Philippians 4

4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

A familiar chapter came up in my bible randomizer today.  Hit on not being anxious and also being content no matter the situation of being in need or having plenty.

As I mentioned before I am a worrier, so v6-7 is one I have leaned on in the past and will need to lean on the rest of my life.  I am thankful for moments like this to reflect and read and actually try to listen to what he is telling me.  This one I use to take my worries away about the future, especially of my kids.

an of course all things are possible through him is in this chapter as well.

knut

James 4:10

 I opened up the Bible Gateway today, and this verse was on the front page.  

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."

very short, and filled with a massive message.  I need to remind myself everyday to humble myself before God.  I try to apologize for my own selfish viewpoints and actions....and try to look at things through the perspective I imagine would be his.  It really flavors how I see things.  Its a viewpoint of love, understanding, and forgiveness.  I find if I'm really operating in this mindset my life is so much more peaceful and happy.  Its when I slip into my own world that things go pear-shaped.

tp

1 Peter 5

7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.....

10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

I am a worrier.  Over the years I have lost probably thousands of hours of sleep worrying about every little detail of life.  I am much better than I use to be but now much of my anxiety comes from thinking about my kids not my own circumstances.  These verses are a little pressure reliever, a reminder that God cares about me and my family and that life is short here on earth but we have eternity with him.

knut

Colossians 3

 12Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

No deep thoughts needed this is a good paragraph to try to live by--if we all did this seems like there would be few problems in this world today.  On the outside I bet there are many people that would say I do live like this---that isn't a bad thing.  But on the inside my thoughts are not always aligned with patience and forgiving nature in particular.  So I am a work in progress for sure.

Knut

James 1

 19My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 

This is one of my favorite verses that I use to use a lot at work--especially the quick to listen because my nature is to talk and try to convince someone of my perspective.  I think I needed a refresher course this morning in remembering to listen to others at work, my kids and my wife rather than reacting.  My reactions aren't outward with anger but I do know sometimes inside I am stewing a bit.  I may be taking this verse a little out of context but I think as a leader being quick to listen is a valuable but difficult skill.

knut

Isaiah 40:30-31, Jeremiah 29:11

 Isaiah 40:30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Jerimiah  29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Its a blessing working for Deere and getting a long break around Christmas.  It is also tough to get back at it.  So I found a couple versus of encouragement to kick off the year.  God will refresh when we are tired and he has plans for us and each member of our family.  That is especially hopeful for me as I think about our kids, I pray God shows them his plans for them and that it does give them hope for their futures.

Happy New Year!

Knut