Last night, President Obama delivered his State of the Union address. Friends and foes worldwide all sat glued to the television to cheer or to jeer his every word.
Predictably, commentaries on his speech fell sharply along party lines. And, sadly, reactions to his speech simply underscored the fact that our country remains thoroughly divided about where we are and where we are headed.
It would seem to me that the facts should speak for themselves, and therefore we either have made historic strides in the face of historic challenges, or we haven't.
I am amazed at how facts become irrelevant in the face of politics, and instead, feelings about facts are the order of the day.
But, I shouldn't be so amazed by this, because that is how many of us live our personal lives every day. We ignore the facts about the state of our unions, and let our feelings paint a picture that does not fully line up with reality.
What "unions" am I referring to? All of the relationships or "unions" that influence our daily lives. That would include marriages, familial relationships, friendships, even working relationships. Of course, the most important and influential union is the one we have with God.
If we are having trouble or experiencing distance in any of our unions, we should face that reality and begin the critical work of repairing them. The first place to start is in the mirror. Too often we blame everyone else for our difficulties, but forget that we are the common denominator. It can't always be everyone else's fault.
" And why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye." (Luke 6:41-42)
Some of our eyes are filled with enough logs to build a community of cabins, yet we constantly look outward to find the source of our problems. Our vision may have been jaded by the distorted images others projected onto us during our developmental years. As a result, some of us may suffer from low self-esteem and negative self images.
Some of us are critical and cynical and see those traits as "charming" while others finds them alarming. We use our tongues to curse, lash out at others and "put them in their place" when, in fact, we are out of place. James reminds us that when we "...bless our Lord and Father...and...curse men....from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way." (James 3:9-10)
Friends, let's take the time to honestly reflect on the state of our individual unions. Let's allow God's Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us into all truth regarding our part in some of the relationship challenges we face. Let's stop blaming our spouses, our parents, our bosses, and even God when things don't go our way.
If we invest in building ourselves up in our most holy faith, we will yield a much greater return than what we have been getting from "logging" and other "speck"ulative ventures.
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
A weekly posting of encouraging and challenging thoughts about life from Rev. Karen W. Curry, a pastor's wife and mother of two who is also --in her "spare time"-- a dynamic preacher, teacher, motivational speaker, facilitator, writer, reviewer, poet, MC, liturgical dance/drama consultant and storyteller. Contact Rev. Karen at BNcouraged247@msn.com to speak at your next service or retreat.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
We Shall Overcome....
Many of the marches led by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King were punctuated by songs like, "We Shall Overcome," which encouraged and united the marchers, while communicating deep truths to the onlookers and opposers.
As we reflect on the things Dr. King and other Civil Rights leaders fought and died for, we see all around us evidence that we have overcome many of the barriers that left the races separate and unequal.
In spite of many of the many strides accomplished during the Civil Rights era, there still remains a simmering residue of racism in our country-- just enough to be detected by those victimized by it, yet subtle enough for perpetrators to deny its existence.
Unfortunately, even worse than the residual racism that still exists, some of us still have not figured out how to overcome the myriad of other tricks and taunts that the enemy uses to oppress and depress all of us, regardless of race.
"...for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night." (Rev. 12:10b)
God tells us clearly that we have an adversary here on earth who accuses us day and night, relentlessly targeting our self esteem and our esteem of God. Racism is only one of the tools Satan uses to accuse and confuse us about our value. Some of us are more torn down emotionally and spiritually by listening to the foul voices in our own heads as opposed to verbal taunts from someone else.
Some of us listen to a lot of negative self-talk about our physical appearance, skills, intellect or talents, constantly comparing ourselves to others or to unneccessary and unrealistic standards.
If we want to overcome the tricks and traps that have overcome us, the solution is found in Revelation 12:11:
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto death."
When we truly and fully accept the shed blood and atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our minds are renewed and we can focus on the truth of what God has said about us and has done for us (our testimony).
God's truth cancels out Satan's lies every time. We just have to decide that we are not so in love with being accepted by those who follow secular instead of sacred standards. We have to be willing to die to worldly standards of beauty, brawn and success and accept that we are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God.
With the blood of the Lamb as our covering and the truth of God's Word in our hearts and on our lips, we shall overcome, indeed!
