Discipline & Love

Hebrews 12:7-9 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live!

LOVE. Love is willing the best for another. When we love someone we desire what is best for them. What is best for them – the greatest good – may not always be what is enjoyable. As parents, guardians, and those who care for children, we understand that we often have to discipline our children, much to their dismay. But in this letter to the Hebrew believers, the author is them to endure the hardships they go through as they would the loving discipline of a loving father.

How do we do that? We receive it without resentment, understanding that although it hurts, it is not an act of retaliation or abuse. Rather, it is designed to help guide us, to build in us the character God desires, to teach us, to prepare us for the next things to come in our lives….

Endure hardship as loving discipline from the Father and live!

Always Believe

Lesson or Example?

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Ephesians 1:3 How we praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we belong to Christ.

What would you trade for God’s blessings? What do you desire strong enough to forfeit the plans that God has for you? When asked directly like this, those of us who follow Christ would likely say, “Nothing! I wouldn’t trade His blessings for anything!”

In Genesis 25, we read the story of twin brothers Jacob and Esau. Although twins, Esau was birthed before Jacob so he was considered to be the older of the two. In these times, it was the birthright of the older son to receive twice as much of his father’s estate than the younger brother received. In a moment of extreme hunger, Esau foolishly traded his birthright for a bowl of soup. Jacob now, by Esau’s vow, was to receive the blessing of the firstborn. And that is exactly what happened. In Genesis 27, we see where Jacob and his mother Rebekah conspired to trick a very ill Isaac into pronouncing upon Jacob the blessing of the firstborn.

This was Isaac’s blessing - this is what Esau gave up so that he could have a bowl of soup: “May God always give you plenty of dew for healthy crops and good harvests of grain and wine.  May many nations become your servants. May you be the master of your brothers. May all your mother's sons bow low before you. All who curse you are cursed, and all who bless you are blessed.”

And who knows what else Esau would have enjoyed! But we know that he walked away from that event with hatred and murder in his heart. That was the worst bowl of soup ever!

In an interesting parallel, we see Jesus coming out of 40 days of fasting and prayer in the wilderness (see Matthew 4). He was hungry! Esau was hungry after one day out hunting and declared that he was starving! But Christ had not eaten for 40 days when the devil came to Him with a challenge and a proposal: “If you are the Son of God, change these stones into loaves of bread.” Jesus, in response, said, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” So what was the difference between Esau and Jesus when they were both in this vulnerable state? Esau was led by his flesh…his stomach. Esau did not regard his destined position and calling as more important than satisfying his flesh. Jesus, on the other hand, although quite hungry, did not lose sight of his position and calling. He regarded what He was here to do as more important than satisfying His flesh in that moment.

Like Jesus (and Esau), we each have a calling. God has a purpose for each of our lives. We must be careful that we are not forfeiting God’s eternal plans in order to satisfy temporary desires.

Would you take a moment to ask the Lord to show you if there are areas where you are forfeiting His plans for you? I believe that if you ask, He will show you. Then, like Jesus, respond to the temptations of the devil with the Word of God. Seek out scriptures that apply directly to your circumstances, memorize them, and speak them out loud on a daily basis. The devil is a strong adversary but he is not stronger than God. Use the weapon of God’s Word to fight and stand strong.

Esau served as a lesson to us of what not to do when we find ourselves in a vulnerable position and Christ served as an example of what we should do.  How about you? Will you serve as a lesson to those around you or will you be an example?

Please Pass the Gravy

1 Corinthians 12:28 - And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues.

Romans 12:6-8 - We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

1 Corinthians 12:7-10 - Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.

God, through His Spirit has given gifts to His children. It is clear from the Romans 12 passage that we are to use these gifts for edification of one another. When we do this, God is glorified. But I want us to understand a subtle nuance of this idea of receiving spiritual gifts. We often speak of “using” our spiritual gifts (as I just did). I’d like us to adjust our thinking to “giving” our spiritual gifts. Because the gift that has been imparted to us is not ours to possess and use; it is God’s gift for us to steward and give to His intended recipient.

It is God’s desire that we would all receive the blessings that come from prophecy, faith, healing, teaching, etc. So, the person in whom God plants the gift must understand that God has not given this gift to the person who possesses it; rather the person who possesses the gift is merely a conduit by which the Lord is able to give this gift to the world. I liken it unto gravy: Imagine you are sitting at the Thanksgiving dinner table and your aunt who is on your right, asks your uncle, who is on your left, to please pass the gravy. What does your uncle do? He passes the gravy to you and you pass it to your aunt. Your aunt may say “thank you” to you, but the gravy came from your uncle. He had it and used you to give it to your aunt.

