Coffee with Carole

Does frustration upset you or inspire you?  When you hit red lights on the way to work or get to the store to find out the item you need is out of stock, do you complain about it for hours and with everyone you know?  Do you justify your frustrations to give them credibility or do you honestly seek to understand the other perspective?  What if you embraced and welcomed frustrations instead of seeing them as an annoyance?  What might you learn?  Where might you grow?  What might change?  

Passive responses rarely compel you to take action.  Powerful responses inspire you and propel you into action!  Does scripture cause you take action or is it more of a sentiment, thought or idea that causes you to reflect, but changes nothing? Living a life by God's design requires application and practice of God's word.  Philippians 4:9 reminds us that scripture should be SEEN in our actions.  Can people read scripture through your actions?  Are you powerful or passive?

Feelings always follow actions.  

We typically follow this cycle:  Thought-feeling-action.  Instead, why not try: Thought-action-feeling.

Staying convicted to the right action takes intentional effort.  Physical: 1 Corinthians 6:19- Our body is a temple  Career/Business: Colossians 3:23- Work as if God is your CEO Money: Genesis 9:3- God is our provision  Spiritual: Joshua 1:8- Meditate on scripture day/night and be obedient to it. Personal: 2 Corinthians 10:5- Capture every thought and bring it into obedience to Christ.  Let God help you change your thoughts so you take the right action and ultimately change the way you feel.  ♥

Limitations are a byproduct of imitations.  When you are "plagiarizing" someone else you aren't impressing God at all.  Can you tell the difference between the real and the fake?  Others can too.  When you lack authenticity in your words and actions, you lack credibility.  Galatians 6:4 (MSG) says, "Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life."

When tragedy strikes, we ask God, "why"?    Our human limitations do not allow us to see the full picture or plan.  Questions are expected when there is uncertainty or unknown situations that arise.  God expects the questions, but He also expects us to trust Him.  

Hebrews 11:6 (Living Bible) says, "You can never please God without faith, without depending on him. Anyone who wants to come to God must believe that there is a God and that he rewards those who sincerely look for him."  

It is ok to ask why. He expects it. However, when we ask, we must not only believe IN God we must believe God and what He says.  

Do you strive for external approval and recognition or do you seek God's whisper of "well done!" 

 John 5:41-44 (MSG) says, “I’m not interested in crowd approval. And do you know why? Because I know you and your crowds. I know that love, especially God’s love, is not on your working agenda. I came with the authority of my Father, and you either dismiss me or avoid me. If another came, acting self-important, you would welcome him with open arms. How do you expect to get anywhere with God when you spend all your time jockeying for position with each other, ranking your rivals and ignoring God?"  

So, how do we find our internal applause?  How do we know the difference?  

An expectation is thought to be a “desired outcome”, but it actually is a pre-meditated bitterness or resentment. Having clear expectations doesn't always mean it will work out. Creating expectations that benefit you and the other (s) involved is key to a successful result. Relying on God instead of man is the daily goal. When your perceptions and beliefs align with His, things change.

Do you micro-manage or do you empower?  Are you afraid of failing or of letting someone else fail?  Failure is never fatal.  If it was, Jesus would not have chosen Peter to be in charge of building the church.  (Matthew 16:18)  Here are some practical ways we can empower others!

Stress is often considered negative and harmful to our health.  However, when we take our stress to God first (Matthew 6:33) it can propel us into creative action!  Internalizing stress leads to a focus on self.  This focus creates fear, worry, anxiety, etc.  Let's discover how to turn our stress into energy that moves us to positive action!  Serve God, serve others, make an impact and change lives! 

The enemy is on the prowl looking for anyone he can devour!  (1 Peter 5:8) Will you let him?  The enemy wants you to focus on what you don't have or what you could miss out on, so you must hold on to your vision and the promises of God. Get up and FIGHT!   The enemy has no authority over you or your life!