Tag: god

Genesis 1:26a

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.

Sometimes we lose touch with who we are. In many ways, it is the result of how we have devalued humanity. We possess a unique to understanding about what people are supposed to mean. Somehow time has taught us to lean in more on creating a monolithic environment rather than embrace the uniqueness of every individual.

We should have a daily reflection that reminds us that every person has something extraordinary to offer our world. The great sin of humanity is not how we treat one another, but it is how we forget the sacredness of our individuality. That loss of memory influences the way that we treat one another. Ultimately, that produces the various sinful acts that destroy the possibility of a greater world.

Once you and I remember where we come from, we will form new ways of expressing the healing of community and embrace the beauty of God‘s variety. Until we understand self through the lens of God‘s creative nature, we will never be able to build a world that provides the equity, equality, justice, and love that is needed to guide our existence into a kingdom future.

Ephesians 4:26-27

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.

One of the things that people don’t consider is that anger has a significant place in one’s life. Most people suggest that they do not wanna live an angry life. Yet, many circumstances occur that would bring anger to the forefront. What do you do when injustice seems to reign? What do you do when you hear the ignorance of racist and others? What do you do?

The trouble with anger is that most people do not know how to focus this feeling. Some people are of the mentality that if they check their anger, they will not do destructive things. Some people believe that if they let all their anger out, they will not have to address the problems that caused it anymore.

Could it be that proper anger should cause us to think and consider our values and beliefs? Is it possible that our anger exists because we feel powerless to address what is happening around us? It may be possible that Paul is asking all of us to give proper attention to the anger that we might feel, so we do not allow it to fester and linger. It might be time to give our anger a critical look. It might be that our anger is ringing our phone that we might become a witness and advocate for effective change.

2 Corinthians 4:8-10

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.

Death and resurrection are always an interesting pair. One cannot happen without the other. Many people hate the idea that any element of our lives has to pass through the portal of death that we might experience the resurrection. However, we must understand that something unnecessary in our lives must occur so that we might experience the life that God has always promised us.

Various moments come to us where every aspect of our mind, body, and soul are challenged to face unyielding difficulty. Enemies desire, that we do not continue in the pursuit of the will of God, nor do they desire to see us survive the attacks on our lives.

Paul says that we are to carry this unusual economy within our bodies. We are able to acknowledge the challenges in our environment. It would be foolish not to recognize all the elements of the world that attempt to slow us down. Nevertheless, we must maintain our resolve to press forward For everything that God desires and wills for our lives. Today, keep the faith. Maintain your determination to fulfill your purpose. Recognize that the difficulty is only a distraction sent to deter you. Remember, you are more than a conqueror.