Jim George's Blog, page 4
February 10, 2015
Not Feeling the Love
More than a billion Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged each year. And yet a lot of moms aren’t feeling the love. Sadly, love is a quality often misunderstood. It’s easy to confuse it with a physical desire for your spouse or a lavish covering of praise by your children or friends. Yet those versions can occur without any feelings of real love or affection. God’s kind of love is as different as day is from night. God’s kind of love isn’t selfish, conditional, or self-gratifying—it’s directed toward others. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 13:8 that “love never fails.” But loving requires an act of the will. A choice to love your neighbor, your husband, your children, your enemies. Examine your heart. Is there ample evidence of God’s love?
Lord, I must be honest. Sometimes I don’t feel loved. And I base my worth on false versions of what love is. Grant me a giver’s heart so that I love others without conditions or expectation… beginning right under my own roof. Grant me Your heart, Lord.
Lord, I must be honest. Sometimes I don’t feel loved. And I base my worth on false versions of what love is. Grant me a giver’s heart so that I love others without conditions or expectation… beginning right under my own roof. Grant me Your heart, Lord.
February 5, 2015
From Jim's Heart - Everyone Needs Encouragement
When it comes to cheering people on, we tend to think in terms of coaches, cheerleaders, pep squads, and fans rooting for a favorite athletic team. But everyone needs encouragement. You and I need encouragement from others, and others need it from us. Consider, for example, the following scenario:
You wake up to a new day, filled with all the hope and promise of joy, accomplishment, and fulfillment. Why? Because you’ve been working long and hard on a really big project, and you’re almost done. You worked late the night before, came home late to catch a few hours of sleep, and then quickly showered this morning before going to work to present the results of your labors to your boss. You have poured your heart into this project, and you are finally satisfied that you had done your best.
But when you present your work to your boss, rather than thank you or give you any words of encouragement, your boss quickly glances at what you’ve done and dismisses you without even a comment. You know you’re expected to perform well for your job, but your boss’s lack of even a bit of appreciation for your hard work is devastating. Talk about sticking a pin in your balloon!
There are other scenarios that can bring discouragement your way as well. For example, keeping up with the care of a child who has a disability. Dealing with a parent whose health is rapidly declining. The threat of being laid off because of budget cuts within your company. Don’t tell me at times you couldn’t use a little encouragement!
Well, the same is true of your children. Even though the difficulties they face may be of a smaller scale, still, to them, their problems can seem overwhelming. When they are struggling, a hug or word of encouragement can go a long way toward giving them much-needed confidence and hope.
You wake up to a new day, filled with all the hope and promise of joy, accomplishment, and fulfillment. Why? Because you’ve been working long and hard on a really big project, and you’re almost done. You worked late the night before, came home late to catch a few hours of sleep, and then quickly showered this morning before going to work to present the results of your labors to your boss. You have poured your heart into this project, and you are finally satisfied that you had done your best.
But when you present your work to your boss, rather than thank you or give you any words of encouragement, your boss quickly glances at what you’ve done and dismisses you without even a comment. You know you’re expected to perform well for your job, but your boss’s lack of even a bit of appreciation for your hard work is devastating. Talk about sticking a pin in your balloon!
There are other scenarios that can bring discouragement your way as well. For example, keeping up with the care of a child who has a disability. Dealing with a parent whose health is rapidly declining. The threat of being laid off because of budget cuts within your company. Don’t tell me at times you couldn’t use a little encouragement!
Well, the same is true of your children. Even though the difficulties they face may be of a smaller scale, still, to them, their problems can seem overwhelming. When they are struggling, a hug or word of encouragement can go a long way toward giving them much-needed confidence and hope.
February 3, 2015
Got Problems?
Believe me, I know from my own growing-up years and from raising two daughters that the teen years are challenging ones! Often it seems like everything in your life is spinning and constantly changing, and it’s hard to get your feet and emotions grounded—and then the next big change comes along! At other times it seems like the whole world has stopped turning on its axis. Every day is the same old, same old. Nothing ever changes, and it doesn’t look like it ever will. Day after day is the same repeated day. Time is standing still.
I’ve heard the heart-cries of thousands of teen girls, and here are just a few of their questions and issues—many of which apply to everyone at one time or another:
-“What am I going to do about this problem?”
-“My problem hurts so much I’m not sure I can make it through another day.”
-“Why is it so hard to find a friend? Is something wrong with me?”
-“I hate my life. It’s the same thing day after day—family, chores, school, homework.”
-“I feel so stifled. I can’t go anywhere or do anything without my parents’ permission and involvement.”
These are very personal and painful problems and yet, at the same time, they are “common” problems (says 1 Corinthians 10:13). Thank goodness, because that means there’s hope!
No matter what your life situation is, God has help and answers. No matter how bad things seem or become, when you are faithful to dig into the treasure of God’s Word each day and look for His help with your problems, as well as His instructions on how to live the way He wants you to live, you will enjoy life more. Day by day, God comes to your aid with encouragement, comfort, guidelines, and wisdom for handling your difficult and stressful situations.
And best of all, you have Him—all of Him one-on-one—when you read His Word. Enjoy!
