Take Over

“When I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].” (2 Corinthians 12:10 AMP)

My husband is a good driver, and he knows it. He is also aware that driving is not my strong suit. Whenever we get in our car together, my husband insists on driving. A few years ago, my husband was sick enough to be taken to the hospital. It was one of the few times he allowed me to drive while he sat in the passenger seat. He let me take over, not because he thought I had suddenly become a competent driver, but due to his infirmity. 

Unlike me, God is always competent, wise, powerful, good, and dependable. However, we don’t acknowledge this truth until we become aware of our own powerlessness. Our desire to be in control, feel competent, and seem independent keeps us from allowing God to take over. Until we hit rock- bottom and accept our weakness, we do not fully surrender. And, until we fully surrender, we remain oblivious to God’s power. Thus, it is only in the depths of vulnerability, when our human abilities are completely depleted, that we can truly draw from God’s strength. 

“I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over!” (2 Corinthians 12:10 MSG)

Divine Potential

“Continue to walk surrendered to the extravagant love of Christ, for he surrendered his life as a sacrifice for us.” (Ephesians 5:2 TPT)

Have you ever stretched a rubber band and watched it shoot across the room? The more you pull it back, the farther it goes. The potential energy in a stretched rubber band is converted into kinetic energy when it is released. The invisible stored energy is transformed into visible motion.  

Life is full of challenges that stretch us in a multitude of ways. The resulting strain is often accompanied by discomfort. Yet, there is also Divine potential in the tension. Surrender is how we release our potential. When we let go, allowing God to take over, a hidden power is set into motion. The invisible potential energy within us is transformed into visible action.

Imitate God

“Be imitators of God in everything you do.” (Ephesians 5:1 TPT)

My son walks just like his dad. Their voices are also very similar. Over the years, my son has picked up many of my husband’s movements, interests, and habits. This is natural since they have spent a lot of time together, and my son has always looked up to his father.  

Imitation is a form of adoration. When we admire someone, we observe and consciously replicate their behavior. We learn and develop by copying those we hold in high regard. 

When we imitate God, we worship and honor Him. We walk and talk like Him. But how do we know what God is like? We observe Christ who is God incarnate. We keep company with Him--watch, listen, and understand Him. The Gospels describe Christ as intentionally living according to His Father’s will. He loved unconditionally, forgave those who wronged him, and prayed constantly. He was filled with the Holy Spirit, and His speech and actions reflected this.  To follow Christ is to imitate Him. Thus, let us strive to be loving, forgiving, and prayerful--living consecrated lives that honor the God we worship.  

Taken for Granted

“Never grieve the Spirit of God or take for granted his holy influence in your life.” (Ephesians 4:30 TPT)

How often do you think about the air you breathe? You couldn’t survive more than a few minutes without oxygen. How about the water that you drink, wash, and cook with--how long could you survive without it? We often fail to appreciate the essential until it’s gone. We take air, water, food, shelter, health, love, safety, and a multitude of other things for granted. We treat these precious commodities carelessly. We assume they will always be available. 

The Spirit of God moves and breathes within us. This Holy Essence is integral, powerful, protective, and sustains everything. Yet, we fail to acknowledge this energy. We drift through our days as if we can manage on our own. We take the Holy Spirit for granted. 

How can you treasure the gift of the Holy Spirit? Soak in the Presence of God. Communicate constantly. Ask for guidance. Listen. Follow instructions. Express gratitude. Recognize the Divine Energy that permeates everything and yield to its influence. 

Lying to Yourself

“When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself.” (Ephesians 4:25 MSG)

Get to know yourself. Go ahead. Take all the time you need. 

What do you want and need?

What is important to you?

What are your core principles? 

Do not merely drift along with the mindless crowd, conforming to the expectations of others, addicted to approval, picking up scraps that are thrown your way. This is not what you need or want. Stop lying to yourself.  Refuse to participate in pretense. 

Ask God for discernment, to open your senses, to grant you spiritual enlightenment, to understand your soul’s true needs. Pray for detachment from human validation. Instead, seek awareness and self-acceptance. Explore your feelings, thoughts, and wants. Take your interior life seriously. For this is where the Spirit of Truth resides. 

