Fr: St Pauls

 

***LET GO OF THE PAST***

But the Lord says, “Do not cling to events of the past or dwell on what happened long ago. Watch for the new thing I am going to do. It is happening already – you can see it now!” –Isaiah 43:18-19

No amount of energy can change the past. But holding on to yesterday can rob you of energy you need to handle today. Try to see the upside of past mistakes or misfortune by treating them as colorful material for your life story – motivators that helped you move in new directions.

Of course, there may be some areas of pain and regret that you won’t be able to deal with alone. In that case, talk to a counselor or close friend. And don’t hesitate to ask for God’s help. He’s a great listener. Just opening up about what’s holding you back can help you put the past where it belongs – in the past. It will open new doors to your future and revitalize your faith.

A REARVIEW MIRROR IS FO RBACKING UP, NOT MOVING FORWARD.

***OPEN YOUR HEART***

“Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into his house and eat with him, and he will eat with me.” – Revelation 3:20

Life’s pain and disappointment can batter our faith and cause us to close our hearts tight like a fist. Or we may close our hearts to hold on to something we fear losing. Unfortunately, a tense heart can’t relax, can’t laugh, can’t truly love – and it can’t fully receive God’s love.
An open heart signals a readiness for whatever changes, surprises, and gifts God has to offer. It is alive in faith. Picture your heart as a door – a door that you can leave open for God. After all, He is the One who built the door and the house. And He has already made it clear that He wants to come in and stay with your forever. Take a first step on the road to an open heart by asking God to help you trust Him and open up to Him.

A HEART OPEN TO GOD IS A HEART OPEN TO GOOD.

***REMEMBER THAT YOU DON’T LOOK GOOD IN GREEN***

Envy takes the joy, happiness, and contentment out of living.

God hates jealousy so much that He addressed the issue in the Ten Commandments: You shall not covet. We are al God’s creation. He loves us all, and we needn’t compare our blessings with those of others. When we envy what others have, we rob ourselves of the joy and contentment we could be finding in the good things God has already given us.

In your efforts to grow your faith, guard your heart. If you find that you are unable to rejoice over the success of others, beware. Instead of focusing on what others have, ask God to remind you of the many blessings He has given you – and how many of them are undeserved. Discipline yourself to thank God for the blessings of others and to pray that He will continue to bless them.

GOD’S CHILDREN SHOULD BE ZEALOUS NOT JEALOUS.

 

***LEARN THAT LESS IS MORE***

If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.

It is commonly thought that bigger is better. Our world loves bigness. Large, economy-sized boxes of detergent. Super-sized meals. Vehicles with extra leg – and headroom. God often does things on a grand scale as well. He parted the Red Sea, and He created the universe in less than a week.

But sometimes less is more. God used only a small army to defeat the mighty Midianites and fed a whole multitude of people from one boy’s small lunch. And most importantly, He sent a tiny baby to save the world.

Don’t measure your success by how big your possessions are or how big you are in the eyes of others. God isn’t impressed with your bigness. He is interested in your life and the small but faithful steps you take toward Him each day.

LITTLE THINGS MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE TO GOD.

***STRIVE TO BE SAINT, NOT A CELEBRITY***

“Whoever makes himself great will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be made great.” – Matthew 23:12

To some, life is a theatre in which they play the role of celebrity. The flaunt their talents and accomplishments, even their super-spiritually. They are like the Pharisees of Jesus’ day, who made a big production even out of fasting. They wanted everyone to be impressed by their long, hungry faces.

It is human nature to do this in one way or another, to hide behind masks that cloak insecurities or selfish agendas. The walk of faith is no place for masks, however. It’s a place for bare faces, blemishes and all. It is a place where people guidance, hope, and forgiveness. Does that seem impossible? All things are possible with God. Ask Him to help you be an honest saint and give up any masks you’ve been wearing.

THE WORLD HAS ENOUGH CELEBRITIES. IT COULD USE A FEW MORE SAINTS.

