You know what it’s like when you’re about to tell someone a secret. Or when they want to tell you a secret. You “lean into” the other person with eager expectation. Even excitement. There are many kinds of secrets to share with a friend in life. And the best ones are secrets about your life in Christ.
So – let’s tear into it!
I’m thinking back to when I was a young adult. I’ve discovered people think differently when they first enter the adult world than when they have a decade or two of life experience behind them. That was certainly true for me. As life “happened” and challenges piled up, I began to realize I need a little more wisdom! So, what did I do?
Fortunately, I pursued wisdom – because I realized I didn’t have much on my own. Now, I frequently visit the timeless library of wisdom. Thankfully, it’s open anytime – night or day. (More on that in this content.)
When I was in college, I took a “Camping – Hiking Course.” It fulfilled a basic requirement. Overall, it was a good experience. Interestingly, I learned a lot. However, I remember one bad experience – the weather didn’t cooperate. Our group pitched our tent. But it started POURING. Then, the temperature dropped dramatically. It was a freezing, soppy mess. Sadly, our group squeezed into a car and spent the night there – shivering. Unfortunately, our tent nor our car, provided the covering and protection we needed. Thankfully, God’s covering and protection doesn’t look like that.
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.
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.
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.
