Here is where you’ll find observations, reflections, concerns, book and article reviews, recommended reading, a suggested website, a cartoon, a personal experience, sometimes humorous, sometimes serious, but always interesting.
Two of the most important words in the vocabulary of spiritual life are “LET” and “RECEIVE”. It is commonly (and erroneously) believed that these two words denote passivity. Nothing could be further from the truth. To “LET” and to “RECEIVE” both require a choice, an act of the will and so involve activity, not passivity. Read more…
Yes, you can become more positive. Yes, you can become more hopeful. The Christian is the only person in the world who has truth-based and knowledge-based reasons to be positive and hopeful. (See HOPE in this section)
The late Maj. W. Ian Thomas said, “The Word of God is not only redemptive, it is also regenerative”. God’s Word, as illuminated by the Holy Spirit, will change us from the inside out, giving us the opportunity to align our thinking with His. These changes in our thinking will be followed by changes in our belief system, our emotions and our behaviors.
The God of hope wants to change you into a person who is increasingly more positive and hopeful. LET HIM. (See Letting and Faith in this section).
When things are going well for us, the notion/concept of hope seldom enters our thinking. It is when things of life become difficult that this need (the need for hope) comes to mind. Read more…
Seek to bring out the best in the other person. This attitude frees God to love that person through you.
Opportunities, including those that are disguised as problems, come our way every day. Welcomed or not, they are God’s provision to initiate the process whereby we are prompted to invite Him to enter our daily lives, seek His wisdom, live in His presence and allow Him to demonstrate His grace, power and love.
As a society, the prevailing philosophy is “more and more of everything, faster and faster”. So the framed “Slow Me Down Lord” which I’ve had in my office for many years has had some meaning for me.
As I was considering posting it on this website, I examined it closely to be sure that I could fully support the content. Although I found the overall concept of “Slow Me Down Lord” to be useful, I also found that I would have difficulty suporting some of the content from a theological perspective.
Also, why should I wait for the Lord to slow me down? Why shouldn’t I take the initiative, exercise personal responsibility and slow myself down? With this background in mind, “Lord, I Will Pause” was created.
“Lord, I Will Pause” content can be found in the Family Resource Library.
“Lord, Today I Will Pause” content can be found in the section Note To Encourage.
Lowell E. Becker, M.D.
Copyright © 2010 Growing Better Families All rights reserved.