Doing It All! Ecclesiastes 7:18: "Try to avoid going too far in doing anything. Those who honor God will avoid doing too much of anything" (NCV). "Everything, Everything, EVERYTHING!" the young working mother's voice grew louder with each word. "This has been my unspoken motto: I must do all things and do each right. But I want to change." Many of us, like this woman, live in an inner … [Read more...] about Meditations for Christian Who Try to Be Perfect
Meditations for Christian Who Try to Be Perfect
Changing Life Patterns Isaiah 30:15-17: "...In quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it" (v.15). Years ago God told Israel, "Stop striving to be just like your wayward neighbors. You do not necessarily need more horses, armies, and weapons. Cease your running around. Be quiet; trust me. I have a plan." But they would not listen. They were more comfortable with their … [Read more...] about Meditations for Christian Who Try to Be Perfect
Meditations for Christian Who Try to Be Perfect
The Limping Heart Psalm 147:3: "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds". "My husband tells me I'm not spiritual enough when I ask him to come home and spend time with the children and me," sighed the wife of a caring, but overextended pastor. "I feel guilty for having this desire. My heart feels so heavy. I'm glad God doesn't treat me like my husband does." In Mrs. Charles E. … [Read more...] about Meditations for Christian Who Try to Be Perfect
Meditations for Christian Who Try to Be Perfect
No Secret To God Psalm 78:39: For [God] remembered that they were merely mortal men..." (TLB). God is not surprised by our inadequacies and imperfections. The human condition is no secret to him. We do not fool him with our noble attempts at self-righteousness and game-playing spirituality. William Backus, well-known author and founder of the Center for Christian Psychological Services in … [Read more...] about Meditations for Christian Who Try to Be Perfect
Meditations for Christian Who Try to Be Perfect
We Are Valuable Matthew 10:29-31: "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. ...So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." After glancing at the dashboard clock, I looked up to notice a sparrow flying straight toward my windshield. The little bird hit the front window and then fell to the ground. … [Read more...] about Meditations for Christian Who Try to Be Perfect
Meditations for Christian Who Try to Be Perfect
Either Way I Win John 16:33: "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Several years ago I worked with a painting sub- contractor on a large renovation job. At the end of one particularly stressful day, he stopped by my office to chat. "You know I'm a Christian now, and I don't understand why God keeps allowing all these problems to invade my business. … [Read more...] about Meditations for Christian Who Try to Be Perfect
Meditations for Christian Who Try to Be Perfect
Along Unfamiliar Paths Isaiah 42:16: "Along unfamiliar paths I will guide them." "My daughter's life is such a mess right now," said the mother of a young adult. "I want to tell her what to do, but I think God wants me to allow her to make her own choices this time. It's hard for me to back off. I feel so lost, so uncomfortable!" The middle-aged businessman sitting next to her nodded. "I think … [Read more...] about Meditations for Christian Who Try to Be Perfect
Meditations for Christian Who Try to Be Perfect
Empty Before Full Psalm 16:5-6: "Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance." Years ago after I asked God to fill my cup, it seemed instead he ate my lunch. As I saw my dreams fade away, I worked harder to hold on, and eventually burned out. I wondered where God … [Read more...] about Meditations for Christian Who Try to Be Perfect
Meditations for Christian Who Try to Be Perfect
Are You Needy? Matthew 9:9-13: "Jesus said, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice'" (vv.12-13). Matthew was a tax collector and the people did not like or respect him. Yet, Jesus made friends with Matthew and even ate at his house. The church leaders were perturbed by this and asked why Jesus spent time with such … [Read more...] about Meditations for Christian Who Try to Be Perfect
Meditations for Christian Who Try to Be Perfect
God, the Universe and Me Genesis 1:1: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." God did not need to create the universe; he chose to create. God created light; the earth with its plants and animals, and finally human beings as his culminating masterpiece. God was and is intimately and lovingly involved in all He created. Some of us feel as though we do not belong. We exist, but … [Read more...] about Meditations for Christian Who Try to Be Perfect