more importantly, to learn to love ourselves. When we prepare our hearts to fall in love with God and ourselves, we have now created the loving, nurturing environment to attract other loving people into our lives. But it starts with loving God and loving self. This I have learned first hand, and have witnessed in other peoples lives time and time again, that when they return to loving the Lord and loving themselves, life is better. Life is more fulfilling. Life is more rewarding. Life works best with love.
Thank you to all of you who have emailed and facebooked me comments. A special thanks to those who have shared stories about what an impact this blog has had on a friend or loved one. As much as I'd like to say that is why I do it, I really can't. This blog has been a selfish production from the beginning that I have simply chosen to share with the world.
I pray that you do continue to read and share, however, because the next 100 posts will be just as good or better than the first!
Life works best with love! I love and appreciate my God, Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for setting the example and showing me how love conquers all and wins every time!
Life works best with love!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
What A View
We serve an amazing God! As I look out my window this morning I see the brilliant pallate of colors across the sky that only He could create. These little things-the colors in the sky, the smell after a fresh rain, the beauty of a fresh snow-are where we are able to see God's glory and majesty in our world. He has given us a free will to make many choices, yet these things are beyond our abilities.
Science continues to develop formulas and discover compounds and particles to explain nearly everything that exists in our lives. However, for years I have stood by my belief that God doesn't live in a test tube, nor can you quantify or measure His greatness and glory. While water might be made of H2O and can be measured in ounces, milliliters and hundred other ways, there is no container that can hold God...other than the heart.
Curl your fingers into a fist and there you have the size of your heart. So many people on this earth live with their fingers clenched, holding tight to what they believe is "theirs", fearing the loss of anything. Having faith in God means filling your heart, which is as big as your fist, with God's love and living your life with your hand open, freely offering God all that you have and all that you are so that He might place into that open hand or take from it, all that He desires for you.
If the God I serve can create the beauty I am witnessing this morning, He can certainly cure the lame, raise the dead, prosper the meek, feed the hungry and heal the sick. Our God has no limits for He is the beginning and ending of all that there is. Praise Him today for His greatness and the glory that shines upon us!
Science continues to develop formulas and discover compounds and particles to explain nearly everything that exists in our lives. However, for years I have stood by my belief that God doesn't live in a test tube, nor can you quantify or measure His greatness and glory. While water might be made of H2O and can be measured in ounces, milliliters and hundred other ways, there is no container that can hold God...other than the heart.
Curl your fingers into a fist and there you have the size of your heart. So many people on this earth live with their fingers clenched, holding tight to what they believe is "theirs", fearing the loss of anything. Having faith in God means filling your heart, which is as big as your fist, with God's love and living your life with your hand open, freely offering God all that you have and all that you are so that He might place into that open hand or take from it, all that He desires for you.
If the God I serve can create the beauty I am witnessing this morning, He can certainly cure the lame, raise the dead, prosper the meek, feed the hungry and heal the sick. Our God has no limits for He is the beginning and ending of all that there is. Praise Him today for His greatness and the glory that shines upon us!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
3 Wiseguys
Set your mind on this story for the next few minutes and really, truly attempt to get in character with what I am about to share. The following is an inspired story which I was given after my daily study time in the book of Daniel.
Imagine being the CEO of ConocoPhilips Oil Company, the nation's 3rd largest oil company. You are blessed with a great job with a host of benefits. You have the fleet of corporate jets at your will, a new Mercedes every year, a large home in Texas, one in the Cayman's and another in Bamff. You have house servants that cook and clean for you. You play golf on the finest courses, drink the finest wines and wear only the finest garments. Not only do you have nice things, you have power. You are in control of a significant portion of the US's oil production. You have power in Washington, DC with the lawmakers. You get to rub elbows with all of the top professional athletes and musicians. Life is, well, exquisite.
Then, one day, the Sheik's from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the rest of that region of the world form an alliance and proudly proclaim, "We will not sell you one single barrel of oil unless you bow down and worship Allah."
One simple act and you can maintain your incredible lifestyle with all of it's perks and gratuities. Or, object and see the life as you know it taken from you instantly...
