"Get The Mix Right"!

27, May 2017

"Get The Mix Right"!

‘It was not mixed with faith.’ Hebrews 4:2 AMPC

In order for cement to become concrete, it must be mixed with sand and water.  If you don’t get the mix right, the cement will never become concrete.  And just as your body needs good nutrition each day, your soul needs to be fed on God’s Word.  But you can’t stop there.  You must act on what you hear and read.  Faith is acting like God is telling the truth!

If you don’t act on God’s Word, it won’t do you any good.  ‘The message they heard did not benefit them, because it was not mixed with faith (with the leaning of the entire personality on God in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness) by those who heard it.’

To get the results God’s Word promises, note what you must ‘mix’ in:  ‘confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness'.   Why do you go to church and sit down in a pew? Because you are confident that the pew will hold you up. The reverse is also true. You may say you believe the pew can hold you up, but if you never sit down on it, you’re not exercising faith—because you’re not acting on what you say you believe. What does it mean to ‘act’ in faith?

(1) To agree with God’s Word and refuse to say anything that contradicts it.

(2) To wait patiently, allowing God to fulfill His Word in His own way and on His own schedule.  ‘Faith is the substance of things hoped for' (Hebrews 11:1 KJV).   Note the word ‘substance’.  Your faith must be based on something substantial.  And that ‘something’ is the tried, proven, unfailing truth of God’s Word.

"How Change Happens" (Part #4)

22, May 2017

"How Change Happens" (Part #4)

‘Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “It is because I saw God face to face.”’ Genesis 32:30 NIV

Change happens through cooperation.  God started changing Jacob the moment he admitted who he was and began to cooperate with His plan.  Jacob named the place where he wrestled with the angel ‘Peniel’, meaning ‘the face of God’.  Each of us must eventually come face to face with God, and when we do He can change us.

In essence God told Jacob, ‘Now we can get down to business.  Cooperate, and trust Me.  I’ll make the changes you want, and I’ll bless you'.  Notice: God didn’t say, ‘Try hard and use your willpower to become perfect’. That doesn’t work, and God knows it. Willpower alone doesn’t bring lasting change in our lives. It just deals with the outward circumstances.  Internal motivation brings about lasting change, and that’s what God works on.  He told Jacob, ‘Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel’ (Genesis 32:28 NIV).

Jacob would never be the same. Once you have a personal encounter with the living God, He changes you. He changed Jacob from a ‘cheater’ to a ‘prince’.

God saw his potential. He looked beyond the tough exterior of a guy who portrayed himself as hardened and worldly-wise. God saw all Jacob’s weaknesses, but He also saw beneath the surface: ‘That’s not the real you, Jacob; you’re actually an Israel—a prince.’

And the same goes for each of us: ‘We are … heirs … and joint heirs with Christ … that we may … be glorified together’ (Romans 8:16–17 NKJV).  In the words of Paul: ‘He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ’ (Philippians 1:6 NIV).  

"How Change Happens" (Part #1)

19, May 2017

"How Change Happens" (Part #1)

‘We are changed into His glorious image.’ 2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT

Change happens through crisis. God changed Jacob’s name, which means ‘deceiver’, to Israel, which means ‘a prince with God’.  And He did it through crisis. Realizing he had to go home and face the wrath of his brother Esau, whom he’d mistreated, Jacob became desperate.  That night in his tent he wrestled with the angel of the Lord.  And the change in his life didn’t come quickly or easily, because we’re told he wrestled until daybreak.  But suddenly it dawned on Jacob that he was wrestling with God, and it was a fight he couldn’t win.

Likewise, God will let you wrestle with an issue you can’t resolve, to get your attention.  He’ll bring you to the place where you must concede, ‘I can’t handle this situation.  It’s too big for me. I need God’!  If that’s where you are today, you’re on the cusp of a breakthrough. If you’re asking God to make you comfortable in the mess you’re in, forget it—it’s not going to happen.