Now this is a metaphor that can break down at different levels but you get what I’m trying to say, right? The gift that you hold has not been given to you for you to just hold onto; it has been given to you to pass on to others. God wants you to “do something” with that gift! It is His desire to give great gifts to man through you. Make sense?

Matthew 25:14-30 (excerpts) - Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’ His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’ [His master replied as before] Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’ His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant…!’

As Christians, it is not an option to hold back the gifts that God wants to give to the world through us! We are to give these gifts in order to help our brothers and sister in the faith to deepen in their relationship with the Lord and we are instrumental in multiplying the kingdom. Matthew Henry puts it this way: It is the real Christian's liberty and privilege to be employed as his Redeemer's servant, in promoting his glory, and the good of his people: the love of Christ constrains him to live no longer to himself, but to Him that died for him, and rose again.

So, that gift you have, GIVE IT! I need what the Lord wants to give to me through you. Your family, your co-workers, your classmates, and all those within your sphere of influence need you to impart God’s gifts to them. Please don’t keep it to yourself; boldly and generously give God’s gifts to the world around you.

Choosing CONFIDENCE

Romans 12:3 - For I say to every man that is among you, through the grace given unto me, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Sometimes we are very arrogant. We think that we are truly “the bee’s knees” – meaning we are simply exceptional creatures. We believe our value far exceeds that of other human beings. We lack humility. We lack graciousness. We are hard-headed and unteachable.

Well, Paul wrote these words to the believers in Rome in the context of encouraging them to present their bodies as living sacrifices to God and to not get caught up in pagan practices and mindset of this world. After those words of wisdom, he says that they ought to be careful about how highly they think of themselves. They need to remember that their value comes from the fact that they are designed by God; not from any earthly criteria.

But in keeping with the fact that we are God’s design, let’s examine the following scriptures:

Psalm 139:13&14 - For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Romans 8:29&30 - For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

So we truly are exceptional creatures of exceptional value! It’s just that the value is not in and of ourselves; it comes from God who loves us with an unconditional love and has designed us in His image. In our humanity we are flawed but in Him, we are perfect. Our confidence can only truly come from knowing who we are in God – fearfully and wonderfully made.

My prayer today is that you would humble yourself before God, believe what He says about you, and (with graciousness and reverence for your Creator) choose CONFIDENCE.

Choosing FUN

Ecclesiastes 3:1&4 - For everything there is a season…a time to laugh…a time to dance…

Ecclesiastes 8:15 - And I commend joy, for man has no good thing under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.

Wait a minute! In Luke 12, Jesus quoted these words from Ecc 8 in a rebuke to those who are greedy, who store up riches, and then take on this mentality. But some understanding is needed. Of Ecc 8:15 Matthew Henry says this: Solomon commended joy, and holy security of mind, arising from confidence in God, because a man has no better thing under the sun, though a good man has much better things above the sun, than soberly and thankfully to use the things of this life according to his rank.

Henry clarifies that Solomon is saying that we can eat, drink, and be joyful in God – soberly and thankfully using what He has given us to have fun and balance out the tumultuous days of our life on this earth. But Jesus had to clarify for the New Testament believers that this was not to be misconstrued as license to pursue and hoard riches while turning your back on the Giver of those riches. In Luke, Jesus is recorded as saying, “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

We should freely and fully enjoy all of the fun people, events, and things that the Lord allows into our life. These are gifts from our Father! But Jesus put it very plainly, as recorded in both Matthew and Mark, when He asked the rhetorical question, “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” So as you flow through this life, and especially when things get tough, press in to God – nurture your relationship with Him. Lean on Him for wisdom and guidance. Serve Him joyfully and revel in the abundant life that He’s given. And don’t forget to have FUN!

My prayer today is that you would enjoy the great things that the Lord has given to you on this earth and (although life gets tough sometimes) choose FUN.

Everythong to Me

My future and my history.

My freedom and my liberty.

My strength my joy,

My life my peace.

Oh Lord, you’re…

Everything to me.

 

My flame, my light,

My lamp, my heat.

Brighten my path to guide my feet.

Anoint my head and fill my cup.

Oh Lord, You’re…

Everything to me.

