“The simple believe anything but the prudent give thought to their steps.”
Proverbs 14:15
What do Winnie the Pooh, Pahla Cragg Bowers, Pastor Craig Groeschel and Pastor Jake Zaske have in common? They all believe how and what you think is important. I’ll explain as we go.
When something gets repeated in Scripture – it usually means that idea or principle is important and that we should take heed. For instance, the phrase “Be strong and courageous” appears at least 11 times in the Old Testament and the phrase “Fear not” appears at least 82 times right across the whole of the Scriptures. Should we then trust God and with the help of the Holy Spirit be strong and courageous, fearing not? What do you reckon?
This idea of managing your mind had been cropping up in my life for months now, so it must be important. If it’s important for me, there is a good chance that it is important for you too.
Let’s start with the scripture above. At the time of this writing, it is being used as a foundational Scripture in a sermon series at the church we attend. When I heard it – I thought of Winnie the Pooh – well because that’s how my brain works. Pooh recognized that he was a “bear of little brains” Some would say Pooh was simple. Yet when he would sit and “think, think, think” he often came up with some solid wisdom (or prudent thoughts) with which to act.
This idea of mindfulness first showed itself earlier this year when I stumbled across Pahla Cragg Bowers of PahlaB Fitness on YouTube. Pahla is a fitness trainer/life coach who developed the Five-Oh Method for weight loss. Of the five things she discusses, the most important is managing your mind. She is constantly telling those participating in the program that it is crucial to treat ourselves with self-love, speaking against the lies the world and our minds tells us. Sound familiar? “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). The Psalmist reminds us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 134:14). Jeremiah the prophet also reminds the people of his time and us millennia away that “God has plans for us, plans to prosper, not harm. Plans that bring us hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). God sees us always as beloved children that are very good. Do you believe it or are you believing something less than the truth?
Pastor Jake Zaske in the third installment of the message series we are going through now basically told us to “Put a helmet on and guard your hearts (my paraphrase).” Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:13,17). Interesting side note – did you get that God gives us His personal armor to wear and that the helmet in this battle analogy is meant to protect not only our heads physically but also our minds and thoughts. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). Paul in all his practical wisdom also tells us not to listen to the world. Instead, he wants us to allow God’s truth to transform us by letting us renew our minds (Romans 12:2).
Then there is the email that invited me to participate in a five-day leadership master class from Pastor Craig Groeschel on “Winning the War in Your Mind”. Coincidence? I think not. Divine timing? Most likely.
Why so much focus on managing our minds right now? As we enter this sort of post pandemic, but not really time – I believe God is telling his people – ok, for the last almost two years you have let all sorts of lies, half-truths, and worldly culture into your minds and hearts – it’s time to refocus back on me, back on the truth of who I AM and who you are in Me.
I don’t know what’s going around in your mind right now – anxiety, fear, doubt, feelings of not being enough of whatever, thinking you’re not lovable. Whatever it is – think about it, using the filter of God’s grace, mercy and love.
A Prayer
Father – You know us so well. You know that we are prone to believing all sorts of things, that we were never meant to believe. Like believing we could be like You by being disobedient. Like believing we are less than perfect if we don’t look like the people on magazine covers. With the help of Your Spirit remind us that we were made in your image from the very beginning. Help us to weed out the lies that fill our minds and plant Your truth in their place. Remind us also that we are not alone. In the name of Jesus who restores us to our right minds and guards our hearts – amen.
Tuesday, October 12, 2021
Sunday, April 4, 2021
Rejected
“He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.”
Isaiah 53:3
The dictionary defines the word reject as: to refuge to have, take, recognize, grant, accept; to discard as useless or unsatisfactory; to cast out or eject, vomit. Based on the definition, it is probably safe to say that most people have a least one if not many experiences of being rejected. A failed relationship could leave that feeling of being rejected. Not getting that job or promotion can also leave us feeling rejected. What about those sometimes cruel words others or ourselves speak into our lives? It doesn’t feel good to feel useless or unwanted. Did you know that God knows the feeling of being rejected?
