24 Tuesday Apr 2018
Posted in Teachings
We all need rest. It is essential.
I am anxious about so many things. Anxiety is insidious. There is no rest when I am wallowing in my concerns.
I am a worry wart. I recognize it can be exhausting. When I don’t trust Jesus, I don’t rest well.
There is good news. I can give my anxiety to Jesus. He will take it for me. I hear Him say “I’ve got this!” Continue reading
22 Sunday Apr 2018
Posted in Teachings
Gentleness is an expression of compassion, seen in God’s dealings with the frail and weak, and expected of believers in our dealings with others. I need more gentleness in my life. I need to banish harshness and impatience.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. | Galatians 5:22
Gentleness is a mark and a part of the character of a follower of Jesus. We know from Galatians 5:22 that gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. How do others know I am following Jesus? They see my gentleness. Jesus himself, in His Manifesto, said “Happy are those who are gentle (meek) for they will inherit the earth.” Continue reading
18 Wednesday Apr 2018
Posted in Teachings
Joy is experienced naturally in many circumstances of my life in Jesus and most importantly in relationships I have with His followers. It is especially important in the life of God’s people, who experience joy in response to all that God has done for us.
My joy should be a manifestation of God’s gift of joy to me. Jesus exhibited joy in His ministry on a constant basis. For the joy that was before Him, He suffered a cruel death taking my sins on Him, was raised from the dead in an incorruptible body and ascended back to heaven to take his rightful place of authority.
Jesus received great joy in His relationships. He gives us great joy in our relationships as well. Jesus is smiling! Continue reading
09 Tuesday May 2017
Posted in God is Good, God Thoughts
Tags
Our Father is near. His way of running things is taking hold. It can’t be missed. His presence is right here. It is undeniable. I can feel him next to me.
I hear his whisper in my ear. His gently pat on my head to comfort me is evidence of his love. God is good and in a good mood. I need to know this in my soul.
We know this. And so, our gentle way should really be evident to everyone we know. Is it?
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:5
17 Monday Apr 2017
Posted in God is Good, God Thoughts
This is His path to peace for me. I don’t understand it for sure but it is true. He is guarding me. Letting Him be in charge guards my mind from my own plans which clearly leads to worry and fear.
I should be thankful and talk with God about everything. He is in charge.
Jesus loves me and has wonderful plans for me. Wow, that takes the pressure off and allows me to not be anxious.
He ROCKS!!!
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! …. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in the Messiah Jesus. Philippians 4:4-9
14 Monday Nov 2016
Posted in God Thoughts, God's Goal
Here is some great advise from the Apostle Paul. The best he can wish for us is that we stay on track and that we are steady in God. Persistence and discipline are amazing when it comes to knowing God.
How often do we start something to not finish it? My life is littered with great intentions and false starts. What happened to that diet? Why did I quit exercising?
One of the greatest tragedies in the old plan were men of God who started well but finished poorly.
So … the best for us is that we stay on track and don’t waiver. Steady is the way of God’s new plan for us through his son Jesus, the Messiah.
My dear, dear friends! I love you so much. I do want the very best for you. You make me feel such joy, fill me with such pride. Don’t waver. Stay on track, steady in God. Philippians 4:1
15 Thursday Sep 2016
Posted in God Thoughts, God's Goal
Tags
Apostle Paul, Celebrate, Jesus, Love, Philippians 4, Second Coming
On Your Side
If I asked my family, friends and colleagues if it is clear that I am on their side, what would the answer be.
I am not sure and I am uncomfortable with that.
Jesus challenges me to love and be on the side of all I meet. That should be clear. Is it?
Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!
Source: Philippians 4:4 MSG – Celebrate God all day, every day. I – Bible Gateway
15 Friday Jul 2016
Posted in God is God, God Thoughts
Jesus Messiah
Paul lived as if Jesus could show up any minute. He believed it in his core. His passion, every minute, was about Jesus.
Paul challenges us to live the same way. Do I believe Jesus, the Messiah, could show up any minute now? Will it make a difference in what I do today?
God is God. God knows the time when that will happen. We do not. In the meantime, I must love God today. I must love everyone else I encounter today.
