“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV
http://bible.com/111/2co.9.8.niv
I have everything I need.
Can you say that?
I can truly say I have been blessed abundantly. Sure some of those blessings are "things" of life. I really have way more than I really need. In actuality, as Stephanie and I near retirement, we are preparing for a major downsize. If you've ever seen the tiny house revolution, we are heading that way. We want to become full time RVers. Even being able to think about it is a blessing. People look at us like we are crazy. Simplifying my life is a serious goal. Focusing on God instead of wealth, materialism, and me, that is my goal.
These verses don't mean "If I'm good enough God will give me all I want!" It's through our blessings that we serve others, not ourselves. Downsizing doesn't make me a better Christian. If in abundance or without, I serve others, then I will be blessed. The more I enjoy serving the less I want and the more satisfied I am. As my focus turns to others, the more I start to see the true blessings beyond the "stuff" of my life.
God has always provided everything I need. He has blessed me through a grace I will never truly understand. The more I am blessed the more I want to share my blessings with others. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Friday, January 27, 2017
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Who I look up to!
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”—John 14:16
I had such a fun time last night. It was officially "boys night out". It started with pizza king and ended with an hour at the shooting range with 7 men I have great respect for. I love these guys. We are friends, coworkers, and brothers. I trust them deeply and value there opinions on God, life, and work. When I need advice I know I can count on them and we look at life the same way. It is great to have people in your life you can look up to, laugh with, and escape with. I am blessed.
When God sent the Holy Spirit his intent was to send a friend, a Godly leader that would be like these men in my life. We are not left alone to solve life's problems. We are not alone to fight our battles and we are not alone through our suffering.
We need to rely upon our earthly friends and mentors. But we also need to embrace life with our Heavenly father and the spirit of truth that surrounds our life. I praise God for the counselor he sent to us. I feel his presence every day of my life. I am blessed by the wisdom I receive from the wonderful friendship with the Holy Spirit.
I had such a fun time last night. It was officially "boys night out". It started with pizza king and ended with an hour at the shooting range with 7 men I have great respect for. I love these guys. We are friends, coworkers, and brothers. I trust them deeply and value there opinions on God, life, and work. When I need advice I know I can count on them and we look at life the same way. It is great to have people in your life you can look up to, laugh with, and escape with. I am blessed.
When God sent the Holy Spirit his intent was to send a friend, a Godly leader that would be like these men in my life. We are not left alone to solve life's problems. We are not alone to fight our battles and we are not alone through our suffering.
We need to rely upon our earthly friends and mentors. But we also need to embrace life with our Heavenly father and the spirit of truth that surrounds our life. I praise God for the counselor he sent to us. I feel his presence every day of my life. I am blessed by the wisdom I receive from the wonderful friendship with the Holy Spirit.
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
It's lonely at the top!
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”—John 14:16
I am so amazed at the barrage of criticisms leveled at our leaders. It starts with political leaders, but includes sports coaches, CEOs, pastors, and nearly all levels of leadership. It is so easy to judge and critique others actions, decisions, or leadership style. It is "normal" to play Monday morning quarterback with politics, schools, businesses, and ministries. It saddens me that Christians are some of the worst critics.
STOP IT!
Stop judging! Start praying, support and serve our leadership in this country and those that lead us through our daily lives. Support your boss! Support your church leadership, support your company. Leave the judgment and constant attacks to someone else. Encourage them and help them be successful in any way you can. Hoping for their failure and fighting their leadership is not good for anyone.
Dear Lord, I pray for our leaders. I pray for our president and his cabinet, that they would be filled with your wisdom and compassion for the people of this country. I pray for the leadership of my school that their heart for kids would direct all of their decisions. I pray for my church and its pastor. Keep them safe and focused on your message. I love you Lord and know you have not called me to judge others but to love them with all my heart. I praise you for this wonderful life and the amazing day you have in store for me this day. Amen!
I am so amazed at the barrage of criticisms leveled at our leaders. It starts with political leaders, but includes sports coaches, CEOs, pastors, and nearly all levels of leadership. It is so easy to judge and critique others actions, decisions, or leadership style. It is "normal" to play Monday morning quarterback with politics, schools, businesses, and ministries. It saddens me that Christians are some of the worst critics.
STOP IT!
Stop judging! Start praying, support and serve our leadership in this country and those that lead us through our daily lives. Support your boss! Support your church leadership, support your company. Leave the judgment and constant attacks to someone else. Encourage them and help them be successful in any way you can. Hoping for their failure and fighting their leadership is not good for anyone.
Dear Lord, I pray for our leaders. I pray for our president and his cabinet, that they would be filled with your wisdom and compassion for the people of this country. I pray for the leadership of my school that their heart for kids would direct all of their decisions. I pray for my church and its pastor. Keep them safe and focused on your message. I love you Lord and know you have not called me to judge others but to love them with all my heart. I praise you for this wonderful life and the amazing day you have in store for me this day. Amen!
