#spirituality

Unseen

There is much more going on than we can see. The spiritual world is a different dimension. Just because we can’t see it doesn’t make it less real.

The Bible encourages us to keep our eyes on “things that are unseen.” Those things are eternal. Every challenge we face in our lives is a spiritual battle. Again, we don’t see it but God sends His angels to thwart our invisible enemy. Take solace in the fact that the Creator of the Universe is on our side, not the other. Therefore we are assured of victory if we just keep going.

Seeing the world through a different lens puts it in perspective. It doesn’t take away pain and struggle. But it gives us hope…

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#inspiration

Pledges

A pledge is a “solemn oath or vow” to something. Pledges are to be taken seriously.

In school we recited The Pledge of Allegiance every morning. I’m not sure if we really knew the full meaning of what we were saying. After all, we were just children. As I grew into adulthood I took the pledge very seriously. We should love our country and our flag.

Before making a pledge, I encourage you to consider if you can fully uphold your vow. Other people will hold us accountable, but we should be accountable to ourselves and our words above all else…

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#spirituality

Beliefs

We all have our own unique set of beliefs. But do you ever question your beliefs?

Our beliefs evolve as we age and grow. Many of us believed in Santa Claus until we didn’t. (Actually, I still believe in Santa and always will). Maybe we believed things we knew weren’t true, but refused to give in to disbelief. Maybe we believed in people who let us down.

There is one set of truth that never wavers: God’s truth. If it was true 1000 years ago, it’s still true today. What God says goes. He cannot lie. He can’t even stretch the truth. You can believe what He says.

Let’s base our belief system on the Word of God. We may not always understand it, but our lack of understanding doesn’t make it less true…

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By Definition

If someone asked you to define yourself, what would you say?

We have a tendency to describe ourselves in terms of our careers, our position in life, or maybe our accomplishments. While I believe those things have value, they don’t define who we are. We are way more than that.

The lasting impressions we leave have real meaning. We are here to reach and impact others. People are important. All people. Let’s strive to make a difference in the lives of our fellow man…

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#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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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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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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