Could You Walk on Water ?

     

                                                                               

                                                                       

Could You Walk on Water?

 This past Sunday at church we heard the  Gospel about Jesus walking on water.  This is one of the most familiar sstories in the New Testament.  The account of this miracle is in the gospels of Matthew ( Matt 14:22-33), Mark (Mk 6:45-52), and John (Jn 6:16-21), but not included in Luke.  

The story of Jesus walking on water follows the miracle of Jesus  feeding five thousand.   After the feeding Jesus sends His disciples by ship back to the "other side" of the Sea of Galilee, while he remains behind to pray alone.   At the end of the evening the apostles started across the sea.   Soon the winds and waves rise up  causing the apostles to become distressed.   Then, they see Jesus walking towards them on the sea.  The apostles were startled to see Jesus, at first thinking it was a ghost.  Jesus tells  them not to be afraid.  In Matthew's account  Peter asked Jesus, "If it is you , tell me to come to You on the water."  We know that Peter got out of the boat  and began to walk to Jesus, but when he saw the ferocity of the wind he became afraid and began to sink.  He cried out to Jesus for help.  Jesus immediately caught him and led him back to the boat admonishing him for his lack of faith.  As they entered the boat,  the wind died down.  Those who were in the boat worshipped Jesus saying, "Truly , You are the Son of God."

Of course the first and most obvious thing is that the miracle of Jesus walking on water speaks to his divinity.   Those in the boat recognizing this worshiped Jesus saying, "Truly, You are the Son of God." , and so for us it shows His divinity.   But, this story is much richer in lessons for the faithful.   First we see Jesus going away on his own to pray.  We too should spend private time with God every day, to worship, to ask, to thank.   Then we have Peter, who shows his faith when he asks Jesus to tell him to come to Him on the water.  So this story is about faith.  When Peter takes his eyes off Jesus to look at the wind, however,  Peter begins to sink.  His faith has weakened .   Jesus reproves him with, "You of little faith".  

So, I ask, " Could you walk on water?"  Is your faith strong enough ?  When the winds of life come along will your faith weaken ?  Would Jesus say to you, "Oh you of little faith." I believe that the key is to keep your eyes on Jesus, not your difficulties and troubles. In the story , when Jesus enters the boat the wind subsides All things are possible with Jesus.  We have nothing to fear. 

Have faith and keep your eyes on Jesus !

I hope this helps. 

God Love You !

PLEASE COMMENT AND SHARE.

Are you Stressed?

Be Not Afraid:

The bible tells us, "Have I not commanded thee?  Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest."  Joshua 1:9.  In another place it says, "Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."  Deuteronomy 31:6.    So, why do we have fear?

Fear is an emotion induced by a perceived threat, which causes a change in brain and organ function and ultimately a change in behavior; such as running away, hiding or freezing.  Fear may occur in response to a specific stimulus happening in the present or to a future situation which is perceived as a risk to health or life, status, power, security, wealth or anything held valuable.  Fear is modulated by the process of cognition and learning.   Motivational speaker and writer Earl Nightengale calls fear:  False Education Appearing Real.  People develop specific fears as a result of learning. 

Fear is judged as rational or appropriate or irrational or inappropriate also called a phobia.  Anxiety is slightly different from fear  and results from threats which are perceived as uncontrollable or unavoidable.

As people of faith we have a most powerful resource to help face and overcome our fears and anxieties.  It is our belief in God's loving care for us, and His word revealed in the bible.   Here are a few verses to keep in your heart:

• The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom, shall I fear?  The Lord is the strength of  my life; Of who shall I be afraid?   Psalm 27: 1
• Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.   Proverbs 3: 5-7
• For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and of a sound mind.  2Timothy 1:7
• Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known unto God.   Philippians 4: 6
• I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.   Philippians 4: 13

Pray to God for stronger faith that you might draw strength from his Word and be able to face and overcome your fears.

God love you!

Reading the Bible

Reading the Bible:

For those searching for a reliable voice of authority, the "Word of God" is it.  His word sheds light on human nature, world problems, and human suffering.  It also reveals the way of God.  

The message of the Bible is the message of Jesus Christ, who said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life."  It is the story of salvation, the story of life, of peace, and of eternity.  

In the Holy Scriptures we find the answers to life's ultimate questions:  Where did I come from?  Why am I here?  Where am I going? and "What is the purpose of my existence?

