What about me?

 A few days ago, I was reading a part of Stephen Covey's book, Principle-Centered Leadership.  He describes the story of a young man who visited his doctor because of feelings of boredom and restlessness.  After speaking with the Doctor and following some of his suggestions for 'recovery', this young man realized the dominant, overwhelming trend in his life was....selfishness.  He never identified with a purpose bigger than himself, but was always asking "What about me, What's in it for me?"
Boredom....have you caught yourself in this trap?  Or maybe you find your mind wondering about things you know are not good for you mentally, or for your spirit.  Or do you find yourself doing things that you once thought "I could never do that because it's wrong", etc?  Theses are symptoms of living only for ourself, instead of living for the purpose of serving others or another purpose outside of our 'normal' life. 
When Jesus came to earth, He didn't show up on a whim, or live like some of us - just going with the flow, no specific direction. He consistently lived His life with a purpose, to find those that were not in a relationship with His Father and tell them about Him. 
What about you?  Are you living for a purpose greater than yourself?   Are you willing to put down your self-centered lifestyle and live for something that is beyond your personal wants or desires?  I'm not saying that you have to live the lifestyle of Jesus and be a preacher/teacher/healer like He was; but when you wake up everyday, do your feet touch the floor with an excitement or expectation of something good....or do you wake up and think "Oh Lord, it's another day" ?
I challenge you to take a few minutes, hours or days - if necessary - to think about your motives for living day to day, minute by minute.  You can find hope, healing and joy by living life with a purpose other than yourself!

faith and trials

     I recently read some comments from a pastor regarding Luke 22:31-32 Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. ³² But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.

     We also know from John 17:9-19 that Jesus prays for us, His followers.  In addition, Mark 11:22 tells us to ‘have faith in God’. 

     These teachings encourage us that Jesus is praying for each of us and to believe God, in spite of tests or trials that will come.  We can’t rely on the fact that we pray or that we have faith, but we must depend on the God of our faith.

     We are all challenged in our personal faith when the issue we're praying about doesn't result in what we ask or expect.  I realize that can be very discouraging and frustrating;  but we have the Word of God to help us, even in times of misunderstanding.  There's a story in the Bible book of Daniel about 3 young men who refused to worship the man-made idol of the King.  They were brought to court to defend themselves... Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, "Your threat means nothing to us. If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us from your roaring furnace and anything else you might cook up, O king. But even if he doesn't, it wouldn't make a bit of difference. We still wouldn't serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up." 

     You and I can be encouraged by their words - if what we are believing for doesn't happen, we don't have to give in to fear, dismay or doubt.  Our God is greater than any earthly defeat we suffer; we can trust Him to help us get through the tests and trials of this life, no matter how difficult.  And then, when we see Him face to face, all of this temporary life's issues will be finished and we'll have a new life in His Presence..free of pain, sorrow, fatigue and worry!

Ahhh, time for something new

Now we are in the first week of another year - 2011.  Many of us enjoyed 2010, but some of us are GLAD it's over!  In either situation, we have been given a new year, a fresh start, to make some more changes and to follow our purpose for living. 

I know, we get tired of hearing about resolutions... in fact the other day I read that most new year's resolutions only last several weeks.  We are such a "people of habit" that change requires a lot of work; but when we are tired of the insanity of falling short of our goals, we - on purpose - make the decision to change for the better. 

You might have very few responsibilities in your life..or you may have a lot:  marriage, children, work, parents, school... the list can seem endless.   However, if we will determine to take life 'one day at a time', that choice can help us manage and be in control of our schedule - instead of it controlling us. 

 I encourage you to consider this principle found in the Bible, Psalm 131:1 ...I don’t concern myself with matters too great or too awesome for me to grasp.

Also, think about this from Psalm 46:10 ... He says, “Be still, and know that I am God."

We can breathe easier and rest better knowing that God doesn't expect us to have everything under control; God is very capable and willing to take care of you and me in matters that we cannot control by our prayers, knowledge or physical ability.  

You do your best to live a life that seeks after the Lord and is willing to follow His counsel and you can expect Him to honor and help you in every situation!

So RELAX, and enjoy life in 2011.