Losing To Win

There are several circumstances in life in which we can only win by losing, in which we can only go up by going down, in which humbling ourselves gets us exalted. And one such circumstance is forgiveness.

I recently read a great book on this issue by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Let me share with you a few beautiful insights she teaches us;

Keeping Our Resolutions

I recently resolved with a dear friend of mine to drink two liters of fairly warm water every day. We were supposed to hold each other accountable and encourage each other along the way. It shouldn’t go without saying that I have struggled to keep this simple resolution. 

Love In Action

This rich and beautiful passage from the Bible has awakened so many things in my heart. It is yet another wonderful passage that explains how to love. Enjoy.

Team LOVE: Setting Boundaries

What are boundaries?

They are limits we set beyond which we are not willing to go, and beyond which whatever happens is to our detriment.

Boundaries are intentionally or unintentionally set by one's standards, values, beliefs, principles, health conditions, economic conditions, social conditions, information, age, likes, dislikes, knowledge and so many categories that make us who we are. 

Team LOVE: No Giving Up

Love is the one beautiful thing that makes life worthwhile, whether it be for a parent, a child, a sibling, a friend, a lover and even an enemy. It may be felt more as the emotion, the feeling, but it is more of the action. The endeavor to please, to comfort, to serve and to enjoy the other person. Knowing their joy is your pleasure, and their comfort, your peace.

We stumble upon times though, when the people we love seem to give us reason not to love them anymore, even if temporarily. They get on our nerves and just rub us the wrong way, even making us feel angry, resentful, bitter and all other kinds of nasty emotions.

The Pains We Must Go Through

We all go through disorienting times, when nothing seems to work out despite the amounts of effort we put in, when things just seem to go wrong left, right and center, but even in those times, God is with us and most importantly, He is at work in us, refining us through those furnaces of pain. 

I recently was involved in a car accident, only this time, I was the driver. My front left tyre stepped over the right foot of a young man. He had stepped into the driveway without checking out for a vehicle while trying to pass a group of students on the walkway. It was the worst physical damage I'd ever caused another precious human being so it was an absolute nightmare I was wishing I could wake up from.

Vessel made by His hand

Sometimes I slip into wishful thinking. I wish for better options of myself, better circumstances, less suffering, shorter trials, greener pastures and everything nice.

But all these wishes are futile because most of the situations in my life are permanent, others are just habits and traits (guess these can be altered a bit!). I cannot change my background, my circumstances, my seasons and so many other things. It is now that the statement 'things choose you, you do not choose them' seems to makes sense to me.

All Work In Progress

We need not feel frustrated and discouraged when we fall again and again. When we find it hard to break patterns of sin and break out of bad habits. It is all a journey, full of ups, downs, winding roads, steep slopes and climbs, bumps and once in a while smooth lanes. 

All these are great reminders of our constant need for Christ, we are totally at a loss without Him. 

Though we be in Christ, we are all work in progress. The only ones who are finished are those who have died in Christ. And our walk in Christ is not always so smooth, it will be progressive in one season, stunted in another, and we'll be straying in another.

Relinquishing Control

Giving up the driving seats of our lives is not something easy. It is scary because we feel we understand best where we should be going. The problem is, we fail time and time again to deliver what we feel we should. And when we do, we leave behind trails of  fallen debris.

Pastor Julius Twongyeirwe gave a beautiful illustration yesterday that i feel is quite helpful in explaining the subject of my write-up today; He asked, "If you had a Toyota car and it developed mechanical problems, and engineers right from Toyota (who made and designed the car), offered to help you fix the problem, would you say 'yes please' or 'no, I can handle it'?" 

Living Above the Storms

There is something trust in God does for us. Something nothing else can do. It is able to keep us sane and peaceful even in the wildest of storms. People who know the tough times you are going through may see you and wonder how come you are not falling apart!

