Need A Little More Wisdom?

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Need A Little More Wisdom?
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I’m thinking back to when I was a young adult. I’ve discovered people think differently when they first enter the adult world than when they have a decade or two of life experience behind them. That was certainly true for me. As life “happened” and challenges piled up, I began to realize I need a little more wisdom! So, what did I do?

Fortunately, I pursued wisdom – because I realized I didn’t have much on my own. Now, I frequently visit the timeless library of wisdom. Thankfully, it’s open anytime – night or day. (More on that in this content.)

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The Cycle Of A Seed

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
The Cycle Of A Seed
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It’s planting season once again in many countries. In fact, some farmers, gardeners, and community agriculturalists have already finished planting seeds for this year’s crops – with hopes of a good harvest. Incidentally, planting a seed means the death of a seed. And from this “death” comes new life. Subsequently, what is the cycle of a seed? And how could information like this affect your daily life?

Let’s look at the cycle of a seed.

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Time Is Growing Short

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Time Is Growing Short
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Do you remember being a little kid and you just thought it would never get to your birthday – or to Christmas? Now, fast-forward to your current age. Whatever decade you’re in – your perspective is likely different. Even teens start to say things like – “time has passed so quickly.” Essentially, time is growing short. We live knowing we will eventually die. If nothing else, time is certainly limited.

So, let’s explore how to live each day while time is growing short.

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A Plan To Be More Like Jesus – Scripture Dissection

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
A Plan To Be More Like Jesus - Scripture Dissection
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Do you need a long-overdue vacation? Or perhaps you want to pay off a loan quickly. Maybe you’ve never gardened, but you want to try one. Could be you’ve decided to change careers but need more education. Or you might commit to lose a few unwanted pounds. Regardless, whatever the scenario, you need a plan – or you’ll get nowhere fast. Similarly, you need a plan to be more like Jesus. Incidentally, it doesn’t just happen.

So, let’s look at a good plan to do just that.

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What’s Your Number?

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
What's Your Number?
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A few years ago, we published an article about “your number.” The content is important enough to explore again with a fresh look – especially considering current global times. Interestingly, everyone uses numbers each day – finances, critical dates, paying bills, trips to the grocery store or gas pump. Then there are birthdays – “how old are you this year?” Incidentally, what’s your number for your tax return this year? So many numbers! Most important, what’s your number that represents your life?

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How Well Do Your Gloves Fit?

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
How Well Do Your Gloves Fit?
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Just the other day, I was putting on a pair of gloves – without paying attention and with some difficulty. Wouldn’t you know it! I was trying to maneuver the left glove onto my right hand, leaving the right glove waiting for my left hand. Silly, eh? Needless to say, it wasn’t going well. After a good look, I saw the problem and switched them out. No wonder they didn’t fit! I think there’s a life lesson in this. Namely: how well do your gloves fit?

Time for a fit check . . .

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Past, Present, Future: A Three-Strand Cord

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Past, Present, Future: A Three-Strand Cord
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Have you ever seen a good three-strand cord? It’s super strong! Basically, it’s impossible to rip apart. In fact, it looks strong enough to hold a ginormous military ship with aircraft landing strip, or perhaps a cruiser with intimidating deck canons and torpedoes – securely to a dock.

Today, we’ll explore a three-strand cord, but in a slightly different way. Essentially, your “past, present, and future.” You are a three-strand cord through all tenses of your life. Consequently, your history, your current scenario, and your future options are woven into one strong cord.

Past, Present, Future: A Three-Strand Cord

“A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecc.4:12)

God loves humanity! He created their design to flourish.

A Three-Strand Cord

God weaves your past, present, and future together creatively. Remarkably, He’s had your life cord in mind before creation. In other words, you’re always on His mind always. Your life matters!

It’s hard to break a three-strand cord. However, much depends on how you respond to God’s creative weaving. God weaves His tenacious love into your three-strand cord life. But you must say “yes” or “no” to His weave. His unlimited creativity makes each tense matter.

Let’s explore.