‘As an eagle stirs up its nest … so the Lord alone led him’ (Deuteronomy 32:11–12 NKJV).  A mother eagle withholds food from her children to persuade them to leave the nest and learn to fly.  Can you imagine what they’re thinking?  ‘It’s my mother doing this to me’!  And God will do the same to you.  He’ll allow a crisis in order to get your attention. He knows you won’t change until your fear of change is surpassed by the pain you’re experiencing.  Bottom line: ‘The Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image’.

"God Is Your Unfailing Source"

17, May 2017

"God Is Your Unfailing Source"

‘The brook dried up.’ 1 Kings 17:7 NIV

The psalmist wrote, ‘Joyful are those …whose hope is in the Lord their God.’ (Psalm 146:5 NLT)

One author writes: ‘Sometimes when there’s not enough money to make ends meet, people tell us to budget and we chuckle. We look at the situation and say, “No way.” That’s the time to trust God. Your possibilities aren’t limited by past or present circumstances. If there’s not enough money to pay legitimate expenses, 'do deligent' to pay what you can and then let go and let God. Trust God to supply your need, then look beyond your wallet. Look to your source. Claim a divine, unlimited supply.  Do your part in managing your money. Strive for financial responsibility in thoughts and actions. Ask for wisdom, and listen to God’s leadings. Then let go of your fears and your need to control. We all know money is a necessary part of living—and so does God.’

FB Meyer said: ‘The education of our faith is incomplete till we learn that God’s providence works through loss … There’s a ministry provided to us through the failure and fading of things. The dwindling brook where Elijah sat is a picture of our lives! “Some time later the brook dried up” (1 Kings 17:7 NIV) is the history of our yesterdays and the prophecy of our tomorrows. We must learn the difference between trusting in the gift and trusting in the giver. The gift may last for a season, but the giver is eternal. If the Lord had led Elijah directly to the widow at Zarephath, he’d have missed something that helped make him a better man—living by faith. Whenever our earthly resources dry up, it’s so we may learn that our hope and health are in God'.

"Today Share Your Faith With Someone"

15, May 2017

"Today Share Your Faith With Someone"

‘A woman of Samaria came to draw water.’ John 4:7 NKJV

One day Jesus met a woman who would come to draw water from a well.  After five marriages, her trust in men was zero—and her self-esteem was into the negative!  But after her encounter with Christ, she left the well radically changed.

When it comes to sharing our faith, we learn three important lessons from her story:

(1) Jesus sees the best in everybody.  ‘The Pharisees … complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners”’ (Luke 15:2 NKJV).  And when it came to the woman at the well, they were right. She’d been through five marriages and was the talk of the town because she was living with another man. Yet she was the first person to whom Jesus introduced Himself as the Messiah. Why didn’t He do that when He called His disciples?  Or performed His first miracle? Or interviewed Nicodemus? Because Jesus doesn’t measure you by your past or your pedigree—but by your potential.

(2) Jesus changes you, then He uses you to change others. This woman was the first person to share the gospel in Samaria, and ‘many … Samaritans … believed in Him because of the word of the woman’ (John 4:39 NKJV). Out of your brokenness, God can use you to make others whole.

(3) Jesus doesn’t need you to explain Him, just to introduce Him.  He speaks for Himself. The Bible says: ‘Many more believed because of His own word …They said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ”’ (John 4:41–42 NKJV). Today share your faith with someone.

"A Praying Mother"

14, May 2017

"A Praying Mother"

‘Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart.’ Luke 2:19 TLB

Max Lucado writes:

‘Some things only a mum can do … like powdering a baby’s bottom with one hand while holding the phone with the other … Spending the day wiping noses, laundering socks, balancing a check book, and still mean it when she thanks God for her kids. Some things only a mum can fix … like the cabinet doors her husband couldn’t, and his bruised ego when he found out she could! Broken shoelaces … broken hearts after a break up with your sweetheart.

Some things only a mum can know … like how long it takes to drive from piano lessons to football practice … how many pizzas you need for a sleepover … the number of days left in a term. The rest of us can only wonder … “Mum, what was it like when that infant’s cry first filled the room? Or the day the school bus pulled to a stop, you placed a kiss on a five-year-old’s cheek, waved goodbye and then saw the tricycle—silent and still?  How did you feel?  Did you cry?  Did you smile?”  Were you like Mary who “quietly treasured all these things in her heart”?’

