Appreciate Ugly

Those who are strong, attractive and talented often find it easier to trust in themselves than in God - who gave them those gifts. So I guess I should thank God for not giving me any of those gifts. What an odd expression of gratitude to have!

On Greed

When you finally realize that all good things truly come from God - you will stop trying to grab them for yourself.

Basis of Fear

The real basis of our fears is the inability to believe that God will take care of us - that He will make sure all of our needs are met.

On Temptations

When we are tempted, we should consider the sin against God first and foremost. All other excuses or reasons for not giving in to the temptation can be easily rationalized away. But having something be a sin against God cannot be rationed away - unless I'm willing to disregard God!

On Compromise

Compromise has a way of destroying convictions. Be wary of it and make sure you don't engage in it without first seeking God's counsel.

Addressing Jealousy

The time to deal with jealousy is when you first notice yourself "keeping score" of what others have or make or get.

Character Judged

Parents are usually the best judges of their adult childrens' character.

Victory & Struggle

There is no victory unless there is first a struggle. You cannot prevail with God when you have no problems to prevail over.

Social Customs

The fact that a custom is socially acceptable does not mean that it is wise or right. Sometimes God calls us to stand against our culture.

Patience

Patience is hardest when we need it the most.

Parental Wisdom

Most parents are an excellent source of good advice for their children. This is true for at least two (2) reasons:

1. Parents have a lifetime of insight into their children's' character.

2. Parents have more life experience and more life lessons learned than anyone else that their children know well.

Finally, your parents, for the longest part of life, are most likely the wisest people that their children know.

On Jealousy

Jealousy is a dividing force strong enough to tear apart the mightiest of nations and the closest of friends. It forces you to separate yourself from what you were longing for in the first place - community and fellowship with others. Jealousy ignores the blessings that we have and puts all our focus on what we don't have.

Circumstances & Decisions

Sometimes we exaggerate our circumstances - and that appears to provide decision criteria that we then use to make poor decisions. This can happen when we are overwhelmed by our circumstances. The pressure of the moment distorts our perspective and makes the decision seem urgent. We can feel such pressure in one area that it seems nothing else matters. That's when we lose our (appropriate) perspective and end up with poor decisions.

Role Model

What are my peers, family, friends - or even my enemies, learing about God from watching me live my life? (They are learning something!)

Blessings' Purpose

Most often we think of blessings as something to be enjoyed. But God's blessings on us always have at least one other purpose - to overflow us and benefit others as well.

So if you are thankful that God has blessed you, whom are you blessing in return?

On Escape

Escape of some sort is usually the tempting solution to our problems. My mother used to say that she wanted to "run around to the land of 1,000 islands and spend a week on each one of them!" So it is true ... even a mother can be tempted.

Affective Prayers

Our prayers are only as effective as the lives we lead. So if I'm frustrated by seemingly unanswered prayers, I should look in the mirror.

Prayer Perspective

To pray for anything is okay - with the basis of understanding that God's answers always come from God's perspective. (And God's perspective is usually not the same as ours!)

Godly Needs

Even the most godly people on earth still deserve God's justice - and need His grace.

Prayers Change

Our prayers most often don't change God's mind. They may, however, change our minds. Prayer helps us better understand God's mind on a subject. It helps align our thinking with His. I believe this occurs as we pray and share our hearts with God. He provides peace and serenity be either agreeing with us and giving us what we ask for - or aligning our thinking with His such that we are not bothered when He says, "No."

God's Desire

God desires our dependence, trust and faith in Him --- not faith in our ability to please Him.

Fear & Lying

Fear is the most common motive for lying. We are afraid - if we'll be honest about it - that our inner thoughts and motives or emotions will be discovered. We are afraid that our mistakes will become known. Even if we believe we can avoid direct consequences, we wish to avoid being known for our mistakes and dishonorable thoughts or motives.

Ironic Life

Watch your walk with God. The closer you can follow Him, the more ironic your life will become.

Live for God

Life for God and you're much more likely to find yourself in the right places at the right times.

Relating To God

A right relationship with God is based on faith - which is the heartfelt, inner confidence that God is who He says He is - and does what He says He'll do. Once we have this faith, right behaviors and thinking will follow.

On Conflict

Christians often bicker while Satan is at work all around them. Rivalries, arguments and other sorts of disagreements often break out amongst foolish Christians. These behaviors are destructive in three ways:

They damage goodwill, trust and peace (serenity), which are the foundations of good relationships.

They hinder progress toward important goals - distracting us from what really matters in life.

they cause us to be self-centered rather than love centered on others. Quarrels all have a selfish dimension to them.

On Nakedness

Shame with nakedness is only possible because of sin. Genesis 2:25 shows us that the original man and woman were naked - but had no shame. Later, we see these same people ashamed of their nakedness. What changed? Sin is the only thing that was different between their not being ashamed of their nakedness and their being ashamed of their nakedness.

If I'm ashamed of being naked in front of my spouse - perhaps sin is the problem?

In God's Image

We were created in God's own image. That is to say that we have a spiritual, everlasting dimension to us - like His - that no other creation shares.

People are always facing great choices in life. Obedience to God is only possible when those choices are faced with God's will as a priority. Making choices and living life God's way makes life fulfilling and satisfying. The victory as we yield to God is sweet.

The only way to enjoy the benefits of God's promises is to obey Him. And when we obey Him, we find peace with ourselves, with others and - most importantly - with God Himself.

At the end of your life, it will be too late to ask for advice.

On Desires

Our desires can quite easily be manipulated. They are not the best basis for decisions or actions.

On Sin

We will ourselves become victims of sin if we do not master it. (The Holy Spirit - Christ in us - can help us master it too!)

Sin tends to escalate. That is its nature and its character. We must ask God to help us master little sins before they escalate into bigger sins - and become tragedies.

If left to ourselves, people tend to get worse instead of better. (That is our nature and character.) This illustrates the continuous development of sin as time passes.

On Influence

Influence is dominant. We will either influence others or be influenced by others.