Visualize

Looking at magazines give me a case of "the wants."

 I look at food magazines and I either desire to eat or I want to think the I am the next Rachael Ray. (We have the same initials.)

If I look at home and garden magazines, I want to remodel, tear up, then fix up.

If I'm looking at fashion magazines I wish to be thin and tall, and my clothes look shabby and outdated.

When we look at things it is easy to want them and visualize ourselves having them. I guess that's why magazines are a multi-billion dollar industry. I used to subscribe to several, saving each issue to look at again and again.

Visualization is a good tool to helping us get to where we want to be. Scripture tells us, Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. (Proverbs 29:18 KJV) people need a vision, a goal, the sight of the finish line. We need to "see" what it is that we hope for.

What is in front of you today? What is it that drives you? What are you looking at and hoping for?

I HAVE SET THE LORD BEFORE ME; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8 ESV)

Turn Your eyes upon Jesus

O soul, are you weary and troubled?

No light in the darkness you see?

There’s light for a look at the Savior,

And life more abundant and free!

Refrain:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting

He passed, and we follow Him there;

O’er us sin no more hath dominion—

For more than conqu’rors we are!

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;

Believe Him, and all will be well:

Then go to a world that is dying,

His perfect salvation to tell!

By Name

I met a woman the other day for the first time. She was lovely and we spoke for about 10 minutes. 

In that time I learned that she was a widow with two grown children. I know her children's names and that one of them is just getting home from a fishing trip in Florida and the other is about to go on a trip. 

I found out that she did not learn to drive a car until the age of 78. I know what kind of car she drives and which kind that she would prefer.

I know what neighborhood in which she lives and the style of her house. 

I also know what her husband had done to make a living. That is why they moved to this location and I know from where they moved.

I learned so much about this sweet lady during our chat. She is the kind that makes you feel special and part of the crowd. But one thing that I did not learn, her name. I would have asked her had I the chance but I never did.

That makes me sad because like I said, she was lovely and I like her. But how can I ever inquire about her to see how she is doing if I don't know her name?

Knowing someone's name is important. I like to know people's names. And I like when they know mine.

Remember when the teacher called your name?

Remember when your mother called you by your full name?

Remember when your daddy gave you a little nickname?

Remember when the bully called you a bad name?

How does it feel when the boss calls your name?

Does your spouse have a special name for you?

Do your kids know you by name or by Mom?

Names are very important and they say a lot about us.

Take the time to listen and learn people's names, like the store cashier or your waitress. Call them by name and watch how it improves the interaction.

How many of Gods names do you know? There are many names for him in the Bible? By which name do you know Him?

He also knows you and He knows you by name.

Twinkle, Twinkle

     Twinkle, twinkle, little star,

     How I wonder what you are.

     Up above the world so high,

     Like a diamond in the sky.

     When the blazing sun is gone,

     When He nothing shines upon,

     Then you show your little light,

     Twinkle, twinkle, all the night.

     Then the traveller in the dark,

     Thanks you for your tiny spark,

     He could not see which way to go,

     If you did not twinkle so.

     In the dark blue sky you keep,

     And often through my curtains peep,

     For you never shut your eye,

     'Till the sun is in the sky.

     As your bright and tiny spark,

     Lights the traveller in the dark.

     Though I know not what you are,

     Twinkle, twinkle, little star.

     Twinkle, twinkle, little star.

     How I wonder what you are.

     Up above the world so high,

     Like a diamond in the sky.

     Twinkle, twinkle, little star.

     How I wonder what you are.

     How I wonder what you are.

How many of you know more than the one little verse? I never even realized that there were other verses. It is a wonderful tribute that someone long ago pondered upon and then wrote the words.

      

Did you know that you can buy a star and give it a name? And you can do it all for as little as $14.95.

But you can't really own a star. They belong to The Lord. He created them, he counts them and HE gives names to them all.

He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them. (Psalms 147:4 NASB)

They really are wondrous little things. There is nothing more amazing than a wide open, clear sky full of tiny twinkling lights. It is easy to see why so many of us can be fascinated by them. But they are not ours to own or to name. God has done that already. But I think He enjoys when we take joy in them.

God gave the stars to light the night. Each little light makes a difference in the darkness. Some stars point the way. 

No, you can't own a star, but you can shine like one.

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may be innocent and pure as God's perfect children, who live in a world of corrupt and sinful people. You must shine among them like stars lighting up the sky, (Philippians 2:14, 15 GNB)

Photo by Rhonda Ryan

On a Pedestal

There is nothing funny about the cartoon that I have put on today. 

Are the people around you feeling loved and happy to be with you? Or are they anxious to get out of your shadow and away from your condescending attitude?

