Overcorrection
When you’re driving in storm- if your car begins to hydroplane, it’s easy to overcorrect and make matters worse. Instead, stay calm, gently tap the brakes, and turn the steering wheel in the direction the car is moving. The worst thing you can do is overreact and send the car out of control by making additional wrong moves. This is the same in our Christian walk. If we find ourselves coming out of a difficult situation, it’s easy to overcompensate and make rash decisions. Instead, ask God for wisdom, listen to His still small voice, and calmly navigate your way to a better tomorrow.
True Identity
We live in a culture of performance where what you do helps define who you are. Our culture is one that promotes status and wealth, education and production. The danger of this is that we can easily slide into finding our identity in our activities and roles. This can even happen within ministry. Our work locates us in the social world and assigns value to us. Centuries of sociological conditioning have served to hard-wire us this way. But the reality is that our worth comes from God and not our achievements. Colossians 2:10 says, “In Him you have been made complete.” So, if you’re looking for your true identity, the only place to find it is in Jesus Christ!
Pearls
In the pearl oyster, a tiny grain of sand makes a wound, which causes the little creature a lot of suffering. The oyster begins secreting various minerals to encase the irritant and eventually, a beautiful pearl emerges from the wound. In life we incur hurts and scars; adversities and afflictions; sorrows and suffering. In Galatians 6:17, the apostle Paul said, “I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.” Suffering grows us and matures us. Our hurts teach us and strengthen us. Through the power of Divine grace, our own hurts become rich pearls in our character; true marks of Jesus. Trust Him today to transform your suffering into pearls as a testimony of His faithfulness!
Social Ties
A recent study suggests that time spent in fellowship with other people is good for our health. People with fewer social ties had significantly higher risks of heart disease and cancer. Doctors claim that social isolation is a source of chronic stress that puts us at risk. Hebrews 10:25 says, “Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting together for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other…” So, Don’t isolate! If you’ve gotten out of the habit of going to church, maybe you should go back. Social ties that are also spiritual are extra good for your health!
Leave Fear at the Door
Recently, I was listening to an interview with an Olympic high diving champion. They asked her how she overcame the fear to jump from higher and higher platforms. She said she learned a lesson early on- that when she decides to do something challenging, she leaves fear at the door. She literally pictures herself dropping it off and moving forward. What a great piece of advice. What are you nervous about right now? A job interview? A public speaking event? A high diving competition? Try her advice. Recognize the fear you have about the event and leave it at the door. The apostle Paul gives us some encouraging words in 2nd Timothy “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control”
Reflected in you
A master silversmith was carefully preparing silver for molding. The ore liquefied and came to a slow boil in the large pot hanging over the fire. He scooped off the residue that had risen to the top and discarded it, explaining that he was making sure the silver was pure; free from any impurities known as “dross.” Curious, an onlooker asked how he knew when the silver was pure. The silversmith answered, “When I see my face clearly reflected in the silver.” Jesus wants to see His image reflected in you. Only when you bear the Master’s image are you truly pure. So, let Him remove the impurities so His image can be reflected to the world around you.
The Awe of Creation
I was on a solo road trip recently that took me through the Appalachian Mountains. I had already been on the road for hours and was getting restless and grumpy. Just ready to be there. I was stressed- thinking of all I needed to do once I arrived. But, suddenly, the highway rounded through the forest and opened up in a valley- surrounded by gorgeous, lush mountains- with pieces of clouds clinging to them like cotton candy. My jaw literally dropped at the beauty. I felt so small. In that moment my petty concerns seemed so insignificant. God has always used His creation to bring me back to Him. In that moment I could hear His spirit telling me to simply breathe. If you’re feeling stressed out, maybe it’s time you disconnected and enjoyed His creation.
Help People When They Need Help
I was walking through midtown on my way to a meeting when I noticed a homeless lady struggling with her bike across the street. The front wheel looked crooked, and I could see she was frustrated. But I was going to be late! I kept walking, until I remembered a quote from author James Clear. “You don’t help people when it’s convenient for you- you help people when they need help”. I turned around and crossed the street- greeting the woman with the bike. I asked if I could help and together, we got the axle back in the right spot and she was good to go. She was so excited that I stopped to help. With all that she had going on- in that moment I was able to remind her we’re all in this together. Sometimes that’s all people need. The omnipresence of our heavenly Father is lived out through us. So, whether it’s convenient or not, go and be His hands and feet.
He did it first
When children begin taking swimming lessons, they’re often asked to jump into the water from the pool's edge. But this can be an incredibly scary experience for many kids. It's not unusual to see a small child frozen at the edge of the pool while everyone else encourages them to jump. To ease this fear, swimming instructors often demonstrate the jump themselves, allowing the child to witness someone they know and trust successfully entering the water and resurfacing safely. Similarly, Jesus did the same for us. He faced and endured all the challenges and hardships that we encounter in life. Through His example, He demonstrated that it is possible to overcome obstacles and emerge victorious. He’s given us the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide us through the trials we face. So, follow your Savior and jump in!
More than a Spectator
Baseball legend Yogi Berra was once struggling in a tied game, bottom of the ninth, two outs. The opposing batter stepped into the box and used his bat to draw a cross in the dirt. Berra quickly wiped the religious symbol off the plate. A Catholic as well, he said to the batter, “Why don’t we let God just watch this game?” Can you resonate with Berra? It’s so common to see people trivialize religion by petitioning God selectively and selfishly. However, we can also take comfort today in the fact that God’s involvement in our lives is not simply that of a spectator.