A mother who loves and prays for her children is a force to be reckoned with. One day when a preacher stopped by a house and asked to speak to the mother, her little boy said, ‘You can’t see her right now, she’s praying'.  That’s because Susanna Wesley spent one hour every day praying for each of her seventeen children.  Eventually two of them, John and Charles, were used by God to bring a spiritual awakening to Britain and America when they established the Methodist Church.  Such is the influence of a praying mother. 

"The Truth About Marriage" (Part #1)

11, May 2017

"The Truth About Marriage" (Part #1)

‘You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’ John 8:32 NLT

The idea of ‘the perfect marriage’ misleads and disillusions us, preparing us to walk away when fantasy clashes with reality. And it always does!  Only when you accept the truth about frail, faltering, frustrating people—and you yourself are one—can you find lasting happiness in marriage.

So for the next few days let’s look at some of the most common misconceptions about marriage. The love bug: We think if we’re in the right place, at the right time, with the right person, love will ‘bite’ us and we’ll embark on a lifetime of bliss. The trouble is, when we are worn out from taking care of kids, jobs and mortgages, the love bug flies off.  In the daily grind of dishes, nappies, sicknesses and drudgery, something has to give.

So romance vacates center stage and reality takes over.  And because we confuse romance with true love, we mistakenly think love has moved out and we need to follow it.  The truth is, love doesn’t die because romance bows to reality.  If two people who fall in love are willing to stand together in love through the challenges of life, romance can blossom again stronger and more resilient than ever.  Romance may bring us together, but unselfish love keeps us together.

The Bible says:  ‘Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.  It does not demand its own way.  It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.  It … rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance' (1 Corinthians 13:4–7 NLT).

"Put Away The Measuring Stick"!

10, May 2017

"Put Away The Measuring Stick"!

‘If you, Lord, kept a record of sins … who could stand?’ Psalm 130:3 NIV

We live in a results-oriented society where we’re rewarded for our performance in school, in sports, and on the job.  But God doesn’t think like that.  His thoughts and ways are far above ours (see Isaiah 55:8–9).  He’s not impressed by empty duty. ‘Obedience is far better than sacrifice.  He is much more interested in your listening to Him’ (1 Samuel 15:22 TLB).

Feelings and emotions are powerful, but they’re seldom objective.  As a Christian and a flawed human being, when you base your self-worth on your performance, the enemy has a field day.  Satan is called ‘the accuser of our brethren’ (Revelation 12:10 KJV); he wants you to run a checklist of your failures and mistakes. That way he can torment you by reminding you of all the times you loss your temper, criticize others, fail to speak up for what’s right, or let a misconception go unchecked to make yourself look better. David said if the ‘Lord, kept a record of sin … who could stand? ’

Even the most disciplined believer has areas where he or she struggles and fails. It’s why we need God’s grace and forgiveness 24/7.  ‘He knows how weak we are’ (Psalm 103:14 NLT), and He is never surprised when, despite our best intentions, we fall short.

Reimar Schultze says:  ‘God doesn’t measure us by our performance, but by our love for Jesus.  Indeed, in the Kingdom of God our love for Jesus is our performance. Everything else is secondary.  Desire to be with Him, to abide in Him, to keep in fellowship with Him, to please Him, is what our Master longs for'.  So put away your measuring stick and be glad God’s not grading you based on your performance, but on Christ’s performance.

"Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life"

08, May 2017

"Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life"

‘Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.’ Romans 12:2 NKJV

Sometimes we try to excuse our negativity by saying, ‘It was just a thought, it didn’t mean anything'.  But it does!  A wrong thought left to roam around in your mind can take root and grow into what the Bible calls a ‘stronghold’ (see 2 Corinthians 10:4). And when a thought becomes that strong, it begins to control your outlook, your attitude, and your actions.

