Do you know where He is? Or, in the words of our 21st century society... is He on your speed dial? He isn't hiding, you know. No that wasn't being either facetious or disrespectful. It is a legitimate question - where is God in your life? He can be as close as your breath. Or He can be at arms length, too often taken out only when we need Him to get us out of (whatever it is we need to be extricated from)... He's right there but He desires a relationship not just a nodding acknowledgement.
Since it's impossible to misplace God (He isn't lost), it must be a case of not developing a personal relationship with Him.? Therefore, when was the last time you had a conversation with Him and what was happening in your life? When you last were with Him were you praying? or studying? or simply enjoying being together? Did you need Him to do something for you? Or were you wanting to do something for Him?
If you think you have lost Him, what kinds of activities did you typically do together? What kind of relationship do you have? I realize He is God and deserving of all praise, worship, adoration but He is also father who wants to have a vital involvement in our lives. God doesn't want to control us but He does have guidelines and rules that He expects us to obey. Is that the basis of your problem? What's your problem with obedience? Is that why you think you have lost Him? He's still there, He's just waiting for you.
It really isn't difficult locating God but it does require our reaching out to Him. He took the first step by redeeming us out of the death and sin that controlled and dictated who we were. But it requires us to take the next step and accept His gift. He has this incredible celebration planned for you when you do. No, He won't remove all your problems but He did promise to always be with you and to provide you a way out of those problems. There is an amazing list of promises waiting for you once you turn around - He's right there with arms open wide.
...but, what do you believe?
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Competitive
Are you the competitive type? Actually there's nothing wrong, in my world, with being competitive unless you use your behavior against someone else. From that statement you can correctly assume that I'm competitive. However, I tend to be a specialize competitor rather than a competitor on anything and everything. My area of competition is 'intellectual', with the exception of golf. But do you take a strategy that everything you do is a competition... against someone, some thing?
Perhaps the issue is really more of the how you compete because I would argue that we all are competitive at times - it depends on whether or not the issue/focus is something that's important to us. The compete on anything all the time is not a particularly intelligent use of your time, energy, or resources since you can't focus on the important if you are already engaged in something else. If your 'how' is non manipulative and fair then even if you 'lose' you still can be satisfied.
From a context view, do you compete with a 'no holds bar', win at any cost approach? Or do you use the 'battle' as a learning experience? Do you know and understand your opponent? My major opposition is with me and my previous accomplishment - I typically always try to best myself. However, if you don't analyze what's occurring then I would suggest that you 'lose' more often than you tie or win. I try and down play the emotional component and use my version of SWTO (strengths, weaknesses, threats, opportunities).
In the scriptural context of iron sharpening iron, competition can be fun and it can hone one's skills as well as providing information. I remember, as a child, I had an instant flaming temper (red hair) until my mother pointed out that if I lose my temper I also lose the 'argument'. Competition can be 'fun' and it definitely can be 'educational'.
...but, what do you think?
Perhaps the issue is really more of the how you compete because I would argue that we all are competitive at times - it depends on whether or not the issue/focus is something that's important to us. The compete on anything all the time is not a particularly intelligent use of your time, energy, or resources since you can't focus on the important if you are already engaged in something else. If your 'how' is non manipulative and fair then even if you 'lose' you still can be satisfied.
From a context view, do you compete with a 'no holds bar', win at any cost approach? Or do you use the 'battle' as a learning experience? Do you know and understand your opponent? My major opposition is with me and my previous accomplishment - I typically always try to best myself. However, if you don't analyze what's occurring then I would suggest that you 'lose' more often than you tie or win. I try and down play the emotional component and use my version of SWTO (strengths, weaknesses, threats, opportunities).
In the scriptural context of iron sharpening iron, competition can be fun and it can hone one's skills as well as providing information. I remember, as a child, I had an instant flaming temper (red hair) until my mother pointed out that if I lose my temper I also lose the 'argument'. Competition can be 'fun' and it definitely can be 'educational'.
...but, what do you think?
Thursday, November 15, 2012
People pleasing
Are you a people pleaser? Before you put on your highly insulted face, think about it. And before we go further...what's wrong with being a people pleaser?! I think I would argue that we all are people pleasers to some degree or other. It's really a continuum from the sickeningly sweet types to the stoic don't let anyone know types. If you noticed... both ends of the continuum are false, are the types to avoid at all cost.