Friends, trust in God allows you to surrender all your cares to Him, it enables you to freely enjoy His presence amidst that trial, and it gives you peace, the kind of peace that surpasses human understanding.

When to Consider People's Opinions

These days, it is so common to hear people saying they do not care what others think of them, and I understand why. Considering people's negative opinions can weigh us down.

Such resistance, which comes naturally, is built in a bid to protect ourselves from pain, anger or loss of resolve. Questions like "Do you even know me?", "What do you know about it?", "Is this opinion building me?" and so many others just keep popping up in our minds, and thus we find it safer to disregard these opinions.

And other times, opinions from people who love you and have your best wishes at heart could save you from so much pain and loss. Even when they are saying 'no' to what you think is right.

Therefore, before considering someone's opinion, remember this; 

Each of us is at the center of our own worlds, we are sinful and we are not always logical. Only you can fully live in the shoes in which you were born. We may share joys and sorrows but you alone can truly understand what you are going through, the only Other who understands us perfectly is the LORD, because He knows us so much better than we know ourselves. He is our creator and sustainer. And therefore His opinion should influence our actions the most.

So, when someone gives you their opinion, remember, it is with regards to their belief,  knowledge, experience and generally, their world. It therefore pays to seek opinions from people who share your values and who have experience and knowledge about the matter. When we allow to receive from the overflow of their cups we grow in wisdom and avoid unnecessary pains and mistakes. 

When you hear someone's opinion, ask yourself; is it honoring to God? Is it loving? wise? building? (even if it means breaking down the evil in us). Is it peacemaking? If yes, listen to this person. But if it points you towards chaos, prideful attitudes and strife, do not go down that road. Listen and choose humbly and wisely what to take in and what to leave out.

Many other opinions are neither right nor wrong. They are to do with personal tastes and preferences, here just listen respectfully and choose what you like.  

Always remember that opinions are neither instructions to follow nor are they rules, they are simply people's thoughts.

Proverbs 1:5 "A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel"

Dear readers,

I have published a book. Please get yourself a copy from Amazon.com, Living Life: Nuggets for Daily Christian Living
I pray it blesses you.

CK

Why We Ought To Treat Each Other With Respect

Treating others with respect is easy when all is well, when we look up to them, when they are exemplary and when we know they like us.

But what happens when these ideals fall apart? When the person you looked up to tarnishes their image before you, when the person you liked no longer likes you back, or when someone is 'not as important as you are' or 'not important to you'?

Each of these circumstances, and many others not mentioned here, may cause us to lose our respect for these people. It almost comes naturally, but natural is not always right!

We ought to treat everyone with respect because they are all precious in God's eyes. Even those who do terrible wrong (and we are all sinners) are dearly loved by God.

When you feel someone is 'beneath' you, realize that that is a very prideful attitude. No one is 'beneath' you. You may employ someone or be in authority over someone but always remember that the least among us is the greatest before God.

Treat everyone around you with respect because the second greatest commandment is 'love your neighbor as yourself ' do to others as you would have them do to you. Now it is easy to do so when the other party is respecting you. But what happens when they disrespect you? Remember this 'do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good'. Do not retaliate. It is to the glory of man to overlook an offence.

Now this does not mean we embrace evil, no. We are to hate evil, evil is bad. It is painful and it is just wrong. But we are not to cultivate hatred and bitterness for the people, we are to get rid of these and instead love our enemies. Bless them and pray for them.

Luke 9:48 "Then he said to them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest."

Our Wealth

Please enjoy these beautiful thoughts from Charles H. Spurgeon

The more abundance of truly valuable things a man has — the more he has of true riches. 

A child counts himself rich when he has a great many marbles, and toys, and rocks — for these suit his childish age and imagination. 

Just so, a worldly man counts himself rich when he has a great store of gold and silver, or lands and houses. 

But a child of God counts himself rich when he has . . .

God for his Portion,

Christ his his Redeemer, and

the Spirit for his Guide, Sanctifier, and Comforter.

