The Moment Is Now

I share this as an encouragement, not as a “look what I did”.  I share this to help you be on continuous lookout for moments you can step into. 

I was driving to Sioux Falls on Monday to get my laptop repaired, or get a new one, due to water damage from water getting inside of our condo in Okobiji.  (Turned out to be the latter).

A few days ago a friend had told me he had been diagnosed with cancer and would be meeting with his oncologist on Monday. 

I had sent him a message before telling him we would be praying for strength, peace, and wisdom for him. 

While I was driving on I-90 I got a message from him asking if I had any scripture passages that could be an encouragement to him. 

I remember thinking…well, I’m driving, have an appointment (which I always allow extra time), and it could probably wait another hour until I get there, and then I can respond.

Then, REST STOP 1 MILE.  There’s the opportunity and this is the moment I need to step into now.  He asked and needed the encouragement now.  I talk about the moments and stepping into them, and it was time to act on it. 

So, I pulled off into the rest area, parked, thought for a moment, and then remembered I was currently writing the chapter in “The Pursuit” on the Pursuit of Strength. 

Last week I wrote and used a scripture passage from Psalm 46:1-3.  I was able to pull up that writing and share it with him, and then continue on to Sioux Falls. 

Could it have waited an hour?  Probably.  But, did it have to?  No.  The rest area exit was the opportunity and I felt like the moment was right there and I had the choice to make, and needed to respond to that request right now. 

What’s the purpose of this?  Not for you to respond to me and say “good job”.  I write this to encourage you to step into the moments that come your way to be an encourager. 

Can the moment wait sometimes?  Maybe, but if it only takes a few minutes and you feel that it could be needed immediately, then do it.  Step into it now. 

Trust your heart. 
Trust the prompting of the Holy Spirit.  
It’s always the right choice. 

‭Be Blessed!

Finding Strength In Stillness:   Transforming Adversity Into Opportunity

Embrace Seneca’s wisdom:
‘To bear trials with a calm mind robs misfortune of its strength and burden.’

Life’s challenges may seem overwhelming, but your mindset holds the power to transform them into stepping stones.

In the face of adversity, find your inner calm, for it is within this stillness that you discover your resilience.

By refusing to let misfortune overpower you, you take control of your narrative.  Let every trial become an opportunity for growth. 

Your strength is unwavering, your spirit unbreakable.  Face challenges with calmness and watch them crumble before your unwavering resolve.

I’m cheering for you.

Questions to Ponder and Pursue

1. How can cultivating a calm mind in the face of adversity transform challenges into opportunities for personal growth?

2. In what ways does maintaining inner calmness during difficult times help you take control of your life’s narrative?

Empowered By The Spirit:  Finding Strength In Your God Given Gifts

‭1 Corinthians 12:4-7 ESV‬

[4] Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit;
[5] and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord;
[6] and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.
[7] To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

Embrace the unique gifts God has given you to pursue strength and purpose.  1 Corinthians 12:4-7 is a reminder that while we possess different talents, it is the same Spirit working within us.  

Our diverse abilities are used together under one Lord, serving a divine purpose.  Whether your gift is teaching, healing, serving, or encouraging, it is God who empowers you to use these talents.

Every gift, no matter how small it seems, contributes to the common good and reflects God’s glory.

You can find strength in knowing that your unique talents are a gift from God and that your contributions are vital to the body of Christ.

In moments of doubt, remember that your gift is divinely ordained and meant to bless others.

Use your God-given talents to pursue strength, finding resilience in serving and uplifting others.

Through your unique gifts, you can inspire, heal, and bring hope, shining God’s light in a world in need of His strength and love.  That is a strength worth pursuing.

Questions to Ponder and Pursue

1.  How does recognizing your unique talents as gifts from God strengthen your sense of purpose within the body of Christ?

2.  In what ways can you use your God-given talents to inspire, heal, and bring hope to those around you?

Life Isn’t About One Day, It’s About This Day

How many times do you say “maybe tomorrow?” 

On Friday you may say, “that can wait until next week.”

How many times do we say “I’m not ready yet?”

Change that mindset. Today, this Friday, is filled with opportunities that only today will offer.

Be ready and do what needs done today?

This may be the only day you have an opportunity.  You don’t want to say maybe tomorrow, or next week,  then be stuck with “what if?”

“What if?” Is a bad place to be.

Today is about Today! 
This Day! 
This Moment!

Be about it.

I’m cheering for you.

Storms Don’t Last Forever

Are you intrigued by storms?  (We’ve had enough in NW Iowa recently).  I must confess that although I am not a storm chaser I do enjoy seeing the storm clouds roll in and deliver whatever it is they bring within the clouds.

I admit that I can say that because I have not lived through deadly weather.  If you have I do not mean to minimize the legitimate terror that comes with catastrophic weather events so I am speaking about “routine” storms.

Just like a summer storm sometimes in our lives we can see and anticipate the storms coming our way.  At other times the storms can pop up and blow in very quickly and without much warning.

No matter how the storm shows up, announced or unannounced, or how intense it may be you can be confident that it will eventually pass.

In the middle of your storm it may seem like it will never end but do not lose hope because the storm will pass and on the other side of it you will be better, you will be stronger and you will see things more clearly.

I’m cheering for you.

Questions to Ponder and Pursue

1.  How do you typically respond to life’s metaphorical storms, and what strategies do you use to maintain hope and resilience during challenging times?

2.  Reflecting on past experiences, can you identify a specific “storm” that made you stronger or provided clarity in your life? How did it shape your perspective moving forward?

Finding Strength In God’s Presence

Psalm 46:1-3 ESV‬
[1] God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. [2] Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, [3] though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

In life, storms come unexpectedly, challenging our peace and resilience.  But as Psalm 46:1-3 reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Even when the world feels like it’s collapsing around you, with mountains quaking and seas roaring, you need not fear.

Your strength is not in your circumstances but in your unwavering God.  When faced with trials, remember that God is not distant but a “very present help” right in the midst of your troubles.  His presence is your refuge, His strength your foundation.

As you navigate life’s storms, anchor your hope in God.  He transforms your weakness into His strength, your fear into faith.

With God as your fortress, you can face any challenge with courage, knowing that He will see you through and bring you to a place of renewed strength and clarity.

Be Blessed!

Questions to Ponder and Pursue

1.  In what ways can you actively seek and recognize God’s presence as your refuge and strength during life’s most challenging storms?

2.  How does anchoring your hope in God transform your perspective and response to fear and uncertainty?

Grace

We need more grace in our world today. 
Synonyms for grace include:
    Courtesy
    Politeness
    Good Manners
    Civility
    Decorum
    Decent
    Respect
   
How will some things ever become natural or commonplace again if we don’t start to practice them again?

But I’m just one person you say?  Yes, but how about making the world that you live and lead a better place? 

It has to start somewhere and if it just positively impacts your world, then so be it, but my guess is that it won’t stop there.
 
Showing grace is not a sign of weakness.  It is what people need and is not given enough of.  It is a leadership and a personal trait that inspires people because of the belief they feel you have in them. 

Respect the person first and then lead them.  Offer grace as needed through your leadership.

‭Colossians 4:5-6 ESV‬
[5]  Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. [6] Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

From “The Power of One: One Word Leadership 16 Words to Being a Better Leader”

Order here:  https://a.co/d/cydC6rR