Tag Archives: #hope

Spirituality

Rote Religion

The recurring theme throughout the Bible is that God wants the heart of man. He gives us free will to love and worship Him. It’s never forced upon us. It’s our choice.

There has been a trend over the last twenty years or so. People refer to themselves as “spiritual but not religious.” That’s a safety net because people don’t know God, really know Him. Many believe if they start to get to know God then they would turn into religious freaks or weirdos. God created us to be who He created us to be, not a weirdo.

My encouragement to you is to spend some time in Scripture. Study the life of Jesus that’s found in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. You will see the character of our Creator. Then allow God to work on you and through you.

Then you will have crossed the line from rote religion to a meaningful relationship…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Spiritual Manipulation

Some people return to church after something goes wrong in their lives. This tells me two things: 1) They believe in a Deity; and 2) They believe He can do something about their situation. For many, this reunion is the beginning of God reaching them in a deeper way.

But there have been those who were manipulated by the people they sought help from. Someone in a weakened, vulnerable position is more likely to be used. This goes against the teachings of Scripture. And it isn’t God at work in these situations. It’s the devil getting his grip and doing harm to others.

Most people are good. Most pastors are good. They enter the ministry because it’s their calling, not for fame, fortune or their own glory.

My encouragement to you is to stay hopeful. Continue to believe in the leaders of your church. And don’t hesitate to reach out to them when life goes awry. God placed them there for a purpose…

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Spirituality

Unlimited Freedoms

Today is Memorial Day in the United States. It’s a day of remembrance, not a day for celebration. Other countries have similar days of remembrance. I believe it is vitally important to remember those who gave their lives so we are free.

There are children who lost a parent to war. They might never have known or remembered the one who died. We owe these families a great debt of gratitude.

It seems that there will always be wars. Some people refuse to play nice in the sandbox. The only thing their leaders understand is conflict and coercion. The United States remains a beacon of hope in an increasingly hostile world.

If your family lost a loved one in war, any war, today we honor your sacrifice. We don’t take it for granted. In the United States we have unlimited freedoms which cost some people their lives. It wasn’t for nothing…

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Spirituality

As Gentle as a Dove

Doves are peaceful birds. They make a soothing sound that even a child can recognize. Doves represent peace and hope. They are featured prominently in Scripture.

When Jesus came up out of the water after his baptism, the Bible says “the Spirit descended on him like a dove.” Jesus was a peacemaker, so it makes sense.

Jesus was a rebel, too, a real badass. He spoke the truth, always, and his truth was the truth. His teachings and his manner were oftentimes at odds with the religious leaders which made some of them hate him more. But Jesus brought peace and hope to the lost. He showed kindness and compassion to the most outcast. This went counter to everything and everyone the Pharisees stood against, but many of them were blinded by their own lust for power.

My encouragement to you is to show kindness to everyone. Be gentle in spirit. People are carrying pain and struggles we don’t know about. Your kindness may be their last, best hope…

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Spirituality

Let The Light In

This world needs hope. Many people are carrying pain they don’t talk about. They keep their pain hidden in dark places. But they aren’t alone. No one escapes the difficulties of life.

But there is hope. Forgiveness has power. If you are holding on to something that needs to be forgiven, it’s important to remember that forgiveness takes time. You can’t force it. But I encourage you to keep the door to forgiveness cracked just a tiny bit. When the time arrives and you are ready to forgive, push the door open. Let the light in. The light will crush the darkness in our lives.

We don’t want to forgive. And why should we? The offenders don’t deserve it! But that’s the curious thing about forgiveness. Forgiveness is for you, not the other person. By forgiving the person who harmed you, you are releasing a weight you are carrying. At the same time, you aren’t letting the one who hurt you off the hook. You are letting go of any potential power the offense has over your life.

Forgiveness is powerful. You might have to face some darkness to get through it, but you will get there. Light has power over darkness, every time…

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Spirituality

Going Viral

Some people will do anything to get attention. They want fame so badly they can almost taste it. What they really want is recognition and, sometimes, respect.

Self worth comes from within. There are those who have gained everything the world has to offer, but they still felt unworthy. So, they chase harder, only to be left unfulfilled. It’s time to stop chasing and start living.

In many prior columns I have written about working on ourselves. It’s hard, I know. Facing the demons of the past requires courage. Only when we exorcise the trauma can we heal from it. But you gotta pull it out by the root. Mowing over it doesn’t cut it.

If what I’m describing applies to you, then I encourage you to go down the road less traveled. This is the hard road, but it is the path to get you where you want to go. Write out the areas you want to improve on. Then find the right therapist to guide you.

There’s a wonderfully fulfilling life waiting for you. Pursue it and keep going when it becomes difficult. You can do it…

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Spirituality

Oh Our Sinful Ways

Most people are good. You will never convince me otherwise. They show up when shit happens. They give of themselves through monetary donations along with their service to others.

At the same time, we are all sinners. We don’t like to think of ourselves this way. I mean, most of us aren’t out stealing cars or robbing 7-11’s. We do what’s right and true. Yet, in the presence of God we wouldn’t last.

Jesus reconciled man’s relationship with God. His death and resurrection made it possible for us, the sinful ones, to enter Heaven. He sacrificed himself for us in the greatest act of love ever. And what gets me is, Jesus would have done it if I was the only person on earth. Think about that.

Take a moment to thank our Creator for all the good in your life. He is the source of everything. And thank Him for His son while you are at it.

Stay in gratitude…

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Spirituality

Clickbait

There are a lot of fake ads on the internet. Outrageous headlines get our attention so we will click on the story, only to be disappointed.

If it’s truth you are seeking, why not open your Bible? It’s full of fascinating stories like Daniel, or Joseph. Toss Noah in there. Find the story about the talking donkey. You will be reading the truth, not stuff that’s made up.

While you have it open, skip over to the New Testament. Read about Jesus. Through him you will learn about the character of God. Jesus redeemed and restored the people who had been shunned by the religious authorities. As he said, “it is the sick who need a doctor.”

All of us need a spiritual doctor, a healer. Avoiding the clickbait and memes. Read what’s real…

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Spirituality

Playing Keep Away

There’s a game children play called keep away. A group of kids grab a ball and keep one of the other children from getting it. It’s fun and lively, especially when the kid who they are keeping the ball from gets it.

In a way, some churches are playing the same game. But this is not a game. This is potentially messing with people’s eternity. Religious rules are a turnoff. They tend to keep people away from God. Perhaps that wasn’t their original intent, but that is how they evolved.

Jesus gave us two rules. Only two. Love God and love others. Even a child can follow those. He never said no dancing or covering your head. But here we are. Jesus didn’t bring more religion. He brought freedom.

Keep it simple. The other rules are designed to control. God gives us free will. Worship God, not religion…

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