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.
In our last article/podcast, A Plan To Be More Like Jesus, we laid out a reasonable plan using twenty-five helpful action points to keep you matched up with Scripture. You’ve likely formed many plans over the years with strategies to carry them out. Subsequently, it makes sense to develop a plan and long-term strategies to be more like Jesus.
Some years back, I accompanied my grandkids to a park. They were full of energy and expectation. Upon arrival, I gave the usual warning – “Now, be careful as you tackle this playground!” Their response? “O.K. We will!” Well, they climbed equipment, explored, and jumped from tree stump to every conquerable obstacle. The oldest mid-teen made a bounding leap – landing in a wipe-out. Boom! “Are you OK?” “Ya. I’m fine.” Then, another bounding leap – another wipe-out! Kersplat! “You still OK?” “Yup, I’m good.” Remarkably, yet another attempted giant leap for “teen-kind.” Ya-hoo-hoo-hoo! Trip-and-sprawl! Back up again – still grinning. Goodness! That brilliant offspring found every stumbling stone the park offered. Perhaps a successful visit?! I think it’s worth exploring what a stumbling stone is.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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?
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.