Past

It’s hard to imagine a “less than healthy” past could contribute anything to a three-strand cord. Rather, it seems only a successful, positive past would be strong enough for such a cord. Not so. Christ redeems a whole life when you accept Him. Actually, even a good past (outside Christ) isn’t strong enough for a durable three-strand cord. God weaves your past in with tenacity and beauty when you completely surrender to Him.

Consider the Apostle Paul who literally hunted Christians. Incidentally, he knew they could be jailed, tortured, or killed. His past is rather despicable. Yet, his past was woven into his three-strand cord in a remarkable way to bring glory to God.

The Lord chose this man with a less-than-respectable past to be “His guy.”

Incredibly, the same is true for you – whatever your past.

Present

The only life tense you have any control over is your present. Sure, there are things you can prepare for in your future. You can also “call on” experiences in your past. However, your present is where you live.

Every thought, attitude, word, and deed takes place here – in your present. Essentially, today becomes tomorrow’s yesterday when all current choices are gone. Subsequently, this is the power of the present. Your will gives you the only control you have.

God steadies you if you let Him. Jesus makes Himself available to you at all times. In –

  • Problems.
  • Hurts.
  • Losses.
  • Trials.
  • Conflicts.
  • Illness.
  • Death.
  • Disappointment.

 

Jesus is with you. Here and now, in the present.

Some folks have made incredible contributions by “being present” each moment. Many have changed history, medical advancement, discovery, inventions, and so on. Most have the power to quietly make a significant difference in daily details.

Incredibly, the same is true for you – whatever your present.

Future

Your future is filled with possibilities. Essentially, you have blank pages waiting to be filled. Your part is to fill those blank pages with good choices that make a difference in your life and the lives of others. You can make choices that honor God.

God is your Partner. This sets you up for future successes. Jesus gives hope that reaches forward. Your future is best when you –

  • First, plant your past in Christ.
  • Then, work in your present by partnering with Him.
  • Finally, commit your future to honor God.

 

This will look differently than what you picture. Often, blessings flow out of difficulties as you rest in the Lord’s wisdom, timing, and interventions. God will never leave you without help if you eagerly connect with Him in your present.

God loves you. He never misses anything. He wants your three-strand cord life to succeed. Thousands of people have partnered with God. Consider Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Christ’s disciples, Apostle Paul. Now consider people you know who are committed Jesus followers. Some are famous. Many are not.

Incredibly, the same is true for you – whatever your future.

Respond To God For A Strong Cord

We’ve identified and defined past, present, and future. Now, let’s look at each again, but this time with deliberate response to God.

Cord #1 – Past

Whatever your past, God redeems all things. If you have a broken past, give it freely to Jesus. He makes brokenness and strife into something beautiful. If you have a faithful past, give it freely to Jesus. This is your service record. Regardless, God knows what to do to effectively weave your past into a strong three-strand cord.

Cord #2 – Present

The present is such a gift. It keeps on giving – if you engage it thoughtfully. This means you will live with purpose. Match every thought, attitude, word, and action to God’s Word and Christ’s character.

The Lord faithfully points out what’s not pleasing to Him. Immediately thank Him when He points it out. God wants you to succeed. Essentially, this means He will show you any missteps. Cooperate with His training. Fix issues. As for His help. As you accept His training, you bring the cord of your life into alignment with God’s Word.

Learn to think with Scripture’s strategies. Paul calls this – “work out your salvation.” This helps you lean into a sin-free life. (Phil. 2:12; Jn. 8:11)

Cord #3 – Future

The future is unknown. Yet, your future is filled with possibilities and opportunities that increase God’s work in lives. Determine to discover God’s intentions for your life. God’s design is strategic and He values your partnership. So, engage His strategies. Partner with God. As one would say in chess: It’s your move.

Life is like a game of chess. Interesting pieces placed on an equally interesting board of contrasting squares. Then it starts: strategies, choices, and patterns. It only takes a few minutes to realize you can’t play life chess without being very engaged and thoughtful. This content helps you identify strategies and action steps to make good choices and build strong, healthy life patterns. You can be confident each day by adopting God’s methods when It’s Your Move.

