Simplify

"We lose the joy of living in the present when we worry about the future."


In a radio interview, a basketball superstar was asked about his knack for making the game-winning shot in crucial situations. The reporter asked how he was able to be so calm in such pressure-packed moments. His answer was that he tried to simplify the situation. “You only have to make one shot,” the player replied. One shot. That is the essence of simplifying a difficult situation. Focus only on what is in front of you right now. Don’t worry about the expectations of your coach or teammates. Simplify.


Recognizing that the challenges of life can be both overwhelming and suffocating, Jesus urged us to take matters in hand by simplifying. He said, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matt. 6:34). This was His wise conclusion to His teaching on the debilitating power of worry. Worry doesn’t accomplish anything positive; it just adds to the sense that we are drowning in the troubles we are facing. We must take things as they come­—one day at a time­—and trust Him for the wisdom to respond properly.

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"Don’t worry for your future needs,

It will only bring you sorrow;

But give them to the Lord instead,

He’ll take care of your tomorrow."

-Sper-

:)

Two Words

[Submit to God - James 4:7 ]


In the annals of US advertising history, one of the most efficient slogans ever is the California milk producers’ two-word question, “Got milk?” With that phrase, the group captured almost everyone’s attention. In surveys, the slogan was recognized by more than 90 percent of the people polled.


If “Got milk?” is so good at reminding people to drink “cow juice,” perhaps we can create some two-word slogans to remind ourselves to live more godly lives. 
Let’s turn to James 4 and try it. This passage gives four specific guidelines.


1. Give in!  Verse 7 tells us to submit to God. Our sovereign God loves us, so why not let Him run the show? Submission helps us resist the devil. 
2. Get close! Verse 8 reminds us of the value of drawing near to God. It’s up to us to close the gap between us and God. 
3. Clean up! Verse 8 also reminds us to make sure our hearts are clean. That happens through confessing our sins to God. 
4. Get down! James says we need to be humble before God (v.10). That includes viewing our sin as something to weep over.


Give in! Get close! Clean up! Get down! These pairs of words may not look as good on a T-shirt as “Got milk?” But they sure will look good on us. — Dave Branon