Reveal Your Best Assets

Reveal Your Best Assets When meeting a person or group for the first time it may be an eye opening test if others didn’t know what credentials we have earned or the status we hold. Our credentials, status in the workplace, position in the family unit, or experience may negatively hinder how others will respond to us, what they will do or how they will think. It is always our hope that when we give our best selves at our first meeting we will continue with that same level of good qualities, manners and character. In return, we hope that others will respond to us just the same. We all have a reputation that precedes us. The question is, can you and your presence in a room reveal your best self on your own without an introduction. Jesus didn’t want His disciples to share with others about who He was. Jesus was waiting for others to meet Him and do what they will do. Choose to reveal daily your best assets and share your wonderful gifts from God. The response by others may be rejection, acceptance or praise. Your actions, words and body language will reveal the relationship you have with Jesus. Let the world know where you stand. A first impression, rather than an introduction, may be the only opportunity you have to make a lasting connection. Luke 9:18-22 Once when Jesus was praying alone, with only the disciples near him, he asked them, ‘Who do the crowds say that I am?’ They answered, ‘John the Baptist; but others, Elijah; and still others, that one of the ancient prophets has arisen.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered, ‘The Messiah of God.’ He sternly ordered and commanded them not to tell anyone, saying, ‘The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.’

There Is Peace & Joy In Acceptance

There Is Peace & Joy In Acceptance Sometimes, in our human psychological sphere of influence we believe we have already taken care of a matter and are puzzled when it resurfaces perhaps in another way. We might wonder why that particular something just keeps coming back. If we really want to get to the root of anything, we must take the time to try to understand its basic foundation, explore its source of energy, weigh the feelings of others, look at the past, the state of the present and where the future may be headed. The same viewpoint cannot work for us in our spiritual psychological sphere of influence. If we are to spiritually understand why our prayers seem to not be answered, our efforts seem to not lead us out of a dead end, or our plans seem to never pan out we need to take time to explore the depth of our faith and to be mindfully aware of a daily renew our relationship with God. God’s plans may be difficult to understand, have their own source of energy, have their own direction for the present and the mysterious future, but . . . those plans directed by God are for our greatest good! It is in our human nature to want to know all the answers. However, it is in our natural spiritual nature that we find the peace to accept what we cannot change. There is peace in acceptance of God’s will and joy to be felt when we see His plans come to fruition. When you’ve done all you can, sit back confidently and wait for the mark of God’s hand to be revealed in all aspects of your life. The peace and joy of acceptance is heavenly and indescribable. Luke 9:7-9 Now Herod the ruler heard about all that had taken place, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the ancient prophets had arisen. Herod said, "John I beheaded; but who is this about whom I hear such things?" And he tried to see him.

The Richness of Faith

The Richness of Faith Can you imagine being asked to leave home with only the clothes on your back with nothing extra; not even food or money. Imagine also being asked to bring the good news of Jesus to a people who know nothing about Him. are in a similar way asked to do the same thing. However today we do have many advantages. We are not asked to leave our homes permanently. We are not asked to limit our belongings only to what we are wearing. We are not asked to not prepare for our survival for more than a day. We are not necessarily being asked to address a people who have no inclination about who Jesus is. We are, however, being asked to dig deeper into our own faith and to share with others the richness of that faith. Unlike the disciples we have the word of God contained in our bibles at our fingertips. We don’t have to memorize all that Jesus said or did but we should know how to put our fingers on the pages that give us that wealth of holy and inspiring information. Although we don’t have the power to cure all who we encounter, we do have the privilege of knowing God who can do all things. So, together, we must ask and pray God for our strength, rely on Him for the resolutions to our lives trials and tribulations, and have faith that His will is the one we should accept, praise and spread the good news about to all those who we touch. The richness of your faith and the evidence of graces in your life will speak volumes to the world about what God does for us who believe in His Son, Jesus Christ. Luke 9:1-6 Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. He said to them, 'Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money - not even an extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there, and leave from there. Wherever they do not welcome you, as you are leaving that town shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.' They departed and went through the villages, bringing the good news and curing diseases everywhere.

All Access Pass

All Access Pass Sometimes we think we have special privileges just because we know someone. Those who do the work are few. Those who desire what others have and who are not willing to work for it are many. There is much reward when you’ve participated in an event that brought good to others. Much more reward when you can walk up to the front door of a gathering and don’t have to drop a name to get in. People know who they have seen working in their midst. They don’t need anyone to tell them who is there just for the profits, giveaways or benefits. Being part of God’s work always gives you an all access pass. You can come in with your humble spirit, your heart at peace, and your soul always ready to give more. With your faith placed in God, your welcome never expires and your work is never done. Luke 8:19-21 Then Jesus' mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. And he was told, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you." But he said to them, "My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it."