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
As we reflect on the things Dr. King and other Civil Rights leaders fought and died for, we see all around us evidence that we have overcome many of the barriers that left the races separate and unequal.
In spite of many of the many strides accomplished during the Civil Rights era, there still remains a simmering residue of racism in our country-- just enough to be detected by those victimized by it, yet subtle enough for perpetrators to deny its existence.
Unfortunately, even worse than the residual racism that still exists, some of us still have not figured out how to overcome the myriad of other tricks and taunts that the enemy uses to oppress and depress all of us, regardless of race.
"...for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night." (Rev. 12:10b)
God tells us clearly that we have an adversary here on earth who accuses us day and night, relentlessly targeting our self esteem and our esteem of God. Racism is only one of the tools Satan uses to accuse and confuse us about our value. Some of us are more torn down emotionally and spiritually by listening to the foul voices in our own heads as opposed to verbal taunts from someone else.
Some of us listen to a lot of negative self-talk about our physical appearance, skills, intellect or talents, constantly comparing ourselves to others or to unneccessary and unrealistic standards.
If we want to overcome the tricks and traps that have overcome us, the solution is found in Revelation 12:11:
"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto death."
When we truly and fully accept the shed blood and atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, our minds are renewed and we can focus on the truth of what God has said about us and has done for us (our testimony).
God's truth cancels out Satan's lies every time. We just have to decide that we are not so in love with being accepted by those who follow secular instead of sacred standards. We have to be willing to die to worldly standards of beauty, brawn and success and accept that we are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God.
With the blood of the Lamb as our covering and the truth of God's Word in our hearts and on our lips, we shall overcome, indeed!
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Caller ID
What did we do before caller ID?
It's hard to imagine that there was a time when the phone would ring and we just picked it up with no idea who was on the other line!
Then, through the miracle of technology, we advanced to answering machines. That gave us at least some choice regarding whether to pick up the phone or not, because we could always let the call go to the machine and then check it later.
Today, most of us wouldn't even THINK about answering the phone without checking caller ID first. And, in those instances when we cannot get to the phone in time, caller ID even takes the place of the answering machine, allowing us to know who we missed.
Some of us are truly diligent and dedicated when it comes to utilizing caller ID to determine who is on the other end of the line.
Why is it then, that some of us readily believe and receive every wind of doctrine or gossip that comes our way without checking the identity of the source?
We are supposed to try the spirit by the Spirit when it comes to discerning whether it is God who is trying to reach out and touch us, or if the contact is coming from someone or something else.
Some of us faithfully read the horoscopes and live our lives according to whether it says we are "compatible" with this sign or that one. But, do we faithfully seek God and His divine Word when it comes to who He has determined we are compatible with?
Have we checked the caller ID to see exactly who the horoscopes' guidance is coming from? Remember, God communicates with us through His Word, which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalms 119:105).
I don't recall His Word directing us to look to the stars for guidance, nor do I recall Him stating that He would even give the stars power to direct us. On the contrary, God says in Psalms 32:8 "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you."
If you have been relying on horoscopes, psychics, Radio/TV personalities and other sources for guidance, I encourage you not to provoke God's jealously by continuing to seek everything and everyone but Him for guidance. Check to see who is on the line when advice starts coming your way, and if it doesn't have God's signature on it, don't pick up.
How can we recognize God's signature? Well, we can only recognize it if we have seen it enough times. Where do we see His signature? In His Word! We have to read His Word enough to be able to "hear" God's voice.
It's no different from when we listen to certain music or read certain books regularly. After a while, we "hear" the signature sound of the artist or the author, and we can readily distinguish a counterfeit from the real thing.
When we really begin to spend consistent, quality time in God's Word--praying, reading, reflecting and meditating on it-- it begins to sink into our spirit. It sharpens our minds and gives us a richer perspective on what we see and hear.
God's Word enables us to divide the truth from a lie. So, when someone says we can't do something, we check the caller ID to see if God is sending His Word through them or if something else is going on. After all, God tells us that we "can do all things through Christ who strengthens us."
If what we are attempting or desiring to do is through Christ and not based on our own understanding, then the Lord will give us the strength to do it. On the other hand, if we check the caller ID and we see that God is trying to show us that what we are doing is not through Christ and will not glorify Him, it may not be something we cannot do, but perhaps something we should not do.