Definition is important at this point. We can go from the elaborate all inclusive definition to the more operational one - I choose the latter. If my definition provokes a new thinking about people pleasing - fine. People pleasing is not unthinkingly doing what others want... regardless. Yes, it attempts to accommodate others but not at the expense of one's own beliefs and standards. Another aspect of people pleasers is the ability and willingness to listen to what another person wants or needs before reacting.
Sometimes it isn't you who needs to fulfill their need/want but you are a source pointing them toward their resolution. The feeling of being rejected by others if you don't comply is not a motivator in this definition. While feelings are important they aren't the sole reason to act or not. Another generalized point about people pleasing relate to passive aggressive behaving people. They are not people pleasers, they are people manipulators in the guise of being pleasers.
Being a people pleaser must be a positive for you or you will find yourself compromised. Being a 'people pleaser' is neither good or bad. It is part of the definition of who you are, actually who most people are. People pleasing comes in all forms of people interaction and in varying degrees of behavior. For those of you who know you are people pleasers, you need to know your 'type' and if it is a true representation of who you are. That really is the only question.
...but, what do you think?
Definition is important at this point. We can go from the elaborate all inclusive definition to the more operational one - I choose the latter. If my definition provokes a new thinking about people pleasing - fine. People pleasing is not unthinkingly doing what others want... regardless. Yes, it attempts to accommodate others but not at the expense of one's own beliefs and standards. Another aspect of people pleasers is the ability and willingness to listen to what another person wants or needs before reacting.
Sometimes it isn't you who needs to fulfill their need/want but you are a source pointing them toward their resolution. The feeling of being rejected by others if you don't comply is not a motivator in this definition. While feelings are important they aren't the sole reason to act or not. Another generalized point about people pleasing relate to passive aggressive behaving people. They are not people pleasers, they are people manipulators in the guise of being pleasers.
Being a people pleaser must be a positive for you or you will find yourself compromised. Being a 'people pleaser' is neither good or bad. It is part of the definition of who you are, actually who most people are. People pleasing comes in all forms of people interaction and in varying degrees of behavior. For those of you who know you are people pleasers, you need to know your 'type' and if it is a true representation of who you are. That really is the only question.
...but, what do you think?
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Life goes on...
I don't think I like that phrase - it's so dismissive. It is anything but life affirming. While undeniably true, it doesn't seem to acknowledge 'now' and what may be happening. This phrase which I would like to think was uttered with the best of intentions is disrespectful at best. Sometimes you have to somehow stop and really see what is happening before you speak that phrase. While true, it's the 'how' that makes the difference.
Everyone faces this reality at least once and probably multiple times during their life. For me, I've discovered that until I acknowledge the pain resulting from what happened that I really can't move on. And to embody the phrase requires acknowledging but not wallowing. We need to find our own 'silver lining' in the midst of the how we feel. Besides, in these situations we really are as strong as we think we are. We just haven't plumbed our own depths.
What is equally 'interesting' is that this phrase also applies to good things that happen to us. When it is a positive experience then we typically like to stay in the glow. But staying too long in the glow either ends up burning us or we watch the fire go out. Certainly! Enjoy the moment of success but then... move on. There are new mountains to conquer and success is a great motivator.
Life goes on... there's no stopping it so why not enjoy and direct it? You are the director of your life and only you can live it to its fullest. Wallowing and basking are momentary and that's how you need to 'live' them. Certainly pain hurts! Certainly success should be celebrated! But the next moment awaits you - don't waste it.
...but what do you think?
Everyone faces this reality at least once and probably multiple times during their life. For me, I've discovered that until I acknowledge the pain resulting from what happened that I really can't move on. And to embody the phrase requires acknowledging but not wallowing. We need to find our own 'silver lining' in the midst of the how we feel. Besides, in these situations we really are as strong as we think we are. We just haven't plumbed our own depths.
What is equally 'interesting' is that this phrase also applies to good things that happen to us. When it is a positive experience then we typically like to stay in the glow. But staying too long in the glow either ends up burning us or we watch the fire go out. Certainly! Enjoy the moment of success but then... move on. There are new mountains to conquer and success is a great motivator.
