Can Joy Be Found in What God Provides?

A man well into his midlife years labeled a current significant loss as the story of his life. For this person, others always have been to blame for the tragedies he consistently has experienced. If this attitude continues into his senior years, he is in danger of developing permanent bitterness.

To prevent bitterness, each person must acknowledge the existence of what is good and find joy in what God is providing. 

This will not negate irresponsible choices of the past, but help you establish new patterns and choices for living now and in the future.

God is always at work to show you how to benefit from the obvious mistakes of the past. Believe God is concerned for your future, which potentially can be good as you cooperate with God to make it good. Pray for guidance in finding godly, successful people to mentor you. Trust in the Lord always instead of your own understanding. 

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My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested. But you must learn to endure everything, so that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything.

~James 1:2-4 Contemporary English Version

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What Are You Capable of Being with God's Help?

Life is full of surprises, some nice and fun, while others may test our capacity to survive. Vladimir Nabokov, the Russian novelist, saw life itself as a great surprise. “When you consider what each person is capable of  achieving, it is surprising to realize what can actually be accomplished.”

However, life is periodically interspersed with trouble and we’re aware suffering will come to visit us. When it occurs, we can be caught off guard and surprised. Some troubles are so disturbing they dislodge our emotional equilibrium and we need help to recover.

On the other hand, it’s possible to be so surprised by God’s goodness in our trouble that we become overwhelmed to be so fortunate. God designed us with amazing strength and ability to pull ourselves together, to reorient and refocus on what we can do with his help, insight, and guidance. 

Do you need God’s help today? Why not ask him for that help right now?     

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God isn’t late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn’t want anyone lost. He’s giving everyone space and time to change.

~2 Peter 3:9 The Message

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Will We Accept God's Redemption and Peace?

The prophet Isaiah recognized Jesus as Prince of Peace 700 years before God sent him to be our Messiah. In Isaiah’s day war seemed imminent, and uncertainty festered in the hearts of the people. Today is not much different, but  Jesus, who is our Prince of Peace, calms our hearts and gives us assurance.

God sent Jesus into the world to redeem, to save mankind. As we allow Jesus to redeem us, he becomes our Prince of Peace, which seems incomprehensible, but we know we’re being rescued as we receive his joy and peace. “Joy to the world the Lord is come!” Let us praise God for this Christmas Day. Merry Christmas! May God bless you.              

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For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder. These will be his royal titles: … “The Prince of Peace.”

~Isaiah 9:6 The Living Bible

“This very day in David’s town your Savior was born – Christ the Lord!” …Suddenly a great army of heaven’s angels appeared with the angel, singing praises to God: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom he is pleased!”

~Luke 2:11,13-14 Good News Bible 

“Blessed be the Lord God,… because he has visited us and brought redemption to his people…Our God is merciful and tender. He will cause the bright dawn of salvation to rise on us and to shine from heaven … to guide our steps into the path of peace.”

~Luke 1:68,78-79 Amplified Bible/Good News Bible

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Will We Accept God's Endless Provision for Our Needs?

Sometimes we forget that Jesus was promised to be our Everlasting Father, as Isaiah 9:6 announced. We may also forget that our Everlasting Father is capable of providing for our needs. Regardless of our social status, a day comes when our needs exceed our resources. When Jesus is your Everlasting Father, you are within the bounds of all his resources.

God sent Jesus to be our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. As we give thanks for God’s gift of Jesus, let us celebrate Christmas with joyful hearts for the privilege of being the recipients of his love and kindness. Merry Christmas and God bless you.                                 

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For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder. These will be his royal titles: …“The Everlasting Father,” …

~Isaiah 9:6 The Living Bible

You, [Lord,] make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

~Psalm 16:11 New International Version

And it is he who will supply all your needs from his riches in glory, because of what Christ Jesus has done for us.

~Philippians 4:19 The Living Bible

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Will We Accept God's Strength and Hope During Uncertainty?

