Change in Motion

“For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 New Living translation —-Including CHANGE.

Earlier this week I found myself in rapid motion in a small space. Being barefoot you can guess it did not end well. For the first time I experienced the pain of a broken bone. Even though it’s a very tiny bone, it has created an unexpected shuffle of events. And life as I knew it changed.

I like this photo because it is a freeze frame of motion. Everything is in motion around the surface. It’s an intriguing word picture to me.

Imagine this water is a single freeze frame of your life, your world. The water is suspended from its natural path of change. Right now in this moment do some personal pondering. What is your status? Your emotions? Your thoughts? Who is close to you? How is your health? What are your responsibilities? What are your challenges?

Lift the freeze frame for a split second and each of those aspects of your life will change. The orange will plummet in relationship to the splashing water. The glass bowl will wobble and possibly move a teeny bit and the water will completely have changed in location and shape. This is life in a minute scenario but represents all of life when you get down to it.

Motion is constant and so change occurs on so many levels repeatedly, rapidly and relentlessly that our conscious mind is incapable of keeping up. This is the natural cycle of life.
Some changes we can detect through our senses. We can taste the change in milk when it becomes sour. We can hear the change in an instrument in need of tuning. We can feel the changes of temperature.

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Life is a constant cycle of change. Seasons change in most places in our world. Daytime changes into night. Seeds change into plants, flowers, vegetables or trees. Caterpillars change into gorgeous butterflies. Growth and change are all around us. It should be expected as a familiar friend but somehow in our personal lives, change can scare us.

A new opportunity arises for learning. What is our first response? Excitement, fear or something else? I encourage you to welcome the change. Our knowledge can increase by embracing the change. Our interests can change with the newly acquired information which can change how we spend time and with whom. Change can be a flurry of FLURISHING, if we do not give in to fear.
The loss of someone dear changes everything. Suddenly there is a gaping hole in the fabric of our soul and an emptiness in our heart. Our thoughts change—Things we rarely thought about now become so precious: The sound of their footsteps crossing the floor. The smiles and sense of humor that could so easily annoy us. The scent of their signature perfume, cologne or body scent lingering on their clothes. The simple sense of their presence in our lives is missed. But EVEN this our God can use for our good. Good changes. It’s one of the hardest changes in life to master and entrust to God. But as all other change we cannot escape it, nor control it. MJT! Must Just Trust!

Our great God is always with us, even to the end of this age! (See Matthew 28:20b). He implores you to trust Him and His perfect love that casts out all fear. “Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love.” I John 4:18 New Living translation

The point here is that fear (and anxiety being generalized fear) is one of the greatest enemies and obstacles to a FLURISHING life. I have fought against various fears most of my life and I see the insidious nature of it and why our LORD tells us NOT TO BE AFRAID but to trust HIM instead, repeatedly in the Bible. (Over 500 times throughout the Old and New Testaments in various ways, but who’s counting?)

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever!!!”

King James Bible

In light of the above truth, ask God to help you defeat fear and/or anxiety of change. OUR GOD IS THEE ONLY UNCHANGEABLE FACT IN OUR EXISTENCE. Ask Him to help you trust Him with whatever changes you face now in this moment and beyond. He can turn your fear into FLURISHING!!! I know firsthand and it is AMAZING!!!

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Shine on. . .

karan k

GOD’s Favorite BELOW THE SURFACE Part III

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“Come close to God, and He will come close to you. Clean up your lives, you sinners, and clear your minds, you doubters.”
James 4:8 GOD’S WORD translation

During my senior year of High School I participated in the All School Show entitled “God’s Favorite”. This play is a parody of the book of Job from the Old Testament. The premise revolves around Joe Benjamin, a God-fearing wealthy tycoon claiming to be God’s favorite because of his extreme good fortune. Comedic situations in his family occur quickly when his devotion to God is put to the ultimate test.

Chosen to play one of Joe’s twin children, Sarah Benjamin, my character oozed with naive excitement at the knowledge of a known rapist prowling around the house. It was a peculiar and entertaining role that stretched my acting abilities. I must confess the laughter and applause during my scenes generated an exhilarating satisfaction in my heart.