Influenced by Deception

“We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.” (Ephesians 4:14 NLT)

Cruise ships dock in ports where the cruise lines own and operate most of the restaurants, bars, and souvenir stores. This way, they continue to make a profit on the passengers at each stop. By creating these artificial environments, the corporations also camouflage the poverty, inequality, and exploitation of the natives. Tourists who want to experience new countries and cultures know better than to fall for these gimmicks. Yet, there are plenty of others who are influenced by these deceptive practices. Does any traveler think they are broadening their perspectives and not just their waistlines on such trips? Or is it that they are complicit in the charade?

Deception is not limited to a single industry. Misleaders are all around us constantly peddling what we want to hear. Are the lies so clever that they sound true? Or are people willing to go along with the pretense because it allows them to indulge without guilt? Perhaps reality is too harsh and delusions are less troubling. 

When faced with deceptive offers that appeal to your ego, it may be hard to resist. You may want to believe the lies or just not analyze things too much. We all desire to feel important, be comfortable, and enjoy ourselves.  However, without truth, life becomes a farce. When we go along with liars, we become participants in the sham, emboldening manipulators, endorsing hypocrites.

Indirect Communicators

“We open up our souls to you by presenting the truth to everyone’s conscience in the sight and presence of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:2 TPT)

I believe in opening my soul and presenting truth to everyone. I am a direct communicator; thus, I have a tendency to verbalize my feelings and thoughts even before I finish processing them. Not everyone is like me, and that is okay.  Indirect communicators tend to convey their emotions nonverbally. Sometimes they have difficulty understanding and expressing feelings. 

Indirect communicators used to confuse me. I wasn’t sure if I could trust them, because they were so hard to read. Were they sneaky or just introverted? Sometimes it took years to understand them. Once I assess that someone is indirect but not manipulative, I try to learn their language. I pay attention to their facial cues, sighs, and eyes. I listen to their pauses--to what is left unsaid. I repeatedly explain my direct approach so as not to offend them. All this takes effort. Yet, like learning any new language, it helps me grow and understand others who are different.

Speak Truth

“Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace;” ( Zechariah 8:16 ESV)

I don’t always speak up when confronted with delusions, deceptions, or distortions. I pick my battles. Some people are not going to be receptive to anything I say, so I figure why waste my energy if it’s only going to create conflict but not change. 

Speaking truth is more about self-transformation than about changing others. Self-expression can be a struggle. Caterpillars disintegrate most of their tissue in the process of metamorphosis. They push against the walls of their chrysalis so they can develop strength in their wings and reveal themselves. Similarly, speaking truth takes courage and effort. It may or may not change anyone else, but it develops integrity and strength within us. 

Giver of Gifts

“Every good gift bestowed, every perfect gift received comes to us from above, courtesy of the Father of lights. He is consistent.” (James 1:17 VOICE) 

During marathons, I use each mile marker as a reminder to pray. I usually pick a different person to pray for each mile. This works well until fatigue sets in. My attitude shifts, and I find my mind fixating on negative thoughts. Thus, I have a dedicated gratitude mile during the toughest part of a race.  Instead of wallowing in the discomfort of the moment, I focus on all the things for which I am thankful. I remind myself of all the blessings in my life as well as in the lives of my loved ones. I thank God for each opportunity, talent, answered prayer, and gift. This inevitably lifts my mood and my feet. 

Recently, I have started a new practice: a praise mile. I wanted to take some time to focus on the Giver of all gifts. Every desirable and beneficial blessing comes from God. He is our Father, Creator, Counselor, Maintainer, Guide, Protector, and Teacher. He loves us unconditionally. He is consistent, available, all-sufficient, trustworthy, and understanding. Remembering God’s goodness lifts my spirit and soul. 

Tuning In

“And so here I am, preaching and writing about things that are way over my head, the inexhaustible riches and generosity of Christ. My task is to bring out in the open and make plain what God, who created all this in the first place, has been doing in secret and behind the scenes all along.” (Ephesians 3:8-10 MSG)

Resonance is defined as the vibration of an object when it is exposed to signals that are very close to its natural frequency. When tuning a radio, we establish a connection by adjusting the resonant frequency until it matches the assigned frequency of the desired station. 

St. Paul’s words resonate deep within me. I too am writing about things that are way over my head. I feel the urge to explain the incomprehensible, to help people understand and respond to God. I am not qualified to do so. In fact, I am the least likely candidate for such a task. God must have a sense of humor.   

