Heartbeat

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy uses the natural oils extracted from flowers, bark, and stems to enhance our psychological and physical well-being. The inhaled aroma from these essential oils is soothing, and is widely believed to stimulate brain function.
The Bible says that believers are the aroma of Christ to the people we encounter.  As we produce the fruit of His Spirit, God uses us to enhance the spiritual well-being of the people around us. He uses our witness to stimulate soul function, just like essential oils stimulate brain function. We’re like spiritual aroma-therapists, spreading His fragrance!  Let’s wear Him well!
 

Spirit Breath

I can’t see the wind, but I’m keenly aware that it’s all around me.  I feel a gentle breeze brush against my face or rustle through my hair.  Or I see its massive strength through powerful gusts that become hurricanes or tornadoes.
Likewise, I can’t see God the Holy Spirit; but I know that He’s with me.  I can feel His presence all around me.
The word for “spirit” in both Hebrew and Greek means “breath” or “wind.”  Like the worship song says, “You are the air I breathe, Your Holy Presence living in me.”
May you feel the very breath of God Himself today!  And may you know both His gentleness and His power!

Greater than a Picture

It’s been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Think about some of the more stunning photos that you’ve seen lately. What have those pictures communicated to you? The photographer searches for the perfect shot just so she can speak through her lens.
Did you know that God created the earth and all its beauty to try to communicate to us? I’m sure you’ll agree that while a picture of the Grand Canyon can be great, it will pale in comparison to the real thing seen with your own eyes.
So, look around – what’s God saying to you today through the majesty of creation?
 

Let it Go

Have you ever said or done something that you regret?  Maybe in the heat of the moment, you’ve lashed out at a co-worker because of something relatively insignificant.  The feelings of guilt that are generated by regret don’t feel good. We long for ways to take back what was said or done.
Author Tony Campolo once said that “the past has a way of draining energy from the present.”  What’s been done in the past, while regrettable, needs to be forgiven and forgotten. Ask for forgiveness then, move ahead in life. Put the past behind you.
Campolo continued to say that “the One who is the ground of all being forgives and forgets.”  Let your regrets go and find freedom in God.

Known by Name

Our sun is just one among more than a billion stars in our galaxy.  One of these stars alone, the Pistol Star, could contain a million stars the size of our sun within its sphere.  And our Milky Way is not even a huge galaxy!  Our neighbor, the Andromeda Spiral, contains about 400 billion stars.  Scientists estimate that there are billions of galaxies, each containing even more stars.
Scripture tells us that our Creator God determined the number of stars and that He calls them each by name.  Not only can God count them, but He has named them.  The Bible says that He also knows you by name!  Do you know Him?

Thin Places

There’s a beautiful image from the Celtic tradition called Thin Places.  A “thin place” is a place where the boundary between heaven and earth is especially thin.  It’s a place where it’s possible to touch and be touched by God; a place where He seems more readily present.
This begs the question: Do you have enough Thin Places in your life?  If not, you’re not alone.  Artist Georgia O’Keefe once said: “Nobody sees a flower, really; it’s so small.  We haven’t time, and to see- takes time.”
We live frenzied lives, and desperately need Thin Places where we experience God’s presence.  So do your best to find a Thin Place today!

God and Veggies

A sliced carrot looks exactly like the human eye; particularly the pupil, iris, and radiating lines. And science shows that carrots greatly enhance both the blood flow to the eyes and their function.
A tomato has four chambers and is red, just like the heart.  Plus, tomatoes are loaded with lycopine, which strengthens the heart.
Is this mere coincidence? I don’t think so!  You see, God as our Creator made and provided what we would need even before we were born.  Scripture tells us that this same God knows what we need even before we ask.  Find comfort in that today and when you eat your veggies, thank Him!

Work of Art

The human body is amazing!  It contains sixty trillion cells that have all been carefully organized to perform life’s various functions harmoniously.  The nose can recognize up to 10,000 different aromas.  The tongue has about 6,000 taste buds.  The body has so many blood vessels that their combined length could circle the planet two-and-a-half times.
Did you realize that you are such a masterpiece?  Psalm 139: 13 and 14, says, “You are the One who put me together inside my mother’s body, and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me.”  Be aware today that you are truly a grand work of art!  

One Degree

Pilots say that when flying, for every degree you fly off course you’ll miss your target landing spot by 92 feet for every mile flown. That amounts to being about one mile off target for every 60 feet you fly. The longer you travel off course, the further you’ll be from the intended target. Being only one degree off can make a critical difference in where you will land!
But just as it’s hard to recognize being one degree off while flying at 30,000 feet, it’s also hard to realize “one degree failures” in our lives. We need a crystal clear flight plan.
And with God as your pilot, your safe arrival at the final destination is guaranteed!

Champions

In most sports, there’s some sort of play-off or tournament to determine the overall champion. Even if you’re not a sports fan, it’s hard to ignore the hard work and dedication that it takes to become the champions.
Winning in life takes a lot of hard work and dedication as well.  An encouragement found in the Bible tells us to “forget what is behind and press on toward the goal that’s ahead”. When we keep our eyes on the prize, the Holy Spirit will direct our steps. If you’re currently feeling defeated- but you’re hearing this message right now, the race is far from over. Trust God and move forward.