Neil Simon wrote the play “God’s Favorite” which was produced on Broadway in 1974. Born in the Bronx to Jewish parents, Neil Simon has written skads of material such as:

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THEY’RE PLAYING OUR SONG 1979 (which was the very first show I saw on Broadway), BILOXI BLUES 1985, LOST IN YONKERS 1991, THE GOODBYE GIRL 1993, and perhaps his most famous work, THE ODD COUPLE 1968 among many other broadway plays, tv and screenwriting.

Unfortunately, “God’s Favorite” never became a big hit like many of his other works. Neil may have lacked faith in this particular project?

A lack of true faith is alive and well for Mr. Simon. Currently listed on celebatheists.com under the “Ambiguous List” he claims neither atheism or agnosticism as his conclusion on faith. He is apparently skeptical of theism and/or religion. So I found it somewhat surprising that he wrote this play based on a Bible story. Job—the story of UNWAVERING faith.

Perhaps Mr. Simon could relate all too well to Job’s plight?
“I cannot keep from speaking. I must express my anguish. My bitter soul must complain.” Job 7:11 New Living translation.

Did Job scream or yell? We know he vented! (See Sneak Peek BELOW THE SURFACE Part II)

And so he wrote a play expressing the cry of his soul.
Neil Simon has said “‘God’s Favorite’ was written as a reaction to his wife’s untimely death from cancer.” Quite the curious correlation, wouldn’t you agree?

The trouble is, so far Mr. Simon is not showing the same result from his allowed testing as Job did. He wrote Job’s story, GOD’S FAVORITE as a comedy. Truly there is NOTHING funny about what happened to Job i.e., loss of oxen, donkeys, sheep, camels, all servants and his children in a single day. See Job 1:13-16
And that was only the beginning. His friends brow beat him off and on in the next 18 or so chapters. Instead of sitting quietly with Job as comfort, they tried to wheedle him into admitting unconfessed sin and his alleged abandonment of God; which they were certain caused his calamity but none of their accusations were true. Sincere but wrong, they were terrible friends.

So was Neil Simon crying out against God for his loss when he wrote GOD’S Favorite? It is a very real possibility. Only God and Mr. Simon know for sure.

Now what about us? How do we handle tragedy that finds its way into our lives? Do we believe God sent it or caused it? Read the first chapter of Job. Read S-L-O-W-L-Y.
Here we have an extraordinary view into heavenly happenings. Imagine the scene while you read it.

In a nutshell, God believes Job is a man of integrity—pure in his heart toward God. Satan basically challenges that truth by daring God to ALLOW Job to be tested attempting to prove what God believes about Job is false. And so God allows it knowing Job will remain faithful. God is FULLY in charge but it is satan who wants to harm Job, not God.

After 41 chapters of various grueling trials, God and Job emerge with a deeper relationship. Job’s understanding of his God has increased as well as his love and devotion to Him. Once again, satan is proved wrong and is not found hanging around at the end of the book of Job for God’s victory dance. No, he was probably already afoot elsewhere (See I Peter 5:8 and claim verse 9 to FLURISH for life).

Learn from Job.

A Personal Note to Mr. Neil Simon: I’ve been an unknowing fan of your writing since “Murder By Death” hit theaters in 1976. The movie was one of very few memorable moments spent with my father. So I care about you Mr. Simon, please learn from Job and live fully restored in your heavenly Father now before you take your last breath! It’s not too late for you to FLURISH!

I will restore to you. . . Joel 2:25+26 — I will restore to you. . .
Joel 2:25+26

Don’t be caught in a “Room filled with empty people.” Sidney Wang —Murder By Death. Translation: Don’t Be Caught Dead Without JESUS, Neil!

Shine on. . .

karan k

Sneak Peek BELOW THE SURFACE Part II

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“I cannot keep from speaking. I must express my anguish. My bitter soul must complain.” Job 7:11 New Living translation.

