There is allot of focus early in January every year with; "My New Years Resolution".
When I look over the last 30 years or so of the dismal failure of my and others attempt at trying to bring about a healthy life change.
When you think about it, at the core of this idea of change for the coming year is my ability to embrace pain. I got this idea of embracing pain from my new son in-law Ryan Kent of two and a half weeks.
We talked about embracing pain at the core of obeying God and living a life that is truly blessed. "Deut 28:1-14" Some call it success, some prosperity. My daughter Kim, new wife of Ryan is a collegiate long distance runner, she is fast and healthy. For her it's all about embracing pain to reach out for the goal before her.
Heb 12:1b-2a "let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eye's on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down on the right hand of God.
Pain is one of those things that we (people) avoid like the plague. We are always looking for the least painful path, or path of least resistance. We read self help books that will guarantee a short cut to success, and make easier and less painful. Even for our children concerns of not upset our child emotional apple cart by offering them elaborate participation trophy for finishing last place. health and well being of the child. Which makes sense. Emotional health along with another healthy life element is achieved through pressure and pain which produces the excellent characteristics that make a follower of God different and unique in this crazy world we live in
Jesus endured the pain and shame of the cross knowing it awaited Him, and Knowing the joy of redeeming you and I from a life with without Him destine for failure.
I would like very much with blog approach the idea of believing Gods Word.
Acts 20:35 it more blessed to give than receive.
This is a philosophy of life, a life principle, truth that either is true or it isn't.
I would like to propose a action step for this year. Help your neighbors. Adopt the idea that things will work out better for you and your family if only you will give.
Give to the neighbor next door, even if and especially if you don't believe they deserve it. Get busy. Start off with small things to begin the habit of giving every opera unity possible. This is a life style. Act as it is your new. I will even so far as to say if you give to any charity. Stop. And give to your neighbor if it will get you moving. The point is you must believe that God has called you to help you neighbor. Really just people you see every day. Opportunity knocks for those that are looking for it in 2012 and this is it.
You will be blessed beyond belief if you and I will follow this challenge.
My wife and I were literally tap out of cash this year at Christmas time; a wedding family Christmas a new grand baby. I look at my bank account with terror (to dramatic) you get the idea, you've been there we were out on PCH running saying how can we be a blessing to a family, within 5 minutes we went by a bus stop and came upon a wallet full of cash. Could this be God's payday for us to be a blessing with all this cash. As it turns out yes. As we looked through the wallet no driver license, then we came upon a application for employment at the Hilton. We ended up finding the women. This was all she had and for her family back in Mexico. 2 days before Christmas. Ever since that day the women has been hounding us to take a load of tamales.
We had a tremendous sense of blessing for make no contribution but our time.
You have something to give. The world is waiting for your blessing, your gift.
My pastor Andrew Schey said Sunday: Success is abiding in Gods love and loving others.
I want to take it to my world.
Make this year count!!!
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