Taping into the Positives of Life

My son likes to laugh. He laughs all the time. He even laughs when he does something naughty; I do not laugh though. However, after reading about the mind, depression, and joy, I think that God is trying to say something to me. He wants me to be a bit more filled with joy. So how do I go about this. One, is to laugh. This helps combat depression and can affect the people around you in a good way. Second, along the first line, is to think positively. How do I go about that? Remember good times. Basically, if I am in a down mood, think of a happy time, a happy place. This should help swing the mood to a more joyous tone. Finally, read through psalms. It has a lot of positive thoughts and can help jump start a day. Enjoy your day and remember tap into the positives in life; you deserve that.

Ps 1:1-2

"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he mediates day and night."

Glorifying God

Have you ever failed at something you really wanted to do? I would like to share a time where I did. See, most of my college years were spent dreaming about serving God in full-time ministry. I was, and still am not, the world most displined person and to keep the story short, I ended failing my first associated pastorate. No Fun! I can say that it was the right thing, but it did not seem like it at the moment. One of my weeknesses was preaching. Since I struggled in the preparation and studying department, it should not have suprised me that failer would come. Also, I would get extremely nervous and that anxiety transferred to the pulpit too. This was probably more distracting than my lack of depth, insight, and preparedness.

Well, with that said and quick fast forward to last weekend, I was given another chance by my local church to share from the pulpit again. This time I spend a bit more time preparing and practicing- still did not like that part, but it helped. I was still anxious, but it wore off quickly. In the end, I felt blessed to be able to share and encouraged God's people.

I would like to take a moment to remember that God is soveriegn. He has never left me and continues to be my strength daily. Sometime he lets us fail in order to refine us. It is never easy in the moment, but in the end it brings glory to Him. It is my hope that last Sunday brought glory to Him and that his people were uplifted.

I hope to encourage people to never stop trying at things you dream about. You might have failed once or twice, or even more, but that does not mean that you should throw in the towel. God is faithful! At the same time, we need to make sure that we learn from those refining moments. When we focus on his faithfulness and learn from his refinement, than He is glorified.

Called to Love

Has God ever put something on your heart? Have your ever felt the nudge of the Holy Spirit? Do you remember the story of Elijah? Yes, there are many Elijah stories. How about the one where he takes off to the cave and hears God's voice in a gentle whisper? I cannot say that I have heard an audible voice, but I can tell you that I have felt the Holy Spirit's leading.

Over the last 9 months the Holy Spirit has been directing me in the area of loving my wife, especially when reflecting on Ephesians 5. So what have I been hearing? It is easy, “Love your wife, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” There is no tricky exegetical work needed to understand this. A clear understanding of the cross is sufficient- Jesus died on the cross, to save a wretch like me. No games, no gimmicks, just a simple love for a lost soul. God was not bought off; he was motivated by his compassion, mercy, and love. This love is unconditional and keeps no records of wrongs. Pretty simple!

So, what does this look like? It means that I stop watching the Lakers, turn off the TV, and sit back and listen. It means that I wake up early and buy her a cup of coffee. It means that I leave work early and buy a bouquet of flowers. It means that I do not keep a scorecard of the above. Does the list stop here? No! It just begins. The above are examples that communicate her value and my love towards her, not a check list. Check lists are not motivated by love. Christ does not have a “To Do List for Cain.” He simply chose to love me. How awesome is that!

If you have yet to see the movie Fireproof, I would suggest you take the time to do so. It is awesome and communicates what it means to love someone. I would also encourage you to read Hosea. It is a bit more intense than Fireproof, but communicates unconditional love, which is what all of our marriages need.

If you need someone to pray for your marriage, please send me an email or give me a call. I would love to pray for you and your spouse.