This is as much above a carnal man's estate in the world, as a carnal man's estate is above a child's toys and trifles — yes, infinitely more!

It is above all things desirable, that we adopt a correct scale to estimate things. When we make our personal audit, we shall fall into grievous error if the principles of our reckoning are not thoroughly accurate. If we reckon buttons as silver, and brass as gold — we shall dream that we are rich, when we are in poverty! 

In taking stock of our own condition, let us be sure only to reckon that for riches, which is really riches to us. Wealth to the worldling is not wealth to the Christian. His currency is different, his valuables are of another sort.

Am I today poorer in money than I was ten years ago. And at the same time, am I more humble, more patient, more earnest, more loving? Then set me down as a rich man! 

Have my worldly goods largely increased during the last few years? And at the same time, am I also more proud, more carnal-minded, more lukewarm, more petulant? Then I must write myself down as a poorer man, whatever others may think of my estate. 

A Christian's riches are within him! External belongings are by no means a sure gain to a man. 

A horse is none the better off for all its gilded trappings. Just so, a man is in truth, none the richer for his sumptuous surroundings. 

Paul was richer than King Croesus, when he was able to say, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want!" Philippians 4:11-12 

Such contentment surpasses riches! Solomon, after summing up all his possessions and delights, was compelled to add, "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity!"

If a man should labor to be rich after the fashion of the poor African natives, and should accumulate a large store of shells and beads — yet when he came home to England he would be a beggar, even though he had a shipload of such rubbish! 

Just so, he who gives his heart and soul to the accumulation of gold coins — is a beggar when he comes into the spiritual realm, where such coins are reckoned as mere forms of earth, non-current in Heaven, and of less value than the least of spiritual blessings!

O, my Lord, let me not merely talk thus, and pretend to despise earthly treasure — when all the while I am hunting after it! Grant me grace to live above these perishable things, never setting my heart upon them; nor caring whether I have them, or have them not. But give me grace to exercise all my energy in pleasing You, and in gaining those things which You hold in esteem. Give me, I beseech You, the riches of Your grace — that I may at last attain to the riches of Your glory!

Don't Bite The Stick

Please enjoy this beautiful portion by Charles H Spurgeon;

"As children will thank the tailor, and think they owe their new clothes to him rather than to their parent's bounty — so we often look to the instrument of blessing, and thank that instead of God."

Second causes must never be made to stand before the First Cause. Friends and helpers are all very well as servants of our Father — but our Father must have all our praise.

There is a similar evil in the matter of trials and afflictions. We are apt to be angry with the instrument of our affliction — instead of seeing the hand of God over all, and meekly bowing before it.

It was a great help to David in bearing with the railing Shimei — when he saw that God had appointed this provocation as a chastisement. He would not allow his hasty captains to take the scoffer's head, but meekly said, "Let him alone, and let him curse, for the Lord has bidden him." 

When a dog is struck — he will bite the stick! If he were wise, he would observe that the stick only moves as the hand directs it. Just so, when we discern God in our tribulations, we are helped to be quiet and endure with patience.

Let us not act like silly children, but trace matters to their fountain-head, and act accordingly. May the Spirit of wisdom make us understand.

"He is the LORD; let Him do what is good in His eyes." 1 Samuel 3:18 

"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away — may the name of the LORD be praised." Job 1:21 

"Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" Job 2:10 

"When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other." Ecclesiastes 7:14

God's Amazing Grace

                                
The grace of God in our lives is like a beautiful covering He puts over our ugliness, our weakness, our shortcoming and our sin, so that we look much better than we actually should. We do not pay fully for the sins we commit because Jesus paid the full price for them when He died on the cross for us all.

It is that peace that comforts us during turmoil, during sickness, during trials and all the other kinds of hard times we go through. When people wonder how on earth you are still able to smile amidst that painful circumstance you are going through, you may be at a loss in even figuring that out but the answer is, “the grace of God”.