Life goes on... there's no stopping it so why not enjoy and direct it? You are the director of your life and only you can live it to its fullest. Wallowing and basking are momentary and that's how you need to 'live' them. Certainly pain hurts! Certainly success should be celebrated! But the next moment awaits you - don't waste it.
...but what do you think?
Friday, November 9, 2012
Redemption
Seriously... can you get your head around that word? Can you even define it? Do you understand what it means? More importantly - do you see how it applies to YOU? 1- that you actually need to be redeemed and 2- that it is an extremely simple method to acquire it for yourself? Sometimes our problem is that we over think something. Sometimes our problem is that we don't realize when it applies to our life.
So, now what? You certainly don't have the power or ability to extricate yourself. Looking around you, you won't find another person with the power or ability either. Maybe the question is - do you want to be redeemed? Or do you feel so self-sufficient that you don't think you need a savior? If so, I would strongly suggest that you reconsider. Even looking at this question from only a secular view I think that the evidence points to the fact that we all do. When you consider the spiritual basis, then the evidence is overwhelming concerning our need.
It is amazingly simple - you are in need of redemption and there is an answer. However, let's start with a definition. Redemption according to Webster is: the act, process, or an instance of redeeming. (I really dislike it intensely when they define a word by using that word.) Redeem means to: to buy back, to free from captivity by payment of ransom, to free from the consequences of sin. I could go on but I think the point is made. And before you say you have no need to be redeemed - you do. When you look at your life can you honestly say that it is a life lived free from sin? And quantitative or qualitative of sin is not at issue.
Answer - discover Jesus and acknowledge who He is, what He did, and what He continues to do on your and other believers behalf. You can't save yourself, you can't buy salvation/redemption, but by accepting the free gift through your belief in Jesus, you have everything else that comes with redemption. You can through your act of faith and acceptance be redeemed - the alternative is horrendous.
...but, what do you believe?
So, now what? You certainly don't have the power or ability to extricate yourself. Looking around you, you won't find another person with the power or ability either. Maybe the question is - do you want to be redeemed? Or do you feel so self-sufficient that you don't think you need a savior? If so, I would strongly suggest that you reconsider. Even looking at this question from only a secular view I think that the evidence points to the fact that we all do. When you consider the spiritual basis, then the evidence is overwhelming concerning our need.
It is amazingly simple - you are in need of redemption and there is an answer. However, let's start with a definition. Redemption according to Webster is: the act, process, or an instance of redeeming. (I really dislike it intensely when they define a word by using that word.) Redeem means to: to buy back, to free from captivity by payment of ransom, to free from the consequences of sin. I could go on but I think the point is made. And before you say you have no need to be redeemed - you do. When you look at your life can you honestly say that it is a life lived free from sin? And quantitative or qualitative of sin is not at issue.
Answer - discover Jesus and acknowledge who He is, what He did, and what He continues to do on your and other believers behalf. You can't save yourself, you can't buy salvation/redemption, but by accepting the free gift through your belief in Jesus, you have everything else that comes with redemption. You can through your act of faith and acceptance be redeemed - the alternative is horrendous.
...but, what do you believe?
Sunday, November 4, 2012
The Blatant Christian
The starting place is a definition - what is and is not a blatant? To me 'blatant' is a person who IS what they say. It's not necessarily an 'in your face' person, yet they don't compromise their beliefs - they live them. Their witness is visible in their behavior. Which means I don't adhere to Webster's definition. Blatant doesn't need to fight to be heard because it's as much an 'is' as it is a behavior, a particular belief. It is obvious, not hidden; it is unmistakable, it is confident, and it is able to withstand whatever challenges it. Bottom line... does this define you as a Christian?
Perhaps another way to look at this is... are you comfortable being a Christian in front of others? Or do you take the 'live and let live' approach? This is lukewarm at best. You don't want to push your beliefs on others? Why? Don't you care for them? Aren't you aware of their 'final resting place' if they don't make a decision for the Lord? Granted - you can't make another believe but you can make them aware. Your expression may be the catalyst that causes another person to re-examine what they believe.
