The Power To Change

1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

Each morning, as soon as my children leave for school, I lace up my tennis shoes and get to work - I mean exercise. But on some days it feels like work!

About three years ago,I began doing the most impactful workout program. In my opinion, it is heads above any other home workout program that I have ever done. And trust me, I have fallen prey to many a infomercial for exercise DVD's, only to discover that they were too mind-numbing or monotonous to continue for more than two or three weeks.

But P90X is different, and I love it! My man Tony (the main guy that instructs you on what to do on all twelve videos) is very motivating, and during the videos, he talks....a lot.

On most days, I tune him out, or have the TV on, because I have heard his instructions dozens upon dozens of times. But one day this week, as I was jumping, lifting and sweating, something Tony said caught my attention.

I know I have heard him say this statement countless times, but it never quite stuck in my mind like it did on this particular day.

Tony simply said "Information is power. With power there is change. And change is good."

Of course, Tony is referring to knowing what exercise routines work best for us, and how that knowledge gives us the motivation and power to keep moving forward. However, I could not help but consider how relevant that statement is when it comes to our faith, and how we live our lives.

On that same day, one of my daughters shared with me a challenging situation she was having with another girl at school. This girl breaks all the rules, disrespects the teachers, demeans other students, and is dishonest with adults, yet never seems to be held accountable for her actions.

My daughter could not help but be angry, and frustrated beyond belief. I reassured her that those emotions are normal, when we see injustice or unfairness taking place around us, but we always have the power through faith to control our reactions.

The comment I had heard on the exercise video immediately popped into my mind. It was as if God affirmed the reason that I had remembered that comment, on that particular day.

You see, my daughter needed information and motivation, about how to deal with this situation. She needed to understand that she had the power within herself, through her faith, to forgive that person even though they may not deserve it.

I wanted her to understand that if she held on to that resentment, she was only hurting herself, not the other person.

And most importantly, I wanted her to see that by continuing to hold onto anger, she was allowing this other person to have power over her life, and her emotions, and ultimately, her happiness.

She needed to be reminded that we cannot change other people, no matter how badly we wish we could. However, we do have the power to change ourselves, if we ask God to infuse that power into our hearts.

And that kind of change is good.

I prayed with my daughter when she went to bed that night. We prayed that the Lord would fill her heart with peace, and the capacity to remember that He is still sitting on His throne, even when life seems unfair.

We prayed that she would have self-control, through God's power within her, and that she would be able to change her reactions to this other person's actions.

Just like my daughter, I have often wished I could change someone else, but I know that it is not within my power - and that no amount of anger, frustration, criticism, or buried resentment is going to make someone else change.

But I do have the power through God, to change myself, when I rely on Him to help me orchestrate those changes in my heart and my life.

I cannot control another persons behavior, but I do have God's power to help me change my reactions to their behaviors.

I cannot change another persons heart, but I do have God's power to change my heart towards them.

And most importantly, I certainly do not want to grant power over my life to anyone, except God Almighty.

Whether we need to change our eating habits, our exercise regimen, our actions, or our reactions, we do have the power to change, if we tap into the information found in God's Word that will help us achieve our goals.

Information that infuses us with power to change into the person that we know God created us to be.

And when we are changing to become more like Christ, change is definitely good.

"Information is power. With power there is change. And change is good."

A Virtual Blindness Epidemic

I was sitting quietly on the couch, working diligently on my laptop. The television was on, for no other reason except some background noise in the house.

Although I was focused on the task at hand, the words of a commercial caught my attention.

The spokeswoman for the commerical is advertising a new beauty product, and the first words that come out of her mouth are "Inner beauty is important, but not nearly as important as outer beauty."

I actually hit rewind on my cable remote to see if that is what was actually said, and to my dismay, it was.

Maybe I am just making more of this than needs to be made, and I imagine the comment is meant to be one of a facetious nature. However, I wonder how many girls, and women, will take this to heart.

If you ask me, this statement is indicative of how our culture actually thinks, and part of the reason why so many of us think we have to be beautiful, to be beautiful.

The topic of beauty is nothing new. There have been plenty of articles, talk show hosts, and news anchors talking about the impact that the quest for physical beauty has on the hearts of women, young and old.

But that does not stop the retailers and media from trying to make us believe that.

