What to Do

Much of the world is in conflict. These are uncertain times. What
should we do? Same thing we should do if the whole world was at
peace: Trust God.

In difficult times, God did not say to His people: "How do you feel
about that?" What did He say to them? "Do not be afraid." That is a
command. It requires a decision independent of feelings.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified..."
(Deu 31:6 NIV)

PEP TALK

Sometimes we all need a "pep-talk". Sometimes we all need a
reminder. Sometimes we all need to be awakened from the daydreams of
our emotional self-talk and be reminded of how things really are--as
opposed to how we feel at the moment.

Consider today's message as such.
  

Sing for joy, O heavens! Rejoice, O earth! Burst into song, O
  mountains! For the LORD has comforted his people and will have
  compassion on them in their sorrow. Yet Jerusalem says, "The LORD
  has deserted us; the Lord has forgotten us." "Never! Can a mother
  forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for a child she has
  borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See,
  I have written your name on my hand. Ever before me is a picture of
  Jerusalem's walls in ruins. (Isa 49:13-16 NLT)

Success

Whether in sports, business, or life, being aware of and focused on
the goal is absolutely necessary if you hope to succeed. "If you
don't know where you're going, you'll never get there."

For Believers, I believe the goal--the most important thing--is that
we maintain our relationship with God and fulfill His purpose for
our lives. That is why I pray, "Lord, do whatever you need to do to
cause me to be whatever You need me to be."

That said, I do hope He does not have to send a fish to swallow me
to get my attention. However, if that is what it takes, so be it.
  

Then the sailors picked Jonah up and threw him into the raging sea,
  and the storm stopped at once! The sailors were awestruck by the
  Lord's great power, and they offered him a sacrifice and vowed to
  serve him. Now the LORD had arranged for a great fish to swallow
  Jonah. And Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three
  nights. Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from inside the fish.
  He said, "I cried out to the LORD in my great trouble, and he
  answered me. I called to you from the world of the dead, and LORD,
  you heard me! (Jonah 1:15-2:2 NLT)

Be a Better Listener

Has someone ever asked you a question, then they do not stop talking
long enough for you to answer? A good counselor would ask: "How did
that make you feel?"

Have you ever wondered how God feels when we do it to Him?
  

The LORD said to me, "Son of man, look carefully, listen closely,
  and give attention to everything I tell you... (Ezek 44:5 NIV)

natural

It is a law of nature: Living things reproduce after their own kind.
We, as Believers, reproduce by sharing the message, our experiences,
and our faith by our words, our actions--and our very lives. Those
are ways we testify.

One definition of 'testify' is: "Serve as evidence or proof of
something's existence." And, by the way, testifying is not optional.
  

He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is
  the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All
  the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him
  receives forgiveness of sins through his name." (Acts 10:42-43 NIV)l

Work

There is a principle is sales training that I have heard expressed
like this: "You can work hard, or you can work smart."

The same principle applies in spiritual things. We can work hard,
yet accomplish nothing because we do it in our own strength. Or, we
can work in agreement with God and see amazing things happen.
  
  When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep
  water, and let down the nets for a catch." Simon answered, "Master,
  we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because
  you say so, I will let down the nets." When they had done so, they
  caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.
  (Luke 5:4-6 NIV)

Jesus Wept (hurt)

If you have not been hurt by someone, you may not have been close
enough to them to be hurt. We are deeply emotional beings. It is the
way of life, and just another aspect of our lives that is in the
image of God.

Perhaps you have not thought about God hurting? Remember the
shortest verse in the Bible, the one most of us learned as a child:
"Jesus wept." (John 11:35)?

If He was not capable of feeling emotional pain, I do not believe
we would either. But He is. So we are. And we do.
  

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and
  repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my
  voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he
  with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me
  on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his
  throne. (Rev 3:19-21 NIV)

New Years

Some say that the first days of a new year are like any other days.
Others say there is something special about them. Whichever way you
think... you are correct.

True: One day is as another. Also true: If we can use dates on a cal-
endar to help us make changes in our lives, that makes them special.

Whether you make resolutions or not, changes that bring us closer to
God are always for our good. Use what helps; do what works for you.
 

They will return to it and remove all its vile images and detestable
  idols. I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in
  them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a
  heart of flesh. (Ezek 11:18-19NIV)