Rubies
10 A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life. Proverbs 31:10-12
Why is a ruby red and why do people find it to be so valuable, even in Biblical times? A ruby is red because of an element in its makeup called Chromium. Chromium is an essential part of metabolic processes that regulate blood sugar, and helps insulin transport glucose into cells, where it can be used for energy. Chromium is also the source code that is used in Google's Chrome web browser. It is interesting how the basics of a ruby can play such an important part in our life and our survival, and it is funny how a company can see the importance of such an element to name their own processes out of it. So what does all this have to do with rubies and Biblical times and our time? Well, look how valuable a ruby has been considered over the ages. A precious gem that brings happiness to some. What is even more interesting is the importance that God places on our wives, and how they are worth more than rubies. It kind of puts things in perspective, and while scripture doesn't say it here, I know that each and every one of us is more valuable to God then a ruby. In these times of strife and the unknown, rely on the fact that each person is more valuable than a ruby and treat them as such. If chromium can help a body function, think about how your kindness could impact someone.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, November 18, 2016
Friday, November 11, 2016
Fantastic Friday #549 - Nearsighted
Nearsighted
5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind,forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. 2 Peter 1:5-9
For those of you who know me, you know I am nearsighted and wear glasses to help me see things clearly. So as you grow older, do you find that you are not as nearsighted as you once were, or are you losing vision. I am not talking about your physical vision of seeing things in front of you, I am talking about seeing things further out ahead of you and the impact on your life. I remember my life in my 20's and boy was I nearsighted. I only thought of what was in front of me and didn't think of the long-term impact of my actions. As I have aged over the years, my vision seems to have improved and I can say that I can see more clearly the impact of my actions, and while I am not perfect, I can certainly see how the things I do can impact me and those around me. This doesn't always happen to everyone as they age. If you look at the scripture if someone doesn't have goodness, knowledge ,self control,that lead to a multitude of other attributes, then this can impact their sight. With all that is happening in the world these days, I encourage you to not be nearsighted and improve your sight with love and kindness. These attributes are key to having very clear sight.
Have a great weekend.
5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind,forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. 2 Peter 1:5-9
For those of you who know me, you know I am nearsighted and wear glasses to help me see things clearly. So as you grow older, do you find that you are not as nearsighted as you once were, or are you losing vision. I am not talking about your physical vision of seeing things in front of you, I am talking about seeing things further out ahead of you and the impact on your life. I remember my life in my 20's and boy was I nearsighted. I only thought of what was in front of me and didn't think of the long-term impact of my actions. As I have aged over the years, my vision seems to have improved and I can say that I can see more clearly the impact of my actions, and while I am not perfect, I can certainly see how the things I do can impact me and those around me. This doesn't always happen to everyone as they age. If you look at the scripture if someone doesn't have goodness, knowledge ,self control,that lead to a multitude of other attributes, then this can impact their sight. With all that is happening in the world these days, I encourage you to not be nearsighted and improve your sight with love and kindness. These attributes are key to having very clear sight.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, November 4, 2016
Fantastic Friday #548 - Debt
Debt
8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8
Do you have debts? I don't mean financial debts, because everyone has those in one form or another. I am talking about being indebted to others. Do you owe someone because of something they did for you, or do you feel like you owe someone something for what they made for you? Kindness is still out there in the world. I heard some interesting stories this week from someone whose family is struggling with some health issues, and all the things that people are doing for them while they are recovering. Now we all know there is no way they will ever be able to repay all the things that people have done for them, but what they can do is acknowledge the kindness and return the kindness to others that they have received. How much better is our world when debts are paid with kindness. Be kind to one another and love others.
Have a great weekend.