It is that strength your spirit receives when you have a great duty to perform, a calling to live out or simply a task to nail, the strength to overcome your own shortcomings just to get your assignment done. When people start asking how on earth you are able to take all that in stride, and how you juggle it all up very well. The answer to that will still be, “the grace of God”.

The grace of God is the assurance He gives us that no matter how low we fall, He is still right there with us, ready to help us get back on our feet, and oh aren’t we always falling? He ordained our days on earth to be journeys in which we are constantly being pruned, cleansed, and sanctified. These tedious experiences will cease when we finally breathe our last, but for now, our gardener patiently does His work in us day by day. He just does not tire of forgiving us, of cleansing us, and renewing us. His patience towards us is inexhaustible.

May God help us to be grateful for the grace He has given us and may He help us to give each other grace as well, freely forgiving those who hurt us, covering with love the sin of those around us, and most of all, being patient with each other. Amen.

Effective Communication

                                                 

Communication is one thing that makes life beautiful. When done beautifully it facilitates  reconciliation and restores sweet peace and love..

The warm closeness and fellowship that follows reconciliation is really a beautiful thing. So how do we enjoy this?

• Calm down, calm down, calm down
• When you have a misunderstanding or problem with someone, fairly assess and determine the extent of your responsibility in the problem.
• Assess their part in the problem as well
• Ask yourself, "Is it worth bringing up or should I just ignore it?" Some little trivial issues need not cause turmoil, and need not be talked about. For example if it is the 73rd time you are picking up your husband's dirty clothes from the floor, you need not talk about it because you probably already have. The only solution to such issues is employing tact. But do not sweep real issues under the carpet! They will only eat your relationship up. Till it is no more.
• When you have decided to communicate, first choose the right time and place then bring the topic up using respectful and loving words. Be sure to have a sieve of truth, love, grace and meekness on your mouth so no word out of this category will come out.
• Then talk about it, casually and honestly. 
• If feelings have been hurt, ask for forgiveness, do not give excuses and defenses. And also forgive them. If u need to, agree. If not, agree to disagree. Come to a mutual understanding and resume your relationship in sweet fellowship.

May God help us to be thankful for our problems for out of them, beautiful things come.

Romans 12:18 "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."

Col 4:6 "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

Finding Our Strength In The LORD

Our Strength surely is to be found in God. There are trials that drain, that strip, that break, that empty, that madden, trials that weaken us-to the core sometimes.

It is at such times that we wonder how on earth we will handle the daily mundane tasks for which we are responsible, how we will handle relating, at least fairly well, with those around us or how we will even smile or in the least bit be at peace...

All these times call for a few things; 

Focusing our eyes on God, presenting our requests to Him and leaving them at His feet. Trusting that He is in control, relying on the grace He gives us moment by moment. 

Spending some time in quietness, just to process the events in your life or the turmoil in your mind. Time goes a long way in allowing us to calm down, bring ourselves to forgive and consider wisely what we ought to do next.

Do not forget to ask for help when you need it, friends, there is always someone there for you (even when you think you are alone). God is always with you, He never leaves you nor forsakes you (even if it may feel so sometimes) and many at times He shows you His love and support through people, even those you least expect.

When you feel weak, remember that weakness is a beautiful thing because it causes us to remember on Whom we actually rely. And it makes the strength of the LORD  shine out bright in stark contrast to our weaknesses, for His glory. 

Friends, may we learn to rely on the LORD for our comfort and strength.

Isaiah 40:29-31

 He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
 Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
 but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

In Honor Of Elisabeth Elliot

This wonderful woman loved the LORD and poured out her life for Him. When she past away over a month ago, millions who had been blessed by her celebrated her life around the world. She left a beautiful legacy that encourages us to first and foremost love the LORD and secondly love Him more. All her amazing work will outlive her by far, to God's glory. Here are a few quotes from the wealth of her resources;

“We are women, and my plea is Let me be a woman, holy through and through, asking for nothing but what God wants to give me, receiving with both hands and with all my heart whatever that is.”

