I spent the other night fulfilling my resolve to de-clutter my room, which of course involved emptying my bags of paper scraps, safety pins, and finding things that I thought were perpetually lost. This cleaning mode started with my books. I realized that I had the habit of appointing almost all tables (and chairs) in our rooms as bookshelves. Rearranging the books was therapeutic, putting together all the business/management books in one side and all the inspirational ones in a special section that I could easily reach anytime my spirit would need a lift. This helped me unearth the fact that I have purchased so many books, but surprised to see certain titles existing in our house. I think I was hit by a consumerism bug, which could be good for the economy but bad if you deem material possessions as your sources of comfort, security, joy and confidence.
The service this week was again full of life changing insights, but as our Pastor put it, a dumbbell on its own can’t build your muscles. It’s when you pick it up and use it that it transforms into something useful and beneficial. You may be touched by a powerful message but it’s only our willingness and resolute commitment to change and renew our faith in God daily that can shape our lives into something that bears fruit with love, joy and heartwarming success. Not putting into practice what we have learned from a great book, can be as dangerous as not opening it. In a lot of homes, the Bible has just served to be “one of the books.” It’s not just any kind of book. It must be read and meditated on in order for you to know the manual of our lives Creator. If you’re sick you go to the doctor, but when you need strength, joy, love, security, forgiveness, healing, and wisdom, go to your life-giver.
Inspiration is available wherever we are. Yes, inspiration is available 24/7, not only through things that we could observe with our own eyes, but also by way of the wonderful changes that have happened, and continue to take place in us. The key is to remember all the good things the Lord has done in your life and that He loves us so much to the extent that He always wants to surpass the last greatest miracle He has performed in our lives. Do not lose your gratitude or you’ll develop this “attitude.”
He deserves so much more than scraps of our time.
Choose peace-giving truth over the world’s empty promises.
