“How can I control what thoughts fill my mind? I can’t spend my whole day meditating, and other thoughts creep in.” Of course, they do, but how much space and importance do we give them? At the end of the day do I list all the things that went wrong? Are my prayers a listing… Read More
The world is noisy!
The world is noisy. All day long we get it from every direction: “Look at me!” “Can you believe that nonsense?” “This is the best!” “He’s not one of us.” “Buy now, pay later.” “The sky is falling!” “You deserve the best today.” “Am I my brother’s keeper?” “Whatever makes you feel good …” Take… Read More
Philippians 4:6-7 Is worry your constant companion?
If I continuously knead and shape the clay of my worries and fear, they stay a part of me. If my prayers are a listing and re-listing of these fears without releasing them to God, entrusting them to his keeping, they stay a part of me. God can take them away, so why are they… Read More
Do you know yourself?
Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. Psalm 100:3, NLT God thought you up. He designed you the way you are on purpose—for HIS purpose. Remember Saul of Tarsus? His blueprint was of an impassioned, deep-thinking, driven zealot. And that’s what he was—a fanatic dedicated to persecuting people until God… Read More
Philippians 4:4-5 Let your light shine
You are a mirror. A light reflects off of you onto everyone you come in contact with. What affect does the light you reflect have on others? Does it burn? Does it make them shut their eyes and turn their face away? Is it warm and inviting? Is it judging and condemning–reaching to expose every… Read More
The trees of our lives
The Bible is filled with trees—as landmarks, shade, and sources of sustenance; as pictures of life, health, and personhood. Jesus is called “the tree of life.” The Israelites, after being rescued and led to a new life in the Promised Land, chose to trim their life trees into shapes of idols and self-aggrandizement. Invading Assyria… Read More
Philippians 4:2-3 Are you holding a grudge?
Do I choose to list my grievances? Does it matter if they are due to the chip on my shoulder or the other person’s actions or words? Can I really change how I feel? Do I want to? I can’t do it myself, but God’s Holy Spirit lives in me and is just waiting for… Read More