“Maturity starts with the willingness to give oneself.”

“I realized that the deepest spiritual lessons are not learned by His letting us have our way in the end, but by His making us wait, bearing with us in love and patience until we are able to honestly to pray what He taught His disciples to pray: Thy will be done.”

“I have one desire now - to live a life of reckless abandon for the Lord, putting all my energy and strength into it.”

“Does it make sense to pray for guidance about the future if we are not obeying in the thing that lies before us today? How many momentous events in Scripture depended on one person's seemingly small act of obedience! Rest assured: Do what God tells you to do now, and, depend upon it, you will be shown what to do next.

“This job has been given to me to do. Therefore, it is a gift. Therefore, it is a privilege. Therefore, it is an offering I may make to God. Therefore, it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him. Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God’s way. In this job, not in some other, God looks for faithfulness.”

“Restlessness and impatience change nothing except our peace and joy. Peace does not dwell in outward things, but in the heart prepared to wait trustfully and quietly on Him who has all things safely in His hands.”

“I do know that waiting on God requires the willingness to bear uncertainty, to carry within oneself the unanswered question, lifting the heart to God about it whenever it intrudes upon one’s thoughts. Its easy to talk oneself into a decision that has no permanence – easier sometimes than to wait patiently.”

“If we hold tightly to anything given to us unwilling to allow it to be used as the Giver means it to be used we stunt the growth of the soul. What God gives us is not necessarily "ours" but only ours to offer back to him, ours to relinquish, ours to lose, ours to let go of, if we want to be our true selves. Many deaths must go into reaching our maturity in Christ, many letting goes.” 

“Leave it all in the Hands that were wounded for you”.

“One does not surrender a life in an instant. That which is lifelong can only be surrendered in a lifetime.

For more, please check out her resources online.

God bless you

What Would Peace Do?

Peace would know first and foremost that its biggest instrument is it's tongue. It would train its tongue to be slow for starters, slow to speak. Slow enough to say out well thought out responses. It would know that nothing good ever came out of blurting out words!

It would purpose to sieve it's words through a net of love and a net of grace, so that the words coming from it would be loving and gracious so that they would not be found to be disrespectful by the hearers.

It would know that it's state of heart and mind is very important. That out of the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks and thus would do all it could to keep it's mind and heart in order. By dwelling on thoughts that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. And in doing so, would dissolve the all the wrong attitudes that spill over through it's words. 

Peace would accept the fact that disagreements and strife keep surfacing in all our relationships, and even if it dreaded these moments, it would seek to use these platforms to build it's relationships into stronger and more loving ones. It understands that sweet fellowship and warm closeness follow reconciliation, and it knows that the key to that is; using words that build and not words that tear down during confrontation.

It would strive to live in harmony with everyone, to the best of it's ability, not because it seeks to impress these people but because it seeks to please God.

Peace forgives everyone for everything because it knows that forgiveness frees the heart from all sorts of poison; Judgment, blame, hurt, bitterness, anger.. etc It knows that there is no true inner peace while harboring these emotions. It just lets go. Not because the offences meant nothing, but because it no longer wants to carry these unnecessary burdens. It lays them at the feet of the LORD.

Peace knows one thing for sure, it is not in ultimate control of it's life, God is. Not to say it does not take responsibility for its actions, it does. But it knows that the future is in God's hands so there is no need to worry about it. It knows it is sinful to worry and be anxious because God commands us not to. Does it plan? yes. Prepare? yes. Pray? yes. Be anxious about it? no. And since the past already happened, it does not dwell on it. It lives in the moment, enjoying it as it is.

It has a close cousin called Contentment. They walk hand in hand. Peace knows it needs contentment. Being grateful for what it has. Working hard and diligently? yes. Willing to progress and grow? yes. But all the same, being satisfied and grateful for what it receives.

