A BETTER WAY A BETTER DAY

A Better Way...

                       A Better Day

There is a popular tune from the late 1970’s entitled, “Go Your Own Way,” by Fleetwood Mac. It was often played as background music where my friends and I would go roller skating in our teens. The message in the song is one of intense romantic love expressing “feelings” of not wanting someone to leave. Sadly, many people “feel” rejection and even abandonment when someone they care about does not reciprocate loving and caring. Our culture seems to encourage “going your own way”—doing what you want, when you want, how you want, and with whom you desire. In general, it appears to give no pretense to ethical, moral decision-making lacking in positive regard for how “going your own way” affects others.

In our culture, it is evident that each and every one of us has gone our own way. It is evident that we need saving! At a grass roots level, longitudinal parenting studies reveal that a laissez-faire parenting style is very ineffective—even detrimental to children’s well-being. This non-authoritarian style of parenting seems to have its roots—or at least, to have manifested its roots—in the western world’s culture of the 1960s and 1970s. A cursory examination of this “hands-off” parenting in the name of self-discovery and self-expression has rendered a generation subjected to self-gratification if not entitlement. It is clear, and research supports the facts that human beings tend to thrive best in environments with benevolent, predictable authority. In other words, we do best with authority that is fair, just, and consistent.

Fairness, justice, and consistency is not to be equated with sameness or lack of individualization.   Rather, it is very individualistic—meting out what is needed for each individual in varying circumstances. It really is beyond human comprehension and certainly human application. 

We are all flawed; and, we all have biases. We are selfish and prideful and jealous by nature. Is there any one of us who can deny that he/she is these things?

That is why we so desperately need a Savior—to save us from our own selves and the darkness that permeates this world.

Thanking God today for Jesus Christ who died for our sins that we might be forgiven and live in freedom. Thanking God that He saved me—I surely could not save myself (I have tried, and that did not work well for me!). Thanking God that He is a benevolent, fair, just, and true authority in my life!

“Going His Way” has eternal joyful outcomes! His Way is a life that is ultimately predictable, gives stability on the journey, and minimizes and eliminates worry of the future! 

Believe that Jesus died for everyone?  Confess that with your mouth; believe it in your heart, and  live with Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Go HIS Way!

            It will change your life for all ETERNITY!

           Refreshing newsflash:  You can “live that eternity now!”

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way, and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” From the Holy Bible: Isaiah 53:6

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  From the Holy Bible: John 3:16

ARRIVE ON TIME

Yesterday, a trip to downtown Charlotte to meet with my accountant left me feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and exhausted. Paperwork for filing income taxes can be stressful; but, perhaps even more so is driving in Charlotte. At times, it can really test one's patience. It's those yellow lights that seem to bring out the true character of a person. The "toddler brain" just "kicks in," and we push the limits by accelerating to "make it through" just in the nick of time. And, if we travel a familiar route, we become accustomed to how long we have before the red light turns green for the oncoming traffic. I am ashamed to say that I have been guilty of speeding up to run through a yellow light especially if I was in a hurry or, ironically, wanted to "arrive on time."  This is, of course, an accident waiting to happen. There are frequent wrecks on I-77 to the point that some have come to refer to it as "death highway." 

Every time we travel safely, we have God to thank for HIS traveling mercies. I never take this for granted. We all can be in an accident at any time which can change the direction/course of our lives at any moment. I know parents who have lost children in automobile accidents and their children were not violating any laws--practicing safe offensive driving. This can happen to any of us at any time we're on the road.

Likewise, on the road of life, there are circumstances over which we have absolutely no control. We hopefully, engage our "prefrontal cortex" and slow down at yellow lights--obeying the traffic laws, and we pray for God to protect us. But, sometimes, that "toddler brain" just can't wait for immediate gratification.

It is imperative that we pray and wait on the Lord with every decision we face in life. It's those times, most likely times that we are under stress or even duress, that we accelerate and rush to do what "we" want that we become vulnerable to make decisions that are not God's best for us. It's these times that we can crash and find ourselves broken. Compelling counsel would guide us to have a heart for God's best; and arriving "on time" means stopping at yellow lights! God's perfect timing calls us to temperance and endurance.

When we find ourselves broken and consequences of actions that we know may not have been had we waited patiently on the Lord, God does not abandon us! He knows our hearts and the true motives of our hearts better than we know ourselves. Jesus has felt, as a man, every emotion ever known. He knows our weakness and HE will see us through--Jesus intercedes for us in our weaknesses.

We have overwhelming responsibility as believers in Jesus Christ to thank HIM for HIS grace that abounds. With that comes great responsibility to bring every thought captive and pray and wait on the Lord. 

Have you ever found yourself broken because you sped through that yellow light? Do not allow that to hold you captive for we love and serve a forgiving, loving heavenly Father. But, learn from each and every experience that HE brings you to and through. Live without excuse and with greater passion to share HIS message of truth: that JESUS died to save us from our sins and that if we repent and ask forgiveness, HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. He will even use our brokenness for HIS glory when we are submitted to HIM!