The 3 wiseguys (as I like to call them) in the book of Daniel, Shadrack, Meeshak and Abednego, were faced with a similar decision. Worship this golden idol or die a fiery death in the King's furnace. We all know they stood up for the God in Heaven and survived the fiery death. But, think about what those last few moments before they were dropped in the furnace were like inside their minds. What must they have been thinking, or praying, or screaming?
There are very few, if any, times in our lives when we are faced with decisions to follow God or pay the consequences like the 3 wiseguys were faced with. We are, however, challenged every day to follow his lead and live as he has proclaimed for us to live, without sin. And, the consequences of not doing so are exactly the same except not today, but for eternity!
I am not a learned biblical scholar but I can't help but see the symbolism in the story of the 3 wiseguys and their escape from the fiery furnace. The principle rings true throughout the Bible- only the God in Heaven can save you from the fiery eternity of Hell. Do you know Him?
Imagine being the CEO of ConocoPhilips Oil Company, the nation's 3rd largest oil company. You are blessed with a great job with a host of benefits. You have the fleet of corporate jets at your will, a new Mercedes every year, a large home in Texas, one in the Cayman's and another in Bamff. You have house servants that cook and clean for you. You play golf on the finest courses, drink the finest wines and wear only the finest garments. Not only do you have nice things, you have power. You are in control of a significant portion of the US's oil production. You have power in Washington, DC with the lawmakers. You get to rub elbows with all of the top professional athletes and musicians. Life is, well, exquisite.
Then, one day, the Sheik's from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the rest of that region of the world form an alliance and proudly proclaim, "We will not sell you one single barrel of oil unless you bow down and worship Allah."
One simple act and you can maintain your incredible lifestyle with all of it's perks and gratuities. Or, object and see the life as you know it taken from you instantly...
The 3 wiseguys (as I like to call them) in the book of Daniel, Shadrack, Meeshak and Abednego, were faced with a similar decision. Worship this golden idol or die a fiery death in the King's furnace. We all know they stood up for the God in Heaven and survived the fiery death. But, think about what those last few moments before they were dropped in the furnace were like inside their minds. What must they have been thinking, or praying, or screaming?
There are very few, if any, times in our lives when we are faced with decisions to follow God or pay the consequences like the 3 wiseguys were faced with. We are, however, challenged every day to follow his lead and live as he has proclaimed for us to live, without sin. And, the consequences of not doing so are exactly the same except not today, but for eternity!
I am not a learned biblical scholar but I can't help but see the symbolism in the story of the 3 wiseguys and their escape from the fiery furnace. The principle rings true throughout the Bible- only the God in Heaven can save you from the fiery eternity of Hell. Do you know Him?
Monday, March 14, 2011
There Is A Plan
I sat down to read my scripture verses for the day and was inspired to begin reading the book of Daniel. It had been a long time since I had looked at this book. In fact, I wasn't sure if I had ever really read the whole book. I know that I had read bits and pieces about Shadrack, Meeshack and Abednego, but studying this book is something I hadn 't done. So, I have decided to take on this challenge, the book of Daniel.
In his hometown, Daniel was set aside with a few other men of intelligence and skill to be destined as the upcoming leaders of his country. It was looking like Daniel's life was being set up to be pretty good, with a fair amount of power and wealth in his future. Then his land was seized by an opposing king, Nebuchadnezzar, and Daniel was taken away to serve a new king and a new set of God's.
I found it most amazing that with all of this turmoil and change in his life, Daniel still stood strong in his faith in the the God of heaven and did not fall for the other god's of the king. Daniel was ordered by his new ruler to eat and drink, dress, and even live a certain way, all of which were drastically in opposition to his was of living for God. Instead of conforming to his new king's wishes, Daniel used his talents and gifts from God to conform those around him. By doing so, Daniel was able to continue to serve God and see manifestations of Him in his life.
There is a plan for each of us. Daniel teaches us that no matter what our circumstance, we must continue to love and serve the Lord. By doing so, His plan will manifest in a magnificent and glorious way. We may never know what the future holds, so we must hold on to the one who knows our future. For it has been written that he will never leave us nor forsake us. Look around today, in your own life, and see the glory of the Lord at work and be thankful for the plan he has given you as it is perfect...just like you.