Your Life – Continually Woven

Your life is continually being woven. You’re a miracle from birth through eternity. We’ve mentioned regrets from the past. Plus, the unknowns of the future. Regardless, when you live your present by faith in Jesus, you partner with God in weaving your miraculous three-strand cord life. God wants you to enjoy His love and goodness at all times. Plus, He has great purpose for your life.

There are three “p” words that flow from your relationship with God:

  1. Power. Life is big. Sometimes too big. However, ” . . . with God, all things are possible.” (Mt.19:26) God’s power transforms your past, present, and future into a strong three-strand cord.
  2. Presence. God is present in your life at all times. The question is – are you present with Him at all times? Partnership means both parties are present. There’s no better way to have relationship with God.
  3. Promises. God has made many incredible promises to you. Claim them! They are yours! When you claim His promises and obey His instructions, you prove you love Him. Incidentally, you have promises to make and keep to God, too. How are you doing with that?

 

When you trusted God for salvation, He justified you. What does “justify” mean? Made right. Lined up. Straightened out. So, you have been made right with God.

Nevertheless, there’s something that comes first in receiving grace. Here are the steps:

  1. Confess you are lost without Christ. ADMIT.
  2. Repent of sins. REMORSE.
  3. Receive God’s forgiveness because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross. HOPE.
  4. Accept you are now holy – as you would have been before the fall – covered by the blood of Jesus. FREEDOM.

 

God Weaves Your Three-Strand Cord

Interestingly, God weaves your three-strand cord together through daily situations of your life. You partner with Him by –

  • Faith and obedience.
  • Resting in Him when you would otherwise be anxious.
  • Defining the success of your life – His way.

 

How does God define “success”?

  1. Become increasingly like Jesus.
  2. Trust and obey God to form strong and beautiful character.
  3. Since Christ lives inside you, reach for the glory He created you to have.
  4. Rest in God’s goodness and grace. This seals your success as a believer.

 

These definitions help you be the person you were created to be. All of that together brings glory to God. 

Christ anchors you in all three tenses of your life. What if your past or present is filled with mistakes and regrets? Actually, Jesus addresses this. And He invites you to “get into His weave.” Rev. 21:5 says, “I am making everything new!” So, weave yourself into God with all your heart. A three-strand cord is woven.

Engage your present fully each day. The present becomes the past. The future becomes the present. Be a miracle. Live every present moment in Jesus Christ.

Application Thoughts And Questions

  1. Have you thought about your past, present, and future as powerful – even if there are broken parts and errors?
  2. Are you living in God’s power each day?
  3. Do you focus on God’s presence with you in each situation?
  4. How many of God’s promises are you claiming for your life?
  5. How are you doing with your promises back to God?

 

I invite you to follow us on your favorite social media. Do sign up on our email list to receive weekly articles. PLUS tune-in to our weekly podcast using your preferred podcast app or use our online player at the top of each article.

Visit our website for resources to get into God’s Word and live an Alive and Active Life.

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Unsure About Boundaries?

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Unsure About Boundaries?
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There are lots of resources about boundaries. Equally, there’s lots of confusion about that topic. I’ve heard many opinions about setting boundaries. Some are helpful. Others are uninformed. A few are arrogant. And some are rather judgmental. Basically, it seems many folks are unsure about boundaries.

So, is “boundaries” just another “buzz” word? What does God think about boundaries? And why would you set boundaries in your life?

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When God Weeps – Scripture Dissection

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
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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Can You Look At God?

Alive and Active Life
Alive and Active Life
Can You Look At God?
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I’m sure you’ve heard warnings about looking straight at the sun during an eclipse. Well, what about looking straight at God? Recently, we published “Turn Your Face Toward It.” I recommend this article/podcast which explores a phrase right out of Scripture – “turn your face toward it.” The intent? Well, to turn your face toward God’s face. Especially interesting because Scripture says no one can look at Him and live! So, the question is – can you look at God?

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