A New Year of Hope: Lay a New Foundation with Courage

As you think about celebrating the coming New Year, what would you like to accomplish in the days and months ahead that would be significant for you and others? It is possible for God to give you something purposeful that might seem out of bounds or even impossible considering your limitations. Remember, God has a way of making the impossible, possible.

What matters is your attitude that’s helped you cope with everything, including Covid, school, and work, just to name a few stressful issues. Yet upon close examination and honest consideration, there are an abundance of things to sincerely thank God for providing in a dreadful year.

What would you be willing for God to change so there could be hope for peace in the New Year? The Holy Spirit stands ready to give you courage to make reconciliations where there are divisions by reactivating hope for expressions of affection and peace. Be willing to respond positively to what God will provide in coming days.  

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May the Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and graciously given us encouragement that is eternal, and a hope that is well-founded, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good thing you do or say.

~2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 Williams – New Testament in the Language of the People

So cheer up! Take courage if you are depending on the Lord.

~Psalm 31:24 The Living Bible

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A New Year of Hope: Lay a New Foundaton with Prayer

 As we approach the coming New Year, what do you desperately want to leave behind that’s been a detriment to your peace and joy? It’s interesting how hurt feelings, anger, and hatred tenaciously cling to us emotionally and refuse to be discarded from our memory.

Building a new foundation for peace and joy cannot be accomplished where resentments are active or deeply buried in our subconscious where they have the tendency to pop up unexpectedly. One way to quiet old memories attached to resentments is to ask God to bless in specific ways those who hurt and wounded you so severely.

Praying for these people each day, or several times a day as the Holy Spirit sparks your memory, will bring about permanent healing and peace in your heart, mind, and spirit. Yes, it takes courage to do this systematically because you have to rebuff every justification for remaining resentful. But remember, Christ in you is greater than he, Satan, who is in the world.  

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Let your hope make you glad. Be patient in time of trouble and never stop praying.

~Romans 12:12 Contemporary English Version

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A New Year of Hope - Lay a New Foundation with Faith

This past year has been a difficult year for numerous individuals from every strata of our culture. We are now at the doorstep of a new year, so the first thing we should consider is leaving behind the past burdens and hardships to make way for a new beginning. The question is, can this be achieved?

Believing it’s possible takes faith that a new foundation can be laid for a future that’s blessed by God. We can only experience the future in increments of minutes and hours. Deliberately thinking through what can be achieved with our gifts and talents is necessary for building a solid foundation.

Jesus’ parable of building a house on solid ground that will hold fast against storms including unsure economics, pandemics, and political divisions is critical for stability. A sure foundation is composed of faith and trust in Christ Jesus. Committing all we are and all we can accomplish into his care provides peace and hope for whatever the future brings our way. 

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“These words I speak to you are not mere additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. These are foundation words, words to build a life on. If you work the words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who dug deep and laid the foundation of his house on bedrock. When the river burst its banks and crashed against the house, nothing could shake it; it was built to last.”

~Luke 6:47-48 The Message

May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit.

~Romans 15:13 Good News Bible

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Christ's Peace at Christmas – Feel It

 On this Christmas Day, what do you wish for above all other possibilities? While material gifts are sometimes wonderful, nothing seems to satisfy like the gift of Christ Jesus himself. Though not Christmas carols, these hymns remind me of him: “I am satisfied with Jesus, He has done so much for me,” and “No one satisfies my soul like Jesus.”

Jesus calls us to a life of constant communion with him. In a world littered with troubles, that is difficult to do, so he keeps calling us back with love beyond comprehension. “Now may the Lord of peace give you peace at all times in all ways.” Merry Christmas and God bless you. 

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“Don’t be afraid,” [the angel] said. “I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born tonight in Bethlehem!...Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others – the armies of heaven – praising God: “Glory to God in the highest heaven,” they sang, “and peace on earth for all those pleasing him.”

~Luke 2:10-14 The Living Bible

 

I wish you, in all love and sincerity, grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, the Father's Son.