That’s why the Bible says, ‘Be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude]' (Romans 12:2  AMPC). Remember, where the mind goes, the man follows!  We all face challenges and difficulties in life. You might allow yourself to think thoughts such as: ‘I just can’t take any more,’ or ‘If one more thing happens I’m going to go over the edge!’ or ‘If things don’t change soon—I’m giving up!’  That kind of thinking prepares you to be defeated before you even encounter a problem. There is nothing strong, powerful, enabling, or victorious in thinking you will ‘go over the edge’ or in deciding to quit. Those are losing attitudes, not winning attitudes.  Instead you should think, ‘If the attack is this great, then the blessing that lies beyond it is greater'.  Or, ‘If Satan is attacking me this hard, God must have something good in store for me!’

Become a person who is spiritually, emotionally, and mentally prepared for any challenge that crosses your path, and don’t allow yourself to be easily discouraged or defeated.  And you do that by ‘the renewing of your mind’ with God’s Word.

"You Owe It To Your Child" (Part #2)

05, May 2017

"You Owe It To Your Child" (Part #2)

‘All children are foolish, but firm correction will make them change.’ Proverbs 22:15 CEV

The second thing you owe your child is: direction.

The Bible says, ‘All children are foolish, but firm correction will make them change'. Now, it’s not talking about your child having fun, or even making mistakes; that’s a normal part of childhood learning. The Bible is talking about ‘foolishness’.  This word has several meanings, such as a lack of maturity, a lack of wisdom, or a tendency to rebel against rules.

If you love your child, you’ll teach him or her that life is built on rules—if you obey them you succeed, and if you don’t you suffer. For example, when your child is caught speeding, the police won’t let them get away with it.  And when they fail to pay their mortgage, the bank won’t let them keep living in the house.

The Bible says these are the misconceptions you must ‘drive’ out of the heart of your child.  Just as a car that’s out of alignment tends to drift and needs correction, your child is born ‘out of line’ and needs to be corrected by you.

Solomon says, ‘A child left to himself brings shame to his mother' (Proverbs 29:15 ESV). Why’s that?  Because children left to themselves are left in the condition in which they were born.  And they were born in a condition of ‘foolishness’.  Therefore, children must be taught to respect authority and to obey rules; they must learn that for every action there’s always an equal and opposite reaction. You owe it to your child to explain that to them.

"Do Your Best To Resolve The Issue"

03, May 2017

"Do Your Best To Resolve The Issue"

‘Go and be reconciled … Settle matters quickly.’ Matthew 5:24–25 NIV

Are your talents not being recognized and received?  Do you have a particular talent, yet God doesn’t seem to be blessing you with success?  This may be the key:  ‘If you are offering your gift at the altar and … remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift … go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.  Settle matters quickly’ (Matthew 5:23–25 NIV).  Don’t be led by your wounded ego; be led by God’s Word.

You say, ‘The person I had the issue with is no longer around, yet I’m still troubled about it'.  Read these two Scriptures:

(1) ‘Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results’ (James 5:16 NLT).

(2) ‘If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained’ (John 20:23 NKJV). Share your feelings with someone worthy of your trust.  Pray with them, openly confessing your wrongs and the guilt you feel. Prayer and the presence of an affirming friend can provide you with the peace of mind you seek.

After David murdered Uriah, his lover’s husband, his guilt was overwhelming and he sought God’s forgiveness. But Uriah wasn’t around to hear his confession; he’d been dead almost a year.  So David turned to Nathan the prophet and poured out his heart saying, ‘I have sinned'.  Nathan listened patiently and told him, ‘The Lord has taken away your sin’ (2 Samuel 12:13 NIV).  Follow David’s example—then put the issue behind you and move on.  

"You can change"

30, April 2017

"You can change"

‘Put off … your former conduct … and be renewed in the spirit of your mind.’ Ephesians 4:22–23 NKJV

Mind-sets are patterns whereby your mind automatically operates a certain way. That means you can set yourself up for misery by reacting to the same people and circumstances in the same way, yet expecting different results. Maybe you are saying: ‘After all these years I thought he’d change … No matter how hard I try, my family doesn’t appreciate me … How come I’m the only one who makes an effort to stay in touch?’

It’s easy to blame your problems on others: ‘Look what he’s doing.  Look how long I’ve waited.  Why doesn’t she call?’  We think the answer lies in getting the other person to do what we want, but that kind of thinking is self-defeating; it gives control to others. Listen, your happiness isn’t determined by other people, even though you’ve convinced yourself it is.

