In any relationship – family, friend, spouse, work comrade, community partnership – wouldn’t you agree you’d rather see action than hear a bunch of words? Not that words aren’t meaningful. In fact, they can be encouraging and uplifting. Nevertheless, there’s no doubt that action is better than words.
Today’s agenda – Scriptures that explore this idea.
Once-in-awhile, you wonder what really matters in life. Frankly, I believe thinking, speaking, and behavior matters – in every relationship:
Parent-child.
Without being well-thought, well-spoken, and well-behaved, relationships can be compromised – even shallow. Sadly, they can become destructive.
Conversely, when a person thinks carefully, their speaking and behavior becomes meaningful. Additionally, this benefits everyone around them.
Interestingly, thinking, speaking, and behavior matters even globally. Let’s explore.
What keeps you from your best? It could be someone, something – or it could be you.
This material is about your health, growth, and progress. Of course, every person of every age continues to grow all their life. However, health and progress depend on some things. Additionally, sometimes there’s interference with progress in your relationship with God.
Let’s look closer.
Think for a minute. What is your most valuable and effective daily resource? In fact, what are your top two tools you rely on most to effectively navigate your day? Your phone? Car? Washer and dryer? Backyard grill? To-do list? Cup of coffee? Bread machine? Google maps? What if I told you about two powerful tools that help you navigate the territory of your soul each day? Interestingly, that’s where the power of 2 little verses comes in.
Let’s explore.
Be content! What, exactly, does that mean? Realistically, if you were to rate yourself on a scale of 1 – 10 (1 not very content and 10 very content), where would you place yourself? Importantly, why?
Contentment is a critical piece needed to live a healthy life.
The first article this year was “Start This Year Well.” We explored 10 great action points. January is almost over, and some of the emotional energy of starting a new year is wearing off. So, we ask the question – how can you live well this year? The entire year!
Afterall, it’s an on-going question.
Happy New Year! May it be a good one for you! Now, to set the tone, here’s a quote from C.S. Lewis – “There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” With this insightful observation, let’s explore 10 points to start this year well.
I can’t think of a better way to begin this content – purpose-filled living – than to quote a good authority on the subject.
“Your most profound and intimate experiences of worship will likely be in your darkest days – when you heart is broken, when you feel abandoned, when you’re out of options, when the pain is great – and you turn to God alone.” (Rick Warren)
This insightful quote leads us into our discovery today.
As I consider today’s material: “Strong Hope,” I’m reminded of a Bible passage in one of my quiet times. Interestingly, a thought struck me as I read that passage. Simply this.
If I were to make a list of all the struggles, issues, sorrows, and difficulties in my life so far –
– and if I were to put a column of dates next to them (similar to what I have in my Bible)
– then, if I were to record a verse or promise God gave me for that particular situation in a third column
– I would have an amazing record of God’s faithfulness in my neediness. In fact, I’d have enough material to publish a book about strong hope.
This is #5 in a series on hope.
Hope is so important, don’t you agree? Sometimes it seems hope just . . . disappears! Or – you can barely it see through a pinhole of hope. Regardless, just like –
Life-saving fluids enter your body through a “pinhole” of an IV needle.
– so the “pinhole” of hope gives you a more realistic view of life. This is critical – especially during difficult seasons.
This is #2 in a series on hope. I’m excited about this series. I hope you will be, too.
