Blessings In Blogs: Living Effectively

Segment from the blog titled “TODAY” - As you grow in your personal relationship with Christ, you will see and enjoy God’s blessings—such as a brilliant perspective of an ordinary day. Today is a gift from God, a portrait of possibilities, framed and ready to display for our personal enjoyment (Psalm 118:24). It is a masterpiece that depicts the passion of God (the Artist), drawing admirers to participate in an amazing design. Of course every detail He planned and purposed because He is the Creator of Heaven and Earth (Genesis 1:1). Every element of this design has a specific purpose. There are elements that are always present and those that are newly introduced. The elements that are prevalent identify His Work. These are the elements we generally recognize and enjoy no matter what, such as the sun that provides light, warmth, and a calming sense of peace that He is always with us (Matthew 28:20); the trees that show us how to stand strong regardless of our circumstances; and the brilliant sky that reminds us of the brighter side of life, even when we feel blue. These are constants that keep everything in perspective if we choose to see them and hold on to them for the beauty they possess. Segment from the blog titled “ GOD'S LOVE IS FOREVER” - Words of encouragement as a reminder that God will always love you, no matter what. “There’s nothing you can do to make God stop loving you because there’s nothing you did to make Him start.” Hearing these words from a Christian radio host one morning on my way to work was the perfect reminder that God’s love is forever (Jeremiah 31:3). He loves us so deeply (Isaiah 43:3,4) not because there’s anything special that we could ever do for Him. He loves us because we are His creation, an original plan He wrote well before our time (Jeremiah 1:5). Not only did God create us, but He made sure that we have the provisions to fulfill our unique purpose. He carefully planned every detail so that nothing is left to what some people believe as luck or chance. Why? Because God has been and will always be in complete control. God never promised that life would be easy or meet our expectations. Instead, He promised to love and protect us, though He will not spoil us or prevent things from happening that would otherwise teach, humble, and even restore us. Still, no matter what, God is always present to help us work through every situation and circumstance we face (Psalm 46:1). Segment from the blog titled “TOGETHER AS ONE” - A closer look at the church, individuals united as one body of believers in Christ. Gone are the days when believers only expect the pastor to shout a good sermon and the choir to sing their favorite song. Believers today are hungry for the Word of God. They want to know, for instance, the background of the Biblical writers, the culture, and the principles of Jesus’ teachings. They want to know how the Word of God applies to their lives and what they can do to live more effectively for Christ. Spiritual maturity is hindered if believers are only given the milk of the Word as a babe in Christ (1 Peter 2:2), unable to digest the meat of God’s Word (1 Corinthians 3:1-3) and walk in the life God intended. Remember, “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men” (Matthew 5:13). Salt has a one of a kind, irreplaceable flavor. Like salt, we are the unique seasoning God uses to bring out the flavor of His Word. The Word of God is food for the spirit that sustains life for the believer. “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him” (Proverbs 30:5). It is a privilege to come together and worship the Lord in a public setting (1 Peter 4:16; Matthew 10:32-33) —growing spiritually to effectively carry out God’s plan. We are most effective when we utilize the gifts God has given us to edify the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12,27-28). Every member is important to the entire body in order for the church to fulfill the vision God has given the spiritual leader (pastor)—for “Where there is no vision, the people perish: . . .” (Proverbs 29:18). Just think of the blessing the multitudes in Biblical times would have missed if they stayed home to study rather than gather together at the feet of Jesus to hear the Word of God. Segment from the blog titled “BLOG BITES: FINDING JOY” – This blog is one of twelve nuggets of spiritual encouragement and insight. As warm as the word “joy” sounds, many times it seems to be so distant. It is something just about everyone wants to experience, but can’t seem to grasp. Many people think that it is the same as happiness, but joy is not associated with what happens in life. In other words, joy is not merely the product of a great event, a favorable outcome, or accomplished hopes and dreams. Joy is the elated expression of well-being as a result of your willingness to follow God’s plan. Furthermore, it is not something that just pops up and says “I’m here, you can begin feeling great now!” Joy waits for your invitation because it is based on the love you have for God, others, and even yourself, rather than this earthly life. Like a relationship with Christ, joy comes when you are willing to receive it and when you are ready to hold on and never let it go.