Unfortunately, I have to admit that I actually do use the product that is advertised in this commercial (purchased before I heard the tag line, of course).... and you know what... I do not look any different!

More importantly, I do not feel any different. Granted, I do actually like this product, but it did not change who I was, improve my life, or even remove those little lines on my face that I would love to see disappear forever.

It was all a lie.

A lie that we so often believe, as we get caught up the mindset that we have to look perfectly thin, perfectly put together, perfectly fashioned and perfectly perfect - in order to measure up. In order to be good enough.

The question is.... who are we trying to measure up to? Our friends? Our co-workers? Our neighbors? Our family members? Celebrities? That retouched body on the front of the magazine? The covergirls face?

The truth is, we probably will never measure up, according to the world's standards; and even if we do, we will not feel that we do. There will always be something new that we want to change, or an insecurity of some sort that hangs in our hearts, keeping us flailing in a pool of inferiority.

The comparison trap that we get so tangled up in, not only puts on the fast track to discouragement, but also causes a state of virtual blindness - a disease of the mind that has become an epidemic in our country.

Definition of virtual: Simulated; performing the functions of something that isn't really there. Opposite of real or physical.

Definition of blindness: the inability to see

So - virtual blindess is the inability see what is real.

Real - is what God created, in His image.
Not real - is what we try to create with products, diets and career goals.

Real - is who we are in Him.
Not real - is who we are according to society's standards, or other's opinions.

Real - is the beauty that we exude from the inside out
Not real - is the definition of beauty according to the media

Real - is living up to God's measuring stick, and no one elses.
Not real - thinking that we can do anything to make us more valuable in God's eyes

Are you able to see the beautiful person that God created you to be, or have you been searching for ways to measure up to those around you?

Does your opinion of the person you see looking back at you in the mirror, line up with what God's Word says about that person?

Psalm 45:11 Let the king be enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord.

Deuteronomy 14:2 for you are a people holy to the LORD your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the LORD has chosen you to be his treasured possession.
We have the power within us to fight off even the worst case of virtual blindness.

Take a moment today to embrace the real you. The 'you' that God sees. The treasure that God loves, and is enthralled by.

The unique you that God knit together in your mother's womb.

The real you.

(Watch this video below. Shows the process of a real woman, being turned into something that is not real. Which one do you find yourself trying to measure up to? Hmmmm. Something to think about.)

*email sumbscribers click here if you cannot see the video.

Your Thoughts Have Wheels

I remember it well. Confusion. Panic. Tears.

As a timid middle schooler, I sat on the school bus, anxious to be home after a long day of school.

I was sitting quietly in my seat, when I began to have a sinking feeling in my stomach. Although my surroundings appeared to be the same, something was not right.

The bus was the usual color of sunshine yellow. The seats were in the standard black vinyl, displaying rips and tears from years of students. The floor was littered with the usual misplaced pencils, erasers and wadded up papers. Yet, it felt wrong.

Then I began to notice how I did not recognize any of the faces of the children sitting around me. I frantically began searching for glimpses of anything familiar. The entire atmosphere of the bus ride seemed foreign and unknown, and my face began to feel hot as my heart raced.

I soon realized that somehow, I had boarded the wrong bus, and although I WAS headed somewhere, it was NOT where I had wanted to go.

(Keep in mind, these were the days before the convenience of cell phones, so it was not until after all the other kids had been dropped off at their homes, that I could be returned to school, and have my parents contacted!)

I suppose that prior to my getting on the wrong bus, I was distracted by conversations with friends, thoughts about sleepovers, or pondering how long my homework was going to take.

Obviously, my thoughts were not focused on getting on the right bus, and ending up at my desired destination. As a result, the actions that followed caused me to end up somewhere that I did not want to be.

Our thoughts have greater power in the direction of our lives than we often realize.

For example, when we think about things silently - it seems safe. Nobody can hear our thoughts, unless we choose to speak them aloud. So even if we are thinking something negative, judgemental, or even sinful, it's okay, because nobody else knows....right?

Wrong. Our thoughts are just like a bus... they will always take you somewhere.. and it may not be somewhere you want to end up.

If we spend an entire day fuming over something that our husband did, and thinking about all the harsh and critical things we are going to say to him when he walks in the door, those thoughts will take us to heated arguments, hurt feelings, and damaged relationships.

