Category: Pain

Love, Like, And Fond-Of: Easter Thoughts

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Love, Like, And Fond-Of: Easter Thoughts
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This past Christmas season, my family watched a wonderful concert of M.W. Smith, Amy Grant, and Michael Tait. It was so good! The vocals were beautiful, the band professional and creative, the lights and special features very well-done. Best of all, the message was inspiring. Worshipfully, the entire concert focused on Jesus Christ. One of the talking points impressed me. So, as I’ve been pondering it, I decided to write an article about “love, like, and fond-of.”

This is the perfect material for Easter week.

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More Healthy Mindset Action Points

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More Healthy Mindset Action Points
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Last article/podcast, we explored “A Positive Mindset Works.” Actually, there’s nothing more critical to your success as a Jesus follower. Why? Simply, because a person’s mindset propels them forward into response. Essentially, into action. Subsequently, let’s look at more healthy mindset action points today, with the goal of building character like Christ.

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A Positive Mindset Works – Scripture Dissection

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A Positive Mindset Works - Scripture Dissection
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I’m sure it’s not just me. Surely, you’ve been there, too. Your computer, phone, or device just isn’t cooperating. So, you refresh. If that doesn’t work, you turn it off – and back on again. Plus, you take care of any updates. Worse case scenario, you back-up data and re-format your device. Honestly! A lot of management! Similarly, there’s management needed for a mindset to work well. However, it involves certain reboots, re-starts, updates, and even re-formats to have a positive mindset work.

Let’s see what Scripture says.

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God Tethers You To Hope

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God Tethers You To Hope
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In our last article/podcast, “Refuse To Refuse,” we talked about living with hope. Since hope is so critical, it’s worth a look at how God tethers you to hope. Actually, it’s challenging to be a Jesus follower in today’s world. Equally, to live without hope is tragic.

Let’s explore how God tethers you to hope – and exactly what a tether is.

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Refuse To Refuse

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Refuse To Refuse
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“No thank you. Perhaps some other time. Nah, not doin’ it! No – I don’t think so. Ask me next week.” Those are some ways people refuse something. But, what does it look like to “refuse to refuse.” Remarkably, this little phrase has been behind many world-changing events. It’s made heroes out of ordinary people. That means you and I can be heroes-of-a-kind. Interestingly, refusing to refuse provides constructive action that makes significant differences in your life. Often, it’s your best choice!

So, let’s look at “refuse to refuse.”

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It’s For Your Own Good – Scripture Dissection

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It's For Your Own Good - Scripture Dissection
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I don’t know about you, but the words – “It’s for your own good” – conjure up numerous memories. Think back to your childhood. Surely, you had adults and various others who had influence in your life . . . and said – “it’s for your own good.” Chances are, most of those folks were trying to cast a purposeful vision forward into your life. Plus – don’t you sometimes say the same thing now as you attempt to influence someone you care about? Whether or not you do – God does. In case you didn’t know, that phrase – “for your own good.” – is straight out of Scripture.

Now, let’s explore exactly “what” is supposed to be for your own good.

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When God Weeps – Scripture Dissection

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When God Weeps - Scripture Dissection
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Have you ever wondered if God cries? Well, He does. In fact, God weeps! I suppose most people don’t think about it. Nevertheless, it likely happens more often than you or I can imagine. When God weeps, He connects with you and me. Actually, that’s quite comforting. Plus, it gives permission to you to weep when your life overflows with disappointment.

What does God weep about?

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The Shame Thing – Scripture Dissection

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The Shame Thing - Scripture Dissection
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I remember a funny quote in the movie, “Mulan.” : “Dishonor! Dishonor on your whole family! Dishonor on you, dishonor on your cow . . . ” Do you remember it? Incidentally, this rebuke is spoken by Mushu, a Chinese dragon – Mulan’s companion. Actually, dishonor is something like shame. In fact, dishonor is a strong match for shame according to a thesaurus. You might wonder if I’m going to suggest – – under no circumstances should you allow yourself to experience shame. Not so. Unfortunately, too many people don’t have healthy contrition anymore. Conversely, many people don’t know what to do with undeserved shame. Let’s explore the shame thing.

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Perspective When You’re Down

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Perspective When You're Down
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When I’m driving somewhere, I always look for road markers and signs to assure I’m in the right place, ready for what’s coming. In fact, road markers help you stay in the right place in every day life. Knowing your surroundings provides perspective and management options – particularly when you’re down. Let’s explore two verses that give helpful actions steps to manage difficult times and still keep you on a good path.

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Hope For A New Year

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Hope For A New Year
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A New Year is an opportunity to let go of some things, hold onto other things, and reach for new things. That process involves various emotions. Even though a New Year can feel scary, not knowing what’s ahead, it can also be exciting with new opportunities. In some cases, it may be a relief to walk into fresh perspective. Hope for new possibilities begins to rise. Simultaneously, sadness about aging, saying good-byes, accepting losses, or letting go of previous endeavors can be painful. Even knowing there will be difficulties ahead – overall, people embrace hope as one year morphs into another. God gives hope for a New Year.

Let’s explore what this looks like.

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