The Bible contains 66 books written by 40 authors covering a period of approximately 1600 years.

The Old Testament was written mostly in Hebrew with a few short passages in Aramaic.  About 100 years before the Christian era the entire Old Testament was translated into Greek.  The word ":Bible" comes from the Greek word "biblos" , which means "book".

The Bibloe can be read at pulpit speed from Genesis 1 to Revelation  22 in 78 hours.  

To read the Bible through you need a plan.  Leave 80 hours, and schedule that time.  How much time can you give each day?  How many days a week?  One plan is to read one book of the Bible per week.  Some readers use the 31 chapters of the Book of Proverbs to begin their reading each day by reading the chapter that corresponds to the day of the month.

Here is a break down of what is contained in the books of the Bible:

Old Testament:

• Law - 5 books
• Historical - 12 books 
• Poetical - 5 books
• Prophetical - 17 books  (5 major - 12 minor)

New Testamnet:

• Gospels - 4 books
• History - 1 book
• Prophesy - 1 book Epistles 21  (Pauline 13 - General 8)

You probably already have a Bible.  If you do, get it out and put it in a prominent place.  If you don't have a Bible I urge to get one, and then start reading!

God Love You !

Radical Sayings of Jesus

Radical Sayings of Jesus:

To say something is radical is to say it relates to the fundamental nature of something.   It means to get down to the root of something.   A radical can be defined as a person who advocates thorough or complete political or social reform.  

Jesus was motivated by the truth.  He wasn't worried about being politically correct.  He didn't have a need to be liked by people.  Jesus did not have a desire for expedience or convenience.  In the Gospel of Matthew , chapter 5 Jesus gives us his sayings which cut to the root of the life he envisions for us.   Are we able to be radical as Jesus was radical.  

Under the laws of Moses the rule was, "if you murder, you must die"But I have added to that rule, and tell you that if you are only angry, even in your own home, you are in danger of judgement! If you call your friend an idiot you are in danger of being brought before the court.. And if you curse him, you are in danger of the fires of hell.

The law of Moses said "You shall not commit adultery."  But I say, Anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eye has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 

So if your eye - even if it is your best eye! causes you to lust , gouge it out and throw it away.  Better for part of you to be destroyed than for all of you to be cast into hell.  And if your hand - even your right hand - causesyou to sin, cut it off and throw it away.  Better that than find yourself in hell. 

The law of Moses says" If a man gouges out another's eye, he must pay with his own eye.  If a tooth gets knocked out, knbock out the tooth of the one who did it. "  But I say: Don't resist violence!  If you are slapped on one cheek, turn the other too

If the military demand that you carry their gear for a mile, carry it two.

Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow.

If you are ordered to court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat too.

There is a saying, "Love your friends and hate your enemies.  But I say: Love your enemies!  Pray for those who persecute you.  In that way you will be acting as true sons of your Father in heaven 

Jesus sums up with these words, "But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. 

Jesus' sayings are certainly radical, mostly counter intuitive,  and assuredly difficult.  It takes a great deal of courage and strength to follow them.  The results, however,  are well worth the effort.  They cut to the root of what is good. Are you able to be radical for Jesus? 

God Love You!

The Poor in Spirit

Poor in Spirit:

In the Gospel of St. Matthew, chapters 5, 6, and 7, we find the essence of Jesus's teachings.    We are introduced to the mind of Jesus.  Chapter 5 begins with what are called The Beatitudes. The Beatitudes are 8 blessings recounted in the Sermon on the Mount.  Each is a proverb-like proclamation that is without narrative, but cryptic, precise, and full of meaning. The Beatitiudes describe various aspects of the spiritual attitudes that are supposed to be found in and to prevail in every Christian, which is religious openess to God's will in spite of the hard conditions of the present life.  The beatitudes are a reversal of worldly values that is sometimes called "counter cultural". 

The first beatitude is, "Blessed are the poor in spirit: the kingdom of heaven is theirs."  It has always been a little puzzling to me.  Just who are the "poor in spirit"?  

The poor of the first beatitiude are a religious, not just a social category.  They are not only destitute, but oppressed by the rich, who trusted in their wealth and disregarded God.  The poor are really poor and religious people who put their trust in God and expect help and deliverance from Him alone.   In James 2:5 it syas that God has chosen poor people to be rich in faith and the kingdom of Heaven is theirs, for that is the gift God has promised to all those who love Him. 

