What's Holding You Back from Seeking God?

When was the last time you met someone who became a permanent fixture in your memory? Pivotal events can have such an enduring influence that your life is forever changed. A young couple met each other at a social function related to their employment, and over the following months their paths continued to cross.

A pivotal moment signals the flowing together of thoughts and feelings that may have taken months to formulate. Spiritually, it can be indicative of God at work to bring about a consciousness of his presence in you. Jesus told his disciples that he would send the Spirit of truth to guide and teach them all things.

Making a decision to seek God with all your heart is a pivotal moment that will change your life. A decision of this magnitude brings a new level of satisfaction and peace within because Jesus resides at its center. 

When you draw near to God, he will draw near to you, so fill your mind with things that are good and praiseworthy.  

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Carefully guard your thoughts because they are the source of true life.

~Proverbs 4:23 Contemporary English Version

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

Deception + Fraud = Failure

Rebekah and Jacob are not the kind of people you would choose as role models. Have you ever questioned why God allows such characters to be included in Holy Scripture? This mother and son combination is the epitome of deception and fraud driven by greed to get the best of what belongs to someone else.

The blessing Isaac was to give Esau was a prize that’s hard for us to comprehend. What would be the most exceptional gift you could receive? The blessing was an honorable, prestigious gift that set you apart from others in your family. No one else could rise above you. Rebekah and Jacob stole that prize from Esau.

God gave us this story for a purpose. God wants us build bridges of integrity as strongholds to prevent lusting after what belongs to others and using deception to get what we want. God enlightens our conscience with the Holy Spirit to guide us in setting boundaries to keep us within God’s approval. Be thankful for God’s faithfulness.  

Dealing Constructively with Reality - Part 3

A personal concept of reality is based largely on our spiritual beliefs, our political positions, and our beliefs of the right ways to function in society. Our concept of reality can be distorted when reality becomes what we want it to be. Our perception of truth can be based on facts and data that are less than accurate.

In recent months there has been a rash of killings by radicalized people who believed they were doing what was right and good. What happened to distort their concept of reality and truth? A middle school English teacher asked her students to write an essay on any topic of their choice. The majority wrote in graphic detail of the violence they believed comprised their world.

The role of parents has always been to teach and model for children healthy ways to deal effectively with reality. This includes making sure they have the ability to see and understand the truth of God's word and how it applies to their lives. God faithfully gives us insight and wisdom to help us manage reality.