In the Scripture above, Isaiah speaking about the coming Messiah tells the people that the one they are waiting for will be despised and rejected, that he will understand the pain and suffering that comes with rejection. Even before this we see God feeling the sting of rejection. The nation of Israel is demanding a human king, rather than being satisfied with God as king. We read in Samuel: “But when they said, ‘Give us a king to lead us,’ this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the Lord. And the LORD told him: ‘Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king” (1 Samuel 8:6-7). People continue to reject God and in spite of that He still loves us, He still sent Jesus.
Jesus certainly understood rejection. The people of His “home town” couldn’t or wouldn’t believe that “the carpenter’s son” could be anything but a carpenter. One of Jesus’ friends betrayed Him, another denied knowing Him and many others abandoned Him. He entered Jerusalem to a hero’s welcome but left the city as a condemned criminal. Even as He was hanging on the cross, he felt the sting of rejection as His Father turned temporarily away.
We live in a broken world, surrounded by broken people and we ourselves often feel broken and rejected. But there is someone who stands ready every day to welcome us into His family. To let us know we are wanted, that we have purpose, that we are loved and that we are enough. He knows what it means to be despised and rejected but He still loved us enough to die on the cross for us, to make us whole again when we accept His gift of forgiveness and life.
Tired of feeling rejected? Seek out Jesus, accept His gift and be welcomed into the abundant life He made you for. He is waiting for you right where you are.
A Prayer
Our Father – As we ponder the miracle of Your resurrection may we seek after You will our whole hearts, allowing your love, mercy and grace to welcome us into the life You have planned for us. A life filled with purpose and belonging. For those feeling the sting of being rejected right now bring Your comfort and Your healing. In the name of Jesus who understands – amen.
Isaiah 53:3
The dictionary defines the word reject as: to refuge to have, take, recognize, grant, accept; to discard as useless or unsatisfactory; to cast out or eject, vomit. Based on the definition, it is probably safe to say that most people have a least one if not many experiences of being rejected. A failed relationship could leave that feeling of being rejected. Not getting that job or promotion can also leave us feeling rejected. What about those sometimes cruel words others or ourselves speak into our lives? It doesn’t feel good to feel useless or unwanted. Did you know that God knows the feeling of being rejected?
In the Scripture above, Isaiah speaking about the coming Messiah tells the people that the one they are waiting for will be despised and rejected, that he will understand the pain and suffering that comes with rejection. Even before this we see God feeling the sting of rejection. The nation of Israel is demanding a human king, rather than being satisfied with God as king. We read in Samuel: “But when they said, ‘Give us a king to lead us,’ this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the Lord. And the LORD told him: ‘Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king” (1 Samuel 8:6-7). People continue to reject God and in spite of that He still loves us, He still sent Jesus.
Jesus certainly understood rejection. The people of His “home town” couldn’t or wouldn’t believe that “the carpenter’s son” could be anything but a carpenter. One of Jesus’ friends betrayed Him, another denied knowing Him and many others abandoned Him. He entered Jerusalem to a hero’s welcome but left the city as a condemned criminal. Even as He was hanging on the cross, he felt the sting of rejection as His Father turned temporarily away.
We live in a broken world, surrounded by broken people and we ourselves often feel broken and rejected. But there is someone who stands ready every day to welcome us into His family. To let us know we are wanted, that we have purpose, that we are loved and that we are enough. He knows what it means to be despised and rejected but He still loved us enough to die on the cross for us, to make us whole again when we accept His gift of forgiveness and life.
Tired of feeling rejected? Seek out Jesus, accept His gift and be welcomed into the abundant life He made you for. He is waiting for you right where you are.
A Prayer
Our Father – As we ponder the miracle of Your resurrection may we seek after You will our whole hearts, allowing your love, mercy and grace to welcome us into the life You have planned for us. A life filled with purpose and belonging. For those feeling the sting of being rejected right now bring Your comfort and Your healing. In the name of Jesus who understands – amen.
Monday, September 14, 2020
Just Keep Praying, Just Keep Praying
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Anyone who knows me personally or has been reading Something Special for You for a while, will know that one of my prayers had been for a certain vehicle. It took nearly 20 years of prayers and a move half way across the country for that prayer to finally be answered a couple of years ago – just keep praying. A friend of mine was given a scripture to hold on to while she and her prayer partners prayed for a family member to return to the Lord. I’ve lost track of time but I guess it has been 20 years or more and we just keep praying. Not unlike Dory from Finding Nemo who throughout the film said, “just keep swimming, just keep swimming.” Scripture tells us to just keep praying.
