Give up what you desire most in order to receive what you desire most.

Refer to Luke 6, There is a longer version in Matthew 5.

What is our purpose in life? Why are we here? Where are we going?

How many of us achieve our life’s purpose? How many can even state their life’s purpose?

How satisfied are you with life? Mostly, I’m reasonably satisfied. But, some times I’m depressed and down. Perhaps it would be a good exercise to research these feelings and their origins with our closest friends. I wonder how many of us have similar purposes in life? Or, perceive that we have similar purposes? Or, think that we should be like minded? At least half of us cannot agree on who should be president of the U.S. United we Stand, Divided we Fall! 

Rather than characterizing the population it may be better to focus on the individual. Do we perceive ourselves to be better than others? Do we have a desire to be better than others? What’s better? Who is the judge? Pick a well know person. Pick two or three. Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, Jeb Bush, Lance Armstrong (before and after). Would you be willing to model your life after any of these? Can you pick someone? Think about you best friend. Would you like to trade places? Think about your worst enemy. Do you have feelings for them? Think about an unfortunate friend. Are you able to help them? How can we become a more effective individuals(better)? 

Read Luke 6. Does it address any of these questions? How?

I would love to hear your comments about this small discourse.

Contractor (Entrepreneur) or Employee

What's wrong with the world? Why all the fighting? Why all the terrorism? Why all the shootings? Why all the racism? Why is everyone looking for more money? Drugs? Alcohol? Sex? Or are we searching for something more fundamental?

Does anyone know the answer? I certainly don't. Apparently most of what we have done on the last 5,000 years has not worked very well. Do any of you feel like your seeing progress?  

Progress toward what? Do any of you know what is alluding us? We are working very hard, trying to find something. The fountain of youth perhaps? A pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? A new car? A better computer? A nice home? A spouse? A better restaurant? Why do we seek education and better jobs? What have we sacrificed to get more? Do you know anyone who has reached their goals? 

I like to ask myself four questions. They are not original to me. I borrowed them from someone I once met. 

Who am I?

Where did I come from?

Why am I here?

Where am I going?

Do you know the answers to these questions for me, or yourself, or anyone? Do you wonder? Have you asked these same questions? Or, some similar?

Do you have a life plan? Have you saved up for retirement? Who will take care you when you are not able? 

The world news headlines tell me that not many know the answers to these important questions. Governments claim the exist to help us answer these questions. How do you think your government is doing? Would you like to ask the presidential candidates some of these questions?

Today the democrats seem to want to make the contractors employees. While some of the republicans want to have more contractors. Do you want government making those decisions for you? Governments have been working on making your life better for over 5,000 years...they claim? In 1776 we attempted to form a government by the people, for the people and of the people. There is still a remnant of that attempt in place. But, it will not last much longer if the current pace continues. The freedoms granted originally are slowly but surely being taken. 

This morning I read Psalm 146. It makes more sense to me than anything I've read in the press lately. Our leaders are not taking us in the right direction. But, we can do it ourselves. To go there I must get rid of my selfish pride. I may be my own worst enemy. Think about it. Please! Would you like to go with me. I welcome the company. 

Anger and Love

If you knew I was a Christian and I was promoting the Christian religion, would you listen to me? If I said. “I love you and I’m angry with you.” would you listen to me. Our God is the only god I know who is a model of loving with anger. 

Our God can save us. He can, will and has changed our hearts. Can He change my behavior? Yes, I believe He can. But, I also believe He chooses not to change my behavior. So, how does that work for us? Think about it, it works better than all the other things we have tried and are still trying. Would it not be great if we were able to love our families, friends and neighbors even when we were angry with them? Or, if they were able to do the same for us? 

If God can and has changed my heart, what is my job? Am I to be directed by this change in my heart? Or, am I to resist and oppose the change in my heart? An effort to resist may lead me to drink or do drugs or steal or lie. If God changes my heart to be like He wants, there would be little resistance from the inside to do whatever God wants me to do. However, there might be considerable resistance from the outside. And, if that resistance makes me angry, how should I respond? My changed heart might tell me one thing but my nature might tend to resort to my past habits. 

Refer to Romans 8:28 And, we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose,...

Also, read the story of Joseph in Genesis. You can start at Gen 37:1 and read through Gen 45. Especially concentrate on the first and last chapters.

Joseph forgives his brothers because he has discovered it all happened because of the will of God. The good and perfect will of God.

How is the good and perfect will of God working for you? Is it not working so well? Why? Who is in the way?