Comparative Tendencies

Have you ever fantasized about being someone else? Perhaps a favorite athlete, or another celebrity. Probably most of us have. We are inundated with products, advertisements, entertainment revolving around appearance, status, wealth, etc. I find myself at times comparing myself to others, usually by means of looks and/or possessions? Why do we spend precious time with these matters? I don’t know for certain-human nature I guess. I do know that Satan is actively trying to sway our focus from Godliness to self. God created each one of us-We are all special in God’s sight. We should be more concerned about what our Almighty God thinks of us, and less on others opinions. More time/energy on serving others, less on self. We should stay in shape, eat right, take proper care of ourselves, etc.-All good things. The challenge is to be happy with ourselves, be who we are-each one special. There is a song that I like called, “Specialty” the chorus says, 'Bout time you realized You are a specialty There is no one like you, Spend your life worrying 'Bout what you could have been Can't you like being you. Scripture teaches us the same. We read in Ephesians 2:10: "For I am God's beautiful masterpiece. He has created me anew in Christ Jesus, so I can do the good things He planned for me long ago." Just some thoughts on one of life’s challenges that can easily consume us. Blessings in your pursuit…….TO

Mine?

Most of the time I speak of “my things”. Check out “my” car, come to “my” house, “my money”, and so on. Today, I was reminded again that these Earthly items are in fact from God. They are His! He has blessed me with “things” some for necessity purposes, others for convenience and some for discretionary enjoyment. Do I truly see my possessions as God’s, given to me to use for awhile for His purpose/service? While I do not consider myself a pack-rat, I have kept many things over my lifetime. Most, never to be used or looked at-at least not very often. It is difficult to let go of certain memorabilia and I’m not advocating that it is wrong to keep some, not at all. Although, I think we must strive diligently to not allow these possessions to control our lives. Like it or not, we live in a material world- Madonna even sang a song about it. However, we do not have to subscribe to this-we live in this world, we are not to live for this world. God calls us to be different. Matthew 6:19-20 tells us not to store up treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal, but store up treasures in Heaven. The key is, FOCUS. It can either be Earthly/self or Heaven/Christ focused. I’ll end with the missionary martyr Jim Elliot's famous words, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." Blessings in your pursuit…….TO

A Christ-centered M.O.

M.O.- Latin for Modus operandi and is defined as the method of operating/functioning, habits, mannerisms. For too long I operated as if I was in control, looking at Earthly means for a successful life. Looking back, I have focused on measuring up to/trusting in the temporary items that make up life here. Of course there are inevitable Earthly components that are needed for existence. We need to give the glory to the source and not in the material objects. I believe God wants us to enjoy life on Earth. True happiness comes from a Christ-centered life(M.O). Herein lies the purpose of our existence. I must constantly ask myself, am I living for myself, or for my Creator, Savior, Redeemer. We can serve our Lord and others as well as take time for ourselves. Life happens and there are trials/struggles, while not enjoyable, there is great value and learning from them. I am trying to improve on being mindful of my priorities and asking a few basic questions: Is God truly first in my life?, How do I spend my time(time management), What am I living for? As I’m getting older(hopefully wiser too), I realize time is precious, you cannot save or re-live it(wouldn’t that be nice at times?). Perspectives and priorities are changing. My goal is to not waste a minute of the time God gives me here, to be pro-active, and make a positive impact on those whose lives I am a part of. There is much work to be accomplished. I look forward to developing a more Christ-centered M.O. Blessings in your pursuit…….TO.

The Original GPS

Many folks by now have one or have used a GPS. Another technological wonder tool(maps were OK, however with more limitations). I can easily get lost in unfamiliar territory. Thus, what comfort to have access to an immediate guide. I believe the same holds true spiritually. I like to think of a spiritual GPS for guidance, comfort, peace, hope, love and salvation. This GPS could have many names such as: 1) God’s Plan of Salvation. 2) Grace, Peace & Savior. 3) God is my Personal Savior. 4) God, the Power Source. 5) God’s Perfect Son.
Yes, we also have immediate access to the ultimate GPS with obedience to God and through Jesus Christ. One caveat is that we have a tendency to not use this precious gift effectively. Seeking out the spiritual GPS in times of suffering and neglecting during the “good times” seems to be a human inclination. A favorite theme from “Facing the Giants” is, we will give God the glory, win or lose. Also, from a Casting Crowns song comes the phrase, I will praise you in the storm. I need constant self examination to keep focus, and to trust God ALWAYS during good times, the struggles and when I’m off course/lost and in need of my spiritual GPS. Blessings in your pursuit…….TO.

Personal Construction Site

Have you ever thought of yourself as a construction site? We are God's vessels here on Earth. Our bodies are his Living Temple. How/what is the maintenance plan? Just like a new building, things typically look good with few problems early on. Still yet, little things need attention so that larger issues do not develop later. There are some remarkable looking landmarks in this world, however, some may appear in order from the outside, but in need of work on the inside. Outer beauty is great, however, temporary(although technology has advanced so as to prolong to an extent). It it is the inward allure that can endure for a lifetime. Yet, sometimes we spend more effort on the external appearance than internal. We as humans can not truly know the inner psyche of one another. We certainly do a good job of masking it at times towards others. God knows, we will not deceive Him. It is vital that we share our burdens(with others and with God) and not keep them inside, building up to the point of possible destruction of our vessel. Our outer and inner being when properly maintained is key for our spiritual, physical and psychological wellness. One of my favorite hymns is "Purer in Heart, O God". That is the inner goal we should strive for as we are commanded by God.... Purer in heart, O God, help me to be;May I devote my life wholly to Thee:Watch Thou my wayward feet,Guide me with counsel sweet;Purer in heart, help me to be.Purer in heart, O God, help me to be;Teach me to do Thy will most lovingly;Be Thou my Friend and Guide,Let me with Thee abide;Purer in heart, help me to be.Purer in heart, O God, help me to be;Until Thy holy face one day I see:Keep me from secret sin,Reign Thou my soul within;Purer in heart, help me to be. Excuse me as I depart to perform more personal construction. Blessings in your pursuit. TO