John Harrell's Blog, page 68

Are You Angry With God?

Bad things happen to good people. We can’t understand why nor can we explain it away. They just happen.

When we are on the receiving end of something terrible, we want to lash out and blame someone. Sometimes we take our anger out on God. We blame God for causing the injustice. We can’t understand why a loving, all powerful God would do this to us or someone we care about. Let’s examine this a little deeper.

First off, God cannot do bad things to us. His nature is good and only good. He would be going against himself if he caused evil. He allows things to happen. This occurs because He wants us to rely on Him and not ourselves.

I want you to, the reader, to know it’s okay to be angry with God. He understands. You can yell at Him, tell Him off and God will never retaliate. When His children hurt, He hurts, too. Tell God everything you are feeling. Ask Him to help you see a God-ordained outcome. It will happen. He’s still in control.

God wants to hear from us when we hurt. He can take a punch…

Ignorance

It has been said that ignorance is bliss. Sometimes I believe this to be true.

Some people live in an echo chamber, and they refuse to listen to anyone who disagrees with them. These types of people are self-righteous and believe they are an authority. I believe they are simply arrogant.

Dialogue is essential for civility. Take the time to listen to someone you don’t agree with. Maybe you don’t even like them. But when we listen, we have an opportunity to learn and grow…

The Blind Side

Do you have any flaws? I certainly do. One thing I’m grateful for is the fact I can recognize my shortcomings, and I’m willing to work on them. This isn’t easy.

Accepting ourselves as we are is a struggle for many. We know ourselves and our history of making mistakes. Those can put a chink in the armor. Yet, most of us are trying to improve ourselves and our character. This is a lifelong battle.

Look at yourself objectively. Think of ways to improve yourself. Then take the first step towards a better life as a better version of yourself…

Balancing Act

Books have been written and speakers talk about achieving work/life balance. I believe the ones who propose this is possible are charlatans trying to make money off what people desire.

Living fully means giving your all to life. Something will be out of balance. Always. Prioritize what is most important in your life and try to limit your list to three things. Then commit yourself to making a difference in those things.

Along the way you will have to learn to say no. The first time is the hardest. Setting boundaries is a healthy habit!

Find your why and then give it your all. Balance isn’t necessary…

Freedom

The freedoms we enjoy in the United States came at a cost. Much blood was spilled defending our rights to free speech and liberty. We must hold these things deep in our hearts, because they are not permanent. They can be lost.

On this Thanksgiving day, I’m grateful I was born here during this era in history. My calling is to inspire others, and to spread encouragement, strength and hope to a world in desperate need of it.

Stay hopeful…

Street Theology

Some people have tons of Scriptures memorized. Scripture is most effective when you allow it to seep into your heart and manifest through your actions.

How do people know you are a spiritual person? At their core, religions are peace seeking. They value truth and integrity, along with worship of and believing in a God of their understanding. We know individuals are faith-filled by their actions.

Street theology is about letting your actions demonstrate the God you believe in, whether you can recite Scripture or not…

Healthy Eating

We really are what we eat. Food companies have been adding fillers to our food for decades, and not everything they add is good for us. Some of them create cravings in the brain, almost creating an addiction.

Good, healthy food will lengthen your life. You will feel better and your exercise program will benefit, too! Organic foods might cost a little more, but they are inexpensive when you consider the value of your life…

Thanksgiving Week

On Thursday of this week, we celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States. It’s the one day of the year where people take time to reflect on what they are grateful for.

Gratitude should be actively practiced every day. If you woke up this morning and you are reading this, be grateful that God gave you another day to live. Life is routine and we take things for granted. Only when the unexpected occurs do we snap out of our comfort and live differently.

Look around. There are miracles everywhere. And then be grateful you noticed them…

Make A Difference

Everyone is born with a great purpose attached to their life. This was placed in us by the Creator, and God planned it before the earth was formed. If this doesn’t blow your mind, I don’t know what will.

We all feel the need to make a difference, to be part of something greater than ourselves. This, too, was given to us by God. But how do we do it?

To be a true difference maker, you gotta go counter-culture. Going along with the crowd will only take you as far as the crowd goes.

Take the road less traveled. Be different. Be a difference maker…

Too Late

C. S. Lewis once wrote, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream another dream.”

Are you one of the many people who believe their best days are behind them? I assure you they are not. You have a future, a date with your destiny. It might not look like a Hollywood movie, but it is your personal story.

Bring your childhood dreams to life. It’s not too late…