Basic Truths | Finding God in Everyday Life

  I was working in the yard the other day when I saw and heard a flock of migrating birds passing overhead. There were almost a hundred birds flying in a V formation. It’s fascinating that birds have an innate sense of when it’s time to come home and an unerring directional compass that allows them to get there. They may not know what lies ahead but they know what they need to do. They put aside their daily routine to follow a call that is part of their inmost being.   As Christians, we have an innate longing to draw near to God. The Spirit within us knows where we belong and will guide us along the way. Our part is to be open to His guidance, being willing to block out the noise of the world in order to concentrate on His message. We should follow our path confidently, not fearing what may lie ahead, not holding back. We may feel unworthy due to our sins and failings, but Jesus has gone before us and He makes us worthy. We’re advised to “…..Approach the throne of grace wi...

  We went to the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens today. We were at the Dallas Arboretum a few weeks ago. The gardens at both places were beautiful. Everything was healthy in appearance and well-arranged. Our flowers at home look nice but they can’t compare with theirs. Of course, we don’t have the time or the conditions to create the perfect garden. It’s not one of our highest priorities.   In my last post, I noted that the Easter season   is a great time for renewal. How far that renewal takes us spiritually depends on how much of a priority we make it. Just like we can’t have a professional looking garden with minimal effort, we can’t achieve the level of spiritual maturity we want without it being a high priority in our lives.   Jesus was asked which commandment was the greatest. He quoted Deuteronomy 6:5 in his reply, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). This should be our goal for renewal,...

  I’ve been busy studying for my medical boards the past few weeks. I’m required to pass an exam, as well as meet other requirements, in order to renew my certification. I actually like the process, because it forces me to stay current with all the changes in treatment that occur each year.   Renewal is an essential part of life. That which is not renewed eventually begins to decay. This is as true in the spiritual world as it is in the physical.   Paul told the Ephesians, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24). He realized that this was not a one time decision but an ongoing commitment. It’s easy to drift back to worldly ways, letting ourselves be carried along by the current of the times. We need to consciously choose...

  We took a quick trip for spring break this year. The airline we flew on charged for reserving a seat, carrying on or checking a bag, and even for getting a cup of water. I’ve noticed the trend over my lifetime for businesses to “nickel and dime” people by charging them for every little thing. It gets kind of aggravating after a while.   Fortunately, God’s ways are not like man’s ways. Everything He gives to us, He gives freely. The only thing that came with a price tag - our salvation - He paid for us with the gift of His Son. We tend to take for granted all that God gives us each day, not because we are ungrateful by nature, but because we don’t pause for reflection in our busy lives.   The challenge today is to be mindful of God’s grace and goodness to us. When we do so, we not only honor our loving Father, we bless ourselves as well with a joy that comes from knowing how much we are loved and how much we’ve been given.   James tells us, “Every good a...