When the disciples weren’t sure how to pray, in the powerful way that Jesus did, He taught them a model prayer – we know it now as The Lord’s Prayer. It is a prayer that rises above being a simple prayer. It can be seen as an act of worship, a desire not for our will but for God’s will, a cry for mercy and provision and a call for protection against the one who seeks to take our lives rather than give us life. Early church fathers like Augustine used to say this prayer at least three times a day, a practice I follow myself.
God is not a wish grantor. We can’t just ask for things we want and expect them to magically appear. God does find joy in giving us good gifts – but they are usually the gifts He desires for us to have and in His timing. Sometimes what we ask for in prayer gets a very sound no from Him. When Jesus is praying in the garden just before his arrest. He prays a painful and stress filled prayer three times: “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). We all know that the Father’s will was done. The apostle Paul also pleaded with the Lord three times to have the thorn he’s been given removed. The response he got? “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Clearly God says no sometimes, maybe more times than we would like. God also says yes –sometimes right way and sometimes it takes years. I suspect that most of the time it just seems like He isn’t listening, because we don’t get that definite answer. It is what we experience as a lack of response that causes us to doubt. That silence in my opinion should be seen as a just wait, as a just keep praying time. See ultimately prayer is meant to be an ongoing conversation with the One who made us and knows everything about and still wants to have a relationship with us. Prayer is a conversation so sometimes we speak and sometimes we must listen.
The prophetess and widow Anna never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying” (Luke 2:36-37) – just keep praying.
Want your church to grow and thrive? “Devote yourself to scripture, fellowship, of sharing meals and to prayer” (Acts 2:42) – just keep praying.
Want a strong faith, that doesn’t doubt even when God seems silent? “Put on the Armor of God and pray in the Spirit on all occasions will all kinds of prayers and requests” (Ephesians 6:11, 18) – just keep praying.
For me I am praying about what the Lord would have me do next for Him, it’s been a year since I left God’s provided position so I’ll just keep praying. I don’t know what you are praying for, what is causing doubt in your life, what frustration you may be feeling if God hasn’t answered that prayer. So I can just encourage you to read his word and just keep praying.
A Prayer
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Anyone who knows me personally or has been reading Something Special for You for a while, will know that one of my prayers had been for a certain vehicle. It took nearly 20 years of prayers and a move half way across the country for that prayer to finally be answered a couple of years ago – just keep praying. A friend of mine was given a scripture to hold on to while she and her prayer partners prayed for a family member to return to the Lord. I’ve lost track of time but I guess it has been 20 years or more and we just keep praying. Not unlike Dory from Finding Nemo who throughout the film said, “just keep swimming, just keep swimming.” Scripture tells us to just keep praying.
When the disciples weren’t sure how to pray, in the powerful way that Jesus did, He taught them a model prayer – we know it now as The Lord’s Prayer. It is a prayer that rises above being a simple prayer. It can be seen as an act of worship, a desire not for our will but for God’s will, a cry for mercy and provision and a call for protection against the one who seeks to take our lives rather than give us life. Early church fathers like Augustine used to say this prayer at least three times a day, a practice I follow myself.
God is not a wish grantor. We can’t just ask for things we want and expect them to magically appear. God does find joy in giving us good gifts – but they are usually the gifts He desires for us to have and in His timing. Sometimes what we ask for in prayer gets a very sound no from Him. When Jesus is praying in the garden just before his arrest. He prays a painful and stress filled prayer three times: “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). We all know that the Father’s will was done. The apostle Paul also pleaded with the Lord three times to have the thorn he’s been given removed. The response he got? “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Clearly God says no sometimes, maybe more times than we would like. God also says yes –sometimes right way and sometimes it takes years. I suspect that most of the time it just seems like He isn’t listening, because we don’t get that definite answer. It is what we experience as a lack of response that causes us to doubt. That silence in my opinion should be seen as a just wait, as a just keep praying time. See ultimately prayer is meant to be an ongoing conversation with the One who made us and knows everything about and still wants to have a relationship with us. Prayer is a conversation so sometimes we speak and sometimes we must listen.
The prophetess and widow Anna never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying” (Luke 2:36-37) – just keep praying.
Want your church to grow and thrive? “Devote yourself to scripture, fellowship, of sharing meals and to prayer” (Acts 2:42) – just keep praying.