In his hometown, Daniel was set aside with a few other men of intelligence and skill to be destined as the upcoming leaders of his country. It was looking like Daniel's life was being set up to be pretty good, with a fair amount of power and wealth in his future. Then his land was seized by an opposing king, Nebuchadnezzar, and Daniel was taken away to serve a new king and a new set of God's.
I found it most amazing that with all of this turmoil and change in his life, Daniel still stood strong in his faith in the the God of heaven and did not fall for the other god's of the king. Daniel was ordered by his new ruler to eat and drink, dress, and even live a certain way, all of which were drastically in opposition to his was of living for God. Instead of conforming to his new king's wishes, Daniel used his talents and gifts from God to conform those around him. By doing so, Daniel was able to continue to serve God and see manifestations of Him in his life.
There is a plan for each of us. Daniel teaches us that no matter what our circumstance, we must continue to love and serve the Lord. By doing so, His plan will manifest in a magnificent and glorious way. We may never know what the future holds, so we must hold on to the one who knows our future. For it has been written that he will never leave us nor forsake us. Look around today, in your own life, and see the glory of the Lord at work and be thankful for the plan he has given you as it is perfect...just like you.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
To Serve
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in it's various forms. 1 Peter 4:10
Many years ago one of my mentors coined the phrase "Love, serve and give to others, out of your own abundance." I can remember the first time I heard this charge and how it resonated deeply in my heart. For over a decade now this has been a thought that I have returned to on a regular basis.
In many situations in life, whether it be at home, in the workplace or in the community, a foundation built on the desire to serve others has brought much joy, satisfaction and success into my life. Because of this understanding and living from this principle, I have been able to witness God at work in my life and those around me.
In a world filled with "what have you done for me lately" thinking, living with a servant's heart can be challenging and frustrating at times. The key to this principle to me is to do it out of my own abundance, or, within my own capacity.
As the scripture verse states, we have all been given great gifts and talents from God to use to serve one another. Expressing your own unique gift is not challenging in itself. The challenge is finding, even better, searching out the right opportunities to use your gifts and talents to benefit others.
It's easy to use your gifts to serve yourself because that is what comes naturally. I have yet to find a scripture verse describing or proclaiming the virtues of using your talents to make yourself and your own life better. We have come pre-programmed and, to a greater extent, programmed by society, to find our strengths and exploit them for our own good.
Jesus is the living example of operating with a heart focused on serving others. He used His gifts to changed the world, to make it a better place for all of us. He had no regard for how it would benefit Him or His family. His focus was on serving others.
Imagine how different our world might be today if each of us who loves the Lord would focus on using our talents and gifts to serve those around us with the full intention of doing so just for the sake of serving and giving and loving others?
Many years ago one of my mentors coined the phrase "Love, serve and give to others, out of your own abundance." I can remember the first time I heard this charge and how it resonated deeply in my heart. For over a decade now this has been a thought that I have returned to on a regular basis.
In many situations in life, whether it be at home, in the workplace or in the community, a foundation built on the desire to serve others has brought much joy, satisfaction and success into my life. Because of this understanding and living from this principle, I have been able to witness God at work in my life and those around me.
In a world filled with "what have you done for me lately" thinking, living with a servant's heart can be challenging and frustrating at times. The key to this principle to me is to do it out of my own abundance, or, within my own capacity.
As the scripture verse states, we have all been given great gifts and talents from God to use to serve one another. Expressing your own unique gift is not challenging in itself. The challenge is finding, even better, searching out the right opportunities to use your gifts and talents to benefit others.
It's easy to use your gifts to serve yourself because that is what comes naturally. I have yet to find a scripture verse describing or proclaiming the virtues of using your talents to make yourself and your own life better. We have come pre-programmed and, to a greater extent, programmed by society, to find our strengths and exploit them for our own good.
Jesus is the living example of operating with a heart focused on serving others. He used His gifts to changed the world, to make it a better place for all of us. He had no regard for how it would benefit Him or His family. His focus was on serving others.
Imagine how different our world might be today if each of us who loves the Lord would focus on using our talents and gifts to serve those around us with the full intention of doing so just for the sake of serving and giving and loving others?