~2 John 1:3 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English

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This week on December 21-25, KHCB Radio will celebrate Christmas by providing alternate programming, the Five Days of Christmas, with only Christmas music and short devotionals. Accordingly, AttitudesAnswers will post a short Christmas blog post and podcast each day this week. Merry Christmas!

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Christ's Peace at Christmas – Experience It

 What are you struggling with at this moment as your try to focus your mind on celebrating the birth of Christ Jesus? I realize we have to live with hardships that may offer little peace and joy. Like in our society, those are the kind of conditions God sent Jesus to redeem. What you’re facing now is what Jesus wants to help you with by giving you strength and peace to endure.

Open your heart and mind to remember that “God is not a God of confusion and disorder but the Lord of peace, harmony, and order.” “Let this mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus” as you prepare yourself to celebrate God’s gift to you. God bless you and Merry Christmas. 

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A child is born to us! A son is given to us! And he will be our ruler. He will be called, “Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”

~Isaiah 9:6 Good News Bible

 May God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you rich blessings and peace-filled hearts and minds.

~2 Thessalonians 1:2 The Living Bible

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This week on December 21-25, KHCB Radio will celebrate Christmas by providing alternate programming, the Five Days of Christmas, with only Christmas music and short devotionals. Accordingly, AttitudesAnswers will post a short Christmas blog post and podcast each day this week. Merry Christmas!

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Christ's Peace at Christmas – Live It

 Wanting a happy, joyful Christmas season is a natural desire for most believers in Christ Jesus. Yet we live in a world of chaos and trouble that at times appears to be absent of peace and joy. This is even true within some families that are ravished by strife. However, reconciliation is possible when pride and power are sacrificed for peace that honors Christ Jesus.

Listen to the gift of peace offered to you as you put aside anger and strife. “You, O Lord, will keep in perfect peace those whose mind is fixed on you.” You can trust in Jesus to be present each minute of each day. Thank him for this precious gift. Merry Christmas and God bless you.  

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Try to get along and live peacefully with each other. Now I pray that God, who gives love and peace, will be with you.

~2 Corinthians 13:11 Contemporary English Version

 And let the peace of the Messiah, to which you were also called in one body, control your hearts.

~Colossians 3:15 Holman Christian Standard Bible

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This week on December 21-25, KHCB Radio will celebrate Christmas by providing alternate programming, the Five Days of Christmas, with only Christmas music and short devotionals. Accordingly, AttitudesAnswers will post a short Christmas blog post and podcast each day this week. Merry Christmas!

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Christ's Peace at Christmas – Receive It

The chaos we encounter during the holidays often comes from within ourselves, wrapped up in expectations that are out of bounds for what actually needs to be achieved. Chaos and joy are not easily blended. Reevaluating what I expect and what others expect is a process of separating truth from fantasy. What I can be in reality now must be accepted.

Jesus is God’s gift of peace even as we live with chaos and troubles. Jesus said, “I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give.” What we can do now is open our hearts completely to receive this precious gift. God bless you and Merry Christmas.  

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I leave behind with you – peace; I give you my own peace, and my gift is nothing like the peace of this world. You must not be distressed, and you must not be daunted.

~John 14:27 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English

 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.

~Philippians 4:7 Contemporary English Version

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This week on December 21-25, KHCB Radio will celebrate Christmas by providing alternate programming, the Five Days of Christmas, with only Christmas music and short devotionals. Accordingly, AttitudesAnswers will post a short Christmas blog post and podcast each day this week. Merry Christmas!

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Christ's Peace at Christmas – Seek It

 Are you wishing that chaos and hardships didn’t exist in our world and that peace and good will would dominate during this Christmas season? Most believers in Christ Jesus long for peace and joy on a permanent basis instead of the strife and troubles that seem so pervasive. Unfortunately, there are an abundance of issues we must learn to cope with in order to maximize the peace that is available.

So in the presence of troubles and problems, both minimal and severe, God sent his Son to be our Savior. Jesus provides strength for endurance, insight for managing issues, and wisdom for coping with trials and distress as we celebrate his coming.  Merry Christmas and God bless you.

