Okay, I get it. Have you ever considered the sacrifices made by others? I am guilty of being selfish and wake up finally to the reality and say “I get it”. This past couple of weeks I have posted several messages similar so since it is now Christmas eve why not stay on track? I believe we get so focused on ourselves that we totally overlook others. Before the Prince of Peace, we would sacrifice poor creatures to restore us to good favor but that was all temporary. It took His ultimate sacrifice to make it permanent. I think when we sacrifice just a little of ourselves not only does it feel good but does wonders for our souls. The other day several of us from church got together with a few more fellow servers to make and serve 152 dinners to three groups of seniors. It felt good! If we take our eyes off ourselves and give to others, we have instant clarity of purpose. In Hebrews 10:5-10, sacrifices of old involved total commitment of poor defenseless creatures for our sins. Not much sacrifice if you ask me! Then the Prince of Peace came along to offer himself as a permanent sacrifice. He was totally committed so why can’t we be more committed in service to him? It is easy and we start by looking to others. Listen to my previous audio messages on “How Do We” and “Same O, Same O”then continue below. T
How Do We
How do we convert sadness to gladness? How do we avoid being so anxious that we make ourselves sick with worry? Perhaps the answer is all in the attitude towards others. In Philippians 4 starting at verse 4, paraphrased here be glad, be gentile, don’t be anxious and pray for peace. That last one is the key to the answer. Pray for peace. Not necessarily the peace that the world may define but defined in heavenly terms. As you read this, I hope and pray that you look further into this message on your own and listen to your heart. (Note: Audio added below.)
T
Same O Same O
Same O, Same O, yes somethings are good to start and continue each year like remembering the reason for the season. It is a great tradition long held to be filled with a spirit of giving and hope. Let’s continue that tradition and be “spiritualized” this season in lieu of being commercialized.
Sometimes, same O, same O, is not a good thing if we break promises made to ourselves or others. We start something and do not finish it. Here is a new twist. How about finishing some of those promises we make. Philippians 1:6 (according to T’s version) says we should start a good thing and stay strong to finish the task. Read for yourself in what version you feel most comfortable then listen to my brief message.(Note: Added audio below.)
T
Do Nothing Day
Yes, that is right. I had a “do nothing day”. That is okay isn’t it? Well in this world of go go go, it is hard for many of us to justify doing nothing. We, that survive in the market place, are perhaps a little guilty doing nothing. We, that live an entitled life style, perhaps are just fine with that do nothing atitude. I could bore you on what I did so far today, like fixed a big breakfast, watched a little TV, then walked outside to looked for deer signs to see which deer stand I would set in today. I will get back to that in a minute. This morning as I watched the reaction to threats in California, I ask have they won the terror battle today? When I came from my endeavor to fine a productive deer stand, the news was still debating but I think very clear. Yes, they won this day. Let us pray we win the war.
By the way, I am writing this message while sitting in I hope a good stand. Saw lots of signs but time and patience will tell. In the meantime, I am still doing nothing. On the otherhand, I am communicating to my readers so I guess I am doing somthing. You count for something don’t you? I hope you get a chance to recharge your batteries by doing nothing once in a while. It is great especially when you can be surrounded by the natural beauties through God’s grace.
T
Ps: No deer today but felt very peaceful.
Sharpness
Stay sharp! How can we be more thankful? By our actions not our words. By our love not hatred. By our compassion not intolerance. By our thankfulness not regret. Take care that your hearts aren’t dulled by human weakness so that we may stay prepared. Maybe you read my words in an earlier message about questioning just who am I? As noted, we are all entitled to our own opinions and beliefs but when we are intolerant to another opinion, we are no longer sharp but dulled by our abrasive behavior. We may only have one chance in our relationship to another so stay sharp and get it right the first time.
Listen to my brief message on audio if you dare.
T