Monday, March 7, 2011
Peter is a wise man
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 1Peter 4:1-2
There is so much good stuff in these couple of lines my mind has a difficult time even getting started. All I can think right now is "Yes, Lord, Yes!" For isn't that our continual struggle as humans- putting down the desires of the flesh to make room for the Holy Spirit? This isn't something you do one time in your life, like registering when you turn 18. This is a day to day grind, pump your fist and beat your chest type battle for all of us who follow Jesus.
For some it may be daily, for others like myself, it must be moment to moment, the checking of my attitude and human desires. There is not a single day that goes by in my life where I don't have to ask the Lord for forgiveness of my sinful desires and thoughts. Some days are better than others, of course, yet I catch myself falling back into the snare of pop culture, keep up with Jones' syndrome and Lifestyles of the Rich and Materialistic.
The enemy certainly has studied me intensely because he knows right where to start tempting me to lead me astray. Show me a picture of the 2012 Corvette or Camaro, or let me drive by a big, beautiful new home for sale and watch my gears start turning. My human brain kicks into high gear and I immediately start thinking about how I can HAVE this or that!
You know, the beauty of having a relationship with Christ is that now, at this point in my life, I recognize exactly what is going on when that happens. I don't stew for weeks or months and plan my purchase any more. I can only imagine how much of my life has been wasted with idolatry and the pursuit of THINGS.
I thank God daily, for sending His son to the cross for me so that I might have the ability to die, and yet live, for Him. Getting clear in your heart and mind with the Lord, knowing and accepting that He did die for you, is one of the most transformational "a-ha" moments you can have in your life. I continue to pray daily for the salvation of the lost souls of my friends, acquaintances and people around me. I have chosen to live for God so that He can live in me.
There is so much good stuff in these couple of lines my mind has a difficult time even getting started. All I can think right now is "Yes, Lord, Yes!" For isn't that our continual struggle as humans- putting down the desires of the flesh to make room for the Holy Spirit? This isn't something you do one time in your life, like registering when you turn 18. This is a day to day grind, pump your fist and beat your chest type battle for all of us who follow Jesus.
For some it may be daily, for others like myself, it must be moment to moment, the checking of my attitude and human desires. There is not a single day that goes by in my life where I don't have to ask the Lord for forgiveness of my sinful desires and thoughts. Some days are better than others, of course, yet I catch myself falling back into the snare of pop culture, keep up with Jones' syndrome and Lifestyles of the Rich and Materialistic.
The enemy certainly has studied me intensely because he knows right where to start tempting me to lead me astray. Show me a picture of the 2012 Corvette or Camaro, or let me drive by a big, beautiful new home for sale and watch my gears start turning. My human brain kicks into high gear and I immediately start thinking about how I can HAVE this or that!
You know, the beauty of having a relationship with Christ is that now, at this point in my life, I recognize exactly what is going on when that happens. I don't stew for weeks or months and plan my purchase any more. I can only imagine how much of my life has been wasted with idolatry and the pursuit of THINGS.
I thank God daily, for sending His son to the cross for me so that I might have the ability to die, and yet live, for Him. Getting clear in your heart and mind with the Lord, knowing and accepting that He did die for you, is one of the most transformational "a-ha" moments you can have in your life. I continue to pray daily for the salvation of the lost souls of my friends, acquaintances and people around me. I have chosen to live for God so that He can live in me.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Praise Friday
"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." John 5:25
Praise the one, almighty God, who has set me free from the chains of my past sins! Praise the one who knows my heart and loves me unconditionally! Praise Him who came to show us the way to eternal life through salvation and the sacrifice of His very own life for mine! Praise Him, who died for me, so that the Holy Spirit might be available for those of us who want and need it in our daily lives! Praise Him for His goodness and mercy, for the grace and peace He brings to our lives! Praise you Jesus, the living God, the creator of life and the great deliverer from death!
Oh Lord, we give you praise and glory today, because you are who you said you would be. We have read and listened to your word this week, oh Lord, and have built our faith deeper and broader on the strength of your mighty teachings. Grant us peace this weekend, God, so that we may rest in your presence and have the glory of your great peace and mercy upon us. Thank you, Lord, for your gift of eternal life that came by way of the ultimate sacrifice.
Praise Him today...