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Like a shepherd taking care of his sheep, this ruler will lead and care for his people by the power and glorious name of the Lord his God. His people will live securely, and the whole earth will know his true greatness, because he will bring peace.

~Micah 5:4-5 Contemporary English Version

 May peace and blessings be yours from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.

~Galatians 1:3 The Living Bible

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This week on December 21-25, KHCB Radio will celebrate Christmas by providing alternate programming, the Five Days of Christmas, with only Christmas music and short devotionals. Accordingly, AttitudesAnswers will post a short Christmas blog post and podcast each day this week. Merry Christmas!

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Build an Anchor of Hope

Everyone believes in something or someone to some extent. Children, if nurtured adequately, believe in their parents, and trust their decisions. Trust is a precursor to hope, so if children are encouraged to believe in Santa Claus, then hope for personal gifts on Christmas morning will not be a disappointment.

With maturity, it becomes apparent that everything desired is not reasonable, yet hope can be directed toward what is possible. Hope cannot be dependent on what isn’t grounded in reality. The Israelites hoped to occupy the Promised Land because their hope was connected to God's plan. Hope propels us toward what is possible.

Human desires do not always result in fulfillment, but hope anchored in Jesus Christ is a reality that does not disappoint. Hope is an anchor that holds fast when the storms of life try to capsize and drown your objectives and plans. So may the Lord God, the source of all hope, fill you with joy and peace. Merry Christmas!  

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… So we who have found safety with [God] are greatly encouraged to hold firmly to the hope placed before us. We have this hope as an anchor for our lives. It is safe and sure.

~Hebrews 6:18-19 Good News Bible 

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This week on December 21-25, KHCB Radio will celebrate Christmas by providing alternate programming, the Five Days of Christmas, with only Christmas music and short devotionals. Accordingly, AttitudesAnswers will post a short Christmas blog post and podcast each day this week. Merry Christmas!

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Don't Misjudge Potential

 All people to varying degrees identify success by the possessions they acquire and by their profession or job. So many people misjudge their ability to excel by blaming their underachievement on a lack of opportunity or on others. Is what you aspired to be or do far below what you are capable of accomplishing?

Hope builds a bridge for conquering challenges. Hope that ensures success is dependent on the freedom God is given to motivate your heart and mind to achieve. Can you imagine the failure Joshua would have experienced if God had been restricted to a minimal influence in the plans to conquer the Promised Land?

While it's appropriate to grieve over failures and losses, continuing to rehash the past builds a bridge to depression. The apostle Paul gave this alternative: "One thing I do. Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me." This can be your hope and confidence.  

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For you are my hope; O Lord God, you are my trust from my youth and the source of my confidence.

~Psalm 71:5 Amplified Bible

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Next week on December 21-25, KHCB Radio will celebrate Christmas by providing alternate programming, the Five Days of Christmas, with only Christmas music and short devotionals. Accordingly, AttitudesAnswers will post a short Christmas blog post and podcast each day this week. Merry Christmas!

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When Perplexed, God Will Empower

Life is full of challenges that range from minor frustrations to those which threaten our safety and security. Without challenges, what would  motivate and inspire you? Imagine Joshua leading his people into a land that still had to be conquered? God promised to empower him with  endurance, courage, and wisdom. This gave him hope and confidence.

Joshua’s faith gave him the self-assurance to accept the challenge God assigned to him. Hope and courage along with confidence are essential for reaching planned objectives and goals. These character strengths prevent problems from being perceived as out of control and you from feeling helpless to conquer them.

Hope provides the incentive to face whatever troubles each new day may bring. Hope is a light that can shine in the darkness to give you courage to face demanding situations, people, and temptations. “Do not allow yourself to be overpowered by evil but conquer evil with good.” You, by way of your faith in Jesus Christ, can be “more than conquers through him who loves you.”  

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When doubts filled my mind, [Lord,] your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.  

