‘D’efense!!! How about these D’s of life

We hear this phrase frequently during the football season….’DEFENSE’. I was going through some old notes today from a friend of mine that so happens to be a minister too. Steve-you inspired this post. Look at the insight and wisdom found in these words that begin with the letter ‘D’

If you want to be:
Distressed-look within
Defeated-look back
Distracted-look around
Dismayed-look ahead
Delivered-look above

What is my defensive format towards daily life issues? Where am I looking/focused as I go through trials/temptations? Peace will only be found in the comforting inspired words of our God and through our living Savior, Jesus Christ-why do we often make this so compelling and difficult. I need to ascribe to the ‘kiss’ principle……Keep It Simple Stupid. God’s plan for salvation is indeed simple-however it is a constant daily grind/battle with worldliness and Satan’s subtle pull. Look above to find peace, joy and deliverance. Blessings in your pursuit…….TO

Thievery- guilty by omission!

A thief, surely not I! Usually, we relate sin by something we do/have done(often times this is accurate). Can we sin by something we 'do not do'? We certainly can. Malachi 3:6-18 addresses a sin of omission. By financial unfaithfulness in tithes and offerings, we(I) rob God and in this passage, the Israelites were cursed. Unfaithful giving has a severe domino effect. Ministries are not adequately funded-outreach and missionary efforts diminished-those to receive aid are reduced, some perhaps denied being shared the Gospel. My hope and prayer is that this economic downturn will allow all of us to reevaluate how we handle our finances-be more prudent, the stewards God calls us to be with the things He has entrusted us with. Where on the list is my giving? How does it compare to vacations, new ‘things’? Luke 12:24 is a very humbling passage. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.” Another suggested passage is 1 Tim.6:17-19. I challenge myself and all to take a financial self inventory regularly to see where your(my) heart is. I have failed especially during my extended unemployment. I need to be bold, trusting-He has provided as He promises. Blessings in your pursuit…….TO

Responding to trials

When faced with trials there are two basic choices…..a Godly response or a self/worldly one. We try to blame others and/or circumstances, but the truth of the matter is, WE control our reactions-it is our responsibility-WE are held accountable for ourselves. Look at the example in Job 1:20. A response of WORSHIP in times of despair/struggles! That is not natural to me, I tend to complain or throw a pity party with myself as the center of attention. This is a great example of needing God’s word on our hearts, studying and being steeped in the WORD (2 Timothy 2:15). How else can we have the faith and trust we need to face trials. They are going to happen. They prepare us to become more like Christ, a life-long pursuit/molding by our Heavenly Father who loves us so much to discipline His children-just as we do our earthly children. Our response needs to become so we react to God and His love, character, compassion and not a rejoinder of the circumstances. Do I really believe that what matters most is what happens ‘in’ me' rather than ‘to’ me? Wow! What constant work my heart and attitude needs-a daily supply of God’s word. Check out the following examples from God’s word: James 1:2-4 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete. 1 Peter 4:1-2. Since Jesus went through everything you're going through and more, learn to think like Him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you'll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want. Romans 5:3-5, Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Hebrews 12:11, "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." 1 Peter 4:12-13, Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. An attitude/response of Worship & Rejoicing during trials!!! I have a long way to go! Blessings in your pursuit…….TO