Heartbeat

What Really Matters

This past Sunday I saw a little girl raising her hands while we were singing in church.  While she was raising her hands, she was looking around to make sure that everyone else was still raising theirs.  She was imitating her grandparents- and looking for reassurance that she was doing it right.
I wonder how many times you and I were so concerned with what everyone else was doing that we missed out on the opportunity to really worship God.
Today, let’s choose to be more responsive to God’s leading in our lives than to the fear of being judged by someone else.  What God thinks of us is what really matters.

Thankful

Researchers asked a group of people to make a list, once a week for ten weeks, of five things they were thankful for. Other groups in the study wrote different kinds of weekly lists, such as five key events.
The “thankful” group felt more happiness, excitement, and joy than the other groups. They even reported better physical health – fewer headaches and coughs. 
Paul tells the Colossians in chapter 2 that they should continue to live in Christ, strengthened in their faith and overflowing with thankfulness.
So, try this out! Make a list today of things God has given you to be thankful for.  You’ll probably feel better!

Wake Up!

Still sleepy, you roll over to check the time. You look at your phone only to realize you never set the alarm! And now it’s 5 minutes before you’re supposed to be at work! Do you know that feeling of defeat as you hurry to make yourself presentable for your already delayed day?
In much the same way, people everywhere are missing their “spiritual alarms.”  God is at work all around them, yet they remain oblivious to God’s leading and guidance.
If this is you, WAKE UP!  Don’t miss the opportunity to see God in action!
 

Imposters

Counterfeiting is a serious problem in our country. It‘s been estimated that American businesses lose more than 250 billion dollars annually because of it. In 2021 the U.S. Customs and Border Protection made more than 13,000 seizures of counterfeit goods. And believe it or not, footwear comprised 40% of those fake items. Thousands of people are walking around in counterfeit shoes!
The Bible says that if we claim to have fellowship with God and yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.
It might be easy to fool people with fake shoes, but it is impossible to fool God with a counterfeit faith.

The Yoke of Rest

In ancient Jerusalem, a Rabbi’s teachings were called his “yoke.”  His people sat under his teaching while quote- “clothing” themselves in his words.
In the Bible, in Matthew 11:29 Jesus tells His disciples, “Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls.”
How good does that sound? Isn’t that what so many of us want?  Not just sleep, but rest for our souls – a place to put our burdens.  Today, “clothe yourself” with Christ’s teachings, begin to take on His character, and learn to trust Him with your burdens.

Hair Care

We have 100,000 to 150,000 hairs on our heads, and we spend a great deal of time and money on them.  In fact, in the United States, we spend about $7.5 billion dollars a year on our hair.  We frequent salons for cuts, styles, perms, highlights, and color. We buy blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons. We routinely use shampoos and conditioners, moisturizers and pomades, sprays and gels.  We obviously care about our hair.
But as much as we care about our own, God cares even more. The Bible tells us that even the very hairs on our head are numbered. He knows you that well. How well do you know Him?

The Right Tool

If you’re even remotely handy, I’m sure you have a tool drawer if not a proper toolbox in your house. If you’re hanging a picture, you know where to find a hammer. If the hinges to a door are loose, you know where to find a screwdriver. You know right where to look to find the perfect tool for the job.
Our relationship with scripture should be like this too.
Maybe you’re struggling with a relationship- read 1st Peter chapter 4.
Or maybe you’re looking for wisdom about your finances; try Romans 13.
Or maybe you’re grieving the loss of a loved one. The Bible is full of encouraging words like Psalm 34:
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit”.
When your spirit is in need of repair, turn to the Word of God and let it be a toolbox for life.

Detours

You’re driving to work on your usual route when you see the dreaded sign- “Road Closed ahead”. There’s a detour.  This seems like a plot to ruin your plans.  It’s only after you pass the roadblock that you understand the reason for the detour.
In the Bible God tells us, “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you.”  How many detours have you taken in life?
While it may seem that God is placing detours in our life to ruin our plans, He’s really directing us to a safer path, away from danger.
When you encounter a detour in life, will you thank God for the opportunity to drive down the safer road that He offers?

The Calm After the Storm

Have you heard the expression: "The calm after the storm?”
We may think of the anxiety-filled calm as we wait and watch as another hurricane looms close to shore. But what about the calm in its wake?
After the storm, the survivors have to make a great effort to rebuild and recover the valuable things they lost during the storm. And do it while grieving for the family and friends they’ve lost. And all this can lead to an existential, emotional and spiritual crisis.
 
However, after the storm a rainbow appears as well. As a symbol of hope. Jesus is our hope. And He helps us face trials and be victorious. If you’re recovering from a physical or spiritual storm, trust in God. Only then can we rebuild.

Michelin Star

In the culinary world, there is no greater honor than to receive a Michelin star. This system awards chefs and restaurants with 1 to 3 stars. But even earning one is an incredible achievement. From the food and presentation, to the arrangement of silverware on the table and the knowledge of the wait staff- everything is taken into consideration. However, while there are Michelin star chefs, there are no Michelin starred servers.
In the Kingdom of God, we all have a calling. Not everyone is called to be the pastor or worship leader. But whether your role is out front or quietly feeding the hungry, every believer is called to bring the Kingdom to our communities. While you may not have a Michelin star, even the little things are noticed by God.