All Features

Whenever I am fortunate enough to get a new piece of technology, I typically scan the device information and operations manual. By doing this, I learn about many of the device’s capabilities and features. The experience of using the device gives me more information about its features. I need both information and experience to be able to make fuller use of the device. In a similar way, we need to study life’s instruction manual, God’s Word, and have the experiences of walking with Him in trust to live fully in the life God has designed for us.

Proverbs 16:20 says, “Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.” When we deeply consider and meditate upon God’s Word, we will learn the good path for life’s journey. When we trust God, we receive the blessings that He has prepared for us.

Gift Exchange

Have you ever witnessed a gift exchange that appeared awkward? Maybe, one of the participants didn’t feel comfortable with the exchange. Of course, this can happen for a variety of reasons, but a common reason could be just a lack of a close relationship between the two parties.

Proverbs 15:8 says, “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him.” Good works, performed with evil intentions, will not be pleasing to God. But He accepts and honors the prayers of those who humbly walk with Him.

Weak Flesh

As I get older, I gain more knowledge about the weaknesses of my flesh or body. My body is becoming more and more susceptible to disease and injury. A week ago, I had to go to urgent care one day and the hospital emergency room the next day, for completely different physical concerns. While we might not acknowledge it, the mental, emotional, and spiritual composition is similarly weak, yielding to worldly passions and personal frailty.

I Peter 2:11 says, “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.” Once true believers trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, they become new creations whose citizenship is in heaven. For now we live as travelers in this world, but by the power of the Holy Spirit we can keep ourselves unstained from the desires inherit in worldly passions.

Thoughts and Attitudes

Have you noticed that some small event early in the day can affect our attitudes for the rest of the day? Something goes wrong and we are irritable all day long. Or we get good news and joy fills our day. Thoughts and attitudes affect our hearts and happiness. Focus on God’s grace and steadfast love early in the morning will impact how we live throughout the day.

Psalm 16:5-6 says, “The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.” We choose the thoughts and attitudes that consume our lives. By choosing to be consumed with thoughts of God and His Word, we find peace, joy, and love, both now and forever.

Promised Connection

The social media world promised connection due to increased communication with almost everyone at virtually any time. What they delivered, however, is increased comparison as people compare their lives to the lives of so-called influencers. This increased comparison takes us away from connection, reality, and meaningful action.

Colossians 3:12-13 says, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another.” The world suggests that we seek to become influencers and gain the attention of others. However, God has created us to be entirely influenced by Him, giving us the power to become connected with others through kindness, meekness, and humility.