Ikigai 生き甲斐 is a Japanese concept meaning “a reason for being”. Everyone, according to the Japanese,  has an ikigai. Finding it requires a deep and often lengthy search of  self. Such a search is regarded as being very important, since it is  believed that discovery of one’s ikigai brings satisfaction and meaning to life.[1]

In the culture of Okinawa, ikigai is thought of as “a reason to get up in the morning”; that is, a reason to enjoy life. In a TED Talk, Dan Buettner referenced ikigai as one of the reasons people in the area had such long lives.

What is happiness? Can you define happiness? Are you happy? Is there a time you have been very happy?

The dictionary defines happy as:

Take a look at your life. Not the pains or sadness  of the past, but the good times and wonderful memories. The day of your  High School or College graduation. True love. Your wedding day. The  birth of your child/children. The anticipation of Christmas on Christmas  Eve as a child, or as an adult. Holidays with family and/or friends.  Watching your kids laugh, learn and play. The embrace, laughter and  smiles of your spouse or girlfriend/boyfriend. The job promotion, new  job, or the obtaining the career you always wanted. The bonus, or  victory of a large sale, or big raise. The victories of your favorite  sports team. The wedding of your child or children. Finding out your  test for cancer was negative.

Each  of us have a lot to be happy about. I am confident each of us can count  our blessings and begin naming them. List them down. Post them on your  refrigerator. Recall them and be thankful for them. We all have things  to be thankful for. No matter how bad things may seem, there is hope.

There are also times of sadness. They will inevitably come. Sometimes these valleys can last for days.

I cringe when I read or hear Christians judge one another and argue, especially in a public format or on social media. Not saying I have not done that myself as a young,  impressionable new Christian in a certain, rather strict denomination,  many years ago. However the bible and wisdom tells us to do otherwise.  The bible actually warns of wrongfully judging others, and arguing,  especially when others can hear or see us. It now makes me both angry  and sad when I see or hear it. You see, if you truly and deeply study  the life and personality of Jesus, He did not come to judge, argue, or  divide, He came to walk alongside, to love, lead, and teach us to the  understanding of God the Father, and His mission and purpose.

As believers, I believe we should strive live, lead, teach and love as Jesus did. We should be SPUNGE WORTHY, not CRINGE WORTHY.

I cringe when I read or hear Christians judge one another and argue, especially in a public format or on social media. Not saying I have not done that myself as a young,  impressionable new Christian in a certain, rather strict denomination,  many years ago. However the bible and wisdom tells us to do otherwise.  The bible actually warns of wrongfully judging others, and arguing,  especially when others can hear or see us. It now makes me both angry  and sad when I see or hear it. You see, if you truly and deeply study  the life and personality of Jesus, He did not come to judge, argue, or  divide, He came to walk alongside, to love, lead, and teach us to the  understanding of God the Father, and His mission and purpose.

Please check out, subscribe, comment, and like all my Social Media: 

Articles on Medium: https://bromartin.medium.com/

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/bromartin

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BroMartin

Are you Battle Tested? There is a war going on every day!  Did you know there is a war going on every day, 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year?  Have you been Battle Tested? Do you have a Battle Buddy? Do you know what a Battle Buddy is?

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” - Ephesians 6:10​-20    

#Devotional​ #AreYouBattledTested​ #ThereIsAWarGoingOnEveryDay​ #ChristianLiving​ #ChristianBiker​ #Purpose​ #Principles​ #Passion

AMBITION, EXCELLENCE, HUMILITY, PERFECTIONISM

Humility as defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary:

: freedom from pride or arrogance : the quality or state of being humble

Humble as defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary:

: not proud or haughty : not arrogant or assertive

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” - Philippians 2:1-11

If we are to strive to lead, serve, teach, love and live as Jesus did, we must exude humility. We must be humble, and not prideful.  To have the same mind as Christ, we must strive to do things not from selfish ambition or conceit. 

This is not to say we do not do all that we do to the best of our ability, talents, knowledge and strength. We should pursue excellence in all that we say and do.

“Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge,” - 2 Peter 1:5

“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,” - Colossians 3:23

“so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ;” - Philippians 1:10

“An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, But she who shames him is like rottenness in his bones.” - Proverbs 12:4

Not to coin the phrase from the movie, Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, but we should indeed “be excellent to one another.” and we should pursue excellence but not perfectionism.

There is nothing wrong with ambition. In fact it is good, just as in the verses I shared above to pursue excellence. We should be ambitious, we should set goals, and strive to achieve them and excel in all that we do, and set out minds to. However, in the flesh, it is easy to pursue selfish ambition. When your efforts become more about you, ways of this world, or overly financial gain, that can often be selfish, and come from of source of conceit. We should think about others, just as Christ did, and does. Even more significant than ourselves.

This may not seem natural. However, was it natural for Christ to wash Judas feet, and break bread and drink wine with him at the Last Supper when Jesus knew Judas would betray Him.  Christ exuded love and humility. Although Christ prayed to the Father to have this cup pass, which was the suffering and death on the cross, Christ did ask be it God’s will, and He let God’s will be done. That was humility to a suffering, and humiliating death. So whether you are a leader, or a subordinate, whether you are a teacher or a student, whether you are a parent or a child, we must exude humility and do nothing from selfish ambition, or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than ourselves.

