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.
I was looking at a few of my bills from my hospital stay back in February after I broke two ribs, lacerated my liver and partially collapsed by right lung. The first two were sort of eye opening: $890 for a 3 mile ride to the hospital and $1000 for a 45 minute visit with a specialist. Perhaps patients need to begin billing doctors when you wait 4 hours in a hallway of the ER or an hour in the waiting room because nurses are running behind. Maybe this will teach clinics not to double and triple book patients.
Anyway, the last bill was shocking, $18000 for 4 days in the hospital. It’s not like a had a bottle wine or caviar at each meal. Although accidents do occur in life, it’s important to have good health insurance to prevent individuals from filing for bankruptcy. Time will tell if Obama Care will perform as advertised or an entirely new system will be needed to ensure quality healthcare. As for me, the price of medical emergencies are one of all many things in life that makes me want to go hum…
Please share your own experiences or nightmares that make you want to go hum…
One of the most intriguing jobs to me is being a tour guide. Whether you’re on a college campus, in a historical area or museum, you are an ambassador for this institution, pointing out key attractions like a walking encyclopedia. The overall impression of visitors lies in your hands, based upon the knowledge you communicate and entertainment you provide, engaging your group.
Outside of vocations, life is filled with individuals who lead you in the right direction. Coaches introduce important skills to help young people master a sport. Mentors demonstrate character, integrity and wisdom, blazing a path for others to follow. Meanwhile, teachers often mold future leaders, inspiring curious souls to chase after their dreams.
The Psalmist takes this one step further, suggesting one guide will be with you to the end, Psalm 48:14. The apostle Paul encourages his audience to look toward an altar in Athens, dedicated to an unknown God, Acts 17:22-23. Jesus discloses the identity of this eternal guide in John 16:7-13 as the Holy Spirit. As Moses once said in his farewell address, the choice is yours, Deuteronomy 30:15. Who will be your eternal guide through life? May Jesus lead you to life everlasting, 1 Timothy 2:5.
Yesterday, I was taking a walk on a cart path just north of down town Wilmington. With a fence separating this golf course from nearby neighborhoods, I began to hear some commotion a few blocks away. Voices gradually increased in volume, leading to a fervent disagreement between 2 individuals. Others joined in yelling back and forth. Memories of school yard fights flashed before my mind. However, on this day, no fists, knives or guns were raised, just the sound of violence.
A few years ago in Newark, while having practice with my sons baseball team, I wasn’t as fortunate. When a suspicious car rolled slowly through an adjacent street, several rounds of bullets were fired. Before I knew it, I experienced my first drive by shooting, pulling the team quickly off the field into the building behind home plate. The gunman proceeded to cross a creek behind the left field foul line, run across a field and hid near the University of Delaware until a police helicopter found him about a half hour later. This time the sound of violence was too close for comfort.
The apostle Paul warned first century Christian’s that this day would come, 2 Timothy 3:1-5. His words were prophetic as children are regularly disobedient to adults and their parents. Junior high and senior high teachers are now front row witnesses since the sound of violence has entered the classroom, especially in public education. The consequence of this reality is persecution, with Christ absorbing this anger and hatred on the cross, Isaiah 53:3-11. May the hope of this fulfilled prophecy help you overcome the sound of violence.
Please comment on how God has helped you rise above the violence in our world.
Before the invention of insulated lunch bags, kids brought decorative lunch boxes to school with their favorite cartoon characters or television show on the outside and thermos. Meanwhile, adults brought coolers or metal containers which resembled a toolbox to their workplace. Although teasing did occur on some levels within society, what’s was in your lunch box is what got people’s attention.
In the days of Jesus, one of his disciples claimed he performed so many miracles on a daily basis that if each one was written down, there would not be enough library books in the world to cover them, John 21:25. Of the miracles of Jesus recorded in the Bible, only one appears in all 4 gospels, the feeding of the 5000. Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:32-44, Luke 9:10-17 and John 6:1-13 detail this supernatural experience. While there are many theories why God chose this particular event to be covered by all 4 authors, the answer lies in the lunch box of a poor young boy.
Luke, a physician who accompanied the apostle Paul on some of his mission trips, explains the dire situation leading up to Jesus’ miracle, over 5000 people are in a remote place without any access to food, Luke 9:12-13. Meanwhile, only one disciple records the source of their food, a young boy who offered his small lunch: 5 wafers and 2 sardines, John 6:9. In view of this information, most of the disciples likely shared Philip’s sentiments in John 6:7, “no way Jesus, we don’t have the time or money to help these starving people!” Andrew, the brother of Peter, made a suggestion, yet even he had his doubts, John 6:9.
Today, millions of people worldwide are in desperate need of a miracle, either in the form of clothing, food or shelter. Others are still searching for a full time job to provide for their family, humbling themselves to do whatever it takes to survive. In the end, all Jesus is looking for in people is faith like a mustard seed, Mark 4:30-32. May you step out in faith, like this little poor boy, sharing his lunch with thousands, setting the scene for a memorable miracle from God.
Feel free to comment below, sharing what miracle you are hoping, longing and praying for.
In life, the human mind can become fragile, as psyche’s quickly question what went wrong, why did something bad happen and how can I reverse this misfortune? While some search for their mojo, others cling to superstitious habits to insure a desired outcome. Meanwhile, an unseen God is waiting as a bystander, hoping to be invited by individual’s to intervene of their behalf.