The Gift of Divine Resources

The Gift of Divine Resources We might never have an opportunity to walk with Jesus and provide for Him out of our resources. However, we do have opportunities everyday to walk with each other and help one another. If we wanted to, we could often pause during our conversations, ponder at life’s turn of events, reflect at simple and complicated affairs and ask what would I do if this were Jesus? What we dish out to each other we not only set the tone for our days but also teach the generations to come. Bring good news of love, compassion, healing and forgiveness to all those you touch. See Jesus in the eyes of everyone you pass. Then only goodness and love will be seen in your eyes, noticed in your actions, and heard in your words. Use the gifts of the divine resources you were born with. Then only the holiest part of you will be revealed. Luke 8:1-3 Soon afterwards Jesus went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources

Deeds Are Telling

Deeds Are Telling What we do our children will imitate. We should not be quick to reprimand, but rather use that special moment of realization to look truthfully in the mirror. Rather than finding fault, look for the good in others. Instead of tearing down a spirit, be the one to lift it. Rather than being the one to point a negative finger, use your hands to do positive work. The depth of your wisdom, faith and character is vindicated by all your deeds. What you do sets the tone, path and legacy for your family and generations to come. If Jesus were standing before you, what or whom might he compare you to. Your deeds are telling of who you are. Luke 7:31-35 Jesus said, 'To what then will I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? They are like children sitting in the market-place and calling to one another, "We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not weep." For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, "He has a demon"; the Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, "Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax-collectors and sinners!" Nevertheless, wisdom is vindicated by all her children.'

God's Greatest Work

God’s Greatest Work What do we say when God changes in our favor what we already accepted as truth? Do we take for granted when God’s mercy softens a hardened heart? Are we desensitized to the glory and awe of God to notice when our days are flawless? The word about Jesus spread throughout countries when the people were witness to the favors of God. How free are we to share about God’s greatness and mercy on our lives to the people in our own circles? Does fear and awe of the God almighty run through your blood? Do the miracles in your life and that in other’s lives ever move you to fall to your knees in wonder and amazement? Do not weep. Jesus in many ways says to a tepid or indifferent heart, rise and believe in God’s glorious desires on your life! We may not always have the outcome we desire. We may never understand why the day’s events are not in line with our own mindset. However, believing and acknowledging that Jesus is among us can bring the deadness in our lives back to life. When the Lord sees you He sees His greatest work. When Jesus is touching your life stop in your tracks and glorify Him. If you were conscious of every grace bestowed on you, you’d be stopping all the day long. Luke 7:11-17 Soon afterwards Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother's only son, and she was a widow; and with her was a large crowd from the town. When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, "Do not weep." Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, rise!" The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized all of them; and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has risen among us!" and "God has looked favourably on his people!" This word about him spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding country.

There's A Knocking At The Door

There's A Knocking At The Door How often do we feel unworthy when something wonderful or miraculous has happened in our lives? We think, “What did I do to deserve this?” Do we carelessly take for granted the wonderful graces received in our lives every day without so much as a prayer filled with gratitude much less bending to our knees in awe and thanksgiving? Getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of our lives leaves little room for necessary quiet time, meditation, reflection and prayer. If we slow down our breathing and the speed at which we travel throughout our day we may recognize that we are not ultimately in control of our lives but only passengers on a wonderful journey toward eternity with God that waits patiently for us to acknowledge Him. God sent Jesus to knock on our door. How long will it take for us to know He is there waiting for us to acknowledge His presence? Open the door to your giving heart. Release what suppresses the Holy Spirit inside. Set free what precludes you from really loving. You may think, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my life.” The Lord shows by all the great deeds, the little and great resolutions, the sparing incidents and the light after the turmoil in your life, that His love is abundant and unconditional and there for those of such great faith. Luke 7:1-3,6-7,9-10 After Jesus had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. A centurion there had a slave whom he valued highly, and who was ill and close to death. When he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to him, asking him to come and heal his slave. And Jesus went with them, but when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to say to him, ‘Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; therefore I did not presume to come to you. But only speak the word, and let my servant be healed. When Jesus heard this he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, he said, ‘I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.’ When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health.

The Prospect of Spiritual Maturity

The Prospect of Spiritual Maturity “You are always finding fault with me. Do you think you are perfect?” It is easy to point out the faults of others. It is so clear from atop our own mountain, our own self-righteous vantage point. Practice standing and viewing yourself outside of your physical being, your own thoughts and actions. There is always much to be learned. Before we point out an error in another’s ways bring forth to the top of conversation your own. It just might keep you from being a foolish hypocrite. However, if a group of people can be forgiving, faithful, hopeful and loving enough to help each other, then we just may be spiritually mature at working together to improve ourselves without hurting each other. God waits patiently and lovingly for our souls to long for spiritual maturity. Luke 6:39-42 Jesus also told them a parable: "Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully qualified will be like the teacher. Why do you see the speck in your neighbour's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbour, 'Friend, let me take out the speck in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbour's eye."

Rejoice In Imperfection

Rejoice In Imperfection “You’ve lost everything and still you speak with joy in your heart. Who are you trying to fool?” Beyond our tears there is joy. Beyond our famine there is contentment. Beyond our troubles are delightful days. Don’t dwell in disappointment when the world fails you. Rather rejoice when life is not perfect. For it is then that you will see, experience and testify to the greatness of God. Share what you have. Give of your time. Love with all your heart. Your darkest days will always have evidence of the hand of God. May your eyes, ears, hands and heart always be prepared to walk faithfully and hopefully through the shadows we cast upon the earth. Luke 6:20-26 Jesus looked up at his disciples and said:‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.‘Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled.‘Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.‘Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.‘But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.‘Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry.‘Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep.‘Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.

There Are No Flaws In Perfection

There Are No Flaws In Perfection We might argue that some people are doing things the old fashion way. Getting hip with the times is a tricky thing. There are many ways that our culture is advancing. We have more electronic technology and have better ways to build sounder structures. But how are we strengthening our faith and trust in God? How are we building on what is already right in our spirit? With Jesus as our model, we will recognize what is good, strive to do what is right, and be inspired to be better human beings. What Jesus brought to the world is good. What Jesus brought to us was God in human form. God is good. God is love. There are no flaws in perfection. Luke 5:33-39 Then the Pharisees and the scribes said to Jesus, "John's disciples, like the disciples of the Pharisees, frequently fast and pray, but your disciples eat and drink. Jesus said to them, "You cannot make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them, can you? The days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days." He also told them a parable: "No one tears a piece from a new garment and sews it on an old garment; otherwise the new will be torn, and the piece from the new will not match the old. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the new wine will burst the skins and will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine desires new wine, but says, 'The old is good.'"

Believe And You Will Be Blessed

Believe and You Will Be Blessed “I know it is the right thing to do, but you are asking me to do what I am not comfortable doing.” When we find ourselves at a dead end we often will stop dead in our tracks. God will always put something wonderful on our hearts. If we interpret His wonderful graces as hardships, so they will be. If we accept God’s wonderful graces, so they will be. Acceptance of what God intends for us is key to our peace and to our relationship with Him. Do not be afraid, from now on you will be blessed. When we believe in God, when we acknowledge His greatness, when we allow our hearts to say yes, we receive God’s blessings. Luke 5:1-11 Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, 'Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.' Simon answered, 'Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.' When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signalled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, 'Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!' For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, 'Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.' When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.

Following In His Footsteps

Following In His Footsteps “Don’t go, we are enjoying your company so much.” When someone is engaging we want to hold on to them. When there is someone who has profound wisdom our hearts naturally want to seek more of them. When another is extremely well-rounded and shares their knowledge with humbleness and generosity we dare not step away. Stay close to God. Stay even closer to Jesus. Spending time getting to know Jesus is to know God. You don’t have to look any further than within your own self to know how great God is. God gave us each a heart, a soul, and a spirit. It is up to each of us to remove ourselves from the busyness of our lives and seek the quiet that possess our peace. In those wonderful moments of peace and silence we will find holy engagement, profound wisdom, humbleness and generosity beyond what any human is capable of. If we listen, Jesus will proclaim the good news to us. If we are compliant, we will act as He does and proclaim the good news to others. Jesus was sent for this purpose. We were created to follow in His footsteps. Luke 4:38-43 After leaving the synagogue he entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked him about her. Then he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she got up and began to serve them. As the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various kinds of diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on each of them and cured them. Demons also came out of many, shouting, ‘You are the Son of God!’ But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Messiah.