~Psalm 94:19 New Living Translation

 

With this news bring cheer to all discouraged ones. Encourage those who are afraid. Tell them, “Be strong, fear not, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.”

~Isaiah 35:3-4 The Living Bible

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A Bridge to Possibilities

Each phase of life presents challenges to be conquered while introducing opportunities for personal growth and change. Even when a challenge appears overwhelming, there is something within human nature that defies defeat. That special something is hope. Hope motivated the Israelites to move forward and take possession of the Promised Land.

Hope builds a bridge to possibilities. For the Hebrew people this included the challenge God gave to Joshua, their new leader who replaced Moses. "Be determined and confident for you will lead these people to inherit the land I promised. Make sure you obey all the laws my servant Moses gave you and you will be successful." This was their source for hope and courage.

God's word encourages you to be strong and courageous in the strength and power the Holy Spirit provides rather than relying solely on your own strength and power. Confidence is a personality trait, and when fortified by faith in God, success is possible.  

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Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again – my Savior and my God!

~Psalm 42:5 New Living Translation  

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A View of Hope for the Future

Disappointments produce a wide range of responses from mild displeasure to despondency. The depth of negative reactions is measured by the degree of hope that is felt. Although God became disappointed with the people for their proclivity for sin and moral failure, he never gave up on them.

While Moses was not permitted to enter the Promised Land, this disappointment did not destroy his hope and faith in God. As he viewed the Promised Land from across the Jordan River, he was pleased God had permitted him to see its beauty and promise. Even in death Moses believed his future was good.

He knew he had finished his race in good standing. God's word testifies: "No prophet has risen in Israel like Moses whom God knew face to face. No one has ever shown the mighty power of God or performed the deeds Moses did in the sight of Israel.” Moses’ hope for the present and future was in the Lord God. This can be your hope.  

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You, [Lord,] will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

~Isaiah 26:3-4 New International Version

 

… Always honor the Lord. Then you will truly have hope for the future.

~Proverbs 23:17-18 Contemporary English Version

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Warning: Disappointments Ahead!

While it's impossible to avoid all disappointments, it is possible to derive a better understanding of oneself and others by determining if too high expectations or unrealistic ones were involved. Disappointments can build a bridge to disenchantment and disillusionment, or they can build a bridge to insight on how to prevent future problems and failure.

This is true for relationships when certain behaviors indicate trouble will be part of the future. Warning signs that disappointments lie ahead should not be ignored. They are an invitation to proceed only with caution. Blaming God and others for poor perception and judgment should be avoided.

Of course Moses was disappointed by not being permitted to enter the Promised Land. He accepted this as God's will. What greater blessing could he experience than accepting God's will and purpose? Listen to Proverbs 16:9: "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord God determines his steps." Is this true for you?  

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Let me hear your lovingkindness in the morning, [O Lord,] for I trust in you. Teach me the way in which I should walk, for to you I lift up my soul.  

~Psalm 143:8 New American Standard Bible

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Go Forward with God's Presence

God created the family to provide a stable environment for children so they could develop the strength of character to leave home and create their own families. Stable families produce strong communities which create a nation capable of withstanding assaults hurled against it. At the core of a stable family is faith in God.

Disappointments are often seen as punishment from God because of sin. Moses faced disappointment but didn’t become disillusioned or turn his back on God’s grace and mercy. God gave him courage and the will to go forward and face the aftermath of poor judgment and bad choices.

             Moses’ faith in God remained strong when it came time for him to die. As you commit yourself to Christ Jesus, you can face whatever the future holds. Jesus will comfort and guide you through challenging times. God's grace enables you to count it a joy when life hurls uncertainty your way. God’s presence with you gives evidence of his faithfulness.  

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I’ve commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.

~Joshua 1:9 Contemporary English Version

 

You can never please God without faith, without depending on him. Anyone who wants to come to God must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely look for him.

~Hebrews 11:6 The Living Bible

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Facing Disappointment with Faith

Disappointments are a part of living, just as rewards come to those who work hard. Disappointments can show up unexpectedly. Small disappointments cannot equate with the sorrow that follows a significant loss. Disappointment and grief naturally follow the failure of a relationship and other major losses.