Isaiah acknowledged that the deliverer of God’s people would be known as Mighty God, whose reign would endure for all generations. In addition to being the Mighty God, Jesus is also the Light of the World in whom there is no darkness. For this reason, as we learn to accept him, we can possess hope and joy in the presence of an uncertain future.

Let us give thanks to Jesus, our Mighty God, whose light permanently brightens our way, enabling us to cope with a hurried, demanding, and stressful world. This is God’s wonderful gift to you as you celebrate Christmas. So Merry Christmas! May God bless you.  

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For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder. These will be his royal titles: … “The Mighty God,” …

~Isaiah 9:6 The Living Bible

… Cheer up, don’t be afraid. For the Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will give you victory. He will rejoice over you in great gladness; he will love you and not accuse you.

~Zephaniah 3:16-17 The Living Bible

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in your faith, that by the power of the Holy Spirit, your whole life and outlook may be radiant with hope.

~Romans 15:13 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English

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From Saturday, December 21 through Christmas Day, blogs are posted daily to coincide with KHCB radio's special music and short devotional programming, "Five Days of Christmas". 

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Will We Accept God's Counsel and Help During Trouble?

 A crisis, without fail, presents opportunities to elevate Jesus Christ to a place of prominence in your life. Isaiah was written when disaster loomed on the horizon for God’s people. Yet Isaiah promised, “A king is coming who will reign with righteousness and justice. He will refresh his people like a river in the desert, like the cooling shadow of a mighty rock in a hot and weary land.”

Whatever you’re experiencing, no trouble is beyond God’s help. Isaiah referred to Jesus as Wonderful Counselor who guides you to a light no darkness can consume. May your heart be filled with joy as you celebrate the birth of Jesus. Merry Christmas and God bless you!             

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For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder. These will be his royal titles: ... “Counselor,” …

~Isaiah 9:6 The Living Bible

The royal line of David is like a tree that has been cut down; but just as new branches spout from a stump, so a new king will arise from David’s descendants. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, and might.

~Isaiah 11:1-2 Good News Bible/The Living Bible

I will send you the Spirit who comes from the Father and shows what is true. The Spirit will help you and tell you about me.

~John 15:26 Contemporary English Version

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From Saturday, December 21 through Christmas Day, blogs are posted daily to coincide with KHCB radio's special music and short devotional programming, "Five Days of Christmas". 

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Will We Accept God's Greatest Gift – His Wonderful Son?

The Book of Isaiah was written when the Hebrew people faced an uncertain future. Threats from a powerful country and threats from within existed because the nation was seen as weak and careless in their faith. Still, God’s resounding message promised a child would be born to be their Redeemer and Messiah.

Listen to the royal titles Isaiah attributes to him, all of which are designed to bring light and peace into our present-day lives. JESUS is called Wonderful, for he is our Counselor, the Almighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. Please accept these attributes as lights to shine in your heart. Merry Christmas and God bless you!  

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For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder. These will be his royal titles: “Wonderful,” “Counselor,” “The Mighty God,” “The Everlasting Father,” “The Prince of Peace.”

~Isaiah 9:6 The Living Bible 

Then God gave Christ the highest place and honored his name above all others.

~Philippians 2:9 Contemporary English Version

…they saw the wonderful things he was doing and the children shouting in the Temple, “Praise to David’s Son!”

~Matthew 21:15 Good News Bible

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From Saturday, December 21 through Christmas Day, blogs are posted daily to coincide with KHCB radio's special music and short devotional programming, "Five Days of Christmas". 

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What Is God Challenging You to Change in Your Life?

Making the best of any significant change is one of life’s greatest challenges. It’s important to believe change can be a friend rather than an enemy. God designed his people to change, to walk a different pathway that was never considered.

What is required is opening your eyes and mind so you can see and understand the way God intends for you to live at this time in your life. This is God’s world that you can enjoy, where you can blossom and grow in ways that please him.

