Category Archives: #spirituality

#inspiration, #spirituality

Joyful

Romans 12:12 tells us to:

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” How do we accomplish this when the cost of living has skyrocketed, crime is rampant, and people are at each other’s throats over something as silly as politics. There is a way.

Put all your faith and trust in something greater than yourself: God. He is still in control of everything. Keep your focus on Him. Refuse to be distracted.

Your future is in God’s hands, not the politicians. Their futures are in His hands, too…
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#inspiration, #spirituality

You’re Right

There are people in this world who believe, truly believe they are always right. They are difficult to talk with because you are unable to have a true conversation with them. In reality, these type people aren’t intellectually stimulating at all.

No one is right all the time. In fact, multiple studies have demonstrated that people are wrong more than they are right. This reinforces what we find in Scripture from The Book of James: “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” Listening and then thinking before speaking is showing wisdom. Getting angry because someone doesn’t see things the way I do is wasted energy.

Leave the low-thinking people where they are. Seek out people who make you think, people you can learn from…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Affordability

It’s expensive to live! Yes, the CPI report shows that inflation is slowing, but the cost of going to the grocery store is not coming down. FYI, the inflation report omits the rise in food and energy because they are too “volatile.”

Here are some facts: the cost of food rose 2.2% while it costs 4.1% more to go out to eat. Medical care was up 3.3%. Shelter rose 5.1% and so on and so on. Most paychecks aren’t keeping up. This has led to 52% of families putting their groceries on credit cards. It is not sustainable.

I get it that today’s blog isn’t very uplifting. The purpose is to remind you to show patience and kindness to others. People are more stressed than ever. You might not be able to feed everyone yourself, but extending a smile is free. People need it…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Exaggeration

Have you ever told a story about yourself and exaggerated the details to make the story better than it was? Of course you have! I have, too. Guys have been doing it for thousands of years to impress girls.

The worst example of exaggeration comes from the politicians. As long as I have been aware politically I have heard innumerable promises from those who want your vote. And I have voted for Republicans and Democrats with the same results. I believe we put way too much faith in Washington DC and not enough in our Creator. He’s the only one we can trust.

In this political season, take time to listen to the “promises of a better future” the politicians talk about. Consider what makes sense. And above all the noise, remember to pray to the one who has your future in His hands…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Alterations

When we meet new people we always want to make a good first impression. After all, you only get one opportunity to do so.

People have a habit of putting up a solid front. They want to appear more important than they are. This is why people name-drop. But the truth is that everyone is important. We are equal in the eyes of God. He created us, and he doesn’t create junk.

We should treat others with dignity and respect. This applies even to the people who don’t deserve it. Calling people names and putting them down is both rude and wrong.

Stay true to your real self. Don’t alter yourself for the crowd. Just be the best version of yourself. Others will notice…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Fear of Death

Last August I went to check on a friend of mine who had missed his appointment with his personal trainer, and he wasn’t answering his phone. When I let myself into his home, I found him dead on his kitchen floor. That was not exactly how I wanted to start my week!

My friend, Mark, was only 67 years old at the time of his death. This is my age today, and his death made me start thinking about my own mortality. My eternity is secure by my faith and belief in Jesus. I’m not afraid to die. I’m just not ready!

Everything we do in this life prepares us for eternity. God gave us a purpose to fulfill. Are we doing it? Or perhaps we are spending our time watching television, arguing about politics, or participating in other time wasters.

It’s time to get busy! Our true purpose is calling. We never know when we will breathe our last breath…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Spiritual Abuse

People seek out spiritual leaders when they are in a crisis or they need discernment. The leaders in our churches and synagogues should be trustworthy. People share intimate details about what’s going on in their lives, putting themselves in vulnerable situations.

There has been a multitude of abuses reported in my lifetime. Big names like Jimmy Swaggart, Jim Bakker and others disgraced themselves due to sexual misconduct. This has caused many people to turn away from the church and seek help elsewhere. Who can blame them? Yet many good people experience “guilt by association.” If one was bad then they all must be bad.

If you have been hurt by anyone in a position of leadership or influence, I’m sorry. I encourage you to not turn away from God. Turn back to Him. Follow the life and teachings of Jesus as a way to begin.

There are great spiritual leaders in this world. Find them…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Second Guessing

Have confidence in yourself and your abilities. Wherever you are on this trip called life is exactly where you are supposed to be. And since you are reading this, you are still on the trip!

God didn’t create us to live in doubt, fear and worry. We have a great spirit inside of us. Unleash yours and move forward towards your true purpose. There will be plenty of naysayers along the way, but their opinions don’t count. They are simply projecting their lack of confidence onto you. You don’t have to listen to them.

Just keep moving forward, no matter what happens. Don’t second guess yourself. You will reach your destiny if you refuse to accept defeat…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Transactional vs. Relational

Oftentimes life is a series of transactions. When you buy something at the store, you might exchange pleasantries with the person checking you out, but you don’t form an ongoing relationship with them.

Is this how we treat God? We want something so we ask God for it. After all, the Bible tells us to ask. Prayers answered. Deal done. On to the next transaction.

We are God’s children. We shouldn’t treat Him like we are ungrateful teenagers. We can’t manipulate God, nor should we try to. Teens are good at getting their way because parents don’t know all the facts. God knows everything, literally everything.

Let’s take the steps to enter into a meaningful relationship with God. He certainly wants one…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Leave Me Alone

Teenagers usually like their parents to leave them alone. That is, until they get hungry, need money or want to be driven somewhere.

Adults like for God to leave them alone, too. That is, until they need his help to get them out of some mess they created. And when he comes through, we put him on the back burner where we think he belongs until we get into another mess. But is that really right?

God knows what is good for us. He wants to mold us into who he created us to be. Sometimes the molding and the work is painful. But God only wants what is best for us, and he never stops trying or gives up on us.

I’m grateful to be able to worship a God like this. Even when I feel like being left alone…

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