According to biblical numerology, the number 7 is symbolic of completion, fullness and perfection. Three seven’s illustrates complete perfection. Despite this information, human beings often fall back on worldly beliefs to make sense of the hands people are dealt. Perhaps this explains why so many today turn to astrology, fortune cookies and psychics to find answers to life’s questions.
Like the golden calf made by Aaron for the Israelites, good luck and superstitions can become our gods. Something for people to wrap their hands around. Since the invisible qualities of God feel so distant, others avenues are vying mankind’s devotion. The disciple whom Jesus loved eludes to this in 1 John 2:15-17 as cravings, lust and pride try to deceive the masses from the truth, John 3:16-17. On judgment day only one will be proven right, will it luck, superstitions or the supernatural?
You’re invited to share your opinions in the comment section below.
Freedom of Speech isn’t what it use to be in America. Today, fear of public opinion is silencing many, afraid their beliefs will lead to a feeding frenzy in the media, falling out of favor like a fading star. Thus, individuals are forced to relocate their voice, finding other avenues to express how they really feel.
In an episode called State of Grace, the writers of Joan of Arcadia present a show focusing on a junior in high school who stutters. Though intelligent, he is unable to communicate what is in his mind without severe stammering. Subsequently, he turns to writing to voice his opinions. Joan played by Amber Tamblyn encourages her new friend to relocate his voice from the debate team to writing for the school newspaper.
As graduates enter the work force this spring, its harder than ever to discover where you can maximize your God given talents. Though money is an important factor, failure to apply your gifts in a position can stifle your joy. Until you locate a place that values your assets, people will continue to search for an ideal match. May you enjoy the journey as you relocate your voice to find your place in this world.
Please share how or who has influenced you to stand up for your belief in the comment section below.
The pied piper is often a dynamic leader who attracts others to follow his cause and ways. However, without consistency, these individuals can be abandoned, left for someone or something better. If there is no one around to inspire you, people tend to fall back into their complacent habits. Perhaps, this is where you and I fit into God’s puzzle.
The author of Hebrews is a mystery, with a few candidates, but no clear clue to unveil the actual writer. Nonetheless, this book contains essential instructions for church goers sitting in the pew. According to Hebrews 10:23-25, one another are placed into a congregation to call other believers to persevere when the going get’s tough. When a situation appears hopeless, the faithful are encouraged to be a voice of reason, uplifting disappointed souls.
King Solomon thought so highly of this concept, he suggests one another is crucial to overcoming oppression, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12.
1. One worker can motivate the other to reach their goal for the day, setting the tone for others to follow.
2. A friend can help their mate if one falls down or is tired, picking up the other to press on another day.
3. If lost, two people can endure cold temperatures together, surviving until a search and rescue team arrives.
4. Finally, alone one person can be over powered, but two soldiers can band together to defend themselves.
God designed human being to spur one another on toward love and good deeds, Hebrews 10:24. In view of this truth, Christians should be inspired to continue meeting together, holding their peers accountable, verse 25. Without another, all you’re left with is one, separated from the flock with the devil waiting to pounce, 1 Peter 5:8.
The term oracle has 2 distinct meanings. The first refers to a priest or spiritual leader who provides advice to those seeking direction or guidance from God. Meanwhile, oracle also eludes to an ambiguous or obscure message given by a person speaking on behalf of God. In Psalm 36, King David provides insight on those in his kingdom who had fallen from God’s grace.
Based upon the words David received, the Holy Spirit blames a lack of fear of God as the root cause. This created a spiritual blind spot as self conceit eliminated God from the radar screen. Like a disease slowing attacking the central nervous system, poison filled their mouths, disguised by deceit. Subsequently, wisdom vanished from the lips of the fallen. Idleness led to new hobbies of plotting evil as scheming became a favorite pastime. In the end, the fallen followed a similar course, embracing wrong behavior each and every day.
Beginning in Psalm 36:5, David provides a spiritual prescription for anyone considering a change of heart. This portion of the chapter serves as a precursor to God’s promise in Psalm 103:11-12, a picture of forgiveness, love and mercy. Although Ponce de Leon claimed to discover a fountain of youth in Florida, David introduces the lost to the fountain of spiritual life, Psalm 36:9. Dangling this carrot in front of the fallen, the choice is yours. May these words of David, inspired by God, provide hope to those of you feel lost, fallen or ready for a change.
In an age of lawlessness, feelings can conceive acts of violence. Whether its road rage, disputes between neighbors or workplace tensions, feelings provide individuals with an excuse for their behavior. Perhaps, this may explain Jesus’ harsh words in Matthew 5:21-26, comparing hatred with murder. Thus, if you sense anger beginning to consume your soul, think twice before giving into these desires.
King David provides a guideline for anyone who reaches a tipping point, as their feelings boil over. Psalm 35:13-14 displays the right way to respond to mistreatment from others. Despite how you really feel, there is a proper way to react to those in need, whether you like them or not. Essentially, David is illustrating a blue print of loving your neighbor as yourself, Matthew 22:39.
A generation ago, most American parents held a common value, relayed to their children weekly, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it!” Adults in the neighborhood weren’t afraid to discipline other kids on the block, correcting anyone who crossed the line of morality. Today, lawsuits, moral decay and a rejection of God has led many to follow their feelings. Yet, if you want to do what is right, remember the words of Micah 6:8, “act justly, love mercy and humbly walk with God.”
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