Fantastic Friday #899 - Opinion

Opinion

1An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends
and against all sound judgment starts quarrels.

2 Fools find no pleasure in understanding
but delight in airing their own opinions. Proverbs 18:1-2


We all have opinions on different topics. One of the things that makes people so interesting is their opinion on some things in particular. I come across people all the time who have a different perspective on things, and sometimes those are the people that I like to listen to for their rationale. What you find today is not much different than in history, people have an opinion on God. What is your opinion on the One who created everything around you and you yourself? There are people who have an opinion on God's influence in our life and they will start discussions that can easily turn into disagreements on what God does for us. Those disagreements can get blown out of proportion if both sides have such strong views. Take a moment to think of the next time you are in a situation where a person who is not so friendly tries to bait you into a discussion about God. If you see that they are a person that likes to air their own opinions, even if they are not Biblical, then you can be respectful and listen but know God does not want you to get into a disagreement with them. If you focus on God's influence in your life, it can make it that much easier to deal with. I think sometimes my opinion on topics should be kept to myself to avoid these major conflicts. I believe it is up to each individual to find what kind of conversation on your opinion is worth getting into a discussion about. You might be surprised if you sit back and listen respectfully to someone else's thoughts, no matter how wrong you think they are in their opinion.

Have a great weekend.

Matt

Fantastic Friday #898 - Refreshed

 Refreshed

24 One person gives freely, yet gains even more;
   another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

25 A generous person will prosper;
    whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 11:24-25


In a week where we have had over 100+ degree temperatures on a daily basis, it can be very hard to be refreshed in this heat.  The A/C works hard, but the most refreshing thing have been the glasses of ice water that have cooled down my body.  Now let us talk about being spiritually refreshed.  What does it take to get you to the point where you might have a down day, to where you get refreshed knowing that God loves you and cares about you?  Maybe it is music, scripture, quiet time or talking to God that provides the refreshment.  Maybe it is even like the scripture talks about, refreshing others with help and love. How do you feel when you help others? I guarantee that your own worries go away because your mind is focused on them and what they need.  When you start feeling sorry for yourself, take a moment to think about someone less fortunate than you or someone that needs assistance. I promise that your heart will grow and you will feel more refreshed.  

Have a great weekend.

Matt

Fantastic Friday #897 - Distressed

Distress

1 I call on the Lord in my distress,
and he answers me.
2 Save me, Lord,
from lying lips
and from deceitful tongues. Psalm 120:1-2

Do you find yourself constantly looking for answers, answers that don't seem to come when you want them to? When we pray to God for answers, He hears us and does want the best for us. However, there are times when God wants us to work through our problems and concerns with His guidance, and not with Him fixing everything for us. Some of you may ask, why doesn't God hear me when I cry out to Him, or in my distress and lowest point. God does hear us and He will answer us in all of our points in life and requests. We can't get caught up in the deceitfulness of the enemy telling us He will never answer us, because that is not in the character of God. Now, the answer may be "wait" or "not yet", but at least we know He is listening and helping us daily. So if you are in distress, at a low point, continue to cry out to God, for He is there and knows your heart. He will provide guidance in all circumstances on His timeline and not yours. So, don't be worried about the answer that comes, but take it and move forward. Move out of your distress into a feeling of joy and wait for the answer to come.

Have a great weekend.

Matt

Fantastic Friday #896 - Flaws

Flaws


As for God, his way is perfect:
The Lord’s word is flawless;
he shields all who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30


In society today, people are very judgmental. They can look for flaws in people’s personality, how they work, and how they present themselves. When people look at religion, instead of looking at the central core of what the religion entails, they look for flaws, many of them are excuses to show that their religion is better. Certainly we all have flaws but there is one who has zero flaws who we should really be focusing on. Important lessons that we can learn from God are that when he looks at us he does not look at a person with a bunch of flaws, but he is looking at a person whom He loves. If we took a moment to look past the flaws of others,we could also see what God sees in us. We are precious in His sight and our flaws can be covered by Him and his love. Take a moment to focus less on flaws of others and more on how God can change us within.


Have a great weekend.



Matt