Virus

Have you ever had a computer problem caused by a virus?  You know, one of those nasty things that infects your computer and tries to take over everything?  It really limits what you can do with the computer, and it can even eventually take over the whole thing.

The virus that is infecting your computer is trying to find a weakness in the computer’s defenses and use that weakness in order to spread.  As it spreads it takes over system after system until it’s run out of space to spread, often crippling your computer.

Do you realize that what I’ve described can also be the process behind how sin works in our lives?  Sin is Satan’s way of lowering our defenses in order to block out the good things that God wants us to have in our lives, just like that computer virus does to your computer.  Satan’s goal with sin is to use it as an entrance into your life and allow more sin into your life.  If Satan can get that one crack in the defenses he will eventually try to block you from the relationship with God that you’ve been building.

So how do you keep sin from getting into your life?  Let’s be honest, sin is a part of life.  You and I are not ever going to be perfect so there will be times when sin will enter your life even when you are vigilant in keeping it away.  So, the key, just like with your computer, is having a great antivirus program.  God provides us with  free access to the best program you could ever download:  The Bible!  Then He also sets other people in our lives that are there to support us and help us grow in our relationship with Him.  There are also small groups, Bible studies, worship music, friends, prayer and accountability partners, and so much more readily available for us at any time.  All provided by the God who loves us all and wants to make sure that we are always growing in our relationship with Him.

So, if you want to keep from allowing that virus known as sin a foothold in your life, it’s time to use the programs that God makes readily available to each and every one of us.  

Positive Memories

What do you see when you look back at your childhood?  Do you remember all the little arguments you had with your parents?  Maybe you remember that big fight you had because you didn’t get your way?  Oh, and I’m sure you remember that time at the store when they wouldn’t buy you that new cereal that just came out, the new cassette tape, or vinyl album?

I’m guessing that what you remember most is the good times that you had.  (I realize that not everyone has fond memories, but follow along here please.)  You remember the family trip you took, or the late night you spend talking with mom or dad.  Maybe you remember the first time dad let you have the car keys on your own, or the sporting events of yours that they attended?

My point is that parenting in my mind is about creating those positive encounters that our children will always look back on in a positive light.  They aren’t going to remember the argument you had about not brushing their teeth tonight, but instead they’ll remember the family trip to Cedar Point.  They will remember the fact that you helped them get better at their favorite sport, or at least attended their games. 

God calls us to be good parents, which can leave a lot to interpretation.  But there is one thing I know for sure.  Being with your children as they are growing up and showing an interest in the things they do and wanting to be with them is a big part of being a parent.  Focus on the Family says it like this:

Your presence matters. Children regard your presence as a sign of care and connectedness. Families who eat meals together, play together and build traditions together thrive.

If you want your family to thrive and your children to have those positive memories of their childhood, spend some time with them and create those memories.  It is another way we can make God’s kingdom stronger.

Time for a Decision

Through my many dealings with people I hear a variety of prayer requests.  Lately I’ve heard from a young lady who really wants her life to be different, but she doesn’t understand why God doesn’t fully answer her prayers.  I was praying through how to help this person when God had this thought pop into my head:  “You can be angry with God for what you don't have, or happy with Him for what you do have.”

What a decision that is!  I had never thought of my Christian walk this way but, man, does that hit home!.  Yet, what a true statement it is! 

In our society it’s become easy to be negative and so not accept that God really is working in our lives.  We don’t have things the way we want them, so we just assume that God isn’t helping us.  Instead, He is richly blessing us every day and we don’t even notice.

So, my question for you today is:  Can you accept that you now have to do the hard thing?  You have to decide to be happy for what you do have instead of being unhappy for what you don’t have.  I have a feeling that once you make that change that you’ll find yourself blessed even more.

So, give it a try!  What do you have to lose?

Alone Time

Last Thursday and Friday I took a trip with my friend Larry.  It was a quick trip down into southern Indiana where we had the opportunity to see a number of things related to the movie Hoosiers and the Milan team that inspired the movie.

As much as the trip was about going to see these attractions, it was just as much about spending time with a good friend.  We regularly contact one another about day-to-day happenings; however, we don’t normally get to spend much “face time” with one another when others aren’t around or for any real length of time.

I mention this trip because it can be used to emphasize the importance of reconnecting with God when you think that you haven’t been as close as you’d like to be.  Just as Larry and I did by going on this trip, sometimes you need some time away with God in order to make your relationship with Him stronger.  Sometimes you need to have that one-on-one time with God in order to talk with Him about things that you don’t have time to do in the midst of the day-to-day of your life.  Another benefit of that alone time with God is when you focus on Him, your chances of hearing what He has to say is only going to be stronger.

If you haven’t had that alone time with God lately, then maybe it’s time to get away.  You don’t have to go far to get that time in… as God is much closer than you think.