"Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another."
-- Galatians 5:26 (NKJV)

Now, more than ever, it is time to heed this advice from Paul. Our own American society is chock full of egos. And many of the most admired people are setting a poor example for an impressionable generation of people who are beginning to believe that it is the most cool to be great, or famous, or popular, or rich, or wild and carefree. One example is we have multi-millionaire athletes demanding more millions while threatening their coaches, or fighting with "fans", or abusing drugs and alcohol, or beating their wives, or refusing to play, etc. And these attitudes are perpetuated by a large and powerful media that is slowly and systematically making many folks envious of these very poor human characteristics.

Virtues like honesty, and integrity, and ethical behavior, and humility are considered passé and irrelevant to being "successful" as a human being. "Look out for number one" and "if it feels good do it" rules the majority mindset today. But, God would desire that we have a servant's heart, that we be humble, gentle, kind, compassionate, loving, and caring. That we would esteem others as better than ourselves. I think that it is time that we all concentrate on lifting God and others up while lowering ourselves down. Today, try talking positively about others without saying a word about yourself. Then set aside selfishness, conceit, conflict and envy; I am confident you won't be disappointed, but rather, you will be blessed.

"Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself."
-- Philippians 2:3 (NKJV)

Be encouraged, be hopeful, have a blessed day!

"But Jesus said to him, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."
-- Luke 9:62 (NKJV)

Jesus is a master communicator, able to provide illustrations that all men can understand. Several men had just told Jesus that they would follow Him just as soon as they took care of some personal business. His point was that once you make the commitment, there is no looking back. If you were to plow a field while looking back, it would be impossible to plow straight rows. So it is when one commits their life to the Lord. You cannot look back on the previous things in your life, nor "finish up" that which you started; as one must start anew on the path to righteousness. The Lord faces a similar challenge to most businesses today, finding qualified workers for the job.

What's at stake here is the kingdom of God. Do you want to miss a chance at heaven? Are the things of this world too "valuable" to abandon for righteousness' sake? The fact is that God will never leave you nor forsake you, so there is no need to fear that your life will be less rewarding because you choose to seek after righteousness. In fact, the reverse will be true. Now more than ever, people all across the world are seeking answers to life's problems. And there is nothing that Almighty God cannot handle. Whether personal, professional or spiritual God has YOUR answer. God is there for you, will you be there for Him? To help Him reach others; for the harvest is plenty, but the laborers are few. Look forward today, so that you might plow a straight and narrow row.

Then He said to them, "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."
-- Luke 10:2 (NKJV)

Be encouraged, be hopeful, have a blessed day!

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!"
-- Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV)

We have taken for granted just how comfortable and convenient our lives are. Yet most humans continually strive for even more comfort and convenience. People want to be served rather than serve and be proud rather than be humble. In these times it is passé to be obedient to God, forget the notion of dying for what you believe in or for the benefit of another. The thought of embracing a "servant's heart attitude" turns many a stomach. But Christ (who was God), provided a personal example and the ultimate sacrifice for the good of all. He taught us that being nothing (considering all as better than ourselves) with a desire to serve others, is truly an unselfish act of obedience to Almighty God. But humans are by nature selfish beings seemingly never ceasing in asking, "What have you done for ME lately?"

The measure of a man is not how tall he stands, nor his wealth, nor his intelligence, nor his looks, nor his popularity, nor any other thing that is measured against human standards, but rather, what's in his heart. The recipe for the ideal heart begins with a relationship with Christ followed by the desire to serve God and others first. Now, may you be open to God's transformation of your heart into a servant's heart. Be humble and content in the comfort and convenience that God has blessed you with today, and remember, that your attitude should be the same as that of Christ.

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
-- Luke 12:34 (NIV)

Be encouraged, be hopeful, have a blessed day!

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."
-- 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NIV)

At this very moment you probably cannot change your circumstances overnight, no matter what they may be. And everything that we encounter in our lives is not ideal, but nonetheless, we must endure. I see and hear of so much depression and despair these days, and it is not coming from the poor and homeless. In fact, Prozac and Zoloft are selling like candy to a multitude of affluent people who cannot cope with life by themselves (many of whom do not have a medical need for it). The truth is, no one should try to cope with even the easiest of lives without assistance from God. You see, no amount of drugs, alcohol, s e x, nor money will ever satisfy for more than a brief moment in time. You cannot change your circumstances, but you can change your attitude.

Paul and Timothy understood the power of walking their lives with God. In spite of many trials, including imprisonment, Paul remained upbeat and positive. He was hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. Imagine your life today if you were to maintain this attitude when challenges, hardships and trials enter your life. You should know as Paul knew, that the awaiting eternal glory far outweighs any and all momentary troubles that you may face in this present life. There is a caveat though, like Paul, you must know Jesus; then nothing that you may face will be faced alone...EVER! Remember, No Jesus, No Peace - Know Jesus, Know Peace. Today, may your life be blessed as you walk with Him.

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."
-- 2 Corinthians 4:17 (NIV)

Be encouraged, be hopeful, have a blessed day!