John Harrell's Blog, page 77

Junk

What comes to mind when you hear the word “junk?” Perhaps you think of stuff that’s outdated or is no longer useful. Maybe it’s clutter you have been intending to get rid of but just haven’t made the effort.

Some people think of themselves as junk. They have been told they are worthless, not worth a damn. I grew up hearing this from both my parents. Talk about a crisis of identity!

God created all of us, and He doesn’t create junk. There is nothing random in God’s planning or execution.

Remember this: God did not create you and then forget about you. You are on His mind, even when you don’t feel His presence…

As Common As DNA

We are all uncommon beings. God created us as unique and special individuals. Even identical twins have different fingerprints.

In the same vein our DNA strands are complex and beautifully created. The precision God used in making us shows how much He cares.

We sell ourselves short. We settle for a life that is less than what God equipped us for. Be bold. Pursue your calling…

Treasures

All of us have thousands of acquaintances. There are plenty of people around who want something from you, or just want to be in your sphere.

Bring people into your life who will be there when the shit hits the fan. The going gets tough? They don’t run away. They stay.

The friends who will tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear are a real treasure…

Heaven

Heaven is real. Just because we can’t see it doesn’t make it less real. I can’t see gravity or prove how it works, but I know if I jump off a 50-story building I’m going to fall to the earth and probably die!

There is more out there than what we can see. There has to be. It’s not over and done when our bodies give out. There is an eternal place we will exist in after our human existence.

Jesus spoke of Heaven. Paul was allowed to visit it when he was still alive. There are innumerable stories of people who have died and come back to life. Many of them saw Heaven and their fear of death was removed.

Heaven is real. Believe it…

Complicated

We unnecessarily complicate things. Life isn’t that hard to figure out. Many times the simplest solution is right in front of us but we don’t see it because of all the noise.

Try to eliminate anything that gets in your way of thinking clearly. Our minds can do incredible things when we get out of our own way. Think about it…

Origination

On social media, I often see people posting memes quoting others. I used to do the same thing. Until I didn’t.

All of us have original thoughts and ideas. We should be audacious enough to share them with the world. People need originality.

Your thoughts might be the catalyst someone needs to light the creative fire in themselves. Please share what’s in your mind and heart…

Tributes

This morning I was honored to give a tribute to a good friend of mine who died. His service was a meaningful experience, and I felt special to be asked.

Spend time with the people in your life who are important to you. You never know when they will leave you…

Timing

Timing is everything. God’s timing is perfect, even when I don’t agree with it or like it. But I don’t think He needs or wants my input!

Let’s look at the timing of human interaction. When you have to deliver a difficult message to a friend, the timing of your delivery is key to their receiving and listening to the message. A message given at the wrong time often falls flat, while a message delivered at the right time is well-received.

When you find yourself in this situation, remember that it might be a good idea to wait until the mood is right. Life isn’t always a good time…

Suspense

I love suspense. Suspense is the exciting uncertainty of not knowing what’s coming. Suspense keeps us interested in movies, elections and life. Without it, our existence would be mundane and predictable. Where’s the fun in that?

As much as we hear people complain about change, that’s really all there is. We have no control over anything but our attitude. Change is inevitable, so life keeps us in suspense.

“The suspense is terrible. I hope it continues…” Willy Wonka…

Bias

Where do you go to find true, objective news? Our media outlets have become pulpits for the political leanings of the on-air talent. Op-Ed’s aren’t an improvement over television. There are left and right biases in those.

You can start with the truth in the Bible. God’s word is as true today as it was 1000 years ago. It doesn’t shift one way or another. His words are steadfast.

If something big happens in the world, you are pretty much on your own when deciding how to navigate through the crisis. God gave us a brain to think with. We don’t need the national media.

And if God has a bias, He is biased towards widows and orphans, the disenfranchised, the needy. That’s where our bias should lie, too…