Coffee Break
"Road Signs"
On any journey you will encounter road signs. Some of the signs tell you where there is lodging, restaurants and gas stations. Some tell you how many more miles to a certain city. There are also signs telling you where to exit, stop, no passing and the speed limit. On this spiritual journey I have also encountered "road signs". When you get into your car to take a journey, you are headed to a destination. When you are on a spiritual journey, there is also a destination.
The Lord has a destination in mind for me-- as He does for all of us. The road signs I have encountered on it are meant to help me to arrive there. The journey that I have been on is to bring me back to where I once was and take me forward to a higher level where I haven't been before.
I want to share with you some of the "road signs" I have encountered. I have been encountering many "RE" signs.
Regain-- regain my hunger and thirst
Renew-- renew my thinking that has been too influenced by the world and bring it back to the Word of God.
Refresh-- refresh me, taking away the weariness and allowing the Lord to breath a breath of fresh air on me.
Rekindle-- rekindle the fire that once burned brighter
Regenerate-- putting back into my heart the things that were lost
Relight-- relight, and restart a fresh fire in my soul
Reshape-- reshape my attitude to conform to His
Remold-- remolding me into His image when it was marred.
Refocus-- refocus my thoughts and heart on what is truly important
Reform-- reforming me from the inside out
Reconstruct-- reconstruct what has been damaged in my heart
Restore-- restoring, bringing back everything that I allowed the enemy to steal from me
Repair-- repairing what needs fixing-- sometimes we don't think we are broken, but God knows
Reconciliation-- reconciling any thing that was broken in my relationship with the Lord or anyone else.
Reignite-- reignite a bright light in me that cannot be hid.
Realign-- realign, putting back in order everything that was out of order
Reprioritize-- reprioritize and put everything in my life in its proper place.
Revive-- revive, bring back to life every dead place in me.
Did you see any "road signs" that you might need to pay attention to? At different times in all our lives we need to have some "REs" going on. Sometimes we need to rediscover God's great love for us, or let Him repair us, or let Him remend our broken heart, or let Him reignite a passion for Him, or reconcile our relationship with Him or someone else. As we give heed to these signs and follow them, we will reach the destination He has in mind for us.
Have a great day. Pay attention to the "road signs", they will help you get to where you are going.
Friday, February 28, 2020
Thursday, February 27, 2020
Coffee Break - Good Pain
Coffee Break
"Good Pain"
Before I had my surgery I was in such tremendous pain. After I had my surgery I experienced some pain. The pain that I had before was different than the pain I had afterwards. The pain I had before was "bad" pain. The pain afterwards was "good" pain. Really, is there such a thing as good and bad pain? The pain before was from a problem that was going on in my body-- bad pain. The pain that I was having after the surgery was a healing pain-- good pain.
Not every pain we experience is bad. When I gave birth to my daughter, that was definitely good pain. Through the pain of labor I was giving birth to a beautiful baby girl that would bring more joy to my life than I could ever have imagined. This was a good pain because it brought joy with it.
The Bible tells us that Jesus endured the suffering of the cross for the joy that was set before Him. (Hebrews 12:2) Jesus endured the pain, beating, suffering, crown of thorns and nails because He knew that through this sacrifice you and I would be able to have a chance to receive salvation and live with Him forever in His kingdom in heaven-- the thought of having us with Him brought Him great joy, therefore, He didn't come down off the cross but stayed in pain and agony until it was finished!
There is pain that we go through-- spiritually speaking-- that isn't pleasant but it is needful and in the end it will yield the peaceable fruits of righteousness in us. (Hebrews 12:11) Our faith being stretched is painful, the Potter's hands on us molding and making us into a fit vessel is painful, the fire of the furnace that purifies us is painful, the pruning off the dead and unnecessary things in our lives is painful... but they bring about something good. They bring about peace, joy, strength, victory, love, kindness, and so on. It is painful but afterwards our lights will shine brighter, our salt will be savory, our weakness will turn to strength, our fear will turn to faith, and our love will increase. The pain of suffering will make us perfect, establish us, strengthen and settle us. (1 Peter 5:10) You've heard it said-- no pain, no gain. Well, spiritually speaking as well-- no pain, no gain.
