HELP!

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. What or whom do you rely on/seek out in those tough challenges of life? There are many choices we as humans turn to for comfort….money, drugs, alcohol, power, material items, careers/job, sex, a close friend, family, etc. While a close friend and family are vital to a healthy emotional state, we as humans are limited. As Christ followers, we should be seeking Jesus daily, nurturing our mind, body, and soul for the difficult times. God is all powerful, all knowing, and ever present. Why don’t we embrace this truth in both the tough times and offer thanksgiving and praise during the good times. What a blessing we have in being a child of God and trust in His promises. Rely on God, the solid/firm foundation (Matthew 7:24- 29) and our mighty comforter (2 Corinthians 1:3). My challenge to all (myself included) is to seek out God daily for strength, refuge....... and help! Blessings in your pursuit…….TO

Silence- a blessing or an enemy?

 As with many reactions/decisions, the Bible demonstrates through many scriptures where being silent can be a good attribute…or perhaps an enemy for a bold, active faith.  Proverbs 10:19, 11:12, 17:28, Psalm 46:10, 62:5 are just a small sample of examples on the wisdom of silence….it can help us avoid sin (in speech, reactions from anger), gain respect, self-control.  Be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger-(James 1:19).  However, I would like to notate one circumstance where silence can be detrimental.  I am typically introverted in most situations…not all though, less so as I have gotten older.  I have, many times, let this be a hindrance to developing and having an active and bold faith.  While I do believe being quiet can be of great value in our service, there are times when taking a stand, being firm and boldly proclaim the Good News of Jesus to those in our lives should be the action demonstrated.  Here is my confession…I have often lacked faith/trust or perhaps forgotten that God is always with us.  We do not have to feel inadequate or act alone.  We have a helper, a comforter- God provides strength and courage through His Spirit   (1 Timothy 1:7-8; 1 Thessalonians 2:2). Pray for boldness and for the power of the Holy Spirit to give us courage/strength.  May we be silent when necessary…may we speak up boldly proclaiming the Good News daily!  Blessings in your pursuit…….TO

Excuses……..the weeds of service!

 Are you like me and are well adept at coming up with excuses for tasks we just don’t want to do, or see the benefit/purpose (to us?).  Perhaps a procrastination issue or just uncomfortable with doing/out of the comfort zone?  We are good at excuses and validating our decisions for these situations.  However, James 4:17 states the following… If anyone then knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.  Sure, some of our excuses may seem valid and are creatively designed to justify not doing something that we know we should or could.  These can include a variety of opportunities such as attending church regularly, being involved at church (teaching a class, serving in a leadership role, etc.), helping someone in need, saying no in situations that present temptations,coaching a youth team, volunteering at an event/organization, and so on.  Just like a well-manicured lawn or a beautiful garden, we must do our part to remove ‘weeds’ that can overtake and hinder our service/commitment to God and others.  Excuses, avoidance, skewed priorities, and apathy can all be weeds in our life of service to God and others.  May we get to the point where we never question, dismiss or excuse obedient service/commitment anymore.  Blessings in your pursuit…….TO