June 25, 2009
· Filed under thoughts · Tagged armor, battle, Bible, Christian, conflict, emotional, eternity, evil, God, good, Heaven, Hell, intentional, Jesus Christ, mental, physical, powers, principalities, protection, relationships, salvation, Satan, Savior, soldier, soul, spiritual, war, warriors
Warriors wage war.
We are all warriors. In life there are always conflicts of some sort which need to be dealt with. Whether these conflicts are small or large, we are faced with being “soldiers” of courage – or cowards.
Good soldiers must be prepared. There are obvious physical battles, but there are also those in the spiritual realm. These spiritual battles show up in various forms – physical, mental, emotional – leading to struggles between good and evil. Preparations for spiritual battles include praying and wearing our spiritual armor.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. ” (Eph. 6:12)
Many conflicts we experience in life have their roots in the spiritual realm. History over the centuries records the continuous struggle between good and evil. From worldwide to the personal, the “powers” behind these conflicts are constantly at work – 24/7 !
Are you armed and ready ? If you think you are and you have not received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you will be taken down – literally….to Hell… in the end.
Jesus was the only one who had victory over death – “He” has defeated the enemy (Satan) – and Jesus wants you to spend eternity in Heaven. It is only through “Him” that you can withstand the gates of Hell.
Put on “His” protection, and besides winning battles, you will win the ultimate “war” -
Eternity in Heaven - or Hell…………
June 16, 2009
· Filed under relationships · Tagged Bible, burden, choice, Christian, exercise, God, heavy, intentional, Jesus, life, light, load, music, negative, peace, positive, relationships, rest
As I was driving out of a parking space, a large SUV pulled into the space next to mine and cut me off from moving ahead. The woman who was driving (and talking on her cell phone) seemed oblivious to the fact that she had driven her vehicle in front of me.
I could have looked at this as an act of rudeness, that somehow she didn’t seem to care that I was there – but I didn’t………I calmly waited until she was parked and then just went my way.
As I drove away, it occurred to me that this incident could have “two tones” - negative or positive. I could think negatively about the woman who was driving and get angry, or I could let it go as a blunder, and not let it bother me.
I felt good about the fact that I had chosen to be positive about the situation. Then thoughts about why I had chosen to be positive came to mind. Was it the uplifting music I had been listening to that morning? Was it the great workout I had?
Positive circumstances can lead us into a good mood – temporarily……but what happens when negative circumstances outside ourselves become overwhelming? That great music and awesome workout won’t be enough to carry the load…………..
Jesus said, “take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Math. 11:29,30)
Let “light and easy” become your “two-tones” -
- with Jesus !
June 9, 2009
· Filed under thoughts · Tagged action, Christ, Christian, God, intentional, Jesus, kindness, mission, motivation, procrastination, purpose, talents
Missions motivate…….
There is something about having a “mission” – a purpose – that creates motivation – the desire to take action.
Throughout my life, I have had to battle with procrastination. There would be times I had trouble seeing the “purpose” of whatever it was I thought I should do, so I would put it off for “later”…….
What a difference a clear “mission” makes ! When it is obvious that you are needed – that your presence and talents will make a difference in someone else’s life………then procrastination can give way to a proclivity for action.
When I was asked to babysit the grandkids one Saturday morning at the early hour of 5:30 am – my response was, “coffee and a MISSION ………I’d be glad to come !”
Missions come in all sorts of sizes and variations. Even the smallest acts of kindness can be meaningful. Jesus said, “For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” (Mark 9:41)
Just make sure your “mission” has the good stamp of approval by the almighty “Maker” !
June 1, 2009
· Filed under thoughts · Tagged cost, eternity, fee, free, God, Jesus Christ, Lord, manipulation, open, paid, payment, price, salvation, Savior, service, truth
Have you read through the phone bill lately? I wondered why it was higher (again)……….
FEES ! More fees !
It seems wherever we turn these days there are fees for everything – they pop up to distort the “bottom line” on what you think you are going to pay for something. Services advertised for such a supposed low price sound good until it comes time to pay, and you are then told there are additional costs…..FEES!
Somehow it seems that we are supposed to be allright with this – as if paying more for something becomes acceptable because of these mystery fees….. what are they for anyway?
Perhaps it would be better to be informed of the “total” cost right up front – at least then it would not feel as if you were being manipulated, or told half-truths.
Thank you God that there is still something in this world that is not hidden from truth, and that requires “no” fees. This “something” is our salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. It is open to anyone, with “no” hidden cost. Jesus already “paid” for everything.
Our eternal salvation is truly “free”……………with NO fee !