If we spend time thinking about how our boss does not appreciate us and how we are underpaid, our thoughts will take us straight to an overall bad attitude at work, and maybe a pit of low performance.

If we focus on how much we do for our children, with little to no thanks from them, our thoughts will take us to a place of resentment and a lack of patience and love.

If we dwell on all the things that we wish were different in our life, and wonder why God has allowed certain problems and trials, we will transport ourselves right into the state of unhappiness and discontentment.

If we focus all of our thoughts on money, career, success and pleasure, we will find ourselves in the land of the lost - disconnected from God, and wondering why we are no longer feeling close to Him or hearing Him speak.

Our thought life is powerful, and requires great self control.

If we allow our thoughts to run rampant, focusing on negativity, self-centeredness, defeat, discouragement, or sinful pleasures, then we are sure to eventually wind up at a destination that is unknown and uncomfortable - a destination that we would never have deliberately chosen.

Proverbs 23:7a says "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:"

We have all known people who are upbeat and positive, regardless of the circumstances in their life. On the other hand, we have also known people who are negative and pessimistic, regardless of what is going in their life, good or bad.

The difference is their thought life, and where their thoughts are taking them. They are living in the destination place of their thoughts.

In Proverbs 23:7, the Bible is clearly conveying that we can choose what we think about, and we can choose to have a positive thought life - regardless of what life brings.

Our thoughts do not control us, we control them! So it all boils down to a personal decision of where we want our thoughts to take us - and whether we allow God to help us move into a better, more positive, biblical and healthier line of thinking.

Your outward life is a reflection of your inner thoughts - if you change your thoughts, you can change your life.

That is how our thoughts really do have wheels. Where are your thoughts taking you today?

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)

Ephesians 4:23-24 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. (NLT)

Hidden Potential

Practically every night, my eleven year old son begs me to tell him a bed time story as I tuck him into bed. Sometimes I decline because the hour is late, but since we had had a busy day, he was actually hitting the hay a bit earlier than usual.

When he made his nightly request for a bedtime story, looking at me with those big, blue eyes and poking his bottom lip out for sentimental effect, I decided to oblige and agreed to give my creative imagination a workout.

I began skimming the contents of his room, searching for a glimpse of any item that might quickly plant a story idea into my head, and then I glanced down at his little gray sock monkey.

Yes. He has a sock monkey. Go figure. But anyway.....

I began weaving together a tale about a little gray piece of cloth that had lived on a shelf in a fabric store for many years, all the while going unnoticed by shoppers.

The story seemed to easily unfold in my imagination, and my son sat in a wide eyed stare, intently listening to all the details.

As I finished the story, and kissed my son goodnight, I felt a gentle whisper into my spirit..... reminding me... that I was once just like that little gray piece of fabric, but God had transformed me into something new.

You see, I had begun the story by explaining how this little dull, gray piece of fabric would sit quietly on the shelf each day, desperately longing for someone to notice him. But in his heart, he knew that he paled in comparison to all of the other fabrics in the store, and he could never compete with them.

From his place on the dusty old shelf, he had a bird's eye view of all the beautiful fabrics, much unlike him, many of which were made in bold colors of soft, shiny satin that caught the light as people passed by.

He could see the fabrics covered with vibrant orange and pink polkadots that would one day be transformed into a frilly, toddler dress; the fabrics with elegant stripes that would make fine draperies for an beautiful home; many fabrics with fun tassles and shimmering coins dangling from their edges; and a myriad of fun fabrics with colorful cartoon characters adorning their every inch.

But he was just a boring old piece of gray fabric.

Nothing special. Nothing elegant. Nothing valuable. Old. Outdated. Worthless.

Certainly nothing worthy of being transformed into anything wonderful.

But then one day, an older woman wandered into the store. The gray piece of fabric had never seen her there before, but he could tell she was a seamstress by the wrinkled tape measure around her neck and the rusty thimble on her finger.

The old woman meandered around the store for quite some time, while a few strands of scraggly white hair whisped across her face. She appeared to be searching for just the perfect piece of cloth for her masterpiece, when suddenly, her eyes fell upon the little piece of gray fabric tucked away in the corner.

He dared to think that maybe, just maybe, she would see something valuable in him.

But as she walked closer, his heartbeat began to beat faster and faster. She gently picked up the gray fabric, and a few other buttons, fabric scraps, and thread, paid for her purchase and headed home.

