Tag Archives: #spirituality

#inspiration, #spirituality

Better Than

When I was nineteen years old, I had the privilege to live in Norway for the summer. It’s the most beautiful country I’ve ever seen. There’s a picture of the town I lived in at the end of this entry.

I worked as a tour guide for the American, British and German tourists who came through. One thing always pissed me off about the Americans: many of them made comparisons to the United States, saying “this is nice, but we have it so much better at home.” They might be talking about a flush toilet. Seriously. And the Norwegian toilets functioned just fine.

Insecure people compare and complain. No one is better than anyone else. God loves us equally, even the people I don’t care for. Insulting others is, technically, insulting the one who created them. I don’t believe that’s a wise thing to do.

If you feel the desire to compare, remember how important you are to God. He created you, and he didn’t forget about you…

Andalsnes, Norway
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#inspiration, #spirituality

Joyful

Romans 12:12 tells us to:

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” How do we accomplish this when the cost of living has skyrocketed, crime is rampant, and people are at each other’s throats over something as silly as politics. There is a way.

Put all your faith and trust in something greater than yourself: God. He is still in control of everything. Keep your focus on Him. Refuse to be distracted.

Your future is in God’s hands, not the politicians. Their futures are in His hands, too…
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#inspiration, #spirituality

You’re Right

There are people in this world who believe, truly believe they are always right. They are difficult to talk with because you are unable to have a true conversation with them. In reality, these type people aren’t intellectually stimulating at all.

No one is right all the time. In fact, multiple studies have demonstrated that people are wrong more than they are right. This reinforces what we find in Scripture from The Book of James: “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” Listening and then thinking before speaking is showing wisdom. Getting angry because someone doesn’t see things the way I do is wasted energy.

Leave the low-thinking people where they are. Seek out people who make you think, people you can learn from…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Exaggeration

Have you ever told a story about yourself and exaggerated the details to make the story better than it was? Of course you have! I have, too. Guys have been doing it for thousands of years to impress girls.

The worst example of exaggeration comes from the politicians. As long as I have been aware politically I have heard innumerable promises from those who want your vote. And I have voted for Republicans and Democrats with the same results. I believe we put way too much faith in Washington DC and not enough in our Creator. He’s the only one we can trust.

In this political season, take time to listen to the “promises of a better future” the politicians talk about. Consider what makes sense. And above all the noise, remember to pray to the one who has your future in His hands…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Alterations

When we meet new people we always want to make a good first impression. After all, you only get one opportunity to do so.

People have a habit of putting up a solid front. They want to appear more important than they are. This is why people name-drop. But the truth is that everyone is important. We are equal in the eyes of God. He created us, and he doesn’t create junk.

We should treat others with dignity and respect. This applies even to the people who don’t deserve it. Calling people names and putting them down is both rude and wrong.

Stay true to your real self. Don’t alter yourself for the crowd. Just be the best version of yourself. Others will notice…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Fear of Death

Last August I went to check on a friend of mine who had missed his appointment with his personal trainer, and he wasn’t answering his phone. When I let myself into his home, I found him dead on his kitchen floor. That was not exactly how I wanted to start my week!

My friend, Mark, was only 67 years old at the time of his death. This is my age today, and his death made me start thinking about my own mortality. My eternity is secure by my faith and belief in Jesus. I’m not afraid to die. I’m just not ready!

Everything we do in this life prepares us for eternity. God gave us a purpose to fulfill. Are we doing it? Or perhaps we are spending our time watching television, arguing about politics, or participating in other time wasters.

It’s time to get busy! Our true purpose is calling. We never know when we will breathe our last breath…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Spiritual Abuse

People seek out spiritual leaders when they are in a crisis or they need discernment. The leaders in our churches and synagogues should be trustworthy. People share intimate details about what’s going on in their lives, putting themselves in vulnerable situations.

There has been a multitude of abuses reported in my lifetime. Big names like Jimmy Swaggart, Jim Bakker and others disgraced themselves due to sexual misconduct. This has caused many people to turn away from the church and seek help elsewhere. Who can blame them? Yet many good people experience “guilt by association.” If one was bad then they all must be bad.

If you have been hurt by anyone in a position of leadership or influence, I’m sorry. I encourage you to not turn away from God. Turn back to Him. Follow the life and teachings of Jesus as a way to begin.

There are great spiritual leaders in this world. Find them…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Leave Me Alone

Teenagers usually like their parents to leave them alone. That is, until they get hungry, need money or want to be driven somewhere.

Adults like for God to leave them alone, too. That is, until they need his help to get them out of some mess they created. And when he comes through, we put him on the back burner where we think he belongs until we get into another mess. But is that really right?

God knows what is good for us. He wants to mold us into who he created us to be. Sometimes the molding and the work is painful. But God only wants what is best for us, and he never stops trying or gives up on us.

I’m grateful to be able to worship a God like this. Even when I feel like being left alone…

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Unwillingness

Sometimes God puts us in situations that we just don’t like or understand. And God wants obedience from us yet we don’t always want to obey. I would rather do things my way rather than God’s way, and so would you.

This is where trust comes into play. Do I trust God enough to submit to what he wants? The truth is, sometimes. We are rebellious by nature. It was rebellion from British rule that brought the Declaration of Independence into existence. And look at how God has blessed the world through the prosperity and generosity of the United States.

Trusting in God’s purpose is a continuous growth process. Don’t give in to your own selfish desires. If we aren’t always willing to accept what God requires, then do it unwillingly until your heart changes.

God is not going to stop working on us, so let’s work with him, not against…

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#inspiration, #spirituality

Weights

Lifting weights is probably my favorite way to exercise. You can work up a great sweat while building muscle and toning your body. And unlike the cardio we do to strengthen our heart muscle, we can see our results.

Are you carrying excess weight on your shoulders right now? Painful memories, hurts, and just the daily struggles of life can weigh you down. Sometimes it seems there is no end in sight. But there is.

Any metaphorical weight you are holding onto can be released, freeing you to live more fully. Find the right psychotherapist and go to work on yourself. Financial stresses can be overcome through a change in spending habits. Whatever it is that occupies your mind the most is what you need to address. Start now.

You can do anything you set your mind to. Anything…

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