Have a great day. Not all pain is bad.... some is good!
"Good Pain"
Before I had my surgery I was in such tremendous pain. After I had my surgery I experienced some pain. The pain that I had before was different than the pain I had afterwards. The pain I had before was "bad" pain. The pain afterwards was "good" pain. Really, is there such a thing as good and bad pain? The pain before was from a problem that was going on in my body-- bad pain. The pain that I was having after the surgery was a healing pain-- good pain.
Not every pain we experience is bad. When I gave birth to my daughter, that was definitely good pain. Through the pain of labor I was giving birth to a beautiful baby girl that would bring more joy to my life than I could ever have imagined. This was a good pain because it brought joy with it.
The Bible tells us that Jesus endured the suffering of the cross for the joy that was set before Him. (Hebrews 12:2) Jesus endured the pain, beating, suffering, crown of thorns and nails because He knew that through this sacrifice you and I would be able to have a chance to receive salvation and live with Him forever in His kingdom in heaven-- the thought of having us with Him brought Him great joy, therefore, He didn't come down off the cross but stayed in pain and agony until it was finished!
There is pain that we go through-- spiritually speaking-- that isn't pleasant but it is needful and in the end it will yield the peaceable fruits of righteousness in us. (Hebrews 12:11) Our faith being stretched is painful, the Potter's hands on us molding and making us into a fit vessel is painful, the fire of the furnace that purifies us is painful, the pruning off the dead and unnecessary things in our lives is painful... but they bring about something good. They bring about peace, joy, strength, victory, love, kindness, and so on. It is painful but afterwards our lights will shine brighter, our salt will be savory, our weakness will turn to strength, our fear will turn to faith, and our love will increase. The pain of suffering will make us perfect, establish us, strengthen and settle us. (1 Peter 5:10) You've heard it said-- no pain, no gain. Well, spiritually speaking as well-- no pain, no gain.
Have a great day. Not all pain is bad.... some is good!
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Coffee Break - Priority - Part 2
Coffee Break
Priority - Part 2
I know I covered the subject of priorities yesterday, but I feel I need to talk about them a little more this morning. Yesterday I told you that the Lord is reprioritizing my life. I believe that I am not the only one who needs Him to do this to.
If we will step back and take an honest evaluation of our lives we would see that there are many things that we put priority on that we should not. When our priorities are out of order, so are our lives. How so? Because our lives become cluttered with things that aren't even important. When they are cluttered, we tend to get distracted. When we get distracted, we lose our focus. When we lose our focus, we can't see clearly. When we can't see clearly, we lose our vision. When we lose our vision, we lose our peace.
Priorities are those things that are important to us. The place and value we put on them is an indication of what place of priority they have in our lives. Just what is important and what should be important to you? I am so thankful to live in America. We are the land of plenty. We have nice things and enjoy modern conveniences that so many around the world don't. But we are a materialistic nation. Sadly, sometimes that is a curse instead of a blessing. Remember I am talking about priorities, as in what is really important.
We need clothes, but do we need the latest fads? Do we need expensive labels? Do we need ten pair of blue jeans? We need shoes, but do we need $400.00 tennis shoes just because some big name sports star wears them? There is nothing wrong with a little entertainment, but are you being entertained for hours in front of the television? How many times a day do you check your Facebook? Do you keep the notification turned on so you know the instant someone posts? Do you turn off your cell phone when you have company or are out to lunch with a friend? These are just a few things that we probably have out of order of priority in the physical realm, but what about the spiritual realm. After all, this is all temporary but that is eternal.
Do you pray daily or neglect your communion with the Lord because you put more priority on sleeping late or going somewhere? Do you read the Bible on a daily bases or go days without? Some argue that they don't have time for it but, you have time to check your Facebook or email-- numerous times a day. (Just saying.) Do you take time to engage in worship during the day? Or is that something reserved for church service?