I have a friend who recently had some cosmetic surgery because she hated a certain part of her body. She hoped for beautiful results similar to those of a coworker. After 4 weeks of complete immobilization, the surgery failed. She now needs to undergo a more invasive procedure, which of course is more painful. This caused my friend to be extremely “Pee-Ohed”!! She’s convinced that things never go well for her. She stopped talking to God concerning her trials in life a long time ago. (Of course I keep yakkin at her not to abandon His ear;) )

I have another close friend who has suffered one third of her life, plagued by serious illness and multiple diseases. Lately, the struggle has been overwhelming her. She’s tired of being sick. She’s angry. She wants to break things. Is she angry with God?

Do these two people have anything in common? If you said “disappointment and hurt” you’d be right. This dangerous duo leads to resentment and bitterness which given time will destroy mind and body.

Have you experienced anything that hurt you, made you angry or disappointed you? Sure, we all have. What did you do with those emotions?

“I believed in You, so I said, ‘I am deeply troubled, Lord’.” Psalm 116:10 New Living translation

When I found myself with humongous resentment slowly evolving into bitterness, I ended up yelling at God. I had refused to deal with it the first time someone attempted to point out my souring attitude. When I opened my eyes to the truth about myself, I was horrified to see what had grown BELOW THE SURFACE. Hence, the screaming at God. I blamed Him for my pain and disappointment because I thought He should or could have eliminated it from my life.

That screaming session with Jesus was a milestone in my journey of faith. He allowed me to vent like no human could. The peace and feelings of well-being afterward that rushed through my soul are indescribable. I decided never again to delay going to my faithful friend with ANY issues I have.

If you find yourself in a similar mindset/struggle as one of my friends or myself, go straight to God! Don’t be deceived by thinking HE won’t understand or He will punish you for feeling this way. HE knows your heart thoughts already, remember?
“…for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and He knows everything.” I John 3:20 English Standard version

And His mercy endures forever—-see Psalm 136.

Only by coming before Him in honesty and humility can we find healing and deliverance. Otherwise, the ugliness will continue to fester and grow destroying any hope for FLURISHING in this life!

Find a private VENTING ROOM now!!

Shine on. . .
karan k

Below the Surface

“Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple.”
Job 5:2 New International version

My sister recently had an unusual experience when she went for a massage. A co-worker referred her to a woman she felt comfortable with and who had exceptional skills. At some point during the massage, the masseuse told my sister that she has a lot of resentment. Naturally my sister was baffled because not only did she not feel resentful toward anyone, she certainly wondered how this lady rubbing her skin could make such a statement!?

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The masseuse’s words stayed with my sister and she asked me about it and what I thought. I considered it odd but intriguing. The only thing I was told once during a massage was that I held all my stress in my derriere and that I would never have arthritis in my hands. Otherwise, I hadn’t a clue but wanted my sister to be aware she had touched on a rather ethereal and troubled topic that I did not want to touch with a twenty foot pole. However, she asked me to write a post on resentment, so here goes. This is for you, Sis! Mwah!

Tragedy, pain and even disappointments touch everyone in life. How many of us allow these negative events to sour into resentment and even bitterness? These two closely related deadly dangers may seep into our hearts without our awareness.

Resentment MOST OFTEN grows after some sort of disappointment. It can build and morph into deep levels over time becoming more difficult and laborious to remove. It creates a soothing sense of distance for the individual infected by it but not for those nearby. Resentment creates barriers to insure distance. It functions as a multi-layer protection system from disappointment to barricade oneself from the ultimate enemy of. . . PAIN.

