Chandler First Church of the Nazarene
a Christian family sharing the love of Jesus
When I was growing up, my mother often told me,
Dee, you are not gifted, you are just a hard worker.
Over time, this definition of me has burrowed its way deep into my being. I have lived with it for a lifetime. I tend to ruminate on it, making it a measuring stick for my value as a person.
[Read more…]Choices.
One past Sunday our worship team was practicing before church, and as I was listening to the songs, a definite theme emerged—God is good. Well, we know that, but do we believe it? The team was singing “King of My Heart” in a medley with “Good, Good Father,” and finishing with that old chorus, “God is so Good.”
So what was the point our worship leader was trying to make?
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I got an interesting text from my daughter this morning. First of all, I rejoice that my adult children choose to communicate with me (truly, I do!). Second of all, I was surprised by what she wrote. She texted during our online sermon during which her aunt, my sister, shared some of her story.
I was preaching on “Dancing With the Scars: No Regrets” and my sister shared how she had a life-changing moment with God.
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Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Have you heard this before?
I have heard it from a physical trainer in reference to working out. He meant when a workout gets uncomfortable, don’t quit, push through it and you will reap benefits later. Many times we give up or move on when things get uncomfortable and don’t see the positive changes that are possible.
Today, I heard this in reference to emotional needs. Think about your current “vice.” When things get uncomfortable, do you turn toward eating, drinking, smoking, binge watching, over exercising, or whatever you do to “check out?” I will run to my vice before I realize what is happening. I mean, when I come to the realization, it’s already too late. This is sometimes my response to being emotionally uncomfortable.
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Recently I started thinking about what I could do for God. I asked Him, but I didn’t get a sense of a response.
Then I thought I should focus more on who I am than what I do.
Certainly, my faith would be an important part of this. Yes, I believe in God. Somehow I don’t have that inspiring, enthusiastic faith I would like to have. Finally I felt like I’d chased myself around in a spiritual circle. [Read more…]