7/27/2010 - Spotless Reputation

Hello readers,
What kind of connotation does our name hold?

United Church of God

Spotless Reputation

William Shakespeare wrote, “The purest treasure mortal times afford, is spotless reputation; that away, men are but gilded loam, or painted clay.” His words reflect a familiar passage of scripture. We are made of the clay of this earth (Job 33:6), but we can have a spotless reputation that will allow us to be more than that. It is the inner man that has value—and that value depends on character as reflected on our name.

A good name is more valuable that gold or silver (Proverbs 22:1). Since our reputation is our true treasure, it makes sense that we pay attention to our impact on other people—they observe and see our character in action. A regular self-examination will help keep our reputation clean and spotless. It is well worth the effort.

Further reading:
What's in a Name?

7/22/2010 - God's Going to Be Up All Night Anyway

Greetings friends,
How often do we use our communication lines with God?

United Church of God

God’s Going to Be Up All Night Anyway

The apostle Paul encouraged us: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). The outcome is that once we have prayed, we ought not to worry. Mary C. Crowley put it this way: “Every evening I turn my worries over to God. He’s going to be up all night anyway.” Turning our problems over to God once we have done all we can do (with His help and guidance) is the essence of faith. It is a quiet trust that accepts the outcome, trusting that the decision is God’s on our behalf and for our best interests.

Once we believe and understand that there is a Creator and that He loves the world (John 3:16), we can relieve our minds of the strain of anxiety and helplessness that often leads toward depression. It is amazing how resourceful we can be when we are not hampered by worries. So let your requests be made know to God!

Further reading:
The Privilege and Power of Prayer

7/20/2010 - True Maturity

Hello friends,
What age would others say we were based on our maturity level?

United Church of God

True Maturity

All humans go through stages of growth and development until full adulthood. We come into this world as helpless babies, move on through stages of childhood, the teen years and then into full adulthood. The trouble for some is that they are only young once, but they are immature indefinitely. Maturity is not merely a matter of aging and years; it is a matter of internal mental development and character growth.

We cannot blame a child for the faults of society or the family into which he or she was born. Even adults cannot advance if they have no knowledge and understanding. Maturity can be grasped as a goal by any person who seeks, who knocks and who makes a determined effort to be better. We are advised to grow up. True maturity comes through coming to know God and putting away the childish practices and habits of our youth (1 Corinthians 13:11).

Further reading:
Growing to Spiritual Maturity

7/15/2010 - Lost Temper

Dear readers,
How well have we been "tempered" in the trials we've faced?

United Church of God

Lost Temper

Steel is made especially valuable when it is well tempered in the fire. This strengthening of the metal adds endurance and thus value to its many uses. When steel is hardened by fire, we say it is "tempered." There are things that can happen to steel to make it lose its temper—and when that happens, the steel also loses its value and usefulness.

People are like steel in this regard; when they lose their temper, they also lose their worth. The Bible tells us to be angry and do not sin (Ephesians 4:26). That speaks to controlling our anger and controlling our temper. People who can do that are people who have great worth and great strength of character. We have the option to learn to control our tempers or not, but we should keep in mind what God commands. Keep your value and develop this strength.

Further reading:
How can I manage my anger? What can I do to overcome a temper problem?

7/13/2010 - Heroes

Hello friends,
Do we have the potential to be a hero?

United Church of God

Heroes

There are heroes who are proclaimed such because others have witnessed their noble deeds. There are heroes who are never recognized because no witnesses were left. It is not the great occasion that makes a person a hero; occasions simply reveal those who are heroic.

Heroism is a product of how we live our lives, what our parents taught us and what life teaches us. Heroism is clearly present in the person who acts bravely—it is not a sudden product of the moment.

Do you have fears? Face them! Do you have doubts? Erase them! Do you fear the future? Grow in faith! Heroes are developed by living their lives with courage each day (John 16:33). Do this and you, too, will be ready for the occasion.

Further reading:
Spiritual Growth: From Immaturity to Immortality

7/8/2010 - Pass It On

Greetings readers,
Let’s take advantage of every opportunity we have to pass on a good deed!

United Church of God

Pass It On

We live among family, friends and strangers on this earth. We have the ability to decide how we live and how we interact with one another; we learn these skills as children and develop them into adulthood as we grow in knowledge. We can cause sorrow or we can cause joy in others. We can be sad or we can be glad.

