Focus on Your Values - Part 2

When I consider the small farming community where I lived as a child and compare it to my life now, it's pretty awesome to live in one of the largest cities in the U.S. Most of the people from that little community were good Christian people. Although it was a safe place to grow up, accidents happened. A close neighbor was killed when his tractor ran over him.

Things were not perfect. There were bullies in the school like in today's big city schools. Alcoholism was a problem in my parents' families. Three important entities that promoted spiritual and moral values were my home, a good school, and a little Baptist church. These have provided safeguards and guidelines for my entire life.

Values may become muddled when weaknesses are allowed to overpower our character strengths. It's tempting to become discouraged by weaknesses that tend to rise up and dominate. Romans 8:26 offers these words of reassurance. "The Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses." Right now ask Christ Jesus to help you realize how he’s at work to accomplish this goal within you.  

Choose to Control Your Weaknesses: God Will Help - Part 3

I appreciate the Apostle Paul’s honesty in owning up to his weaknesses. He confessed to doing the things he did not want to do and being unable to follow through on what he knew was right. Yet he could declare that where sin abounds, God's grace abounds even more, but then question, "Shall we sin deliberately so God’s grace might more abound?” He answers, “Absolutely not."

Weaknesses exist in each person, but allowing a weakness to dominate opens the door for evil to lay siege to the heart and mind. Consider Balaam’s attitude in Numbers 22. He knew what God required from him, but allowed the desire for social prestige and financial wealth to rule his choices.

When we try to hide or deny our weaknesses, a danger exists of their influence gaining power. The Apostle Paul petitioned God to take away his thorn in the flesh, which he identified as a weakness. God said His grace was sufficient to compensate for any weakness. God assured Paul that His power was made perfect in weakness. Isn't that good news? 

Choose to Control Your Weaknesses: God Will Help - Part 2

The search for happiness seems never-ending and elusive when dependent upon possessions and personal accomplishments. A couple sold their home and furnishings to live on a sailboat, a dream the couple had longed to do for years. It did however get a bit cramped when their adult children and grandchildren came aboard.

Some dreams pollute our moral and spiritual fiber, blinding us to who we are in Christ Jesus. The inordinate need for happiness can allow evil to infiltrate all we are and do. The mother of a musician pushed her son beyond his ability to cope with the pressure. His disappointment is expressed in these words: "We slave to gain a worthless treasure. A house without love is not a home."

Jesus encourages us to store up our treasures in heaven where they will be secure and safe. Treasures worthy of heaven are faith that produces works and deeds done in the name of Jesus, giving honor and glory to God. Jesus gives us joy and peace. These comprise the core for happiness.