Thanking God again today for HIS unfailing love and amazing, eternal, "hand-tailored" grace... HIS timing is "always on time!"

STOP! THAT'S A YIELD SIGN

“Blessed are the poor in spirit…” (Matthew 5:3)

STOP! That’s a YIELD sign!

There’s that age when children grow in to teenagers who embark on their 15^th birthday which means it’s time to learn to drive! It’s that moment when parents wield a part of themselves as this new found freedom “drives” a plethora of emotion that in no way can be anticipated. There are the driving lessons, memorizing the signs, and studying the “rules of the highway.” Some of us have even gone so far as to hire a state trooper to give private driving lessons to ensure that we have done everything we possibly could to provide knowledge and experience as the safety and well-being of our child is paramount—providing the best instruction, counsel, and support! We want safe drivers, and although it is a conscious decision to practice safe driving, we ultimately desire that our children will “yield” to their decision to protect themselves and others as the desire flows naturally from them.

In the dictionary, YIELD is used both as a verb and a noun. As a verb it can mean to produce or provide; to deliver a result or gain; to give way to arguments, demands, or pressure; to relinquish possession of; to surrender. As a noun, it can mean the full amount produced or the return on an investment. On the road, it means to be alert and cautious and to stop for oncoming traffic. It’s so easy to miss or even ignore those yield signs, but to do so can cause a collision! 

The 1800’s hymn writer, Thomas Chisholm and music writer, Carl Lowden, in the hymn, “Living for Jesus,” described yielding to Jesus as “giving our allegiance, glad-hearted and free…This is the pathway of blessing for me…I give my life to you…I own no other master…My life I give…to live...Christ for you alone!”

As God’s children, we are provided with only the very best. His Holy Word instructs us in righteousness, we have direct access to him personally 24/7, and our well-being is paramount to HIM! We have a choice to accept HIM as our personal Savior and make HIM Lord of our lives. Decision is important, but God will give us so much more if we “yield” to HIM. When we do this, our lives are transformed!

In the Christian life, the presence of Jesus points to the beauty of “yielding” ourselves completely to HIM. This means that we have a beauty of spirit that actually becomes unconscious of our personal influence. God produces in us something that is inspiring. HE asks us to decide to follow HIM; but, moreover, to yield to HIM.

So, I am reminded today, to STOP so that I might YIELD!

“He who believes in ME…out of his heart will flow river of living water” (John 7:38)

THE APPLE OF MY EYE

This morning a tidal wave of emotions gripped my soul as my joyful, radiant daughter picked up the shiny, red apple with a heart-shaped toothpick banner, "An Apple for the Teacher," piercing the juiciness from its flesh. It's been a journey, and my heart overflows with gratitude to the one and only true God who has always been there to guide and love her with an everlasting love. I really do love this girl "to the core!" She is so blessed to have a heart that loves to serve children, and her gifts to teach and mentor sincerely investing in their lives is a sweet and pleasing aroma flowing from the God who created her. Her prayer last evening "to serve the children with excellence" ... for the Lord!

This morning, her grandfather tried to text her a message, but he does not see very well after his stroke, so he called to tell her "to sow seeds like Johnny Appleseed" and let others know of her great God through her love for them. He also said that "Dee (her grandmother who went to be with the Lord two weeks ago) would be so proud," and we both cried a lot because we miss her being here to say "Go Girl" and "I love you, but remember God loves you more!" And, of course, the sweet memory of the hundreds of times her dad said "she's amazing!" brought tears of greater joy!

We are yet again reminded of the fragility of life and although we long for Jesus' return, we know that HE has work to be done here on earth to advance HIS eternal kingdom. So, with praise and thanksgiving, we trust in him with all of our heart...knowing that Jesus intercedes on our behalf and trust in his everlasting love!

It's a joyful day because JESUS is in us. HIS Holy Word sustains us...HE lights our path! So as we continue to journey with JESUS, we pray to keep our eyes on HIM and the rewards that are promised...forever...as we rest in His amazing, eternal "hand-tailored" grace for each one of us!

     

AIRTIGHT : Gratitude in Jars of Clay

AIRTIGHT: Gratitude in Jars of Clay

Although I am not an enthusiastic fan of Christian rock, I recently attended a concert by Jars of Clay in which they performed some of their songs that had spanned a twenty year period. One of my favorites, “Love Song for a Savior,” is an ever-present reminder that it is God’s power and not our own fortitude that produces a Spirit-filled life.

For several years I had searched for a unique piece of pottery to hold treasured memories. It had to be “perfect” … authentic color, coarse clay, refined … it had to have a tight fitting lid and be pleasing to the artistic eye as it was designated to hold some of my most precious memorabilia. A generous friend who knew of my longing and indecisiveness boldly surprised me with the “perfect” vessel. Designated as a depository for treasured memories; my hand-thrown clay pot was proudly displayed in a prominent, carefully chosen location. As I meticulously prepared to place a treasured letter in it, I was reminded that this vessel was holding not only the words and the sentiment that they related but also the gratitude in my heart for love and life. It was not an ivory, wood-carved, brass, marble, glass or other expensive vase. It was a vase of the common person. It was preferred and useful!