How do you know what God is calling you to do?

Listen. Pay attention to what resonates within you. Your soul vibrates in recognition when it recognizes signals that are close to its assigned frequency. Tune in and do not change the channel. 

Life Work

“This is my life work: helping people understand and respond to this Message. It came as a sheer gift to me, a real surprise, God handling all the details. When it came to presenting the Message to people who had no background in God’s way, I was the least qualified of any of the available Christians. God saw to it that I was equipped, but you can be sure that it had nothing to do with my natural abilities.” (Ephesians 3:7-8 MSG)

St. Paul, who penned the letter to the Ephesians, was a tentmaker by trade. During the early part of his life, he was known as Saul of Tarsus--a well-educated, Jewish zealot who persecuted Christians. Years after his conversion and subsequent experience of the Holy Spirit, St. Paul finally understood his true mission in life. It had nothing to do with his trade, livelihood, natural abilities, background, qualifications, or prior reputation. He was surprised that his lifework--God assigned purpose--was not what he thought it would be. 

What is your lifework? 

At first we imagine that the work we get paid to do or the tasks which garner attention and validation or the projects we have invested in thus far must be our lifework. We take stock of our qualifications, natural abilities, experience, and personal agenda. Then we create our own plans apart from God. However, we eventually realize that whatever we accomplish this way fails to bring fulfillment. The timing and response to this awareness is key. Hopefully, we come to our senses while we still have time left and are willing to relinquish our agenda for God’s purpose. Then, like St. Paul, we shall be able to find joy in the lifework that God has expressly assigned to each of us. 

Insiders and Outsiders

“The mystery is that people who have never heard of God and those who have heard of him all their lives (what I’ve been calling outsiders and insiders) stand on the same ground before God. They get the same offer, same help, same promises in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 3:4-6 MSG)

Those of us who have heard of God all our lives may feel like insiders most of the time. However, there are also times when we wonder if God’s promises apply to us. These periods of doubt and insecurity make us feel like outsiders--on the fringes of faith. 

We all have access to God’s unmerited favor. We get the same offer, same help, same promises in Christ Jesus. All we have to do is reach out in trust. Faith is not solely a belief in the existence of God but also the confident dependence on Him. When we are certain that God’s promises are trustworthy, and that they apply to us, we operate from a place of tremendous freedom and empowerment.  We boldly speak truth even when it isn’t popular. Our actions are courageous even when circumstances are formidable. We step out even when we don’t know where we are going but confident that God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and faithful. 

“When we trust in him, we’re free to say whatever needs to be said, bold to go wherever we need to go.” (Ephesians 3:11-13 MSG)

Choices vs. Results

"Ask God if we will be successful in what we are trying to do." (Judges 18:5 CEV)

Before setting out on a trip, most of us have an idea of where we would like to end up and what we want to do once we get there. Our final destination, not the journey itself, occupies our mind. Similarly, when starting a project, whether or not we will succeed is our main concern. We fixate on the results instead of the process. A farmer cultivates his land with no guarantee of a good harvest. He goes out daily and does the work that is needed, knowing that is the only part that he can control. The rain and the wind are beyond his power.

We all want good relationships, healthy lifestyles, meaningful employment, and financial security. It is tempting to become fixated on the culmination of our desires instead of the daily choices that may lead to a solid marriage, a healthy body, a good job, and retirement savings. We neglect to pay attention to the process. The outcome may not always be in our control, but we do have the power to make good decisions. Thus, let us focus on our choices and leave the results up to God. 

Hindrance vs. Challenge

“I am the LORD All-Powerful. So don't depend on your own power or strength, but on my Spirit.” (Zechariah 4:6 CEV)

Some runners view hills as hindrances that impede their progress. They seek out flat routes, avoiding elevation changes as much as possible. Others see hills as challenges--opportunities to test their limits and grow. The difference lies not in their skill but in their mindset. 

When you are faced with a formidable obstacle, what is your reaction? Do you feel dispirited? Do you avoid things that are beyond your ability and resources? Or do you hear and obey the call to engage the Divine Spirit within you? Those who depend on their own strength can only go as far as humanly possible. However, those who cooperate with the Lord, working alongside Him, have access to supernatural power. They are focused not on attaining their own goals, but in trusting that God’s purposes will prevail.

