Drops of Sunshine - Daily Bread

 In scary movies, during a chase scene, the person running will end up looking behind them while they run. This often proves to be a tactical error as it results in them falling, stumbling, or leading to some other sort of obstacle. In life, that's what happens when we allow what's behind us to steal our focus from what lies ahead. We have to be intentional about keeping our attention on Jesus.

 I'm a nature fan and I love trees. Like our bodies, trees have many parts but they are all associated with one tree. Likewise, we may have different branches, but we are all apart of the body of Christ. Whether in North America, Asia, or wherever, if we are followers and believers of Christ, we are brethren.

 Over the years, I've taken part in more than one team building exercise. The latest had us working together to build the tallest tower in the room using a string, sticks of spaghetti noodles, and a single marshmallow. The teams that couldn't work together, struggled to come up with a finished product. That's how life is for us in our faith walk. The truth of where my heart belongs is not something that can be hid. Truly, we are either for or against.

If you have any experience with teams, then you've probably also encountered being a part of a team where all members weren't contributing. Oft termed as "not pulling their weight". Those who are working, end up doing twice if not more the work because of it. In our lives, we have to be bold and strong enough not to settle for things that will ultimately drag us down. 

When an agreement can't be reached in a conversation, it's often referred to as a stalemate. I once witnessed this in a class. After cooler heads prevailed, both parties realized they were actually saying the same thing, just phrasing it differently. As believers, there may be times when we to need to take a step back and fully process what's being presented and listen to what God is saying.

I do a lot of driving. When I'm on a road on a daily basis and discover the obstacles, like traffic or other road hazards, is only getting worse, I begin thinking of alternate routes with fewer, if any, issues. In our lives, we should be wary of those who bring all the drama and none of the peace. Likewise for those whose words are only contrary to God's.

When we recognize God as omnipresent, then it is astounding to really embrace what that means. Every obstacle or challenge I face, God is not only with me during my journey, but he has gone before me as well. That means, that if my struggle seems too great for me, I can call out and ask him to deliver me. The same can be said in the journey alone. Ask God to guide and direct your path. Beyond the ask, follow his instruction.

 We should always remember that there is no obstacle that we face that God can't handle. In fact, similar to those exams we would get in school, he knows what he has equipped us with. The test and trials we face are opportunities to reveal those skills or to even illustrate areas we still need more confidence in. Don't fear your obstacles. Trust God to carry you through.

 A true wilderness experience can feel extremely isolating. Yet, that is also the perfect opportunity for your faith in God to flourish. That's when you tap into the joy that only he can give. Others that may know your situation won't understand how you can feel at peace and joyful. But if you place your trust in God, then the confidence in doing so will brighten the darkest sky.

 There is no situation in our life that is so messy that God can't save us. We have to have the same "come to our senses" moment as the prodigal son. Rather than remain in the mess, cry out to God for help and trust that he will answer. No matter your circumstance. It's not too dirty for him to cleanse you.

I've recently fallen for a froyo pop brand that has a awesome tagline that if you don't love it, it's free. I didn't notice at first because I was too busy loving it! Truth is, we find ourselves with a similar experience in our faith. At times, we are too busy reaping the benefits of God repeatedly coming through for us. When obstacles along that path creep up, doubt sometimes begins to overshadow the many things he has already done for us. Our assurance that God will not fail is in our experience. He too comes with that 100% guarantee.

It's a horrible feeling to have a past wrong thrown in your face by someone that claimed to forgive you. Thank God that his grace doesn't look like that. Instead, forgiven means forgiven. Trust that God is capable of cleansing you of your dirtiest dirt. Now, start working on forgiving you.

In my line of work, we value the opportunities we have to learn from a mistake. Afterall, without them, we'd assume everything was perfect. With each day God grants us, he allows us the opportunity to live an even better life than we did the day before. Don't waste those precious moments by deceiving yourself into thinking there is no room for your growth.

It's no secret that God is a lot more merciful toward us than we are at times to one another. We must remember to show grace when others slip. Truly use that as a what would Jesus do? moment and exercise forgiveness. Willing to forgive does not make you a doormat. Instead, it opens up your heart to release the things you would otherwise cling to that can't be changed.

People used to use the idiom what goes around comes around to help instill positive morals in young, and not so young, ones. More than that, it's a reminder that whatever the level of grace and mercy we anticipate receiving, we should extend.  

There are situations in our lives where the hardest task is to forgive ourselves. We can accept that others make mistakes and the need to extend grace to them is sometimes immeasurable. But we are less forgiving when we slip. For as much as we extend mercy to others, we should be grateful, and remember, that God extends the same grace and mercy toward us.

If we desire peace in our lives, it starts with us. We have the opportunity each day to determine what is acceptable in our space. Be more intentional about being particular about the who and the what when it comes to your lifestyle. You'll find that the more you seek peace, the more you'll find it.

There is no shortage of things to complain about. Whether in our own lives or the state of the world we live in, it seems like there is always something to shake our heads about every single day. That's why we have to be intentional about keeping our thoughts on God. If we start there, then we can be reassured that we're in his care and all things will be well.

There is no love on earth like God's love. That should encourage us every day to look for the good in the situations we face because that's the type of Father we have. He won't withhold the good things from his children. That may not be an easy task in some of the situations we face. That is why we have to live seek him every day. Afterall, it's more difficult to hear and understand the voices of those we don't communicate with on the regular. Our prayer life is the same. 

Every day that we wake is a brand new day that God granted us. That means it is filled with brand new opportunities to do the things right that we may have slipped on the day before. We shouldn't take our days for granted. Instead, thank God for another chance and pray that he leads and guides you to make sound choices.

Patience in general is kind of tough. To be patient in affliction is next level. For most, going through pain and suffering is something we'd rather have resolved instantly. This is an area where casting our cares on God can really be a testament to the comfort he provides. All we have to do is ask and he's ready to help.