To make a long story short - the old lady turned the piece of gray fabric into an adorable little sock monkey, which was hugged and loved by her grandson for years, before being passed down to her great grandchildren as well.

One little piece of gray fabric made a difference in the hearts of children for generations and generations.

One little piece of gray fabric who never knew he had any value, until someone else saw his hidden potential, and helped him to see it as well, through love.

I used to feel much like that little piece of gray fabric, when he was sitting on the shelf feel overlooked and unimportant, paling in comparison to all the people saw around me. In fact, there are many days when I still feel like that.

But I have to wonder, if maybe God helped my imagination soar so that I would remember that I have been transformed, and been made beautiful; and so that I would remember that even though I could not see my own potential for most of my life, God always had a plan for me.

God used a little child's request for a bedtime story, to prick my heart with His love, and remind me of who I am in Christ.

You know, I sort of felt like God had told me a bedtime story, and even kissed me goodnight. I fell asleep with sweet thoughts of how I have been transformed, from my old self, to my new self.

You and I truly are a new creation - just like that little piece of gray fabric who was transformed into a beloved stuffed toy for children to hug for years and years.

Want to have some sweet dreams tonight? Remember that God sees your potential, long before we can see it ourselves, and that in Him, we are made new, so that we can fulfill those plans He destined us for.

How has God opened your eyes to see the plan He had for your life?

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (NIV)

5 Questions For Deeper Bible Study

As I delve into the reading of the Bible again this year, I am praying for even greater understanding, and also for deeper insights into how God's Word applies to my every day life.

But most importantly, I want to open God's Word with excitement, not obligation.

Reading the Bible daily readings as arranged in the Chronological Bible, or in any yearly Bible reading schedule, can easily become a job instead of a joy; or a chore instead of a challenge. Even with the best intentions.

My pastor recently stated from the pulpit, that when we go to open God's Word, we should say "OH MY! I AM ABOUT TO MEET WITH GOD!" I loved that!

He also gave the example that if we saw an email in our inbox that was delivered from God, we would eagerly open it with great excitement. We would not wait, put it on the back burner, or procrastinate about it. We would open it immediately!

In essence, the Bible is really an email from God, quietly sitting there, waiting for us to open it every day. An email chocked full of vital information that we desperately need.

The key to spiritual growth and deeper Bible study - is choosing to open up that 'email' - and discover the truths and promises within.

Last year I followed Wendy Pope's suggestion for daily Bible reading, which was to pull out something old and something new from each passage that I read. She also challenged us to find one nugget of truth that we could apply to our lives from that day's readings. I treasure the journal that I kept which holds those thoughts.

This year my pastor offered up a new idea, which I believe will help me dig even deeper. He suggested we ask ourselves the following five questions each day as we go through the daily readings. They are as follows:

1. Is there a promise to believe in the passage you are reading?
2. Is there a sin to avoid?
3. Is there something about God to learn?
4. Is there a timeless principle to apply?
5. How should I pray in regards to this scripture?

Don't you just love those questions?! They really make you think!

It is easy to read a passage of scripture and check it off our to-do list, but when we delve into the meaning of the readings by answering these questions and applying them to our own personal lives, only then can life change really happen.

Psalm 119:97-104 says:

97 Oh, how I love your instructions!
I think about them all day long.
98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,
for they are my constant guide.
99 Yes, I have more insight than my teachers,
for I am always thinking of your laws.
100 I am even wiser than my elders,
for I have kept your commandments.
101 I have refused to walk on any evil path,
so that I may remain obedient to your word.
102 I haven’t turned away from your regulations,
for you have taught me well.
103 How sweet your words taste to me;
they are sweeter than honey.
104 Your commandments give me understanding;
no wonder I hate every false way of life

We are to treasure God's Word, and deem it sweeter than honey to our lips.

We are called to obey God's Word, and allow it to shape our heart, mind and life.

When we do these two things, then we can truly experience the reality of God in our life.

Special Idea:
Think it will be too hard to remember these 5 questions each day while you are doing your reading? Make your own Bible reading journal!

