Spirituality

Battery Life

My phone runs on a battery. So do my car and my laptop. Flashlights, too. And don’t forget to buy batteries at Christmas so the toys will work!

Batteries eventually run out of power and must be replaced. I’m guessing the stores that sell batteries do well consistently. But what about our bodies?

Think of your body like it’s a machine. A well-oiled machine runs smoothly. It’s reliable. A little maintenance here and there and it will last a long time. Our bodies are similar. We need to feed them good, nutritious foods and keep ourselves hydrated. Otherwise our cells won’t communicate properly. There is really no difference.

One day our battery life will expire in our bodies. We need to make the most of our time here. Our lives need to mean more than just having a good time. We want our lives to count.

Go make a difference in this world. You are equipped for a special purpose. Get going before your battery runs out…

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Spirituality

Muscle Memory

You have heard the old saying, “use it or lose it.” This is especially true for our brains.

The brain should be treated like a muscle. Reading great works, engaging in stimulating conversations, and creating new neural pathways will grow your mind. And you must feed it and keep it hydrated. A tired mind equals a tired person.

Do something that is outside your normal routine. Go to an art gallery. Get outside in nature and don’t open your phone while you are doing these things. We have become too attached to our phones while becoming detached from what’s important.

You need more than crossword puzzles to keep your mind sharp. You need people. If something or someone isn’t enriching your life, move on. Let them waste someone else’s time and energy…

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Spirituality

Outdated

Foods have an expiration date. Software needs updates. And one day we will experience our last heartbeat. But there are some things that never go bad.

Manners are always in style. So is kindness, being thoughtful, and we must include doing what’s right even when the crowd is against you. Standing up for the weak is a good thing.

Scripture hasn’t lost its relevance and truthfulness, no matter what the New Age “gurus” say. Everything from our health to our finances is covered. You gotta read it and apply it, though. Otherwise it’s just another book gathering dust on your bookshelf.

Modern technology has given us some helpful shortcuts to get us where we want to go. Artificial Intelligence is in its infancy, but will soon lead us to new ways to battle disease. And when that happens, say thank you. Being thankful never goes out of style, either…

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Spirituality

Good Friday

Good Friday is a strange way to describe today. It’s the day Jesus was put to death. So, we must ask, what’s good about that?

The death of Jesus Christ was predicted by the prophet Isaiah. He described death on the cross years before it was thought up by the Romans. Jesus himself told his disciples that he would be killed and his followers didn’t believe him. I can only imagine their confusion when they saw it come to pass. Even stranger, they had just witnessed Jesus bring Lazarus back from the dead. The disciples knew he had power over death.

In my opinion, Good Friday is so named because it was the fulfillment of Scripture. No matter how crazy things were, Jesus remained in control.

Things aren’t always as they seem. Let’s try to see things as they can be…

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Spirituality

No Way Out

How many times have you painted yourself into a corner and felt like there is no way out? And yet, you have gotten through every situation. You may have experienced a setback, but you made it.

With God there is always a way. He operates outside of time and space as we know them. His realm is the supernatural where there are no limits to what God can do.

There is a way to bring the supernatural into the natural. It’s called prayer. Many times I pray as a last resort rather than trying to get in front of my challenges. Perhaps you do, too. I need to flip the script!

Hope is always with us. Let’s place our hope in the hands of the one who can accomplish anything. Let’s begin with prayer…

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Spirituality

Impressions

How many times have we been reminded that we need to make a good first impression? Probably too many to count. It’s true. We only have one chance to make a good first impression.

When something, not someone, makes an impression on you, pay close attention. It may be a key to your purpose.

One of my passions is children’s causes. My childhood was full of fear and anxiety. I don’t want any other child to feel like I did as a kid. Now I know I can’t control what happens in each child’s home life, I can make a difference by letting them know they aren’t alone. Many children have struggles they don’t talk about.

Today, I encourage you to be your best. Show up. You have an impression to make…

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Spirituality

Unquestionably Led

There are a few people who have unquestionably put their faith in government. If their favorite politician says it, then it must be true. Yet there is much evidence that shows this type of thinking is flawed, at best.

Oftentimes people align their politics with how they feel, ignoring the facts in many cases. Feelings can be deceptive.

The most intentional man who ever lived is Jesus Christ. He was led by the Spirit to do what the Father sent him to accomplish. I’m only guessing because I wasn’t there, but I bet Jesus was fun to be with. He must have been because no one wants to be around someone who is a drag. Yet Jesus never wavered from his mission.

This week we Christians will celebrate Easter. The resurrection started a new, different relationship between God and man. It has lasted over 2,000 years. Jews will celebrate Passover. The two are connected in history.

Whatever you celebrate, or if it is nothing at all, I wish you a peaceful, reflective time. When the Spirit calls, follow without question. You won’t be led astray…

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Spirituality

Faith Healers

There has been a long line of people offering miracle cures throughout history. Men in covered wagons would go town to town selling their magic elixir designed to cure almost anything. The elixir was 25% alcohol mixed with something else for taste. It didn’t cure what ailed you, but for a while you didn’t care!

Oral Roberts was the leader in televised faith healing. Roberts was quick to grasp the power of television. People could write to Roberts and, for a donation, request a prayer for a miracle. It’s questionable how many people were healed, but Oral Roberts became very wealthy.

Don’t misunderstand, I’m not saying that faith can’t heal. It can. We oftentimes limit God’s power to act by our disbelief. God can do anything. He’s not limited by time or space. If God desires it, then it happens.

Our faith may not produce an immediate, miraculous cure from, let’s say, cancer. But our faith will lead us to a gifted surgeon. God acts through us to make things happen. It’s up to us to give Him the thanks and the glory.

If you are searching for a miracle, ask the one who can give you a solution. The answer to your prayers might not come exactly as you want, but God answers every prayer. Look for His influence in your life. It’s there…

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Spirituality

Skilled

When we watch great athletes play, it is a thing of beauty to see. Or a masterful guitar player. They make it look easy. We can only dream of being so good.

What we don’t see are the thousands of hours of practice that went into the performance we witness. We can’t put ourselves into the minds of the great ones to consider the times when they wanted to quit. They found their inner strength in those moments and pushed through the wall.

You have a great purpose in this life. You were created by God to make a difference. So many people miss their calling because they give up. Don’t quit. Never surrender.

You know what I am saying is true. You know that you have a unique purpose and were imbued with certain abilities to accomplish your calling. I encourage you to find it in yourself to pursue your purpose with everything you have in you.

It will take all you have. But just like a sports contest, leave it all on the field…

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Spirituality

Dissatisfied

Over half of Americans are dissatisfied with their work. They feel underpaid, under appreciated and do not find themselves fully engaged. How can you be productive when half your workforce has an attitude like this? You can’t, but there is hope.

One of the challenges people face is believing they are locked in a lifestyle they don’t want to give up. You are in your 40’s with a family, mortgage and other obligations. There seems to be no way out.

When the pain of dissatisfaction becomes too strong, people change. Perhaps they step their lifestyle back a bit to follow their unique path. It takes courage and commitment. Maybe pride gets in the way. But a better way of living is available if you really want it. You must really want it.

If this is resonating with you, I encourage you to take a moment to consider what you really desire from your life. Write it down. Pray for guidance. Be fearless and take a step forward in faith.

You will succeed if you refuse to quit…

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