Random Musings

I have amazing friends. That's pretty much the story of my life. Over the years, I've been humbled and awed by the calibre of people I've been honored to call friend. They have been such blessings in my life and I'm sure I don't tell them so often enough. "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another" - Proverbs 27:17 I've been blessed to always have those kinds of friends in my life; the kinds of friends who sharpen, challenge, and encourage me. I spent some time catching up with one of those friends this week. True to form, she began asking me questions meant to stir up my spirit and get me thinking. As we talked, as so often happens, I began to process things out loud for the first time. I realized that I feel stuck right now. Stuck. Have you ever felt that way? Have you ever looked around and wondered why you're not miles farther down the road? Or, have you felt like you just keep spinning your wheels but not making any progress?...

I received an email from a friend today and he was sharing some things going on in his life. Right after I read his email, I opened to the passage for Chad's upcoming message on November 14th. I don't believe it was a coincidence or random happenstance. Here's what I wrote to my friend (and needed to hear myself). Ephesians 6:10-20 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet f...

Last night, I was thinking about relationships and how they sometimes fall apart before you even realize there is a problem. Have you ever had a friend suddenly get angry with you and then you realize it's been building for a long time and you didn't see it coming? Or, have you ever said something that you didn't know was received in the wrong way until months or years later? I've been thinking alot about that lately and last night, a passage of scripture came to mind that I had never before thought about in this context. When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. - James 1:13-15 Here's where I think this applies in our relationships. I think, sometimes, we get an idea planted in our head ab...