I’ve heard the heart-cries of thousands of teen girls, and here are just a few of their questions and issues—many of which apply to everyone at one time or another:
-“What am I going to do about this problem?”
-“My problem hurts so much I’m not sure I can make it through another day.”
-“Why is it so hard to find a friend? Is something wrong with me?”
-“I hate my life. It’s the same thing day after day—family, chores, school, homework.”
-“I feel so stifled. I can’t go anywhere or do anything without my parents’ permission and involvement.”
These are very personal and painful problems and yet, at the same time, they are “common” problems (says 1 Corinthians 10:13). Thank goodness, because that means there’s hope!
No matter what your life situation is, God has help and answers. No matter how bad things seem or become, when you are faithful to dig into the treasure of God’s Word each day and look for His help with your problems, as well as His instructions on how to live the way He wants you to live, you will enjoy life more. Day by day, God comes to your aid with encouragement, comfort, guidelines, and wisdom for handling your difficult and stressful situations.
And best of all, you have Him—all of Him one-on-one—when you read His Word. Enjoy!
From Jim's Heart - Little Choices, Big Decisions
There are a myriad of thoughts penned on the importance of choices. You’ve probably heard this one:
Little choices determine habit;
Habit carves and molds character,
Which makes the big decisions.
What does this tell you? That even the little things count! If ever you’re tempted to cut corners and do things the easy way, or do your work halfheartedly because others aren’t watching, eventually your little choices are going to become habits that affect the bigger decisions you make in life. This is especially true with regard to sin. Taking it lightly can lead to poor decision-making down the road. So consider every choice carefully, no matter how small, for it will affect the bigger decisions you make.
God, help me to pay attention to my activities today and to consider the importance of the small choices I will make. May each one be a reflection of my one big choice—to follow You with all my heart. Amen.
Little choices determine habit;
Habit carves and molds character,
Which makes the big decisions.
What does this tell you? That even the little things count! If ever you’re tempted to cut corners and do things the easy way, or do your work halfheartedly because others aren’t watching, eventually your little choices are going to become habits that affect the bigger decisions you make in life. This is especially true with regard to sin. Taking it lightly can lead to poor decision-making down the road. So consider every choice carefully, no matter how small, for it will affect the bigger decisions you make.
God, help me to pay attention to my activities today and to consider the importance of the small choices I will make. May each one be a reflection of my one big choice—to follow You with all my heart. Amen.
January 28, 2015
"Seek Ye First"
If you’re like us, you want your children to have some of the things you didn’t have when you were growing up. And you certainly don’t want them to make the same mistakes you did. Put another way, you want them to have a better life, to live a better life.
Do you worry about the social and financial status of your children? Many parents worry about their children going to the “best” schools, living in the “best” neighborhood, meeting the “right” people for the connections needed to get ahead. Dreaming about bettering your children’s lives is not a bad thing. You definitely should want to make sure your children are properly educated and develop self-discipline and self-motivation. And you should want your children to succeed and contribute positively to society and their future families. But you should never desire these things at the expense of godly principles.
Focus your attention on living for God and trusting in His care. Then train your children in righteousness. Show them the way—and the why—of making choices that please God. In the words of Jesus,
Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33 NIV).
Lord, remind us daily that when we put You first, You will take care of everything else—including our children.
Do you worry about the social and financial status of your children? Many parents worry about their children going to the “best” schools, living in the “best” neighborhood, meeting the “right” people for the connections needed to get ahead. Dreaming about bettering your children’s lives is not a bad thing. You definitely should want to make sure your children are properly educated and develop self-discipline and self-motivation. And you should want your children to succeed and contribute positively to society and their future families. But you should never desire these things at the expense of godly principles.
Focus your attention on living for God and trusting in His care. Then train your children in righteousness. Show them the way—and the why—of making choices that please God. In the words of Jesus,
Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33 NIV).
Lord, remind us daily that when we put You first, You will take care of everything else—including our children.
January 22, 2015
From Jim’s Heart—The Impact of Spiritual Growth
Here are a few questions about your spiritual growth:
Do you want to be a strong, maturing man of God? Then take care of your first priority, which is to develop a closer relationship with God.
Do you want to be a great husband? Through your time spent with God and in His Word, you will find the answers to everything you need to know about loving and caring for your wife.
Do you want to be a good father? Then cultivate a friendship with God that seeks to depend upon His Word for wisdom. This intimacy with your Father in heaven will give you the wisdom you need for raising your children.
Do you care about your coworkers? If so, you’ll want to have the kind of relationship with God that allows the Spirit of God to work through your life and point others to Him.
Do you want your life to make an impact? If you are ready to begin or accelerate your growth process, then the place to start is with God. Tell Him of your renewed or reinvigorated desire to grow spiritually. Then do whatever must be done.
Do you want to be a strong, maturing man of God? Then take care of your first priority, which is to develop a closer relationship with God.
Do you want to be a great husband? Through your time spent with God and in His Word, you will find the answers to everything you need to know about loving and caring for your wife.