Grief and sadness were apparent when Moses was restricted from entering the Promised Land, yet he did not believe God abandoned him. By leading the people to the door of the Promised Land, he had to endure hardships and suffer emotional distress. We can only imagine his sorrow, yet his strength of character and faith in God give us a model for facing disappointment.

He refused to blame God or others for his failure. He continued to execute God's plan for the Hebrew people by commissioning Joshua to lead the people on to the Promised Land. Disappointments can be a prelude to greater blessings when we, in faith, trust God and continue to love and serve him.  

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Moses continued speaking to the people of Israel, and said, “I am now a hundred and twenty years old and am no longer able to be your leader. And besides this, the Lord has told me that I will not cross the Jordan. The Lord your God himself will go before you … and Joshua will be your leader, as the Lord has said.”

~Deuteronomy 30:1-3 Good News Bible

 

Then [the Lord] turned my sorrow into joy so that I might sing glad praises to the Lord instead of lying in silence in the grave. O Lord my God, I will keep on thanking you forever!

~Psalm 30:11-12 The Living Bible

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In Each and Every Crisis, Choose God

 A lapse in confidence can happen when we’re faced with circumstances that appear out of bounds or when stretched to the limits of our capacity to cope. Overreacting in anger can produce painful results that are tough to endure. Moses reached the limits of his ability to cope when the people’s faith in the Lord vacillated with every major or minor crisis.

However, he refused to let failure and poor judgment determine if he would follow God's plan and purpose. Moses faced this choice when he learned he would not accompany his people into the Promised Land. His faith and trust in God’s goodness enabled him to face the future without becoming angry and disillusioned.

Moses refused to turn his back on God in a moment of crisis. He implored the people to choose God. This choice meant accepting the covenant relationship God offered them. Listen to Moses’ words: “The Lord himself is your shield and your sword to defend you and give you victory.” This promise is relevant for you.  

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“Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

~Isaiah 41:10 New American Standard Bible

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The Value of Choosing and Trusting God

 There’s so much about our world and human nature that our finite minds are not equipped to process. Deuteronomy 29:29 explains: “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and our children.” God revealed himself to Moses and equipped him with wisdom for what seemed like an impossible task.

The older generation of Hebrews who began the journey to the Promised Land died along the way, but the younger generation was ready to possess the land. They had learned the value of choosing God and obeying his rules for living together as a community. God held them accountable to their commitment.

The value of trusting God is that he forgives and heals the wounds of disobedience. Moses suffered the consequences of disobedience, but he endured with peace of mind and a sense of security. He felt safe in God’s forgiveness. You can endure the cost of disobedience by also believing in God’s forgiveness and redemption.  

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All who are oppressed may come to [the Lord]. He is a refuge for them in their times of trouble. All those who know your mercy, Lord, will count on you for help. For you have never yet forsaken those who trust in you.

~Psalm 9:9-10 The Living Bible

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The High Cost of False Assumption

False assumptions build a bridge to disappointments by contributing to unhappiness and failure to reach objectives. False assumption believes something is actually true only to discover a price must be paid for self-deception. We can be thankful when God opens our minds to the truth and gives us courage to change.

Moses must have been tremendously disappointed within himself when all the miracles God performed and all he could do were not enough to change the Hebrew people’s attitudes and sinful choices. Moses assumed he had a free pass to cross over into the Promised Land. He had suffered forty years bringing the Hebrews to the Promised Land.

Moses’ mistake was making it appear that God had to obey him when he became angry with God. God permitted Moses’ anger to be seen as a source of power that caused water to flow out of a rock, but only at great cost. God would forgive Moses and love him although the consequences of his sin had to be acknowledged and experienced.  

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I have sinned and done wrong since the day I was born.

~Psalm 51:5 Contemporary English Version

 

But you are merciful and gentle, Lord, slow in getting angry, full of constant lovingkindness and of truth; so look down in pity and grant strength to your servant and save me.

