Thought for the Day – April 14, 2011

Philippians 3:15-16
All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.  Only let us live up to what we have already attained.  NIV

Mature people know what they don’t know.  Mature people know they have yet to arrive, they are still on the journey.  Mature people forget what is behind so they can press toward the future.  Mature people know who they are in Christ, their mission in life, and why they occupy space on planet earth.  Mature people do not waste time convincing others they are right.  Mature people let others make their own decisions and pray God will make it clear, not them. Mature people guide, not dictate.  Mature people encourage, not discourage.  Mature people are consistent.  They are not perfect, but there is no roller coaster ride either.  What you see is what you get.  Behavior is consistent with speech.  Mature people live up to what they have already attained.

I thank God for all the mature people in my life.  You are one of them.  Let us all press on toward greater maturity in Christ.

Thought for the Day – March 28, 2011

Philippians 2:14-15
Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.  NLT

No whining allowed.  I heard a great deal of whining the last few years.  You can either play the role of a victim, or became a victor.  Nobody likes hanging out with a whiner or someone always picking a fight.  That is how you lose friends and alienate people.  Are people glad or sad when you enter a room?  Facebook becomes a public place where you can air your complaints and grievances.  Some people have no problem doing so.  Employers are now searching social media sites to check on prospective and current employees.  Guess what happens when they uncover a constant whiner and complainer?  Paul is concerned for our witness to others.  He wants us to finish the race strong and pure.  When we live a clean and innocent life without grumbling or complaining, we will become bright lights in the surrounding darkness.  You will be surprised how easily you are distinguished among others by simply living a life of obedience to Christ.  So, my friend, light up the darkness around you.

Thought for the Day – November 8, 2010

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.  NIV

How fruity are you?  Just as the things of the sinful nature are obvious, so are the things of the Spirit.  A major part of spiritual formation is focused around character.  The fruit of the Spirit is all about character traits.  The fruit of the Spirit exposes your NATURE.  Who you are at the core.  I know people can fake it for a while.  They cannot fake it over the long haul.  They cannot fake it under stress.  People on mission trips encounter situations that puts them under unusual stress.  I call them toothpaste adventures.  The pressure and stress squeezes people.  Toothpaste, once squeezed and out of the tube, cannot be placed back in.  And just like toothpaste, what comes out of people when squeezed cannot be returned.  Let’s just say I was disappointed more than once what came out!  I was amazed more than once as well how people adjusted and exhibited the love and grace of Christ.
As a mediator, I often see people at their worst in the midst of conflict.  Toothpaste adventures.  Not always pretty what comes out.  Our true nature can be exposed.  The core is where the Spirit of God lives – our soul.  The job description of the Holy Spirit is chiseling us into the image of Christ.  Thus, each day, our core, our nature, is looking more and more like Jesus – more love, more joy, more peace, more patience, more kindness, more goodness, more faithfulness, more gentleness and more self-control.

Thought for the Day – When you get squeezed, what comes out?

Thought for the Day – February 4, 2010

Matthew 21:18-19
18 Early in the morning, as he was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. 19 Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered. NIV

Fruit.  The Son plants, the Holy Spirit cultivates, and the Father is gloried when we produce fruit.  Jesus approached the fig tree to receive fruit because it gave every appearance of fruitfulness.  The tree looked healthy.  Yet no fruit, just leaves.

Jesus said apart from Him there would be no fruit.  He is the vine.  We are the branches.  We are His true disciples when producing fruit . . . that lasts.

The Holy Spirit produces fruit in us: love, joy, peace. patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

I can get pretty frustrated at my lack of growth in growing fruit.  Patience.  Lord please give me patience, NOW.  Self-control would be great so I don’t need to work at it.  A dose of gentleness and kindness would work wonders when my son is causing me to boil over.  Then, there is the fruit of reproduction.  I long to bring more people to the banquet table of God.  The secret?  Abiding in Him.  May my life be hid in Christ.

Thought for the Day – Got Fruit?  How does the fruit of God manifest in your life?  Want Fruit?  Invite the Son to plant and the Holy Spirit to cultivate.  You will be amazed at your garden.

Tip on Anger Management

First, memorize Eph 4:26.  Second,  when you feel the initial flush of anger, begin repeating . . . “In MY anger, do not sin.” over and over again, taking a deep breath between each repetition.  You should be able to slow the repetition as you literally feel yourself settling back down.  Now, THINK before you say something.  The best response may be not saying ANYTHING.  You may find it helpful to have an object, like a ring or something else that is worn, that represents a commitment to peace instead of anger.  Just by looking at the object can remind you of the process and desire to change.