What does God want you to change with his help? God’s plan for you is to be teachable to what he wants you to do now as you go forward to celebrate the coming of Christ Jesus.

Jesus challenged his listeners and us with these words: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” Ask God for a special vision and good hearing so you will be alert to do what counts for this moment and for all eternity.                                 

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For if anybody is in union with Christ, he is the work of a new creation; the old condition has passed away, a new condition has come.

~2 Corinthians 5:17 Williams – New Testament in the Language of the People

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How Does Faith Give Promise of a New Day for You?

So many people are extremely sensitive about their age and try to hide growing older with all kinds of disguises. However, what creates a crisis far more severe than the inner tensions that accompany just getting older are the worries and stress that are produced.

Dissatisfaction and disappointments are a common part of life but are capable of producing good, provided the right attitude is present. Fear, anxiety, and worry are the usual triggers related to the stress of aging.

What helps us navigate through each stage of life is simple faith that there is positive significance for me in getting older. Faith is God’s gift and comes with assurance that life can be good even though there may be a dark night of the soul somewhere in the future. Faith in Jesus Christ brings light to darkness along with the promise of a new day awaiting me in the future. 

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So let us come boldly to God’s throne of love to get mercy and find love to help us when we need it.

~Hebrews 4:16 Beck – New Testament in the Language of Today

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How Are We Empowered to Do God's Work?

A crisis doesn’t usually happen without some advanced warning. A prelude to a health crisis is often pain at some level. Relationship troubles usually evolve over time as a warning that changes need to be made.

A series of events that determine the future can be the introduction to possible trouble ahead for a person or a relationship. On a positive note, indications of trouble can be the time for making corrective changes to intercept possible trouble. It’s comforting to know that God observes with compassion each person’s pain and potential suffering.

His Word assures us he knows our sorrow and opens his heart to those who seek comfort and healing. One gift God offers us is strength to endure trouble that’s unavoidable. 

Our part is to activate changes the Holy Spirit empowers us to make. Christ Jesus is honored as we comply.  

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Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin!

~Hebrews 4:15  Contemporary English Version

 

…I, the Lord All-Powerful, will be here to help you with the work… Don’t worry. My Spirit is right here with you.

~Haggai 2:4-5 Contemporary English Version

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How Does Each Stage of Life Present Opportunities?

The aging process cannot be avoided, as it involves moving progressively to another age bracket. How a person feels about getting older determines whether each stage in life is greeted with enthusiasm or dread. The signs of aging are connected to changes in body features and physical endurance.

For many individuals this natural phenomenon creates anxiety or even panic. Perhaps it’s equating happiness and acceptance with being young, strong, and energetic. A life crisis is often precipitated by thinking one’s youth has slipped away so the future lacks promise.

This attitude falsely concludes happiness is impossible. The solution is believing God intended for each stage of life to present opportunities for fulfillment. 

God helps us grieve and let go of what cannot be held on to. Grieving promotes godly healing, which enables us to see clearly God’s plan for our future. 

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That is why we are not discouraged. Though outwardly we are [changing daily and] wearing out, inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 

~2 Corinthians 4:16 God’s Word Translation

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What Determines Whether We Win or Lose in Life?

Life periodically delivers up disappointments, some insignificant and others very significant. Disappointments cause us to examine what really matters in life, including the talents God so graciously has given us. How we manage disappointments determines if we go forward or become fixated in failure.

Whether we win or lose in life is not necessarily dependent on performance, but on conditions and circumstances beyond our control. Edsel Ford, son of Henry Ford, developed stomach cancer and died at age 50. Apparently it was difficult to please his father, who made life stressful for Edsel.

Living on the edge can create emotional and physical crises, as experienced by Edsel Ford. Pleasing God should be our highest priority, and this is possible when we love him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. 

That’s asking a lot, but not too much for you and God.   