May I have the passion for my Jesus that I live like today is the day He will physically come back to reign on earth.
He could show up any minute!
~Apostle Paul (Philippians 4:5 The Message)
15 Wednesday Jun 2016
Posted in God is God, God Thoughts
Victory in Jesus
Paul is clear. Jesus is about to arrive.
Jesus was also clear. No one knows the time that will happen. That is God’s business. God is God.
Is this a conflict?
I don’t think so. This is the way we should live. What if Jesus does come back soon? Are we living the way He wants us to?
Should we live like it won’t be soon? Not hardly.
Help them see that the Master is about to arrive.” ~~Apostle Paul (Philippians 4:5 The Message)
11 Thursday Feb 2016
Posted in God Thoughts, God's Goal
Tags
Apostle Paul Sayings, Authentic, Beauty, Best, Compelling, Gracious, Jesus, Master, Noble, Philippians 4, Praise, Reputable, Truth
Think Happy
When I have changed my mind (repented), I need to fill my mind with the right things. What should I think about? What should concern me?
When I have learned something, I need to put it into practice. Life with Jesus, our Master, is not an exercise in intellectual gymnastics.
Thinking the right things and doing the right things makes everything work together. It creates an amazing harmony.
God has a goal from me. It is transformed thinking and acting on love.
Here is a great list of things to think about:
Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
20 Sunday Dec 2015
Posted in God is Good, God Thoughts
Tags
The Apostle Paul was there. He had learned how to be content. He was more than happy. It didn’t matter how little or how much he had.
Paul knew who he was in Jesus, the Messiah. That is all it took. That got him through everything.
May I know the same.
I don’t have a sense of needing anything personally. I’ve learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I’m just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I’ve found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. Philippians 4:11
31 Saturday Oct 2015
Posted in God Thoughts, God's Goal
Tags
This is worth repeating. It needs to be said frequently. It is absolute. May I rejoice in the Master always. Jesus, our Messiah, is in control. 
God’s goal for us is that we are more than happy all the time. The joy He brings is amazing.
So … I say it again. The joy He brings is amazing. It is stunning. May we start, live and end our day in joy.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4
12 Monday Oct 2015
Posted in God is Good, God Thoughts
Tags
Apostle Paul Sayings, Celebrate, Compassion, Hope, Jesus, Love, Messiah, Philippians 4
Acts of Kindness
Our God is in an amazing mood. We must celebrate that all day long, every single day.
Jesus, the Messiah and our Master, challenges us to love. We should work for people and not against them. It is probably a great question to ask ourselves, is it clear to the other person I am on their side? Is it clear to me that I am on their side? Is my love being demonstrated practically?
Our message to all we meet should be good news. We are a people of love, compassion, hope, generosity and forgiveness.
Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!
Source: Philippians 4:4 MSG – Celebrate God all day, every day. I – Bible Gateway
28 Monday Sep 2015
Posted in God is Good, God Thoughts
Tags
Abundance, Amazing, Apostle Paul Sayings, Glad, Jesus, Messiah, Philippians 4, Rejoice
We serve an amazing God. We need to celebrate everything He does for us. Celebrate Him doesn’t quite seem to capture it though. Paul suggests we revel in God. In Greek, the word is χαίρω. It means to rejoice or be glad. It is also used as a salutation or greeting.
Paul is emphatic. In the New American Standard Translation we read it like this. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!”
God is in a good mood. Whoo hoo!! I am glad. That is some good news. It is an amazing day in paradise.
I mean, revel in Jesus! ~~Apostle Paul (Philippians 4:4 The Message)
20 Thursday Aug 2015
Posted in God Thoughts, God's Goal
Am I working hard for Jesus? Am I working as hard as the Apostle Paul?
Or am I hardly working? Am I taking it easy, letting others carry the burden?
We all know what hard work is like. We all know what it is like to “hoof it” and be lazy. Many days it is just too easy. We pay the ministers to do their job. The contribution we make to the homeless shelter surely means they will help that man I see on street corner. The hospital will take care of that sick person. I don’t have to live out the message of Good News do I?
