August 2019 – Page 5 – Thoughts for the Day

August 3, 2019

Is your life in alignment with what you believe? Bringing all areas into alignment with what you believe and say you believe is really important. Recently I came across two examples that reminded me of this principle.

The first relates to a young teenager who grandfather just past away. The dynamics of this family are not what I would want for my family. This teenager must attend the funeral events without his mother, who has raised him from birth, because the mother is not welcome anywhere his father, or any of his father’s relatives are present. Since these individuals declare their commitment to Christ I wonder how God perceives their actions?

Yesterday I was sitting in the car in a plaza parking lot waiting for my daughter to come back from shopping. Across from me was a place that provides manicures, pedicures and spa services. Two women came out the door of this establishment while I was watching and stood outside to smoke before proceeding on their way. My comments are not made in judgment of their action, but in observation as to the alignment of their thinking and action.There appears to be a disconnect between the desire to beautify their external appearance while doing the opposite to their internal organs.

These incidents caused me to reflect on my own life. To look for inconsistencies in alignment between what I believe and what I say I believe. I want my life to line up with how God in His Word says I should live. 1 Peter 1:14-16 reminds us, “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, {15} but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, {16} since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy’” (ESV). To be holy means to live our life in perfect alignment with pure selfless love. Jesus is our example in how this is to be done. Stopping to ask, “What does God’s Word say about my situation and what would Jesus do if He were here now?” might be a good idea to help us live in alignment with God’s will for our life.

August 2, 2019

Life is a journey, live it with passion and purpose. Your next step will always be a step of faith as you trust God to lead you a day at a time. Knowing your destination is important, remember to define your dream and get a burning desire for its achievement. At the same time it would be advisable to consider, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” It takes time. Enjoy the now!

Maturity will allow you understand, repeatedly asking the question, “Are we there yet?” is not helpful. This is causing you to focus on the lack of arrival and you will continue to get more of lacking arrival.

Perhaps an illustration may be helpful. Think of your life’s journey as a trip in the dark. The world is currently under the rule of the prince of darkness, but when you say YES to the relationship with God, through His Son, Jesus, the Light of the world, you have His light in you. If you were to drive from Los Angeles to New York City only at night, you would negotiate this journey a few hundred feet at a time. You have a source of light with you revealing the path through the darkness as you went along. God’s Word is such a source in light in our lives. Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (ESV).

To travel from one coast to the other in North America would take some time to accomplish. Yet doing it in the dark you would still have sufficient light to achieve your goal. You would need to decide to take the next step towards your goal along the way along. There may be detours and delays that come up from time to time to test your commitment to your dream and goals, but the only guarantee of failure is, if you quit. Choose to stay the course and get to the finish line successfully. You will be glad you did.

August 1, 2019

Words Matter! You Are Responsible for the Outcomes They Create!

The words which we use implicate us regarding the very core of our heart and nature. Much can be discerned about the quality of our character from what comes out of our mouth. Our ability to communicate effectively depends upon the use of appropriate words for each situation in our life. Matthew 15:18 records the words of Jesus, “But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person” (ESV). Words are what comes out of your mouth. Do they defile or uplift and express love and encouragement?

A lot is revealed by what you say when you pray. Your words reveal your level of faith and belief. Begging is an expression of focus towards lack. It speaks of uncertainty about your trust that your Heavenly Dad will hear and answer. Perhaps it speaks to your skepticism about just how much God loves and cares for you.

Expressions of gratitude and thankfulness provide a foundation upon which more reasons for thankfulness and gratitude may be provided. It is also an acknowledgment of your trust and dependance upon the One to whom you come in love.

Ongoing repetition of words may signify a lack of focus on the issue of relationship communication with God, or a ritualistic mindset to prayer. The words we use also reflect our understanding of who God is and the relationship between Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 1 Timothy 2:5 tells us, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (NIV). Our access to God is through His Son. Hebrews 3:1 declares, “Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess” (NIV). An apostle is one who is sent forth on a mission to something on behalf of the sender. Jesus is your representative to His Heavenly Dad when you pray.

John 14:13 records Jesus’ words, “I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father (NIV). Jesus will only present your requests to His Heavenly Dad when they are in alignment with the Word of God and His will. This is what brings glory to His name.

I recently watched the movie “Storm Rider” in which Kevin Sorbo played the part of an uncle who took in and cared for his brother’s two children. The uncle, while a great vet, lacked in personal people skills when it came to being able to communicate well with those closest to him. Later in the movie he comes to the realization, just how adept he was at being able to “put his foot in his mouth” when he spoke. Becoming aware of our words both before and after we speak is a valuable asset we would be wise to gain in our life. Words matter! You are responsible for the outcomes they create!