Rose Vidal

4 yrs

Focus on the Right Thing

Every day you choose what you give power to. Whatever has your attention, you are allowing to have authority, and in turn, power in your life. It’s a sobering moment when you realise all the different things that you have given your attention to across a day. A negative thought, a fear, the past, a TV series that you just binged, your marriage… etc.

What we give attention to, we give authority to.

If we choose to allow our attention to be on God, we allow Him to work in and through us. Our thought life changes, our priorities change and we see His power at work in our day to day life. Philippians 4:8 says, “So keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honourable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God praising him always.”

The more we focus on God, the more power we give for His spirit to work in and through us to change the lives of those around us. So today, allow your focus on Jesus to influence how you see others.

4 yrs

You Did It for Me

It was a chilly February evening as we pulled into our neighborhood. On the side of the road sat a young girl, hysterically crying, wearing only a tank top and shorts. We pulled over and I got out and moved toward the woman saying, “How can I help you?”

She muttered the words, “He kicked me out. I’m pregnant, and my boyfriend kicked me out.”

As I searched for words, my only thought was, She’s a person. Show her dignity. So I asked, “What is your name?”

“Brittney.”

I replied, “It’s very nice to meet you, Brittney. Would you like a ride to where you’re going?”

“Yes, my grandma lives nearby.” she said.

We walked to the car, and my husband hopped into the back seat with our two children – who both sat with eyes and mouths agape. Without missing a beat, I introduced my family to Brittney as though I’d known her for years.

“Brittney, would it be okay if I get you some clothes? I can just run inside our home and get them.”

“Yes, I’m really cold.”

I pulled into my driveway and went inside. To my surprise, Brittney followed close behind me. I grabbed a long-sleeved sweatshirt, sweatpants, and flip-flops. I handed her the clothing, and she went to the bathroom to change.

We then took her to her grandmother’s house and wished her well. On the way home, our children inquired about what had just happened, and I simply said, “I’m sure that’s what Jesus would have wanted us to do.” They agreed, and we went about the rest of our evening.

The next morning, I was casually reading my devotional when it was as if the words leapt off the page, “I was naked, and you gave me clothing.” My heart quickened as I remembered the events of the night before.

Opportunities to love like Jesus might happen anytime, anywhere. We can love the stranger on the street like Jesus without even mentioning His name. When Brittney meets Jesus, I pray she’ll recognize Him as the one she encountered on her way to grandma’s house one cold February evening.

Tasha Salinas
Life.Church Midwest City

4 yrs

Jesus Anywhere

It was a warm, spring night when our family attended a soccer game at a local university. My daughter was 5 years old, and soon after we arrived, she noticed a little boy playing by himself. She didn’t know him. He couldn’t speak English and was different from her in a lot of ways, but none of that stopped her from giving him a smile and joining in his made-up game. They spent the evening laughing and playing together, and by the end of the game, they sat on the grass panting in happy exhaustion, leaning on each other for rest.

While they were playing, my husband and I found his parents and introduced ourselves. That began a wonderful friendship with this sweet family from a different country, culture, and faith. It gave us the opportunity to invite them into our lives, and it had a profound impact on us. This was a unique opportunity for us to share God’s love in practical and personal ways, and it continues to be a significant relationship for our family. It stretched us, and it changed us for the better.

It all started because our daughter loved that little boy like Jesus does. He doesn’t show favoritism. He takes us as we are, regardless of background, and engages in our lives as we let Him in.

When’s the last time you intentionally reached out to someone who is different from you? If it’s been a while, ask God to open your eyes to your next opportunity. And when He does, be ready to respond. It just might change your life.

Amanda Sims
Life.Church Church Online

4 yrs

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4 yrs

Free At Last …

You can experience more freedom than ever before. Dr. Martin Luther King made a powerful declaration on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963: “Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

Can you make this assertion in front of your whole family and your coworkers?

The Bible promises, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32. As a counselor, I’ve added one little quip to the quote: “but first, it will make you mad.”

Freedom always comes at a cost. In fact, let me make one more bold statement: “freedom is never free”. Whether we are talking about the great heroes of WWII or the first responders of the massacre in Las Vegas, freedom always has a price tag.

As a Christian, I’m convinced we are called to live in freedom. Jesus says in John 8:36: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Jesus paid the ultimate price to buy us freedom.

Are you free from sin, guilt, shame, and death? If you are not, please allow me to offer a few difficult but effective steps:

Ask Christ to forgive you of all your mistakes and sins.

Ask Him to set you free from all addictions and bad habits.

Ask Him to fill you with His Spirit.

Tell someone else about your personal battles.

When I was twenty years old, I started abusing drugs and alcohol. Up until that time, I was very committed to my hockey career, and I refused to get distracted. But then discouragement set in, and I resorted to joining the university crowd that was partying hard. Little did I know, this series of decisions would cause me to fall into heavy bondage.

Are you free right now? Or are you in bondage to fear, drugs, sex, porn, food or something else? Falling into bondage is a hard life; getting free requires a deliverer like Jesus: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;” Isaiah 61:1

I discovered Jesus was my higher power and that He could set me free. You too can be free.

You are a miracle!