Want a strong faith, that doesn’t doubt even when God seems silent? “Put on the Armor of God and pray in the Spirit on all occasions will all kinds of prayers and requests” (Ephesians 6:11, 18) – just keep praying.
For me I am praying about what the Lord would have me do next for Him, it’s been a year since I left God’s provided position so I’ll just keep praying. I don’t know what you are praying for, what is causing doubt in your life, what frustration you may be feeling if God hasn’t answered that prayer. So I can just encourage you to read his word and just keep praying.
A Prayer
Our Father – You reign over all creation from the throne room of heaven. You alone are worthy of our praise and worship, Your name inspires awe and wonder. Your kingdom is coming; is here even now so let you will be done in our lives as it is in heaven. Thank you for giving us the things we need to live and grant us strength and peace in these troubling times. Thank you for your forgiveness and help us by Your Spirit to forgive those who have wronged us. Keep us from falling into the traps this world sets for us and protect us from the one who wants to take us for You. Amen. Help us to just keep praying. Amen
Monday, August 31, 2020
Be the One (Be Cowboy, part 2)
“Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your father in heaven.”
Matthew 6:1
Last week, I encouraged you and myself to display the characteristics listed in the chorus of Chevel Shepherd’s song Be Cowboy. We were encouraged to be tough, to love, to be strong for others, be honest, to stand on a firm foundation even if it means standing alone. We were encouraged to be Better, Braver, Bolder.
The bridge of this great song says: “There’s a whole lotta people, in this world today. Who don’t even know that they got what it takes to be cowboy.”
I believe there are a whole lotta people in this world who don’t think they can be a Christian because of what they’ve done, because they feel unworthy, because for whatever reason God can’t love them.
This week, I want encourage all of us to be the one. The one who lives in such a way that shows the world God can and does love it and all the people in it and all they have to do is believe.
The verse of Be Cowboy:
King David and the Psalmists speak often about holding on and about being held when it seems like the worst is about to happen. “He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters” (2 Samuel 22:17). In the New Testament book of Hebrews we are encouraged by these words: “But Christ is faithful as a son over God’s house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast” (Hebrews 3:6). Scripture is all about holding on when it appears that all hope is gone and those that do find healing and future of abundant living.
I know that things seem pretty bleak right now but as followers of Jesus, we have the power to be better, braver and bolder as we stand firmly in our faith. A faith that when we live it out and speak the truth of the Gospel will show others there is a way to hope, a way to forgiveness and healing, a way to an abundant life that lasts for eternity. What do you think? Will you be better, braver, bolder – will you be the one who brings a person in need all that Jesus has to offer.
Check out Chevel Shepherd’s Be Cowboy https://youtu.be/uVYh6ZmBS9A
A Prayer
Father – You see everything we do. Help us to only care about pleasing you and bringing you glory and honor. Help us to be the ones who are bringing your hope, peace, forgiveness, healing and love to a world filled with people who are afraid, angry, selfish and feeling unworthy. Thank you for giving us everything we need to do your will. In the name of Jesus, who is The ONE who makes us better, braver, bolder way. Amen.
Matthew 6:1
Last week, I encouraged you and myself to display the characteristics listed in the chorus of Chevel Shepherd’s song Be Cowboy. We were encouraged to be tough, to love, to be strong for others, be honest, to stand on a firm foundation even if it means standing alone. We were encouraged to be Better, Braver, Bolder.
The bridge of this great song says: “There’s a whole lotta people, in this world today. Who don’t even know that they got what it takes to be cowboy.”
I believe there are a whole lotta people in this world who don’t think they can be a Christian because of what they’ve done, because they feel unworthy, because for whatever reason God can’t love them.
This week, I want encourage all of us to be the one. The one who lives in such a way that shows the world God can and does love it and all the people in it and all they have to do is believe.
The verse of Be Cowboy:
Both of these lines talk about doing the right sing for the sake of the right thing. Matthew talks about not doing things in order to bring attention and honor to ourselves. “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do… and on the streets, to be honored by men” (Matthew 6:2). He goes further saying that rather than drawing attention to ourselves by praying long, eloquent prayers in public, we should pray privately (Matthew 6:5-6). In both instances those who chose to bring glory to themselves forfeit what God has waiting for them. So just do the next right thing because it is the right thing to do. God is watching and so are the unbelievers among us.“Be the one who does the right thing when there’s no one else around.Be the one who runs into the flames when the house is burning down.”
