Monday, January 29, 2007
Saturday, January 27, 2007
REFRAMING
A poster I saw once reads, "Blessed are those who expect nothing for they shall never be disappointed." Hopefully one chuckles at this saying and doesn't take it seriously. However, the statement shows how frustrated one can get when life doesn't go as planned. Serious tragedies in life need to go through a process that is painful. First there is shock, then anger, the "why me" stage and hopefully, eventual acceptance of one's new situation. Reframing takes place in the final acceptance stage , though maybe for some it will occur earlier. The "reframing" I'm speaking of is when you can't change a situation, you then change the way you respond to it. Most of the time this is not an easy thing, but the more one does it, the easier it is. For example.... Someone you interact with daily (neighbor, coworker, co-student, etc.) is the most annoying person you know. This individual isn't moving away, no one is transferring them, or they aren't changing schools. You are stuck with this wonderful challenge! You can let this person annoy you and perhaps annoy them back adding to the strain, OR, you can pray and ask God to see this person through HIS eyes. You can begin to reframe the situation by seeing God's perspective and act accordingly. Perhaps you are what this person needs. A link to Jesus? A calm presence in their life? An encourager? A role model? Maybe it's you that needs this challenging person in your life. To develop patience? Learn a new skill? See the other side of life? Learn to have a sense of humor? Maybe it's physical pain you are going through and things aren't getting better (I can relate to BOTH of these situations!). Maybe God is slowing you down so you rely on him more and yourself less. Perhaps he is showing you to be sensitive to what others are going through - becoming more humble. Is it a job cut, loss or lack of progress? Could it be God is showing you what is really important in life? To depend on him for your needs? To look in another direction to fulfill his will? Each situation we face causes us to react to it in one way or another. Initially, I want to act in a worldly fashion and defend ME. "I can't deal with this annoying person, Lord. Get him/her out of my life." "Rid my body of pain." "Why, Lord, would you allow me to have a job loss? I can't give to you without an income!"
How easy it is to think on human terms. But if we cling to God's words and promises, we have such a higher hope. "I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. " Psalm 130:5 And of course, once again (another favorite verse) "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:10-12 It is natural to start out thinking negative. It's our nature! But as Believers, we march to a different drum because we know in the end, this life is temporary and.... "... we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 So next time you are down and out on what life has handed you, think about such things. If it's a major crisis, know that you will need to work through those giant steps that make take a long time, yet keep your focus on Christ. God has BIG plans for you! For the smaller things (like the annoying person that never goes away), remember that God has a plan in it and pray to see it through his eyes. You will be amazed at how your attitude changes. How uplifting to see these annoyances now turn into golden opportunities to serve God for his glory. As I pointed out in a previous post, persevere and be victorious for God's kingdom defeating the evil one and his wicked desires. God's will goes on with or without us. To that I say, "Count me in!"
How easy it is to think on human terms. But if we cling to God's words and promises, we have such a higher hope. "I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. " Psalm 130:5 And of course, once again (another favorite verse) "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:10-12 It is natural to start out thinking negative. It's our nature! But as Believers, we march to a different drum because we know in the end, this life is temporary and.... "... we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 So next time you are down and out on what life has handed you, think about such things. If it's a major crisis, know that you will need to work through those giant steps that make take a long time, yet keep your focus on Christ. God has BIG plans for you! For the smaller things (like the annoying person that never goes away), remember that God has a plan in it and pray to see it through his eyes. You will be amazed at how your attitude changes. How uplifting to see these annoyances now turn into golden opportunities to serve God for his glory. As I pointed out in a previous post, persevere and be victorious for God's kingdom defeating the evil one and his wicked desires. God's will goes on with or without us. To that I say, "Count me in!"
Thursday, January 18, 2007
BANNING SHEEP
Counting sheep never worked for me! I find it boring and often my thoughts drift to and fro. Eventually, I fixate on a foible that will turn into a major crisis by 3 AM! Once daylight hits, I'm tired and discover the crisis really is only a foible. Such a waste of time and emotion. Irving Berlin must have had the same problem. In the early 50s, the songwriter couldn't sleep and complained to his wife that counting sheep didn't work. She said, "Why don't you count your blessings instead of sheep." Instantly, he went to his piano and a song was born. Bing Crosby made it famous in the classic movie, "White Christmas." About that same time, Rosemary Clooney also included it on her album making the song a big hit in it's day. Such a sweet song! Since I have bouts of insomnia (a condition I've suffered on and off since childhood), it is a song I've tried to condition myself to sing in my head so that my thoughts turn from ridiculous "sheep" problems to wonderful, God given blessings. Sometimes I fall asleep, but sometimes not. But if I'm going to be awake, I might as well dwell on the positive! It certainly is a more peaceful experience. Thankfully, these "bouts" are temporary and eventually, I'm back to a deep slumber for which I am so thankful for. I highly recommend it. Give it a try! Sweet Dreams!!!"...for he grants sleep to those he loves." Psalm 127:2b
COUNTING YOUR BLESSINGS
Instead of Sheep
Words & Music by Irving Berlin, 1954
When I'm worried and I can't sleep
I count my blessings instead of sheep
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
When my bankroll is getting small
I think of when I had none at all
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
I think about a nursery and I picture curly heads
And one by one I count them as they slumber in their beds
If you're worried and you can't sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
NO NEED TO FEAR
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
I was recently reminded of this verse in my bible study. And though I've heard it many times, it seemed to penetrate deeper this time. I started to think, "What if you truly believed in this verse and lived each day holding on to this truth?" Imagine it! Current events such as terrorism, war, political unrest, etc. wouldn't even cause you to flinch.
