Walking The Walk

" Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." ~1 Peter 5:7 When I preached my message last Sunday, I told a story that illustrates the difference between saying we believe something and actually believing something.  I found myself in a situation two weeks ago, where I was right in the middle of a sermon about trusting in God, when I had to do just that.  When I flipped the page on my I-Pad, I discovered the last three pages of my sermon notes were missing.  And I depend on my notes a great deal--I'm meticulous about preparation!  I had to wing it.  Trusting that God would give me the words.  And He did.  But what a test that was! There's a big difference between believing something, and being put to the test on that belief.  Just ask Peter. Every once in awhile, we will find ourselves tested on what we believe.  And what Peter was hitting on in this verse is really key in making through those tests. Knowing that God cares for us....

"Love covers a multitude of sins."  ~1 Peter 4:8 We have a choice when it comes to how we interact with other people.  We can either look for their faults, or we can look for their strengths.  We can either dig dirt, or search for gold. It's always been an adage that the first impression is the most important.  I've learned from experience that's not necessarily true.  Too often we make snap judgements about people the minute we meet them, and it's not THEM that made the bad impression it was YOU that made a quick judgement.  It takes time and effort to get to know somebody well.  Some of the best friends I have in my life were people that when I first met them, I wasn't overly fond of.  Over time, I discovered my first impression of that person was completely wrong.  Try to see people the way the Lord sees them.  Get over that "I'm a good judge of character" thing I hear so often.  Give people a chance. Be generous.  Be kind. ...