Weakness

When we fill out a resume, we tend to list our best qualities and attributes while omitting our failures, bad habits, and weaknesses. We probably would be unemployed if we did mention those negative things! It’s in our nature to want to put our best foot forward and minimize our less positive qualities.  

But that version of ourselves is not a true representation, is it? If we really wanted to show others an accurate picture of our lives, it would have to include the good and the bad. And God sees both sides. He loves us completely, even knowing all our flaws. Jesus’ sacrifice has allowed us to be made perfect in Him even though we are not perfect ourselves, and Paul tells us that it’s okay to admit that we have weaknesses: 

But he [Jesus] said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. -2 Corinthians 12:9 

When it comes to our relationship with God, we don’t need to try to pretend we are perfect and ignore the faults. We need to admit the faults and allow Christ’s power to help us overcome them. Don’t be afraid to admit your weaknesses this week. Let Christ’s power be made perfect through you so you can have a more authentic relationship with Him. 

Journey on!

Your Reputation

There is a popular belief in our society that we shouldn’t care about what anyone thinks of us- just be yourself and tell those who don’t approve to bug off. It is true that we should be authentic, but that concept is regrettably self-centered. God created you to be the amazing person you are, and He wants you to use the gifts He gave you to help and encourage others. If you choose to run people over with abrasiveness and pride, who is going to listen to you when you have something important to say? There are definitely times when we need to get bold and passionate with our words, as Jesus did when he was speaking against injustice and abuse of others. But in many cases when someone disagrees with you, all that is required is a little patience and wisdom spoken with respect.   

A gentle answer turns away wrath,
       but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
 

Ultimately, the goal is not to win an argument and hold the title of being “right.” It’s to help others truly understand and know God. Make an effort this week to show Christ to others by showing others the respect and love they deserve.
 

Journey on!

Encouragement

When someone praises you, it lifts up your spirit. It makes it a little easier to keep doing whatever you were doing because you feel encouraged. Many times in a day you may hear people complaining, getting angry at the little things, or talking negatively about someone. When we constantly participate in negative conversation, it can make our jobs less enjoyable, and can drag us down with the ones who were speaking. I challenge you to pay attention to the way you conduct your conversations this week. Are you unintentionally dragging other down by complaining? Or are you being an encouragement to those around you? Find ways each day to be a light to someone you encounter. Let others know you appreciate them and that they are doing a great job. You will find that when you focus on encouraging others, you will be encouraged as well! 

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24 

Journey on!

Spiritual Struggle

“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.”

Galatians 5:16-17 

We all have a sinful nature as humans. No one goes along in life without struggling with sin. It’s a challenge at times to understand how to deal with our issues. But when we live as children of God who have been set free through Christ, we know we are forgiven no matter the struggles. God loves us despite our baggage! But He tells us that if we can learn to walk in Him and follow where He leads, we can avoid many of the traps of our sinful nature. As His followers, we need to recognize our weaknesses and not become paralyzed by them but rather expose them and ask Christ to set us free. We can take steps to avoid situations that we know will tempt us in our personal struggles, and find spiritual partners to encourage us and challenge us in our journey. Take time to focus your heart this week on walking firmly in the Spirit rather than allowing your sinful nature to take control. 

  Journey on!

Out of the Darkness

Living this close to the ocean, with its tropical storms and hurricanes, you are probably quite familiar with losing electricity. Around here, it’s wise to keep candles, flashlights and generators on hand. Without those things, you could end up sitting in a very hot, dark house waiting for help. It’s frustrating to be stuck in the dark.  

Christ tells us that he is the Light that has come to destroy darkness. We know that when this world ends and we go to be with Him in heaven, there will be no more darkness. But that everlasting light isn’t just something to look forward to in the future- it’s a hope we can hold onto even now. Whatever pain is in our past, whatever sin holds us captive even now…all those things can be destroyed and Christ’s light can fill those dark places and make us new. When we allow Christ to shine through us, we can live in a brighter world even here on earth. We need His light to guide us and to remove anything that hinders us from a deep relationship with Him. Bask in His illuminating presence today and say goodbye to the darkness in your life.
 

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12
 

    Journey on!

Hang in There!

Let’s face it- life is not always easy. We have all had days where we feel like just giving up. Just because we are followers of Christ doesn’t mean that our lives will be without challenges. The Bible talks a lot about the challenges and difficulties that we will face in this world. But it also provides an overwhelming sense of hope for those who trust in God: 

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10
 

As God’s children, we can rest in the fact that we are never facing our trials alone; He is always with us and will give us the strength to persevere, the courage to stand firm in our faith, and the comfort and peace we need to see us through our hard days. Find your refuge in Him today!
 

Journey on!

Stuck in Sin

Do you ever feel trapped? Do you feel like you are being held hostage by a negative situation, a bad habit…a reoccurring sin? 

Sometimes it’s hard to believe that there is any way to be free of the things that bind us emotionally and spiritually. Many times they are struggles that others don’t even realize we have. And when we are broken down by these things over and over again, it can seem hopeless and inevitable that things will never change. 

But God is bigger than your biggest sins! His grace and mercy are abundant. His love for you is more than you could imagine. Yes, even though He sees your darkest moments and your greatest weaknesses, He LOVES you dearly. Don’t give up on yourself, because He hasn’t given up on you. He can help you work through whatever you are dealing with, and He will forgive you when you fall a long the way…every time. Seek Him with all your heart and ask Him to heal you from your sins today.

“He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.” Psalm 40:2

Journey on!

What Now?

There was a time years ago when it was a very slow process to obtain information, if you could even get access to it at all. Today, we are blessed to have almost instantaneous access to all kinds of information.  The internet allows us to learn all sorts of things at just the click of a mouse. 

But even in this age of knowledge, we don’t have all the answers. There are still many times when we will question, “What do we do now?” The path that we should follow is not listed neatly and easily for us on Wikipedia. We aren’t walking through life with all the decisions made for us and all the answers right there in front of us. For most of us, we still have to search and question and try and fail before we find our place in this world. But when we put our faith in Jesus, we find ourselves walking through life with a light before us, helping us find the right way to go. He will give you the guidance you need, the strength and courage to go into the world and not be afraid. When we have Christ as the center of our lives, our focus becomes seeking the path that God has for us. We realize that He has a special plan for us and that if we trust Him, he will open the doors that need to be opened and protect us along the way. 

Instead of stressing about the unknown things that lie ahead, put your faith and hope in Christ, and enjoy the journey that God has planned for you! He will show you what to do. 

John 8:12
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." 

Journey on!

Helping Hands

Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.  It's not.  ~Dr. Seuss 

God made more than one person on this earth for a reason: we need each other! As much as we like to try to be independent, there will always come a time when we have to lean on others to get us through. And God calls us to be willing to help others when they come to us with needs, too. But we shouldn’t just wait until someone asks…if we see someone dealing with a difficult situation or in need of something, we should take the initiative to make a difference in their lives without them even having to ask. Honor God through your helping hands this week! 

“Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

Journey on!