Praise the one, almighty God, who has set me free from the chains of my past sins! Praise the one who knows my heart and loves me unconditionally! Praise Him who came to show us the way to eternal life through salvation and the sacrifice of His very own life for mine! Praise Him, who died for me, so that the Holy Spirit might be available for those of us who want and need it in our daily lives! Praise Him for His goodness and mercy, for the grace and peace He brings to our lives! Praise you Jesus, the living God, the creator of life and the great deliverer from death!
Oh Lord, we give you praise and glory today, because you are who you said you would be. We have read and listened to your word this week, oh Lord, and have built our faith deeper and broader on the strength of your mighty teachings. Grant us peace this weekend, God, so that we may rest in your presence and have the glory of your great peace and mercy upon us. Thank you, Lord, for your gift of eternal life that came by way of the ultimate sacrifice.
Praise Him today...
Thursday, March 3, 2011
The Faith Walk
Intent, as defined by Webster is the state of a person's mind that directs his or her actions toward a specific object. To have intent also means to have purpose or meaning. When intention is present in our daily thoughts and actions, it moves us in the direction of a desired result or goal. I often talk and think about intentional parenting, that is, choosing the best words, actions and behaviors to have the greatest positive benefit for my children. On the opposite side is unintentional parenting where life with children is purely reactionary based on the immediate set of circumstances. Which one produces the best result is obvious, yet it is certainly the most difficult and challenging to live by.
The same can be true with our faith in God. Many times the level of faith we express and bring forth is dependant on the immediate situation or circumstances. Think about your level of faith and prayer and focus on God during the trials and tribulations of life. How much more time do we spend seeking His knowledge, guidance and comfort during those low times in life than when we feel as if we are on top of the world. Being able to maintain a constant, consistent level of focus on God through prayer, reading scripture and daily faith is what I refer to as intentional faith. Truly living life "in and through" faith, not merely "with" faith.
"Walk by faith, not by sight." 2Cor 5:7
This verse in and of itself is our personal directive from God on how to live with intentional faith. Being able to put aside what we see around us, what the world is telling us and what we are thinking and feeling in our human mind is the core principle of intentional faith. To be able to be in the world, but not of the world- my personal pursuit and the purpose behind my daily writings-is the result of intentional faith. Applying this principle to our family life, work routines, recreational adventures and spiritual pursuits gives our life new meaning and depth, allowing us to bear fruit that would be inaccessible without it.
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Gal 2:20
When "I" can get out of the way, and let the Holy Spirit work "in and through" me, then, then I have reached the pinnacle of intentional faith. On paper it seems so simple. Too simple. And in application, it is hard- darn hard. This is why I write and read scripture- to build my relationship with Christ and my faith in Him so that He may live in me and be made manifest in my life. Living my life with intentional faith is where I see and feel His presence in my life, and I truly love that life.
The same can be true with our faith in God. Many times the level of faith we express and bring forth is dependant on the immediate situation or circumstances. Think about your level of faith and prayer and focus on God during the trials and tribulations of life. How much more time do we spend seeking His knowledge, guidance and comfort during those low times in life than when we feel as if we are on top of the world. Being able to maintain a constant, consistent level of focus on God through prayer, reading scripture and daily faith is what I refer to as intentional faith. Truly living life "in and through" faith, not merely "with" faith.
"Walk by faith, not by sight." 2Cor 5:7
This verse in and of itself is our personal directive from God on how to live with intentional faith. Being able to put aside what we see around us, what the world is telling us and what we are thinking and feeling in our human mind is the core principle of intentional faith. To be able to be in the world, but not of the world- my personal pursuit and the purpose behind my daily writings-is the result of intentional faith. Applying this principle to our family life, work routines, recreational adventures and spiritual pursuits gives our life new meaning and depth, allowing us to bear fruit that would be inaccessible without it.
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Gal 2:20
When "I" can get out of the way, and let the Holy Spirit work "in and through" me, then, then I have reached the pinnacle of intentional faith. On paper it seems so simple. Too simple. And in application, it is hard- darn hard. This is why I write and read scripture- to build my relationship with Christ and my faith in Him so that He may live in me and be made manifest in my life. Living my life with intentional faith is where I see and feel His presence in my life, and I truly love that life.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Intentional Faith
Faith is a funny thing in that when life is sailing along with smooth waters and an abundance of sunshine, it's easy to be thankful to God and to believe that anything is possible. It's when challenge confronts me, that's when it should be easiest to have faith. But, in most cases, that's not reality. Our feeble human minds default to worry and doubt, rather than faith and confidence.