~Psalm 86:15-16 The Living Bible

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Painful Regret and Heartfelt Thanks

Self-deception has the potential of touching every aspect of life, and it originates in fantasies that inhabit our lives. Many adolescents and adults think drug and alcohol abuse has no adverse consequences along with erroneously believing that sleep deprivation can be made up later.

The older generation of Israelites refused to cross the border and take the Promised Land because they believed winning was impossible. They totally disregarded God’s promise to intervene. Forty years later the younger generation believed God’s promise. Moses, however, was prohibited from crossing over because of his deliberate disobedience.

Can you imagine how Moses felt being left behind after forty years of longing for the Promised Land? Pain related to regret is unavoidable but facing God’s truth and applying it to your life results in heartfelt thanksgiving and peace. Wholehearted, sincere thanksgiving brings you into the presence of God. Be not dismayed by what God will do for you.  

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Be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus.

~1 Thessalonians 5:18 Good News Bible

 

Be merciful, O Lord, for I am looking up to you in constant hope. Give me happiness, O Lord, for I worship only you. O Lord, you are so good and kind, so ready to forgive, so full of mercy for all who ask your aid.

~Psalm 86:3-5 The Living Bible

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A Defiant Display of Self-deception

Romantic relationships have consistently proven to be fertile fields where self-deception can sprout and grow. Being in love is comforting and exciting, but nerve-wrecking when reality exerts itself for recognition. Self-deception demonstrates itself when conflict is apparent but circumvented. Denial of what is obvious is self-deception.

Self-deception is believing insignificant issues are irrelevant, but trivial issues can evolve into major frustration when reality can no longer be suppressed. Moses grew to believe he could manage the needs of the Hebrew people instead of following God's initiatives. His flawed judgment proved to be extremely costly.

The people needed water so God instructed Moses to speak to a rock and water would flow from it. Defiantly, Moses struck the rock with his staff demonstrating his uncontrollable anger.  Always give anger time to subside before acting. Praise God for loving you and giving you wisdom for managing difficult situations.  

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“Who can understand the human heart? There is nothing else so deceitful; it is too sick to be healed. I, the Lord search the minds and test the hearts of people. I treat each of them according to the way they live, according to what they do.”  

~Jeremiah 17:9-10 Good News Bible

 

So let us continue coming with courage to the throne of God’s unmerited favor to obtain his mercy and to find his spiritual strength to help us when we need it.

~Hebrews 4:16 Williams – New Testament in the Language of the People

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Struggling with Self-deception

Self-deception is a major cause of unhappiness and lack of success in reaching obtainable objectives. One reason we cling to self-deception is the belief that transitions should be smooth and without challenge or suffering. Self-deception's message is there should be no difficulties involved when attempting a new beginning.

When the Israelites had an early chance to take possession of the Promised Land, they failed because of being overwhelmed by fear and anxiety. They refused to trust God’s promise to subdue and drive out those who inhabited the land. They chose self-deception because it complied with what they wanted to believe.

Self-deception is grounded in feelings of powerlessness when facing  obstacles. Self-deception is overcome by faith in God’s promise to help when uncertainties abound. Galatians 6:7 warns, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked. Whatever you sow, this is what you will reap.” Trust and faith are based on God's promise to ensure you achieve your objectives. 

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Do not be deceived anymore; God is not to be scoffed at. A person will reap just what he sows, whatever it is. The person who sows to gratify his lower nature will reap destruction from that lower nature, and the person who sows to gratify his higher nature will reap eternal life from the Spirit.

~Galatians 6:7-8 Williams – New Testament in the Language of the People

 

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and there is no truth in us. But if we confess our sins to God, he will keep his promise and do what is right: he will forgive us our sins and purify us from all our wrongdoing.

~1 John 1:8-9 Good News Bible

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The Miracle of Transformation

 What's the most difficult transition life has demanded you make and accept? For me, it was joining the Air Force immediately after high school graduation. This transition required me to comply with the military code of conduct, which meant following tough rules I had not known growing up as a child and teenager.

