What Causes Stress to Get Out of Bounds?

Stress is the product of a hurried, rushed lifestyle. My grandmother’s favorite quip for being stressed out was that she had “too many irons in the fire”. What she meant was that she needed a break from the stress and pressure she was experiencing. She realized it was her responsibility to make some needed changes.

Stress can produce impatience, irritability, even depression, when the pressures of life become overwhelming. Catching up at work or school may appear impossible when stress becomes intolerable. Whatever causes prolonged stress and anxiety, self-defeating thoughts and behaviors create even more stress.

A better strategy for stress management is to ask yourself, “Is what I’m doing honorable to God? If I am ‘God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which he prepared in advance’ for me to do, then I will focus on that promise.” 

Whatever God gives you to do, he will enable you to do it in a way that honors him.  

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May this God of peace prepare you to do every good thing he wants. May he work in us through Jesus Christ to do what is pleasing to him.

~Hebrews 13:21 God’s Word Translation

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Faith's Priority ~ 2020 Vision of God's Plan and Purpose

As the new year approaches, you may begin to assess what could possibly be different for the days ahead. Some people promise themselves and others they will strive to make significant changes concerning their health, finances and relationships. They set goals with every good intention of seeing them through to completion.

Stated another way that interjects Christ Jesus into the process, what could be your faith’s priority for the coming year? On many levels, faith’s priority is anchored to God’s plan and purpose for your life. If you are uncertain about your future, why not ask God to reveal to you, in ways you can understand, what that purpose is?

Faith’s priorities are more about God’s purpose and plan than about selfish motives and personal achievements that can never be completely satisfied. When faith’s priority enters the equation, God’s insight and wisdom are infused into every aspect of the process. Imagine the very presence of Jesus Christ giving you guidance and purpose for every new day of the year.  

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For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

~Jeremiah 29:11 The Living Bible

Our purpose is to do what is right, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of others.

~2 Corinthians 8:21 Good News Bible

May the God of peace provide you with every good thing you need in order to do his will, and may he, through Jesus Christ, do in us what pleases him. And to Christ be the glory forever and ever! Amen.

~Hebrews 13:21 Good News Bible

Performance = Integrity

An ancient proverb declared, “The nod of an honest man is enough.” Actress Mae West professed, “An ounce of performance is worth pounds of promises.” One of my high school teachers reminded us that “What you are speaks so loud, I can’t hear a word you’re saying.” This admonition encourages character building.

Another wise saying gives clear guidelines for promise making: “The righteous promise little and perform much; the wicked promise much and perform very little.” How do you perform on the promises you make? It’s appropriate to make promises. Just be sure to keep your promises; they define your character.

 

James 5:12 offers good advice. “Do not swear, either by heaven or by any other oath. Let your 'Yes' be yes and your 'No' be no, so you never fall under condemnation.” It’s time for a new beginning to go forward with hope for a bright future, so commit all you are to Christ Jesus right now. God keeps his promises and honors yours.