#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…

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#inspiration

Fame

People will compromise themselves for fame. Not everyone, but I’m surprised at the lengths people will go to for notoriety’s sake.

There’s an “influencer” who licked a toilet bowl and posted it on TikTok. He doesn’t influence me. In today’s culture it’s all about the views and the likes.

There are many famous people who have used their influence for good. The late Paul Newman comes to mind. He was the kind of person who could influence me.

How about you? Make a list of the people you admire. Set the example for others, and aim high…

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Solving Problems

Our world is facing enormous, almost overwhelming challenges. We have homelessness, hunger, political divide, human trafficking and many more, too many to name. It would be easy to throw our hands up and just give up. But that wouldn’t be the right thing to do.

We are not going to solve our problems in their entirety. But if we move the needle in the right direction, we will make a difference in the lives of others. Plus, we will inspire others to do the same. This is how you get things done.

We can make a difference. It begins with me…

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Doubt

Do you doubt yourself? If so, why? You didn’t have doubts as a child. None of us walked perfectly when we started walking, but we never doubted our ability to master walking.

The world is hard and harsh. Our setbacks can cause doubt to creep in. But the lessons from childhood are still relevant. Don’t give up on your dreams, no matter what! Go for what turns you on and never look back.

You can do anything you set your mind to. Anything

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#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…

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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…

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#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…

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Bias

Where do you go to find true, objective news? Our media outlets have become pulpits for the political leanings of the on-air talent. Op-Ed’s aren’t an improvement over television. There are left and right biases in those.

You can start with the truth in the Bible. God’s word is as true today as it was 1000 years ago. It doesn’t shift one way or another. His words are steadfast.

If something big happens in the world, you are pretty much on your own when deciding how to navigate through the crisis. God gave us a brain to think with. We don’t need the national media.

And if God has a bias, He is biased towards widows and orphans, the disenfranchised, the needy. That’s where our bias should lie, too…

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Goodness

I believe most people are good at heart. They mean well and typically treat others with kindness and respect.

When we give, whether we are giving money or giving of ourselves, let’s do it with a cheerful attitude. Doing good without concerning yourself with getting repaid is pure. If we give and feel resentment, we should examine our hearts to determine why we are resentful.

Everything we do and say is a reflection of what is in our hearts. Let’s allow goodness to reign…

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