Category Archives: #spirituality

#inspiration, #spirituality

Whip It Into Shape!

There’s a great story in the Bible where Jesus is enraged when he sees what’s happening in the Temple. He forms a whip and uses it to drive the people and the livestock out. Just like in Jesus’ day, there’s pollution in the church.

Church should be a place where everyone is welcome. Everyone. Yet, I have read about some churches that exclude some people. I’ve heard of others that relaxed Biblical principles in the name of inclusivity and political correctness. We all must live with ourselves, but this is venturing into dangerous territory.

The Apostle John wrote about churches that strayed from God when he crafted The Book of Revelation. Jesus isn’t ambiguous. He wants it cleaned up.

I encourage you to seek God and His goodness. Stay close to the teachings of the Bible. It’s as relevant today as it ever was…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Preparedness

Netflix reported that over 60 million people viewed the Jake Paul/Mike Tyson bout on Friday night. It was a record. Yet, many people were disappointed because Netflix hadn’t ramped up their streaming capacity enough to accommodate the demand. They weren’t prepared.

When the work week begins, most of us are ready for whatever the week holds for us. The unprepared just show up and see what happens. Taking a few minutes to review your schedule on Sunday evening won’t solve all your work challenges, but it will help you in your preparation for what can happen.

Asking God to guide us as we go through the day helps greatly. He wants to be involved in our lives, not relegated to being a spectator. Talk to Him.

Yesterday was about sayings. Today I will close with one: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Sayings

“Early to bed, early to rise makes a man…” you know the rest. There’s a lot of cute, catchy sayings that are meant to teach us something. Life is the best teacher of all. We take to heart the lessons we learn through experience.

All my life I’ve heard people say, “you know, they say” this or that. Who are they??? I wish they would show themselves because I have a few things to say to they!

When we are seeking wisdom, go to the Book of Proverbs. Written by King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, it’s full of solid advice to guide us in life. His writings were inspired by God so we know they are true. God gave us a guidebook to navigate life on this planet. We are being prepared for eternity.

Remember, God didn’t create us and forget about us. We are in His thoughts. Always…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Time Out

In sports, teams call a time out when they need to regroup or rethink their strategy. Perhaps some people in the United States should call a personal time out.

The division in this great country has been building for 20 years. The last time we were united was immediately after 9/11. It makes me sad to see how divided and angry we have become. It doesn’t have to be this way.

Democrats are raging anger about losing the election. I have seen some Republicans gloating and throwing it in people’s faces. Both are wrong. We can be better, if we are willing.

Second to the Bible, the United States Constitution is the greatest document ever written. Our republic will still be here in 2028, no matter peoples opinions.

I encourage you to take time away from the noise. Get away. Travel. Enjoy time with your family and friends. The noise is always there if you feel some need to revisit it.

We are better together…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

The Car Wash

Many gas stations have automatic car washes available for a fee after you fill your tank. Recently, I used one and the similarity between the car wash and people struck me. The car may be clean on the outside, but inside it’s still dirty. It needs some attention on the interior.

Some people look great when you meet them. But as you get to know them you begin to see a different person emerge. Arrogance, insecurity, even cruelty are hidden beneath the surface. Suddenly their outer beauty melts away and you see them in a whole new way.

Jesus spoke of this when he called out some of the Pharisees. He criticized them for being “clean on the outside but unclean on the inside.” Jesus can see straight through to the heart of mankind. It takes us a little longer!

I encourage you to look beneath the surface. Look at the heart. It’s revealed by our actions.

A kind heart is a special kind of beauty…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

The Mind

Napoleon Hill wrote, “what the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” Theres much power in that statement. Did you know you can trick your mind? It’s true.

Our minds don’t know the difference between reality and fantasy. Visualizing your future self, with emotional conviction, will manifest into reality. The key to success comes from the believing.”

It’s important to remember that this can and will work against you, too. If you focus on failure, doom and gloom, and you emotionalize it, those things will manifest. While you are guarding your heart, guard your thoughts, too.

I encourage you to spend a few minutes visualizing your future self. See yourself succeeding. Pursue your wildest dreams with everything you have in you.

And remember to include God in your visuals. He wants to share in your success…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Guidance

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Recently I was reading this and it spoke to me in a whole new way.

Many times in this blog I have stated that the Bible is the best, most comprehensive self help book ever. It tells us how to live our lives without a bunch of rah rah. And there it is: “submit to him and he will make your paths straight.” It’s the submission part that trips us up. We don’t like being submissive.

God is in control of everything. When we submit to his ways rather than our own selfish desires, we have peace and contentment. Living in his will is often the road less traveled, and I admit it’s difficult. There are a lot of things to tempt us onto the superhighway to hell! And Satan knows exactly what appeals to each of us. He’s had a long time to observe human behavior.

Following God’s word won’t turn you into a religious nut. You won’t stop showering and start dressing weird . The change is inside. You feel it.

I encourage you to give it a try. The only thing you will lose is some chaos from your life…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Birthdays

November 8th is my birthday. That’s right! It’s today. As much as I enjoy being the center of attention, I would rather my birthday pass without much attention. I woke up this morning, so that’s enough.

We should give thought to the time in history we were born in. God knew the exact moment I would be brought into this world, and He knows when I will check out. It’s up to me to make the most of my time. Not for selfish reasons, but to bring honor and glory to God. He’s the reason for everything I have.

I encourage you to remember why you’re here. Life is a grind sometimes, but if you are here God is not finished with you, yet.

And if no one else remembers, God knows your birthday…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

The Holidays

Holiday season is upon us! Thanksgiving is still three weeks away, but there are plenty of people who already have their Christmas tree up and decorated. Some retailers started promoting Christmas in July. Every year it begins earlier and earlier.

With the holidays approaching, we will be deluged (assaulted?) by the Hallmark movies. You know the story. A perfect family has some trouble. They bend but don’t break and they live happily ever after.

Real life is not a Hallmark movie. For some it’s more like a dystopian nightmare. They are facing struggles we can’t imagine. This is why I regularly post about being kind. Kindness costs you nothing, but it reaps dividends we also can’t imagine.

You never know, your kindness might be someone’s last, best hope…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Make Time

Last week I ran into a friend of mine. He was leaving his office to go pick up his foster daughter from school. This man is the Senior Pastor of a large church in Austin. The demands on his time are many. Yet, he makes the time to show this girl she is important.

We make time for what is important. You want to be healthy? You make time to exercise. Want more education? You make time to get advanced schooling. Want to know God more? You spend time studying the Bible and talking to Him during your day.

We all have the same 168 hours each week. The reason some people accomplish more than others is because they are focused on what is important. Time is seen as a precious commodity and should not be wasted.

My friend I mentioned before is creating a legacy that will last for generations. I believe that is time well spent…

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