The Lord is both kind and fair; that is why He teaches sinners the right way to live...The Lord shows His faithful followers the way they should live...I continually look to the Lord for help, for He will free my feet from the enemy's net. (Psalms 25:8,12,15)
Being brutally honest about my Spiritual life the past few weeks, I would say that I have been on "automatic pilot" and have just been going through the motions with God. I have rushed through my daily Bible reading or have been skipping my nightly prayer before I go to sleep at night and probably sound like what my dad used to call, "a broken record," repeating the same prayers and petitions over and over to God when I do pray in the mornings.
It's when we go through our daily routine without recognizing God's presence in our lives, that we miss out on the peace that He gives to each of us. Let's face it, there is no "stress-free" job or career out there. (If there is, someone please let me know!) Add a family and finances to your worklife and it's easy to become consumed and forget who's really in control. God is in control. God is also right there with you on the most mundane days and also the most stressful ones.
Make the time, if only for just a few moments, before you go to bed to reflect on your day. Look closely, and you will undoubtedly see that God has been with you every step of the way. Understanding His presence in our lives helps us to get out of the rut of just 'going through the motions' and helps us to live in His perfect peace and wisdom.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
These Dreams
Through skillful and godly Wisdom is a house (a life, a home, a family) built, and by understanding it is established on a sound and good foundation. And by knowledge shall its chambers of every area be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. (Proverbs 24:3-4)
Have you ever dreamed of achieving something greater in your life? Recently, I followed one of my dreams and it's taken off remarkably.
Writing the Daily DEVO has made me realize how much I enjoy writing, so this little dream began with the idea of creating a music blog that showcased local artists, had album reviews, interviews, videos, and articles about musicians and bands that a few of my friends and I enjoy. I have always had an interest in music since childhood, but after marriage and two children, my passion for music has taken a backseat to being a husband, father, and provider for my family. I pitched the idea to two of my closest friends who are "music dorks" like me, and we created our music blog, The Showbiz Kids, aptly named after a Steely Dan song. In over three weeks, the page has already been viewed over 1,100 times, which is unbelievable! (Then again, I can't believe that people actually take time to read my writing on this Blog, so for that I am truly grateful!) The Showbiz Kids blog has become a labor of love, in addition to being a wonderful creative outlet for each of us.
God tells us that we are able to do exceedingly above and beyond all we can possibly hope, ask, or think. So, if we are not dreaming big, then we are missing out on the endless possibilities and opportunities that await us.
We all have visions and dreams deep within each of us, and sometimes it requires us to do some soul searching to find them. If you are willing to dig deep and ask for God's help, you can fulfill your dreams with endless possibilities.
Have you ever dreamed of achieving something greater in your life? Recently, I followed one of my dreams and it's taken off remarkably.
Writing the Daily DEVO has made me realize how much I enjoy writing, so this little dream began with the idea of creating a music blog that showcased local artists, had album reviews, interviews, videos, and articles about musicians and bands that a few of my friends and I enjoy. I have always had an interest in music since childhood, but after marriage and two children, my passion for music has taken a backseat to being a husband, father, and provider for my family. I pitched the idea to two of my closest friends who are "music dorks" like me, and we created our music blog, The Showbiz Kids, aptly named after a Steely Dan song. In over three weeks, the page has already been viewed over 1,100 times, which is unbelievable! (Then again, I can't believe that people actually take time to read my writing on this Blog, so for that I am truly grateful!) The Showbiz Kids blog has become a labor of love, in addition to being a wonderful creative outlet for each of us.
God tells us that we are able to do exceedingly above and beyond all we can possibly hope, ask, or think. So, if we are not dreaming big, then we are missing out on the endless possibilities and opportunities that await us.
We all have visions and dreams deep within each of us, and sometimes it requires us to do some soul searching to find them. If you are willing to dig deep and ask for God's help, you can fulfill your dreams with endless possibilities.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Little By Little
My friends, be patient until the Lord returns. Think of farmers who wait patiently for the spring and summer rains to make their valuable crops grow. Be patient like those farmers and don't give up. The Lord will soon be here. (James 5: 7-8)
Well, our house is still standing and we survived the latest visit from my sister-in-law and her two children, both of which are a little older than our oldest son, who turns four this June. Seeing how much my neice and nephew have grown up is truly remarkable to me. It seems just like yesterday that they were both babies, wearing diapers and drinking bottles, like our youngest son, who will be eight months old later this week. I have really learned to enjoy each day more the second time around rather than wishing that our infant son would grow up quicker and reach his next milestone.
When Elliott was a baby, I often found myself wishing that he would be able to crawl, and then walk, and then talk, etc. but looking back, I unknowingly was not patient and missed out on the simple joys of that stage of life. After all, babies are low maintenece as long as they are able to nap, are fed on a strict schedule, and have clean diapers at all times.
When we are impatient and wish our present day away, we miss out on many of the blessings that God has in store for us. Whether it's a young couple counting the days down until their wedding day, a college student eager to graduate and begin work, a co-worker hoping for a promotion; all are wonderful and exciting, but don't forget to slow down and take the time to enjoy each and every day the Lord has given you!
