May 2017 Archives
Be Real
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful (Proverbs 27:6).
The older I get, the more I long for genuine relationships. I’ve known way too many people who wear a fake smile and give you a standard “Hi” as their voice goes up a little too high and then comes back down, making a simple two-letter word two syllables. These people would probably not do anything mean to your face but there is a good chance that they will tell others what they really think about you the moment they think you are out of ear shot.
Gossip is spoken against in Scripture, and I expect part of the reason is that there is no love in gossip. We are told to speak truth to one another. If you cannot express concerns about me to myself, then you have no business talking to others about them.
I am reading the book of Job again, and I know that a lot of negativity is placed on Job’s friends who wanted him to repent so that God could heal him. Although they misunderstood the situation, I think you have to credit them for being there. They hated to see him suffer so they were trying to help. “Job, you must have sinned. Confess those sins to God so that God will take away your misery.” Because we are reading the account thousands of years later, we know that it was no fault of Job’s that caused God to allow him to be struck. The friends ended up being rebuked but Job himself found that, compared to God, he was not nearly as righteous as he thought himself to be.
This article is not directed at anyone. I am blessed with friends that I believe to be genuine. I hope that I have people in my life who will speak truth to me instead of leaving me to my own devices. I hope that I am that kind of friend as well.
We live in a society where being real is discouraged. We look at others and think, “Boy, if I could just be like that person!” What we don’t see is that “that person” also has trials and disappointments. They just do well at hiding it.
Don’t distance from people but, instead, learn to be real. Seek out others who are real. Don’t settle for those who flatter but look for those who are genuine. I believe you will find more meaning in life if you will do these things.
May 15, 2017 Reflections
I turn another year older tomorrow so, as usual, I am doing a lot of reflecting. It’s sobering to realize that I probably have more years behind me than I have ahead of me but I really don’t have much to show for it. At times, I remind myself that, if I even reach one person and if my influence and encouragement caused that person to draw ever nearer to the Lord, my life is not wasted. I wonder if I’ve reached that one person yet. I’m not sure.
During this time of celebration, I know that the enemy would like me to become discouraged, defeated, and depressed. I admit that I am a bit discouraged at present but I also know that the fact that I’m alive means that God still has a plan for my life. Every morning I wake up is a new day in which to serve my Father. So I press on.
My heart is burdened for those I know that are not walking close to the Lord, those who seem to be letting the world and their feelings guide their actions as opposed to the Word of God. I feel helpless and yet I know that God is still the same today as He was yesterday. He desires that none perish but that all come to repentance. This begins with me. I feel like this coming year will continue to be one of growth. I pray that I will be faithful. I don’t know what is going to happen with me, my health, my family, my work, etc. But I trust the One who holds my future in His hands. I don’t need to worry because I know that He knows what is best for me, and He will lead me in the way that I should go if I stay close to Him.
I go through times where I really struggle. Depression, discouragement, self-pity, etc. tries to bring me down. Thankfully God always reminds me that it is not an option to just lie down and die. Then He gives me at least a little more fight to get up and keep trying.
The world is full of so much that would distract us and bring us down. I’m so glad that the One who lives in me is greater than the one who is in the world. He will not leave me or forsake me. I simply need to trust and obey.
I want to thank each of you who take the time to read my blog. I know I have not written much lately. This is my busy season so it’s hard to find the time to write as much as I would like. Thank you for bearing with me. I will write again when I can. May you experience God’s peace today in the midst of every storm. He is such a good Father who loves you so much.
Perfect Love
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18).
I was thinking recently how a person’s fear can keep someone else from feeling loved. Too often, we can be focused on ourselves to the degree that we don’t reach out to others. Maybe you’re afraid of making a fool of yourself. Or you worry about what others will think of you. Instead of focusing on how you can bless that other person, you let pride get in the way. I am guilty of this myself at times but it is not a good way to live.
A number of years ago, I made a conscious decision to act more and think less. I realize that, for some, this would not be a good thing; however, it is easy for me to overthink things to the point that I render myself useless. That particular year, when God would bring someone to my mind, I would text or call them. I decided that, even if it wasn’t God’s prompting, it didn’t hurt to connect with friends. And I was amazed at the times that it seemed like there was a reason that I needed to connect.
I do not always do this perfectly. Maybe that’s why God has been laying this on my heart again. If I desire to be led by His Spirit, I cannot always think everything to death. Sometimes I must step out in faith, trusting that He is leading. If I am wrong, nothing is hurt but maybe a little pride, which needs to be injured a bit from time to time anyway.
No one has ever loved perfectly except the Father, but I imagine that most of us could try a little harder. If you have been thinking of someone lately that you wouldn’t typically think of, or if someone has been on your mind a lot more than normal, pick up the phone and let them know you are thinking of them. If nothing else, it may just be the reminder they need that God loves them and really cares about them. It is such a blessing to be used by God in that way.