We want to protect ourselves at all costs from pain. But this is a vicious cycle that diffuses short term pain of one type for long term pain of another. STOP THE MADNESS! Get off the RESENTMENT Train!
Bitterness ALWAYS stems from hurt, always. If the hurt is not healed promptly and properly, it will ferment in our hearts until it’s a toxic cancer spreading and destroying our minds and bodies. This is why the Bible warns frequently against bitterness. Ephesians 4:31 says, “Get rid of all BITTERNESS, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.” New Living translation

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Bitterness is listed first I believe because it affects and can intensify everything else on that list. All of which are considered “evil behaviors.” If we do not take action against bitterness and remain in victim mode, the cost is steep. It can:

Prolong mental and/or emotional pain
Lead to long-lasting anxiety and/or depression
Precipitate vengeful thoughts and acts
Prevent you from experiencing the potential joys of living fully in the present —vs. dwelling self-righteously on the past wrongs inflicted on you
Create or deepen an attitude of distrust and cynicism
Rob you of vital energy
Interfere with cultivating healthy, satisfying relationships
Undermine your physical health by inducing such problems as insomnia, high blood pressure, back pain, headaches, abdominal conditions etc..,

This is by no means a comprehensive list but you get the idea. Bitterness is not your friend! Get rid of it as quickly as you can!

Begin by scouring your memory for disappointments and pains inflicted on you by others. Write them out in a journal. Pray over them an ask Jesus through His Holy Spirit to renew your mind concerning these events. Ask Him to heal your body where resentment and bitterness have caused damage.

Wait and watch God work to bring about peace and freedom in your heart. Begin to FLURISH one moment at a time, while He melts away your resentment and bitterness.

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Shine on. . .
karan k

Surfs Up?

“If possible, to the best of your ability, live at peace with all people.” Romans 12:18 Common English Bible

First of all, surfing did not find its way onto my bucket list and certainly not in the freezing waters of the Pacific in California. However, it did top my husband’s list. Endeavoring to be an “all in, fully attentive wife” I agreed to conquer the Surfing Bug by his side, much to his unbridled glee.

Aside from surfing, the people we met casually on this trip were pure delights and several have become friends. But one individual in particular proved especially challenging. He was our surfing instructor, Bill. A native Hawaiian he did not possess the typical hang loose attitude but employed a rather martinette teaching style. He and I butted heads from the gitgo.

The first part of our surf lesson entailed positions on the board and advancing through the steps to surf standing up. The instructor drilled us to repeat the moves and quizzed us on basic board knowledge. During this time Bill told the guy next to me that he failed to stand on his beached board because he needs to get into better shape. However, Bill’s phraseology was not quite as diplomatic as mine. OUCH! The guy kept apologizing for his protruding belly. I felt bad for him.

The guys followed Bill out to chest deep water for part two of the lesson while I frantically looked for drinking water—Dehydration anxiety set in due to 90 degree weather in a black wet suit. This did not please Bill, thus he abandoned me on the sand. A Good Samaritan came to my rescue with ice cold water, enough to refresh my body and get me out into the waves. She even bought more water for each of the other surfers. I am forever grateful.

Gathering my courage and MJT (Must Just Trust) attitude, I waded out toward my husband and Jansen (Mr. Lose weight or else). Both men struggled fiercely to follow their laid-back leader. Visibly frustrated, Bill barked out phrases such as, “you two are suckin! Listen to me! Do what I tell you!” On and on his encouraging mantras rang out over the waves. And then it was my turn.

“Get on your board, Karan!”

Ok. I’m in half decent shape for fast approaching senior hood but put me in chest high waves and ask me to mount my surf board for the first time was not an easy task. I gave it my best but my arms were weak and I was terrified to grab the “rails” for any reason since Bill had given profuse warnings against that earlier.

“Listen! Get! On! Your! Board!” I tried again and He finally hoisted me up and somehow I landed on the board and slid back quickly before he yelled at me about my “position”.:( Normally I’d be embarrassed but my exasperation levels were mounting faster than I could fret over looking stupid. My angst even trumped my fear as I shouted over the crashing waves…

“I’m more afraid of you than surfing!”

Bill half laughed but I think he knew I was just as frustrated with his meanness as he was with my inability to follow his orders.

Ever encounter people like Bill? Type A personalities who seem to have no people skills let alone compassion? Usually they excel in a given area and they expect you to know what they know. When you don’t, you’re treated with harsh impatience and possibly contempt.
I learned a heckuva lot from Bill that day but very little about surfing. Here are just a few lessons:

I learned my “unconditional love” skills needed honing.
I learned how understanding and patience are deep virtues needed to teach in any area of life in order for your students to learn in a positive way.
I learned how important it is to speak up for what is right even in angry tones, especially to protect the innocent. . . true righteous indignation.