Let's stop blindly responding to everything that looks and sounds like what we are searching for and take time to check things out against our spiritual Caller ID. We will find ourselves experiencing less drama and trauma as we prepare to excel in 2012.
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
It's hard to imagine that there was a time when the phone would ring and we just picked it up with no idea who was on the other line!
Then, through the miracle of technology, we advanced to answering machines. That gave us at least some choice regarding whether to pick up the phone or not, because we could always let the call go to the machine and then check it later.
Today, most of us wouldn't even THINK about answering the phone without checking caller ID first. And, in those instances when we cannot get to the phone in time, caller ID even takes the place of the answering machine, allowing us to know who we missed.
Some of us are truly diligent and dedicated when it comes to utilizing caller ID to determine who is on the other end of the line.
Why is it then, that some of us readily believe and receive every wind of doctrine or gossip that comes our way without checking the identity of the source?
We are supposed to try the spirit by the Spirit when it comes to discerning whether it is God who is trying to reach out and touch us, or if the contact is coming from someone or something else.
Some of us faithfully read the horoscopes and live our lives according to whether it says we are "compatible" with this sign or that one. But, do we faithfully seek God and His divine Word when it comes to who He has determined we are compatible with?
Have we checked the caller ID to see exactly who the horoscopes' guidance is coming from? Remember, God communicates with us through His Word, which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalms 119:105).
I don't recall His Word directing us to look to the stars for guidance, nor do I recall Him stating that He would even give the stars power to direct us. On the contrary, God says in Psalms 32:8 "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you."
If you have been relying on horoscopes, psychics, Radio/TV personalities and other sources for guidance, I encourage you not to provoke God's jealously by continuing to seek everything and everyone but Him for guidance. Check to see who is on the line when advice starts coming your way, and if it doesn't have God's signature on it, don't pick up.
How can we recognize God's signature? Well, we can only recognize it if we have seen it enough times. Where do we see His signature? In His Word! We have to read His Word enough to be able to "hear" God's voice.
It's no different from when we listen to certain music or read certain books regularly. After a while, we "hear" the signature sound of the artist or the author, and we can readily distinguish a counterfeit from the real thing.
When we really begin to spend consistent, quality time in God's Word--praying, reading, reflecting and meditating on it-- it begins to sink into our spirit. It sharpens our minds and gives us a richer perspective on what we see and hear.
God's Word enables us to divide the truth from a lie. So, when someone says we can't do something, we check the caller ID to see if God is sending His Word through them or if something else is going on. After all, God tells us that we "can do all things through Christ who strengthens us."
If what we are attempting or desiring to do is through Christ and not based on our own understanding, then the Lord will give us the strength to do it. On the other hand, if we check the caller ID and we see that God is trying to show us that what we are doing is not through Christ and will not glorify Him, it may not be something we cannot do, but perhaps something we should not do.
Let's stop blindly responding to everything that looks and sounds like what we are searching for and take time to check things out against our spiritual Caller ID. We will find ourselves experiencing less drama and trauma as we prepare to excel in 2012.
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
You Shall Know the Truth....
Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32
That passage of scripture is quite familiar to many of us and we hear it used in a wide variety of settings. It was even used in one of my favorite movies, Jim Carey's "Liar Liar."
Despite its familiarity and popularity, have we ever taken the time to really meditate on the depth of its meaning?
Some of us have trouble moving forward in life because we can't see clearly which step to take. In essence, we don't know the truth about the paths or the obstacles that are before us. Sometimes it's even difficult to tell what's real or an illusion, what's true or what's fake.
As long as we have trouble discerning the truth, we are stuck. We are bound. We are not free.
Many of us desire to be free in 2012, to move forward and experience the joy and freedom of living the life God destined for us, not the one we detoured onto.
But, we must recognize that it's not our talent, treasure or intellect that will set us free. Those things come into play only after we have fully submitted to the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life--Jesus Christ.
Ye shall know the Truth....Perhaps it's time for us to really, intimately know Jesus, the Truth. That may mean reading the Word more than we already do. It may require praying more than we want to. It may involve sitting in silence longer than we think we are able to. It may mean seeking the presence of Jesus in unexpected places. It could mean breaking out of our protective facades into an undignified praise.