Today for us "Poor in Spirit" means keeping ourselves in the perspective of God acknowledging and thanking Him as the source of all good things.  It means being good stewards of all given to us for ourselves and others. 

Poor in spirit means acknowledging God's ownership of everything and that we are responsible to be good stewards of those things with which we have been blessed.  Our attitude should be  one of faithful servanats and not one of pride, envy, lust, and gluttony.   We are called to use what we have and are given to provide for ourselves and serve God's people.  

So, are you "Poor in Spirit"?   Are you humble and generous?  Do you acknowledge and thank God for all you have?   Are you ready to share your treasure?  The reward is priceless:  the Kingdom of Heaven!

God Love you!

Humility

 Humility:

As Christians we are called to be humble.  In Luke 14:11 Jesus tells us, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled , but he who humbles himself will be exalted." Then in Matthew 11:29 Jesus says, "Take my yoke upon you, says the Lord, and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart."

C.S. Lewis tells us:

I believe that humility is putting the needs of  others before your own needs.  It is a manifestation of the love of God within you. If another's behavior offends you, just let it go.  You do not know what they might be going through.  They may be distracted and having the worst day of their life.  St. Paul writes:

  

On a practical level humility could save your life.  Consider "road rage", significant anger and aggression behind the wheel .   Here is a list of behaviors  known to spark road rage:

• Tailgating 
• Yelling at another driver
• Honking to show annoyance or anger
• Making angry gestures at another driver
• Purposely blocking another vehicle from changing lanes 

Note that these are all behaviors in which we put ourselves before other drivers.

Here is some advice from AAA on how to avoid becoming a victim of road rage:

1. Don't offend. Avoid behaviors  that consistently upset other drivers such as tailgating, driving slowly in the left lane, cutting off other drivers, and making gestures
2. Don't engage.  Give angry drivers lots of room.  Don't make eye contact.  Call 911 if necessary. 
3. Adjust your attitude.  Forget winning - driving is not a contest. Keep your composure and don't take other drivers' actions personally.

When you drive, don't be aggressive, be humble.

I have come to believe that most of us do things that are thoughtless or aggresive because we become impatient and frustrated.   Humility would have us concentrate on the needs of others, not our own. 

Here is a prayer for humility:

Be patient.  Be humble.  Be kind.

God love you !

Easter 2016

Easter 2016:

.This past Sunday, March 27, 2016 was Easter Sunday, the most significant Holy Day on the Christian liturgical calander.   St. Paul tells us in 1Corinthians 15:14, "If Christ has not been raised then our preaching is in vain, and your faith is in vain."   The Resurrection is proof of Christ's Divinity!
Easter came a little earlier this year than last year.  The Council of Nicea in A.D. 325 set the formula for choosing which day to celebrate Easter each year.

Pope Francis pointed out that Easter is a time of hope.  Jesus by  His resurrection overcomes sin, suffering and death.  From this we make take hope for ourselves and for the world.  
Pope Francis tells us:
"To those in our society who have lost all hope and joy in life, to the elderly who struggle alone and feel their strength waning, to young people who seem to have no future, to all I once more address the words of the Risen One: “See, I am making all things new… To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life” (Rev 21:5-6).  May this comforting message of Jesus help each of us to set out anew with greater courage to blaze trails of reconciliation with God and with all our brothers and sisters."

So, go forward with hope in your heart.   Jesus has made all things new.  

Happy Easter!  

God Love You!

Seeing Christ in Others

Seeing Christ in Others:

I believe that as Christians we are called to see Christ in others, and also to be Christ for others.  

Jesus tells us "Love your neighbor as yourself.  Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."  It is easy to see Christ in the innocent face of a newborn baby, or  in the eyes of a beloved spouse, or in  the touch of an elderly parent.. It is not so easy to see Christ in people who make our lives difficult in one way or another.  

Catholic author and EWTN Television host Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle says, "I believe the only possible way we can discover Jesus in our "enemies" is through God's grace, and an effort on our part to act upon that grace, and further, to commit ourselves to finding Jesus in everyone.  This can only happen through prayer.  So, pray that God would give you the grace to see His son in others. 