“Be the one that holds on harder when it’s harder to hold one.
Be the one who keeps believing when you think that your hope is gone.”
King David and the Psalmists speak often about holding on and about being held when it seems like the worst is about to happen. “He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters” (2 Samuel 22:17). In the New Testament book of Hebrews we are encouraged by these words: “But Christ is faithful as a son over God’s house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast” (Hebrews 3:6). Scripture is all about holding on when it appears that all hope is gone and those that do find healing and future of abundant living.
I know that things seem pretty bleak right now but as followers of Jesus, we have the power to be better, braver and bolder as we stand firmly in our faith. A faith that when we live it out and speak the truth of the Gospel will show others there is a way to hope, a way to forgiveness and healing, a way to an abundant life that lasts for eternity. What do you think? Will you be better, braver, bolder – will you be the one who brings a person in need all that Jesus has to offer.
Check out Chevel Shepherd’s Be Cowboy https://youtu.be/uVYh6ZmBS9A
A Prayer
Father – You see everything we do. Help us to only care about pleasing you and bringing you glory and honor. Help us to be the ones who are bringing your hope, peace, forgiveness, healing and love to a world filled with people who are afraid, angry, selfish and feeling unworthy. Thank you for giving us everything we need to do your will. In the name of Jesus, who is The ONE who makes us better, braver, bolder way. Amen.
Monday, August 24, 2020
Better, Braver, Bolder (Be Cowboy, part 1)
“Those who have believing masters are not to show less respect for them because they are brothers. Instead, they are to serve them even better, because those who benefit from their service are believers, and dear to them.” 1 Timothy 6:2
“Have I not commanded? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
“Therefore, since we have such hope, we are very bold.” 2 Corinthians 3:12
Another awesome song has inspired me. Every couple of years the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) commission a new anthem and ask artists to sing it for the opening of the televised events. Think “Are You Ready for Some Football” only for bull riding instead. 2020 which has already seen the release of some great music perfect for the times in which we are living, has just delivered the new PBR anthem. It’s a song called Be Cowboy, written by Wynn Varble and David Frazier. Three artists have been given the nod to sing it. I think the best version of the song has been done by Chevel Shepherd, 2018 winner of the voice.
The reality is I think the song could really be the back drop for a sermon series or a couple of devotions – there is so much good stuff in it.
The chorus of Be Cowboy:
We need to be tough living in these times on a fallen planet – but tough doesn’t mean hardened or compassionless. Being tough means getting back up when the world knocks you down. It means being compassionate and empathetic. Sometimes being tough means letting others see us persevere with the tears that often come in life’s storms – being authentic and transparent.
We need to love one another. Even when we don’t feel like loving people – even when we don’t feel lovable. Paul in his first letter to the church in Corinth tells us all about what love is, in what has become known as the love chapter. This chapter closes with these words: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13) John tells us that perfect love drives out fear. We need to be showing people the perfect love of Christ because people seem to be filled with fear right now.
We need to be strong for others. God makes us strong when we are weak so we can be strong when others are weak. In the story of the exodus Moses had two people who gave him strength when he grew weak. You see there was a battle going on and as long as Moses held up the staff of God the Israelites were winning, but if he lowered his hands the other side would start winning. So Aaron and Hur held Moses’ hands up. I’ve been lucky to have people like Aaron and Hur in my life who have held me up when I was weak. We should be keeping our hearts open to do the same for those around us.
Honesty is always the best policy and as Christian we need to speak the truth to others in such a way that it leads them to the foot of the cross. A cornerstone is what provides the foundation of anything with its firm, straight and true starting point. Jesus is identified as being the cornerstone of our faith and in some translations He is both the cornerstone and the capstone – He is what holds our faith together.
It can be hard to stand alone when your beliefs go against what the world seems to be saying but it is so important, even if you risk being laughed at or it makes others mad – both things I have experienced. But standing alone can change what others think, or bring about a needed victory. David stood alone before Goliath and beat the giant.
So come on Christian – stop complaining, stop feeling sorry for yourself, stop blaming others for the storms of this life. If you hold on to your faith, God will help you Be better, Be braver, Be bolder.