 

***STRIVE FOR PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD***

That it His call to us – simple to be people who are content to live close to Him and to renew the kind of life in which the closeness is felt and experienced.

There is a big difference between knowing about God and truly knowing Him, personally and directly. Take time to be still in God’s presence, and ask Him to fill your mind and your heart with His love and wisdom. Books, sermons, and music can all help you experience God’s presence, but they should serve only as pathways to God, not destinations unto themselves.

You can’t read a movie review, for example, and get the same experience as seeing the movie yourself. And you can’t truly understand a place on the globe by poring over a travel brochure. You must go to the place and enjoy it firsthand. God, too, is a personal experience in faith.

YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD IS ONE THING YOU SHOULD TAKE PERSONALLY.

***LEARN GOD’S WILL THROUGH HIS WORDS***

We have courage in God’s presence, because we are sure that he hears us if we ask him for anything that is according to his will. He hears us whenever we ask him; and since we know this is true, we know also that he gives us what we ask from him. – 1 John 5:14-15

God is not Santa Claus, nor is He a heavenly vending machine. But he does want to shower you with blessings. There is a prerequisite however. To receive a yes answer to a request you present to God in prayer, you must ask for those things that are in line with His will. Thankfully, He has not left it up to us to guess what His will is. His will is His Word – the Bible –and it is filled with hundreds of promises He has made to you. He wants to say yes to you, and He will do just that, when you pray according to His will.

So the next time you have a need or desire something of your Heavenly Father, search the Bible for promises related to that request, and then present your request, then don’t give up hope when He seems to take some time in answering. He will answer you. And when He says yes, don’t forget to thank Him.

GOD DELIGHTS IN SAYING YES TO YOUR PRAYERS.

***HAVE A CHAT WITH YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER***

Certain thoughts are prayers. There are moments when, whatever the attitude of the body, the soul is on its knees.

A car is driving on the wrong side of the road, headed straight for you. What’s your first thought? In life-or-death situations, it’s often that little voice that yells out, “Oh, God, no!” or “Please, help me!”
Everyone knows how to pray. It’s a natural part of life, but too often it’s reserved for those moments when you know without a doubt that circumstances are out of your hands.

Why wait until then? Talking over problems with a friend has been shown to restore a sense of well-being. And God is a good and faithful friend – One who actually has the power to help. Share the details of your life with Him. You will find that He cares very deeply about the things that weigh you down. Under the influence of His love, your trust in Him will make you able to give more and more of your life into His care.

GETTING ON YOUR KNEES HELPS YOU GET BACK UP ON YOUR FEET.

 

***AVOID SCREENING GOD’S CALL***

“The gatekeeper opens the gate for him; the sheep hear his voice as he calls his own sheep by name, and he leads them out.” –John 10:3

We spend much of our lives in front of screens. Computer screens, TV screens, movie screens. Some of your screen time is unavoidable, but think about how much time you can waste in front of various screens. A little channel surfing or Web surfing can subtly turn into hours that leave you with little more than glazed eyes and a couch potato shape.

What’s worse, screen time can gobble up hours that could be put to better use – time with God, family, or friends. Time is one of the most valuable possessions you will ever have. Don’t waste it. Invest it in things of lasting value, and keep your faith alive by committing to carefully screening your screen time. You don’t want busy distractions to cause you to miss out on the spiritual adventures God has in store for you. Leave some time open every day just for the purpose of listening to His messages.

SCREENING OUT GOD’S CALL WILL LEAVE YOU SPIRITUALLY EMPTY.

***DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY***

Can any of you live a bit longer by worrying about it?- Matthew 6:27

It’s amazing how worrying about things can take our eyes off God. And there are plenty of things in this earthly life that we could worry about: finances, our children, our jobs, the future, and terrorism. However, worrying about matters doesn’t change anything, and it ties our insides up in knots.

At times like these, you must step back and regain perspective. It is vital to focus on the fact that you are greatly and eternally loved by the Almighty God. Then, give your worries to Him in prayer and leave them there. If you find that difficult to do, remember that you are entrusting your cares to the One who hung the stars and set the planets into motion, the One who created the earth and all that is in it. He is more than able to handle even your most troubling worry, and He’s eager to do so. Trust Him with your worries, and watch your faith grow as He shows you just how dependable He can be.

