Today, as I was snowed in with some of my friends, we were discussing the purpose for which we were created. All of us have different aspirations, goals and dreams, however, one commonality remains: our dreams all have been God-ordained. I had the thought though, why is it that some people are afraid to live within the purposes for which they have been created? Is it that we are so afraid to fail? I would venture to say that it is not the fear of failure, but the fear of success that most drives us. Success requires responsibility. If we do the thing that we are called to do, and we are successful, then we are lifted to a higher level, and thereby are expected to do more for the glory of God. It is therefore, easier to sit and say that we can't do or complete our purpose because in that respect, we won't have any responsibilities.
My challenge is this: why not live the purpose driven life and complete tasks for the glory of God? As we complete those tasks, others around us are inspired to do the same. Is that not our grand purpose?
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
The Most Amazing Gift
So, I had the random thought this week...we go to God and ask for forgiveness for our transgressions, and He forgives us. Our wrongdoing is then forgotten about, as if it never happened. If God has the infinite ability to forget, why can't we? I think that is an amazing gift, the ability to not remember. It reminds me of the child-like faith that we once possessed, but have forgotten how to practice. Children are interesting in that respect. If you have ever watched two kids playing, one will get mad at the other over a toy. Five minutes later, it's as if nothing has happened. How I strive to have that mindset daily. I think that we should make a conscious choice daily to live as God lived. What do we have to lose?
Thursday, January 14, 2010
What Have You Done for Your Fellow Man??
In light of the recent tragedy that has gone on in Haiti, several organizations have stepped up to the plate to make contributions to the island nation. However, the sad fact remains that there are some individuals who use such a plight to make money for themselves. Such scams have a way of quickly surfacing, as the deal often seems too good to be true: American Airlines providing free flights for doctors and nurses going to Haiti...UPS shipping packages for free that weigh in under 50 lbs, just to name a few. The following website, http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2007/impact, has a list of reputable organizations who are GENUINELY interested in contributing to Haiti.
That brush aside, when such tragedies occur, I often wonder: Why is it that there is a sudden rush to help out or make charitable contributions? What happened to the society in which one volunteered because it was the right thing to do, and not simply because there was a natural disaster or crisis going on in a certain city, state or country? Have we become that involved in our lives that this is no longer a part of our agendas? Take for example, the Salvation Army. The agency is inundated with individuals who need assistance all year, yet we never think of them until Christmastime. And to think, the organization had to significantly reduce the amount of disbursments made this year because of a company who wrote a phony check for 25,000.
NOW is the time to get involved with your communities on a regular and continual basis, regardless of any plight or natural disaster. As a whole, we should find a way to give back to our respective communities, to build ourselves back up to our rightful place. The challenge we have before us is to contribute to and do the work that will rebuild our sense of charity, so that when a disaster like the one in Haiti strikes, we are already in place to lend a helping hand. What will you do for your fellow man today?
That brush aside, when such tragedies occur, I often wonder: Why is it that there is a sudden rush to help out or make charitable contributions? What happened to the society in which one volunteered because it was the right thing to do, and not simply because there was a natural disaster or crisis going on in a certain city, state or country? Have we become that involved in our lives that this is no longer a part of our agendas? Take for example, the Salvation Army. The agency is inundated with individuals who need assistance all year, yet we never think of them until Christmastime. And to think, the organization had to significantly reduce the amount of disbursments made this year because of a company who wrote a phony check for 25,000.
NOW is the time to get involved with your communities on a regular and continual basis, regardless of any plight or natural disaster. As a whole, we should find a way to give back to our respective communities, to build ourselves back up to our rightful place. The challenge we have before us is to contribute to and do the work that will rebuild our sense of charity, so that when a disaster like the one in Haiti strikes, we are already in place to lend a helping hand. What will you do for your fellow man today?
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Beginnings
One the most interesting things about January comes from the resolutions people often make to look forward to the year ahead, and in so doing, make choices that will ultimately affect their destinies. The New Year signifies the beginning of new things, a chance to start over again. We get excited over the chance to begin again, to start anew. However, we often fail to realize that the choice of beginning remains with us. It is our choice of whether or not we consciously change the decisions of yesterday into the promise of tomorrow.
Why, then, are we making those choices at the beginning of a year? The wonderful realization about God is that He gives us the chance to make the choice for Him DAILY...it is not a time of resolution with Him. He allows us to take the stand and choose him daily. And when we make the choice, he doesn't look back. Why then should we? When you resolve to stand for Christ, everyday is a new beginning. That, to me, is simply remarkable.
Why, then, are we making those choices at the beginning of a year? The wonderful realization about God is that He gives us the chance to make the choice for Him DAILY...it is not a time of resolution with Him. He allows us to take the stand and choose him daily. And when we make the choice, he doesn't look back. Why then should we? When you resolve to stand for Christ, everyday is a new beginning. That, to me, is simply remarkable.
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