Too Big To Fix?
I’m Dr. Bob and for Just a Mentoring Minute, I want to ask if you are facing anything that looks to big to fix? We all have times and seasons in our life when circumstances seem overwhelming. It may seem as if there are no answers. These can be times of doubt and even desperation. I want to encourage you to let your doubts, or even desperation turn into a diligent determination to let God have control of it, whatever it might be. 2 Chronicles 15:4, in the Amplified Bible says, “But when they in their trouble turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and [in desperation earnestly] sought Him, He was found by them.” When there seem to be no answers, there is always one thing you can do. Earnestly seek the Lord. This requires the exercise of a determined heart. You must commit yourself to be diligent. Keep knocking on the door, until you get your answer from the Lord. He is faithful. He will open the door and your diligence to pursue Him will bring His response. Even before He responds, as you pursue Him, let your heart be flooded with peace. Do not try to understand it. The Bible says it is “a peace that passes understanding” (Philippians 4:7). Just go with it. Then, you will move ahead in Christ all the way to your victory. After all, with God all good things are possible, especially peace. You can listen to my previous Mentoring Minutes at www.mentoringministry.com/blogs.
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A Lifestyle of Expectations
I’m Dr. Bob, and for just a Mentoring Minute I want to talk to you about expectations. We all live with expectations. Doing so is a part of life. As a pastor, I have counseled people whose lifestyle was one that featured a consistent expectation of trouble, disappointment and failure. I have been saddened to see this in so many good people. However, the vast majority of those I pastored lived with the expectation of God’s promises, blessings and when needed, His supernatural intervention. The choice was obvious. It was a choice of attitudes. The outcomes they experienced were equally obvious. Joshua 1:9 (NKJV) says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Listen carefully. If you make the choice to live with positive expectations that are founded on the promises of God, you can expect the inevitable, supernatural intervention of God. Expect Him to honor His Word that says He has a plan for your life – a plan for peace and not for evil. What will be your choice? The quality of the next season of your life will depend on it. You can listen to my previous Mentoring Minutes at www.mentoringministry.com/blogs.
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The Moving Power of Words
I’m Dr. Bob and for just a Mentoring Minute, I want to ask what has been dictating the direction and success or failure of your life? There may be many factors, but for the moment, focus on just two, your attitudes and your words. Experience has shown me that together, they control my day and determine my destiny. They are like a two-sided coin. One side, your attitudes, exercises powerful control over the quality of your life (good or bad). The other side of the coin is equally true. Words, (positive or negative) consistently spoken, will cause your attitudes to adjust to what you say. The quality of your life then will be radically changed. There is life-changing power in your words. I strongly recommend that you fill your words with positive, life-giving, peace-filled optimism. Wrap them in a heavy dose of faith. If you will, watch the words you speak redefine your thinking and move you into the path of God’s blessings. Just say what God says. Let your confession change your attitudes. Verbalize those positive things the Word of God promises, instructs and commands. Make your communication a confession of faith. Then walk it out, on the way to your victory. You can listen to other Mentoring Minutes at www.mentoringministry.blogs.
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I Can’t Wear That Any More
I’m Dr. Bob and for just a Mentoring Minute, I have some thoughts on dieting. Diets usually fail because they are temporary. Many of us have found this out and been disappointed in ourselves. The only thing that works for the long haul is a lifestyle change. Only this will take you to where the way you previously ate no longer fits you. With a lifestyle change, you will be able to say, “I can’t wear that anymore. It does not fit me.” Perhaps you have guessed I am not only talking about food. The focus of my thoughts is on attaining a successful Christian walk. When you change your lifestyle, it will change your appetites from what used to attract you to the world, to what now attracts you to Christ. You will have put off what no longer fits. You will put on, and wear garments of praise, belts of truth and shoes of peace. You will be dressed for success. I’m Dr. Bob. Listen to my previous Mentoring Minutes at www.mentoringministry.com. Be sure not to miss the next one, which follows shortly.
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Desperation, Perspiration, then Rest
I’m Dr. Bob and for just a Mentoring Minute, I would like to invite you to consider this: Desperation in a stressful situation can take two paths. The first leads to panic, poor decisions and lots of work that only brings frustration and failure. I heartily recommend the second path, which is to let your desperation lead you down a path where you just relax and draw closer to God. Yes, this will take an effort (some perspiration) to get your mind and emotions to rest. Hebrews 4:9-10 calls this “entering into His rest.” This is only the beginning of a further progression of your journey. In His rest, you will hear His voice. He will give you revelation and inspiration. You will be inspired to do what will take you through your desperation, perspiration, into His rest and then beyond. There you will find God’s perfect peace. Peace is not the absence of trouble; it is the presence of God! I have one more thought. Perfect peace will lead you to greater faith in Him who gave you His rest. Then, you can start moving further down the path. Now… go for it! I’m Dr. Bob. I have one more thought. Perfect peace will lead you to greater faith in and dedication to the One who gave you His rest. Write me at www.mentoringministry.com and tell me what you think.