 

Everything to me.                                 

Everything to me.

Everything to me.

Everything to me.

 

When I felt lost and alone You came and

changed my story.

On the pages of my life You have

revealed Your glory.

Lord, You’re…

Everything to me.

 

My start, my now,

My close, my end.

The Lover of my soul, my Friend.

Oh Lord, You are my everything.

My Father God…My Lord and King.

 

You heal and cause life to increase.

You are the cure for my disease.

My purpose and my destiny.

Oh Lord, You’re…

Everything to me.

- Fred Hammond

Choosing Contentment

Hebrews 13:5 - Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

There are numerous verses that talk about contentment and related topics like peace, trust, humility, and righteousness. But I wanted us to look at this verse in Hebrews because the author of this passage sets a contrast between love of money and contentment. And then he clarifies that contentment comes from the understanding that we have Christ, Who will never leave nor forsake us. Our contentment is found in embracing the truth that our Savior, Redeemer, Friend, Helper, Defender, Provider, Lord, and Comforter is always with us and that He will never turn His back on us.

We are to be content in what we have: Christ. Why? Because He loves us so much, that He gave His life for us. So we know that if He is willing to give His life, there is no way that He would withhold any lesser thing from us. The author contrasts the love of money with contentment in Christ because our tendency is to pursue money as the source to obtain all we need in this world. And because we can use money to obtain things, we have a tendency to love it and pursue it relentlessly. But this passage tells us to be content in having Christ. We need to love Him and pursue Him relentlessly.

Further, we learn this:

You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him. (Matt 7:9-11)

We can actually be content and anxiety-free when we trust in the Father who loves us so much that He did not withhold His own Son, but allowed Him to die in our place so that we might be reconciled to Him. He is the one who will not withhold from us the good gifts that we need.

It can be challenging be anxiety-free in this world, but we can do it through Christ Who strengthens us, so…

My prayer today is that you choose CONTENTMENT.

Choosing Smiling

Smiling?!?! YES! Here’s some random facts picked up from various online resources:

A Smile Makes You Look Successful - "A smile conveys confidence and professionalism," says Lily T. Garcia, DDS, DDS, MS, FACP, president of the American College of Prosthodontists.

Believe it or not, forcing yourself to smile can actually make you happier. - Researchers measured [student] brain activity while the students followed instructions to smile using the muscles in their cheeks and around their mouths. Whether the students smiled spontaneously or on purpose, the activity in their brains was virtually the same. They felt happy.

Here are 13 more reasons to smile:

Lower Heart Rate

Reduce Stress

Increase Productivity

Encourage Trust

Produce Empathy

Avoid Regret (We smile to avoid feeling bad for not smiling.)

Kill Pain

Increase Productivity

Contagious

Build Attraction

Earn Success

Look Younger

Longevity

Boost Immune System

"When someone has a big smile, it shows they’re willing to open up and expose a part of themselves," says Pamela McClain, DDS, president of the American Academy of Periodontology. Over the long term, smiling can benefit your health, perception at work, social life, and romantic status. 

God’s word says:

Proverbs 17:22 A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.

My prayer today is that (regardless of any difficult circumstances you are facing) you would choose to SMILE.

References:

http://www.webmd.com/beauty/lips-smile/smile-personality

www.sunwarrior.com/news/15-health-benefits-of-smiling/#sthash.LMci0mPf.dpuf

Choosing Friendship

A couple of days ago we talked about the benefits of laughter. I started to think about the many things we can choose in life, that bring great benefits. Free things! So over the next few days, we will explore some of those things. These won’t be lengthy devotionals, just light and breezy and (hopefully) encouraging. Today let’s talk FRIENDSHIP.

Great friendships are among my top 5 must-haves in life. My life is so much better because of the awesome men and women that the Lord has brought into my life. These friends have encourage me, walked with me through great tragedy, celebrated accomplishments and victories, cried when I cried, laughed when I laughed, partnered with me in important endeavors and silly shenanigans, and just loved me endlessly. Friendship is one of those things that, if you invest wisely, the return is off the charts!

This is some of what the word says about friendships:

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Romans 12:10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12a Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.

My prayer today is that you would choose (deep, transparent, fun, loving, giving, enduring, strong, and supportive) FRIENDHIPS.