If there's only one word to describe blatant it has to be passion. And passion is expressed in a myriad of ways - but it is expressed. Another scripture says that we do the planting, the watering but it is God who makes the increase. He has empowered us to plant and water - that's what we do. And each of us has our own unique way of expressing our planting or watering but increase only occurs when we do our part.
Our blatant expression is a message that a hurting, dying world needs to hear. It isn't false hope and it becomes powerful in the lives of those who express their Christianity and to those who see and hear the message. You have to admit that all the other voices are being expressed but are those voices expressing a true hope? Being blatant doesn't force others to accept but it does witness to what has happened in your life.
...but, what do you believe?
Perhaps another way to look at this is... are you comfortable being a Christian in front of others? Or do you take the 'live and let live' approach? This is lukewarm at best. You don't want to push your beliefs on others? Why? Don't you care for them? Aren't you aware of their 'final resting place' if they don't make a decision for the Lord? Granted - you can't make another believe but you can make them aware. Your expression may be the catalyst that causes another person to re-examine what they believe.
If there's only one word to describe blatant it has to be passion. And passion is expressed in a myriad of ways - but it is expressed. Another scripture says that we do the planting, the watering but it is God who makes the increase. He has empowered us to plant and water - that's what we do. And each of us has our own unique way of expressing our planting or watering but increase only occurs when we do our part.
Our blatant expression is a message that a hurting, dying world needs to hear. It isn't false hope and it becomes powerful in the lives of those who express their Christianity and to those who see and hear the message. You have to admit that all the other voices are being expressed but are those voices expressing a true hope? Being blatant doesn't force others to accept but it does witness to what has happened in your life.
...but, what do you believe?
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Towel throwing...
Do you ever feel like 'throwing in the towel'? Of course you do! But do you... throw? Why??? (And, How???) What is it that makes you throw in the towel, give up, quit - or want to? No matter how much you have put into (fill in the blank) do you simply walk away? I suspect that there are times we should, but there are probably more times that we shouldn't. What will make you choose what path is your 'next'?
One thing I try to remember at these kinds of crossroads is the scripture that says... if God be for me, who can stand against me. And then I look at whether or not this should apply in this particular situation. Yes, God is always for me but my responsibility is to discover if this is something applicable, something I should be involved in, and by extension - continue. Regardless of the answer... I have my answer.
Towel throwing should be sparingly used. It's a kind of 'last resort' response. What we need to do is prior to the throwing... back at the beginning, prior to being involved, assess whether we need or should be involved. There are many stimuli calling for our attention but it doesn't mean that we need to respond to all of them. I don't think we should put God in the position of a good luck charm to whip out whenever we need to get us out of situations we shouldn't have gotten ourselves into in the first place.
If we didn't do our initial 'due diligence' we can do so now to find our path and response. IF this is a towel throwing situation then our behavior is very important - the 'how' of extricating is vital. You can't simply slink away nor can you throw a temper tantrum and point fingers. Cut your losses? Yes but you can't leave others in the lurch without telling them of your decision and why. Sometimes this will help them to make their decision of continuing or... throwing in the towel.
...but, what do you think?
One thing I try to remember at these kinds of crossroads is the scripture that says... if God be for me, who can stand against me. And then I look at whether or not this should apply in this particular situation. Yes, God is always for me but my responsibility is to discover if this is something applicable, something I should be involved in, and by extension - continue. Regardless of the answer... I have my answer.
Towel throwing should be sparingly used. It's a kind of 'last resort' response. What we need to do is prior to the throwing... back at the beginning, prior to being involved, assess whether we need or should be involved. There are many stimuli calling for our attention but it doesn't mean that we need to respond to all of them. I don't think we should put God in the position of a good luck charm to whip out whenever we need to get us out of situations we shouldn't have gotten ourselves into in the first place.
If we didn't do our initial 'due diligence' we can do so now to find our path and response. IF this is a towel throwing situation then our behavior is very important - the 'how' of extricating is vital. You can't simply slink away nor can you throw a temper tantrum and point fingers. Cut your losses? Yes but you can't leave others in the lurch without telling them of your decision and why. Sometimes this will help them to make their decision of continuing or... throwing in the towel.
...but, what do you think?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)