Jesus said, "For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat......"   Jesus is telling us that what we do for the least of His brethern, we do for Him.  So, in reaching out to others, or helping them, or just being kind to them, we do it for Jesus.  

Jesus resides in all of us.  He resides in even those who live worldly lives.  In many His presence in muted by their individual traits.  We need to work to see through their masks.  

Those of us who can allow His light to shine through us, allow others to see Him within us.

"Practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty."  (Anne Herbert)

God love you!

Prosperity Gospel

Prosperity Gospel:

If you watch a preacher on television, you have probably been exposed to the Prosperity Gospel or  Prosperity  Theology.   These preachers may be very personable and preach a positive message  full of hope.  They may put on a program with high production values and help us feel good.  But, is it really Christianity?

Prosperity theology is a Christian religious doctrine that financial blessing is the will of God for Christians, and that faith, positive speech, and donations to Christian ministries will increase one's wealth.  Most churches in the prosperity movement are non-denominational and independent, though some have formed networks.  It is common for the pastor to be the highest organizational authority figure.  

Founders of the movement include Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, and Frederick K.C. Price.  The movement began to take hold in the 1970's and 1980's.  Today it is pretty mainstream.  Joel Osteen at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas has a ministry that reaches 7 million viewers. 

Prosperity theology is based on non-traditional interpretations of the Bible, often with an emphasis on the Book of Malachi.  The doctrine views the Bible as a contract between God and humans.   If humans will have faith in God, He will deliver His promises of security and prosperity.   The doctrine emphasizes the importance of personal empowerment, proposing that it is God's will for His people to be happy.   Another key prosperity teaching is the "Positive Confession" or "Word of Faith", that teaches that a Christian with faith can speak into existence anything consistent with the will of God.  

Mainstream evangelicalism has consistently opposed prosperity theology as heresy.   Prosperity ministries have often come into conflict with the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements.  Critics have argued that prosperity theology has little in common with traditional Christian theology.  

In the gospel of St. Matthew Jesus tells us,  "You cannot serve both God and money," and "It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God."

Jesus was born poor and He died poor.  During His earthly tenure He spoke time and time again about the importance of spiritual wealth and health.  When He talked about material wealth, it was usually a cautionary tale. 

The Bible is full of good advice, that if followed will help you be successful.  That's not the point, though.  Jesus came to show us how to live a good life, not to get rich and happy.  Jesus by His death and Resurrection forgives our sins and conquers death that we may live forever with Him.

Think about it!

God love you!

Easter Thoughts for 2015

Easter Thoughts for 2015:

This Sunday, April 5, 2015 is Easter Sunday.   Christians celebrate the resurrection from the dead of Jesus Christ.  It is Easter, and not as many think Christmas, which is the most important feast on the Christian calender.   St. Paul tells us in 1Corinthians 15:14, "If Christ has not been raised then our preaching is in vain, and your faith is in vain."   The Resurrection is proof of Christ's Divinity!

Easter falls on a different Sunday each year.  The Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325) set the date of Easter as the Sunday following the pascal full moon, which is the full moon that falls on or after the vernal (spring) equinox.   Western Christians use the Gregorian calender, that is currently used throughout the west, to calculate.  The Eastern Orhodox continue to use the older, but astronomically inaccurate, Julian calender.  This is why Easter is celebrated on different days in the Eastern and Western traditions.  

Resurrection Sunday is the festival and holyday we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead described in the Bible as occuring 3 days after the crucifixion.   It is the culmination of the Passion of Christ, preceded by Lent, a 40 day period of fasting, prayer, and penance.   New converts are traditionally brought into the Church at the Easter Vigil service.  Eastertide in western Christianity begins Easter Sunday and lasts 7 weeks ending with the coming of the 50th day, Pentecost Sunday.   In Orthodoxy the season of Pascha begins on Pascha (Easter) and ends with the coming of the 40th day, the Feast of the Ascension.

Christians believe that through His death Christ destroyed our bondage to sin, and through His resurrection  he brought us the promise of new life both in Heaven and on Earth.   By His death and resurrection Christ conquers death so we may live forever with Him.  

It's ok to buy a new Easter bonnet and march in the Easter parade, if you want.  It's great to have a big Easter dinner with family to celebrate.  It's fun to give your kids a basket of candy and let them search for colored eggs, be they real or plastic with money in them.  Let's just not forget the reason for it all.  Be happy and thankful for what the Savior has done for us, and go forward with love in your heart. 