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For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory!

~Deuteronomy 20:4 New Living Translation

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Is It Possible to Keep Faith Active and Alive?

What do you want to do with the remaining time God has given you to live? What often sparks a crisis is feeling life has become so predictable that you’re stuck with monotony. If this attitude persists for an extended timeframe, it can create sadness or even depression, often defined as an emotional crisis.

God intended for most people to reevaluate how they derive meaning and purpose for life. Reevaluation is required when a person reaches the point where life takes a turn toward uncertainty created by loss of a job, an illness, or just getting older.

Our faith is sometimes tested as we search for what would honor and please God. Listen to Hebrews 11:1. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” So what changes need to be made now that would please God? As you reflect, consider what God has called you to be at this time in your life.  

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…Keep on building yourself up on your most sacred faith. Pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and keep yourself in the love of God, as your wait for our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy to give you eternal life.

~Jude 20-21 Good News Bible

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Is It Possible to Renew Deferred Personal Dreams?

Investigations into how to use the life you’re given actually begin in early adolescence. What a young person thinks may be a perfect choice will predictably be modified as maturity evaluates other possibilities more suitable to their personality and interest.

Enquiries concerning the reason for making an earlier choice may surface periodically to clarify apparent confusion. What influenced a choice may or may not be obvious, but being thankful for what God has given you is a privilege to explore.

Adulthood can be the time to rediscover a personal relationship with God that was shelved earlier because of distractions. Now you can return to the Lord Jesus Christ. Listen to 1 Peter 4:11: “Whoever will serve, let it be as one who serves by the strength God supplies in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” What is more important?   

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Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God, the Creator of all light, and he shines forever without change or shadow.  

~James 1:17 The Living Bible

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How Is Faith Related to Expressing Thanksgiving?

In our culture we give fun-filled birthday parties for anyone who has reached the magical age of 40. In good humor we joke about being “too old to cut the mustard,” about being “over the hill,” and youth being gone forever. Yet for some folks, the anxiety of aging is no joking matter.

A marriage may disintegrate overnight, and careers may become threatened by fears of being replaced by artificial intelligence. These issues cause anxiety if allowed to crowd out your capacity to be thankful for God’s faithfulness in providing for you.

Comfort is found by voicing your trust and faith in Christ Jesus.

The strength to endure and stand firm is made possible by God’s gift of faith. Articulating thanksgiving is an affirmation of the faith God has given you. Being thankful doesn’t always come easy, so it’s necessary to practice this virtue until it’s a natural representation of your identity.                          

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Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, that we might understand the gifts [given to] us by God. 

~1 Corinthians 2:12 Revised Standard Version

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Can Unmet Expectations Be a Blessing?

Most people will never write an autobiography of their lives because their lives are too ordinary to capture the interest of those who buy books. However, each phase of life can be anything but ordinary. God intended for each person to master specific tasks in their ordinary lives.

What can create a crisis for adults are important expectations which never come to fruition. If unmet expectations are contributing to your lack of self-fulfillment and happiness, perhaps now is the appropriate moment to be honest with yourself and ask the Lord God to help you change your expectations.

It takes tremendous resilience and determination to successfully change what you expect from God, others, and yourself. Be realistic about what God has provided for you from your birth forward, then be thankful and celebrate. Listen to Ephesians 6:10: “Build your strength in union with the Lord and by means of his mighty power.” Begin now. 

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Let your roots grow deep into [Christ], and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.  

~Colossians 2:7 New Living Translation

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What Does It Take for You to Have a Heart of Gratitude?

By the time most people have reached 50 years of age, enough history has been experienced to cover the pages of a book. Making the transition can be joyful simply because children have become self-reliant – have left home for college or work and basically are supporting themselves.

However, making the transition into the next half-century can be disruptive due to unavoidable changes. Looking in the mirror portrays a mature person. Making a healthy transition depends on accepting who you have become and what you will become.