8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8
Do you have debts? I don't mean financial debts, because everyone has those in one form or another. I am talking about being indebted to others. Do you owe someone because of something they did for you, or do you feel like you owe someone something for what they made for you? Kindness is still out there in the world. I heard some interesting stories this week from someone whose family is struggling with some health issues, and all the things that people are doing for them while they are recovering. Now we all know there is no way they will ever be able to repay all the things that people have done for them, but what they can do is acknowledge the kindness and return the kindness to others that they have received. How much better is our world when debts are paid with kindness. Be kind to one another and love others.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, October 28, 2016
Fantastic Friday #547 - Acknowledge
Acknowledge
11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 1 Thessalonians 5:11-13
So, do you acknowledge people daily, I mean consciously acknowledge them? I have this practice, one that my kids used to laugh at me about, which includes specifically acknowledging the person who is helping me. I am very intentional after someone helps me to say "Thank you, (insert name), I appreciate you, and/or have a great day." This practice is performed at Starbucks, Wal-mart, RaceTrac, and many other establishments I frequent. Now, it isn't so much the thank you part or the have a nice day part that really impacts people, it is the part of utilizing their name within the sentence. When you specifically acknowledge that person by name, you are placing value on them as an individual and show them that you really care about them. Certainly there are those times when someone is not wearing a name tag that I can't call them by name, but I make sure that my phrase stays the same of acknowledging their helpfulness and wishing them a great day. I have done this for years, but just now I have noticed how much this impacts people, and I can tell by the smile on their face. My good brother Dewayne does this kind of thing in his own way at the Starbucks I frequent, and boy the days he is not there my day just doesn't start out the same way. I think we need to remember this scripture of encouraging others and acknowledging them in all that they do. Think of a world of people smiling and happy vs. a world of people that are grumpy and frowning. Next time give it a try and see what happens, not because I want you to, but because God is kind of nudging us to do it.
Have a great weekend.
11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 1 Thessalonians 5:11-13
So, do you acknowledge people daily, I mean consciously acknowledge them? I have this practice, one that my kids used to laugh at me about, which includes specifically acknowledging the person who is helping me. I am very intentional after someone helps me to say "Thank you, (insert name), I appreciate you, and/or have a great day." This practice is performed at Starbucks, Wal-mart, RaceTrac, and many other establishments I frequent. Now, it isn't so much the thank you part or the have a nice day part that really impacts people, it is the part of utilizing their name within the sentence. When you specifically acknowledge that person by name, you are placing value on them as an individual and show them that you really care about them. Certainly there are those times when someone is not wearing a name tag that I can't call them by name, but I make sure that my phrase stays the same of acknowledging their helpfulness and wishing them a great day. I have done this for years, but just now I have noticed how much this impacts people, and I can tell by the smile on their face. My good brother Dewayne does this kind of thing in his own way at the Starbucks I frequent, and boy the days he is not there my day just doesn't start out the same way. I think we need to remember this scripture of encouraging others and acknowledging them in all that they do. Think of a world of people smiling and happy vs. a world of people that are grumpy and frowning. Next time give it a try and see what happens, not because I want you to, but because God is kind of nudging us to do it.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, October 21, 2016
Fantastic Friday #546 - Observe
Observe
37 Consider the blameless, observe the upright;
a future awaits those who seek peace.
38 But all sinners will be destroyed;
there will be no future for the wicked. Psalm 37:36-38
Do you actually sit back and observe a situation, or are you the kind of person that has to be up front and in the middle of everything? I spend a lot of time observing things throughout my week, and this week I was able to spend about 2 hours observing a baseball game and what actually goes on when I am not making the decisions. During these 2 hours a lot of things were observed by my friend and I, and not all of them met our expectations. There lies the problem, our expectations. A lot of times we observe others to match up to our beliefs and standards, the problem is no one really lives up to your own standards and expectations. However, it is good to observe regularly because we can actually see things from a different perspective. Also, sometimes it might be good to observe and see where we can improve our own lives and be less judgmental of others and the way they are living. Observe the upright and you might learn something, and observe the sinner and see how they struggle. Consider for a moment that you aren't perfect and what you do might not always be upright, however God knows your heart and will help you with your observations and guide you to develop strength and grow even closer to Him.
Have a great weekend.
37 Consider the blameless, observe the upright;
a future awaits those who seek peace.
