Do you like to learn? Normally, I enjoy learning, but once in a while, I find it humbling because I need to learn from my mistakes.
One of the things God showed me recently was I needed to learn to trust Him. There had been promises that He shared through His word, and, because of fear or foolishness, I forgot to trust. I ended up causing tensions that didn't have to happen. Thankfully the situation was rectified, but only after I've made myself look rather silly and childish.
I have taken courage from the Apostle Paul. He had much to learn, despite being the well-educated man that he was. His troubles and persecutions taught him many lessons, trust being one of them. He also learned to be content. In Philippians 4:11 he wrote, "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content..."
Oh, that it were so easy to always trust, always be content, and always be eager to learn! At least I'm willing to try, and I know the Lord will help me as I daily put myself into His hands.
What is God calling you to learn?
Monday, March 9, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
Remembering to Breathe
I'm being trying to be faithful to my new exercise regime. The DVD I chose is an in-home walking program with interval training in the mix. I really enjoy it.
Because it's a DVD, I watch and workout to the same dialogue. One of the comments the trainer makes about midway into the session is, "Don't hold your breath!" She is encouraging us to take deep breaths and to exhale, particularly during the increased intervals, so our oxygen is circulating well within our bodies.
Sometimes our lives get so busy and stressful that we don't remember to breathe. I'm not talking about breathing techniques. I'm talking about taking a moment to remember we're not alone in the midst of our trials or circumstances. We have a God who loves us and who wants us to call out to Him for help and encouragements. When we do so, and trust Him with the results of our situations instead of relying on ourselves, we develop a brighter attitude, a fresher spirit, and a peace that is beyond explanation.
Are you remembering to breathe in the Lord's faithfulness?
Because it's a DVD, I watch and workout to the same dialogue. One of the comments the trainer makes about midway into the session is, "Don't hold your breath!" She is encouraging us to take deep breaths and to exhale, particularly during the increased intervals, so our oxygen is circulating well within our bodies.
Sometimes our lives get so busy and stressful that we don't remember to breathe. I'm not talking about breathing techniques. I'm talking about taking a moment to remember we're not alone in the midst of our trials or circumstances. We have a God who loves us and who wants us to call out to Him for help and encouragements. When we do so, and trust Him with the results of our situations instead of relying on ourselves, we develop a brighter attitude, a fresher spirit, and a peace that is beyond explanation.
Are you remembering to breathe in the Lord's faithfulness?
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Following Directions
How are you at following directions? My kids brought home a little test paper from school with a list of instructions. You were supposed to read everything before you started. My daughter showed me her paper filled with all sorts of pictures that the instructions had included. The funny thing was, it was a trick test, because when you read the list, the very last item said, "Do not do any of the above." She had failed to follow the directions.
Sometimes we are so eager to get things started and get things done that we don't read the directions properly. We wander off track or the item we are building isn't done right because we didn't take the time to be accurate and sure.
Sometimes God gives us specific directions to follow. I'm not talking about Bible commands. Those are a given. I'm talking about how sometimes He gives us a certain line of
Scripture or He stirs our heart to do a specific task. For whatever reason, we don't obey completely or at all. Sometimes we lack the strength to handle the situation. That is no excuse because God is the One who we are to draw strength from. Sometimes we are afraid of consequences. We are supposed to be obedient first and let God handle the consequences.
Following directions is vital in the life of the Christian because we honor God with our obedience. By trusting His directions we are praising who He is. It's not always easy, but with God all things are possible. Call on God to help you follow directions.
Sometimes we are so eager to get things started and get things done that we don't read the directions properly. We wander off track or the item we are building isn't done right because we didn't take the time to be accurate and sure.
Sometimes God gives us specific directions to follow. I'm not talking about Bible commands. Those are a given. I'm talking about how sometimes He gives us a certain line of
Scripture or He stirs our heart to do a specific task. For whatever reason, we don't obey completely or at all. Sometimes we lack the strength to handle the situation. That is no excuse because God is the One who we are to draw strength from. Sometimes we are afraid of consequences. We are supposed to be obedient first and let God handle the consequences.
Following directions is vital in the life of the Christian because we honor God with our obedience. By trusting His directions we are praising who He is. It's not always easy, but with God all things are possible. Call on God to help you follow directions.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Giving God Your Hopes
What do you do with failed hopes? Do you toss them aside into a pile never to try again? Do you regret that you even tried in the first place? We all have looked forward or expected something to happen, but have faced failure in its fruition. Many times it's because of circumstances beyond our control. Maybe we were waiting for someone to complete a task, but they did not follow through. Or maybe we dreamed unrealistically of an event we desperately wanted to take place. Whatever the reason, we all have had hopes dashed.
In these cases, we need to give our hopes to God. He knows our disappointments and our dreams. He knows our hurts and frustrations. When we give our hopes to Him, we are trusting Him to guide us in the circumstances we can't see because He sees all and knows the whys and the hows.
When we give Him our hopes, we are telling Him we want Him to guide our tomorrows. We are asking Him to take our hurts and heal them, so that under His direction, we can have new hopes and dreams once again.
Have you had your hopes dashed? Give them to God and see what new and better hopes He gives to you.
In these cases, we need to give our hopes to God. He knows our disappointments and our dreams. He knows our hurts and frustrations. When we give our hopes to Him, we are trusting Him to guide us in the circumstances we can't see because He sees all and knows the whys and the hows.
When we give Him our hopes, we are telling Him we want Him to guide our tomorrows. We are asking Him to take our hurts and heal them, so that under His direction, we can have new hopes and dreams once again.
Have you had your hopes dashed? Give them to God and see what new and better hopes He gives to you.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Reflection for the Day
It is good to rejoice in the Lord, thanking Him for all He has done and all He intends to do. Here's a Scripture to reflect on today and this weekend.
"Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous;
And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!"
Psalm 32:11
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Taking Time to Exercise
I’ve worked out 3 times this past week with my new exercise CD. I know if I am consistent and persistent, I will develop a good weekly habit over time.
Too bad many of us don’t realize how important spiritual exercise is as well. 1 Timothy 4:8 says, “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.”
Spiritual exercise comes mainly in the form of spending time in God’s Word. Just like it’s good to exercise each week, it’s even better to read your Bible every day. How else are we to know what God has to say if we aren’t reading His love letter to us?
Take some time to develop a great and healthy habit. Open up your Bible a little each day and learn just what God has to share with you!
Too bad many of us don’t realize how important spiritual exercise is as well. 1 Timothy 4:8 says, “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.”
Spiritual exercise comes mainly in the form of spending time in God’s Word. Just like it’s good to exercise each week, it’s even better to read your Bible every day. How else are we to know what God has to say if we aren’t reading His love letter to us?
Take some time to develop a great and healthy habit. Open up your Bible a little each day and learn just what God has to share with you!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Monday Morning Moans
I'm sore and achy. Thankfully it's not the flu. My body hurts because I was working the last 3 days as a video camera operator for a conference our church was sponsoring. It was fun, but tiring. Hopefully many people's lives were changed by the messages they heard.
It's a good thing my fingers don't hurt, otherwise I wouldn't be typing up this post. But my arms ache when I lift them up a certain height, and my upper thighs sting when I sit down. My schedule won't be too busy this week, so I'm hoping I'll be back to normal by Wednesday.
See you then!
It's a good thing my fingers don't hurt, otherwise I wouldn't be typing up this post. But my arms ache when I lift them up a certain height, and my upper thighs sting when I sit down. My schedule won't be too busy this week, so I'm hoping I'll be back to normal by Wednesday.
See you then!
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