Solitude & Silence: A Spiritual Discipline

Many of us are very intentional about practicing the spiritual disciplines. We will likely look at some of those very soon here on our blog and on FB our Facebook page. Meanwhile, in the wake of an intense two weeks, my heart and mind are keenly aware of my need for rest. And, in a beautiful coincidence, the Lord also recognizes my need! So today I am sharing the insight of Dallas Willard, a philosopher and religious teacher whom I greatly respect, on the spiritual discipline of solitude and silence....




Solitude and silence are primary means for correcting the distortions of our embodied social existence. Our good ideas and intentions are practically helpless in the face of what our body in the social context is poised to do automatically. Jesus of course understood all this very well. Thus he knew that Peter's declarations that he would not deny him were irrelevant to what he would actually do in the moment of trial. And in fact the social setting and Peter's deeply ingrained habits moved him to deny Jesus three times, one right after the other, even though he had been warned most clearly of what was going to happen.
The "wrung" habits of mind, feeling and body are keyed so closely and so routinely to the social setting that being alone and being quiet for lengthy periods of time are, for most people, the only way they can take the body and soul out of the circuits of sin and allow them to find a new habitual orientation in the Kingdom of the Heavens. Choosing to do this and learning how to do it effectively is a basic part of what we can do to enable us to do what we cannot do by direct effort, even with the assistance of grace.
Indeed, solitude and silence are powerful means to grace. Bible study, prayer and church attendance, among the most commonly prescribed activities in Christian circles, generally have little effect for soul transformation, as is obvious to any observer. If all the people doing them were transformed to health and righteousness by it, the world would be vastly changed. Their failure to bring about the change is precisely because the body and soul are so exhausted, fragmented and conflicted that the prescribed activities cannot be appropriately engaged, and by and large degenerate into legalistic and ineffectual rituals. Lengthy solitude and silence, including rest, can make them very powerful.
But we must choose these disciplines. God will, generally speaking, not compete for our attention. If we will not withdraw from the things that obsess and exhaust us into solitude and silence, he will usually leave us to our own devices. He calls us to "be still and know." To the soul disciplined to wait quietly before him, to lavish time upon this practice, he will make himself known in ways that will redirect our every thought, feeling and choice. The body itself will enter a different world of rest and strength. And the effects of solitude and silence will reverberate through the social settings where one finds oneself.






http://www.dwillard.org/articles/artview.asp?artID=57

Happy Monday!

Have You Laughed Today? :-)

J

A cheerful heart is good medicine. (Proverbs 17:22)

Laughter is one of the best medicines a person can take. It’s free, has no negative side effects, and it improves your health physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Don Colbert, MD, offers this eye-opening insight on the power of laughter:

“In one researcher’s words, laughter is like ‘internal jogging’. As with aerobic exercise, laughter temporarily accelerates the heart rate, increases blood pressure and breathing, enlarges circulation and enhances the flow of oxygen in and out of the body. A hearty belly laugh also exercises the upper torso, lungs, heart, shoulders, arms, abdomen, diaphragm and legs. …Ten belly laughs are roughly equivalent to thirty minutes of aerobic exercise.

…Laughter actually boosts the immune system and reduces harmful stress hormones in the body. In one study, there were sixteen men who watched a funny video that brought about much laughter. After a good belly laugh, the stress hormone levels of cortisol in these men decreased 39 percent and adrenaline levels fell 70 percent. At the same time, the ‘feel-good’ hormone endorphin rose 27 percent and the growth hormone (also known as the ‘youth hormone’) levels shot up 87 percent.”

God declares in Ecclesiastes 3:4 that there is a time to laugh. In Proverbs, He says, “A happy heart makes the face cheerful” and “he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances]” (15:13 NIV, 15:15 AMP). Indeed, a merry heart is good medicine!

 

Excerpt from Relentless – John Bevere

"Doubting Thomas"

I was doing some research on the patriarchs of our faith and ran across the following information regarding the death of the apostle we refer to as “Doubting Thomas”. It is believed that Thomas was thrust through with pine spears, tormented with red-hot plates, and burned alive because of his faith! He refused to deny Christ and, as a result, this is how he was martyred.

Why in the world do we still refer to this warrior of the faith as “Doubting Thomas”?!?!? Yes, he wanted proof that Christ had risen...we all know the scripture:

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” John 20:24-28

Thomas saw, and believed! Christ was compassionate enough to give Thomas this beautiful opportunity and Thomas went on to be a relentless believer!