In the book of Matthew, chapter 14 is the story of Jesus feeding the masses. Jesus withdraws from the people with his disciples to regroup after the death of John the Baptist. When they arrive on shore there are thousands of people waiting for him. After healing the sicking and preaching the word, the disciples begin to worry about feeding the followers. In their moment of doubt they tell Jesus to send them away to find food since there is not enough to feed them all. Of course, Jesus thinks otherwise, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat."
Stepping back into their doubting minds and lack mentality they respond by saying they only have five loaves of bread and two fish, which to them was not nearly enough to feed all the people. In his glory, the Lord multiplies the bounty to more than enough to feed his followers.
How many times are we like the disciples and are limited in our faith and belief in the power of the Holy Spirit? I find it astonishing how many times I, too, default into doubt and lack when situations appear bleak. Rather than leaning on my faith, I will set it aside in thinking that I must provide the solution or fix the problem. When in fact, all things are possible with God for those who BELIEVE!
If Jesus can turn 5 loaves and 5 fish into a smorgasbord for thousands then certainly he can provide an answer to whatever troubles me! In times of turmoil, stress or frustration he wants nothing more than to help, to be the one I lean on and look toward for guidance and answers.
Faith in the command post is easy and almost casual, but faith on the battlefield is hard and intentional. Intentional faith provides opportunities for the glory of the Lord to shine brightly in the life of the believer. What am I keeping from the Lord? Where am I holding back in my faith for fear of failure or being let down?
Intentional faith puts Christ in the center of life where he can be the difference maker for each of us!
In the book of Matthew, chapter 14 is the story of Jesus feeding the masses. Jesus withdraws from the people with his disciples to regroup after the death of John the Baptist. When they arrive on shore there are thousands of people waiting for him. After healing the sicking and preaching the word, the disciples begin to worry about feeding the followers. In their moment of doubt they tell Jesus to send them away to find food since there is not enough to feed them all. Of course, Jesus thinks otherwise, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat."
Stepping back into their doubting minds and lack mentality they respond by saying they only have five loaves of bread and two fish, which to them was not nearly enough to feed all the people. In his glory, the Lord multiplies the bounty to more than enough to feed his followers.
How many times are we like the disciples and are limited in our faith and belief in the power of the Holy Spirit? I find it astonishing how many times I, too, default into doubt and lack when situations appear bleak. Rather than leaning on my faith, I will set it aside in thinking that I must provide the solution or fix the problem. When in fact, all things are possible with God for those who BELIEVE!
If Jesus can turn 5 loaves and 5 fish into a smorgasbord for thousands then certainly he can provide an answer to whatever troubles me! In times of turmoil, stress or frustration he wants nothing more than to help, to be the one I lean on and look toward for guidance and answers.
Faith in the command post is easy and almost casual, but faith on the battlefield is hard and intentional. Intentional faith provides opportunities for the glory of the Lord to shine brightly in the life of the believer. What am I keeping from the Lord? Where am I holding back in my faith for fear of failure or being let down?
Intentional faith puts Christ in the center of life where he can be the difference maker for each of us!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
His Grace is Enough
A near and dear friend, one of my spiritual mentors, is hurting deeply at the moment. I saw him yesterday and the first words out of his mouth were," my world is rocked." When a man of deep, strong, consistent faith shares that opening line with you, hang on, 'cause the enemy is at work.
It turns out that an estranged sister, one who eats right, exercises, never drinks or smokes, goes to church, prays daily, volunteers at the hospital, has been a foster parent for 23 years or so, has cancer in her colon, liver and lung. As a doctor, I know the gravity of this diagnosis. As a human, I feel his pain. As a Christian, I believe in miracles.
So many good people get struck down too early in life and leave us asking the unanswerable question, "Why?" I've heard many explanations as well as funeral sermons helping to shed light on this painful reality. And, honestly, there are no good ones.
I believe that, ultimately, God has a plan for each of us. He knows who we are going to touch, how we are going to impact others and when we've done enough. He will call us home to be with him in Heaven when we have completed his plan, not ours.
