Resolutions

12/30/2011

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We're hearing all kinds of ideas about "New Years Resolutions." Promises we make to God, or to ourselves or to others about habits we want to start or stop in this next new year.  But I heard on the radio again today that 80% of all resolutions will be broken in January---30 days.
We can plan, promise, resolve, or vow all types of things but uness we carry them out to fruition they are vain and empty.  It's like someone once said, "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions."
Could I just offer one piece of counsel?  From all the teachings I've read in the Bible, there is only one thing God really wants and expects from His children. It is not prayer, it is not praise, and it is not working harder for Him.  It's is not even giving or loving.
The one thing God wants is...OBEDIENCE! To obey is greater than sacrifice, the Scripture says.  Jesus stated that "You are my disciples if you do my commandments."
Resolutions - nah. 
Promises - probably not. 
Obedience - everything!!
As you come to the New Year, just do what He says to do.  That will cover prayer, praise, loving, giving, and all the rest.  2012, another chance to obey your Father!!
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Whatcha Thinkin'?

12/03/2011

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"Whatcha thinkin?"
That's a question I often ask my wife.  I'd like to know what is on her mind at the moment.
I wonder if perhaps we need to ask ourselves, quite often, "Whatcha thinkin?" You see, we can entertain thoughts that uplift, encourage, and challenge, or conversely, they can even destroy us.
We can have such "stinkin' thinkin" that we lose the joy of the moment or the day.  We can poison our relationships and destroy our own peace of mind, by dwelling on hurtful and harmful thoughts.
Scripture tells that "whatsoever a man thinks in his heart is what he becomes".  Another verse tells us that as a believer, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus."  Paul said to think and to  dwell  on "things above" - virtuous, pure, true, and uplifting.
When you give in to negative thoughts of fear, or jealousy, or anger, etc.,  they can cause all kinds of problems and pain for you.  But when you focus on the positive, and try looking at situations and people the way Christ sees them, it increases your trust, your creativity and faith, and your joy and peace.
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