Engineer’s rely on designs, diagrams and models to implement plans on construction projects. Multi-level business schemes use similar blueprints to influence individuals to buy into their concept. When someone follows the directions step by step, there is an inherit expectation of riches, success or both. As for Elijah the prophet, he looked into the past, believing God could repeat a similar feat in his life time.
According to Leviticus 9:24, as soon as Aaron followed the directions given to him from Moses via God, the Lord sent fire from heaven consuming the offering on the altar. Sound familiar? Perhaps, this is Elijah’s blueprint, the place where he read and believed God would repeat this historic act. I often wondered where his confidence came from and this passage suggests Elijah prepared his sacrifice just as Aaron and his sons followed Moses’ commands.
Understanding the past, makes the miracle in 1 Kings 18:38 that much more believable today. If you carefully follow and obey God’s commands, blessings will follow, Deuteronomy 28:1-2. Its as if Elijah, followed a playbook in 1 Kings 18:30-37, grasping Jesus’ promise in Matthew 21:21-22, fully expecting God to repeat this previous miracle after his prayer. Sometime between Elijah’s Blueprint and Jesus’ promise, modern believers will find a living, loving God ready to unveil the next miracle on earth.
Unfortunately, a day rarely goes by without a fight, shooting or stabbing making headline news. Students, workers and innocent bystanders are being caught in the cross fire of violence. As a vehicle of peace, Gandhi believed you had to slowly wean people from violence without force. Over time, you will win people toward your point of view.
Jesus demonstrated this belief during his 3 year ministry in the late 20’s of the first century. When his fellow Jews flirted with the idea of overthrowing the political leaders in Israel, Jesus chose peace. Despite being falsely accused of crimes he did not commit by the Sanhedrin, Jesus gave up his right to life so that the Scriptures would be fulfilled, Matthew 26:52-56. Although he invested 3 years into 12 men, the temptation to fight back could not be quenched.
Today, domestic violence is a common occurrence, like a nagging cold that won’t go away. Instead of demonstrating temperance, going the right distance and no further, human beings have lost control of their emotions. Patience has been discarded, as anger, control and power is urging frustrated souls to lash out, often harming family members. The only way I know to wean people from violence is to adhere to the apostle Paul’s advice in Ephesians 4:25-32. When you reach this state of mind, God will lead you to lay your weapons down.
What’s your solution to wean Americans from violence?
Aspiring athletes and students are always looking for an edge, seeking to attain new heights. Meanwhile, coaches and teachers use motivational speeches to get the most out of their pupils, trying to maximize their God given talents. However, sometimes you need to remember the words of Job, “the Lord gives and takes away.” Thus, whether you’re enduring a trial in life, struggling your way through a test or trying to stop a losing streak, God only has one question for you: what do you have left?
The apostle Paul shares this sentiment, reflecting upon a physical ailment he was forced to accept, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. Paul’s health concerns led him to embrace this situation, leaning on the Lord to help him cope with daily pain. Humbled and helpless, Paul found inner strength when he placed his trust in God with what he had left. Once he reached this point in his life, Paul uncovered the power of Christ in human weakness.
As for me, I find myself doing just the opposite, relying on my own strengths and talents to get by. The end result has been predictable, lacking joy, peace and unfulfilled in my current state of life. Despite my failures, I serve a God of second chances, able to rescue me from myself, Psalm 91:14-15. Therefore, if you find yourself in a similar predicament, swallow your pride by giving God what you’ve got left.
Whether you prefer a pat on the back, verbal approval or a hug, you have to prepare yourself for arid periods in life. When signs of encouragement are absent, what will keep you going? As for me, I am determined to stay true to my passion.
If I’ve learned anything from previous trials, writing brings joy to my soul. Without spending time daily reading the Bible and reflecting upon it’s message, a part of me is missing. Regardless of how disappointed I may be at times, I can’t message success based upon how many visitors read my posts.
Rather, I need to be faithful to Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33. Despite how famous, popular or successful one may become, your priorities is what is important in God’s eyes. Therefore, whether you’re an athlete, gifted musician or an individual trying to get the most out of life, seek God first. As you strive after eternal things, you will stay true to your passion and God willing discover your purpose in life, Romans 12:2.
Whether you’re young or old, everyone has scars, wounds from the past which mask pain and suffering. Like bringing home a brand new car, dings, scratches and wear quickly appear. Perfection fades ushering in guilt, shame and uncomfortable feelings. These emotions prompt individuals to yearn to blot out their past.