WORRY IS THE INTEREST PAID BY THOSE WHO BORROW TROUBLE.

***COME NEAR HIM***

So then, submit to God. Resist the Devil, and he will run away from you. Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners! Purify your hearts, you hypocrites! – James 4:7-8

To be near to God, you don’t have to be perfect. But there is one requirement: you must totally submit yourself to him. That means nothing held back – unconditional surrender. Just as you can’t be “mostly married” or “somewhat pregnant”, you cannot think of God as a “nodding acquaintance”. A relationship with Him simply doesn’t work that way.

If you choose to hang on to some area of your life, will God still love you? Of course! He loved you long before you were even aware of Him. But if you truly want to grow close to God, to know Him as a friend, to grow in your trust in Him, you must give yourself completely to Him with nothing held back.

TO BE HOLY, YOU MUST BE WHOLLY HIS.

 

***OPEN YOUR HEART***

Listen I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into his house and eat with him, and he will eat with me.” – Revelation 3:20

Life’s pain and disappointment can batter our faith and cause us to close our hearts tight like a fist. Or we may close our hearts to hold on to something we fear losing. Unfortunately, a tense heart can’t relax, can’t laugh, can’t truly love – and it can’t fully receive God’s love.

An open heart signals a readiness for whatever changes, surprises, and gifts God has to offer. It is alive in faith. Picture your heart as a door – a door that you can leave open for God. After all, He is the One who built the door and the house. And He has already made it clear that He wants to come in and stay with you forever. Take a first step on the road to an open heart by asking God to help you trust Him and open up to Him.

A HEART OPEN TO GOD IS A HEART OPEN TO GOOD.

***LOOK AT LIFE IN THE LIGHT OF GOD’S LOVE***

The voyage of discovery lies not in finding new landscapes, but in having new eyes.

In a meditation on the love of God written in the fourteenth century, Julian of Norwich wrote that God called her attention to a hazelnut she was holding in the palm of her hand. She marveled at it, so small, seemingly so insignificant, and yet suddenly valuable beyond measure because God had created it, has a purpose for it, and live it. She concluded, “Everything owes its existence to the love of God.”

Life is filled with these manifestations of God’s infinite care. Open your eyes to see, and you, too, can experience the happiness of knowing that you are not just valued by the Creator of the universe – you are loved by the same Creator who delights in you and smiles when He thinks of you!.

WHEN WE TRULY STOP TO SEE WHAT GOD HAS MADE FOR US TO ENJOY, WE FIND HIS LOVE AT EVERY TURN.

***GO TO HIM IN TIMES OF TROUBLE***

God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. – Psalm 46:1

Some of the closest relationships are forged in times of crisis – on the battlefield, in the hospital, or during a natural disaster. Yet many people run from God – out of anger or despair – when calamity occurs, forfeiting a wonderful opportunity to grow closer to Him.

If you’re tempted to flee from God in times of trouble, know that He never loses control of any situation. He knows what He is doing, and He is aware of everything that is happening. So when trouble strikes, don’t leave His protection. Remember, He promises that if you come close to Him, He will come close to you. Cling to Him with your whole heart, and stay full of faith, knowing He will take care of you.

WHEN YOU FACE TROUBLE, GO TO GOD ON THE DOUBLE.

 

***WORK ON MY DEFENSE***

But have reverence for Christ in your hearts, and honor him as Lord. Be ready at all times to answer anyone who asks you to explain the hope you have in you. – 1 Peter 3:15

If you were called into court and asked to defend God’s existence and purpose, could you do it? Could you craft a compelling case to support your beliefs?
The Bible tells us to be ready to give a thoughtful, reasonable defense for the hope that is in us. So if you want to keep your faith in God alive, it’s important to know why you believe that he exists at all and to be able to support it intellectually. In the process of building a strong defense for your faith, you’ll become more confident in your own heart and mind that God does exist and wants to be personally involved in your life.