Desperation, Perspiration, then Rest
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Order the Combo
I’m Dr. Bob and for just a Mentoring Minute, think about what it feels like to be really hungry. Perhaps you are there right now. Hunger may be defined as a feeling of discomfort that motivates you to seek what will satisfy it. What might you be hungry for as you read this? Let me rephrase the question. What is there from God that your dissatisfaction or perhaps discomfort motivates you to seek? I have a suggestion for you to consider. Are you hungry to gain from God the key to abundant life? Here is my recommendation. Go to the banqueting house. You will find it in Song of Songs 2:4 (NKJV). So, what should you ask for at the banqueting house? I strongly suggest you fill your plate with the advertised special on the banner, which is God’s love. Actually, why not order the combo plate? It includes a good portion of joy and peace to go with the love. Do not be concerned with paying for it. Jesus picked up the check at Calvary. Just enjoy the meal. I heartily recommend enjoying every bit of it. You might even think about going back for seconds. The amazing thing is, there is always room for more. You might even consider some desert. It’s full of grace and truth. I’m Dr. Bob. Contact me at www.mentoringministry.com and tell me what you think.
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Don’t Tell God…
I’m Dr. Bob and for just a mentoring minute, I want to share something that is certainly not original with me, but it is well worth repeating. Here it is. Do not tell God how big your storm is. Tell your storm how big your God is. Matthew 8:23-26 (NKJV) says, “Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him. {24} And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. {25} Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” {26} But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.” After you have told your storm how big God is, why don’t you say one more thing. It has all the authority against storms that it had on a distant sea in a distant time. Go ahead, try it. Speak these three powerful words to your storm, “Peace, be still” …in Jesus’ name. (Those words are found in Mark 4:39 (NKJV).) I’m Dr. Bob. Contact me at Dr.Bob@mentoringministry.com and let me know how calm things have become.
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One Part Joy
I’m Dr. Bob and for just a mentoring minute I want to give you a recipe for a taste of the good life. Get a pen. You might want to write this down. Start with one part joy. It puts strength into the mix (as long as it’s the joy of the Lord). Then add a pinch of faith in Jesus. It will sweeten the mix (especially when you find yourself in a pinch). Finally, get some of God’s love and add as much of it as you can. Blend these three ingredients together. Now you have a recipe for happiness, contentment and an opportunity to affect your world for Christ. Why? Because joy, faith and love are all you need to experience the goodness of God, working miracles in and around your life. Joy, faith and love make a tasty, satisfying combination. I’m Dr. Bob. If you want even a little more sweetness, sprinkle the mix liberally with hope. Then, you can say, “Why so downcast O my soul, put your hope in God (Psalm 42:11). If you have another good suggestion to add to the mix, contact me at Dr.Bob@mentoringministry.com and share your recipe for a good life in Christ with me.
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Lighten the Load
I’m Dr. Bob and for just a mentoring minute, I want to ask if you ever have that sinking feeling? If so, you may need to lighten your load. Are you ready and willing to do so? I am reminded of the lesson from Acts, Chapter 27, when the Apostle Paul was shipwrecked. When the ship was sinking in the storm, sailors threw stuff overboard. They knew that if the ship was burdened with too much stuff, it was destined to sink. It is a timeless lesson. What stuff are you carrying around in your heart that gives you that sinking feeling? It can be like an anchor chained to your soul. Here is the good news. It is not too late to surrender it to God. Give it to Him and trust Him to carry the burdens for you. In Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV) Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. {29} Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. {30} For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” If you will make the exchange today, you will feel like your load is so light that you can walk on the water all the way to your destiny. I’m Dr. Bob. Contact me at www.mentoringministry.com and let me know how it feels to be free of that sinking feeling.
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Trading Fog for F.O.G.
I’m Dr. Bob and for just a mentoring minute I want to clear up something. There are times when you may feel your life is like a ship in the fog. You are in motion but cannot see where you are going, or what is in your path. It can be unsettling. There seems to be no way to see what is ahead. However, God assures us in His Word to expect the fog to lift and your paths to brighten. Just keep on serving Him and believing He is who He said He is. Proverbs 4:18 (NKJV) says, “But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto a perfect day.” I call that walking in the Favor Of God, or walking in the F.O.G. Take a walk with Jesus. Trade the fog of uncertainty or confusion for the Favor Of God. You will see clearly as you move toward your destiny. I’m Dr. Bob. Contact me at www.mentoringministry.com and let me know what you see, now that the fog is clearing.
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