Our first priority has to be our relationship with the Lord. That was His first priority-- a relationship with you. He made the salvation of your soul His highest priority. He didn't let anything or anyone-- not the pain, the suffering or the angry mob-- stop Him from going to the cross to pay for your salvation. You are still His priority. He is always there with you and for you. He comes to your rescue when you need Him. He moves on your behalf. He fights your battles. He defeats your enemies. He supplies all your needs. He puts you first and does not let anything else come before you in order of priority. Do you do the same when it comes to Him?
Have a great day. The things of this life are not your greatest priority. Your relationship with the Lord is.
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Coffee Break - Priority
Coffee Break
"Priority"
When you are laying flat of your back for almost two months unable to even get up without help or without pain, you quickly discover what is priority and what isn't. The things we think are so important... aren't!
I thought it was important to have my house always "spic and span", especially when I knew company was coming over- or at least picked up. But I learned right away that it is-- like my dad always says, "Just a thing". I couldn't dust, sweep, pick up paper off of the floor, wash clothes, wash dishes, cook, make up my bed, fold clothes, you name it... or even dress and undress myself. So, things had to wait on my husband to do it. He did a fantastic job-- that man gets the blue ribbon. He was trying to run the house, do the grocery shopping, pay the bills, pick up my meds, take care of the yard, and be nurse to me-- if it had to be done, he had to do it. He couldn't get around to doing everything-- it was impossible. Plus, you ladies know that even when men do it, they don't do it like we do it. A lot of things had to be let go because he couldn't do it and neither could I. So, therefore, I learned that it really doesn't matter. It was not that big a deal. It wasn't earth shattering. Life would go on if you came over and saw dusty furniture or unwashed dishes. It wasn't the end of the world.
Sadly, we are so caught up in the minor things, the unimportant things, the things that nobody but us even notices, that we forget what really is important. When we forget, it is a sign that we have misplaced our priorities. Our priorities often get misplaced by unimportant things. I am not talking about being people of excellence or good stewards over what the Lord has blessed us with-- we should be. I am talking about getting so anxious about things that are not that big a deal.
In this journey I am on, the Lord is reprioritizing things in my life. My first priority is my relationship with Him-- not ministry, not a clean house, not anything else. My next priority are the things that are priority to Him-- valuing and putting in proper order the things that He values-- which would be people. Remember, love Him first, then others, then self.
Have a great day. Where are your priorities? Are you majoring on the minors, and minoring on the majors? Is the Lord and your relationship with Him your first priority? If not, you better get your priorities in order.
"Priority"
When you are laying flat of your back for almost two months unable to even get up without help or without pain, you quickly discover what is priority and what isn't. The things we think are so important... aren't!
I thought it was important to have my house always "spic and span", especially when I knew company was coming over- or at least picked up. But I learned right away that it is-- like my dad always says, "Just a thing". I couldn't dust, sweep, pick up paper off of the floor, wash clothes, wash dishes, cook, make up my bed, fold clothes, you name it... or even dress and undress myself. So, things had to wait on my husband to do it. He did a fantastic job-- that man gets the blue ribbon. He was trying to run the house, do the grocery shopping, pay the bills, pick up my meds, take care of the yard, and be nurse to me-- if it had to be done, he had to do it. He couldn't get around to doing everything-- it was impossible. Plus, you ladies know that even when men do it, they don't do it like we do it. A lot of things had to be let go because he couldn't do it and neither could I. So, therefore, I learned that it really doesn't matter. It was not that big a deal. It wasn't earth shattering. Life would go on if you came over and saw dusty furniture or unwashed dishes. It wasn't the end of the world.
Sadly, we are so caught up in the minor things, the unimportant things, the things that nobody but us even notices, that we forget what really is important. When we forget, it is a sign that we have misplaced our priorities. Our priorities often get misplaced by unimportant things. I am not talking about being people of excellence or good stewards over what the Lord has blessed us with-- we should be. I am talking about getting so anxious about things that are not that big a deal.
In this journey I am on, the Lord is reprioritizing things in my life. My first priority is my relationship with Him-- not ministry, not a clean house, not anything else. My next priority are the things that are priority to Him-- valuing and putting in proper order the things that He values-- which would be people. Remember, love Him first, then others, then self.
Have a great day. Where are your priorities? Are you majoring on the minors, and minoring on the majors? Is the Lord and your relationship with Him your first priority? If not, you better get your priorities in order.
