Shaping Life Scripts at the Crossroads - Part 1

It seems that some people have a natural winning formula for success and happiness while others fit into the opposite category. To be self-sufficient and productive, it appears from a distance that successful individuals have life scripts written out, and all they have to do is roll with the flow of opportunities.

A man in his thirties said he was encouraged by his parents to become a molecular biologist. Being intelligent and motivated, he thought it made sense to comply with his parents’ encouragement. Approaching mid-life feeling dissatisfied and conflicted, he now questions his choice. However, obligations and so much responsibility make change a distant dream.

This man is at a crossroads where decisions affect himself, his career, and his family. What helps him choose wisely is the wellspring of hope from Psalm 1. “The man who delights in the laws of God and follows his will is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in due season. Whatever he does prospers.” This is a winning formula for success.

Rising Up, Finding Hope - Part 2

Everyday life presents challenges that demand reevaluation of past choices. Intense conflict or crisis requires determination to set in place a desirable outcome. Reframing necessitates being open to alternative behaviors and opinions in order for conflict to be managed successfully.

The prodigal son lost his way but made a decision that changed his life. Reframing meant visualizing an alternative to the abject poverty of his body and soul. Reframing gave him courage to rise up from shame and failure and find his way home. He found hope for his life in spite of the hardships he brought on himself.

Isn't it just like God to extend his grace and mercy to us, to supply answers to hard questions, and help us find our way back home? God gives us the will to face reality regardless of how that reality is defined. He gives insight for making choices that will change the downward spiral that your life is taking. Ask him to help you do this today.

Come Out of the "Pig Pen": Rethink Your Choices - Part 3

The parable of the prodigal son is appealing because most everyone can identify with his dilemma. Our society requires that we grow up and become independent. Although this is a natural process, it's not always simple or easy. Some young people make several attempts before succeeding. Leaving home can propel a young person into an uncertain future.

The young man in Jesus' parable made serious mistakes that left him in despair. Remarkably, he didn't blame others for his failure. Nor did he try to rationalize or justify his immaturity, poor judgments, or bad behavior. To justify or rationalize means to absolve oneself of blame in order to be free of responsibility for personal choices.

The prodigal son reframed who he could be and thus freed himself to crawl out of the pig pen of failure. Reframing is the ability to put reality into an acceptable mental, spiritual, and emotional context so positive change can be activated. Christ Jesus stands at the door of your situation prepared to help you make life-changing decisions, so why not invite him to do so?

Come Out of the "Pig Pen": Rethink Your Choices - Part 2

I heard a story about a man who wanted to quit the Mafia. He became convicted of his sins after accepting Jesus as Lord of his life, but you just can't say good-bye to the Mafia. A contract was issued to kill him. However the contract became invalid when the Don who issued the contract was assassinated. His mother's prayers helped him reframe his past choices.

This man had the ability to understand what's important and find the will to make needed changes. He could not balance being a Christian with continuing to work for the Mafia as a criminal. Reframing allowed him to make a significant shift in what is valued, in what it actually means to serve Christ Jesus with every aspect of his life.

The prodigal son made that shift. He knew where he belonged. For this rebellious young man, a crisis threatened his life that forced him to see clearly who he was and what he needed to do. Reframing puts into perspective the fact that God is waiting for you to come to yourself and make the decisions that will lead you back to him. 

Come Out of the "Pig Pen": Rethink Your Choices - Part 1

Getting into trouble isn't unusual for young people or adults. Impulsive or bad choices are the gateway to conflict that must be correctly managed. Learning to deal constructively with reality by setting boundaries is needed throughout life.

The prodigal son left home with high hopes and big dreams, but he was arrogant and naive. Yet he eventually proved he could make appropriate decisions and reshaped his life when faced with adversity and failure. Reframing allowed him to shift from previous attitudes that had left him in great pain and suffering.

Luke 15:17 pictures this young man refraining previous choices. "When he came to his senses, he said,  'How many in my father's home have food to spare and here I am starving to death. I will go to my father and say, I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men. So he got up and went to his father.'" He left home with the ability to reframe past choices and change his way of thinking. Reframing is God's gift to you, so please use it.