Heartbeat

Reflected in you

A master silversmith was carefully preparing silver for molding. The ore liquefied and came to a slow boil in the large pot hanging over the fire. He scooped off the residue that had risen to the top and discarded it, explaining that he was making sure the silver was pure; free from any impurities known as “dross.”
Curious, an onlooker asked how he knew when the silver was pure. The silversmith answered, “When I see my face clearly reflected in the silver.”
Jesus wants to see His image reflected in you. Only when you bear the Master’s image are you truly pure. So, let Him remove the impurities so His image can be reflected to the world around you.

The Awe of Creation

I was on a solo road trip recently that took me through the Appalachian Mountains. I had already been on the road for hours and was getting restless and grumpy. Just ready to be there. I was stressed- thinking of all I needed to do once I arrived.
But, suddenly, the highway rounded through the forest and opened up in a valley- surrounded by gorgeous, lush mountains- with pieces of clouds clinging to them like cotton candy. My jaw literally dropped at the beauty. I felt so small. In that moment my petty concerns seemed so insignificant.
God has always used His creation to bring me back to Him. In that moment I could hear His spirit telling me to simply breathe. If you’re feeling stressed out, maybe it’s time you disconnected and enjoyed His creation.

Help People When They Need Help

I was walking through midtown on my way to a meeting when I noticed a homeless lady struggling with her bike across the street. The front wheel looked crooked, and I could see she was frustrated. But I was going to be late! I kept walking, until I remembered a quote from author James Clear.
“You don’t help people when it’s convenient for you- you help people when they need help”.
I turned around and crossed the street- greeting the woman with the bike. I asked if I could help and together, we got the axle back in the right spot and she was good to go. She was so excited that I stopped to help. With all that she had going on- in that moment I was able to remind her we’re all in this together.
Sometimes that’s all people need. The omnipresence of our heavenly Father is lived out through us. So, whether it’s convenient or not, go and be His hands and feet.

He did it first

When children begin taking swimming lessons, they’re often asked to jump into the water from the pool's edge. But this can be an incredibly scary experience for many kids. It's not unusual to see a small child frozen at the edge of the pool while everyone else encourages them to jump. To ease this fear, swimming instructors often demonstrate the jump themselves, allowing the child to witness someone they know and trust successfully entering the water and resurfacing safely.
 
Similarly, Jesus did the same for us. He faced and endured all the challenges and hardships that we encounter in life. Through His example, He demonstrated that it is possible to overcome obstacles and emerge victorious. He’s given us the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide us through the trials we face.
 
So, follow your Savior and jump in!

More than a Spectator

Baseball legend Yogi Berra was once struggling in a tied game, bottom of the ninth, two outs.  The opposing batter stepped into the box and used his bat to draw a cross in the dirt. Berra quickly wiped the religious symbol off the plate. A Catholic as well, he said to the batter, “Why don’t we let God just watch this game?”
Can you resonate with Berra? It’s so common to see people trivialize religion by petitioning God selectively and selfishly.
However, we can also take comfort today in the fact that God’s involvement in our lives is not simply that of a spectator.
 

The Unexpected

The Canadian based, multimillion-dollar, Cirque du Soleil is known for its innovation, strategic risk-taking, and pushing the envelope.
When looking for new talent, Cirque du Soleil scouts often ask candidates to do something totally unexpected at an audition, such as climb a rope and sing a song at the top. If the candidate shows any hesitation, they’re generally out the door.
In the Bible, we see Jesus doing a similar thing. He says, “Drop what you’re doing and follow me.” “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Jesus asks of us - the totally unexpected. So, don’t hesitate!

Inheritance

Have you ever dreamt of receiving an unexpected large inheritance? Maybe some distant uncle you’ve never met somehow leaves you a huge sum of money and a mansion? You’re suddenly wealthy by no effort of your own!
As believers in Christ, we’ve received an inheritance. An undeserved, un-worked for inheritance that doesn’t come with unpaid property taxes.
The Apostle Paul says in Ephesians chapter 1 that “In Christ we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will”
This inheritance is everlasting life. It’s the gift of his Holy Spirit in you, and a peace above all understanding.
You may not have a distant, diseased, wealthy uncle- but in Christ, spiritually, you are rich beyond measure!

Failure to Success

I hate making mistakes. Yet, did you know so many inventions we use today were created by accident? Stirring a pot of chemicals in 1826, John Walker pulled his wooden stir stick out of the pot and tried to wipe the glob of chemicals stuck on the table. Instead of wiping off, the chemicals ignited. As a result, matches were born!
And simply by using the wrong resistor in a device led medical researcher Wilson Greatbatch to develop the pacemaker.
We often make mistakes in life. We’re not perfect. But the good news is that God is in the restoration business. So, if you’ve made a mistake, take your concerns to God and allow Him to turn your failures into a success.

Who You Really Are

Middle school is an incredibly difficult time in life. As a teenager, you’re trying to figure out who you are and where you belong. We may even try on different personalities to see what sticks.
Someone who loves to read and play music may begin acting like jock to fit in with the basketball team. Or a kind-spirited girl may start acting mean to fit in with the popular girls. But, to everyone around them, the contrast between who they are and who they’re pretending to be is quite apparent.
The Apostle Paul reminds us believers that we no longer live according to the flesh but by the spirit.
So, be the uniquely created work of art God has created you to be.

Trees

We often take trees for granted. Maybe we don’t think twice when we see half a forest removed to make way for more homes. But trees serve an important role in the function of our world. As they take in the carbon dioxide that we humans exhale, trees in turn produce oxygen for us to breathe. It’s the perfect symbiotic relationship.
Sometimes we’re tempted to think that we can function apart from God. Nothing could be further from the truth! He involves Himself in our lives even when we don’t notice, nurturing and protecting when we’re unable to do so ourselves.
This too is a perfect relationship. If you don’t know Him, ask God to make Himself known to you today.