I think we should be careful when we use the title “hero” to assess another’s accomplishments and to denote how we feel about them.Too often, when we become carried away, what we really end up feeling is that they are “gods” and can do no wrong.
The origin of the word hero comes from a Greek word that means “warrior” or “defender” and according to Dictionary.com. means “a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities.”
I do believe that the Lord has raised up particular people on this earth bestowing upon them exceptional gifts in order to be used as role models.As far as I am concerned, that concept is biblical in origin.However, where we begin to have trouble with those we consider a hero is that often, we become too extreme in our feelings and then end up putting them on a pedestal.They, in turn, begin to fall for the hype you, the media and I have created.The result is that we castigate them for being less than a “perfect” person when they display failings in any area of their lives.
Lance Armstrong is but the latest in the string of celebrities who has fallen victim to an image that the world created and when he fell, it was with a resounding thud.He is, however, not entirely to blame.
I believe there are people put on this earth who are given exceptional abilities but are gifted only to be mentors, giving hope and inspiration for others in their own lives.Too often, however, our feelings border on obsession and then, somehow, we forget that they are only like the rest of us¯imperfect¯but then we rake them over the coals when they disappoint us.
Lance and others were wrong to take God-given talents and abuse them; plain and simple.The deceit is almost incomprehensible but…he survived cancer and his foundation has raised much for cancer research.He tumbled down the hill but have mercy¯he is only human. And look what his foundation has done for humankind.
Since Washington’s time, there has been a constitutional requirement that the President of the United States take an oath or affirmation before beginning the execution of his office, declaring that he will faithfully fulfill his duties as president.
When he is sworn in on January 21st, President Obama will use two Bibles, one that was owned by Lincoln and the other a “traveling Bible” used by Martin Luther King during this ceremony.Though not a novel idea, three past presidents took oaths using multiple Bibles.However, it will hold a highly symbolic meaning bringing to remembrance the equality issue both men struggled with as leaders.
Originally, Atlanta pastor, Louie Giglio, was fingered by the Presidential Inaugural Committee to deliver the invocation at the president’s inauguration (customarily done by clergy).Reverend Giglio has been around a while and a cause near to his heart is combating human trafficking.He recently raised over 3 million dollars toward this effort and this was a big part of why he was invited to give the prayer.
Then a liberal website by the name of Think Progress posted an audio of a sermon Giglio gave 15-20 years ago where he called homosexuality a sin.Think Progress called his sermon “vehemently anti-gay” and then, the PIC back peddled when they caught wind of the sermon and stated they were unaware of Giglio’s stance when he was chosen.They said his position did “not reflect our desire to celebrate the strength and diversity of our county at this Inaugural.”
The purpose of this blog is not to do battle over homosexuality.Giglio simply declared a viewpoint, something he knows to be true, and said it and he ultimately stepped back from giving the invocation; who knows, perhaps done under advisement from the Lord.
The definition of an affirmation is to assert that something exists or is true.So, I would like to ask the president what it means to him when he puts his hand on a Bible.What do you declare to be true and whom are you trying to please, man or God?
I may be more “old school” than most of you who read this website but when I was growing up, females were not expected to do anything but grow up, get married and have children.Nothing else much was expected of them. Those are not undesirable accomplishments, but many of us were never encouraged to pursue a professional life.Thank goodness, things have drastically changed and women now hold high and important positions in corporate America.But there still is somewhat of a stigma on those who are unmarried to do so or you are somehow less of a person because you need a “better half.”
There were nearly 100,000 unmarried people in the United States and there is a plethora of online dating sites poised to let you that without their services, you will remain “alone and lonely.”
The impetus behind this blog is when I hear or read advertisements for these sites (many of them Christian) they imply that they will help you find the right mate, that they can create the long term relationship you need and your “perfect” match can be found by going on their site. One bragged that because of them, 120 weddings were performed a day.I was on an e-commerce’s site recently and they advertised a book written by someone who said that people are not complete without a mate and that God does not desire you to be incomplete.
I cannot assume to know what God knows, but I assure you that I know God well enough to say that He does not consider me (or others) incomplete because we are currently single.The online dating market generated around 900 million dollars in revenue in 2011 off people and these services are making money because they tell people they are “lonely.”That has put a burr under my saddle.
Love is the strongest emotion there is and the one thing everyone wants, even more than money.How can it not be, God created us.But let Him be your matchmaker and trust that He will bring you who He deems your mate in this life to be.
The definition of First is being number one, foremost and before any other.
There were many firsts in our lives. Our first love, our first born, our first day at school and our first kiss. There was the first man on the moon, the first president, the first flight and the first person to invent just about everything. There are so many that I cannot list them all but you can.
Who is First in your life?
Make up your mind right now to put God First all year.
Are you shepherding your flock? As a shepherd, do you not have responsibilites?
We must be fed. We must have water. We must be watched and kept safe. We must be disciplined.
We are hungry and thirsty. Please feed me until I am full. Though just to let you know, I am never full. I could be fed night and day. I never seem to get enough. I need more. I need fed so that I can grow...grow with God.
I am still a little lamb that needs your guidance. Discipline me in God's word. I need to know the rules. If you don't teach me the rules, who will? I need to know the truth. Please don't let me stray. Keep a watchful eye on me. Isn't it your job? Isn't it your responsibility? When you sleep, I wander away. I feel so lost. Where are you? I need your direction. Please take care of me. I rely on you. When you put on your cloak and grab your staff, you are in charge. Take charge.
