It's All Over

Have you noticed that the political ads have gone away?  I know, it happened a few weeks ago and life is already returning to normal.  You’ve got all the old ads back that you already wish were gone again.

What would you think if Christians and non-Christians had that kind of battle over the airwaves for the lost people of this world?  We could approve messages that attacked the other side, and they would do the same.  Do you think that kind of barrage would win over people for Christ?  If you said no, then why does it work in the political system?

If you said it’s all about gaining attention, then you are right.  And, I think as Christians we often don’t go out and make enough of a fuss about why people should support our candidate Jesus Christ.  Instead we let the other side tell the lost that our candidate can’t help them.  Our candidate isn’t worth supporting because He’s going to lose, at least according to the other side.

I don’t know about you, but I’m 100% sure that our candidate is going to win.  He’s not only going to win, but the other side isn’t going to have a chance in this election.  And I’m not afraid to support my candidate loud and clear for all to hear.  The question today is, are you as well?

It’s Not About What You Don’t Have, It’s About What You DO Have

This time of year it’s easy to look at all the deals on things we want at the various stores and want to buy almost everything.  We see all of the “stuff" that we don’t own and we instantly want it because someone we know has it and it’s really cool, or they are really cool.

The problem with that thinking is that there is only one thing that we need more of in our lives.  It is not something we’re going to find in an ad.  It’s not something you can buy at the store either.  What we need more of in our lives is God.  Yet, we tend to clutter up our lives with so any things that only keep us from connecting with Him.  We buy bigger and bigger TVs, better computers and gaming systems, Apple’s latest and greatest items, phones with the latest and greatest apps, and so much more.  All of which distract us more and more from God and our relationships with Him.

Now I’m not saying that we can’t go out and buy some of these things.  My point today is that we need to evaluate all of the “stuff” that we own and buy.  If we have so much that it’s keeping us from God, then we may need to reevaluate our real need for it all.   Don’t let all the “stuff” get between you and your relationship with God. 

If we are truly pursing all of the “stuff” of life how then can your relationship with Him grow?  It’s at least something to think about. 

Remote Control

So just about every day I use a remote control of one kind or another.  Most of the ones that I have at home are for the electronic devices like the TV, Blue Ray player, etc.  I’d also add into that a video game controller or computer mouse as they really are just sophisticated remote controls, right?

The other day when I was using a remote I started to think about how easy it makes my life.  Most remotes allow me to be lazy.  They keep me from having to get up but still get the things I am seeking.  Yet, spreading the word of God isn’t something I can do in that same manner.  Often I’ll just expect people to see me and know I’m a Christian and want to be like me.  What if instead I was active and went to them and showed them God’s love instead of sitting at home on my couch?  Would I reach more people for Him?

Today I just ask that you stop being lazy and start being active for Him.  Don’t just sit on the sidelines pushing buttons and expect things to work out the way you want them to.  Instead, get up and get going the way He wants you to.

Add A Date

So there are two really important dates in everyone’s lives.  Those obviously would be the day you were born and the day you die.  For those of us who have a relationship with Christ, that adds another important date to the calendar.  Right?

But here is my question to all my Christian friends:  Why don’t we celebrate this date every year as well?  Why don’t we put that out there as a Facebook status like we do our birthdays, anniversaries, birth of our kids, etc.  Are we all afraid of what others will think?  Are we embarrassed?  Oh, and don’t worry, I’m including myself here as well!

So, today I am starting a movement of sorts I guess.  If we are truly proud of the relationship with Christ that we have, then it’s time to proclaim it for the world.  It’s time to let everyone know how proud we are of knowing Him and that just may make others want that relationship as well.

Traditions

So, the other day I carved pumpkins with my family.  Our tradition has been for each of the kids to have their own pumpkin.  They get to design the look, scrape out the insides of those pumpkins, and help with the carving of that design.  It’s a nice little thing that we all get to do together every year.

One thing about traditions like that is that they bring families together.  They give the kids something to look forward to that they can rely on every year .  Our kids know that they’ll get some special family time every year at this time, and at many other times throughout the year.  Although we are very busy almost year round we still make our family a priority. 

You see, in order for a family to be strong you have to make time for one another.  You have to be there in the good and bad times.  You have to not only spend time together, but WANT to spend time together.  And that doesn't mean just in front of the TV all the time.  That can mean something as simple as playing a game together to doing a family campout   But whatever you do, make sure that your family is important to you and that God in the central focus of that family.

Overwhelming

I have to be completely honest with you all, life has been a bit overwhelming for me lately.  At home we’re involved in the normal busyness that you have when both parents have multiple jobs, and all three kids are involved in a variety of extracurricular activities.  At work we’ve had a lot of changes and extra work that has really put me behind at my normal day-to-day tasks.

Now I’m not here to complain about all that I have going on.  In fact  I want to do the total opposite of complain.  Instead I’m going to thank God for all the blessings that I do have.  I have a family that I love and that loves me.  My wife Traci is willing to have a hectic schedule in order to allow everyone to do all the things they do and still work two jobs to help us get out of the bondage of debt.  My kids are all gifted in many ways and want to continually develop their talents.  I’m also thankful to have a job when so many do not or are underemployed in this day and age.

You see, I could easily complain about all the stuff that is going on in my life.  Instead I’m going to embrace all of the blessings that God has given me and continue on.  I think that when we focus on God it can easily change that perspective.  If I were focused on the world then I’d complain all the time about everything and let it all keep me down.  Thanks to having God as my focus, I will still complain from time to time but instead will be thankful for the life that I live. 

I’d encourage you as well to examine your perspective on life today. Although I’m sure the sum of the parts can often be overwhelming for you as well as I, I’m also sure that if God is continually the focus, you can easily get through the day-to-day part of your life.  Allow God to work on your days and thank Him for all the blessings He has given you as well.

Keep the Focus

I will be the first to admit that the last few weeks at work have been rough.  We've been reorganizing personnel due to one of the doctors leaving.  In the midst of that we had a staff member with a family emergency and another turn in their two weeks’ notice.  As the manager of the office, the majority of the pressure to fix these issues has all been on me, making it extremely difficult to keep up.  So, in the back of my mind even when I am at home (or anywhere else really) I’m thinking about work.  I’m trying to sort out all of the changes and work through the process that is needed in order to get everything back to “normal”. 

As I’m going through this time I have had another thought cross my mind: If I didn’t have God walking with me through all of this could I handle it as well as I am?  Honestly, at the end of every day I’m exhausted, but would I go completely crazy without Him here with me?  Would all of this effect my mood more than it has.

You see, when a person’s ultimate focus is on God and everything else is a far-off second place then problems like these won’t take that person down.  God knows what I’m going through right now at work and knows that I am going to make it through this tough time.  He sees the light at the end of the tunnel even when I don’t and He is directing me there.  God knows that I’m going to be victorious in all of this so that He can revel in that victory.  It’s those realizations that allow me to get through.

This is just an example of what He is reminding me of lately, and I hope it’ll help you through whatever you are going through as well:

1 Peter 5:7-10

[7] Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

[8] Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. [9] Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

[10] 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. [11] To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.