An experienced counsellor writes: ‘If you don’t like the same results … try pushing a different button.  Look at your relationships. Is there a situation that’s going downhill despite your best efforts?  Are you waiting for something to change, instead of doing something different?  Stop pushing the same button, and ask God for clarity to see the situation honestly and to act with wisdom and responsibility.’  You’re not a victim of circumstances; you don’t have to stay stuck or keep going round in circles. Paul says, ‘Put off … your former conduct …and be renewed in the spirit of your mind'. The word for you today is:  "YOU can change"!

"Trust Requires Truth"

29, April 2017

"Trust Requires Truth"

‘Don’t lie to each other.’ Colossians 3:9 NLT

Deception in a relationship destroys trust and respect.  One lie or one act of betrayal can cause a wound that takes years to heal and, in some cases, is never healed at all. The person who hides something is basically selfish, protecting their own interests. They care little about the feelings of the other person. There’s nothing shallower than empty words and lying clichés that have no real meaning.

There are some people who coerce others into a sexual relationship by claiming they love them.  Deception at this level is emotional rape!  It’s a terrible feeling to be used by someone. For instance during extramarital affairs, the deceiver may continually promise that they will leave their spouse, and the victim holds on to hope. But it never seems to come true. The deceiver makes every kind of excuse possible for taking advantage. When victims are vulnerable, they follow blindly along until the relationship has gone so far that they are trapped.  As a sinner, you may have been excused for acting this way, but not as a redeemed child of God.  ‘Don’t lie to each other'.   When someone has given you their trust, they’ve given you a priceless gift; don’t abuse it.  And if your trust has been betrayed, confront it head-on.

Though you may love the person, back off until they show clear signs of repentance and a willingness to make amends.  And don’t give up hope. Sometimes good people make bad choices.  If you work at it, and seek God’s help, it’s possible to restore the trust you’ve lost and maybe even end up with a better relationship ... or in some cases pray and love the person from a distance.

"Speak Well Of Them"

28, April 2017

"Speak Well Of Them"

‘Do good to those who hate you.’ Luke 6:27 NKJV

When General Robert E. Lee was asked by Confederate US President Jefferson Davis to give his opinion about a certain officer, he gave a glowing report. One of the officers in attendance was amazed at his words and said to Lee, ‘General, do you know that the man of whom you speak so highly to the president is one of your bitterest enemies, and never misses an opportunity to criticize you’?  Lee said, ‘Yes, but the president asked my opinion of him. He didn’t ask for his opinion of me’.

It takes character, compassion and courage to speak well of a critic.  But when you do, three good things happen:

(1) You increase your own value. You show you’re able to rise above criticism by bestowing praise on another.

(2) You defuse your enemy’s criticism of you.  When people hear your praise of a critic and their disdain for you, their respect for you rises and they see you in a different light.

(3) People see you as fair-minded and generous. It takes very little effort to respond in kind to a critic, but it takes Christlike character to turn the other cheek and bless them.

Jesus said: ‘Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.  To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also… And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise’ (Luke 6:27–31 NKJV).  You say, ‘That’s a high standard’.   It’s the one Jesus set, practiced throughout His life, and is calling you to live by today.  

"God Will Make It Up To You"

26, April 2017

"God Will Make It Up To You"

‘I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten’ Joel 2:25 NIV.

Kristine Steakley writes: ‘Loss can make us feel forsaken and utterly destroyed …  For many, divorce meant leaving the house we shared, our neighborhood, our friends, our school … even our church because we were ashamed and heard condemnation from those who should have been concerned for our souls.  To use Joel, the Prophet’s metaphor, locusts ate our family; more locusts ate our friendships ... our hopes and dreams ... and still more ate our church … But God promised, “Never again will My people be shamed” (Joel 2:26).

I can’t tell you what restoration will look like … or when it’ll happen. Some of us will see relationships with parents, siblings and friends mended … others will build great marriages and loving families … hopes and dreams restored ... and some may have to wait for Heaven where all wrongs will be righted, all wounds healed, all tears wiped away’.