Looking back over the past, is your heart filled with gratitude for how you’ve been blessed by God and how you are a blessing to others? If not, please take the Apostle Paul’s advice “not to conform any longer to the patterns of this world but be transformed by renewing your mind.” 

Then you will please God by being in his perfect will and serving him. 

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Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

~1Thessalonians 5:16-18 New International Version

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What's Keeping You from Owning an Attitude of Gratitude?

Parents are often amused by their teenagers who cannot wait to become older to enjoy the privileges of adulthood. Yet as adults cross the line between being young and older, obsessing with aging can evolve into a crisis for those who feel life is passing them by.

However, each stage of life presents opportunities to develop and strengthen the virtue of being thankful for the things you possess. Owning a mindset of gratitude is the antidote for depression and sadness created by the losses you’ve experienced in life.

God’s desire for you is to be at peace with yourself and others as you enter each stage of adult development. Inner peace and peace with God and others is possible only as you permit yourself to have a heart of gratitude. This becomes realistic as you surrender to the help God provides and as you practice being thankful. 

         

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...Fear the Lord [with awe and profound reverence] and serve him faithfully [and thankfully] with all your heart; for consider what great things he has done for you.

~1 Samuel 12:24 Amplified Bible

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What Reasons Do You Have for Expressing Gratitude?

The adult stages of life are as predictable as those of childhood. Young adulthood is concerned with finding a marriage partner, gaining career success, having children, and creating a home. The body naturally begins a transformation due to natural changes or neglect and abuse.

When too much emphasis is devoted to acquiring all the trappings that comprise our identity, a personal crisis can develop. As individuals reach a transitional phase in adult development, changes occur that can be surprising and often will create anxiety associated with an uncertain future.

God intended for us to live with gratitude for all he has provided from our childhood onward.

This season of Thanksgiving is a special reminder for expressing gratitude to God and other people for the joy they have provided that’s made life worth living. Praise God for giving us Jesus, the Prince of Peace!     

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All you that are righteous be glad because of what the Lord has done! Remember what the Holy God has done, and give thanks to him.

~Psalm 97:13 Good News Bible

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In What Ways Is God Taking Care of You?

Every individual and family will experience a crisis at some level in due time. A crisis may appear totally unexpected, creating surprise, confusion, and sadness. It is possible to diminish the impact of a crisis by realizing there are ways of managing a response when it does come.

God is in the business of helping us when we seek his guidance in every aspect of life. Psalm 32:7 provides these assuring words: “You are my hiding place. You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” When a crisis occurs, help is available.

Counter weaknesses with your strengths instead of delaying to take action. Permit challenges to be a blessing by realizing change is needed. Take care of your body, for it is the temple of the Holy Spirit. In this season of Thanksgiving, praise God with gratitude for his love, guidance, and provision.                         

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God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you…Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!…Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.

~Psalm 63:1,3,7 New Living Translation

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Is It Beneficial to Identify Positive Attributes in Others?

We are all aware of what happens when important issues are not addressed and solutions found. Delaying to take action to find solutions is fertile ground for a crisis to evolve. A crisis can be avoided by seeking help from God and expressing gratitude for what he provides.

Rare is the situation where it is impossible to express gratitude. I  realize that resentment and fear can so dominate a relationship or a situation that the expressions of gratitude seem beyond utterance. Yet the desire for peace and acceptance seldom escapes our consciousness.

Consider the other person’s positive attributes and tell them what you observe. Permit mutual love for God to create a sense of gratitude within you. This can be the beginning of a relationship of peace for each person. God gives insight, hope and peace to those who love him.            

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Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called… And be thankful.

~Colossians 3:15 Revised Standard Version

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Is a Crisis Preventable?

Procrastination may eventually create a crisis in significant areas of a relationship. If important issues are neglected and unresolved, they can be responsible for creating a crisis. Failure to adjust to personal differences leads to misunderstandings and miscommunications in relationships.