KNOWING WHY YOU BELIEVE WHAT YOU BELIEVE HELPS TO SOLIDIFY YOUR FAITH.

***CONTEMPLATE HEAVEN***

God is the one who has prepared us for this change, and he gave us His Spirit as the guarantee of all that he has in store for us. – 2 Corinthians 5:5

Some days, you catch a glimpse of Heaven. Perhaps it’s the birth of our first child or watching a sunset reflecting on ocean waves. At those times, your heart may whisper, This is as good as it gets. But most days your heart says exactly the opposite: There’s got to be more to life!

What your heart’s really saying is, There’s no place like home. God created us to live a life with Him where there’s no more death, tears, mortgages, deadlines, or pain. And God’s character suggests that Heaven will be much more like a lively wedding feast with all the joys of life than an endless choir rehearsal. Now that’s something to look forward to!

WHEN LIFE GETS YOU DOWN, DON’T FORGET TO LOOK UP.

***CRY YOUR HEART OUT***

Tears are often the telescope by which men see far into heaven.

The shortest verse in the Bible is, “Jesus wept (John 11:35). Jesus’ tears were over the death of a friend – someone whom Jesus knew He would momentarily raise from the dead. But still, He wept.

There are things in this life worth crying over. Even God acknowledges that. Psalm 56:8 says God keeps a record of your tears. Whatever tears are not released from the eyes are stored in the heart. A heavy heart can hinder your intimacy with God and weigh down your faith. So give yourself permission to let go. God’s shoulder is always available.

A TEAR CAN ONLY BE DRIED ONCE IT’S BEEN CRIED.

 

***FLY WITH EAGLES RATHER THAN CRAWL  WITH SLUGS***

Keep company with the wise and you will become wise. If you make friends with stupid people, you will be ruined. – Proverbs 13:20

Companionship choices are difficult. Jesus spent time with many people with low reputation. Yet the Bible cautions us that bad company corrupts good character. The key to following Jesus’ example and protecting ourselves lies in discernment. Follow these simple guidelines.

First, spend as much time as possible with God and with godly people who will encourage you to keep your faith alive by growing closer to Him. Second, as you befriend troubled people, be careful to do so on your terms, as much as possible. This means that you choose the location, any other participants, and the activity whenever you can. And third, you must constantly ask yourself, Am I drawing these people toward God, or are they drawing me away?

KEEP IN MIND THAT IT’S EASIER TO BE PULLED DOWN THAN TO BE PULLED UP.

***CELEBRATE YOUR INDIVIDUALITY***

Thank God for the way He made you. You are special, distinct, and unique. You were not made from a common mould.

God didn’t make you like anyone else on the entire planet. Even identical twins aren’t truly identical. God made you unique, and He has unique plans for you and your talents – and even your limitations.
That’s why you must never put yourself down when you are not like everyone else. Instead, revel in your individuality, and thank your Creator who had the inspiration and foresight to make you exactly the way you are. You are special because He has made you so. So look at yourself carefully with God’s eyes, and learn what He has in mind for you with your special abilities, likes, and dislikes. Understanding your individual purpose will liven up your faith and draw you closer to Him.

YOU WERE FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY FORMED IN YOUR MOTHER’S WOMB, NOT MASS-PRODUCED ON AN ASSEMBLY LINE.

***COMMIT TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH***

Be like new-born babies, always thirsty for the pure spiritual milk, so that by drinking it you may grow up and be saved. As he scripture says, “You have found out for yourselves how kind the Lord is.” –1 Peter 2:2-3

When we have a vital and growing relationship with God, it’s usually easier to have vital and growing relationships with others. The Bible gives us wisdom, comfort, and guidance for life’s bumpy roads. The more we fill our minds and hearts with God’s words, the more secure we become as human beings. This also affects our relationships with others – we feel more like reaching out to others when we feel secure within.
Some practical ways to grow spiritually and keep your faith live include: attending church and Sunday school, attending a Bible study, reading good books, and listening to teaching tapes and Christian music. When you feed your soul, you can’t help but grow. And when you grow, you’ll find your friendships and family relationships growing too.