Peace knows that it comes from God, it is the kind that nothing in this world can give(not even great wealth or absence of trouble) and nothing in this world can take it away. And it knows that the secret to keeping it is in enjoying communion with the LORD as often as possible. Studying the Bible, praying to Him and leaving all its burdens at His feet. It knows that in that sweet surrender lies its freedom.

May God help me, help us to keep this pleasantly peaceful heart.

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Col 3:15 "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful"

What Would Humility Do?

Humility would admit when it does wrong, it would admit and ask for forgiveness. For the sake of reconciliation and the restoration of peace. It would repent to God of its sins and it would make an effort to turn away from all wrong doing.

It would consider more important than self, the people with whom it is. Not because they are higher in stature, but because they are God's very own special creations. 

Humility would say take my privilege, take my honor, I would love to bless you, I would prefer that your needs be met before mine. 

It would easily forgive, not because it does not hurt, but because it is the only way to make peace. For self, and for the offended. It would remember that God forgives us as we forgive those who wrong us. It is God's command to us to forgive.

Humility would not boast or show off, for it would know that there is nothing it has that it has not received, that every good and perfect thing comes from God. And it would be willing to give it all up as an offering to God.

It would not rant or complain about every little thing. It would know that we all receive our share of trials and problems, for the sake of our own growth. It would choose to rejoice in the LORD always. And give thanks in every circumstance.

Humility would comfort those in turmoil, those in pain, those less privileged. For it understands better than most, and is wiser than most. It knows that the comfort we have received is meant to be shared. And it would stay close to the weak, seeking to help them whenever need arises.

It would seek peace and reconciliation even through gracious confrontation, covering up sin with love but also dealing with the sin. 

It would graciously stand up for the truth and would do what is right regardless of the consequences. It would not seek to impress man but would seek to please God. 

It would know that it is nothing without God, a mere worm, a speck of dust. It would not question God but would live in reverence to Him, knowing that there is no greater honor it has received than the one of knowing God. No greater gift than that of receiving salvation, and it would strive to love the LORD God with all it's heart, soul and mind.

Humility would have the great honor of receiving God's grace, of having the LORD dwell with it. It would enjoy the LORD's blessings and favor, and yet it would return all the glory, honor and praise back to HIM.

May God help me, help us, to live with this humble but truly great heart.

Isaiah 57:15 "For this is what the high and exalted One says- He who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite."

James 4:6 "But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble."

The 18 Rules Of Living

Today I'll share with you the rules of living the Dalai Lama issued 15 years ago; Some may not have a direct biblical backing but they give us good food for thought. Enjoy...

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

3. Follow the three Rs: Respect for self, Respect for others, Responsibility for all your actions.

4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

7. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

8. Spend some time alone everyday.

9. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.

10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time.

12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.

13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.

14. Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.

15. Be gentle with the earth.

16. Once a year, go some place you've never been before.

17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other. 

18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

Setting Yourself Apart

It is definitely easier to be ordinary, go with the flow, and do what 'everyone else' finds agreeable. What a life! A low risk life. 

But such a life stirs up little inspiration, leaves little to remember, and hardly builds legacy. It is a life not fully lived.

So why set yourself apart? why stand out? After all, who wants to draw attention to themselves? Show-offs? Maybe. The difference between a show-off and one who is not is that the show-off will boast on and on and on about something, and the one who stands out will diligently keep at what he is doing and his works will speak for him.

One who stands out does so with noble motivations... Proverbs 22:29 "Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank." 

The difference between those who stand out and those who don't is the kind of choices they make. They may be in the same circumstances and face the same opportunities but those who want to stand out make choices that seek to make a difference in this world.

Some of us fear to stand out even if we want to because we do not want to draw attention to ourselves or look better than others. We wrongly think people will not like us when we stand out and we forget that our standing out gives them the courage they need to do the same.