#Devotional #Humility #Philippians2

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 

I love this verse and it has a special meaning to me. I spoke a message on it during my very first mission trip which was to the Philippines. It was my second time to preach there and one of the Philippines young pastors traveled with me by buss, then by eepnee, then walked to the church. The day or so before I studied a message to deliver, but when I arrived these verses came to mind. I believe they were put on my heart by God. During this time the people felt down trodden, even betrayed by parts of their politics party. There was social and civil unrest. There were factions rising up in arms, and at times the streets were no safe. In fact, our compound got locked down with armed guards of a time. I prayed earnestly for God to speak through me, that my words would b His Words, to impact, encourage and inspire these people. Some whom traveled long distances, and walked for many hours just to attend this message. While there I learned some Tagalog,. And was someone how able to blend the words into this message, and the people praised God, shouted with hands held up. Some wept, some called out with joy, re-dedications & new salvations. God worked through me, when I got out of my head, and let Him take over. These people needed to hear that they were Chosen, that they are considered a Royal Priesthood, God’s special possession, and they were declaring praises of Him who call them out of the darkness into His wonderful light. I did too. 

What does it mean to be “chosen”? What does this verse mean by “royal priesthood”? What does this verse mean by “a holy nation”? What does this verse mean by “God’s special possession”? 

“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love” - Ephesians 1:4

So if we are Called out of the darkness into His wonderful light, should we not speak of, and shine His light? Yes, we should! Amen!  

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” -Matthew 5:1-16” - Matthew 5:12-16​

So we must be bright and salty my friends. It is not all about what you say, but what you do in actions and deeds. Actions and deeds speak louder than words. We can say we have love, but if we don’t show it, it has little value. Remember how the way of love is described in 1 Corinthians 13:1-13?

Devotional, "Remain", "Love One Another"

In John 15:9-10 NIV, Jesus says, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.”

And a few verses later, “This is my command: Love each other.” John 15:12 NCV

Jesus explains that we know what the Father’s love looks like because Jesus Himself showed it to us. He then challenges us to continue in this love. To remain. And He explains exactly how we can do that: by keeping His commands. What commands? Again, Jesus is super clear. His explicit instruction was for us to love each other. 

In John 15, Jesus echoes the new command He issued back in chapter 13: a command that would become the trademark of His followers even to this day. He taught us, saying:

    “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 NIV

Today's Worship Music Selection: Third Day - "Cry Out To Jesus" : https://youtu.be/JmVxRl5bc4Y​

"Unending Love" - Hillsong Worship: https://youtu.be/Db-CF_rfZWs​

We Are Messengers - "Love" : https://youtu.be/I2IvHbXZp-I​

“O Lord, you have searched me and known me!

You know when I sit down and when I rise up;

    you discern my thoughts from afar.

You search out my path and my lying down

    and are acquainted with all my ways.

Even before a word is on my tongue,

    behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.

You hem me in, behind and before,

    and lay your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;

    it is high; I cannot attain it.

Where shall I go from your Spirit?

    Or where shall I flee from your presence?

If I ascend to heaven, you are there!

    If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!

If I take the wings of the morning

    and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

even there your hand shall lead me,

    and your right hand shall hold me.

If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,

    and the light about me be night,”

even the darkness is not dark to you;

    the night is bright as the day,

    for darkness is as light with you.

For you formed my inward parts;

    you knitted me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are your works;

    my soul knows it very well.

My frame was not hidden from you,

when I was being made in secret,

    intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed substance;

in your book were written, every one of them,

    the days that were formed for me,

    when as yet there was none of them.

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!

    How vast is the sum of them!

If I would count them, they are more than the sand.

    I awake, and I am still with you.”  - Psalm 139:1-18

#Devotional​ #RemainInMyLove​ #LoveOneAnother​ #Disciples​ #John​ #Bible​ #BibeStudy​ #Love​ #Jesus​ #RemainInLove​ #LetBrotherlyLoveContinue​

On this morning's DEVO we talk about not giving God our "left overs" & don't let your life's septic tank back up & spew over into your life. Today's verses are from the following:

“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the Lord of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. But you say, ‘How have we despised your name?’ By offering polluted food upon my altar. But you say, ‘How have we polluted you?’ By saying that the Lord's table may be despised. When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the Lord of hosts. And now entreat the favor of God, that he may be gracious to us. With such a gift from your hand, will he show favor to any of you? says the Lord of hosts. Oh that there were one among you who would shut the doors, that you might not kindle fire on my altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you, says the Lord of hosts, and I will not accept an offering from your hand. For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts. But you profane it when you say that the Lord's table is polluted, and its fruit, that is, its food may be despised. But you say, ‘What a weariness this is,’ and you snort at it, says the Lord of hosts. You bring what has been taken by violence or is lame or sick, and this you bring as your offering! Shall I accept that from your hand? says the Lord. Cursed be the cheat who has a male in his flock, and vows it, and yet sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished. For I am a great King, says the Lord of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations.” - Malachi 1:6-14

“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.” - Matthew 7:6

“Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” - Corinthians 15:33

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.” - Matthew 7:15-20

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” - Galatians 5:22-23

“Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.” - Proverbs 22:24-25

Proverbs 13:20

1 Corinthians 13:1-7

Find the video referenced by Bro Twenty Four by Jack'd Up at: https://youtu.be/wWwyZf49DPQ

Follow Jack'd Up's YouTube Channel at this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOYkT2hQfyksNjMvizPVuaA

#Devotional #DoNotGiveGodYourLeftOvers #DoNotLetLifesSepticTankBackUpAndSpewIntoYourLife #Malachi1 #Matthew7 #PurposePrinciplesPassion #BroTwentyFour #ChristianLiving #ChristianBikers

This morning's Devotional is on Romans 12:9-21 title Marks of a True Christian. 

“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” - Romans 12:9-21  

Today's Worship Music selection: Micah Tyler - Different (Official Music Video): https://youtu.be/xUT4trsrBCw

~ and ~  

Light of the World - [Lyric Video] Lauren Daigle       https://youtu.be/dCRunZGYBi4

#Devotional