Blessed With A Blank Slate Day

Looking out my upstairs corner window this morning, I see a lot of white covering the street and lawns. No, it isn't snow. It's ice and everyone has been encouraged to stay off the highways. Most schools and several businesses in our area are closed. These are those times for using our creativity or enjoying someone else's in reading or watching a movie or TV show. Then there is always closets or drawers to clean out, but I prefer seeking a more creative outlet.

How often do we greet a day that is just like a blank slate? We usually hit the floor in the morning chasing our growing " to do lists". Then comes a blessed day when God gives us time to slow down and catch up...a blank slate day. Do we stop and ask the Lord what he has in mind for us? Let's never forget that he has loaded us with specific skills to do his work. Was today set aside for us to write a Bible story? To write a letter of encouragement to that person we have been avoiding? To plan a fellowship? To make a phone call? What has God called you to do today to use the creativity he has given you to accomplish his work?

The book of Exodus is filled with examples of God calling folks to work on special projects for the kingdom and blessing them with the skill to do the job. The building of the Tabernacle is but one example. What has he called you to do today?

"He has filed them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen and weavers---all of them skilled workers." Exodus 35:35 (NIV)

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He's Got Your Back

When you turn on the news, be prepared to be discouraged. Although the stock market is up, the job market is discouraging, even with that sought after college degree. Weather in many parts of the country is dangerous. Trains are running in to cars and planes are falling front the sky. But we have the assurance that in spite of what is happening all around us, God is still in control. Bad things are going to happen, but we have a God who loves us and is our shelter and protection when "stuff" happens. So we can "Be still and know he is God." Trust in him this day and every day and turn off the news. He's got your back.

"God is our shelter and our strength.
When troubles seem near, God is nearer, and He’s ready to help.
So why run and hide?
No fear, no pacing, no biting fingernails.
When the earth spins out of control, we are sure and fearless.
When mountains crumble and the waters run wild, we are sure and fearless.
Even in heavy winds and huge waves,
or as mountains shake, we are sure and fearless.
[pause][b]" Psalm 46 1-3 (The Voice)

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Run to the Tower

When I was in my mid-thirties a lot of stressful events occurred in my life. Friends encouraged me to run to manage some of the stress. I made an effort, but sadly another habit I developed to control stress was smoking. The cigarette became my smoke screen that I hid behind so my lungs didn't encourage my running very far. I remembered participating in track  for one year in high school and how well I could run back then.

"Set a goal," I was told. I wanted to do a marathon. Well, I huffed and puffed half walking a half running to the finish line swearing to never do this again instead of setting a goal to quit smoking. I did found that I had more energy and a better outlook on those mornings I ran so I continued to run or walk. My stress level was also lower on the days I ran. I had to give up a few years ago when my legs gave out on me. Riding a stationary bike or on a treadmill isn't the same as being in nature and enjoying the fresh air, sounds and sights that surround us out doors.

Many scriptures relate to running for the Lord. I believe it gives the same results as a run on the ground...energy, to improve our outlook, to reduce stress, to set and achieve goals and to have a relationship with the Lord. We can actually worship while running. I know I  prayed and sang praise songs in my head. Try running for the Lord.

'The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.'" Prov. 18:10

Taking the Field

I always enjoy watching the football teams rush out on the field at the beginning of the game. Last night was no exception as the Pirates and the Seahawks ran out to the roar of the excited crowd of fans.  They did not know what the outcome would be, but they would each do their best to bring home the trophy and honor to their team.

Do you realize we are each running in a race? Can you imagine yourself surrounded by that crowd? Well, everyday we go into the world around us. Will we hold back because of fear and insecurity or run forward to what is set before us. We do know what the outcome will be. Regardless of the playing field we will be going onto, through faith in Jesus and answering his calling, our goal will be to bring glory to him. We will lay our trophy at his feet and he will say, "well done my good and faithful servant." Is that not worth running the race with endurance?

 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,  looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." Heb 12:1-2

Trust Relieves Anxiety

Anxiety and fear usually work together. The Bible has lots to say about both. How does it work? You are afraid of snakes. So if it is a strong enough fear, just thinking about snakes makes you fee anxious. But if one crosses your path, you could go into flight or fight mode or just freeze on the spot. In either reaction, you get some physical symptoms...acid stomach, heart palpitations, jaw clinching, mouth watering, etc. So be aware of the physical reactions you have to anxiety. These can result in illness over time.

In many passages, the Bible throws money or wanting what we do not have in the mix with fear and anxiety. We fear loosing our money or having them rob us. Or we spend every waking hour thinking about how to make money or working to make it. And often we are rewarded with anxiety and a resulting physical condition. What are we supposed to do? It take money to live. Everything we need costs money. Or so we think. It's not using money to care for our needs that gets us into trouble, is it? No, it's loving money more than we love the Lord; spending more time being concerned about money than we are spending time with the Lord and following him; or spending more time working for money than we do in using it responsibly like spending time with our family or accumulating material goods. It's the misuse that results in anxiety and worry which can lead to serious illness or more serious loss over time. So here is the solution:

"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 ESV

So which is more important? Loving the Lord or loving money? Has he not promised you to provide for your needs? Then trust him more than the stock market or your the news.

Frozen by Anxiety or Freed by Christ

Have you ever had to take anti-anxiety medicine? What happens when you feel anxious? Have you ever felt so anxious that you just shut down, were completely incapacitated? What about when you just shut down on a test you had prepared for and could not recall any answers? Did you ever choke up at bat and couldn't connect with the ball when a run could make the difference between a win for the team or loss of the championship? When I was counseling, anxiety disorders were my favorite to work with. If you've never experienced severe anxiety that just shut you down, you can't appreciate what Jesus offers in the verses that talk about anxiety and offer a cure.

We usually skip verse 5 in Philippians 4 when referring to passages on anxiety. Yet, when you've experienced anxiety, were you reasonable or did you just act completely compulsive or not act at all?  Either response is destructive. I can result in a disaster. When we can react to a situation in peace the results are much better than when we freeze. So lets remember this verse and go to the Lord when anxiety threatens to shut us down. He is the best counselor and anti-anxiety medicine we can go to and the cost is very reasonable and results positive.

" Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."Philippians 4:5-7

Something New is Coming

It is already the second day of the New Year, Is 2015 moving as fast as 2014 did? We'd better hang onto our hats and quit procrastinating on the things we need to do and what needs to change. How are you doing on your list of resolutions? Where do you need to put more emphasis or just get started?
A new year can be a new beginning. What do you need to leave behind? Will you? Or will you go back and pick it up again and keep doing what hasn't been working? In Isaiah, the Lord is telling the people that things are going to change, He has a better plan for them and it is coming. It's the same with us. He has a better plan for our ives, but first we must be willing to let go of all that holds us back. What holds you back? Pray about it. Ask the Lord to give you strength and courage to let go and let him be in control. Give him the reins of your ilife and when he says "gee" go and "haw: stop. Your can relax, let go and let God.
"Do not call to mind the former things,
Or ponder things of the past.
“Behold, I will do something new," Isaiah 43:18-19 a