Happy Easter!

God love you!

Loving kindness

Loving kindness:

Here are just a few of the places the bible mentions "loving kindness":

Psalms 36:7:  How excellent is thy loving kindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. 

Psalms 69:16:  Hear me O Lord; for thy loving kindness  is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies. 

Isaiah 63:7:  I will mention the loving kindness of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his loving kindnesses.

So, what of "Loving kindness"?

Loving kindness is a specific kind of love conceptualized in various religious traditions, both among theologians and religious practitioners as a form of love characterized by acts of kindness.   The term is used often in the book of Psalms, and refers to acts of kindness motivated by love.  It is used primarily in reference to God rather than people. 

Loving kindness is an essential and distinctive quality of God.  The prophets taught that it should also characterize His people.  In Micah 6:8 we are told that God wants us "to be fair and just and merciful and to walk humbly with your God".  Then in Zechariah 7:9, "to be merciful and kind to everyone." The word "loving kindness" is not found in the New Testament, but as its equivalent we find "mercy", "goodness", and "brotherly love". I believe we are called to practice "random acts of kindness"  to those we know and to those we don't know.  We should look for opportunities to do this. 

 

The cultivation of benevolence is a popular form of meditation in Buddhism.   It is called "metta" or "metta bhavana" and is wishing all people loving kindness.   

To practice the loving-kindness meditation sit in a comfortable and relaxed position.  Take 2 or 3 deep breaths with slow, long, and complete exhalations.  Let go of any concerns or preoccupations.  For a few minutes feel or imagine the breath moving through the center of your chest - in the area of your heart.   Sitting quietly mentally repeat slowly and steadily the following phrases:

• May I be happy
• May I be at ease
• May I be safe
• May I be healthy
• May I be strong

The traditional approach is best known for identifying successive stages of meditation during which  one progressively cultivates benevolence towards:

1. oneself
2. a good friend
3. a "neutral" person
4. a difficult person
5. all 4 of the above
6. then gradually the entire universe

So, as Ellen DeGeneres would say, "Be kind to one another."

God love you!

Listening

Listening:

In the hustle and bustle of today's world it is easy to become distracted, and not to be present to those around us.   I think the writer in Hebrews is telling us to listen for God and what he might be telling us.   How often do we really listen actively?  Do we listen for God?

I think to listen for God requires quiet time when we are not occupied or distracted with other activities.  We can ask ourselves, what is God  telling us by the things that happen to us and through other people by what they do and say.  We need to give ourselves quiet time to absorb and analyze these things. We need to be open to what we hear.  Let us not be afraid to pray for direction.

I think Hebrews 3:15 also encourages us take some time to think about really being present and listening to those who are speaking to us.   By listening to others we can identify opportunities to say a kind word or be helpful to someone else in some way.  By being present we place ourselves in a position to be Jesus to someone.   

Here are some skills that are used in effective listening:

Listen for God, listen to others, you will become closer to both.   The late Bishop Fulton J. Sheen explained our relationship with God and others as a wheel with spokes.  God is at the hub of the wheel and we and others are on the spokes.  Notice that as we come closer to God at the hub, we also come closer to one another on the spokes.  

God love you!

Another Chance

Another Chance:

Here we are at the beginning of a new year, 2015.  It is traditional to make some New Year's Resolutions even if they are quickly broken and forgotten.   I like to think it is a time to check our course and make some corrections.   Where have we strayed off course?  What things do we know we should do, but have not been doing?  What things are we doing that we know we should not be doing?  I think chances are, that for most of us our fallings and failings are recurrent.   We very often keep making the same mistakes.  Lucky for us God is a God of second chances. 

In Psalm 86:15 it says, "But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness."  In Micah 7:18 it says, "Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance?  He does not retain his anger forever because he delights in steadfast love."  This is God's incredible patience!  

In Romans 5:8 St. Paul tells us, "God demonstrates His own love towards us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."  In Ephesians 2:8-9 he says"For grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourself, it is a gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.  

God never tires of forgiving us.  We must never tire of asking for his forgiveness.   Our God is a God of second chances.   He is always ready to forgive us and give us a chance to try again.   In like manner it is incumbent upon us to give second chances to the people in our lives.   Colossians 3:12 tells us, "Therefore as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  There are some resolutions for you!