So how did it all turn out? My husband Dwight mastered the board enough to stand and ride several waves all the way into the shoreline. Me, well I DID stand up on my board but my accomplishment was short lived as I tumbled into the waves each of my 9 attempts.:).

Bill invited us with his surf gang for lunch after the lesson and we had some quality one on one talks with him. We made an unspoken peace.
Jansen and his Good Samaritan girlfriend invited us to their boat and we now have two new friends on the West coast. Great people. Jansen continues surf lessons with Bill.

Hopefully Bill will realize his demeanor at times causes extra fear in his students which hinders his goal to teach surfing with safe results. And degrading his hired help behind their backs is just plain mean and needs to cease. I continue to pray for Bill.:)
“Hotheads stir up conflict, but patient people calm down strife.” Proverbs 15:18 Common English Bible

Hang Ten if you dare and shine on. . .
karan k

Legally Bound?

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 The Message Bible

Isn’t this a beautiful portrait of how He wants our life to be with Him? So often we get bound up in legalistic do’s and don’ts that were never a part of His plan. We feel like we’re living in a religious cage, rather than basking in our position in His family. (See John 1:10-13) When we allow Him to take His role as heavenly Father in our lives, He leads, guides, helps, works with, talks to and builds our relationship on grace. Our lives are meant to be joyful and thriving because of Him in our hearts. We can FLURISH without limitation if we stay close to Him and follow His lead.

How that looks in each of our lives will be beautifully different because each of us has a distinct relationship with Him. This is how He meant it to be and even though it’s difficult for our minds to fathom, He can easily have a UNIQUE relationship with each of His children throughout history because He is the Almighty God with no limits on His power! Think about the awesomeness of that.

“Legalism” simply is the wrong use of laws or rules. It’s not from Jesus.
“Yes,'” said Jesus, “What sorrow awaits you experts in religious law! For you crush people with unbearable religious demands, and you never lift a finger to ease the burden.” Luke 11:46 New Living translation

We must free and guard ourselves against the foul spirit of legalism. It can be so subtle that we often do not recognize it in ourselves. It sours our spirit and can sour others around us. Legalism is wrong because it emphasizes the external without encouraging the internal. God is all about the heart and its motivations. He offers love, forgiveness and grace in abundance for our lives. Some examples (certainly not an exhaustive list because it truly would be exhausting to write it) of modern day legalism that are all too alive and well are:

Type of Attire?
Devotions—When? How long?
Hairstyle?
Observing Sabbath? (see Leisure Update post)
Make-up?
Women working outside the home?
Smoking pipe, cigars, cigarettes?
Drinking? (Not to be confused with drunkenness)
Going to movies?
Upbeat worship music?
Using instruments in worship music?
Watching tv?
How often to attend corporate worship?
To spank children or not?
Dancing?
Bible versions?

Etcetera etcetera etcetera

Have you developed any convictions of your own? For instance, some people feel you should never write in your Bible. I personally write and highlight in my Bible to track my special times talking with and learning from Jesus. As a result, my Bible is full of marked up memories. I do handle my Bible as sacred in other ways by not setting things on top of it and using it regularly. These are personal convictions not commands, demands or “less thans” in God’s eyes.

If you face a biblical gray area, talk to God about it. Reason with Him over what is right for you and make that your standard but do not expect others to hold to your standard. Where gray areas are concerned, our loving Lord provides freedom and invites each of us to find our personal convictions with His Spirit’s direction.

“Cultivate your own relationship with God, but don’t impose it on others. You’re fortunate if your behavior and belief are coherent. But if you’re not sure, if you notice that you are acting in ways inconsistent with what you believe—some days trying to impose your opinions on others, other days just trying to please them—-then you know that you’re out of line. If the way you live isn’t consistent with what you believe, then it’s wrong.” Romans 14:22-23 The Message Bible
FLURISH in His freedom and grace!

