This morning I am reminded of the importance of always running every thought through God's filter. Integrity is a process that requires every thought (thus every action) to be brought before God's throne for His approval. Anything unworthy for His children will be discarded at once.
To be discarded does not mean to put that thought 'back on the shelf' as it were to be brought out later. As 'far as the east is from the west' is how far God has removed my sins. I too, should separate from my mind 'as far as the east is from the west' any thought that may hinder me in any way.
God expects no less and He gives us the strength to do just that with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit within us.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
Marriage Should Exhibit Mutual Support and Encouragement
This weekend, I was reminded of the beauty of God's gift of marriage to us.
It rained on the farm... No, you don't understand. When I say rain I REALLY MEAN RAIN! We received just over 12 inches of rain over the past weekend. Last week our little farm looked like paradise on earth. Sheep lazily grazing, chickens chasing bugs and laying copious eggs, vegetables growing all over the place ... beautiful!
Then it rained, and rained, and rained, and rained. The winds gusted to 50 miles per hour and a leak developed in my office. Vegetables were tattered and torn and now are disease-prone. Our barn floor looks like a lake. Animals had to be moved to higher ground.
I was discouraged, downtrodden and depressed. Yet, in the midst of it all, Kay takes my hand and says "Let's pray". She prays for our farm but also fills me with encouragement and hope by reminding me that God is ultimately in control. We've been through the valley before and we can make it yet once again if we set our sights on the mountaintop.
Later in the day, I had the opportunity to give her some support as she was looking over the deluge of water. I was reminded of God's strength because she reminded me earlier. I was able to wrap my arms around her and tell her that it will be OK.
Isn't that what marriage is all about? Having a life-long friend and companion to walk hand-in-hand through the trials and the successes of life. When was the last time you took time to really bless your best friend... your spouse? Do it today!
It rained on the farm... No, you don't understand. When I say rain I REALLY MEAN RAIN! We received just over 12 inches of rain over the past weekend. Last week our little farm looked like paradise on earth. Sheep lazily grazing, chickens chasing bugs and laying copious eggs, vegetables growing all over the place ... beautiful!
Then it rained, and rained, and rained, and rained. The winds gusted to 50 miles per hour and a leak developed in my office. Vegetables were tattered and torn and now are disease-prone. Our barn floor looks like a lake. Animals had to be moved to higher ground.
I was discouraged, downtrodden and depressed. Yet, in the midst of it all, Kay takes my hand and says "Let's pray". She prays for our farm but also fills me with encouragement and hope by reminding me that God is ultimately in control. We've been through the valley before and we can make it yet once again if we set our sights on the mountaintop.
Later in the day, I had the opportunity to give her some support as she was looking over the deluge of water. I was reminded of God's strength because she reminded me earlier. I was able to wrap my arms around her and tell her that it will be OK.
Isn't that what marriage is all about? Having a life-long friend and companion to walk hand-in-hand through the trials and the successes of life. When was the last time you took time to really bless your best friend... your spouse? Do it today!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Dads of Courage
Kay and I saw the movie 'Courageous' last night. It is a must see for EVERY Dad no matter what age. I am encouraged, inspired and challenged to step up my ability to be a Dad to a whole new level after watching the movie.
It easy being a Father, its a different story being a Dad. Any wimp can become a Father. We need to only look around our society at all of the homes without a man in the house to see how easy it is to wimp out at being a Dad.
Stand up for what is right, men. Ignore and walk against this stupid society that promotes selfishness and be a man! Give ALL of yourself to your wife and you children and don't ever, ever, ever stop!
Stand up and be a man! Be the ROCK that holds your family together against ANY storm that attempts to break your family apart!
It easy being a Father, its a different story being a Dad. Any wimp can become a Father. We need to only look around our society at all of the homes without a man in the house to see how easy it is to wimp out at being a Dad.
Stand up for what is right, men. Ignore and walk against this stupid society that promotes selfishness and be a man! Give ALL of yourself to your wife and you children and don't ever, ever, ever stop!
Stand up and be a man! Be the ROCK that holds your family together against ANY storm that attempts to break your family apart!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