INVEST IN YOUR SOUL AND SHARE THE DIVIDENDS WITH OTHERS.

***KEEP YOUR PROMISES TO HIM***

We must not promise what we ought not, lest we be called to perform what we cannot.
Have you ever promised God you would do something – or stop doing something – then later forgot about the promise or brushed it aside? Promises to a holy God shouldn’t be taken lightly. Unkept promises create walls between us and our Creator because we lose or confidence to approach Him, and we draw back from His love and blessing.

Think through your vows to God very carefully before making them. When you promise Him learned to honor God in this way, you will find it much easier to keep your promises to the earth dwellers in your life. A heart faithful to keep promises made to God will grow a faith that is like a lighthouse to others, always shining in a dark world.

YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD SHOULD BE BUILT ON PROMISES, NOT COMPROMISES.

***REMEMBER THAT HE IS ALWAYS WITH YOU***

Where love is, there is God also.
God cannot be contained in a building or a book. Yet it is easy for us to forget Him unless we are in church or reading the Bible. Sometimes, in the middle of life’s daily busyness, we stop communicating with Him. Instead, our attention is on our computer screen, our cheque book, or the cars ahead of us in the traffic jam.

Don’t allow life’s details to turn your attention from your Creator. In the midst of your labor and duties, come to recognize that God is always right there with you – to hear you and to speak to you. His temple is always as close as your heart, waiting for you to enter and be refreshed and inspired.

GOD IS ALWAYS JUST A PRAYER AWAY.

***REMEMBER THAT GOD LOVES ALL HIS CHILDREN***

“So that you may become the sons of your Father in heaven. For he makes his sun to shine on bad and good people alike, and gives rain to those who do good and to those who do evil.” –Matthew 5:45-46
It might be easy to believe that God loves you or Billy Graham or some other great leader, but what about that frightful-looking rock star, dishonest politician, or evil dictator? Do you tend to believe that God must love you more than them?

God loves all His children, though He grieves over those who choose not to respond to His love and care. So the next time you see someone who is offensive to you, remember: God loves that person no less than He loves you or even Jesus, His Son. If you want to keep your faith alive and grow closer to God, you must learn to love the unlovely with the same love He holds in His heart for them.

GOD’S HAND IS EXTENDED TO ALL MANKIND.

***WELCOME ADVERSITY***

Adversity can either destroy or build up, depending on our chosen response.

When athletes train hard, they run or lift weights to the point of muscle failure. This approach actually breaks down muscle fibers, which would seem to be detrimental to performance. However, it’s beneficial because the body adapts to the stress and rebuilds the damaged fibers stronger than ever before.
This principle is also important to our spiritual strength and stamina. God does not cause our pain and struggle, but a certain amount of adversity inevitably will come into our lives. He desires to see that we grow strong and resilient rather than weak and complacent. So smile when you encounter trials, even if others think you are insane to do so. See your difficulties as opportunities to grow strong in your faith and closer to God – that is exactly how He sees them.

DON’T BE GUILTY OF GIVING TRIALS AND UNJUST VERDICT.

***DON’T WORRY ABOUT ANYTHING***

In Philippians 4:6, Paul instructs us not to worry about anything. Think about that, Paul says the child of God shouldn’t worry about anything at all! And Paul didn’t give this adv ice lightly. He was in prison at the time he wrote those words. But despite all his trials, Paul knew God would take care of him and give him the grace he needed. God doesn’t always untie all the knots in our lives. But He does give us the grace to live with them.

So remember, there is nothing you face that is too difficult, too troubling, or too frightening for God. He holds the world in the palm of His hand. Your problems aren’t likely to stump Him. Allows news like that to pump up your faith!

TURN YOUR WORRIES OVER TO GOD, AND LET HIS PERFECT PEACE SETTLE YOUR HEART.

