#spirituality

Beliefs

We all have our own unique set of beliefs. But do you ever question your beliefs?

Our beliefs evolve as we age and grow. Many of us believed in Santa Claus until we didn’t. (Actually, I still believe in Santa and always will). Maybe we believed things we knew weren’t true, but refused to give in to disbelief. Maybe we believed in people who let us down.

There is one set of truth that never wavers: God’s truth. If it was true 1000 years ago, it’s still true today. What God says goes. He cannot lie. He can’t even stretch the truth. You can believe what He says.

Let’s base our belief system on the Word of God. We may not always understand it, but our lack of understanding doesn’t make it less true…

Standard
#spirituality

Jesus

Jesus was a rebel. He stood up to the hypocrites in the synagogue which no one dared to do. Jesus redeemed and restored people who felt isolated, alone and cast out from society. Jesus performed countless miracles, yet never did a miracle that benefited himself.

Jesus is the most unique person who ever lived. He was 100% man while being 100% God at the same time. He got tired in the same way humans do, and he controlled the stormy sea. He restored eyesight to the blind, raised the dead and willingly died on the cross to save the world.

It’s interesting to note that his own half-brother, James, did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah until after the resurrection. Jesus’ disciples were persecuted and most of them died horrible deaths. You don’t die for a lie…

Standard
#spirituality

Useful

The word useful means “able to be used for a practical purpose or in several ways.” A car is useful to get us where we need to be. Sleep is useful, too, when you think about it.

Let’s consider the people God used. King David was an adulterer. Gideon was deeply insecure and afraid, always doubting God. And Moses was a murderer. Yet God used them in awe-inspiring ways. They are prominent figures in the Bible, the greatest book ever written.

If God used them, perhaps He can use me, too. I believe I’ll let Him…

Standard
#spirituality

The Determined People Podcast: Interview with Chris Almendarez

Today’s guest is a devout man of God whose world came crashing down on him in 2015 when his lovely wife Jana was diagnosed with cancer. Chris Almendarez, president of the Round Rock Express Minor League Baseball team, joins us to share his story of faith and love, how God has guided him through the most difficult times in his life, and the amazing charity work that he has become involved in in honor of late wife. Towards the end, we also sneak in some baseball talk. Make sure to tune in for this harrowing tale of love, loss, and faith on today’s Determined People Podcast.

Standard
#spirituality

Junk

What comes to mind when you hear the word “junk?” Perhaps you think of stuff that’s outdated or is no longer useful. Maybe it’s clutter you have been intending to get rid of but just haven’t made the effort.

Some people think of themselves as junk. They have been told they are worthless, not worth a damn. I grew up hearing this from both my parents. Talk about a crisis of identity!

God created all of us, and He doesn’t create junk. There is nothing random in God’s planning or execution.

Remember this: God did not create you and then forget about you. You are on His mind, even when you don’t feel His presence…

Standard
#spirituality

As Common As DNA

We are all uncommon beings. God created us as unique and special individuals. Even identical twins have different fingerprints.

In the same vein our DNA strands are complex and beautifully created. The precision God used in making us shows how much He cares.

We sell ourselves short. We settle for a life that is less than what God equipped us for. Be bold. Pursue your calling…

Standard
#spirituality

Heaven

Heaven is real. Just because we can’t see it doesn’t make it less real. I can’t see gravity or prove how it works, but I know if I jump off a 50-story building I’m going to fall to the earth and probably die!

There is more out there than what we can see. There has to be. It’s not over and done when our bodies give out. There is an eternal place we will exist in after our human existence.

Jesus spoke of Heaven. Paul was allowed to visit it when he was still alive. There are innumerable stories of people who have died and come back to life. Many of them saw Heaven and their fear of death was removed.

Heaven is real. Believe it…

Standard