America We Have a Problem

America, we have a problem.

Our nation has become consumed with division and hatred.

It is sad to observe, but it is not surprising when you see the trends.  People are moving away from faith, and in it’s absence, there is a loss of moral compass.

People don’t treat each other the way they want to be treated.  Instead, they now tread people badly before they are treated badly by others.

It’s a battle of wills.

A battle of pride.

A battle of self.

And God is not surprised by it either.  He foretold it through Timothy nearly 2000 years ago.

“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.  People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God – having a form of godliness but denying its power.  Have nothing to do with them.”  2 Timothy 3:1-5

In the midst of this present conflict of worldviews, how should we live?

Don’t feed the hatred.

We must not allow our emotions and insecurities to control our behavior.  We need to restore civil discourse, where we can speak honestly without mischaracterizing opposing viewpoints.  We must “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).  Not letting the defense of our positions be driven by pride.  But instead, sharing the truth in our hearts out of compassion for the other person.  The focus must not be about “being right,” but it must be about “being real.”  It’s not about winners and losers in an argument.  It’s about the transformation of the heart.

Leave a trail of light.

We all leave a trail.  The words we speak and the things we do have an impact on people every day.  Plant seeds of truth, that will leave a trail of fruitfulness and life for those who surround you.

Pray.

Earnestly seek God, and pray that He would first change your heart.  And that He would give you wisdom to let your words be “always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”  (Colossians 4:6)

America, we have  a problem.  Contrary to what you hear on the news, our problem is not politics.  Our problem is in the center of our souls.

We will not change the current condition by complaining or casting judgement.

Instead, we will leave a positive impact when we “do not conform to the pattern of this world.”  (Romans 12:2).  Live differently from the world today.  Live out the characteristics of faith in Christ that set us apart from the natural patterns of this world.

Live a life that is full of Grace … Mercy … Faith … Hope… and Love.

 

 

 

One Foot in Front of the Other

“One foot in front of the other” was a common phrase my Dad said whenever he was trying to motivate my sister or I to move faster.  Often he was trying to get us to a destination, but we were distracted.  As I reflect on his words, they are a good reminder for daily life application:

Keep moving forward.

Do not give up.

Press onward toward the goal.

An ancient Chinese proverb says “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”   What steps are you taking today?  Do you have a destination that you want to reach, but maybe it feels too far away, so you have lost motivation?

Great things are accomplished with seemingly small and steady steps.  Each step may feel insignificant on it’s own, but when small steps are taken with consistency and determination, the miles will pass, and you will be closer to your destination.

But without the daily steps, you will be no closer to your goal.

This first requires a clear picture of the destination you are walking toward.  Otherwise you will wander aimlessly, and it will be easy to lose focus because you have no target.

Secondly, it requires the daily effort to take the necessary step that day.

Is your goal financial independence?   Investing money today will increase your probability of success due to the principle of compounding interest. The sooner you start, the greater the gain.  It requires short-term sacrifice for long-term benefit.

Is your goal fitness and health?  Exercising for 30 minutes every day will produce a body that is strong and fit.  It costs time and sweat today, but it will produce a lifestyle that you will benefit.

Is your goal to deepen your faith?  Invest time reading the Bible and praying every day. The small steps may not seem to make much of a difference at first.  But when we press forward with consistency, our lives will be changed, without our realizing it during the process.

The world looks for a quick fix.  We are inclined to want to achieve our goals without the sacrifice that is often necessary.  Progress will be made through a deliberate and purposeful pursuit.  One thing is for sure:  we will not grow if we do not go.    The small steps will add up.

Do something every day that moves you closer to your goal.

One foot in front of the other.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”  Galatians 6:9

New Day

Today is a New Day.

Every day that you are given is a gift.  It’s a fresh start.  A new beginning.

Let today, and not yesterday, define tomorrow.

Walk in humility as you seek to love God and love the people he places on your path today.

Do not live in fear nor despair.

Rather, press forward with hope of His perfect plan that is unfolding according to His love.

Accept His forgiveness and embrace His grace.

Focus your eyes on Him, and seek Him with all your heart.

This is a new day.  Rejoice!

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”  Lamentations 3:22-23

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