Tag Archives: #jesus

Spirituality

Never Too Late

Excuses are everywhere. “I’m too old, too tired, settled or whatever.” Excuses are weak and they are lame. Get rid of them.

We are called to make a difference in this life. Otherwise, what is the purpose of living? The impact we make might come in small increments, and it might be followed by a big breakthrough. But you won’t accomplish anything sitting around waiting for opportunities to drop in your lap. You’ve gotta pursue what turns you on, what brings light into your life.

The painful parts of your life can be used to help others overcome their pain. Empathy is shared experience, so don’t waste your pain. Every experience we have had can used for good.

It’s never too late to find your calling. Don’t be afraid. For a period of my life I was scared God would send me to some hellhole country. Then one day I realized God wouldn’t put me in a position to fail. I actually laughed out loud when the light bulb went on! I’m only guessing, but I believe God laughed, too.

Start today. Make your mark on this crazy world we live in. The world needs you…

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Spirituality

The Big Game

Super Bowl Sunday is almost here. The Super Bowl is the most watched game on television. People have parties while Las Vegas has a big day, too.

The game I’m referring to in the title is the game of life. This is the game we all participate in. Are we winning the game, or are we behind? I suppose the answer lies in which part of life and when are we checking in.

If you are having a difficult period, perhaps your teammates are carrying you through. Your team is your family and friends, so choose wisely.

On the flip side, when you are winning is the time to celebrate with your team. Victorious times are a lot more fun when shared with others.

Life can be hard, but you don’t have to go through it alone. There are a lot of good people in this world. Find them and place them on your team…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Near or Far

“Objects in your mirror may be closer than they appear to be,” the warning says. It’s a gentle reminder for us to pay attention. Good advice when you’re driving a 5,000 pound vehicle.

But what about our relationship with God? Sometimes he feels close while others it seems like he’s not there. I know it’s me because God doesn’t move or change. We do.

The Israelis must have felt abandoned when God went silent for 400 years. Then he showed up in a big way through his servant Moses, parted the Red Sea, and freed the Jews from captivity. That must have been awe-inspiring to see.

All through Scripture God promises to never leave us or abandon us. He shows up when I ask him to bring me closer. Every time. Yet I sometimes return to my old ways and wander aimlessly.

In Jeremiah 29:13, God says “you will find me when you seek me with all your heart.” The heart matters to God. It’s all about the heart…

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Spirituality

Win Some. Win Some More

We are never down and out unless we decide we are. Every project we venture into will not be successful, but it’s not a total loss, either. We learned something from it.

When life is going well it’s easy to fall into a trap. The trap is our ego. An ego built on false confidence is fragile. Any misstep can cause it to crumble.

Confidence is built over time. No child learning to walk is ready to walk a mile after he takes his first steps. Repetition brings progress and confidence.

When you have success, give thanks to God. And remember to thank him for what you learned from the failures. Everything can be used…

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Spirituality

The Breaking Point

Pain is a powerful motivator. You have possibly heard this saying: “When the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of change, you will change.”

Many people say they don’t like change. But life is in a constant state of change. Every day is an unknown. It’s true that much of life is routine, boring even. Then something hits the fan and you are put in a position you didn’t anticipate.

Many people cry out to God when they need help. I certainly have. Then we put him on the back burner after the crisis passes. I have done that, too. This happens because we think we are in control. But we are wrong.

God remains in control whether we believe it or acknowledge it. He doesn’t make bad things happen. That would go against his nature. But he allows evil to happen. This is where personal growth accelerates. Our resilience is strengthened. So is our confidence.

Welcome the unexpected in your life. Everything can be used…

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Spirituality

Where Are They?

Sometimes I wonder what happened to the people who asked me for directions. Those poor souls may still be wandering around.

The “they” I’m referring to in the title are the people who are willing to take a stand for what’s right. Many are concerned, but they also don’t want to get involved.

There are heroes among us. These are the people who show up when they are needed. They aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. Sometimes their involvement requires great risk. I’m sure they have a moment of hesitation, but they find their inner strength to help when help is needed.

Find the areas where you want to make a difference. Yes, you will be giving up some of your free time. But you will be helping countless unseen individuals. Everyone counts…

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Spirituality

Divide and Conquer

The devil is real. He wants us to believe he is a fairy tale, but make no mistake, he is real and he is destructive. Everything good in this world has been destroyed or corrupted by demonic forces.

In the United States, the divide between our two political parties has widened to a point of no return. I say this because in past crises, we have put aside our differences and come together. But I ask you to consider the difference between how the country responded after 9/11 and the reactions during the pandemic. Night and day.

The demons know their day is coming. This is evidenced by the demons being startled by Jesus’ arrival in the Gerasenes when they cried out, “what have you come to do to us, O Son of God? Have you come to torment us before the time?” Torment sounds really unpleasant.

There are spiritual forces behind everything in this world. Just because we don’t see them doesn’t make them less real. We don’t have to let them divide us. Every citizen has a right to their own beliefs whether we agree or disagree. Let’s rise above and respect their right.

We are better together…

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Spirituality

Deciding Moments

In the movie, The Rookie, high school baseball coach Jim Morris has a serious talk with his team after a loss. Morris observed during the game that his team had given up. They quit on their coach, but more importantly they quit on themselves. Coach Morris challenged them to want more from their lives.

The boys on the team turned the challenge around on their coach. Morris had, at one time, shown great promise as a Major League pitcher but a shoulder injury cut his dream short. The team, which had previously only won one single game in the seasons prior, got their coach to agree to try out for a professional baseball team if the high school team won district. Morris agreed, and then the team won 17 straight games. They had a deciding moment which gave them purpose.

God gives us moments in life where we are challenged to do more than we have before. He gives us the right to decide to take the challenge or back away. This is where free will and purpose intersect. It’s always our choice which road we choose.

When your deciding moments present themselves, I encourage you to take a risk. You may be scared, but remember, God will be with you. He isn’t in the business of abandonment…

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Spirituality

Killing Conformity

Conformity kills creativity and individuality. Yes, people like to fit in, to be part of a group or movement. But where’s the excitement in that if you lose your identity for the sake of the group?

You were created to make a difference in this world. Your unique gifts and talents are yours and yours alone. No one like you has ever been created and never will be. Be willing to show yourself to the world without reservation.

Be prepared. The critics will be waiting to tear you apart. Pay no attention to them. Those people are small thinkers who are projecting their insecurities onto you. Keep pursuing your purpose and leave the critics in the mire.

Time on this side of life is finite. Fulfilling your God-given purpose will impact your life in eternity. Don’t waste another moment. As John Wayne said, “you’re burning daylight.” It’s time to begin…

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Spirituality

The Quiet

Every day, I begin my morning by just being quiet. No music, podcasts or anything else. Just the quiet. It’s the best way I know to set the tone for the upcoming, busy, noisy day.

We have become accustomed to noise. Traffic sounds, television ads, even podcasts bring stimuli into our minds. Our brains require noise to feel “normal.”

Have you ever gone out to the country and walked around an open field? The only sounds we might hear are the wind or perhaps a cow mooing. It’s quite peaceful. It’s interesting how quickly our minds adjust to the lack of noise. Then we want more.

Some people are uncomfortable with the quiet. They get antsy or fidgety. If this is you, I encourage you to work through this. Just sit quietly for 30 seconds. The next day try for 60 seconds. It will take time to adjust, but you will get there if you don’t give up.

Enjoy your quiet moments. The world and its constant noise will be there when you’re ready…

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