"Do not lose heart or be afraid when rumors are heard in the land; one rumor comes this year, another the next, rumors of violence in the land and of ruler against ruler. For the time will surely come when I will punish the idols of Babylon (enter any enemy here since our God is the same God of Jeremiah and He never changes!); her whole land will be disgraced and her slain will all lie fallen within her." Jeremiah 51:46-47
"You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come." Matthew 24:6
The fact that someone is against you wouldn't phase you in the least -
"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." John 15:18-19
You'd never worry where your next meal came from, or how you were going to make ends meet this month -
(Jesus reminds his disciples how God cares for things in nature so how much more does He cares for us...then says...)
"And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom and these things will be given to you as well." Luke 12:29-31
You would no longer feel like a failure-
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:14
Many more promises are in the bible that affirms that Jesus has indeed "overcome the world." Perhaps what this verse means most is that although we are like sheep to be slaughtered, Jesus has rescued us through His sacrificial death. Still, He is very much concerned about our daily needs, big and little. "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Matthew 10:29-31 If we live fully believing this, we would live as Paul did. He defined his life like this (as further described in that famous Phil. 4:13 verse), "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11
BELIEVE (No matter who wins the next presidential election, no matter who doesn't like you, no matter if you have enough money to pay off debts, no matter how many times you've failed in the past, Jesus has overcome the world......).
I was recently reminded of this verse in my bible study. And though I've heard it many times, it seemed to penetrate deeper this time. I started to think, "What if you truly believed in this verse and lived each day holding on to this truth?" Imagine it! Current events such as terrorism, war, political unrest, etc. wouldn't even cause you to flinch.
"Do not lose heart or be afraid when rumors are heard in the land; one rumor comes this year, another the next, rumors of violence in the land and of ruler against ruler. For the time will surely come when I will punish the idols of Babylon (enter any enemy here since our God is the same God of Jeremiah and He never changes!); her whole land will be disgraced and her slain will all lie fallen within her." Jeremiah 51:46-47
"You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come." Matthew 24:6
The fact that someone is against you wouldn't phase you in the least -
"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." John 15:18-19
You'd never worry where your next meal came from, or how you were going to make ends meet this month -
(Jesus reminds his disciples how God cares for things in nature so how much more does He cares for us...then says...)
"And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom and these things will be given to you as well." Luke 12:29-31
You would no longer feel like a failure-
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:14
Many more promises are in the bible that affirms that Jesus has indeed "overcome the world." Perhaps what this verse means most is that although we are like sheep to be slaughtered, Jesus has rescued us through His sacrificial death. Still, He is very much concerned about our daily needs, big and little. "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Matthew 10:29-31 If we live fully believing this, we would live as Paul did. He defined his life like this (as further described in that famous Phil. 4:13 verse), "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11
BELIEVE (No matter who wins the next presidential election, no matter who doesn't like you, no matter if you have enough money to pay off debts, no matter how many times you've failed in the past, Jesus has overcome the world......).
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
A POEM FOR DIRECTION
DIRECT ME, O LORD
BY, M.S. Lowndes
Direct Me, O Lord
To where you want me to be
Give light to my steps
And a lamp to my feet
Give me your wisdom
So I’ll know which road to take
And know the twists and turns
And when I need to wait
All these things O Lord
Are important in our walk
So we won’t go the wrong way
Forgetting what you’ve taught
Let us know your will
The plans you have for us
So we may fulfil our destiny
And be walking in your love
So that others may also
Come to know your ways
And follow after youO Lord
And walk within your grace.
© By M.S.Lowndes.