Friday, January 20, 2017
Pledge: Stop debating on Social Media
“Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”
Matthew 9:35-36 NLT
http://bible.com/116/mat.9.35-36.nlt
I'm addicted to social media. I love politics and news, I can't get enough. But, in 2017, I have pledged to stop debating people on social media. So far so good. I have compassion for people. My only desire is they know Jesus. How can I tell them about Jesus if we have a political barrier between us? I will never be able to force someone to change their minds. My only hope is to show, by example, the love of Jesus.
Stop debating and arguing about "stuff" on social media. Use that tool to show God's love. If it is not uplifting and supportive, don't post it. I have passed up multiple opportunities to continue the rhetoric from the election. I haven't changed my views, I'm just not going to build a wall between me and those that I disagree with. Show compassion, work to serve, love, and honor others, just like Jesus!
Matthew 9:35-36 NLT
http://bible.com/116/mat.9.35-36.nlt
I'm addicted to social media. I love politics and news, I can't get enough. But, in 2017, I have pledged to stop debating people on social media. So far so good. I have compassion for people. My only desire is they know Jesus. How can I tell them about Jesus if we have a political barrier between us? I will never be able to force someone to change their minds. My only hope is to show, by example, the love of Jesus.
Stop debating and arguing about "stuff" on social media. Use that tool to show God's love. If it is not uplifting and supportive, don't post it. I have passed up multiple opportunities to continue the rhetoric from the election. I haven't changed my views, I'm just not going to build a wall between me and those that I disagree with. Show compassion, work to serve, love, and honor others, just like Jesus!
Monday, January 16, 2017
My prayer
“For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.”
Ephesians 5:8-9 NLT
http://bible.com/116/eph.5.8-9.nlt
The time is almost here. Inauguration Day, the day this wonderful country smoothly transitions power from one leader to another. We are told live as people of light and I want to celebrate this event with prayer.
We all know how contentious this election has been. Our country is divided, but Christians can not be divided. We all know God is in charge. We know the ultimate victory has been won. The battles of this earth are meaningless. But, we can pray for the people. We can pray for our leaders. So today I do that. I ask you to join me in genuine, heartfelt prayer for Donald J Trump.
Dear Lord, I am humbled by your presence in my life. You have allowed me to live in, maybe, the greatest country on this planet. Friday we swear in our 45th president. We know that he only has power you grant. He has no knowledge, no wisdom of his own. Fill him Lord, with your love, mercy, and grace. Give him a clear mind with one purpose, to unite our country under you. Let the Holy Spirit rest on his shoulders, guiding him through these next four years. May he feel the needs of the poor, the disenfranchised, and the lost. May his actions serve the needs of all Americans. Give him the strength that brings about a world peace. Help him to avoid war and conflict whenever possible. Help him to lead our military with your wisdom and when they are called to serve to watch over them. Protect our new president and his family from those who are blinded by anger and hate. Help him to choose his words carefully as to not anger those who are enemies while still maintaining strength and resolve to do what is right. Lord speak to him. Help him to be aware of your presence and help him to draw closer to you every day he serves this great country. We love you Lord and are honored to be your servant. Amen!
Ephesians 5:8-9 NLT
http://bible.com/116/eph.5.8-9.nlt
The time is almost here. Inauguration Day, the day this wonderful country smoothly transitions power from one leader to another. We are told live as people of light and I want to celebrate this event with prayer.
We all know how contentious this election has been. Our country is divided, but Christians can not be divided. We all know God is in charge. We know the ultimate victory has been won. The battles of this earth are meaningless. But, we can pray for the people. We can pray for our leaders. So today I do that. I ask you to join me in genuine, heartfelt prayer for Donald J Trump.
Dear Lord, I am humbled by your presence in my life. You have allowed me to live in, maybe, the greatest country on this planet. Friday we swear in our 45th president. We know that he only has power you grant. He has no knowledge, no wisdom of his own. Fill him Lord, with your love, mercy, and grace. Give him a clear mind with one purpose, to unite our country under you. Let the Holy Spirit rest on his shoulders, guiding him through these next four years. May he feel the needs of the poor, the disenfranchised, and the lost. May his actions serve the needs of all Americans. Give him the strength that brings about a world peace. Help him to avoid war and conflict whenever possible. Help him to lead our military with your wisdom and when they are called to serve to watch over them. Protect our new president and his family from those who are blinded by anger and hate. Help him to choose his words carefully as to not anger those who are enemies while still maintaining strength and resolve to do what is right. Lord speak to him. Help him to be aware of your presence and help him to draw closer to you every day he serves this great country. We love you Lord and are honored to be your servant. Amen!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)