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with Common Sense 4 Uncommon People
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June, 2011
Answered Prayers
There are few surprises in life that are as gratifying as answered prayers. It’s common for us to miss these compassionate works, while assuming providence, favorable circumstances or that even luck might have been responsible for our well timed good fortune. We are simply not adequately tuned in once our prayer has been answered. The time-between “detours” from our hopes and expectations to delivery, worsen this reaction. There is so much joy and power in this belief that we call Christianity but luck isn’t one of the tools in our Lord’s belt. It’s true that we don’t know what God knows. It’s also true that we don’t necessarily understand what’s in our own best interests. The concept of luck is more of a trick that Satan might pull out, to mislead, misdirect or even to employ so that credit for some of God’s watchful works is waylaid. Luck can also be the bait that snags the unspiritual seeker of fortune into a more vulnerable and risky position.
I recently found myself praising God on a daily basis for a continuing blessing. When I thought about it and asked of myself, why daily, it occurred to me that it was a though I was making sure that my appreciation would be available on whichever day the Lord might be listening to me? I was acting as if He was not with me every minute? When misfortune appears in our lives, it is not the result of God’s absence or attitude. If we have that desired relationship with the Lord, it’s a 24/7 relationship. Misfortune is simply a part of our earthly (sinful) existence. When I cry, I’m not crying alone. When I laugh, I can hear the spiritual echo of my joy. Whatever happens to me, is felt by God. When your child is ill, you suffer alongside. When your child squirms with joy, the smile on your face is available for everyone. So it is with God and the life He has blessed us with. When it’s His will, our prayers will be answered. I don’t really understand how the Internet works, I just know that it does as long as God provides the resources for power. The mind which created our mind is an awesome power. The love that fostered our love is an enviable emotion. The will that answers prayers is fueled by the combination of His power and love that is immeasurable. Too often, when we resort to prayer, we’ve nearly given up on human solutions. “I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!” (Isaiah 65:24 NLT). We take so much for granted!
JC Calkins with COMMON SENSE 4 UNCOMMON PEOPLE
Christian v. christian?
Do you sometimes find it a struggle to be a Christian and a good friend or member of a not quite so Christian family or circle? Or the larger classes of non-Christians? Let’s face it, there are Christians and then there are christians. The first is a bold upper case, proper noun, where following Jesus is the primary principle of life. The lower case version reflects a believer, good person but one where life is more often the higher priority… read more
Inspired By Life
Does Christianity hold easy solutions to all of life’s dilemmas? I don’t know your answers, but mine would be “no”. Christianity per se is a way of leading one’s life. Faith and trust in Christ on the other hand can change the way we experience and address the dilemmas of life. Being a Christian does not in and of itself, remove our fears, tears or pain. We each lead lives overflowing with trials, tragedy and hardships. There should be a… read more
Why Ask Directions?
The old sarcasm about men being unable or unwilling to ask directions, has the correct assessment but fails to address the consequences. My first experience with asking for help came when getting our family certified as open ocean divers. Training was required, no problems there. The main safety rule for diving is to always have a dive buddy. You can’t work your way out of many scuba problems alone. On our fifth independent dive into this wet world, 100′ down,… read more
One Perfect Father
Reading the bible from cover to cover, tells the story of an extraordinary Father, who’s quiet strength and wisdom might otherwise have remained an unsolved mystery during our lives. Many of us have read at least one good biography in our lives, as most schools require such reading. The bible however is different than a biography. It does not tell us God’s origins, except to say that He always was and always will be. It doesn’t explain His seemingly elusive… read more
How To Fail Successfully
A kind and caring heart can open our eyes to the troubles of others, but dealing with those troubles only comes through our own self awareness. Matthew 7:3 NLT “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own”? 360 degree self awareness is a gutsy endeavor. While we are all pretty skilled at recognizing what we can do well, we are equally skilled at ignoring our ineptness. One single experience which… read more
Follow The Leader?
There is a widening void in many areas of leadership. Effective leadership can’t be taught, it’s inherent to a cause. Leadership does not result from the taking or assumption of power, but by accepting the will of would be followers. We elect public officials, based on party loyalty, propaganda, charisma or in some cases, carefully orchestrated experiences. Experience is never a replacement for leadership qualities any more than a party endorsement, wealth, education or charisma is. Control is sought after… read more
Mutually Exclusive Goals
There are a couple of reasons that John 1:12 is my favorite passage of the bible. “But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God”. The first is the use of the future tense “to become”, indicating that we don’t start out that way. The second is the very practical concept of truly becoming “children of God”. The envisioning capability of my mind, can’t see that passage referring to us as… read more
Beyond Comprehension
Several years ago, I was involved in an in-depth study of segments of the New Testament. Through this study I developed a fuller “intellectual” understanding of the historical trials in the too short life of Jesus of Nazareth. It’s easy and comfortable to think of this amazing man, walking around healing people, turning water into wine, feeding thousands with a few fishes and loaves of bread. Who wouldn’t adore this gentle soul? But the truth is that many people in… read more
Pleasing God?
Saying “I’m a Christian,” attending services at a Christian church, even leading Christian bible studies etc., these activities do not make us Christians, unless they are what God is telling us to do. Being a Christian is singularly about being a follower of Jesus Christ. If we want to share His name, we must share His beliefs and practices. We need also share His convictions, His obedience and His desire to please The Father. Pleasing God should be our first… read more
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