How about you? Do you have a “shady” past that people love to bring up? Maybe you were a gang member, a prostitute, a drug dealer, an abusive spouse???? But the Lord got a hold of you and now you’ve turned your life over to Christ. Now you are a faithful Christ-follower. He has redeemed you. He has died for your sins…past, present, and future. HALLELUJAH! Someone wise once said that “the ground is level at the foot of the cross”, meaning that all sins are equally evil and we deserve to die for them. But mercifully, on that cross our Precious Savior Jesus gave His life in our place. This means that regardless of our past, if we have accepted Jesus as our Savior, we are forgiven and..

There is, therefore, now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)

Further…

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

You are new. You are not the old labels that people have stuck you with. You are a new creation! Believe what the Lord says about you and reject any message that is contrary to His word! He loves you and He is so delighted that you have accepted Him and…

…as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12)

REJOICE! And be free in Him.

I Want to Know Him Better!

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.  (Ephesians 1:17)

Your Gift Will Make Room for You - Dr. Myles Munroe

How is the fulfillment of vision meant to work in practical terms? Proverbs 18:16 is a powerful statement that reveals the answer: "A man's gift makes room for him" (NKJV). What you were designed to be known for is your gift.
God has put a gift or talent in every person that the world will make room for.

It is this gift that will enable you to fulfill your vision.

It will make a way for you in life. It is in exercising this gift that you will find real fulfillment, purpose, and contentment in your work.

It is interesting to note that the Bible does not say that a man's education makes room for him, but that his gift does.

Somehow we have swallowed the idea that education is the key to success. Our families and societies have reinforced this idea to us, but we will have to change our perspective if we are to be truly successful.

Education is not the key to success.

Don't misunderstand me. I believe in education. However, if education were the key to success, then everyone who has a Ph.D. would be financially secure and happy.

If you are intelligent but are not exercising your gift, you're probably going to be poor. If you're educated but have not developed your talent, you're likely going to be depressed, frustrated, and tired.

You will hate going to work on Monday mornings.

Education, in itself, doesn't guarantee anything.

It is your gift that is the key to your success.

The second part of Proverbs 18:16 says, "A man's gift…brings him before great men" (NKJV). You don't realize that the gift you're sitting on is loaded.

The world won't move over for you just because you're smart.

However, when you exercise your gift, not only will the world make room for you, but it will also pay you for it.

Anyone - yourself included - who discovers his or her gift and develops it will become a commodity.

If you're a young person in high school or college who is planning your career, don't do what people say will make you a lot of money. Do what you were born to do, because that is where you will make your money. No matter how big the world is, there's a place for you in it when you discover and manifest your gift.

Alexander Graham Bell believed that sound could be converted into electrical impulses and transmitted by wire.

No one remembers those who thought he was crazy.

We remember only the man who had the vision and created the telephone.

If you do things in a halfway manner, you can always find a job somewhere. Yet if you do just enough to get by, you are going to remain simply an employee.

However, if you decide that you're going to find something that is truly yours, then you will fulfill your vision, and you will be remembered by others.

Curling

A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great. (Proverbs 18:16 NIV)

I love the way that the NIV translation communicates this passage. You, who are gifted, will be invited into the presence of greatness because of the gift that you give. The desire for your gift will open doors and you will not have to stress and strain to get there.

Are you familiar with the sport of Curling? You’ve probably seen it during the winter Olympics. In Curling, the competitors slide polished stones down an iced path to a target. On a curling team, there are at least three team members. The Curler pushes the stone and the two Sweepers have brooms. The Sweepers brush the ice that is in the path of the stone to shape the ice and influence the movement of the stone so that it goes exactly where they want it to go - on target.

In the same way, the Holy Spirit designs the path for your gift to be given to the right people, at the right time, and in exactly the right place – right on target. Further, from this scripture we learn that your gift will be given among the great! So remember, the gifts that the Father has given to you are not for you to hold onto and just be proud that you have; they are to be given. Rely on the Lord to direct your path so that you may minister to those He desires for you to minister to. Don’t hold back! Don’t fear! Be bold and follow the path that the Holy Spirit designs for you.

