Belief

What stands between you and your dream?

Some people get to live out their dreams and make a living doing things they love. But, there are others who never got the chance to do what they love. Often they have to scrape and scratch to make ends meet, doing things they hate. Which begs the question, what’s the difference between those who get to do what they love and those who do not.

You have heard the phrase, “Life is unfair” and sometimes it does seem that way. Especially if you like to compare other people’s success to yours. The only unfair thing about life is, everybody does not born or die at the same time. But everybody has mountains that they have to climb. And everybody fails sometimes.

Even so, we are God’s children, and I know He has great plans for us. In Jeremiah 29:11 the Lord assures the exiled Israelite that He cares about them. He said, “I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future”. So, it does not matter who you are, or where you live. If we followed the plan and the course God charted for us, we would reap success. But no one ever became successful with both hands in their pockets. It takes hard work and dedication.

Still, some people like to blame others or their surroundings for their failures. But been born into a family of means does not guarantee success. In Luke 15:11-32, Jesus told the story of a young man who grew up in a family of substance. But things did not turn out well for him. It is clear that the young man’s demise was his failure to follow his father’s instructions. And he paid a high price.

Like it or not, real success comes when we follow the part God has chosen for us. Failure happens when we divert from that path.

So, life is fair game. You get out of it what you put in. The servant who failed to use the talent that his master gave him ended up with nothing. Anyone can live out their dream if that dream is realistic. And you follow the path God has chosen for you.

Why worry?

Just like many of you, I worry about tomorrow. I worry about my future, my kid’s future; there is always something that causes any number of us to worry. But sometimes our worry is unnecessary. Other times it’s out of genuine fear of what might or might not happen. Either way, worrying is an unwelcome burden we take unto ourselves.

As Christians, we shouldn’t worry so much. In fact, we should cut worry out of our lives. Instead, we should pray, and do what Jesus said: “Come to 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. My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30). The writer of 1 Peter 5:7 said: “Cast all your anxiety on Him (Jesus), because He cares for you.” Also, the Psalmist David said this: “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and He will sustain thee. He will never let the righteous be move, (Psalm 55:22).

My late grandmother thought me how not to worry about things I cannot control. A long time ago she noticed that I was beside myself. She asked me what was wrong. I told her that I feared I did not do well in my grade nine achievement exams. She looked me in the eyes and said, “Too late! Worry won’t change what you wrote on your exams.” That was good advice, but I do not always use it for my benefit.

Indeed! Worry never made a wrong decision right. It never changed the course of a hurricane, and it never stopped a financial disaster. But it can wreak havoc on one’s health. Why waste precious time worry?

Good things happen when you trust God

To trust God takes more than lip service. It requires strong faith, dedication and confidence; and knowing within your heart that God loves you and He wants to help. And only He alone can help. Many Christians think one has to be a follower of Jesus Christ for God to help you. Wrong. Some people follow Jesus, yet they do not trust God.

Learning to trust God takes some form of transformation which could take years to develop. But it could also take a moment or an occurrence of some sort. For instance, from all accounts, neither the Centurion nor his dying trusted worker referenced in Luke 7:1-10 were followers of Jesus. Still yet the Centurion was confident that Jesus could heal his worker. So, he sent for Him.

But while Jesus was on His way, the Centurion exercised strong faith. He sent word telling Jesus to stay put, “I am not worthy to have you under my roof”. He then suggested Jesus just say the word, from where he was, and his servant would become whole again. Jesus then commented that He had never seen such strong faith.

And the woman with an issue of blood (Luke 8:43-48), proved once again that good things happen when you trust God. Perhaps she learned about Jesus through friends and relatives. Still, she believed that her age-old problem would get solved if she touched the hem of Jesus’ garment.

Friends, contrary to popular belief, extraordinary things happen when you trust God. And you need not be a follower of Jesus before tribulation comes. Like the Centurion, you can confess your unworthiness to Him in that dark moment, and life changing results will happen.

Of course, it is better to have an ongoing sincere relationship with God before trouble starts. That way you will be more confident that the God you serve and trust will deliver you.

The three Hebrew boys, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3), had a relationship with God. So, when Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon threatened to throw them in a furnace seven times hotter than usual for failure to worship his golden image, they never flinched.

The boys were trusted servants, so the king gave them the option to escape his wrath. But they refused. Instead, the group told the king that they would not worship his gods or bow to his golden image. And they were confident that their God would deliver them.

The Bible says Nebuchadnezzar commanded his mightiest soldiers to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. But something extraordinary happened. Instead of three men, the king saw four men walking in the midst of the fire unhurt. Those boys knew whom they serve. And they knew the God of their ancestors never fails.

Indeed! Good things happen when you trust God. Not just for your benefit. But also for the glory of God. Nebuchadnezzar would later embrace the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

How Denominations Destroy Faith

There is a lot we can learn from each other as we share our differing perspectives and understandings of Jesus. That is, if we can dare to be a little vulnerable and admit that maybe we don’t have God all figured out.

Source: How Denominations Destroy Faith

Should Christians get involved in politics?

There is a growing number of people in the USA; Christians included who have made it evident that they want nothing to do with politics. In fact, many of these people get so exercised about corruption in the political system that they have declined to vote.

But, despite the widespread corruption in our political system, everyone who is eligible, should at least exercise their right to vote. Taking a hands-off approach will not help to make the system better. We live in a democratic society. The people who run the show are not self-appointed. We the people elected them to represent us. Therefore, the onus is on us to choose the right people to run our affairs.

Of course, Christians should get involved in politics and even seek elected offices. But it must be for good reasons. Many Religious organisations flirt with politics; because they want their selfish agendas brought to the fore. For example, evangelicals are lining up behind a particular nominee for president who has made an extensive list of innuendos, toxic rhetoric and critical commentary against women and the most marginalised minorities. Still yet, these Christians are willing to sell their souls to the devil in exchange for this person, who might even be an atheist.

As much as I’m eager to support a reputable Christian for elected office, I would shudder if that person attempts to push a theocratic agenda. There has to be a distinct line between politics and your religion. Our country is too diverse to have politicians pushing hot button issues that do not serve the interest of the country at large.