*Choose landscape format in a Word document.
*Create two large text boxes on the left and right hand side of the document
*At the top of each textbox, insert a line for the date, and a line to record the main scripture or chapters for the day.
*Type up these five questions above in a textbox, evenly spaced out, on the left side of the paper, then copy and paste them into the right side text box.
*Print off 183 copies, cut them in half, and bind them together in a binder or spiral bound notebook.
*Now you have your own personalized journal, ready to go!

No More If's, And's and But's....Putting All Excuses Aside

Ever since God truly grabbed hold of my heart about ten years ago, I have wanted to read the Bible in its entirety...... but.....

- it seemed so large
- and, it appeared so overwhelming
- I really did not have any extra time
- I worried about my lack of commitment
- I was sure it would be too confusing
- what if I didn't understand it?
- and I had heard some chapters about genealogy were really boring
- I was sure reading random bible verses or devotions was sufficient
- if I just prayed a lot I would be fine
- listening to my preacher's sermons would surely give me enough wisdom
- and I assumed I could still be close with God, without actually reading it

But... boy, was I wrong. How I wish I had put aside all my if's and but's much sooner.

I began reading the Chronological Bible last January, and this week I finally finished reading the entire Bible - and boy, am I blessed!

I tell you this not to get any accolades or pats on the back.

I have nothing to brag about, but much to regret. I want to profess my mistake of allowing the enemy to fill my head with countless reasons of why I could not, and should not, attempt to read God's entire Word. I have asked for God's forgiveness for taking for granted the beautiful gift of His Word.

I share this personal struggle with you, in the hopes that it might speak to someone who may be struggling with similar feelings, and encourage you to push past those excuses too!

You see, not only did I waste years of my life listening to those deceiving excuses from the enemy, but I also missed out on the rewarding, intimate relationship that God wanted to have with me.

I was a Christian. I went to church. I tried to be a Godly parent. I tried to be a good wife. I tried to keep my moral compass in check. I prayed. I read daily devotions and memorized important verses. I did bible studies. I even began speaking and writing in ministry... all the while defending my own excuses for not giving God my all.

But... deep inside, it was never enough for my heart.

And... I did not realize that my heart was longing for the inspiration that was to be found in all those black and white pages. Inspiration from spending time with the living God, through the living Word.

If only... I had known what was I was missing.

Hebrews 4:12 says "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (NIV)

The Word truly is alive. All those black and white pages tell the story of God, and are packed with Words that are literally dripping with life.... saturated with wisdom.... soaked with guidance and encouragement... fueled by love and grace.

And that Life has filled me more life than I could have ever expected.

I cannot count how many times that God's Word pierced my heart as I read through the daily readings. I cannot recount how many days that I needed to hear a special encouragement, reflection or clarity from God, and He was waiting to tell me exactly what I needed on the specific day I needed it.

There were days when verses would jump off the page, right into my soul, giving me the exact inspiration and wisdom that I needed for a specific circumstance or trial.

Irony? Absolutely not. Supernaturally time-orchestrated Life giving Words of God?

Most definitely.

I just did not know what I was missing, until God showed me what I was missing. He could not open my spiritual eyes, until I closed my earthly list of excuses.

Have you secretly expressed some of the same excuses I touted, for not reading the Bible?

Has the enemy spent years convincing you of why you cannot read the whole Bible?

Has God been calling you to this task, but you have been hesitant or even afraid to get started?

Friend - push aside those excuses today! Throw out those lies. Toss aside those earthly reasons. Shatter those chains that have been holding you back.

Embrace the opportunity to get to know God in a fresh, new, exciting and unbelievable way this year. And allow Him to get know you.

Seriously , with God, all things are possible.... even when it comes to reading 66 books in the most exciting, adventurous, meaningful and life changing book you will ever pick up.

Over the next twelve months, I am so excited to share with you many of the things that pricked my heart over the past year as I read through the Bible. I cant wait to tell you about some really cool things that God taught me and some new meanings that I pulled out of familiar verses.

But most importantly, how He wove Himself into my every day life, and can do the same for you. It was so much fun, and this year is going to be even better!

With all excuses aside, we really can get to know our Jesus better this year.

No more if's, and's and but's for us...... let's allow His Word and His life to make a difference in our hearts.

I welcome your comments, feedback and questions this year, and pray that we can be an encouragement to each other as our hearts join together and we walk through this journey of faith together in 2011.

(Click here if you want to order the Chronological Bible, and visit Wendy's blog if you are interested in participating in her daily video chronological bible study)