Shine on. . .
karan k

Wayfarers Welcome

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“For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible qualities—-His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” Romans 1:20 New Living translation

So we are traveling around in southern California for ten glorious days. Each day is a new adventure as we explore a different section of my husband’s favorite piece of land on earth. Today we happen to be at a place I have wanted to see for several years. It’s called Wayfarers Chapel. It’s a place welcoming weary travelers to stop and rest. To meditate on the beauty of God and His creation of which we are all a part.
Wayfarers Chapel sits high above the Pacific ocean in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Built in 1951 it’s essentially a modern glass chapel designed and built by Lloyd Wright, son of American architect and innovator Frank Lloyd Wright.

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The chapel overlooks the ocean and was built into a grove of young Redwood trees. It’s an example of organic architecture where the trees grow to become part of the sanctuary and help display the sacredness of the Almighty architect.

A solemn experience awaits as I quietly sit down on a narrow bench inside the chapel. Calming waters trickle down a rock formation fountain off to my left. Stone steps engraved with the Lord’s prayer guide the eye upward toward the expansive circular glass window and ceiling. Through the ceiling a wooden cross cleverly looms in sight above the tower next to the chapel. A modern marvel built for the Makers glory.

I could spend hours reclining on the soft carpet like grass surrounding the chapel, just contemplating the goodness of God. Reflecting on the Bird of Paradise and other exotic flowers flourishing and adorning the grounds as the ocean rolls ceaselessly below. Unfortunately, many seem to visit this gorgeous place only as tourists taking selfies, not that I am above that, but there is so much more here if we look a little closer. Even if you are not able to experience Wayfarers Chapel, the Lords beauty is all around you. Take a careful, conscious look and drink in the divine wherever you are! His glory commands attention.

“I wanted particularly to allow those trees and those trunks to be seen and the space beyond and into infinity to be observed, so those who sat in the sanctuary would perceive the grandeur of space out beyond and around them.”
Lloyd Wright

Shine on. . .
karan k

Pass the Buck

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“Don’t be in debt to anyone, except for the obligation to love each other.” Romans 13:8a Common English Bible

Call me crazy, but I love bill paying day. Yesterday I was gathering all my bills and paying each one ahead of time in preparation for an upcoming trip. Still VERY old school, I wrote out a check for each one. And then euphoria set in. I cannot tell you how freeing it is to know all the monthly financial obligations have been met and I am not in the red! It’s a bit of a thrill every time. I know, insane right?

You see, I’ve trained myself since I began working full-time to give back to God His tithe and then pay any and all debts I incur monthly. Whatever is left after that is mine to spend. Of course some months are more exciting than others depending what’s left! 🙂 The freedom I feel after the bills are paid is tremendous and so fulfilling that I have continued this practice from 1981 to the present. It simply works for me and I remain debt-free except for my mortgage. And now I am chipping away at that to pay it off early.

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Now don’t think for even a millisecond that all of this came easy or natural to me. It did not. I moved out on my own at eighteen so it was first born out of FEAR that I would not be able to provide for myself. After that, it was PRIDE that I would fail and have to move back home if I didn’t discipline my spending. So my motivation in the beginning was negative and sinful. But as I learned to trust God and give Him my finances, I began to develop His fruit of self control. HE is a kind, generous and easy Master (Matthew 11:29). Now my motivation for self control in my finances is positive and freeing.

Perhaps a different system works for you as far as HOW you pay your bills such as online banking, auto withdrawal, debit or credit cards etc.,? But the discipline of self control is the key to success. I told you way back in the beginning of our journey together that self discipline is a must for Christ followers. (See ‘God Gave Us What?’ post in Archives). The excellent news is HE will help us develop self discipline if we ask Him! Galatians 5:22— Self Control is one of the fruits of His Spirit.

If you feel you need help in the area of finances, check out Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps or Peace University at http://www.daveramsey.com or Crown Financial at http://www.crown.org;

Don't be in bondage to your spending habits... — Don’t be in bondage to your spending habits…

“The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.” Proverbs 21:20 New Living translation

Financial Freedom is just another area to conquer on our journey of FLURISHING together. Spend wisely, my friends.