Monday, February 24, 2020
Coffee Break - Disciplined
Coffee Break
"Disciplined"
How many of you like the word-- discipline? Our flesh sure doesn't. But we have to have discipline in our lives. That's why some of us are in a lot of trouble-- no discipline, and the rest of us would be without it.
Why is discipline so important? If our eating habits weren't disciplined we could wind up on a reality show knowing that if we didn't lose the weight we were going to die. If we aren't disciplined with our spending habits we could become so deep in debt that we could wind up sitting in the dark with no electricity, or have our vehicle repossessed, or worse yet, find ourselves homeless. A lack of discipline could cause us to wind up in jail because we couldn't stop doing things that were illegal. The greatest tragedy when it comes to lack of discipline is that of losing your eternal soul. You wouldn't stop doing what you wanted to do long enough (discipline) to make things right with you and the Lord.
While not all lack of discipline can have as dire consequences as those named above, even the smallest areas where we aren't disciplined can cause us problems. During this time I have seen that I needed more discipline in areas in my life. I was placed in a situation where I had to be disciplined. I had to be disciplined in order to not rush my recovery, in order to follow the doctors instructions to not lift, bend, twist or pull anything for more than 6 weeks. I had to be disciplined to take my meds at the proper time. I had to be disciplined on how I got in and out of bed. I had to be disciplined, as well as patient, to let someone else help me and not go off on my own and do certain things for myself. This is the hardest part for most people. It is easier to go ahead and do it yourself than to have to wait on someone else, or show them how to do it. (Parents get the gold medal here-- it is easier to do it ourselves than tell them how.)
The greatest reason we need discipline is not about these things, but about doing what the Lord instructs us to do. Just imagine the outcome at the Walls of Jericho had the Israelites not disciplined themselves to obey the Lord's command to match around the walls without uttering a word. They might have missed the victory. They might have made the battle harder on themselves. They may have missed the miracle and revelation of God that they saw. Our lack of discipline could cause us to miss out on what the Lord has planned for us. Think about it.
Have a great day. How disciplined are you? Do you need to work on it?
"Disciplined"
How many of you like the word-- discipline? Our flesh sure doesn't. But we have to have discipline in our lives. That's why some of us are in a lot of trouble-- no discipline, and the rest of us would be without it.
Why is discipline so important? If our eating habits weren't disciplined we could wind up on a reality show knowing that if we didn't lose the weight we were going to die. If we aren't disciplined with our spending habits we could become so deep in debt that we could wind up sitting in the dark with no electricity, or have our vehicle repossessed, or worse yet, find ourselves homeless. A lack of discipline could cause us to wind up in jail because we couldn't stop doing things that were illegal. The greatest tragedy when it comes to lack of discipline is that of losing your eternal soul. You wouldn't stop doing what you wanted to do long enough (discipline) to make things right with you and the Lord.
While not all lack of discipline can have as dire consequences as those named above, even the smallest areas where we aren't disciplined can cause us problems. During this time I have seen that I needed more discipline in areas in my life. I was placed in a situation where I had to be disciplined. I had to be disciplined in order to not rush my recovery, in order to follow the doctors instructions to not lift, bend, twist or pull anything for more than 6 weeks. I had to be disciplined to take my meds at the proper time. I had to be disciplined on how I got in and out of bed. I had to be disciplined, as well as patient, to let someone else help me and not go off on my own and do certain things for myself. This is the hardest part for most people. It is easier to go ahead and do it yourself than to have to wait on someone else, or show them how to do it. (Parents get the gold medal here-- it is easier to do it ourselves than tell them how.)
The greatest reason we need discipline is not about these things, but about doing what the Lord instructs us to do. Just imagine the outcome at the Walls of Jericho had the Israelites not disciplined themselves to obey the Lord's command to match around the walls without uttering a word. They might have missed the victory. They might have made the battle harder on themselves. They may have missed the miracle and revelation of God that they saw. Our lack of discipline could cause us to miss out on what the Lord has planned for us. Think about it.
Have a great day. How disciplined are you? Do you need to work on it?
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