Emptiness

“Even though the fig trees have no fruit and no grapes grow on the vines, even though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no grain, even though the sheep all die and the cattle stalls are empty, I will still be joyful and glad, because the LORD God is my savior.” (Habbakuk 3:17-18 GNT)

Have you ever taken stock of your life and felt empty? Perhaps you are unemployed, your finances are depleted, and bills are overdue. Maybe your marriage is falling apart, your children have their own lives, and your friendships are superficial. Perhaps your health is failing, or you lost the love of your life, or your child is suffering. Maybe externally your life looks alright--you are wealthy, healthy, and busy--but you find it all to be meaningless. 

If a home is empty, it can easily be furnished with junk. If your life feels hollow, it isn’t hard to fill it with distractions. Yet, attempting to fill a deep void with superficial novelties and trinkets only leads to further disappointment. 

There is a better way...

Invite God into your emptiness. Allow His Spirit to permeate every nook and cranny. Let Love saturate your being. Then the joy and peace that surpasses all earthly circumstances will fulfill you as you dwell in Christ Jesus. 

Honest Leaders

“When good people run things, everyone is glad, but when the ruler is bad, everyone groans.” (Proverbs 29:2 MSG)

Leaders set the tone for a nation’s cultural priorities. If a ruler is immoral, corrupt, deceitful, or unjust, the citizens become demoralized. However, everyone is glad to be represented by a virtuous leader. 

“Choose competent leaders who fear God, love truth, despise dishonesty, and won’t take bribes. (Exodus 18:21 The Voice)

Honesty is a trait that we value in friends, relatives, neighbors, and people with whom we do business. Deception erodes trust in any relationship. A person who has power without integrity is dangerous. Some politicians attempt to mask their improprieties behind a veneer of dignity, while others may distract citizens with their puffery. Yet, in a democratic society, elected leaders are merely a reflection of the values of the nation. Honorable citizens do not allow leaders to continually deceive or manipulate them. The choice of competent leaders who are honest and incorruptible is up to each of us. 

Good Character

“Go out of your way to do what is right, speak the truth with the weight and authority that come from an honest and pure life.” (Titus 2:7 VOICE)

According to Aristotle, friendships are often based on pleasure, utility, or virtue. Relationships based on pleasure focus on mutual interests, having fun, and seeking self-gratification. When the good times end, these connections are severed. Utilitarian partnerships are based on mutual benefit. Think of work colleagues who may help advance each other’s careers. The third type of friendship is based on virtue. The bonds that hold this relationship together are mutual appreciation and respect for the core values of the other person. Being in such a relationship leads to growth and goodness for all involved. 

While friendships based on fun and usefulness are shallow and temporary, relationships based on virtue have depth and value. Experience teaches us these truths. Maturity leads us to seek out purity and emulate goodness. Being in the presence of a decent person can make us want to be better human beings. Goodness attracts goodness.  Thus, let us go out of our way to do what is right and speak truth--striving to be role models who are incorruptible and befriend those who are honorable.

Still Waters

“He leads me beside still waters.” (Psalm 23:2 ESV)

If you request water at an upscale restaurant,  the server will often ask: “sparkling or still”? Some people prefer fizzy water, while others don’t. I prefer my water to be still; carbonated water makes me feel bloated. 

The choice between sparkling or still is presented to us daily in a multitude of ways. There is no shortage of effervescent people offering scintillating opportunities. You could easily fill up your life with adventures, distractions, pleasures, and accolades. This can lead to a bloated ego and an inflated sense of self-importance. 

While anything that shimmers is seen as exciting, stillness is often confused with dullness. The impulse to pursue flashy things is hard to ignore. Yet, our souls need serenity and rest. Like a shepherd who guides his flock to green pastures and peaceful streams, the Lord communes with us in tranquil spaces. In stillness, we sense His presence, hear His whispers. Our spirit is nourished and refreshed as we listen and yield. 

“He gives me new strength. He guides me in the right paths, as he has promised.” (Psalm 23:3 GNT) 

Prayer for Discernment

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” (Ephesians 1:17 NIV)

Spirit of God, grant us wisdom and discernment to know You better 

Help us to recognize and understand your daily revelations

May Your light  flood our souls 

Show us that we are beloved, chosen, blessed, and strong in You 

Confirm our hope and trust

Make our spiritual eyes focused and clear 

So that we may grasp what You are calling us to do

Let us experience the immensity of your goodness

And allow everyone to see the full extent of Your power 

That is at work within those who trust in You. 