Check out Chevel Shepherd’s Be Cowboy https://youtu.be/uVYh6ZmBS9A
A Prayer
Father – You know everything we are facing on this planet right now. You know that some of your people aren’t behaving very well right now. Help us to be better, be braver, be bolder. Help us to be who you called us to be. Thank you for your love that drives out fear, for the strength you give to us. In the name of Jesus, who shows us a better, braver, bolder way. Amen.
“Have I not commanded? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
“Therefore, since we have such hope, we are very bold.” 2 Corinthians 3:12
Another awesome song has inspired me. Every couple of years the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) commission a new anthem and ask artists to sing it for the opening of the televised events. Think “Are You Ready for Some Football” only for bull riding instead. 2020 which has already seen the release of some great music perfect for the times in which we are living, has just delivered the new PBR anthem. It’s a song called Be Cowboy, written by Wynn Varble and David Frazier. Three artists have been given the nod to sing it. I think the best version of the song has been done by Chevel Shepherd, 2018 winner of the voice.
The reality is I think the song could really be the back drop for a sermon series or a couple of devotions – there is so much good stuff in it.
The chorus of Be Cowboy:
Be tough as ya gotta beLove seven days a weekBe strong for those who are weakHonest as the day is longBe square as a cornerstoneDare to stand aloneWhen you’re scared just carry onBe better, Be braver, Be bolderBe cowboy
We need to be tough living in these times on a fallen planet – but tough doesn’t mean hardened or compassionless. Being tough means getting back up when the world knocks you down. It means being compassionate and empathetic. Sometimes being tough means letting others see us persevere with the tears that often come in life’s storms – being authentic and transparent.
We need to love one another. Even when we don’t feel like loving people – even when we don’t feel lovable. Paul in his first letter to the church in Corinth tells us all about what love is, in what has become known as the love chapter. This chapter closes with these words: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13) John tells us that perfect love drives out fear. We need to be showing people the perfect love of Christ because people seem to be filled with fear right now.
We need to be strong for others. God makes us strong when we are weak so we can be strong when others are weak. In the story of the exodus Moses had two people who gave him strength when he grew weak. You see there was a battle going on and as long as Moses held up the staff of God the Israelites were winning, but if he lowered his hands the other side would start winning. So Aaron and Hur held Moses’ hands up. I’ve been lucky to have people like Aaron and Hur in my life who have held me up when I was weak. We should be keeping our hearts open to do the same for those around us.
Honesty is always the best policy and as Christian we need to speak the truth to others in such a way that it leads them to the foot of the cross. A cornerstone is what provides the foundation of anything with its firm, straight and true starting point. Jesus is identified as being the cornerstone of our faith and in some translations He is both the cornerstone and the capstone – He is what holds our faith together.
It can be hard to stand alone when your beliefs go against what the world seems to be saying but it is so important, even if you risk being laughed at or it makes others mad – both things I have experienced. But standing alone can change what others think, or bring about a needed victory. David stood alone before Goliath and beat the giant.
So come on Christian – stop complaining, stop feeling sorry for yourself, stop blaming others for the storms of this life. If you hold on to your faith, God will help you Be better, Be braver, Be bolder.
Check out Chevel Shepherd’s Be Cowboy https://youtu.be/uVYh6ZmBS9A
A Prayer
Father – You know everything we are facing on this planet right now. You know that some of your people aren’t behaving very well right now. Help us to be better, be braver, be bolder. Help us to be who you called us to be. Thank you for your love that drives out fear, for the strength you give to us. In the name of Jesus, who shows us a better, braver, bolder way. Amen.
Monday, August 17, 2020
Broken? Let the Light In
“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”
2 Corinthians 4:6
I heard the following quote while watching an art journaling video: “There is a crack in everything that’s how the light gets in.” The instructor on the video didn’t say who the quote was from yet it struck me as being truthful and perhaps truth filled, so I did some research to find out who said it.
Interestingly, there are three variations of this quote out in the world.
The oldest variation is attributed to 13th century Persian poet Rumi. His version reads:
“The wound is the place where the light enters you.”
The next version is attributed to American Author Earnest Hemingway, his reads:
“We are all broken that’s how the light gets in.”