BY, M.S. Lowndes
Direct Me, O Lord
To where you want me to be
Give light to my steps
And a lamp to my feet
Give me your wisdom
So I’ll know which road to take
And know the twists and turns
And when I need to wait
All these things O Lord
Are important in our walk
So we won’t go the wrong way
Forgetting what you’ve taught
Let us know your will
The plans you have for us
So we may fulfil our destiny
And be walking in your love
So that others may also
Come to know your ways
And follow after youO Lord
And walk within your grace.
© By M.S.Lowndes.
Friday, January 05, 2007
CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN
If you want to be inspired to persevere, go see the movie, "The Pursuit of Happyness" (not a misspelling). It's a pleasure to be able to recommend more than one movie (see, "Rocky Balboa" as well!) for a change. Finally, Hollywood pumps out some good, decent films! In the, "Pursuit of Happyness' film, the lesson learned is that through earnest perseverance, there isn't anything you can't do. So many times we let the obstacles in our life determine when to quit. The movie is based on a true story about Chris Gardner who currently is a successful, wealthy stock broker. He did not come from a wealthy background or inherit a position from a well to do family member. He started at rock bottom. Life circumstances dug him even below rock bottom as he tried to make something of himself. It would have been easier to give up and live off of government programs, but this isn't what this determined young man wanted for himself or his son. Through much perseverance, he pushed his way through unbelievable obstacles and made a successful life for himself. Now I don't know if this man has any faith in God (although in the movie, he does attend a church service and appears to take hope and comfort in very spiritual songs that were sung) but the point of the story was to not give up on your dreams, hopes and inspirations.
I once read an article about the differences between successful people and non-successful people. One striking difference is in how both types of people sees obstacles. The non-successful person sees an obstacle and throws up his hands and says, "That's it. Twas never to be!" But the successful person sees obstacles as opportunities and moves forward with it. This nugget of truth has stuck with me and I bring it out of my "Memory File" from time to time when faced with an obstacle. This can be applied to anything in life. Sometimes we blame something in our past (the way we were raised is a popular one...even with me!), "I was raised to believe, therefore....." "My father was so strict about that I am now afraid to.....". It could be a present circumstance (probably the most popular of all), "I'm so busy I don't have time to study the bible." "I can't do that ministry/volunteer job. I'm too shy/busy/unqualified." (not that one should say yes to everything...I'm talking about when you know you should say yes, but these excuses come up so you can say no and get out of it....my dear Jonah!). When you know God wants you to go in a certain direction, or life circumstances make you want to throw in the towel, remember these verses:
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3
Jesus endured a lot more than I ever had or will have to endure. Abraham, Moses, David and Paul certainly endured more in a few short years than my whole lifetime X 100!
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. II Corinthians 4:17
My hope for us in 2007 is to see our obstacles as an adventure and opportunity in our journey to that eternal glory. Whether we are bogged down in busy activities, health issues, work frustrations, money matters, or relationship issues, we have an obligation to live by and follow the Spirit's leading, not as the world lives which is for ourselves first and what's leftover, for God (Romans 8). We may need to give up something or re-prioritize in order to accomplish what needs to be done. May our New Years Resolutions be Godly focused and fulfilled and completed no matter what the enemy throws at us! God Bless you in your endeavors!
I once read an article about the differences between successful people and non-successful people. One striking difference is in how both types of people sees obstacles. The non-successful person sees an obstacle and throws up his hands and says, "That's it. Twas never to be!" But the successful person sees obstacles as opportunities and moves forward with it. This nugget of truth has stuck with me and I bring it out of my "Memory File" from time to time when faced with an obstacle. This can be applied to anything in life. Sometimes we blame something in our past (the way we were raised is a popular one...even with me!), "I was raised to believe, therefore....." "My father was so strict about that I am now afraid to.....". It could be a present circumstance (probably the most popular of all), "I'm so busy I don't have time to study the bible." "I can't do that ministry/volunteer job. I'm too shy/busy/unqualified." (not that one should say yes to everything...I'm talking about when you know you should say yes, but these excuses come up so you can say no and get out of it....my dear Jonah!). When you know God wants you to go in a certain direction, or life circumstances make you want to throw in the towel, remember these verses:
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3
Jesus endured a lot more than I ever had or will have to endure. Abraham, Moses, David and Paul certainly endured more in a few short years than my whole lifetime X 100!
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. II Corinthians 4:17
My hope for us in 2007 is to see our obstacles as an adventure and opportunity in our journey to that eternal glory. Whether we are bogged down in busy activities, health issues, work frustrations, money matters, or relationship issues, we have an obligation to live by and follow the Spirit's leading, not as the world lives which is for ourselves first and what's leftover, for God (Romans 8). We may need to give up something or re-prioritize in order to accomplish what needs to be done. May our New Years Resolutions be Godly focused and fulfilled and completed no matter what the enemy throws at us! God Bless you in your endeavors!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)