In I Corinthians 4:7-15, Paul writes about “jars of clay” as “earthenware vessels.” The original Greek text uses the noun skeuos which stood for a vessel that serves a particular purpose (a pot, pan, jug, plate, or cup)—it is an instrument used for a specific purpose. Just as I planned to use my beautiful, clay creation as a vessel to hold special things near and dear to my heart, God’s plan is to use His people as an instrument to carry out a specific service. We are common, run-of-the-mill clay! We are fragile and can be easily cracked or broken! Yet God entrusts His treasure with us—THIS TREASURE is the “glorious” news of Jesus Christ!

With this in mind, and a heart that overflows with gratitude, we all have so many opportunities to share the gospel and share love with our brothers and sisters in Christ. As we express this gratitude, it is virtually impossible to be depressed, sad, worried, anxious, or fearful whatever our circumstances … This gratitude binds our hearts together with the love for our Savior …

As the band from Jars of Clay sang, [JESUS], “I want to fall in love with you …” … I know that I am your precious treasure!

 Prayer: Lord, please use me as an ordinary but useful vessel as I await your glorious return for your BRIDE…May I be your “hands and feet” in a world that desperately needs to know your love!  

THINKING ABOUT FORGIVENESS

Sometimes it just happens!   We use our words carelessly and hurt someone’s feelings…Without thinking, we do something that wasn’t really the right thing to do…With our acts of omission, we preclude another from receiving a blessing or even cause them to feel neglected or “left out”…Things get “too busy” to invest time in those relationships that really make a difference…Perhaps we miss opportunities and feel the pain and remorse that can come as a result…

Have you ever pondered the power of forgiveness?

Certainly, if you have brought pain or suffering to someone, deliberately or perhaps unknowingly, acting out of neglect or haste, there is a hungering desire for forgiveness. Failing to obey what you know to be TRUTH fosters an internal longing to be forgiven. Desiring to be forgiven and extending forgiveness has unparalleled power to heal a broken heart, bind up a wound, and free the soul from bondage.

When Jesus was asked “What is the greatest commandment?...” HE clearly told us to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength…HE told us that the second greatest commandment was to love our neighbor as ourselves. We have clear instructions from God’s Holy Word to love the Lord with a whole heart and to love others including ourselves. This is not a kind of “self love” but rather a spirit of love that fosters forgiveness. The Bible instructs us to forgive one another not because another person deserves forgiveness but out of our love for God. Satan would love nothing more than to have us believe the lie that we have done something that is too big or too bad to be forgiven. Ultimately, God desires for us to be forgiven and to forgive others. I John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." Scripture does not quantify or qualify sin. Scripture is clear that God is faithful and just to forgive all sin--past, present, and future--when we are truly repentant. God's ultimate plan for eternity is FORGIVENESS... Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for the sins of every single human being God created. HIS forgivenss is infinite, all encompassing, "hand-tailored" grace ... Jesus laid down his life so that you and I could be forgiven...This is our example, our standard.We are called to forgive others out of a love for the Lord--not because it is deserved! The power of this magnitude of forgiveness sets the captive free and gives LIFE!

This is the life that is … “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3) … Be encouraged today that you can be forgiven and that with God’s help you can forgive others!

As believers in Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, we are loved with an everlasting love...this is our "eternity now" [to be continued]

Thank you Lord for forgiving me. May I extend grace and forgiveness to others as I reflect on YOUR ultimate gift of forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

Have You Ever Listened to a Beautiful Day?

Although it was fourteen years ago, I remember the day and the moment as if it were yesterday when my innocent little girl was swinging in the backyard “as high as the sky.” With those glistening brown eyes she looked at me and profoundly proclaimed a truth that has penetrated not only my thoughts but also the fabric of my heart over the years. She asked, “Mom, have you ever LISTENED to a beautiful day?” 

 

Early this morning there was darkness for the bright and shining sun had not burst forth with its light over the horizon. Listening, you could hear the elusive quietness that calms the spirit and soothes the soul. Looking around, you could see the tranquil, short-lived stillness that permeates the lingering peace of the night. Trees towering above, against a sky that would soon radiate a multicolored prism of light, depicting a mighty, all-powerful, supreme God. It is a new day dawning—whatever is in the past or whatever the future holds—there are an infinite number of reasons to praise God for His blessings and call upon His Holy, majestic name.

Lord, may all the things of this world be “drowned out” by the quietness and stillness that you alone can give in a world of busyness seemingly full of “darkness” that brings “no light.” YOU, Heavenly Father, give LIGHT, and may we know you and praise your Holiness…Sing with prayers to the changelessly faithful One…Cry out for mercy…Blessed be the name of the LORD.

 

Praying today to be still and KNOW God!

(Psalm 105: 1-4)

 

Copyright 2014 Dr. Donna Earl Bridges     All rights reserved