God expects us to work hard for His message. The power of the Holy Spirit makes it easy when we focus on what God wants and not our desire to take it easy.
These women worked for the Message of good news hand in hand with Clement and me, and with the other veterans—worked as hard as any of us. (Philippians 4:3 The Message)
20 Monday Jul 2015
Posted in God Thoughts, God's Goal
Tags
How often do I dog it, not giving my best?
Paul challenges us to live differently. We have opportunities every day to help work things out. We need to do our best. God’s goal for us is not the mediocre. It is our best.
God has given us his Spirit. We know what He wants us to do. We should do it. No if, and or buts. God is clear. We need to do it.
May I do my best.
And, oh, yes, Syzygus, since you’re right there to help them work things out, do your best with them. (Philippians 4:3 The Message)
20 Saturday Jun 2015
Posted in God Thoughts
Now here is some great advise from the Apostle Paul. He knew what he was talking about. This is how he lived his life in Jesus. Even when in prison for telling about the Good News of GOD, he would celebrate.
When we celebrate GOD, our focus is on Him and not us. It may seem straight forward but much of conversation with God is about us, not Him. That is not the way it should be.
Celebrating God gets us focused on what He wants. That is the way it should be. I should do it all day long. From the time I wake up in bed till the time I fall asleep at night.
Now is the time to celebrate!
Celebrate God all day, every day. (Philippians 4:4 The Message)
11 Wednesday Feb 2015
Posted in God Thoughts, God's Goal
How would Paul summarize things? Well, he would suggest that I fill my mind on some things that are positive. Not the power of positive thinking but something way beyond that. I need to practice these things. Peace will be mine if I do. There is a blessing attached to this.
Here are some ideas he suggests to me to think on and contemplate about:
There is plenty here to focus on. If I focus my thoughts and action on these things, I will have peace.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9
01 Sunday Feb 2015
Posted in God Thoughts, God's Goal
How can I help?
This is a stunning way to approach relationships. And it should be our approach to all we meet, not just friends and family.
Do they know I am on their side? Do they know I am working with them? Am I reasonable? Am I fair minded? Am I charitable?
What about that homeless person begging for money? Do they know I am on their side when I just ignore them? What about the cashier that is working for me?
It is simple but I am guessing not everyone I meet gets that.
And … it is not their fault if they don’t. God forbid they think I am against them. I’m sure, to my embarrassment, that it happens. I need to ask myself, and perhaps them, what can I do to help?
May I show my love by being on the side of my friends, family and everyone I meet.
Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute! (Philippians 4:4-5 The Message)
19 Saturday Jul 2014
Posted in God Thoughts, God's Goal
Holding a grudge
We are God’s children. Now think about it. He has forgiven us.
How does he want us to act? Does He want us to hold grudges?
Does He want us to forgive, iron out our differences and make up? Yes, God does. The first step is to iron out the differences. This requires coming to an understanding. It isn’t always just ignoring the underlying problem only to see it flare up again in the future.
God has a new way for us and it is not what we think. His goal is for us to love not to hate.
In His Spirit, we have the power to live a life of love. Children can get along. Hard to imagine but it is true.
I urge Euodia and Syntyche to iron out their differences and make up. God doesn’t want his children holding grudges. Philippians 4:2
31 Saturday May 2014
Posted in God is Good, God Thoughts, God's Goal
Tags
Gentleness, Heart, Joy, Mind, Peace, Philippians 4, Prayer, Rejoice, Thankful
Be Thankful
My part is to rejoice. God is so very good and He is always in this amazing mood. Jesus has a mission to bring Good News to me. Am I hearing bad news? It is a lie then. That is from my enemy Satan. So, I will rejoice at the good God is doing now.
I need to talk with my Father, ask Him for what I need, and be thankful in my conversations with Him. He knows what I need and will do more than I can imagine.
I don’t understand it, but as a result, His peace is mine. I can rest and relax. His peace is at attention in my heart. He is protecting me and the enemy can’t reach my heart.
God’s goal for me is to rejoice always. This is so important, Paul says it to us twice. Be thankful. Be grateful. Our prayers are to be with thanksgiving.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-9