***GROW IN YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF GOD***

How great are God’s riches! How deep are his wisdom and knowledge! Who can explain his decisions? Who can understand his ways? As the Scripture say, “Who knows the mind of the Lord? Who is able to give him advice?”- Romans 11:33-34

Many people like to reduce God to something small and simple enough for their finite minds to grasp. They want to put God into a nice, neat little box. But God’s ways are not our ways. He is infinite, and we are human, subject to human limitations. As long as we are on this earth, we can grow in our knowledge about God, and we can even know Him personally. But we won’t fully comprehend His glory until we meet Him face to face. Then “we shall see him as he really is” (1John 3:2).

A clear understanding of God cannot be obtained by intellectual pursuit. It must be a venture of the heart, received by faith. So relax, and quit trying to figure Him out. But do spend quality time with Him, listening to Him and to His Word. Let Him reveal to you what He wants you to know about Him. In this way you can just enjoy getting to know Him and receive His bountiful love.

KNOWING GOD IS A MATTER OF THE HEART, NOT THE HEAD.

***BE ALERT FOR THE “SMALL MIRACLES” THAT HAPPEN EVERYDAY

To me every hour of the light and dark is a miracle, every cubic inch of space is a miracle.

Miracles happen all around us every day, so often that we routinely overlook them in the moment. It may be hours later that we realize God’s miraculous protection surrounded us. It may be only upon quiet reflection that we recognize that being on time for an appointment, despite numerous detours or finding a person in a crowd, had a truly miraculous element to it.

Sometimes the miracles around you are as simple as a bud bursting into bloom or the hatching of birds’ eggs outside your kitchen window. Taking time to see and appreciate the miraculous is guaranteed to bring a smile to your soul, happiness to your heart, and strength to your faith.

MIRACLES ARE YOURS FOR THE SEEING.

 

***BE WILLING TO SEARCH FOR HIM***

 

And asked, “Where is the baby born to be the king of the Jews? We saw His star when it came up in the east, and we have come to worship Him.” – Matthew 2:2

The wise men’s friends must have questioned if they were really wise. Here were these fellows, following only hearsay and one bright star on a long journey – a journey filled with unanswered questions and many risks. But their long search was rewarded when they found the Child King, offered their gifts, and expressed their deep and humble adoration.
Even today, the wise men remain examples. Their story can be your story. Are you willing to take the journey – whether physical, intellectual, or spiritual – that will lead you into God’s presence? If you are, your faith will receive a workout and you will be rewarded as they were – you will find Him.

WE MAY NO LONGER RIDE CAMELS, BUT WISE MEN AND WOMEN STILL SEEK HIM.

 

***TRULY WORSHIP HIM***

 

Worship is transcendent wonder.

True worship isn’t about religious rituals, but rather the pure and genuine expression of praise from a willing and eager heart. Children have much to teach us in this regard. Especially when they are young, they come to us without agendas, without pretension, and without motives. They come with true hearts. It is close to impossible to walk away untouched by these unfettered affirmations, and God finds our true worship equally as compelling.

Choose any method you like to worship God: singing, reading Scripture, praying aloud, or by simple and silent reverence – there are a limitless number of ways. No matter how you choose to go about it, remember to do so with the heart – like wonder of a child. Honest, heartfelt worship draws you near to God and increases your trust in His power and love for you.

WORSHIP IS TO THE CHRISTIAN LIFE WHAT THE MAINSPRING IS TO A WATCH.

 

***ADMIT WHEN YOU’RE WRONG***

 

But if we confess our sins to God, He will keep his promise and do what is right: He will forgive us our sins and purify us from all our wrongdoing. – 1John 1:9

No one likes to admit when they have done wrong. And yet, when we confess our mistakes to God and to those we have hurt or offended, we are, In a sense, admitting that we are not perfect and that we need God’s grace in our lives. Sometimes it is difficult to admit we need God’s grace. Without it we can never know the sweet comfort of collapsing into God’s arms and hearing Him say, “I forgive you.”
Refuse to allow pride and denial to limit your possibilities. God is wise and good. Clear away all that might keep you from knowing Him fully. By being honest with God, you will keep your faith alive.

