Chats with Chaplain Anthony

Loving and honoring people is not so complicated. It just requires us to set aside our desire to be served and the result is others are valued. When we are looking into the interests of others rather than our own, this is when true love and service begin. Seek to glorify Him by serving others. 

1 Corinthians 10:23, 31 ESV

23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.

31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to find out more about how that can look in your own life.

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There are a number of different things that we can do to better improve ourselves and those around us. The great thing we could do is live up to the greatest commandment that Jesus speaks of in Matthew 22. Give yourself permission to grow in this area of your life today. It will bless you and others if you hold to them. 

Matthew 22:35-40 ESV

35 And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to find out more about how that can look in your own life.

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Philippians 4:13 is a verse that is often taken to mean that you can achieve your American Dream through God. However, the core of the verse speaks more to who God is in our abundance and our need. God's strength and sustenance for us is greater than our status or success. Learning to turn, follow, and trust Him in every season of life is key to achieving peace in Him. 

Philippians 4:10-13 ESV

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to find out more about how that can look in your own life.

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When I say this, I don't mean to find yourself a follower. I mean for you to look for the person that is being overlooked and forgotten about. Remind them that they are still loved and seen by God. None of us feels like we are the center of God's world when He's constantly doing so many things...but even Jesus wasn't distracted by the crowd. He still saw and valued Levi. Look for your Levi, make an impact in someone's day. 

Mark 2:13-14 ESV

13 He went out again beside the sea, and all the crowd was coming to him, and he was teaching them. 14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.

Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to find out more about how that can look in your own life.

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At times, we get blinded by our devotion to Christ because we prop up our standards of devotion rather than our spiritual fruit. As Christians, we get known for our ability to downcast the interest and entertainment of others in a way to highlight our devotion to God. But the Bible reminds us that our love for one another is how the world will know us, not our avoidance and demonizing of lifestyle differences. Seek to honor God without puffing yourself up for your own self-righteous attitude. 

Colossians 2:20-23 ESV

20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.

Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to find out more about how that can look in your own life.

Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!

Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to find out more about how that can look in your own life.

Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!

Sometimes we forget that we are simply children seeking to imitate the example of our Father. It's amazing when God gives examples in our life to remind us of the bigger picture of what He's doing in our lives. Look out for the daily lessons that He is teaching you and always remember to imitate His love to those that are around you. 

Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV

1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to find out more about how that can look in your own life.

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The beauty of life is the many dynamics of those around us. No one has the same exact story but all of us have something to learn from a friend, neighbor, or family member. Allow yourself to get outside of yourself and your reality in order to see someone experiencing and living life differently than yourself. This practice will help you grow closer together and grow closer with God. 

Acts 2:42 ESV

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers

Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to find out more about how that can look in your own life.

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In this day, it feels easy to post anything that will give someone a reason to be offended by you. But the Gospel preacher, Paul, reminds us of a more important way to live. It's not about us being right or our advantage. It's about people being in your life so that you might be able to share the love of God with them. 

1 Corinthians 10:31-33, 11:1 ESV

31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.

1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to find out more about how that can look in your own life.

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When life knocks you back, someone is there to back you up. The moments of darkness are not completely black because there is a light with you. Every time you feel like you have been pushed far enough, remember who is with you at all times. Your story isn't over it's in process. 

Micah 7:8 ESV

Rejoice not over me, O my enemy;
when I fall, I shall rise;
when I sit in darkness,
the Lord will be a light to me.

Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to find out more about how that can look in your own life.

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Being a good person is a hard thing to define. Many will see front-line workers, superheroes, and saints as the only "good" people on earth. But these images of good and selflessness are often only what we see in the public view. Being a good person requires a 24/7 devotion to virtuous ethics and acts. In order to be the same good person in public and in private requires devotion and practice to see it become second nature. For me, I believe we best find this in Jesus. Don't beat yourself up because you messed up. Count it as a lesson to learn from and grow. Give yourself the grace to learn and train yourself to continue to do good. 

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 ESV

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

Following Jesus and enjoying life are not opposite ends of the spectrum. Let's connect to find out more about how that can look in your own life.

Let's connect on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn!