Be Quiet

The bible tells us to lead a quiet life. You and I don't have to have the last word. In fact, we don't have to have any word.

Next time you feel compelled to have the last word, be quiet.

And be still so that God can be heard through the noise of your life.

Wake Up

When all the world around you seems asleep...wake up!

When you feel threatened...wake up!

When you are broke and sick of it...wake up!

Wake up!

Get up!

Make something good happen in your life!

If not now, when?

If not you, who?

Count on God. Count on true friends. Count on yourself.

Wake up!

God of Mercy

Though we deny God, he does not deny himself. He lives in us; he purchased us with the price of his Son...and abides within us through the Holy Spirit. We are completely and utterly his, if we have been born from above.

I can do nothing to be separated from him. I am his. I belong to him. In my rebellion as his child, he still loves me. He still claims me as his own. Not on the basis of my merit. Rather, on the basis of Christ's merit.

And why do I rebel? Because of my sin nature. I am most miserable when I willingly and knowingly and purposely sin against my God.

I am thankful for God's mercy and that I do not receive justice for my sin.

God is mercy.

Remember the children.

Wait till You are Hungry

I read somewhere that the key to losing weight is to eat when you are truly hungry. Truly hungry? That is when the stomach growls (which indicates a drop in blood sugar). When that happens, eat whatever you are truly hungry for at the time. Then stop when you are the slightest bit full. Stop? The stomach is no bigger than your fist. Eat that much. No more. Then wait to repeat the cycle.

Okay, I've been giving it a go for the past two weeks. I weighed this morning...243. I'll keep track of it and post my successes.

I think coffee triggers some disturbing effects in my hunger/fullness system. I wish I were the kind of person who could just turn it off...just stop drinking the nasty stuff. Problem is...I really like the stuff.

Hunger...fullness; here we go.

Irrepressible Pain

I have a friend who has considered suicide because of irrepressible pain he suffers due to medical challenges. He spoke with me for over an hour, helping me to understand the source of his suffering. He controlled his emotions, but I could see the pain in his eyes and I could feel the distress in his heart.

He told me he believes that Jesus is his savior. He told me he was afraid to kill himself; he said he was afraid he wouldn't go to heaven. He also told me of a child who would soon marry...and that he was focused on this event. Too much to live for, yet wanting the pain to end, even if it means death.

That's a hard place to be. My heart broke for my brother...I prayed for wisdom.

I reminded him that God knew his pain. And that he loved him. I could see that my friend believed this, but the pain dimished his understanding of how a loving God could allow such suffering.

I then said that Paul had prayed three times for God to heal him. When God didn't, Paul was reminded that in his weakness, God was strong. It was then that I encouraged my brother that when others asked him how he was able to go on, to tell them that God was his strength. That his testimony of trusting God through the pain would help others to Christ. I think it helped him. I hope it did.

I promised my friend that I would pray for him. And I will.

Would you? You don't need to know his name. Just remember his pain.

And remember the children.

God Knows Your Pain

I have a friend who carried her little boy for the full term of pregnancy. At the right time, this little guy was born into our world. But in just a few hours, he was gone. Received at heaven's gate by our Friend and Savior, Jesus, this little guy will be raised by the saints and angels! And I marveled at the faith of my friend. No doubt she ached to hold her little boy...but she daily heals by helping others who are facing the same or similar circumstances.

Another friend died last week. She was the ultimate volunteer and champion of children. Her life was rich with memories; full in the knowledge that she had made a difference. And at a ripe old age, she heard the beckon call of the Master...and went home.

Yet another friend lies in wait for his final breath. Cancer has ravaged his body, but not his soul. His was a life of leadership, of inspiring the best in others, of service. I have little doubt that he will be greatly rewarded in heaven (oh I hope so!).

In each case, there is pain and suffering. Yet, in a very real way, God can identify. He is not indifferent; he is intimately aware of losing a loved one.

In the darkness of the moment, when life seems to be slipping away and all hope appears gone, God is there. He knows your pain.

Who Cares?

Your life is hard...who cares?

My job stinks...who cares?

I'm broke and need help...who cares?

I'm so poor, poor people are talking bad about me...who cares?

I'm fat...who cares?

My kids need things...who cares?

I need a friend...who cares?

I'm worried and stressed and fearful...who cares?

Who cares? Your dad, mom, and God. You can count on them. They will listen, counsel, love, and care for you. God gave us Jesus...because he cares.

But do you care?