God love you!  Happy New Year!

    

Christmas 2014

Christmas 2014:

Christmas day will soon be upon us.  We will celebrate the birth of Christ and rejoice in the beginning of His redemptive work.  By his suffering and death Jesus appeases the justice of His father to allow our sins to be forgiven.  Then, by rising from the dead he conquers death and allows us to live forever with Him.  I'd say that's a pretty good cause for celebration.

Although Christmas is one of the most beloved holidays, for the first 3 centuries of Christianity it was not celebrated.   The earliest gospel, St. Mark's (written about 65 A.D.) begins with the baptism of an adult Jesus.  This suggests the earliest Christians lacked interest in or knowledge of Jesus's birth date.  The bible does not specify Jesus's exact birth date.   Christianity's most significant holidays were the Epiphany on January 6th which commemorated the arrival of the Magi and Easter, the celebration of Jesus's Resurrection

The first mention of December 25th as a holiday honoring Jesus's birth was in Rome in a calender from 336 A.D.   Actually, the Nativity story's presence of shepherds would suggest a spring birth.   Church officials settled on December 25th at the end of the 3rd century.  It is likely they wanted to coincide with existing festivals honoring Saturn, the Roman God of Agriculture, and Mithra, the Persian god of light.  This would make it easier to convince Rome's pagan subjects to accept Christianity as the empire's official religion.  

Christmas today is firmly established on December 25th.  It is a time for gift giving and family gatherings.   It is a time to shop, to decorate  and to bake.  All this is supposed to be fun and for most people it is .  Unfortunately, for some it is not.  It can be a time of stress and depression.   High expectations, money woes, and the stress of family gatherings can spell trouble for anyone, but especially for those prone to depression.    I believe God wills us to be happy at the celebration of his Son's birth.  Here are some tips to avoid holiday depression:

1. Plan ahead - identify some restorative routines such as reading a book or napping and write them on a calender and make them a priority. 
2. Avoid family conflict - if you know there are going to be conflicts, prepare a neutral response such as "Let's talk about that at another time" or "I can see how you would feel that way".  You can escape to the restroom, offer to help in the kitchen, or go hang out with the kids.
3. Forget perfection - decorating, planning, finding the perfect gift can become overwhelming.   When you take your focus off yourself and put it on those less fortunate, you'll avert depression.
4. Learn to grieve - If you are mourning the loss of a loved one, it's a good time to talk about how you are feeling , or to reach out to a support group.
5. Schedule some sleep - Holiday activities can interfere  with your sleep schedule.   Make sure you get enough sleep. 
6. Get help - if you need support to make it through the holidays, reach out to family or friends. 
7. Priortize your workouts - Holiday activities can cause your exercise routine to go by the wayside.  Put it back on your prority list.  Exercise has been shown to improve mood.  
8. Consider your light exposure - Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can be treated by taking long walks during daylighta hours or exposure to a light box for about 30 minutes a day.
9. Cut back on commitments - You don't have to attend every holiday gathering.  Volunteer, go on vacation, visit a shelter or someone who is alone. Focusing on others can help alleviate depression.  

These are just some ideas.  There is plenty more online.  Search "holiday depression". 

So, have a happy Christmas.  Celebrate the birth of our Savior  and give thanks for His redemptive mission.   Let your light, shine and be a blessing to whomever you can. 

God love you at Christmas and always. 

I was hungry and you gave me food.

I was hungry, and you gave me food......

In Matthew 25: 35 - 36 The Lord says, "I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me , I was in prison and you came to me."   When asked when we did these things to Him, He answers "When you did  them to the least of my brothers you were doing them to me."  He further admonishes us that when we refused to do these things for the least of His brethern, we refused to do them for Him.

With these words Jesus leaves us a commandment of love. Christ identifies with the stranger, with the one who suffers, with all the victims of violence and exploitation.  We are to love and adore Jesus Christ particularly in the poorest and most abandoned.   So, as Christians, we are called to welcome all people, without distinction or limits in order to proclaim "God is love".

It is easy to be loving and generous to our family and friends, to those we perceive as "on our level", but what about those who we do not know,  the chronically unemployed, people who always seem to be a day late and a dollar short ?  Surely migrants and refugees are among the poorest and most abandoned.   What of displaced persons and exiles?

