Salt, Light, and Second-Milers - Part 1

Sometimes life is so hectic, a trouble-free day appears impossible. The  smallest task that should take only a moment turns into such complexity that a whole day seems to evaporate. Life on the front burner takes energy and determination to resist defeat rather than to dissolve into frustration and anger. Discouragement has the power to control any situation.

God has given us the capacity to change, regardless of how diminished that capacity feels to us. Where there is motivation to find solutions, no problem is insurmountable. Resilient people learn to activate faith and hope to serve as a channel for transcending anger and frustration. Faith and hope create order and dignity, even in chaos and pain.

Jesus, in Matthew 5:41, instructs his listeners to be second-mile people, giving more than what's required to any challenge. Second-milers know they'll be rewarded, if only by enhancing their integrity. Life is complicated and hectic, so keep your attitude fixed on faith in Christ Jesus. Faith is God's gift to you. 

Positive Change: Resist It or Embrace It? - Part 2

The whole world seems to be in a state of flux or change. When it seems too much to take in, we tend to chose our eyes and pretend everything remains the same. The most difficult change to accept is what has changed within ourselves. A significant developmental task is understanding what God is creating in you at every stage of your life.

If you think too little of yourself, you may never live up to what God called  you to be and do. If you think too highly of yourself, that perception may prevent you from carrying out God's purpose for you. The capacity to change and make mature judgments comes from the willingness to overcome invalid perceptions and boundaries.

The good news is, God doesn't require perfection, but a commitment to set true boundaries on anything that would weaken your walk with Christ Jesus. He implores you to "ask and it shall be given, seek and you will find, knock and the door shall be opened for you." Try to imagine how your life will be changed as you lay claim to this promise.