Have you ever wondered why we are so captivated by "Top Ten" lists? It seems like there is one of these lists for just about anything we can think of. These lists can be fun. They can be obnoxious. They can solict emotions of happiness, pride, dissappointment, and anger. They can provide valuable information useful in making decisions.They can provide guidance & direction.They can predict behaviors.They can predict outcomes.
Well, I have a Top Ten list of my own. This list consist of ten life principles I shared with my son in a letter I wrote him this past summer. I developed this list as I reflected back over the years and thought about the successes that I experienced; the mistakes I've made; the trials and difficulites I've faced; and the lessons I have learned learned. Here they are:
Principle No. 1 - Do not abandon your faith (John 16:33, Eph 3:17)
Principle No. 2 - Choose wisely (Proverbs 14:12 & 19:21)
Principle No. 3 - Keep good company (Proverbs 13:20 & 1 Cor 15:33)
Principle No. 4 - Work hard; give great effort (Col 3:23-24)
Principle No. 5 - Take the initiative (Proverbs 12:34)
Principle No. 6 - Accept responsibility (2 Cor 5:10)
Principle No. 7 - Keep your focus (Phil 3:14)
Principle No. 8 - Be a good steward (Luke 12:48 & Psalm 24:1-2)
Principle No. 9 - Seek Godly Council (Proverbs 19:20-21, 2 Tim 3:16, & Psalm 119:105)
Principle No. 10 - Have a joyful heart (Proverbs 17:22)
The challenge we face with a list like this is to implement them into our daily lives. It's not easy and we have other "Top Ten" list competing for our time and attention. I have found that when I do follow them, I am better able to navigate the twists and turns and the ups and downs that this journey called life has to offer. I trust they will do the same for you!
Blessings,
BDE.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Created in His Image
Wow, my last entry was 12/20/2011! Where has the time gone? Well, I am glad to be back!!
Take a moment to think about a building or structure you've seen that just made you marvel at its magnificents. For me, it was the Cathederal of Notre Dame in Paris, France. I remember being in awe of it's size, beauty, and architecture. Upon entering the Cathederal, you could feel the sense of respect and reverence it commanded. I was amazed that man could create something so wonderful.
This got me to be thinking that if we are created in God's Image, do we feel the same sense of awe and magnificents toward God. There are of course those who believe that we are nothing more than just some cosmic accident; that it's only by random chance that we are here; that we are nothing more than the result of some evolutionary process. I do not believe that to be the case. The Bible says in Genesis 1:26 "and God said let us make man in our image, after our likeness ... Think about this for a moment. The God of the Universe would create us in His image, in His likeness. Now that blows me away. It's almost unfathomable. It stands to reason then that if we our created in His image; his likeness, we would be blessed with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to create things of beauty and wonder. We see His imprint all around us but especially on ourselves. The Psalmist writes I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14
Let us be ever mindfull that in the good times and the bad, the mountain top highs and the valley lows, our successes and failures, health or sickness, life or death, we are CREATED IN HIS IMAGE. God loves us. In Him, we have purpose and value. He will provide for us. He will be present for us. He will protect us. He will empower us. Will we marvel enough at His magnificents to place all of our trust in Him?
Blessings,
Brian
Take a moment to think about a building or structure you've seen that just made you marvel at its magnificents. For me, it was the Cathederal of Notre Dame in Paris, France. I remember being in awe of it's size, beauty, and architecture. Upon entering the Cathederal, you could feel the sense of respect and reverence it commanded. I was amazed that man could create something so wonderful.
This got me to be thinking that if we are created in God's Image, do we feel the same sense of awe and magnificents toward God. There are of course those who believe that we are nothing more than just some cosmic accident; that it's only by random chance that we are here; that we are nothing more than the result of some evolutionary process. I do not believe that to be the case. The Bible says in Genesis 1:26 "and God said let us make man in our image, after our likeness ... Think about this for a moment. The God of the Universe would create us in His image, in His likeness. Now that blows me away. It's almost unfathomable. It stands to reason then that if we our created in His image; his likeness, we would be blessed with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to create things of beauty and wonder. We see His imprint all around us but especially on ourselves. The Psalmist writes I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14
Let us be ever mindfull that in the good times and the bad, the mountain top highs and the valley lows, our successes and failures, health or sickness, life or death, we are CREATED IN HIS IMAGE. God loves us. In Him, we have purpose and value. He will provide for us. He will be present for us. He will protect us. He will empower us. Will we marvel enough at His magnificents to place all of our trust in Him?
Blessings,
Brian
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