Courage born of faith, hope, and love can enable us to reduce the distance that separates us from human misery.  Jesus wants to be recognized in the world's needy.  He calls us to share our resources.  The more fortunate should place  their goods more generously at the disposal of others.

By seeing Christ in the poorest and most abandoned we can share our time, talents,  and treasure to be Christ to them.  Be generous!

God love you!

Giving Thanks:

Thanksgiving will soon be upon us.  It's time to think about giving thanks.   The bible tells us to give thanks in several places.  The above quote is of course from Thessalonians.  In Ephesians 5:20 St. Paul tells us, "..... giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."   In Phillipians 4:6 he says, " Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."  In Pslams 95:2 it says, "Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise."

So, it is clear that God wants our thanksgiving.  In fact, though, God needs nothing from his creations.  So, why does He want our thanks?  It is because expressing gratitude both honors God and benefits us.  

Expressing gratitude seems to induce happiness in people.  When we're more thankful to others, when they help us,  they are more apt to continue to be generous and giving.   Giving thanks to God redirects our attention towards Him.  During the day our thoughts tend to drift towards our concerns, activities, or problems.  Even in prayer we often focus on what God can do for us.  By offering thanks for blessings, protection, and guidance we redirect ourselves to the awesomeness of God.  

We don't have to wait until we feel grateful to give thanks to God.  Counting our blessings reinforces our faith.  We realize we can trust Him with our daily problems and concerns.  Giving gratitude refreshes our relationship with God.  Perhaps it is that God allows tests and trials in our lives to make us depend on Him.  Trials and tests can increase our faith as we see God's providence and learn that everything that happens to us works out for the best. It's His plan for us.  The quickest way to counteract negativity is to start praising God.  

So, make every day Thanksgiving! Rehearse all His past blessings, rejoice in the ways He has guided you and protected you.   See what a difference it makes in your outlook. 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

God love you!

Are You Guilty?

Are You Guilty:

If it became illegal to be a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?   This is a question we've all heard before.   Here is some evidence  that I think might convict us:

Do you wear a cross of other religious medal?  How about a pin on your lapel or collar?     In your house do you display a cross or crucifix?  Is there a bible easily accessible?   How about a picture of "The Last Supper" in the dining room?   Do you attend church and go to church sponsored activities?   These are all outward type things that will identify you with Christianity.   More importantly, do you reflect the heart and mind of Jesus Christ in the things you say and do?

Jesus tells us not to be angry with anyone.  Just let it go.  He cautions us against  oaths.  No need to swear, speak your truth plainly.   Jesus tells us not to resist the evil doer.  Do not demand "an eye for an eye", rather forgo retaliation and "turn the other cheek".  It doesn't matter where.  It may be at home, or the fast food place , the supermarket or on the road.   Jesus has evened the score for all of us. The love of God is more powerful than any of these things and will prevail.  Jesus says to "Give to him who asks of you" and "Do not turn away who would borrow from you".  Be generous.  God repays generosity many times.   So , are you guilty of any of these attitudes and behaviors?   Have you been observed doing any of these things?

In Matthew 5: 14 - 15 Jesus says, "You are the light of the world.  A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.  Neither do men light a lamp and put it under the measure, but upon the lamp-stand, so as to give light to all the house."  I believe God wants us to give the world  plenty of evidence.  We should show the world beyond the shadow of a doubt that we are Christ's.  Matthew 5: 16 says, "Even so let your light shine before men, in order that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."

So, what do you think?  Are you guilty or not guilty?

God love you!

The Favor of God

The Favor of God:

Favor can be defined as "the friendly disposition from which acts proceed to assist , to provide with special advantages, to receive preferential treatment."  This is God's heart towards us.   In Jeremiah 29:11 it says, "For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of affliction to give you an end and patience."  In Isaiah 43:19 it says, "Behold I do new things and now they shall spring forth, verily, you shall know them.  I will make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert."

I believe this favor is available to us.  Jesus said in Matthew 9:29, "It shall be done to you according to your faith.  In Isaiah 66:2 it says, "These are the ones I look on with favor:  those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word."  In Romans 8:32 we are told "Since He did not spare even His own Son for us , but gave Him up for us all, won't He also surely give us everything else."