Kristin Armstrong says: ‘Resist the temptation to despair or delve into disappointment. You may feel like you've forfeited years, opportunities, finances, and a significant return on investment of self.  But hear the fantastic promise of redemption: “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten".  No one on earth can make anything up to you. No one can repay your loss.  No one can set things right or make things fair. Pressure and manipulation won’t bring justice. So let it go and let God fill your life with new blessings.  If you’re full of resentment and wrath He can’t find space for His gifts.  God will make it up to you if you keep an expectant attitude of faith, and thank Him that His promises are yours’.

Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS)

VETS Newsletter:

Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS)

April 24, 2017

As we approach Military Appreciation Month in May, I want to highlight just a few ways we at DOL VETS support transitioning servicemembers and their families as they make the move from military to civilian life. Recognized as a month-long celebration, Military Appreciation Month helps focus the Nation on its military family--to honor, remember, recognize and appreciate those who have served and those now serving.

An important aspect of supporting our military and their families (as they make the transition to from military to civilians, or later as veterans) is the availability of meaningful employment support. From Gulf War II era veterans who have recently transitioned to veterans who have been out of uniform for many years, VETS does this by engaging and mobilizing communities and employers to establish collaborative partnerships that support veterans nationwide. We also work to address the skill gap between veterans and employers who are seeking employees with industry recognized credentials and by helping veterans and transitioning servicemembers receive occupational, classroom and on-the-job training. Another key component of VETS’ work is conducting employer outreach across the country, making it easier for companies to find and hire veterans by leveraging federal, state, and local resources.

This month we wrapped up our VETS Leadership Conference in D.C. The timing was great, and we covered a lot of important topics. While I won’t recap the conference here, I do want to give you a flavor of the kinds of things we addressed. Our regional staff and national office leadership team discussed and shared ideas on topics like the military’s decision making process, communications, and employer outreach initiatives. We also hosted a Community Engagement Roundtable to discuss how national level programs and organizations can translate into coordinated services and assistance for veterans at the local level across the country. Then we discussed program goals and priorities for the year. While the employment situation for veterans continues to look promising, we look forward to considering new ways to ensure veterans have the best employment assistance possible.

• Our regional staff and national office leadership team discussed and shared ideas on topics like the military's decision making process, communications and employer outreach initiatives.

• We also hosted a Community Engagement Roundtable to discuss how national level programs and organizations can translate into coordinated services and assistance for veterans at the local level, across the country.

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I continue to remain impressed with our entire team here at VETS, and I appreciate their passion, expertise, and experience. We are fortunate to have such a talented and dedicated team of professionals.

Thank you again for your support in serving our veterans and their families,

Sam Shellenberger,
Deputy Assistant Secretary

"Be An Encourager"

23, April 2017

"Be An Encourager"

‘Anxiety in the heart … causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.’ Proverbs 12:25 NKJV

When Enrico took his first voice lesson at ten, the teacher said, ‘You haven’t any voice at all’. But Enrico’s mother heard greatness in her son’s voice. She believed in his talent.  And even though they were very poor she put her arms around him and said, ‘My boy, I’m going to make every sacrifice to pay for your voice lessons’.  Her confidence in him and her constant encouragement paid off, because he became one of the most beloved and widely acclaimed singers of all time.  His name? Enrico Caruso.

When the world tries to tear us down, we need people who build us up, people who recognize our talent and help us make the most of it. Consider these ‘commands for parents’, written from a child’s point of view:

(1) My hands are small; please don’t expect perfection whenever I make a bed, draw a picture, or throw a ball.

(2) My legs are short; slow down so that I can keep up with you.

(3) My eyes have not seen the world as yours have; let me explore it safely, and don’t restrict me unnecessarily.

(4) Housework will always be there; I’m only little for a short time. Take time to explain things to me about this wonderful world, and do so willingly.

(5) My feelings are tender; don’t nag me all day long. Treat me as you would like to be treated.

(6) I am a special gift from God; treasure me as God intended you to—holding me accountable for my actions, giving me guidelines to live by, and disciplining me in a loving manner. 

Today, be an encourager!  