Each of us is God's special creation(Psalm 139) and is gifted specially. Just pray and ask God to show you for what He wants you to set yourself apart. And since it will be for His glory, He will surely show you at the right time.

Col 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

Ecc 9:10 “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.”

Putting God First

When it comes to putting God first, it easily feels like a daunting but necessary task. Especially for those leading busy lives that avail them very little time to pray and study the Bible.

But what does it mean to put God first? I believe it means to be mindful of Him during our daily tasks. Asking, in whatever we do, "Does this glorify God?" Col 3:17 "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him"

Here are some practical tips that I hope you find helpful on putting God first;

• Make it a point to have communion with God at least once a day. Read your Bible and pray(always remember to pray for your loved ones, acquaintances and leaders as well).
• Cultivate a prayerful heart(you need not be alone or have closed eyes). Pray as often as you can; simple prayers of thanksgiving, surrender, guidance etc. Pray whenever it crosses your mind. 
• Memorize as much scripture as you can and meditate upon it as often as possible. Psalm 1:2 "...but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night"
• Just be conscious of God in everything you do, keeping in mind the fact that He is watching you, He is with you and He loves you.

Psalm 91:1-2

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”

Finding Deep Satisfaction

We naturally think we will be more satisfied when we receive. Receive more money, receive more opportunities, receive, receive, receive.  And you may feel happy when you receive blessings or money to attend your needs, or gifts of many kinds but it will just make you happy for a while, not satisfied! 

Other times, we feel like our satisfaction will come from accomplishing that which we have set out to do. That will surely give us a sense of accomplishment but no satisfaction.

Our deepest satisfaction comes from doing well that which God has called us to do(or as some will call it, living your purpose on earth); Look around you, what responsibilities has the LORD entrusted you with? Is it obedience to God's word? Is it a spouse?A child? A home? A talent/gift(something you love to do that comes quite easily for you) A job? A dependant? Communing with God? Worshiping Him? A ministry? Friends? Family? Colleagues at work? A burden to do something? Or even a one time opportunity to be bless someone! 

When you look through each of the areas the LORD has entrusted you with, do not ask what these things will do for you. Ask what you will do for them. And when you bless these areas, pouring out your energies to them in love, when you give to them even more than is asked for, one chance at a time, one opportunity at a time, you will begin to see things differently. You will begin to understand that in giving of yourself, you receive more. It is more blessed to give than it is to receive(Acts 20:35). Satisfaction will always be found when you give of yourself for a noble cause. 

Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." We each have our own good works apportioned for us; just because someone you admire enjoys taking care of orphans or leads a bible study does not mean it is your portion as well. 

Start by doing beautifully and passionately the tasks God has placed in your feeble hands. Ask Him to give you the grace creativity you need to accomplish them well, and when you feel like you have even more to offer, pray to God for guidance and follow the burden He places on Your heart.

Enjoy the ride!

Being Renewed

We all need renewal every so often. We need that time of re-connection to our source of life, joy, peace, strength and love. Once a day is great. Once a few days is okay as well(but the more often, the better).

Some of us are pouring out of our lives all the time, spending most of our time serving others, comforting others, counselling others. And others pour out of themselves occasionally. And it is also seasonal; some seasons of our lives we are giving and giving and giving more and others we are not giving as much of ourselves.

In those times when we are giving so much, we better be constantly renewed or else we will break down! Some times we are so busy and we wonder why we are constantly frustrated, impatient and on the edge, yet the answer is lingering in the  background!

So how do we do this? Spend some time, as often as possible, at the feet of Christ; Reading your Bible(there are so many guides to make this easy for you, get one so that you have a sense of follow-through everyday), reading a good book, and just praying and listening to what the Holy Spirit may be impressing on your heart.

This is a golden practice which will go a long way in keeping your step firm, your heart peaceful and your cup filled. 

Psalm 23

 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
 Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

 You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.

Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.