I believe that God longs to give us his favor.  He wants to help us and make a way for us, because he loves us so much.  We need to believe that God's favor is before us.  We need to live in expectation of God's special provision and promotion. We should arise each morning excited to see what special thing God will do for us that day.  He can cause us to receive special treatment, unbelievable breaks, one blessing after another.  The favor of God can defy the wisdom of man.   We need to acknowledge that these things are not luck, but the favor of God.

Another thing I think we need to do is speak the favor of God over our lives.   Here are some biblical affirmations with the scriptures they are based on that speak favor :

• God surrounds and protects me with favor like a shield.  (Psalms 5:12)
• The Lord is a sun and shield.  He bestows favor and honor, and no good thing does he withhold from me.  (Psalms 84:11)
• I actively live by God's wisdom, therefore I am highly favored and esteemed in the sight of God and men.  (Proverbs 3:1 - 3; Proverbs 8:33 - 35)
• God's favor brings promotion and causes me to increase daily.  (Esther 2:17; Psalms 75:67
• My enemies cannot triumph over me because God has favored me.  (Psalms 41:11

So, as Joel Osteen says, " Keep God first in your life,  He'll take you places you you haven't even dreamed of!"

God love you !

Be Not Afraid

Be Not Afraid:

The bible tells us, "Have I not commanded thee?  Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest."  Joshua 1:9.  In another place it says, "Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."  Deuteronomy 31:6.    So, why do we have fear?

Fear is an emotion induced by a perceived threat, which causes a change in brain and organ function and ultimately a change in behavior; such as running away, hiding or freezing.  Fear may occur in response to a specific stimulus happening in the present or to a future situation which is perceived as a risk to health or life, status, power, security, wealth or anything held valuable.  Fear is modulated by the process of cognition and learning.   Motivational speaker and writer Earl Nightengale calls fear:  False Education Appearing Real.  People develop specific fears as a result of learning. 

Fear is judged as rational or appropriate or irrational or inappropriate also called a phobia.  Anxiety is slightly different from fear  and results from threats which are perceived as uncontrollable or unavoidable.  Book author Bill Trancer by analysing the most frequent queries online containing the phrase "fear of......" published a list of the top ten fears in 2008:

• Flying
• Heights
• Clowns
• Intimacy
• Death
• Rejection
• People 
• Snakes
• Failure
• Driving  

After a situation inciting fear occurs the amygdala and hippocampus, two parts of the brain,  record the event and initiate the fear reaction.   A drug treatment for fear conditioning and phobias via the amygdala is the use of glucocorticoids  which disrupt the amygdala response.  This is a drug treatment.  Then there is cognitive behavior therapy which can help people overcome fear.  An active and successful approach involves people repeatedly confronting their fears in a safe manner.  By doing this a person is able to suppress the fear triggering memory or stimulus.  Known as "exposure therapy", it is claimed this practice can help cure up to 90% of people with specific phobias.  

As people of faith we have a most powerful resource to help face and overcome our fears and anxieties.  It is our belief in God's loving care for us, and His word revealed in the bible.   Here are a few verses to keep in your heart:

• The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom, shall I fear?  The Lord is the strength of  my life; Of who shall I be afraid?   Psalm 27: 1
• Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.   Proverbs 3: 5-7
• For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and of a sound mind.  2Timothy 1:7
• Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known unto God.   Philippians 4: 6
• I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.   Philippians 4: 13

Pray to God for stronger faith that you might draw strength from his Word and be able to face and overcome your fears.

God love you!

The World's Light

The World's Light:

I love lighthouses.  They are beautiful and serve an important purpose.  More importantly they remind me of what Jesus says in Matthew 5: 14 - 16,  "  You are the world's light - a city on  hill glowing for all to see.  Don't hide your light !  Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father."

I believe God calls us to be his representatives on earth.  He wants us to reflect his grace and mercy.   He wants us to be kind and courteous to everyone we meet.  Aim to give a word of encouragement to the people you meet.  We do not know what they are going through in their lives.  They may be having one of the worst days of their life.   We can be a blessing to them by reflecting the loving kindness of our Father in heaven.   I believe God wants us to be a blessing to other people.  By our words and actions we can help them to achieve their salvation. 

In Philippeans 4: 4 - 6 St. Paul advises us, "Don't worry about anything, instead pray about everything.  Tell God your needs and don't forget to thank Him for his answers.   If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.  His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus."   This is what we want to pass on to others.  So, turn on your light and show the world what the Lord can do!

God love you !