Archive - February 2008
February 22, 2008
James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
Every one of us faces situations in life that stretch us and require us to rethink our faith or our perspective. We are bombarded with ideas and ideologies that promote change; some are good, some are great, some are hype. The massive influence of media and the ocean of information surrounding us through the internet have placed us in a culture of blurred messages. Who is right? Who is pushing the envelope too far? We need to have discernment and go to the only One who knows the truth in all its purity and passion. We need God.
I encourage you to not eat everything on your "informational" plate. Check every word and every attitude against God's Word and God's heart. And above all - ASK God to show you the good and perfect way. It's an amazing reality - He gives a "generous" amount of wisdom to anyone who humbly asks for it. Godly Wisdom and understanding are the keys to living in the middle of this digital, immeasureable information age. Cut through the hype with the Sword - God's Word. Proverbs 4:8 Prize Wisdom highly and exalt her, and she will exalt and promote you; she will bring you to honor when you embrace her.
February 15, 2008
Daniel 12:3
And the teachers and those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness (to uprightness and right standing with God) [shall give forth light] like the stars forever and ever.
When I was a kid I had dreams of becoming a movie or singing star. I looked at famous people in magazines and on TV and thought - wow, I want to be just like them. Of course, I grew up and realized that many of those individuals have an airbrushed public image, while their real lives are a mess. Yet, there is still that kid in me that longs to be special. God has a plan to take everyday people and make them stars; very valuable stars; not for their glory but to provide a light in the darkness.
Every day people are looking for a glimmer of hope - some sign of God's existence. You are a testimony of God's goodness. Shake off everything that would hinder you from reflecting the greatness of God. Do this with focus and purpose. This isn't a matter of just putting on a bubbly attitude - an atheist could pull that off. This involves something deeper. Let your joy have the firm foundation of wisdom - the world doesn't just want a smile they want an answer.
Be inspired today to fill up on the wisdom of God. It does make a difference. Be enthused in all that He has taught you and give it away those around you. This is the way to be a star in our generation.
February 13, 2008
Proverbs 23:12
Apply your mind to instruction and correction and your ears to words of knowledge.
Yesterday as I was having a quiet moment with God I thought of women and their potential to do great things for the Kingdom of God. I also thought about the common weaknesses in women that prevent them from realizing His purpose. Women have been known to be nags, gossips, and whiners. Most of our weaknesses are related to a lack of understanding and discipline regarding the use of our tongue. Women were created to proclaim words of power and hope to humanity. With that in mind, I asked the Lord - How can I stay free from these common temptations. This was His response to me.
The key is to live an active life with focused purpose. Not just physically active but mentally engaged in our life mandate. He reminded me that often those who are tempted to gossip are spending excessive time on the phone, at coffee - just inactive without an underlying sense of purpose to direct them. He also reminded me of a verse I had memorized years ago:
Proverbs 31:27 She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self pity) she will not eat.
In order for us to fulfill our destiny we must purpose to live with excellence in our private lives, especially regarding our speech. I hope you are inspired today to live transparent before God . Do not condone sin, neither let it condemn you. If necessary repent - love what is good and live by it. Gossip dismembers the body of Christ - it separates close friends (Proverbs 16:28) . I encourage you to live a life of love so that God can use you as His representative.
February 2, 2008
Hebrews 12:2
Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith and is also it’s Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]....
As a kid I was always amazed by people who could juggle. Totally impressed by their skill I would go home and try my hand at keeping multiple balls flying around with the same finesse I witnessed in those juggling giants. I never did conquer more than two balls at a time. Now thirty years later, I find I'm still juggling; though now instead of balls I'm rotating responsibilities. It's still a learned skill and I haven't perfected it yet but I am constantly studying to improve in time and resource management.
I have found as an adult what perhaps I missed as a kid - the skill of focus. Mysteriously, I perform much better in every department of my life when I am focused on Christ. He reminds me each morning that all I need for the day is found in Him. He creates peace in life and provides a strong foundation to stand on. He establishes a sense of calm that opens up my life to His wisdom - He leads me to trust Him. The result is I am able to weed out unnecessary time wasters, and I live free from worry.
If you're finding the "juggle" to be overwhelming - or maybe you just want to grow in effectiveness; look no further than Jesus.