Shine on. . .
karan k

Hillbilly Faith?

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.” Hebrews 11:1 King James version or “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1 New Living translation
One of the best definitions of faith I’ve ever heard is: Faith is believing something so strongly that you adjust your entire life to it. Not sure who said it or if I am misquoting it but I first heard Elisabeth Elliot say it on her radio program ‘Gateway to Joy’ many years ago. I never forgot it and believe in its truth.

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Remember the show, The Beverly Hillbillies? It ran on CBS tv from
1962-1971. It had an interesting premise about a poor family in the Ozarks who discovered oil on their land. “Black Gold or Texas Tea” as the theme song goes. Suddenly these poor people from the mountains believed or “had faith” that they were rich. They didn’t continue living in the Ozarks like poor mortals and tell people now and then that they were rich. Oh no, they packed up their old truck and moved across the country to California’s luxurious Beverly Hills, home to swimming pools and movie stars. They moved from a cabin to a mansion because they acted on the belief that they were now rich. That is a picture of faith. Acting on what you believe to be true. Adjusting your life; your mindset, your routines, your decisions, your values etc., to what you believe to be true.

Concerning faith in God, it is not enough to say you believe only. Consider one of the strongest rebukes in the book of James;

“You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror.” James 2:19 New Living translation

I don’t know about you but I don’t want my faith to resemble that of a demon! I was concerned about someone very close to me who used to tell me they believed in God, but their life showed only apathy and at times ungodliness. I loved this person very much but I never saw them activate their belief. Belief must be acted upon to become true faith. Otherwise it is useless, just like a credit or debit card you get in the mail is useless unless activated. When my loved one’s life was tragically cut short, my spirit mourned for their soul because I feared their eternal destination. Only God consoles me over this sorrow.

Has your belief been activated to become a faith FLURISHING in the Spirit of the living God? All of us can have a strong vibrant faith if we choose to activate it. Don’t just admire someone else’s faith, build your own by trusting God with your whole self, body, soul, mind and spirit.

I want faith like Abraham who was counted righteous for his trusting faith and called a friend of God in II Chronicles 20:7. James further challenges us about Abraham:

“Don’t you remember our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete.”
James 2:21 &22. New Living translation

You can read more about faith in Hebrews chapter 11 which is commonly referred to as the faith chapter if the Bible.

So have you activated your belief? Don’t delay, start FLURISHING in your faith as His friend today!

Shine on. . .
karan k

Least Lives Matter

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Lots of talk over the last few months about whose lives matter. I recorded a short video off the cuff concerning this topic according to the scripture below. Check it out and read the passage because you need to make sure you are aware of your choices. Someday it will matter more than you realize! Click here to watch:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QEEpQ5SMPQ&sns=em

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Karan Klassen, Least Lives Matter

“But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit upon His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in His presence, and He will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at His right hand and the goats at His left.

Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed Me. I was thirsty, and you gave Me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited Me into your home. I was naked, and you gave Me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for Me. I was in prison, and you visited Me.’

Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see You hungry and feed You? Or thirsty and give You something to drink? Or a stranger and show You hospitality? Or naked and give You clothing? When did we ever see You sick or in prison and visit You?’

And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to Me!’

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Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the fire prepared for the devil and his demons. For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed Me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give Me a drink. I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite Me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give Me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit Me.’

Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help You?’

And He will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help Me.’

And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”
Matthew 25: 31-46 New Living translation

These are the words of Jesus Himself. He is telling us about our future. It’s a long passage but I trust you took the time to read it. No matter who we are, these verses concern us. So pay close attention to them. Simply acting religious or doing good things will not cut it either. You must KNOW Him— {see Matthew 7:21-23 and Ephesians 2:8 &9} and then you will recognize Him as one of the Least Lives who matter most!

GOD saved you by His grace when you put your faith in HIm. HE empowers you now to serve the Least! — GOD saved you by His grace when you put your faith in HIm. HE empowers you now to serve the Least of These!

Shine on. . .
karan k