Restoration

If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him—work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you’ve made a friend. If he won’t listen, take one or two others along so that the presence of witnesses will keep things honest, and try again. If he still won’t listen, tell the church. If he won’t listen to the church, you’ll have to start over from scratch, confront him with the need for repentance, and offer again God’s forgiving love. (Matthew 18:15-17 MSG)

The Lord has put Christians in a wonderful relationship where, by His Spirit, we are to live in relational community with one another. In this relationship, we are charged with the privilege and responsibility to be our “brother’s keeper”. This does not mean that we attempt to play the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of our brothers and sisters; rather, this means that we are to be in such a relationship that we are willing to lovingly give and receive wise counsel. And further, as this scripture indicates, we are to be mindful of what is going on with our brothers and sisters, to the point that we seek to restore them to right relationship with the Lord and ourselves if a sin has occurred.

So let’s look at this practically. Bill’s car is in the shop for a couple of weeks and Carl loans him an extra car that he has. Bill drives the car for two weeks and when he returns it to Carl, the car is dirty, there’s a tear in one of the seats, there’s a minor scratch on the driver’s door, and the tank is near empty. Without a word, besides “thank you”, Bill returns the car to Carl. The next day, when Carl goes out to move the car, he sees all of the problems that have occurred while Bill drove the car. Rather than being mad and either hostile or passive, Carl’s choice is to talk with Bill, to find out what’s going on with him, and to try to get everything resolved.

This is a very minor issue but the point is that as Christians, we need to concern ourselves with the well-being and spiritual state of our brothers and sisters more so than being concerned with justice for ourselves. In the case of Bill and Carl, there is reason for concern and Carl should talk with Bill about what’s going on in his life and heart.

Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?" "I don't know," he replied. "Am I my brother's keeper?" (Genesis 4:9)

Matthew Henry: “When a person is unconcerned in the affairs of others and takes no care when they have opportunity to prevent hurt--especially in their souls,--that person in effect speaks Cain’s language.”

One of the greatest commands, Jesus told us, is to love our neighbor as we love ourselves (Mark 12:31). Because of this, we need to lovingly tend to one another and be a restorative factor in each other’s lives.

A Man's Gift...

A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men. (Proverbs 18:16)

We’ll look further at this verse on Monday and Tuesday. For now, just meditate on it. Stay tuned…

Favor

For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield. Psalm 5:12

Favor. In America, this English word generally describes when someone does something for us, especially if it is some undeserved nicety. It can also describe our preference for one thing over another. In the Hebrew, this particular word translated “favor” denotes delight and acceptability, desire and good pleasure. This scripture is telling us that the Lord will bless the righteous and that it is His delight…His good pleasure…His desire to surround the righteous with His favor as a shield. He is protecting us from the enemy, by His favor. Amazing!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. (Ephesians 6:3-6)

We are made righteous, we are blessed, we are chosen, we are loved. We are favored by God…surrounded by it, in fact! His favor protects us from the plans of the enemy and makes way for all of those wonderful things that God has planned for us: His dear children. God’s favor is priceless. Praise Him for it!!!!

A Quick Word From my Dear Brother Hector

Self will always be the issue in our lives, we've put self 1st in everything: Relationships, Life, Careers and it has never worked out. The World's Philosophy says to Love Self, but the WORD of GOD tells us otherwise. LOVE GOD 1st, Others 2nd & SELF 3rd and the rest follows. This is the key to a Fulfilled and Free Life. "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." -- Paul The Apostle .........

8 Ways to be a Bad Friend by Pastor Van Moody

By now, you all know how important I believe it is that we each pursue and cultivate deep, transparent, honest, and vulnerable relationships. Pastor Van Moody has put together his thoughts regarding this matter and I found it interesting, so I thought I’d share....

A few tips for those looking to waste their relationships.

The phrase "bad friend" is kind of strange. Friends are supposed to be good things and yet, almost all of us can think of a few (or maybe more than a few) friends who haven't been very "good friends."

And plenty of us have been that sort of friend as well.

The reason is simple: friendships can be tough.

Although relationships are a fundamental part of the human experience, our dealings with friends, family members, significant others, co-workers and superiors are often riddled with strife. Difficult personal and workplace relationships are far more than a nuisance. They can cause anxiety, burnout, clinical depression and even physical illness.

The bottom line is this: the right relationships can propel you to great heights of achievement; the wrong ones will tether you to mediocrity. With this in mind, it’s essential to evaluate connections intelligently: What makes a bad friendship?

Hide

While secret identities might be fun in the movies, a person who harbors secrets and hides their fears and beliefs from others will never be able to enjoy an authentic relationship. Being real with others and even making yourself vulnerable from time to time can foster tremendous emotional connections—including all-important trust—and forge unbreakable bonds.