...And the Truth shall make you free...Since Truth is synonymous with Jesus, and Jesus is synonymous with the Word, it stands to reason that God's Word is that Truth that shall make us free.
Also, if we read one verse above the passage in John 8 about being made free, we will find that verse 31 says, "If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of mine;" It then goes on to say, "...and you shall know the truth..."
Even when we are so entangled and encumbered by the cares of this life that we don't even know what scripture to read or what we should pray, God's Holy Spirit is there to lead us and guide us into all truth and help us pray.
All we have to do is just want to know the Truth and God will make a way! I wanted to strengthen my prayer life and devotional time, and guess what God did? He led me to a Christmas party where I won a prize and the prize was--that's right--a book about praying the scriptures. I use that book every morning now to start my day focused on the Truth about what God has to say about me and my life.
I have been desiring to exercise to lose weight and improve my health, and God led one of my church's Ministers in Training who is a Personal Fitness Instructor to announce that he would begin offering free classes at the church every Saturday!
2012 has the potential to be your best year yet if you are willing to say goodbye to self-deception about everything from weight, to health, to childhood trauma and anything else we have guarded or denied.
Let the light of God's Word shine on all those areas and expose them to the truth that no weapon formed against us shall prosper and that we are more than conquerers through Christ Jesus. Fill your mind with the Truth, the whole Truth and nothing but the Truth.
For, then you shall know the Truth and the Truth will make you free!
BNcouraged in 2012!
Rev. Karen
That passage of scripture is quite familiar to many of us and we hear it used in a wide variety of settings. It was even used in one of my favorite movies, Jim Carey's "Liar Liar."
Despite its familiarity and popularity, have we ever taken the time to really meditate on the depth of its meaning?
Some of us have trouble moving forward in life because we can't see clearly which step to take. In essence, we don't know the truth about the paths or the obstacles that are before us. Sometimes it's even difficult to tell what's real or an illusion, what's true or what's fake.
As long as we have trouble discerning the truth, we are stuck. We are bound. We are not free.
Many of us desire to be free in 2012, to move forward and experience the joy and freedom of living the life God destined for us, not the one we detoured onto.
But, we must recognize that it's not our talent, treasure or intellect that will set us free. Those things come into play only after we have fully submitted to the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life--Jesus Christ.
Ye shall know the Truth....Perhaps it's time for us to really, intimately know Jesus, the Truth. That may mean reading the Word more than we already do. It may require praying more than we want to. It may involve sitting in silence longer than we think we are able to. It may mean seeking the presence of Jesus in unexpected places. It could mean breaking out of our protective facades into an undignified praise.
...And the Truth shall make you free...Since Truth is synonymous with Jesus, and Jesus is synonymous with the Word, it stands to reason that God's Word is that Truth that shall make us free.
Also, if we read one verse above the passage in John 8 about being made free, we will find that verse 31 says, "If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of mine;" It then goes on to say, "...and you shall know the truth..."
Even when we are so entangled and encumbered by the cares of this life that we don't even know what scripture to read or what we should pray, God's Holy Spirit is there to lead us and guide us into all truth and help us pray.
All we have to do is just want to know the Truth and God will make a way! I wanted to strengthen my prayer life and devotional time, and guess what God did? He led me to a Christmas party where I won a prize and the prize was--that's right--a book about praying the scriptures. I use that book every morning now to start my day focused on the Truth about what God has to say about me and my life.
I have been desiring to exercise to lose weight and improve my health, and God led one of my church's Ministers in Training who is a Personal Fitness Instructor to announce that he would begin offering free classes at the church every Saturday!
2012 has the potential to be your best year yet if you are willing to say goodbye to self-deception about everything from weight, to health, to childhood trauma and anything else we have guarded or denied.
Let the light of God's Word shine on all those areas and expose them to the truth that no weapon formed against us shall prosper and that we are more than conquerers through Christ Jesus. Fill your mind with the Truth, the whole Truth and nothing but the Truth.
For, then you shall know the Truth and the Truth will make you free!
BNcouraged in 2012!
Rev. Karen
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