It is a good goal to make at least one other person happy every day. The various scouting organizations encourage boys and girls to do one good deed every day. They try to make just a little difference in the life of someone else. That is a noble goal. It is designed to help and develop the scout as well as the recipient of the good deed.

Make at least one person happy every day and you will soon realize that you are happy too. There is an “echo” to passing on a compliment or happiness. These principles are taught in the Bible. We reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7) and we gain by first giving something away (Luke 6:38). But it is important to realize that when we pass something on, we should not expect something in return. Whatever comes back may not be what we expect, and we may not recognize its value. Just pass it on and know that you’ve helped to encourage others!

Further reading:
Living a Life That Makes a Difference

7/6/2010 - Sunsets and Clouds

Dear friends,
Do we allow trials to enhance our growth?

United Church of God

Sunsets and Clouds

Sunsets are all beautiful, but the most spectacular sunsets are seen when there are clouds in the sky. Shades of purple, pink, red and yellow are displayed in a state of constantly changing beauty. No doubt we have said “wow” at some point as we have observed this display of beauty.

We, too, can be like the sunsets. Sometimes we have clouds in our lives that allow our true potential to be seen. These opportunities allow us to experience sorrow and joy while giving us the opportunity to show admirable character and a steadfast light. There are none more admired and respected than those who bravely face the clouds and storms of their lives—they are an inspiration to us all. James said to rejoice when you have a trial (James 1:2). It is an opportunity to inspire others.

Further reading:
Forward! Growing Spiritually Proactive and Reactive

7/1/2010 - Am I So Important?

Hi friends,
What can we do for you?

United Church of God

Am I So Important?

Have you noticed lately how the word "I" is paramount in many people's conversation? The main focus is what I want, what I feel, what I need and so on.

In his inauguration speech, U.S. President John F. Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask, what can you do for your country..."

People seem to have forgotten how to put others before themselves. This happens at work, home, school and even church.

Could we learn to say, "I'll ask not what can you do for me, but will ask, What can I do for you?" Can we learn to put "I" second or third instead of first?

Jesus didn’t focus on Himself. His concerns were for the people around Him and what He could do for them. Can we do the same?

Further Reading:
Love: The Ground From Which Spiritual Fruit Springs

6/29/2010 - Be Kind Every Day

Hi friends,
Is being kind a lost art?

United Church of God

Be Kind Every Day

A number of years ago various "Random Acts of Kindness” days, weeks or months were proclaimed in different areas. Wikipedia says that Random Acts of Kindness Day is celebrated annually in the United States on Feb. 17 and in New Zealand on Sept. 1.

It’s great that people are trying to encourage more kindness, but when you think about it, it’s a shame that society has to be told to be kind for a set period of time.

Being kind is not something one does randomly or for a specified length of time. Truly being kind is a continual behavior that should be demonstrated in all aspects of life.

Paul wrote, “And be kind to one another” (Ephesians 4:32). Jesus set the example by being the kindest person ever. Follow Him and make your corner of the world a kind place all the time!

Further Reading:
Kindness: From the Heart to the Helping Hand

6/24/2010 - The Same Kind of People Live Here!

Hi friend,
Imagine if we all thought of each other this way!

United Church of God

The Same Kind of People Live Here!

One day an old man was rocking on his porch when a moving van drove up. The driver asked, "What kind of people live in this town?"

"Well," the old man replied, "What kind of people live where you came from?" The driver responded, "They were the meanest, most unfriendly people you've ever heard of!" The old man sighed, "Drive on, because the same kind of people live here."

The next day another moving van drove by and the driver asked the same question, "What kind of people live in this town?" "Well," the old man asked, "What kind of people live where you came from?" The driver responded, "They were the kindest, friendliest people you've ever seen!" The old man smiled, "You'll love it here, because the same kind of people live here too!"

This old story illustrates that people tend to create their own environment. If they expect to be treated unkindly, they act unkind and bring it upon themselves. Philippians 2:3 counsels, "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself." This isn't talking about going around with an inferiority complex. Verses 4-7 show that with Jesus Christ in us, we can look out for the interests of others and serve them with outgoing love. We'll be making our town a kinder, friendlier place!

Further Reading:
A Model for Human Relationships