Tag Archives: #purpose

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

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

As You Can Be

Thomas Edison only had about two months of formal schooling. His insatiable curiosity got him labeled as “addled,” or slow, by his teacher. Little Thomas’s mother pulled him out of school and taught him at home.

Edison’s mother saw his curiosity as a gift. She encouraged him to read books about a variety of subjects including art, science, and philosophy. Edison wasn’t dumb or slow. He just didn’t fit into the rigid teaching style of the mid-19th century. Thomas Edison had a remarkable mother who saw him as he could be.

Isn’t this how God sees us, not as we are but as we can become? We were created with a great purpose for our lives. Our purpose isn’t to argue about politics online. No, we are here to make a difference for mankind. When we do something to help someone who cannot do anything for us, it’s in those moments that we most resemble our Creator.

Edison went on to be a name recognized all over the world. When he died, Edison held 1,093 U. S. Patents. Not bad for an addled mind…

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Spirituality

Set Yourself Up

Have you ever been set up to have a joke played on you, or been set up for something nefarious, perhaps? Professional comedians use set ups in joke telling. Go to YouTube and watch Abbott and Costello do their “Who’s on First” routine.

But there’s a different, better kind of set up: setting yourself up for success. You must do things other people aren’t willing to. This sets you apart from the rest of the crowd. Going through the motions doesn’t get you noticed. Giving more than you are paid to do will come back to you in ways you could never predict.

The mediocre refuse to work one minute more than what they are paid for. They consider extra effort without pay to be cheating themselves. With that attitude they will remain part of the herd, not a leader.

Always look for opportunities to give more of yourself. This isn’t restricted to your career. Give more time and effort to your family and your volunteer work.

By giving more you might miss out on the latest television show. But you will be setting yourself up for a life of fulfillment and purpose.

Set yourself up…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Newness

We love new things, don’t we? That new car smell is one that stays with us. It hits the senses in a good way.

Newborns have the softest skin ever. It’s really remarkable. Only after exposure to the elements is when we “toughen up” a bit. We are able to soften ourselves to the touch by using oils and creams, but it doesn’t get us to the level of a newborn baby.

What about old ideas recycled as new? In New York City, the new Mayor has brought the idea of socialism to the great city. Socialism sounds good, but it doesn’t work. It has never worked but he makes fiery speeches that make it sound attractive to the masses. It’s interesting to note that one of his campaign promises was broken on the first day. Instead of free buses and subways, the cost to ride them went up!

Each day is a new opportunity to make a difference in this world. We want our lives to matter, to count for something. We have the ability to make this happen, but it’s up to us to act.

Remember what the author of The Book of James told us: “faith without works is dead.” God gave us unique talents. He expects us to use them…

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Spirituality

Mind Shift

The new year brings a sense of renewed optimism because it means leaving the past behind. Our minds have shifted from holiday mode to the newness of 2026.

But life won’t change unless you bring your mindset along for the ride. Old thought patterns must be replaced with a new, different way of thinking. The old ways no longer serve you well. And you have to want it.

Make the decision to never go back. Live in the moment while staying focused on your future. It takes hard work, but anything worthwhile will not be easy. You must commit to your dreams, and this means you must commit to changing your thoughts.

Borrowing from Paul, “keep your eyes on what’s true, right and noble.” Aligning what you’re going after with God’s vision for your life will benefit mankind.

Every battle is won or lost in the mind. The truth is, it’s decided before you even begin because your mind knows if you are committed or not. Finding purpose brings commitment.

You really can do anything you set your mind to. A dynamic dream, powered by commitment and purpose while remaining aligned with God’s purpose for your life is unstoppable.

Wait no longer. It’s time to get started…

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Spirituality

Laurels

In ancient Greece and Rome, laurel (evergreen) wreaths were placed on the heads of those who were victorious, the poets and heroes. The wreaths symbolized great achievements in their respective fields.

There’s a saying you have probably heard before, that someone is “resting on their laurels.” It means they are relying on past work to propel them forward without continuing their work. It’s a dangerous trap, one I have fallen into myself. Be on guard that it doesn’t catch you, too.

We should take the time to celebrate our accomplishments in life. Nothing great happens without sacrifice and commitment. But if we are still here, God isn’t finished with us and our work to advance His kingdom agenda. Let’s finish strong.

I do encourage you to take time for rest along the way. You will be better for it. At the same time, don’t rest too long. You might start to enjoy it more than you should! There’s much to do, and only limited time to do it. Get to work!

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Spirituality

The Least

A few years ago I was interviewing a Pastor for my podcast. I was gently challenging him on religious rules, which he answered in the most eloquent way I had ever witnessed. Then he started talking about where the faith communities fail. His words stuck.

“We get ourselves cleaned up for church, sit in our favorite pews, praise the Lord and move on,” he said. “But we walk by the drug addict on the street corner, never inviting him in. We don’t want to get our hands dirty.” His words stuck.

It’s important to remember that in God’s eyes, the addict is as important as we are. He created us equally. When you connect your head to your heart on this, you begin to see your fellow man through a different, bigger lens.

God cares about everyone. We won’t give an accounting of our net worth or our zip code when we arrive in eternity. No. God will ask us what we did with what He gave us. Did we use our gifts or squander them? It’s something we all must consider.

There are a lot of hurting people in this world. Help them when you can. Perhaps a prayer is called for. Everyone can help someone…

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