THERE IS NO PLEA BARGAINING WITH GOD.

 

***STAND ON THE RIGHT FOUNDATION***

 

To have faith is to be sure of the things we hope for, to be certain of the things we cannot see. –Hebrews 11:1

Emotions are wonderful. They add flavor and spice to life. They make us feel more alive. They make life more fun. Emotions, however, make a lousy foundation for our faith in God because they can be radically affected by things such as diet, lack of sleep, and internal chemistry, not to mention the weather. You should never look to your feelings to judge whether or not God loves you. His Word already promises that He is crazy about you! Besides, if you rely on goose bumps or chills running down your spine as proof of God’s love, it could be the flu that is causing it!

Thank God that His love for us isn’t based on how we feel, it’s based on His integrity. His promises are true, regardless of how we feel. Standing on the fact that God’s love is always there for you can help you when feelings move in the opposite direction to that truth, and you feel as if your faith is taking a hit.

GOD’S LOVE IS MORE THAN A FEELING; IT’S A FACT.

***REMEMBER THAT IT PAYS TO PRAISE***

Doth not all nature around me praise God? If I were silent, I should be an exception to the universe.

One of the Bible’s most reassuring promises is found in Psalm 21:3, which says that God inhabits the praise of His people. This is a rather mysterious concept, but we can be confident that when we praise God, when we commend Him, when we express our esteem for Him, somehow His presence is there.

So come closer to God. Adore Him. Thank Him. Praise Him. Celebrate Him. Worship Him in whatever way best expresses what’s in your heart. Talk to Him. Sing to Him. Or lift your eyes toward Heaven and simply smile at Him. He will be there with you. And realize that, when you praise God, your faith comes alive and grows in surprising ways. You are not stroking a gigantic ego when you praise – you are acknowledging the truth; and when you do, that truth begins to change you from the inside out and increases your trust in Him.

ENJOYING YOUR PRAISE IS ONE GOD’S FAVORITE PLACES TO BE.

 

***HOLD A BABY IN YOUR ARMS***

 

God’s gifts put man’s best dreams to shame.

 

When people think of God, they tend to think of the Red Sea-parting, burning-in-the-bush God. Awesome power is certainly part of who He is. But God also revealed himself in the form of a helpless baby, born in a manger two thousand years ago. So the next time you hold a baby in your arms, imagine the Ruler of the Universe crying in hunger or needing a nap.

God could have come to Earth as a full-grown, powerful man or a superhuman hero. But when He came as a baby and grew into adulthood, He gave us an opportunity to see faith in action. He deliberately chose a more difficult, humble road – a road that would be like the one we walk. As a result, He knows our experiences, our needs, our emotions, our humanity. Thinking of God as a human who experienced what you are experiencing can make it easier for you to go to Him with your needs and concerns.

 

THANKS TO GOD’S GREAT LOVE, WE NEED NEVER SAY, “BUT YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT IT’S LIKE DOWN HERE.”

***TAKE GOD AT HIS WORD***

 

Now my time has come to die. Every one of you knows in his heart and soul that the Lord your God has given you all the good things that he promised. Every promise he made has been kept; not one has failed. – Joshua 23:14

 

Having someone you can trust, no matter what, is like finding a safe house in a hostile world. Even a committed spouse or well-intentioned friend may make promises they can’t keep. They cannot guarantee they’ll always be there or even always understand.

But God can! He’s the only One who has kept every promise He’s ever made. That makes Him not only faithful but trust-worthy. When life is at its most stressful, relying on God’s promises is a secure and relaxing respite from the storm. God has promised to be with you always, to hear your prayers, to forgive you, and to love you unconditionally. Those are promises you can depend on.

 

TO TAKE GOD AT HIS WORD, YOU FIRST NEED TO KNOW WHAT HE’S SAYING.

