Today Seth Godin's blog was titled "Better than it needs to be." His bottom line was "why not do it because you can, not because you have to...?"
That points to a good attitude toward serving the Lord through His Church. There are too many attitudes like "good enough for who it's for." That won't work. Our service is for the Lord.
Some ask how close to the edge they can live without falling away from faith? That is not the right question. How close to the center may I live and honor Christ?
If you find yourself asking if something is a sin or not that is a sure tip-off that it is. Don't do it.
If you have to look to the right and then to the left to see if anyone is watching before you do something, don't do it.
If you are thinking what is the least I can do and still be considered acceptable, you are thinking incorrectly.
If you look for how to cut a corner, pay less for someone's work, compromise the effort...you are heading along the wrong path.
The Holy Spirit empowers us to be more than we can be. The Holy Spirit empowers us to do more than we can do. The Holy Spirit moves us forward.
It is a good Christian attitude toward loving and serving God and others. "Why not do it because you can, not because you have to?"
It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
steve
Sunday, June 25, 2017
Sunday, June 18, 2017
Reflections From Sunday Evening
Had a nice lunch and Father's Day conversation with my dad. Funny how he remembers these stories from long ago. I am sure the story about Jesse Jame's horse was passed down to him when he was young. Evidently one of my ancestors had a big white horse. Out in the country of St. Claire County Jesse James was interested in the horse. (Would this be my great grandfather?) He made a number of offers but each was denied. Finally as Jesse James prepared to ride away he made one more offer. The horse he was riding plus added some more money to the deal. Accepted.
The story continues when they read about Jesse James being cornered by a posse only to break through the back door of a store and out the glass window. He was reported to have ridden out of town on a big white horse.
You be the judge on that one. But it is pretty amazing the stories in our families. You have them. As a matter of fact you are writing stories now - your stories. What will they be?
The story is told of my great grandfather...
Is it a faith story? I hope the faith gets woven into the story of your life. It will be remembered and told long into the future.
It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
steve
The story continues when they read about Jesse James being cornered by a posse only to break through the back door of a store and out the glass window. He was reported to have ridden out of town on a big white horse.
You be the judge on that one. But it is pretty amazing the stories in our families. You have them. As a matter of fact you are writing stories now - your stories. What will they be?
The story is told of my great grandfather...
Is it a faith story? I hope the faith gets woven into the story of your life. It will be remembered and told long into the future.
It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
steve
Sunday, June 4, 2017
Reflections From Sunday Evening
Think of a song that you will stay in the car and listen to before you go inside. What makes that song special? What does it remind you of? Is it tied to a time in your life that you especially appreciate? Is it tied to a memorable experience? What do you remember?
We do things like this when a favorite song is played. It has meaning.
Let's try something else. Do you remember a church service that was deeply meaningful and you still remember it? What about some other setting for a spiritual experience? Do you have a memory of a time when Jesus Christ was keenly recognized in your life? What were the circumstances? What was the need? What was the joy?
Too often people wait until a crisis to stop and remember. Certainly stop and remember that verse of scripture, that song you heard that touched your heart, that prayer someone prayed for you, that message you heard, when in crisis. Do not hesitate.
But what if we made this a more regular part of life? What if you had a pretty good day and things seemed pretty good and you still took some time to remember the Lord? Do that enough and the next thing you know you have developed a good habit. When we remember the Lord in good times the Spirit builds our spiritual strength. Then when a crisis hits we are much more prepared to face the challenge and experience anew the powerful grace of Christ.
So take two minutes and listen to a favorite song. But take time to remember the Lord. You will not regret it.
It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
steve
We do things like this when a favorite song is played. It has meaning.
Let's try something else. Do you remember a church service that was deeply meaningful and you still remember it? What about some other setting for a spiritual experience? Do you have a memory of a time when Jesus Christ was keenly recognized in your life? What were the circumstances? What was the need? What was the joy?
Too often people wait until a crisis to stop and remember. Certainly stop and remember that verse of scripture, that song you heard that touched your heart, that prayer someone prayed for you, that message you heard, when in crisis. Do not hesitate.
But what if we made this a more regular part of life? What if you had a pretty good day and things seemed pretty good and you still took some time to remember the Lord? Do that enough and the next thing you know you have developed a good habit. When we remember the Lord in good times the Spirit builds our spiritual strength. Then when a crisis hits we are much more prepared to face the challenge and experience anew the powerful grace of Christ.
So take two minutes and listen to a favorite song. But take time to remember the Lord. You will not regret it.
It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
steve
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