When Elliott was a baby, I often found myself wishing that he would be able to crawl, and then walk, and then talk, etc. but looking back, I unknowingly was not patient and missed out on the simple joys of that stage of life. After all, babies are low maintenece as long as they are able to nap, are fed on a strict schedule, and have clean diapers at all times. When we are impatient and wish our present day away, we miss out on many of the blessings that God has in store for us. Whether it's a young couple counting the days down until their wedding day, a college student eager to graduate and begin work, a co-worker hoping for a promotion; all are wonderful and exciting, but don't forget to slow down and take the time to enjoy each and every day the Lord has given you!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Touched By The Hand of God
Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles He performs for people! (Psalm 66:5)
A co-worker and friend of mine had quite a scare last week when her husband unexpectantly had to be rushed to the ER in the middle of the night with massive chest pains. Had they not made it to the hospital in the exact timing they did, the outcome would have resulted in certain tradgedy. The husband was released from the hospital before the weekend and is recovering and back at work again this week, but their medical emergency has completely changed their outlook on life. Most people, myself included, dread what awaits us in the office after the weekend has ended. This past week, my co-worker was excited as I had ever seen her about being at work on a Monday morning.
I am a firm believer in God's good works; things we know He has done for us and things we are completely unaware of. Just ask around or turn on the news and you will learn of terrible things that have happened to people. This may seem depressing or daunting, but after a closer look, you can begin to see God's hand quietly at work in people's lives every day. This, of course, includes you and I.
He is always there and is at work in our lives, even if we don't see it! Praise God!
A co-worker and friend of mine had quite a scare last week when her husband unexpectantly had to be rushed to the ER in the middle of the night with massive chest pains. Had they not made it to the hospital in the exact timing they did, the outcome would have resulted in certain tradgedy. The husband was released from the hospital before the weekend and is recovering and back at work again this week, but their medical emergency has completely changed their outlook on life. Most people, myself included, dread what awaits us in the office after the weekend has ended. This past week, my co-worker was excited as I had ever seen her about being at work on a Monday morning.
I am a firm believer in God's good works; things we know He has done for us and things we are completely unaware of. Just ask around or turn on the news and you will learn of terrible things that have happened to people. This may seem depressing or daunting, but after a closer look, you can begin to see God's hand quietly at work in people's lives every day. This, of course, includes you and I.
He is always there and is at work in our lives, even if we don't see it! Praise God!
Willing and Able
If God is for us, who can be against us? Who can be our foe, if God is on our side? (Romans 8:31)
Looking back on my life on this earth, I have wasted a great deal of time and effort being a "people pleaser" and not necessarily following what God has wanted for me. The most striking difference in being a "God pleaser" rather than a "people pleaser" is that you don't have to depend on your own futile human efforts to earn favor with God.
Come to think of it, why does it really matter what people think of us? Our weaknesses and inabilities do not matter to God in the least bit. With God, there is no hidden agenda, no list of talents and abilities that you need, only your availability. Simply stated, God is looking for people who are willing and able to yield to His lead.
Let God shape who you are, what your perception is and what path you need to take in your relationships and career. He always keeps His promise and takes care of His people and will never fail to deliver you from adversity!
Looking back on my life on this earth, I have wasted a great deal of time and effort being a "people pleaser" and not necessarily following what God has wanted for me. The most striking difference in being a "God pleaser" rather than a "people pleaser" is that you don't have to depend on your own futile human efforts to earn favor with God.
Come to think of it, why does it really matter what people think of us? Our weaknesses and inabilities do not matter to God in the least bit. With God, there is no hidden agenda, no list of talents and abilities that you need, only your availability. Simply stated, God is looking for people who are willing and able to yield to His lead.
Let God shape who you are, what your perception is and what path you need to take in your relationships and career. He always keeps His promise and takes care of His people and will never fail to deliver you from adversity!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
The Power of One
With God's help we will do mighty things. (Psalm 60:12)
Alica gave me a honey-do list on Saturday which included laying some mulch in the front yard around the shrubs and flowers. Elliott, being the helper that he is, asked if he could help me carry one of the 20 lbs. bags of mulch. I appreciated his thoughtfulness, but he realized the bag was way too heavy after his first attempt and said that he would "be able to carry it when he grew a little bigger."
How much is this example similar to the problems we attempt to solve on our own without God's assistance?
When you are facing something that seems nearly impossible, remember that our loving Father is mighty and all-powerful and will always be willing to lend you a helping hand.
Alica gave me a honey-do list on Saturday which included laying some mulch in the front yard around the shrubs and flowers. Elliott, being the helper that he is, asked if he could help me carry one of the 20 lbs. bags of mulch. I appreciated his thoughtfulness, but he realized the bag was way too heavy after his first attempt and said that he would "be able to carry it when he grew a little bigger."
How much is this example similar to the problems we attempt to solve on our own without God's assistance?
When you are facing something that seems nearly impossible, remember that our loving Father is mighty and all-powerful and will always be willing to lend you a helping hand.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Soulshine
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
Can you name someone you know-a family member, friend, neighbor, or co-worker, that just lights up a room with their presence? That person should actually be you or me. Let me explain....the life characterized by the fruits of the Spirit cannot help but be noticed. When we have the Spirit dwelling within our souls, it should shine brightly for all to see.
We live in some dark times and what this world needs desperately is to see men and women living their lives as an example to others, breaking the "norm."
How different a place this world would be if people saw more husbands that are committed to their wives and vice versa, parents who were lovingly invloved with their children, businessmen and women who value integrity over self-interests and money.
Let your soul shine!
Can you name someone you know-a family member, friend, neighbor, or co-worker, that just lights up a room with their presence? That person should actually be you or me. Let me explain....the life characterized by the fruits of the Spirit cannot help but be noticed. When we have the Spirit dwelling within our souls, it should shine brightly for all to see.
We live in some dark times and what this world needs desperately is to see men and women living their lives as an example to others, breaking the "norm."
How different a place this world would be if people saw more husbands that are committed to their wives and vice versa, parents who were lovingly invloved with their children, businessmen and women who value integrity over self-interests and money.
Let your soul shine!
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