"You must go through the fire"

21, April 2017

"You must go through the fire"

‘I have refined you … for My own sake.’ Isaiah 48:10–11 NKJV

Undercover Boss is a popular TV show where company owners disguise themselves as regular staff members and work with everybody else.  Some of the discoveries they make are real eye-openers—leading to changes that make the company more efficient, profitable, and enjoyable for everybody to work in. To ‘understand’ people, you have to ‘stand’ in their shoes.  Ezekiel said, ‘Then I came to the captives at Tel Abib … and I sat where they sat, and … the word of the Lord came to me’ (Ezekiel 3:15–16 NKJV).

In order to heal the pain, you must be able to feel the pain. The Bible says Jesus can be ‘touched with the feelings of our infirmities’, because He walked in our shoes (see Hebrews 4:15).  He experienced family conflict, rejection, betrayal, loneliness, and hunger.  He walked the path you’re on and He knows how you feel; that’s why you can turn to Him when you’re in trouble and get the help you need.  ‘For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted’  (Hebrews 2:18 NKJV).

When you offer advice, people want to know if you’re speaking out of experience or just head knowledge.  So God will permit you to go through experiences you don’t enjoy or understand, to equip you and make you effective in ministering to others. Job said, ‘When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold’ (Job 23:10 NKJV).  If you’re in the refiner’s fire today, it’s because God has something He plans to do through you and for you.

"Develop An Overcoming Attitude"

17, April 2017

"Develop An Overcoming Attitude"

‘He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.’ 1 John 4:4 NKJV

The disappointments of life can cause you to see nothing but negativity in your future.  You express hopelessness, belittle your own abilities, refuse to take any risk, feel hurt by other's actions, say no to personal growth opportunities, complain about the unfairness of life, and say that nothing you do will make a difference in a particular circumstance.  Do you recognize any of these attitudes in yourself?  If so, there’s good news.

Dr Paul Meier, a Christian psychiatrist, said, ‘Attitudes are nothing more than habits of thought, and habits can be acquired.  An action repeated becomes an attitude realized.’ That means with practice, you can develop an overcoming attitude. Here’s how:

(1) Be honest about your quest to conquer pessimism.  Give someone you respect the permission to point out when you are being negative.

(2) Limit your exposure to negative input. Since you become like the company you keep, look for people who fortify your faith and not feed your fears. ‘Walk with the wise and become wise.’  (Proverbs 13:20 NLT)

(3) Volunteer to serve others who are less fortunate. Serving creates positive feelings and gives you a sense of value; it’s also the right thing to do.

(4) Look for the good in every situation and always express faith that it’s there!  US President Harry Truman said, ‘A pessimist is one who makes difficulties of his opportunities, and an optimist is one who makes opportunities of his difficulties.

When you face a difficulty today, see it as an opportunity because ‘He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world'.

"Were You Really ‘Born That Way"?

10, April 2017

"Were You Really ‘Born That Way"?

‘I was a sinner when my mother conceived me.’ Psalm 51:5 GWT

Whether your struggle is with alcohol, drugs, sex, anger, gossip, unforgiveness, arrogance, stealing, lying, or gambling, one thing’s certain—we are all born with a propensity towards certain behaviors.  So it’s not a genetics issue, it’s a spiritual issue.  It’s not about science, it’s about sin.  Any of us might find ourselves struggling with these issues—not because we inherited a gene for it, but because we inherited Adam’s fallen nature the day we were conceived.

David said, ‘I was born guilty.  I was a sinner when my mother conceived me.’  Solomon said there are no exceptions:  ‘Not a single person on earth is always good and never sins’ (Ecclesiastes 7:20 NLT).  So the answer is yes, we were all ‘born that way’.  The reason these behaviors come naturally to us is not because we ‘can’t help being the way we are’; it’s because our sin nature is stronger than our desire to please God.  Even when we try, at times we lose the fight!  Paul, the greatest of Christians, admitted to failing when he tried to do right. ‘I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out’ (Romans 7:18 NIV). So if we are all born that way, what’s the good news?

Paul gives it to us: ‘Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God!  The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord’ (Romans 7:24–25 NLT).  When you were born you received Adam’s corrupt nature; but through the new birth, you receive Christ’s sin-conquering, life-changing, righteous nature!