As David comes to grips with his rebellious ways in Psalm 51:1, he leans on God’s mercy. Images of his sin haunt David, brought to the forefront of his mind by the devil. Snapping out of his mean streak, a humbled heart brings this servant of God to his knees. Like resetting a video game to start over after making a careless error, we have all longed for God to blot out portions of our past.
Although memories will always return, God’s love can turn the ugliness of sin into snow, restoring a sense of purity to souls, Isaiah 1:18. The message of resurrection isn’t limited to one day or merely for a season. Rather, the triumph of Jesus over the cross, Colossians 2:15 is available daily, Lamentations 3:22-23. Therefore, don’t let the devil steal your joy any longer, John 10:10; hit the reset button by asking God to blot out the sins of your past.
Please feel free to share testimonies of God’s power to forgive.
The competitor inside of me yearns to win, doing what it takes to bring a team into the winners circle. Yet, what do you do when you find yourself a part of a team without any players? Sure, you might have some individuals who can make a play or two, but you can’t expect each teammate to be perfect when they don’t possess essential skills to succeed. This is where I find myself this baseball season.
Like a high school student who can’t add, read or write, some where along the way young people get neglected, promoted and pushed ahead without meeting appropriate standards. Currently, the NBA is seeing a similar dilemma as phenoms are great one on one players, but most don’t know how to move, set picks or space the floor when they don’t have the ball. Whether this is rooted in a lack of discipline, poor coaching or selfishness, every sport is in jeopardy of becoming a team without players.
Patience is a vital attribute while you wait to experience victory for the first time all season. Teachable pupils is also important to keep morale from slipping toward doubt, constantly correcting errors, mistakes and poor habits as they occur. The best thing you can do is live out Colossians 3:17, maintaining a positive attitude like a beacon of hope for sad faces. Until you taste the joy of victory, keep your head up as you make strides to develop players for the future.
What advice do you have for coaches who have inherited a team without players?
Children tend to wear their emotions on their sleeves. Subsequently, youth experience mountain top moments of jubilance and valleys of depression. This topsy turvy twist exhausts one’s confidence, going from sky high to as low as you can go. Thus, the presence of joy is like the temperature, rising and falling daily.
Recognizing this in adulthood, King David sought a permanent state. Troubled by his own problems in life, God introduced the king to a special anointing. Whether performed by Samuel or Nathan, his predecessor, Psalm 45:7 discloses an anointing of joy. While the information is limited, perhaps this Old Testament practice is similar to Jesus’ words in John 10:10.
In an age of economic instability, parents like me struggle to find joy. Lost in a sea of debts, the devil has become successful in stealing my joy weekly. Thus, I find myself desperately seeking an anointing of joy. Perhaps, we find ourselves in similar states, brought to our knees by the burdens of life, Matthew 11:28-30. May the Holy Spirit counsel you until your worries are replaced by joy, John 16:12-15.
Please share how God has helped you find joy to help overcome their own trials in life.
Record players, eight tracks and cassette tapes were just the beginning to the revolution called music. Today, MP3 players, iTunes and computers able to download thousands of song, enable the soothing sound of music to be just one click away. Life without cell phones, electronic devices and voice activated technology is now unthinkable as silence has been replaced by your favorite play list.
Yoga and meditation rely on music as an alternative to healing and relaxation. Serving as a substitute for God, retreat centers, seminars and private classes are exploding in popularity, ushering in a New Age. The angel of song, Lucifer, uses all kinds of music to entice individuals like Eve in the garden, replacing an apple with a catchy beat, void of any true meaning. Meanwhile, whispers penetrate your soul, “I don’t listen to the lyrics,” planting seeds for compromise to commence.
To battle this movement, churches are introducing Soaking in the Spirit, turning prayer rooms into a comfortable place to relax while listening to worship music. Based upon the principles within Romans 12:1-2, minds are being transformed by words inspired by the Bible, Romans 10:17. Considered a skilled musician, 1 Samuel 16:14-23, David understood the gladness, joy and peace one experiences while listening to music, Psalm 45:8.
For me, the choice of my music often dictates my mood and or behavior. Whether you prefer hip hop, rap or classic rock and roll, pieces of the songs you listen to stay with you for hours, days or weeks. If you’re skeptical, take the Music Challenge.