Sincere Faith

“Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you.” (Ephesians 1:15 NLT)

How can you tell if a person is sincere? If a mother says: “My children mean the world to me,” but then she routinely puts her own needs above those of her kids--that would not add up. Or, if a leader says: “I am the least racist person in the world,” but then he promotes intolerance and discrimination of people who are different than him--that would not ring true. Insincere people often believe in their own delusions. They feel entitled to put themselves first. They convince themselves that their actions are justified.

Genuine people are straightforward and honest. They don’t try to impress others by puffery or misrepresentation. They are transparent, not evasive. Most of all, a sincere person’s convictions and actions are congruent. Their life choices reflect who they claim to be. 

A person of sincere faith can be identified by his solid trust and outpouring of love. His choices reflect his beliefs. Christ is central in his life; everything else is peripheral. Godliness permeates his behavior. His convictions and his actions are congruent. Sincere faith is authentic and attractive. It inspires others to holiness. It encourages gratitude, stimulates joy, and awakens the Spirit within. 

Passing up Opportunities

“Don’t complicate your lives unnecessarily. Keep it simple—in marriage, grief, joy, whatever. Even in ordinary things—your daily routines of shopping, and so on. Deal as sparingly as possible with the things the world thrusts on you.” (1 Corinthians 7:30-31 MSG)

Have you ever been to an all you-can-eat buffet and filled your plate with more than you can eat? It’s hard to say no when everything in front of you looks good! Once you put something on your plate, you can’t put it back on the buffet trays. Thus, you keep adding new things but never subtracting. 

My life feels like a buffet line lately. New opportunities to be useful and productive come up daily. I have a lot on my plate already, but I keep adding more commitments without really subtracting anything. I feel physically and emotionally drained. 

The world constantly thrusts its values on all of us. Productivity and usefulness are equated with relevance. Thus, we rarely pass up opportunities that make us feel more important. Unfortunately, for every new thing we add, some existing commitment is usually pushed aside. This neglect happens whether we acknowledge it or not. Every season in life, we must reevaluate our choices, prioritize, and simplify. This might entail missing out on many pleasurable moments and passing up some worthy opportunities. 

Guard Your Heart

“So above all, guard the affections of your heart, for they affect all that you are. Pay attention to the welfare of your innermost being, for from there flows the wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:23 TPT)

I used to leave my garage door open while I worked in the yard, but not anymore! One time a bird flew in; I tried to shoo it out with a long broom, but it kept flying around and pooping on everything. It took a lot of effort to get that bird out of the garage. I’ve also had a mouse creep in and make its home under the shelves. I didn’t even realize it was there until I saw the mouse droppings. After these invasions, I’ve learned to be careful. Now the garage door only opens when we pull one of the cars in or out.   

“If you would cultivate the Spirit’s acquaintance, you must get hold of your thoughts and not allow your mind to be a wilderness in which every kind of unclean beast roams and bird flies. You must have a clean heart. (A.W. Tozer)

If we want to make space for the Holy Spirit, we must guard our hearts against impure thoughts. Be careful not to leave doors open. Do not let the wild rodents and birds encroach and build their nests. Vigilantly guard your mind. Pay attention to the welfare of your innermost being, for from there flows the wellspring of life.

Noble Thoughts

“So keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always.” (Philippians 4:8 TPT)  

A dehumidifier is used to remove moisture in damp areas. It works by  drawing in moist air, condensing the invisible water vapor into visible water, collecting the resulting liquid in a reservoir, and then recirculating the dry air back into the room. The process is similar to distillation in some ways, but the condensed water that is collected can only be as pure as the air that passes through the machine. If the atmosphere in the room is moldy, the water in the reservoir will also be contaminated. 

The atmosphere around us influences our ideas. Our invisible beliefs affect our visible actions. While noble thoughts can lead to virtuous choices, polluted thoughts cause corrupt behavior. When we keep our minds continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind, our life exudes grace. Thus, let us meditate on God’s glory, letting praise and thanksgiving pass through us, so that our responses reflect His goodness.