Category Archives: Eclectic Mix

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HOW to be a LIGHT in the WORLD TODAY

Let’s Get Our Priorities Right

We’re in this together. It is up to us to get it right. Don’t look to others, look to yourself. We’ve been frustrated with the Covid and the looting, rioting, and other elements that disturb us. I don’t write political commentary though I have a strong interest in what is going on. However, that aside, I am quite concerned for my country and our citizens.

Have you ever wondered why Jesus didn’t take us home when we followed Him? Why are we here? Does what we do matter or make a difference? Does God really need our help? Do we have a part to play in the present political/national/spiritual environment? If you’ve been reading my posts for any length of time, you already know what I think. I’m passionate about this one. For the Christ follower, wherever you are on the spectrum, you have a part to play.

You, me, ‘we’ are here to speak life to others. Jesus uses your story to touch their story. You are meant to connect well with others. That’s why your messy story needs to be told and why your voice matters. Your life uniquely interacts with those you meet and know. Your life is the Christ-light that shines wherever, whenever, and in whatever you are doing.

Everyone has a story. You have a story. People are watching you. They’re noticing which parts in your story match their story. This may surprise you, but they want to learn from you. You have hope, and everybody needs hope.

Everyone needs Jesus, you included. Go to Jesus. Look to Jesus. Find Jesus as your enough. Do it. Be it. Live it. You are Christ to the world. Christ lives in you. This is an awesome responsibility, not to be taken lightly.

Everyone needs your unique light. Shine in the darkness. Love in spite of the darkness. Be original. Let Jesus help you find your path. You will never be someone else, nor they you. Be aware that your thoughts may try to dissuade you. Don’t listen to them. They’re lying to you. You need to speak, do, and love. Be ready to speak of the hope that is within you.

But in your hearts revere Christ as LORD. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

1 Peter 3:15 NIV

You can. . .

  1. Approach each day as a gift to spend for God.
  2. Approach difficulties with a smile. What is God going to do next? Wait and watch for it. Share what God is doing.
  3. Approach others as someone to love for Jesus. Every person matters.

This man does. . .

My friend Coach Pete Coulson understands this. Born in Austria, he and his twin brother were abandoned, they were raised in an orphanage with caring parents, then he moved with the family to Idaho where he learned English as a second language while adapting to their new life. Pete’s life is not the average as you will learn in this video.

I became acquainted with Pete when we were college students at Western Baptist College in Salem, Oregon. Pastor Dennis Kreiss, the gentleman interviewing Pete in this video, is also a graduate of WBC. He pastors in Oregon and is the author of several Christian books. You can check out his books here on his Dennis Kreiss amazon page. Dennis shared this interview with me. Their conversation impressed me so much that with his and Pete’s permission I now share it with you.

You don’t want to miss this. . .

Pete Coulson has a mission in life. He is a motivational speaker and is eager to share what he has learned and what God has taught him. Get a notebook and pen and be ready to jot down a few notes. I did. Pete has a lot to say that will motivate you to do what you can to help, to love, and to bless others.

First off you get to meet Pastor Kreiss. He, also, is doing his part to make the world a better place. Thanks for the listen, Dennis.

Note: Here’s a direct link to YouTube if you’d prefer a listening to it there: Kreiss – Coulson Interview

  • Thank you to Dennis, for making and sharing the interview, and for caring enough to go to the added effort to conduct this interview.
  • Thank you to Pete, for being an example of living to give, and for sharing your heart with the world.
  • Thank you to God, for loving all the people in the world, for being our Light, for believing we are worth it.

Go to Jesus. Look to Jesus. Find Jesus as your enough.

. . .

Photo by Adria Crehuet Cano, Unsplash

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TIMING is EVERYTHING

I was listening to Christian radio while driving home from a town run. The radio host was talking about problems we encounter on a frequent basis. The speaker shared three practical tips for how to keep yourself from saying something you will regret. They made sense to me. I scrambled to find a scrap of paper to write them down after I got home. I’m sorry I don’t know who to attribute them to.

3 Tips That Can Change Your Life:

  1. Never reply when you are angry.
  2. Never make a promise when you are happy.
  3. Never make a decision when you are sad.

Implementation:

1) Never Reply When You’re Angry:

This makes a lot of sense. In the heat of the moment you can say things without an appropriate filter monitoring your words. You can hurl comments that are hurtful or unkind, that in the heat of the moment you feel justified in saying. But is it wise? Is it helpful? Is it hurtful or judgmental? Does it remedy the situation? Probably not.

KEY: You are either acting in the spirit or in the flesh. Choose to wait until you are centered in Christ, in the spirit, then reply accordingly.

2) Never Make a Promise When You’re Happy:

Unfortunately, people don’t always keep their promises. You are more likely to make an impulsive promise when you’re happy about something, like, maybe, the government stimulus check. Let’s go do something! Let’s buy something. (Mine went into my savings account to help out during the lean months, just saying.) When you’re happy you want to make others’ happy, but you need to think it through before you make a promise you might not be able to keep.

KEY: Plan rather than act on impulse. Wait before promising. Keep this in mind when you’re happy. Then you won’t make a promise you can’t keep, no matter how well-intentioned.

3) Never Make a Decision When You’re Sad:

When you’re sad, the glass is half empty and you’re not in the best frame of reference. Speaking for myself, I am more likely to think about quitting or giving up when I’m sad or not at my best. However, I recognize this in myself and deal with it first before making decisions. Take for instance, a bright, sunshiny day versus a foggy, dreary day; which kind of day cheers you up and makes you feel upbeat about life? Spring days, case in point. I do better writing on cheerful days than on cheerless days.

KEY: Put the decision off until a later time when you’re in a positive frame of mind. Then work at improving the way you feel. You might do an activity that lifts your spirits such as something you enjoy. Give yourself some time and space before making an important decision.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.“-Galatians 5:22,23 ESV

In Conclusion:

  • Be wise.
  • Be cautious.
  • Be slow to speak.
  • Be quick to listen.
  • Be led by the Spirit

Self-control and Spirit-control work together in the child of God. I believe you make a mistake when you excuse your behaviors as just the way you are–and most of us ‘justify’ some of our behaviors, as I do. All of us are clay in the Potter’s hands. He’s making many sons and daughters for Glory. I think, as with anything, you get what you put into it. Most likely you won’t change unless you give whatever it is to God and let Him begin working on it with you. Something beautiful for God happens in the process.

*Photo by Brian Wangenheim, Unsplash