 

***LOVE YOUR ENEMIES***

 

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your friends, hate your enemies’. But now I tell you; love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” –Matthew 5:43-44

 

Is there any tougher commandment than to love our enemies? We are not to simply tolerate them or do kind things for them, but we are told to love them.

Those obnoxious, cruel, hateful people? Yeah, right; you think to yourself.

Yes, that is right, and the first step to loving your enemies is to pray for them (not for their humiliation or destruction, by the way). And when you pray for your enemies, pray also for your own negative attitude toward their behavior. Sincerely apply your faith. You certainly don’t need bitterness toward others to stand between the relationship you have with God!

As you experience what hard work it is to love unlovable people, you will gain new respect for the fact that while you were yet a sinner, Christ died for you (Romans 5:8). That’s very good news. But the joy you experience when you find that kind of love flowing out of you from God is even better news.

 

YOU ARE NO LONGER GOD’S ENEMY. YOU ARE HIS FRIEND.

***ADMIT WHEN YOU’RE WRONG***

 

But if we confess our sins to God, He will keep His promise and do what is right: He will forgive us ours sins and purify us from all our wrongdoing. – 1John 1:9

 

No one likes to admit when they have done wrong. And yet, when we confess our mistakes to God and to those we have hurt or offended, we are, in a sense, admitting that we are not perfect and that we need God’s grace in our lives. Sometimes it is difficult to admit we need God’s grace. Without it we can never know the sweet comfort of collapsing into God’s arms and hearing Him say, “I forgive you.”

Refuse to allow pride and denial to limit your possibilities. God is wise and good. Clear away all that might keep you from knowing Him fully. Be being honest with God, you will keep your faith alive.

 

THERE IS NO PLEA BARGAINING WITH GOD.

 

***AVOID BEING A PEW POTATO***

 

It’s great to have your feet on the ground, but keep them moving.

 

Are you a pew potato? A religious russet? A spiritual spud? Do you merely sit in church week after week, letting the messages and music slide through your ears without making an impression on your brain or your heart?

If so, it’s time for a change. Next Sunday, actively listen to your priest or pastor’s words. Think about how you can apply them to your life – immediately. If the priest or pastor brings up an issue you are struggling with, ask for forgiveness right away. If you are reminded of the struggles of a family member or friend, make a note to pray for that person or write a letter of encouragement. The point is: do something, anything. Don’t just sit there; activate your faith.

 

BEING A PEW POTATO LEADS TO A HALF-BAKED SPIRITUAL LIFE.

 

***MOVE PAST FAILURES***

The greatest failure is the failure to try.

As imperfect people, we make mistakes. We drop the ball, miss the mark, fall on our faces, use too many clichés. Failure can make us feel inadequate, especially when we compare ourselves to others who seem to be living more effectively.

When you feel like a failure, especially when you compare yourself to others, remember the focal point of our life: You have chosen to live in close fellowship with God out of your love for Him rather than to impress an audience of your peers. Focus on God, and know that He will cheer you on – and pick you up and dust you off when you fall. He won’t hold your failures against you, so don’t hold them against yourself.

TRY AGAIN. GOD IS NOT AS WORRIED ABOUT YOUR FAILURES AS YOU ARE.

***SET YOUR “PET GRUDGE” FREE***

 

Rid yourselves, then, of all evil; no more lying or hypocrisy or jealousy or insulting language. – 1Peter 2:1

 

Maybe that “pet grudge” was cute when you first got it, but not anymore. It has grown big, demanding, and ugly. Its whining and complaining annoy you and those around you. And it keeps leaving those unsightly stains on your soul. So, it’s time to set the grudge free. After all, God says that we must not be resentful.

Open your heart’s door and shoo the grudge away. Then forgive the person who prompted you to take it in the first place. You will feel better. Your heart will feel lighter. And if that grudge ever comes back and scratches at your door, pretend you’re not home. You will then be able to spread your wings of faith into new areas, once blocked by that huge “pet” standing in your way.

 

THOSE WHO HOLD GRUDGES AREN’T ABLE TO HOLD ON TO GOD – OR MUCH OF ANYTHING ELSE.