Efforts to discuss issues may digress into anger if differences in personalities, beliefs, and feelings are allowed to dominate and potentially cause tension. If just thinking about certain issues arouse acute anxiety, postpone discussing these issues until after Thanksgiving celebrations. 

By focusing on mutual feelings of gratitude, tension and irritability can be averted. God’s word encourages us to “Let this mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus.” Isaiah 26:3 promises to “keep in perfect peace those who trust in him.” So do not delay in asking God for wisdom and peace.  

                    

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Do your best to preserve the unity which the Spirit gives by means of the peace that binds you together.

~Ephesians 4:3 Good News Bible

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How Does Procrastination Change Your Identity?

Procrastination has been characterized as the art of delay, which means to successfully put off doing a task until later or never. Biblical history credits God’s people with delaying to do what they knew was God’s will. Adam and Eve delayed confessing their sin to God until it could not be avoided.

Procrastination is defined as passive resistance rather than open rebellion. Passive resistance knows a task needs to be done, but it sabotages that commitment through delays caused by anxiety or by deliberate resistance.

Overcoming procrastination will change your identity as you permit God to redeem you with his unconditional love. Remember, God sent Jesus to redeem you from the irresponsibility of sin and its penalty. He chose you to be at work in his world to do what is set before you to do. If you cooperate with God, you will definitely be blessed with confidence.  

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There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life sets [you] free from the law of sin and death.

~Romans 8:1 New International Version

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How Does Anxiety Weigh a Person Down?

Procrastination can become a habit comparable to an addiction when it takes control of a person’s life. A wheelchair-bound movie director, dependent on an oxygen tank for breathing, continued smoking against his doctor’s advice. He promised his family to quit smoking but would not keep his promise.

Procrastinating gives rise to others losing confidence in you to keep your word to do what is right. David in Psalm 39:2 said, “My suffering grew worse and I was overcome with anxiety.” David’s delay caused his burden to grow heavier.

Proverbs 12:25 affirms, “Anxiety inside in a man’s heart weighs him down.” But is there a better way? The answer is, yes! 

Ask God for courage to act immediately, and step up to the plate to do what is right. Believe you’re worthy of God’s help, and he will empower you to overcome procrastination. Trust in God to keep his promises.    

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When I am afraid, I will put my confidence in you, [O Lord]. Yes, I will trust the promises of God. And since I am trusting in [you, my God], what can mere man do to me?

~Psalm 56:3-4 The Living Bible

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You are invited to listen as I will be the guest on "Vital Issues in the Christian Home" tomorrow morning (Thursday, November 14) from 10:30-11:30 Central Time on KHCB radio at 105.7 FM in the Houston area. To stream it live or for a listing of sister stations in TX, OK, LA, AR, and FL, please go to www.khcb.org.

Can Negative Effects of Procrastination and Anxiety Be Defeated?

While anxiety is helpful at appropriate levels, it can be harmful if allowed to build where it sabotages daily objectives. Anxiety can serve as motivation to study for exams or to complete a task for recognition at work. Anxiety prompts individuals to take seriously the important issues of life.

A negative example is that of a young man who related how he had avoided calling a friend to apologize for comments that had produced hurt feelings as well as an ongoing conflict between them. Embarrassment, combined with shame and guilt, produced the anxiety that fueled his procrastination.

God’s word can defeat the negative effects of procrastination and anxiety. Listen to Philippians 4:6: “Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Procrastination can be defeated by asking God for help and by thanking him for his guidance.  

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Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.

Psalm 55:22 New Living Translation

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 You are invited to listen as I will be the guest on "Vital Issues in the Christian Home" this week on Thursday morning, November 14 from 10:30-11:30 Central Time on KHCB radio at 105.7 FM in the Houston area. To stream it live or for a listing of sister stations in TX, OK, LA, AR, and FL, please go to www.khcb.org.