Preaching to the Choir, Taking Our Own Advice

We are to learn to discern between what’s right and wrong, according to God’s will and principles, having faith, and live that way. As you study the following passage, ask yourself if you are thinking of those who sin, or yourself who sins?

Romans 2:6-8, 16, 23
“He will repay according to each one’s deeds: to those who by patiently doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life, while for those who are self-seeking and who obey not the truth but injustice, there will be wrath and fury.
…16 God through Christ Jesus judges the secret thoughts of all… 23 You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by your transgression of the law?”

Stress and Overthinking and God Interventions

When it feels like the world is spinning out of control, do your spiraling thoughts overwhelm you? I can tell you what helps when I feel this way. I have learned this doesn’t just magically go away.

For me, I have to make an intentional decision to stop what I’m doing, become aware that I am spiraling, take a deep cleansing breath, find a quiet place, and talk to God.

I find it helpful to begin by acknowledging who God is, and offer gratitude for everything I can think of, as well as things I don’t even know. In those moments, I breathe deeply again, and allow God to re-introduce the peace I need, and that He desires for my spirit to feel.

Beloved, if you are too much “in your head” lately, ruminating, pondering excessively, with spinning thoughts to no end, I pray you find praying through the book of Ecclesiastes strangely comforting, like I did this morning.

In the end, this is what matters most: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

P.S. And isn’t it just like God’s Holy Spirit, that in the middle of processing all this, as my troubled spirit was healing, an unexpected encounter happened – a woman stopped to talk with me in the coffee shop, and poured out her heart to me and God, and we listened, and I cried with her. Thank you God.

Peace Within

In scripture, as with my own story, I have learned peace is a gift from God. Receive God’s gift of peace for yourself today. Take a moment and use your calming breaths, release body tension, and recognize God’s Spirit dwelling in you.

“The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

(written with inspiration from “The Upper Room”)

The Skill of Listening Well

A truly worthy goal for us all. I am trained as a Chaplain to listen well with all individuals. This article is refreshing and life-giving. We all can learn to improve in this area, and consequently all our interactions and relationships will blossom.

https://hbr.org/2016/07/what-great-listeners-actually-do

Troubling Dream, God’s Reply

I had a troubling dream about feeling useless in retirement, and wondering if I made a difference in ministry. Then I felt guilty for having such an egotistical thought in my dream. Then awoke to this scripture today., and the reminder that I will continue in ministry as a hospital chaplain. Thank you Jesus.

Do you ever wonder if what you do matters? Hear the word of the Lord:
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” Hebrews 6:10

The Rest of Your Life

Who are you? Who do you aspire to be, or not to be? Develop who you are.

What will you do? How will you live your life? Who will you be? How will others describe you or remember you? Will you simply go along, or will you be mindful, intentional, purposeful? At the end, will you regret time wasters? Will you be frenetically busy? Will you see, not just look; listen, not just hear; enjoy, smile, laugh, cry, allow the feels, not dwelling excessively (whatever that means to you) wallowing in them?

A good listen, this. https://youtu.be/Lw1KEsJ9eKo