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. 2Cor 12:9
I tend to look at sickness, disease and illness as blessings, or opportunities for miracles. I have seen so many of them in my life that I know God is in the healing and miracle producing business. So for my friends sister, I can see her being healed. Beyond that, I see opportunities for the power of the Holy Spirit to be made manifest in people's lives. How many estranged families are brought back together because of a crisis or illness? How many lonely people are comforted by friends and family during illnesses? Don't you find it amazing how families reunite during a crisis?
There are so many pieces to this puzzle of life. We may think that the border is the best place to start because we can comprehend and understand how two pieces can make a right angle. All the while Christ sees the whole picture and is putting all sorts of pieces together here and there, creating the miracle we call life.
I believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to comfort, provide, heal and lead. I also believe Jesus in that sometimes we have to be made weak so that he can be strong. Weakness can be seen as a gift, just as an illness, disease or sickness, to provide an open environment for a miracle. It is during times of weakness that our hearts are most open to Christ, we are most receptive to the gift of the Holy Spirit and we see miracles.
My challenge is to live, daily, with weakness, so that the strength of the Holy Spirit might be made manifest in my life. I hope to live in such a manner that it doesn't require an illness or disease or disaster to open my heart and mind to Christ. I pray that my ego might die daily, that I might surrender control of my life to Christ, that in my weakness his power might prevail.
I pray for my friend, Mike, today, that the Holy Spirit would comfort him and his family in this time of concern and despair, that his heart might be touched and mind be opened to all the possibilities Christ might have available for him and his family. And lastly, I pray that the glorious healing power of the creator of the universe might touch the life of one of his faithful servants and make manifest the Glory of God through a miracle healing. I pray that, too, God's blessing would be upon this family now, and forever more, so that they might have peace.
His grace is enough...
It turns out that an estranged sister, one who eats right, exercises, never drinks or smokes, goes to church, prays daily, volunteers at the hospital, has been a foster parent for 23 years or so, has cancer in her colon, liver and lung. As a doctor, I know the gravity of this diagnosis. As a human, I feel his pain. As a Christian, I believe in miracles.
So many good people get struck down too early in life and leave us asking the unanswerable question, "Why?" I've heard many explanations as well as funeral sermons helping to shed light on this painful reality. And, honestly, there are no good ones.
I believe that, ultimately, God has a plan for each of us. He knows who we are going to touch, how we are going to impact others and when we've done enough. He will call us home to be with him in Heaven when we have completed his plan, not ours.
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. 2Cor 12:9
I tend to look at sickness, disease and illness as blessings, or opportunities for miracles. I have seen so many of them in my life that I know God is in the healing and miracle producing business. So for my friends sister, I can see her being healed. Beyond that, I see opportunities for the power of the Holy Spirit to be made manifest in people's lives. How many estranged families are brought back together because of a crisis or illness? How many lonely people are comforted by friends and family during illnesses? Don't you find it amazing how families reunite during a crisis?
There are so many pieces to this puzzle of life. We may think that the border is the best place to start because we can comprehend and understand how two pieces can make a right angle. All the while Christ sees the whole picture and is putting all sorts of pieces together here and there, creating the miracle we call life.
I believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to comfort, provide, heal and lead. I also believe Jesus in that sometimes we have to be made weak so that he can be strong. Weakness can be seen as a gift, just as an illness, disease or sickness, to provide an open environment for a miracle. It is during times of weakness that our hearts are most open to Christ, we are most receptive to the gift of the Holy Spirit and we see miracles.
My challenge is to live, daily, with weakness, so that the strength of the Holy Spirit might be made manifest in my life. I hope to live in such a manner that it doesn't require an illness or disease or disaster to open my heart and mind to Christ. I pray that my ego might die daily, that I might surrender control of my life to Christ, that in my weakness his power might prevail.
I pray for my friend, Mike, today, that the Holy Spirit would comfort him and his family in this time of concern and despair, that his heart might be touched and mind be opened to all the possibilities Christ might have available for him and his family. And lastly, I pray that the glorious healing power of the creator of the universe might touch the life of one of his faithful servants and make manifest the Glory of God through a miracle healing. I pray that, too, God's blessing would be upon this family now, and forever more, so that they might have peace.
His grace is enough...
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