Stuck on a Chapter?

Have you ever made a mistake and simply wished you could rewind and start over? If you're like most poeple you definitely have had those moments in your life. Maybe it was something you said. Maybe a semester in school you slacked off on. Or any other mistake...we want them to be rewound and start over.

Some choices we may want to start over but at the same time we haven't reached the point of being willing to start over. We are content to stay at the same place - even if we don't like it, it is not enough of a discomfort to move on.

Examples of this may include addictions, bad relationships, bad jobs, etc. We want to get to the next chapter in our lives, but the obstacles seem to be holding us back. This brings us to this week's quote...

You can't start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading the last one. ~ Unknown

As I pondered the quote, it caused me to think about how often I have been known to re-read the last chapter. Maybe the chapter before that, as well.

When it comes to literal reading, I tend to be a bit slower, especially when I am really trying to comprehend. There have been known times when I would put a book down for a few days to a week and once I returned to the reading, I had to refresh my memory on what was going on in the book. This slows down my momentum in the book and generally causes the book to not be so impactful.

When we remain in a phase of life that would be much better for us to not be in, we are essentially "re-reading the lat chapter."

As you go through life, be aware of what chapter you are on and the obstacles that are preventing you from "reading the next chapter!"

Now it's your turn...what do you need to do in your current situation to "turn the page" and read the next chapter?

Sending the Apostles Out - A message emphasizing our responsibility to go and share

Overwhelmed is that unpleasant feeling when you see the task before you as greater than the energy or time you have available. There are several places in life which the feeling of being overwhelmed is evident. A few examples might be house cleaning, debt, homework, or deadlines. They all have the potential to cause us to feel overwhelmed.

When you feel overwhelmed you are hardly able to focus your attention on anything else. That which is overwhelming is practically pressed up against your face and you see very little of anything else. Occasionally you will be forced to look around that overwhelming subject to see something else in your life you must focus attention on.

Sunday, we looked at the first part of the charge of Jesus sending out the Apostles. Here are some applications to choose from to use this week...

• New Adventure ~ Sometimes starting something new can cause us to be really apprehensive. We are reluctant. However, why not make the choice to embrace the opportunity. Meeting someone new or expanding your territory of spiritual influence are great ways to look at the new adventure with positivity.
• Go ~ With some Christian groups making a negative impression on people to "share their faith" in a cold way, makes some reluctant to talk to others about their own faith. However, making sure we are always willing to "go" to people and when the doors open that we can share our faith then we do so. Don't just keep your faith to yourself, share your kindness, joy, peace, and sinful past when opportunities present themselves!
• Radars Up ~ I think it is fun to talk about faith with people that are not the same denomination as me. Something to consider is when the relationship or conversation starts to show there is a belief in God, perk up to know you can share your faith. Don't be hesitant to share what you are passionate about. Let someone know you will pray for them or watch their kids or help them when needed. The doors will open, we just need to keep our radars up!

I cannot explain how much I love to find open opportunities to share my faith. I want to let people know that God is there for them. In the middle of a crisis, let's turn to God. That is "pie in the sky" talk for some, but for others it is really comforting. Part of the comfort is knowing someone cares.

As we are "out" may we freely give what we've been freely given!

Now it's your turn...what victories have you experienced when sharing your faith (Not specifically talking about conversions, etc.)?