How will we ever win souls when we start out by making them feel less than what they are, beloved souls for which Christ died?

I know an evangelist that each and every time I listen to him speak I come away feeling like he is superior and arrogant. I am never encouraged by him. If anything, within the first few minutes I raise a guard and get defensive and then a rebellious spirit takes hold inside of me,. And all of that is pure sin. 

I cannot blame my sin on him, it is me. And what he is saying is true and accurate. It is just his tone, and delivery that makes it tough to swallow. 

2 Timothy 2:24-26 - In meekness correct those who oppose themselves so they can recover themselves from the snare of the Devil. People are simply mistaken if they think a meek person will never tell others they are wrong. Meeknessleads us to tell others they are wrong - the same verses that say to be meek, also command us to correct others!

I don't want to be on a pedestal. I am not any better than anyone else. I am only a forgiven sinner. 

Friends

I am so excited today that I about can't stand it. I get to see people today, people I love. 

I have been so lonely, so hungry for friendship. And what makes this visit today even better is, these are my dear brothers and sisters in Christ. I am so excited.

C.S. Lewis says, “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art… It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival."

I believe those words are so true. Friends are like the jelly on the toast. They bring a sweetness to your life.

I have been really feeling lonely lately. I see and have contact with people everyday, but not friends. I miss my friendships. Friends are so good for us.

For example,

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times,   

Those (friends) who are good are the ones who seek to please God. . (Proverbs 4:14)

1John 4:7Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

Please value and cherish your friendships. Don't let them wither. Your friends need you as much as you need them. Have a friend, be a friend.

Psalm 119:63

I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts.

Holier than thou

Holier than thou.

It is said that in the church 10% of the people do 90% of the work. And I believe there may be some truth to that statement. Some folks really seem to catch fire and want to serve in every capacity. But where does that leave everyone else?

Others are not self-starters and need encouraged. Some may not have had much acceptance in their lives before Christ, so they are reluctant to join in now. Then there are still others that are afraid that they won't do it right.

There is nothing worse than trying to work alongside someone in the church and then being criticized.

Service, as a church member is a necessary thing. When we become a Christian it then becomes our purpose to build up the Kingdom. We are to be doing something. Romans chapter 3 explains to us that as new creations, we are not to be like the world anymore. We will be changed and our thoughts and behaviors will be transformed. But just because of that we are not to think that we are better than someone else.

The verses then go on to explain how each of us as members need to work efficiently together, with each of us having a specific purpose and order.

For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. (Romans 12:3 NASB)

How well do you work with others? Are you a criticizer or an encourager?

I Can't Do it Anymore.

"I just don't know how I'm going to do this." Words that are usually uttered by someone who is overwhelmed with a problem or problems that seem way too big or too much at once. Have you ever felt that way? I have. 

Sometimes it does seem that EVERYTHING is being stacked upon you. One by one you might be able to handle these things but all at once, Wow! You feel that you are going to break under the weight.

When I begin to feel this way, I have to sit myself down and get myself together. First, I ask God to calm me and slow me down enough to THINK about what needs done. Second, I get a pen and paper and write down each issue separately. Third, draw a line through any problems that aren't real, the ones that are, what-ifs. (Don't borrow trouble.) Fourth, choose the problems that are beyond your control, the ones that worry you, but that you have no control over. Put them into their own section. Now you are left with the ones that you can tackle.

Stop again. You should now have 3 groups.

The What-ifs:

We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, (2 Corinthians 10:5 NASB) the word of God tells us to destroy What-ifs and take them captive. These speculations have a bondage over your mind if you do not destroy them and capture them. Worry is NOT TRUSTING GOD! Period.

Beyond Control Problems:

Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2 NASB) share these problems with a trusted friend. Share your worries and fears with them and then ask them to pray with you. It will ease your mind and lighten your load knowing that someone else cares too. Pray the prayer that will never fail you, "God, Your will be done in this matter."

Now you are left with the issues that you can try to solve:

Again, stop and pray and ask God to give you wisdom, guidance and strength. Next, prioritize this list in order of which troubles you the least to what troubles you the most. 

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13 NASB) you know that God can and will give you strength to battle problems. He gives this strength in a way that you not be expecting. In quietness and trust is your strength." (Isaiah 30:15 NASB) yes, that's right, your strength comes from quietness and trust. In other words, God says, let me handle this. 

Obediently allow Him to lead you to solutions. Use the guidance and wisdom that He offers you. By believing and trusting that God will guide you, you can have peace in your heart and mind that you need not be overwhelmed.

Knowing this will not only give you peace but will bring you joy.   Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:10 NASB)

I am praying for you.