When we Focus on Things that aren't Important to God...

For a Christian, doing what is important to God should be our number one priority. Now I'm not talking about your your relationship with other Christians (although that in itself is important), I'm talking about your relationship with the Lord. Going to church will not get you into heaven if your relationship with the Lord is hindered by your life. How we live, how we present ourselves to others and the time we spend in God's Word is very telling of our commitment to God. We get into trouble when we start putting things in front of Him. What are those "things"? It can be work, the fun we have, TV or even sports. There is nothing wrong with those things but if they steal time from God or if they make you so weary that you are too tired to serve the Lord then they become a modern day idol in your life. Just like any relationship caring about what is important to the other person should be of great value to us. Why should God be any different? The only difference is God is never wrong and what is important to him is always best for us!

Be Kind...

Often referred to as the golden rule (basically), I believe that being kind to others has many benefits besides from it being one of those things in the Bible that we are supposed to do. Of course there is the good feeling that comes when you are kind to someone. Then there is the reciprocal effect that sometimes happens and you don't expect it. OK, back to the Bible, did you know that prayers are hindered because you are not kind? Yes this is true; being unkind or abusive to ones wife for instance will keep the husbands prayers from being answered. So... it may seem like a given but you really don't have to be out right abusive to your wife, just a little unkind and it will cause you many problems. A little kindness goes a long way with people and with God.

Sin Destroys Lives... Christ Gives Life!

Sin will destroy everything you've ever worked for. In a moment, a bad decision can bring tremendous guilt and regret. We all make mistakes, some we feel are trivial and others bring the pain of remorse. God does forgive us and casts our sins as far as the east is from the west. He also forgets our sins. When we say over and over "God forgive me", he says forgive what... what sin. Even though we are forgiven we tend to hang on to the sin and carry the load in the form of regret. Ask God for peace and ask him for grace to protect you from your past. He loves us and wants to help us.

So, what do we do... Sin will catch up with us and the more we sin the more regret we will have. Time heals pain and walking in the light of the Lord heals our mind. Don't let Satan steal your joy and lie to you. He wants you to feel defeated. Give your heart completely to the Lord. Ask him for help. He will help you... he loves you. Learn from your mistakes, try not to repeat sins. If you do, ask God to forgive you again. Ask him for strength. Don't give up... never give up, your reward awaits you.

He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. Psalm 103:9-14

Stress... The Joy Killer

Life can be very stressful. This year for me has been a difficult one. Our Lord is very aware of our current situations and wants to help us. I know this is true but I so often try to carry the load myself. He wants us to give him our worries, concerns, troubles and even our guilt. He cares for us and will bear that load. He knows and feels our pain; he sees our tears. He suffered so we would not have to. Sure there will be trying times because we live in an imperfect world but the more we rely on him by giving those stressful issues to him, the happier we will be.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

I Need Proof!

If you need proof you may be trying to understand something supernatural but your mind nor mine can completely do this. I understand your frustration in wanting proof for everything; even Thomas who personally knew Jesus always wanted proof. Many things in the Bible are accepted by Christians with Faith knowing that he is God not us. I have seen miracles, but I cannot prove them to you because you may doubt me as well. I pray that you will someday find what you are searching for and that, believe it or not... is a revelation of God in your life.