Do you want to be a good father? Then cultivate a friendship with God that seeks to depend upon His Word for wisdom. This intimacy with your Father in heaven will give you the wisdom you need for raising your children.
Do you care about your coworkers? If so, you’ll want to have the kind of relationship with God that allows the Spirit of God to work through your life and point others to Him.
Do you want your life to make an impact? If you are ready to begin or accelerate your growth process, then the place to start is with God. Tell Him of your renewed or reinvigorated desire to grow spiritually. Then do whatever must be done.
January 20, 2015
Making Time Count
Here’s a great end-of-the-day exercise: Evaluate your day and note what you did that wasted time—too much TV or internet? Too much texting? Too much negotiating bath and bedtime with your kids? The Bible just happens to have a checklist that shows you your priorities. Take a look at Titus 2:3-5: “Teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands” (NIV).
Make these “essentials” your priorities. Plan them into your days with intention and deliberation. You’ll be amazed at the positive changes in your use of time. And it’ll make a huge difference in what you focus on and how you spend your days.
Lord, thank You for the inspiration of knowing Your life essentials. I need a giant boost of hope and energy. Help me remember to wake up each morning excited to practice Your priorities—to make my time count!
Make these “essentials” your priorities. Plan them into your days with intention and deliberation. You’ll be amazed at the positive changes in your use of time. And it’ll make a huge difference in what you focus on and how you spend your days.
Lord, thank You for the inspiration of knowing Your life essentials. I need a giant boost of hope and energy. Help me remember to wake up each morning excited to practice Your priorities—to make my time count!
January 15, 2015
From Jim’s Heart—A Healthy Perspective
God cares about your body and health. Scripture says that…
Your body is a stewardship from God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians3:16).
Your body is meant to glorify God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
So how are you doing? Many people today could eat better and definitely use more exercise. Are you among them? Do you view your body as something that God has entrusted into your care? Having that perspective may help you be more diligent about your physical health. And that, in turn, will help you to enjoy life more and live a better quality of life.
God, I realize the strong connection between my physical and spiritual health. Show me how to be a good steward of my body and how to glorify You with it. Lead me, Lord. Teach me. Amen.
Your body is a stewardship from God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians3:16).
Your body is meant to glorify God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
So how are you doing? Many people today could eat better and definitely use more exercise. Are you among them? Do you view your body as something that God has entrusted into your care? Having that perspective may help you be more diligent about your physical health. And that, in turn, will help you to enjoy life more and live a better quality of life.
God, I realize the strong connection between my physical and spiritual health. Show me how to be a good steward of my body and how to glorify You with it. Lead me, Lord. Teach me. Amen.
January 13, 2015
Golden Day Perspective
“My life right now is like my 401(k)–about half its worth!” There’s no question: Life can seem hopeless and pointless at times. But imagine being a woman who can treat each day as if it—and it alone—were a God-given, golden day. Looking at your day from a “golden day” perspective helps you practice priorities. And it’s also “the why” that will motivate you to carry them out.
But what if your day has been one of failure? A day for merely surviving? Thanks be to God who enables you to forget today and reach forward to tomorrow! It’s just as Philippians 3:14 NASB says, “Press on toward the goal” — again, and again, and again. Keep following after God’s heart no matter what.
Lord, help me look to You when my day is going well… and when it’s looking bleak. I want to serve You and honor You in everything I do. Amen.
But what if your day has been one of failure? A day for merely surviving? Thanks be to God who enables you to forget today and reach forward to tomorrow! It’s just as Philippians 3:14 NASB says, “Press on toward the goal” — again, and again, and again. Keep following after God’s heart no matter what.
Lord, help me look to You when my day is going well… and when it’s looking bleak. I want to serve You and honor You in everything I do. Amen.
January 8, 2015
From Jim’s Heart — The Value of Goals
What are your goals in life? Have you defined them yet? Goals can help you in dozens of ways. For example,…
Goals give definition — they take daydreams and make them concrete.
Goals give focus — they help you know how to spend your time, and set aside time-wasters.
Goals give motivation — they give you something to aim for; they help prod you onward when the going gets rough.
Goals help you with decision-making — they equip you to make the best decisions about how to spend your time, money, and energy.
Goals help you to have an impact — when you achieve them, you’ll have grown as a person and hopefully others will benefit from your efforts.
So set some goals… and become the kind of person who makes a difference!
Lord, guide me as I assess my goals today. Help me set constructive goals, prioritize them appropriately, and submit them to Your leadership. May my goals lead me to my highest goal of knowing You better each day. Amen.
Goals give definition — they take daydreams and make them concrete.
Goals give focus — they help you know how to spend your time, and set aside time-wasters.
Goals give motivation — they give you something to aim for; they help prod you onward when the going gets rough.
Goals help you with decision-making — they equip you to make the best decisions about how to spend your time, money, and energy.
Goals help you to have an impact — when you achieve them, you’ll have grown as a person and hopefully others will benefit from your efforts.
So set some goals… and become the kind of person who makes a difference!
Lord, guide me as I assess my goals today. Help me set constructive goals, prioritize them appropriately, and submit them to Your leadership. May my goals lead me to my highest goal of knowing You better each day. Amen.