All the Hebrews who left Egypt over the age of twenty, with the exception of an identifiable few, never entered the Promised Land. Their resistance and rebellion against God's standards for living kept them out. God identified them as stiff-necked and bent toward evil. Stiff-necked describes a person unwilling to change. This attitude prevented them from entering the Promised Land.

Their lack of trust and faith combined with their self-deception kept them shackled to old ideas and beliefs. Being transformed into God's people actually depends on his grace, which is his unearned favor. Still we must submit to his training, teaching, and discipline with a receptive mind and thankful heart, and doing this will bring us peace and unspeakable joy. 

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Do not be stiff-necked, as your ancestors were; submit to the Lord. Come to his sanctuary, which he has consecrated forever. Serve the Lord your God, so that his fierce anger will turn away from you…For the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him.

~2 Chronicles 30:8-9 New International Version 

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The Ties That Bind God's People

 So much of what governs our lives are the social, religious, and legal rules we internalized from childhood. The ties that bind us together as a family and society should be the Ten Commandments God gave to Moses at Mount Sinai. It would take generations of struggle for the Israelites to understand and apply the commandments to their lives.

Although a newborn baby is a treasure from God and a source of joy, rarely is a couple prepared for all the adjustments this new baby will require. As a newborn baby interrupts the status quo of a family system, so the Ten Commandments would change the value system for binding God’s people together.

The commandments reflect God’s love for his people just as rules and boundaries represent a parent’s love. God’s love and mercy are revealed most completely in the gift of Christ Jesus, who became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Thank God for the gift of faith to believe and trust in his kindness and compassion.  

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[Moses told the people of Israel,] “Meditate upon all the laws I have given you today, and pass them on to your children. These laws are not mere words – they are your life!”

~Deuteronomy 32:46-47 The Living Bible

 

God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together.  

~Colossians  3:12-14 Contemporary English Version

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Don't Quit – Commit!

Without the presence of obstacles in every endeavor, it can be difficult to value the determination it takes to succeed. A young woman's dream of becoming a medical doctor was threatened by the intense competition and the enormity of information to learn, but quitting was never a consideration. She was committed to finishing what she'd begun.

Every chosen path produces situations that question the wisdom of that choice. Can you imagine Moses struggling with constant hardships trying to get his people to the Promised Land? At Mount Sinai he voiced his concerns to God. "If your presence doesn't accompany us as we go from this place, we may as well stay here."

Moses needed continuous assurance from God, so he gave Moses this encouragement, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you and I will proclaim my name to you, but you cannot see my face." If you ask God, he will give you encouragement for the task he has given you.

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And those whose faith has made them good in God’s sight must live by faith, trusting him in everything. Otherwise, if they shrink back, God will have no pleasure in them. But we have never turned our backs on God and sealed our fate. No, our faith in him assures our souls’ salvation.  

~Hebrews 10:38-39 The Living Bible

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Courage to Remain and Believe Again

Every new beginning has the potential for unseen problems. Realizing some problems are beyond fixing may generate the impulse to retreat to a familiar comfort zone. However, seeking God’s insight and wisdom will give you courage to remain faithful to his purpose for you.

Moses encountered a stalemate with God’s people at Mount Sinai. He panicked at the thought of God’s withdrawing his protection because of the people’s sin. God had revealed himself to Moses, but still Moses needed assurance to squelch his fear of going forward without God’s presence.

Listen to Moses’ desperation from Exodus 33:12: "You have told me, lead these people, but you have not let me know who will assist me. You  said, `I know you and have found favor with you.` If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I will be assured you favor me." If you’re at a dead end with your faith, ask God for courage to believe again. Prepare yourself spiritually to receive his response.

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So you must never give up your confident courage, for it holds a rich reward for you. Indeed, to carry out the will of God and to receive the blessing he has promised, you need endurance.

~Hebrews 10:35-36 Williams – New Testament in the Language of the People

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Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.