Monthly Archives: July 2024

#inspiration, #spirituality

Requirements

In Luke 12:48, Jesus tells us “to whom much is given, much is required.” Notice that Jesus used the word required, not expected. Since Jesus didn’t make small talk, I believe this has deeper meaning along with eternal consequences.

We are here for a greater purpose than many of us are living. Our purpose is to do God’s will and work on this side of eternity while bringing honor and glory to God. This is our requirement, not merely a suggested activity.

I encourage you to get out of your daily routine, get uncomfortable and do what you are here to do. God wouldn’t ask us to do something we are incapable of. He equips us with everything we need. Will it be easy? No. Hell no. But it will be gratifying.

If you get nervous, and you will, remember Luke 12:48. You are given much. Now use it…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Exceptionalism

America has been called exceptional, and I believe she is! America is exceptional because of the people.

Yes, we have our share of crazies and jerks, but they are in the minority. The only reason we hear about them is because what happens in most people’s lives doesn’t make headlines.

When a neighbor brings food to a family after a tragedy or a loss, their act of kindness and compassion goes unnoticed by the masses. But the people on the receiving end remember. When people take the time to serve their community, helping those who can never repay them, the servers are showing the image of our Creator. This goodness is pervasive. People feel encouraged to keep it going.

Be exceptional. Start today…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Some Uncomfortable Truths

People love the truth, especially when it fits their personal narrative. The first step in growing is to see things as they are, not just as we want them to be.

Conversations about racism are popular in America. There are those who constantly remind us of some of our dark history, “or we will be doomed to repeat it!” A former Vice President went to a black church in 2012 and told the congregation “if you elect them (Republicans) they are gonna put y’all back in chains.” This was a blatant lie, inflammatory, irresponsible and it’s a dangerous thing to say.

It might surprise you to know slavery does still exist in the United States today. According to the Global Slavery Index, in 2023 it’s estimated there are 1.1 million slaves in America. Whether it’s forced labor or sex slaves, they are living among us. They aren’t in physical chains, but they are here.

Racism remains on life support in the United States. The liberal media keeps fanning the flames. A racist country wouldn’t have elected a black man to the presidency. Twice. It’s interesting to me that the loudest voices who negate our “systemic racism” culture are black people such as Larry Elder, Thomas Sowell and others. Don’t believe everything the media tells you. They lie without consequences.

The United States is full of the kindest people on the planet. And the U. S. Constitution is, second to the Bible, the greatest document ever written…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Critics

In this life you won’t escape criticism. I was a bored child in school, and my grades reflected it because I was an A, B, C and D student. My parents would say, “why can’t you get all A’s like your brother and sister did?” School just wasn’t for me until college, but that’s another story.

People are judging you every single day. They can’t help themselves because they are living in a world of comparison. By seeing themselves as “superior” to you, they can feel a little better about their lives.

You will never hear a word from most critics. They keep their opinions silent until they have an opportunity to spread gossip. Or they post on your social media account and are hidden behind their keyboard. Passive aggressive behavior reigns on Facebook!

I encourage you to not play it safe. Live courageously and speak the truth. Leave the critics and the people who try to discourage you in your wake. They will always be around…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

All Things New

We love new stuff! Our favorite actor has a new movie out, we get a new car, or we visit a resort that’s new to us. There’s nothing like the excitement newness brings.

Most of life is routine, boring and more of the same every day. Yet, people take comfort in the mundane. Taking risks involves venturing into the unknown. This kind of newness is difficult for many to handle. So they stay on the sidelines playing it safe.

If you want real newness in your life, let God get ahold of you. He changes us, making us who we were created to be. Change of this magnitude has eternal consequences. God uses us to change the world.

Talk to God. Tell Him you are applying for the job. You will be glad you did…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Inspiration

On this blog site I have posted original content every day since June 9, 2019. I will be the first to admit that some pieces are much better than others. But the poor outings don’t stop me.

The reason I started writing every day rather than occasionally (which I had been doing) is this: I kept hearing a voice inside my head telling me that I needed to write every day. For a couple of weeks I argued with the voice. “I don’t want to write every day” I would say in my mind. But that voice was really persistent! It just wouldn’t go away. So I gave in.

Any time I write something I believe is really good, I give credit to God. I’m just not that good on my own. I never took a course on writing. In fact, I didn’t take a single English class in college (I went to a private college). I hated writing papers, yet now I love writing! Weird, huh?

I’m not sure why the voice told me I should write every day. I just listened and, eventually, obeyed. I’m glad I did.

If you have a voice nagging at you, perhaps it is time to listen. You never know where life will take you…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

And Here We Are

In June of 1776, the second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to consider their future. They had tried to work with the Crown peacefully to no avail. King George III was being unreasonable, even using British troops to fire upon and kill some of his own citizens in Boston.

The men who met at the Pennsylvania State House were strong personalities. They were not always in agreement. Thomas Jefferson, only 33 years old at the time, penned the Declaration of Independence and presented it on June 28th. By accepting the Declaration, the men knew they were risking everything. For days they debated. On July 1st, the group adjourned for three days of prayer. They reconvened on the 4th of July, severed their ties to Britain, and it was game on.

Today we celebrate 248 years of independence from British rule. And despite our differences, that’s worth celebrating!

God Bless the United States of America!

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#inspiration

Above The Law

Representative Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) intends to introduce legislation to amend the Constitution. His bill? Reversing the Supreme Court’s ruling on presidential immunity while conducting official business. Mr. Morelle is treading into dangerous waters.

There is no hiding the fact that he’s targeting former President Donald Trump. The Supreme Court did not single out Trump. The ruling covers all former presidents. I doubt Morelle’s bill will get any traction, just sound bytes to rev up his base.

The Court assured Biden he won’t be held liable for the deaths of thirteen soldiers during the horribly botched Afghanistan withdrawal. Obama will escape liability for the drone strike he ordered on three innocent Americans in Yemen (2011), including a teenage boy. Bush can breathe easier because he gets off scott free for leading us into a war in Iraq under false pretenses (WMD’s).

We have three branches of government for a reason. The crafters of our constitution didn’t want any single branch to become too powerful. It works!

It is true that no one is above the law. But we need to allow the law to apply the way it is intended to…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

You Said It!

A man was asked if he minded that his wife always got the last word. The man replied, “No. I’m just glad when she gets to it.”

The average person speaks about 16,000 words per day. I’m more interested in the quality of our words than the quantity. Our tongues can be sharper than a surgeon’s scalpel. They can be used to slice and dice people into shreds. Yet our words can lift others when they are down.

It’s important to recognize that our world is hurting. People are still struggling with the after effects of isolation, it’s expensive to live (over $10,000 per year more than just three years ago), and everywhere you turn it seems like people are at each other’s throats.

I encourage everyone to choose their words carefully. I’m not suggesting you avoid the truth. Use some gentleness and self-control when engaging in conversation with others.

Unite when possible, don’t divide. We are better together…

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