What is your 'results' attitude?

We’ve all heard the phrase, ‘what have you done for me lately?’ We live in not only a results driven society, but one where efforts quickly can become obsolete, overlooked, and forgotten as we move forward to more progress. We want results, society demands them and in the now-the present and future. God shows us that while He has given us the abilities to accomplish great results, He demands we have compassion, patience, forgiveness towards one another. A powerful conflict oftentimes in our jobs and even our daily lives. Above all, we must recognize to be obedient and willing to just say ‘yes’. God uses ordinary people for extraordinary results. May we never take credit for the results that God produces through His servants. I wonder how many times in discourse with others that I say phrases like; "I did this, we done that," etc. Yes, I may have been the instrument/vessel for a particular purpose, however, God is the planner and Creator. When I say ‘yes’ to God, He will produce the results that is best. Do I truly believe and live that obedient life? Or, is my attitude- MY efforts and MY results? Blessings in your pursuit…….TO

A Precious Gift

Look at the following two passages: John 14:16-17, "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. Romans 8:26-28, In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
As Christians, God has given us a precious gift-His spirit-the Holy Spirit to dwell within us and provide life and help. We are in a society that suggests ‘we’ are in control and ‘our’ efforts will get us what we want. I don’t know about you, but the more I study God’s word, the more I realize that I am not in control (thankfully) and just how much I need God. I do struggle with how to fully use this gift from God-How do I/we tap into this power? I know for certain that by trusting, seeking and obeying-God will provide. I’m thankful He dwells within me through His Spirit-something I can depend on for comfort, guidance and help with LIFE. Blessings in your pursuit…….TO.

Who is your 'C.O.B'?

I have heard that each one of us is president/owner of our own ‘company’……YOU/ME! While there may be some truth and/or benefit in that thinking, we need to remember that it is not all about us, nor are we in control. Yes, God allows us to make free-will decisions-we can and do make choices. That provokes two questions- who are the board of directors and more importantly, the chairman of the board(COB) in your life/’company’? What voices are influential in your decisions/choices? It can be a vast and diverse committee of influences. Friends, family, co-workers and fellow believers can be great sources. However, the Great(I AM) should be the valued and desired head(COB) of us. Be still, listen to the wisdom of our glorious God, trusting and believing. Deuteronomy 13:4 says, "You shall follow the Lord your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him." A Chairman of the Board is usually one of vast knowledge, experience and wisdom-I’m trying to consistently maintain God as my C.O.B- to guide my ‘company/life’. Blessings in your pursuit…….TO

Listening.......an endearing yet lost trait!

God listens which shows His care and love. Psalm 17:6 says, I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O bend down and listen as I pray. Jesus at a young age gives an example of listening in Luke 2:46- ‘After three days they found him(Jesus ) in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions’. Why do we/I often shut people out when they are speaking …..because of our own self interests? (whether we are on the phone, internet, working, or other distractions). We/I need to show the compassion of Jesus and put God and others before myself (deny thyself)…….and listen with considerate ears and hearts. We often fret on what to say to someone facing a difficult trial, thus we attempt to avoid spending precious time with them-doing nothing will cause us to miss out on enriching experiences. Sometimes it is perhaps best not to say anything-a hug or holding a hand can mean more. Show someone courtesy, love and kindness each day by lending an attentive, comforting ear…..and just listen. Blessings in your pursuit…….TO

‘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