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Keep Your Distance

October 26, 2010 in Christians, Determination, Sin, True Stories, Wisdom with 2 Comments

What do you think of people who take up two parking spaces with their car? Personally, I am always tempted to park extremely close to the driver’s side door and hide somewhere else in the parking lot to watch their angry reaction when they return to their car. Although I have never double-parked, I completely understand why some people do. Their car is important to them and they are attempting to protect it from purposeful or accidental damage; therefore, the best way to avoid damage is to leave a little extra room between yourself and the potential danger.

Here’s the reality. You are important to God, but there are people or things that are daily seeking to destroy you. Rather than allowing potential danger to come close, leave yourself a little extra room. Instead of walking near the edge, stay behind the fence. “A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished” (Proverbs 22:3).

Why Don’t You Shut Up!

October 20, 2010 in Anger, Christians, Relationships, Speech, Thoughts with 0 Comments

There are few things that feel better than unleashing a tirade of words on someone who annoys you, especially when they have pushed you over the edge. For some reason, we believe angry words will cause the other person to compromise, back down, or even apologize; however, harsh words often cause further tension between two individuals. Unfortunately, words said in anger can permanently damage a relationship, which can also affect friends and family close to the situation. Unkind words leave ugly scars.

Those who claim to follow Christ are accountable for the words they speak and should carefully guard what they say because spoken words reflect what is in the heart. Rather than fighting angry words with more angry words, the writer of Proverbs challenges his readers to react with a “soft answer,” which deflects anger (Proverbs 15:1).

Angry words bring destruction, but well-spoken words bring peace.

My Addiction and New Beginnings

August 23, 2010 in Christians, Determination, Failure, Motivation, True Stories with 2 Comments

I have never really been a game person, but I have been playing a few game apps lately.  I think I may be addicted in a good way, of course.  Plants vs. Zombies, Angry Birds, and Words with Friends (add me if you want to play – bocajrfan) top my list.  All of these games have one thing in common…they allow do overs.  When the zombies eat my brain, the pigs steal my eggs, or someone demolishes me with their word combinations, I can play again.

Today is Monday.  Most people hate Mondays.  I don’t.  Mondays, for me, are a chance to start over.

You may need to start over today.  Begin communicating with your wife again.  Hug your children and apologize for your distance lately.  Put all your effort into beginning that project at home or work.  Pick up your Bible again, even though it has been a while since you’ve read it.  Initiate a conversation with God, although months or years have passed since you talked to Him last.

God allows do overs.  He proved it when He gave His life for yours.

“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

What will you start over today?

Are Christians Suspicious?

November 16, 2009 in Character, Christians, Judging, Perspective, Random Thinking, The Church, True Stories with 0 Comments

Do I really look that suspicious? Really? Somebody thinks I do. It all started the other day when I had to stop by Wal-Mart to pick up a few basic things. I wasn’t inside too long before I was checking out and then heading out the automatic doors into the parking lot; however, as I exited the store, an armored truck guard must have also exited at the same time as me through the doors right next to me. We were now walking kind of parallel to each other. I finally noticed him because he was eyeing me. At first I did not realize who he was, but as soon as I saw him carrying a bag (probably full of money) and sporting a gun, I assumed he was not your friendly Wal-Mart greeter. I think what threw him off was the fact that I reached into my back pocket to retrieve my phone, but he must have assumed from my lighting fast moves that I was packing heat! His step quickened and the heavy truck door was thrown open and he disappeared into the great unknown…keeping his eye on me until the very last moment. The only thing that could have possibly made me look suspicious is the fact that I have a beard and was wearing a TOMS Shoes hat because all thieves have beards and wear hats!

I really hate it when people look at me suspiciously, especially when I know I haven’t done anything wrong. If I have done something wrong, that’s a different story. In my opinion, Christians are often on the suspicious list.

In your opinion, what makes Christians look suspect?