38 But all sinners will be destroyed;
there will be no future for the wicked. Psalm 37:36-38
Do you actually sit back and observe a situation, or are you the kind of person that has to be up front and in the middle of everything? I spend a lot of time observing things throughout my week, and this week I was able to spend about 2 hours observing a baseball game and what actually goes on when I am not making the decisions. During these 2 hours a lot of things were observed by my friend and I, and not all of them met our expectations. There lies the problem, our expectations. A lot of times we observe others to match up to our beliefs and standards, the problem is no one really lives up to your own standards and expectations. However, it is good to observe regularly because we can actually see things from a different perspective. Also, sometimes it might be good to observe and see where we can improve our own lives and be less judgmental of others and the way they are living. Observe the upright and you might learn something, and observe the sinner and see how they struggle. Consider for a moment that you aren't perfect and what you do might not always be upright, however God knows your heart and will help you with your observations and guide you to develop strength and grow even closer to Him.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, October 14, 2016
Fantastic Friday #545 - Responsible
Responsible
22 For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings. 24 Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them. 1 Corinthians 7:22-24
Do you ever ask yourself how you can be more responsible? Is being responsible a learned trait or something we are inherently born with? I am seeing more and more individuals in my work and outside world that are really irresponsible individuals. This irresponsibility could be anything from not showing up to something on time, to not being prepared for the meeting they are leading, or even not showing up for something they said they would be available for weeks ago. It is such a challenge these days to define what being responsible means, or is it? I heard someone this week say there was one rule out there that everyone should follow and that was respect everyone. Being responsible in our life begins with respect. Just as God has stated that we were bought at a price, we must not just take that for granted. We must be responsible individuals and love God and respect others, for God wants us to lead a righteous life which in my mind includes respecting those around us. I may not be perfect, and God doesn't expect me to be, but I do try to be a responsible human being and respectful to others.
Have a great weekend.
22 For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings. 24 Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them. 1 Corinthians 7:22-24
Do you ever ask yourself how you can be more responsible? Is being responsible a learned trait or something we are inherently born with? I am seeing more and more individuals in my work and outside world that are really irresponsible individuals. This irresponsibility could be anything from not showing up to something on time, to not being prepared for the meeting they are leading, or even not showing up for something they said they would be available for weeks ago. It is such a challenge these days to define what being responsible means, or is it? I heard someone this week say there was one rule out there that everyone should follow and that was respect everyone. Being responsible in our life begins with respect. Just as God has stated that we were bought at a price, we must not just take that for granted. We must be responsible individuals and love God and respect others, for God wants us to lead a righteous life which in my mind includes respecting those around us. I may not be perfect, and God doesn't expect me to be, but I do try to be a responsible human being and respectful to others.
Have a great weekend.
Friday, October 7, 2016
Fantastic Friday #544 - Ambition
Ambition
16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving,considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:16-17
What ambitions do you have? Is there an earnest desire for something amazing, or do you look for that special distinction? I have a love language of words of affirmation, and through this love language I can get disappointed if I don't hear words often. However, am I supposed to tarry for something, or should I pursue it with all my heart. I have an ambition to make a difference in people's lives through my limited words. Over the past ten years I have briefly given the Word of God, followed by a few words of my own. What has come of this is nothing that I ever anticipated, and I have only now been able to realize my ambition to reach others weekly and how I can make a difference. This ambition was short-sighted in the past looking for acknowledgement, and now I think my ambition has developed into showing me God's Word is better than anything I can put in print. What is your ambition? Is it self motivated or externally motivated? I challenge you to take your wisdom God has given you and impart that wisdom on others in whatever manner He has gifted you. Be ambitious for the Lord.
Have a great weekend.
16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving,considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:16-17
What ambitions do you have? Is there an earnest desire for something amazing, or do you look for that special distinction? I have a love language of words of affirmation, and through this love language I can get disappointed if I don't hear words often. However, am I supposed to tarry for something, or should I pursue it with all my heart. I have an ambition to make a difference in people's lives through my limited words. Over the past ten years I have briefly given the Word of God, followed by a few words of my own. What has come of this is nothing that I ever anticipated, and I have only now been able to realize my ambition to reach others weekly and how I can make a difference. This ambition was short-sighted in the past looking for acknowledgement, and now I think my ambition has developed into showing me God's Word is better than anything I can put in print. What is your ambition? Is it self motivated or externally motivated? I challenge you to take your wisdom God has given you and impart that wisdom on others in whatever manner He has gifted you. Be ambitious for the Lord.
Have a great weekend.
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