Spend one day listening to secular music, journal at the end of the day how this music influenced you. Then, take a day listening to Christian/Gospel/Worship music, using Pandora if you don’t have a large selection. Compare your language, thoughts and overall mindset. If you don’t see a definite difference, consider a longer time span, like the challenge found in Daniel 1:8-16.
Feel free to share any findings you discover or interesting insights on the soothing sound of music.
How many times in life do you seek an emotional high? One that never ends; giving you a sensation like a drug, 24 hours a day. Many go through their entire lives searching, but never find the real thing.
Do you recall your first day of school? As formal education begins, innocence gives way to curiosity and terror. Fears over finding friends and earning acceptance by your peers takes precedence. However, the thought of being away from your parents provides a sense of freedom temporarily. This freedom entices you to try new things, experimenting with fruit, forbidden by parents and teachers.
By the time junior high arrives, eyes start to wander… BABES, STUDS, ALCOHOL and DRUGS! Perhaps you might not be as distracted as some, yet juicy stories spread fast through the grape vine peeking your interest. The closer you look, the mind takes on an alter ego, longing for items on the other side of the fence. Fleshly desires, peer pressure and the unknown leads you to the verge of sin thinking, “Oh baby this sure does feel good.”
A junior high experiment often leads to a senior high life style. Marijuana, pranks and sex are just a few of the choice behaviors one indulges in to obtain the real thing. Sure, there are risks, even consequences; but what will my friends think if I go straight? “Everybody is doing it, why can’t I,” says the follower. As high school drifts by, the next hurdle to jump is college. Hobbies you once did for a buzz no longer provide satisfaction. Call it what you may: a habit, obsession, way of life or obliterating time, something inside can’t let go. This quest for real life has turned into an addiction.
Have you ever stopped to wonder why you do what you do? Has it occurred to you that you’ve missed something along the way? Is there something else out there beside living for the weekend? I don’t believe you and I were placed on this earth by accident. Growing up, working for a living 9 to 5, have fun for a while then repeat this cycle over and over again til you die? This doesn’t make sense! There must be a greater purpose or meaning in life, but what is it?
Jesus Christ, the son of God the Father is your answer. God sent His one and only son, Jesus, down to earth, to die for blemishes on earth, John 3:16-17. Jesus rose from the dead, ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father according to the Apostle’s Creed. Jesus didn’t just die on a cross and rise from the dead for His own glory, Romans 5:8. Rather, Jesus became sin for us: for you, me and everyone ever born on planet earth. Jesus did all of this so that all of us might be seen as righteousness before God, 2 Corinthians 5:21.
This may sound crazy, yet there is no other HIGH greater than entering into a relationship with Jesus Christ, Romans 10:9-10. Nothing else compares to dedicating your life to God in your living years, John 10:10. Thus, peace is found in no other place, Galatians 5:22-23. This isn’t about High’s and Low’s. This is about life and death, living and dying, Deuteronomy 30:11-16. The only way to Jesus is through denying yourself, Matthew 16:25. You may think I’m odd, strange or simply old-fashion, yet God has placed the words of this blog on my heart.
If you have tried most everything else, don’t waste your precious time any longer; embrace the Real Thing, Jesus Christ!
When you look into a mirror, what do you see? Does pain from your past come into focus? Is the stress from life visible on your face? Or does a lack of faith leave you slumping over, doubtful that you’ll achieve anything significant in the future? From my vantage point, I feel like a mere phantom, unable to capture the person I want to be.
Apparently, King David struggled with a similar dilemma in Psalm 39:6. As he reflected on his days on earth, what he saw was disappointing. Essentially, David described his life as a phantom, roaming to and fro, like a ghostly spirit unable to find rest for their soul. His son Solomon echoed David’s sentiment, recognizing that laboring and toiling on this planet is meaningless, Ecclesiastes 1:1-11.
If this is true, what can one do to reclaim joy? Perhaps, you need to have a private meeting with Jesus, John 3:1-2, to see what’s holding you back. From here, individuals need a daily dose of the Holy Spirit, like 5 Hour Energy Drinks to move beyond this material world, John 4:13-14. Yet, to escape the phantom inside of you, stepping out in faith is necessary to begin utilizing the gifts created inside of you, Romans 12:3-8. Don’t let a low self-esteem paralyze your progress. Rather, begin to see your reflection through the eyes of Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:21.
Please feel free to share any words of encouragement to those who don’t like the person they see in the mirror.
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