Finally, the third version is attributed to Canadian poet, singer/songwriter Leonard Cohen:
“Forget your perfect offering, there is a crack in everything that’s how the light gets in.”
The last one is the one in the art journaling video for sure, but, I have to say I think I prefer the other two better.
The passage of Scripture above talks about the God who in the beginning said “let there be light” also puts His light into our hearts. But how and why does he do this? Scripture tells that “He replaces our hearts of stone with hearts of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26). It tells us that “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).
Every time He heals our brokenness and binds up a wound He leaves some of His light to keep the life transforming healing going. But what causes us to be broken? We are born a bit broken, a result of the choice Adam and Eve made. Then our own selfish choices break us more. Whenever we choose to follow the world, to satisfy our needs in a way that causes God’s heart to hurt for us – when we sin, when we are disobedient, when we hurt others, when we act like we are ruling the universe – we break more, we get wounded in the battle of life.
When we reach a crisis point in our lives, when we realize that nothing we’ve done has truly satisfied our soul and filled the emptiness we have. When we are at the end of ourselves and cry out for help, even if we don’t know if there is someone out there to hear our call for help. He is there and the God who spoke our world into existence will come and heal your heart, bind up your wounds and leave His light in your heart to light your way all the way back to His heart.
Scripture is filled with stories of broken people who let His light in and found a new life, a life that will last for eternity. Are you broken today, shattered even? Call on Him and let the light in.
A Prayer Father – Some of our brokenness is out of our control and some of it is a direct result of our own selfish choices. We need you Lord now perhaps more than ever to come and bind up our wounds, heal our broken hearts and fill us with your light. Thank you for loving us so much. In the name of Jesus, who is the light of the world and the light in us. Amen.
2 Corinthians 4:6
I heard the following quote while watching an art journaling video: “There is a crack in everything that’s how the light gets in.” The instructor on the video didn’t say who the quote was from yet it struck me as being truthful and perhaps truth filled, so I did some research to find out who said it.
Interestingly, there are three variations of this quote out in the world.
The oldest variation is attributed to 13th century Persian poet Rumi. His version reads:
“The wound is the place where the light enters you.”
The next version is attributed to American Author Earnest Hemingway, his reads:
“We are all broken that’s how the light gets in.”
Finally, the third version is attributed to Canadian poet, singer/songwriter Leonard Cohen:
“Forget your perfect offering, there is a crack in everything that’s how the light gets in.”
The last one is the one in the art journaling video for sure, but, I have to say I think I prefer the other two better.
The passage of Scripture above talks about the God who in the beginning said “let there be light” also puts His light into our hearts. But how and why does he do this? Scripture tells that “He replaces our hearts of stone with hearts of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26). It tells us that “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).
Every time He heals our brokenness and binds up a wound He leaves some of His light to keep the life transforming healing going. But what causes us to be broken? We are born a bit broken, a result of the choice Adam and Eve made. Then our own selfish choices break us more. Whenever we choose to follow the world, to satisfy our needs in a way that causes God’s heart to hurt for us – when we sin, when we are disobedient, when we hurt others, when we act like we are ruling the universe – we break more, we get wounded in the battle of life.
When we reach a crisis point in our lives, when we realize that nothing we’ve done has truly satisfied our soul and filled the emptiness we have. When we are at the end of ourselves and cry out for help, even if we don’t know if there is someone out there to hear our call for help. He is there and the God who spoke our world into existence will come and heal your heart, bind up your wounds and leave His light in your heart to light your way all the way back to His heart.
Scripture is filled with stories of broken people who let His light in and found a new life, a life that will last for eternity. Are you broken today, shattered even? Call on Him and let the light in.
A Prayer Father – Some of our brokenness is out of our control and some of it is a direct result of our own selfish choices. We need you Lord now perhaps more than ever to come and bind up our wounds, heal our broken hearts and fill us with your light. Thank you for loving us so much. In the name of Jesus, who is the light of the world and the light in us. Amen.
Thursday, July 23, 2020
A World Paralyzed
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Romans 5:3-5 NLT
Seriously! 2020 is going to go down in history as the year that the whole world was paralyzed by a virus and worldwide unrest. The year thus far has shown us the worst and thankfully the best of humankind. Amidst the best is some great music. Music that no doubt has been long planned, with words that reach to our very souls have been released at just the perfect moment. This has not been an accident, but in my opinion divine appointments.