I need to trust you. My life is in your hands. You could lead me anywhere and I would follow you, for I am just a lamb. You would never want to hurt me, would you?
What have you done for Jesus today? Yesterday? Have you given your money, your time, your listening ear or your open arms for a hug needed? It takes you to give and then He will give.
My whole life I’ve taken and taken. I have prayed about it, received it and taken it. Now it is time to return it.
Somewhere in your family, church, work, or community, somewhere, someone needs something.
I have always been fearful about having enough money. I cannot give because I cannot pay the bills. What would happen if I couldn’t make the house payment because I gave to God or someone that needed it? It has taken me several years to figure out that if I give either with my time or offering, He makes sure that my bills are paid. You have to realize that the only reason that you have money to pay your bills is because God gave you your job to make the money. He is there for you but in order to receive you have to give. Pray about this today and give back some of what was given to you. Plant your seed and watch it grow.
I have not listened many times when I should have. As a child, my parents tried to tell me things and guide me so that I wouldn’t be hurt. My counselors and teachers tried to show me the way toward a better education and future. My Sunday school teachers and pastors tried to mold me into the type of Christian that I needed to be. Unfortunately, like most, I turned out ok but I did it the hard way.
Why are we so hardheaded and stubborn? Why does it take so much for us just to give in and do what we are asked to do?
Even today, I find it hard just to listen and obey. WE are in a society where we have to have it our way. It is unfortunate. We all would have so much if we would just obey. What is wrong with having it God’s way? After all, He did create us and He does bless us.
I know when God is talking to me. He is very clear on what must be done.
I live a routined life. I know what is ahead of me when my feet hit the floor. If I were to obey and do what He wants me to do without thinking, I would be out of my set routine, out of my comfort zone. It might actually take time out of my already busy day and I have no time to spare. Though what is time anyway?
I feel blessed that He is still talking to me. He has not given up on me. If we listen, we will be blessed abundantly. Do you have the time to spare? For one time in our lives, we must be quiet and not think it through. Open your ears. Do you hear Him? Listen, Do It, Be Blessed.
When I first started to get serious about my walk with Jesus, I would read two chapters of my Bible a day. To read my Bible and really get into it, I have to focus only on it. That means no television and no noise. It has to be full dedication. Well, two chapters became easy but to feed my spirit, I needed more. I went to two chapters in the morning and two chapters in the evening. I also was saying my prayers in the morning before work and whenever I felt that I should during my workday. I began to feel the need to not only pray before I came to bed but to start praising God for what He has done in my life already.
Your spiritual life changes. I have had many changes. I just know when it is time to do something different. I feel inside that I need more and it is time to make the change.
Now I read my Bible at night and watch TBN(Christian TV) before going to work in the morning. I was trying to do both and getting nothing from it. How can you listen and read at the same time and grasp what God is trying to give you? Six months ago, you couldn't make me watch TBN. Now I watch it every morning. That half hour is the most peaceful, relaxing time of the day because my spirit is getting fed.
Make the changes that you need to keep God fresh in your life. If you are not sure what changes need to be made, ask Him. He will let you know.
My mother took us to church at a young age so I learned who Jesus was very early on. The thing is that just because you know of Him, doesn't mean that you KNOW Him. I knew it was the right thing to go to church but didn't understand why. As I grew older and life began to throw curve balls my way, I reacted as any other worldly person and tried to fix everything my way. Unfortunately, we personally cannot fix things and it took me a long time to figure that out. I was not a slow learner but just very hardheaded. It was my way or as they say, the highway. Well, as my life continued to be topsy-turvy, I met Molly. Ironically, well, I am sure that God had a hand in it, we both came south the same year. We have stuck together through thick and thin. We have never been afraid to speak what God has put on our hearts even if it hurt one of us. We are like peanut butter and jelly. We just go together. Sometimes it is creamy peanut butter but sometimes it is super crunchy.
I have always felt that I was a child of God. I feel Him in me. I believe that if you do the right thing, He will bless you in some kind of way. I have been blesed and I hope that my simple, down to earth letters will bless you...
Do you ever come across people or a certain person who seem to bring you down continually?Is it hard to go to work everyday knowing that your happiness may go down the tubes?Are you having a great day and then someone cuts you off in traffic or you come home to a mess that someone made and should have cleaned up?
Well, let me tell you a story about JOY.My friend and I have issues like all of you.I told her that we need to start carrying our JOY in our back pockets.In carrying our JOY in our back pockets, we have to make an honest effort to not let anyone steal our JOY.Now that is a tough thing.Let’s face it.For every kind person, unfortunately, there are 5 mean, hateful people who really want to steal your JOY.I would look in my back pocket at the end of the day and sometimes my JOY was there and sometimes it was just OY.My thinking is that when your JOY becomes just Y, you begin to think WHY am I here and WHY am I doing this?It frustrates me at times and makes me mad because the devil is winning.What right does he have to my JOY?
My new thing is that I am not going to let the devil win.Is it going to be a struggle?Well, of course.He really tries to make my life miserable.Doesn’t he do that to you also?We need to take control of the issues.Use the ten second rule of waiting ten seconds before you answer anyone.Make sure that it is what God would want you to say.Guard your JOY and be proud of yourself that you have come home with JOY in your pocket and in your heart.Remember though, you will have those days that you end up with just OY or Y but God is with you through it all.HE loves us all and he is Y we are all here.Love to you all!