Tweak the Truth

Studies show that 10-30 percent of applicants admit to “tweaking” their resumes—and that’s no way to start an engagement with a new employer. The same can be true in friendships and other relationships—we present ourselves as we want to be seen instead of as we are. But lying—even small white lies—will do nothing but undermine any relationship. Even slightly altering the truth is one of the most destructive forces that can permanently damage a friendship.

Try to be Close to Everyone

The people in your life right now are setting the course for next week, month, year and possibly the rest of your life. Accordingly, there must be a qualification and selection process for friends and others you choose to surround yourself with. Blocking the wrong people from your life is the only way to make room for the right people who help you achieve your dreams, enrich your lives, and create satisfying life experience.

Rush In and Miss the Red Flags

Understand that any relationship is a journey with changes in direction, twists and turns and roadblocks along the way. It’s imperative to pass through certain experiences and navigate through difficulties to learn from these situations and create a healthy outcome. Resist the desire to take shortcuts or race through certain aspects of a friendship. Even if it is painful or boring, embrace it, knowing that it offers a healthy purpose for the big picture of a relationship.

Repeat the Past

The past should not define a person, and there is no reason to keep looking back. While previous events and actions might be a life lesson, the nature of every journey is to move forward. Don’t repeat those actions that did not produce the intended results; instead, focus on new choices that will affect a better outcome.

Be a Taker

All relationships involve give and take, so it's important to recognize when a friendship could use more of a giving spirit. When we think about what we can do for others instead of what they can do for us, we get to the very heart of healthy, successful interactions. In a strong friendship, both people willingly give, far more than they take.

Stay in an Unhealthy Relationship

Unfortunately, sometimes we make a poor choice and enter into relationships that will never be healthy no matter what actions are taken. We need to know when and how to end a toxic relationship. If someone is not able to accept a change in the status or direction, is not loyal and stable under pressure or in the face of challenge, or had once been dependable but now is unreliable, these are strong clues that the relationship may not be worth saving. Don’t let feelings of misplaced guilt or sympathy get in the way of making good personal choices.

Forget Who and What Really Matters

The most valuable people in life aren’t always the most visible. People of true value bring fulfillment, not frustration. All too often, those taken for granted or overlooked are the ones that silently help us achieve goals, provide encouragement or offer important insights and connections.
 

There are no neutral relationships; each one lifts you up or weighs you down. Only by learning which is which and how to turn the tide on those that are negative—can you then take the appropriate action. Not to be taken lightly, these actions and decisions can make the difference between a great, happy life or one that is riddled with disappointment, failure and regret.

 

Read more at http://www.relevantmagazine.com/life/8-ways-be-bad-friend#QeHdOuvtmo8tjKBr.99

God Tends to us in our Trials

My plea:

Father, my heart is hurting and I am disappointed. I have been seeking something from You for a while and thus far, You have not given it. It seems like it is within Your will but Your timing is different from mine so I don’t know if that is a “no” or a “wait”. Father, as I await the final word from You, will You please tend to my heart? I am hurting and in need of care.

His response:

“He will feed His flock like a shepherd: He will gather the lambs in His arm, He will carry them in His bosom and will gently lead those that have their young.” Isaiah 40:11

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

“Can a woman forget her nursing child and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you [says the Lord].” Isaiah 49:15

“Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.” Psalm 103:13-14

Every Word of God

Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Proverbs 30:5

Thank You Lord!

Gratefulness

“Give us our food for today” Matthew 6:11

I like this translation of this portion of the prayer we call “The Lord’s Prayer” because it reminds me that I ought to be coming to God on a daily basis to seek His provision.  This is the way I recognize and honor Him as the source of everything I need in my life. I need not trust in anyone or anything more than Him. So daily I come to Him and daily I am given the opportunity to recognize His provision and favor and to be grateful.

I am prone to worry about the future. “Will this or that happen? What about that other thing? If I go over here, will things work out like I plan? Or should I go over there instead?” I don’t just wonder and plan;I often worry. And worry about the future is the number one killer of present day gratefulness. When I’m steeped in worry about the future, I forget to enjoy and appreciate the wonderful provision of today. As a matter of fact, because I’m so focused on the future, I may even believe the lie that God is not fulfilling His word right now!

Gratefulness and thanksgiving, praise and worship, honor and reverence are easy to give to my Father when I recognize today that He gave me what I needed today. Maybe no more…but certainly no less. Thank You Father.