One of my favorite singers is Australian singer/songwriter Delta Goodrem. Delta has released two such perfectly timed songs in the past couple of weeks and this is not the first time one of her songs has inspired Something Special For You. The two songs from an upcoming album have words that speak into the times we are living in. It is the very newest of these a song titled Paralyzed that serves as the inspiration of this particular installment of Something Special For You.
The whole song is great but these words in particular grabbed ahold of my heart:
“With a little time
With a little hope
With a little light you’ll never know
For a little space
For a lot of love
Close your eyes and think of
Better time, big dreams
Open your mind for you
To find a little strength inside
Stop and rewind”
In the passage above Paul in his letter to the Christians in Rome is telling them in essence that in those times of trial when life seems paralyzed, that they and so we should rejoice because that time where we feel like we can’t move can build endurance in us, which leads to a bit more strength and gives us hope – a hope that will not disappoint us because of how much God loves us.
Scripture actually says a lot about hope, strength and love. Here are just few good ones to hang onto. King David reminds us: “GOD make his people strong. God gives his people peace” (Psalm 29:11 MSG). Isaiah writes: “…but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40_31 NIV). Paul later in his letter to the Romans reminds them and us to: “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying” (Romans 12:12 NLT).
What besides this viral pandemic has you paralyzed? Some other sort of health issue? Finances? Unemployment? A problem with a relationship? No matter what it is, remember – “a little time, a little hope, a little light, a little space and a lot of love will help you think of better times and bigger dreams and to find strength. No matter what has you paralyzed it’s ok to stop and rewind.”
A Prayer
Father – thank you for the words of your servant Paul. May his prayer for the people of Ephesus be our prayer. “I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower those who read this with inner strength through his Spirit. Thank you Lord for walking with us in this time where our world feels paralyzed. In the name of Jesus, who is always with us. Amen.
Oh and be sure to check Delta Goodrem’s Paralyzed here: https://youtu.be/J_LeOqIXMUg
Romans 5:3-5 NLT
Seriously! 2020 is going to go down in history as the year that the whole world was paralyzed by a virus and worldwide unrest. The year thus far has shown us the worst and thankfully the best of humankind. Amidst the best is some great music. Music that no doubt has been long planned, with words that reach to our very souls have been released at just the perfect moment. This has not been an accident, but in my opinion divine appointments.
One of my favorite singers is Australian singer/songwriter Delta Goodrem. Delta has released two such perfectly timed songs in the past couple of weeks and this is not the first time one of her songs has inspired Something Special For You. The two songs from an upcoming album have words that speak into the times we are living in. It is the very newest of these a song titled Paralyzed that serves as the inspiration of this particular installment of Something Special For You.
The whole song is great but these words in particular grabbed ahold of my heart:
“With a little time
With a little hope
With a little light you’ll never know
For a little space
For a lot of love
Close your eyes and think of
Better time, big dreams
Open your mind for you
To find a little strength inside
Stop and rewind”
In the passage above Paul in his letter to the Christians in Rome is telling them in essence that in those times of trial when life seems paralyzed, that they and so we should rejoice because that time where we feel like we can’t move can build endurance in us, which leads to a bit more strength and gives us hope – a hope that will not disappoint us because of how much God loves us.
Scripture actually says a lot about hope, strength and love. Here are just few good ones to hang onto. King David reminds us: “GOD make his people strong. God gives his people peace” (Psalm 29:11 MSG). Isaiah writes: “…but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40_31 NIV). Paul later in his letter to the Romans reminds them and us to: “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying” (Romans 12:12 NLT).
What besides this viral pandemic has you paralyzed? Some other sort of health issue? Finances? Unemployment? A problem with a relationship? No matter what it is, remember – “a little time, a little hope, a little light, a little space and a lot of love will help you think of better times and bigger dreams and to find strength. No matter what has you paralyzed it’s ok to stop and rewind.”
A Prayer
Father – thank you for the words of your servant Paul. May his prayer for the people of Ephesus be our prayer. “I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower those who read this with inner strength through his Spirit. Thank you Lord for walking with us in this time where our world feels paralyzed. In the name of Jesus, who is always with us. Amen.
Oh and be sure to check Delta Goodrem’s Paralyzed here: https://youtu.be/J_LeOqIXMUg
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