Correct me if i'm wrong

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.

– Proverbs 12:1

The test of true humility is how people respond to correction.

Do we constantly blame our surroundings or others for our situation in life?

I could talk for hours on this – I know many people that feel that nothing is ever their fault, they complain constantly about their life, but they do nothing to correct it or make it better and when you question them on their decisions, they get defensive.

At one time that may have been the reality – environmental situations caused our difficulties, but if we are honest - - - - -  we keep doing things that reinforce our bad decisions.

That is why we need others who love us enough to correct us.

Breakthrough is never done in isolation; it happens when we are bold enough to let others tell us the truth (and to listen!) about our circumstances and ourselves.

Have a blessed day!

Jesus, friend of sinners

On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick."

—Matthew 9:12

Why did Jesus associate with sinners?

Because we need Him to associate with us!

The most crucial part of that is not Jesus' desire for our recognition of our sinfulness, but it is Jesus' desire to save - because without Him, recognizing our sinfulness would only lead to despair.

But without recognizing our need for His grace, His sacrifice for us is lost.

So let's praise Jesus as our loving and sacrificial Savior, but let's also acknowledge our need for His merciful and mighty grace!

Have a blessed day! 

Unity

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe.

– Psalm 133:1-2

Unity has a high value in Scripture.

The analogy used here is oil, which is symbolic of the Holy Spirit throughout the Bible.

In other words, when God’s people are united, the Holy Spirit begins to flow from the head to the feet.

A friend of mine recently wrote to me “I wish we would live like Jesus lived.  Families lived together.  Everyone in Nazareth knew each other, everyone knew who was a good person and who could not be trusted and they all encouraged each other to live their lives in peace. 

There were no phones, no TV, no PCs, no one really travelled far away to work and live… that was the exception and not the rule.   

These close personal relationships bound people together. I know we would not have all these luxuries, but then God never gave all those things to Adam and Eve and He loved them with all His being.  He didn’t even build them a home, He made a garden for them.   It wasn’t until after the flood that the scriptures speak of rain or cold …the need for shelter.”

How I wish we would live like Jesus lived.

That is pretty profound, isn’t it?

Do you want more of the Holy Spirit’s presence in your community?

Learn to live together in unity. (see you at the pole in a little while!)

It may cause a revolution!

Have a blessed day! 

I miss him.

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.

– Romans 12:15

Today would have been my brother’s 56th birthday.  Unfortunately, God took him home 25 years ago.

Life is a gift from God.

Our children, family, friends, neighbors, and strangers are all gifts to be savored.

Although some days may be full of hardship and sadness, each breath, heartbeat, and thought illustrates the beautiful gift of life.

When a loved one is lost, try to avoid the feeling of being robbed or wronged, keep the positive memories alive and thank God for the blessings in your past, present, and future.

Sometimes we experience sadness, guilt, despair, anxiety, fear, hopelessness, longing, anger, and frustration.

These feelings need to be expressed, but always remember that they are “at this moment”.

Knowing that it is temporary gives hope and permission to have different feelings at a later time.

The “why” and “what-if” questions will be asked over and over and at some point, we will realize that we cannot understand the divine nature of birth or death.

Embrace living without an answer by trusting and embracing the mysteries of God.

It is human to cry. Crying helps you to heal. Cry with friends, family, and alone.

Don’t be surprised when the grief “freight train” runs over you.

Just be in the moment, and it will pass.

Struggle through your emotions and you will find relief as your reward.

I will never forget my brother and I miss him every day, but I know he is with the Father and I will see him again someday.

Have a blessed day! 

I'm a brand new me!

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

– Ephesians 4:22-24

Notice the terms: “put off the old self” and “put on the new self”.

We are prone to be ruled by desires, but that is not who we really are.

Jesus Christ rips the veil off of our hearts to reveal our true self, but we have to change our mindset.

How do you see yourself today?

Put on a new reality, which God is ready to place on you the way a tailor fits a person with beautiful clothes.

Don’t let your current circumstances dictate the reality that God proclaims over you through the cross of Christ.

OOOOO – that needs to be repeated  -

Don’t let your current circumstances dictate the reality that God proclaims over you through the cross of Christ.

Have a blessed day! 

Peace be with you

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

– 2 Corinthians 13:11

We really should see our world marked by healthy relationships, friendships rooted in Him.

Sadly, it is not like that.

Obviously no relationship is perfect, but God’s glory is definitely displayed when people restore and encourage each other.

Take a chance and pass the peace to a brother or sister today.

Have a blessed day! 

Trials

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

– James 1:12

So many trials!

Sometimes, it feels like it never ends, but we must remember that there is a reward for those who are willing to endure.

The gospel is so radical to our human experience that it turns our way of living upside down, it causes the rich to humble themselves and exalts the poor; it offers eternal life to the outcasts and the powerless.

The way that we live should draw attention to God, even if that attention is adversarial – because if people notice us, they notice God. 

And in the face of adversity, do not fear for God has a crown for those who stay true to what they believe.

I try to live everyday so people see Him in me.

I hope you do as well.

Have a blessed day!