Overcoming poverty.
Overcoming racism.
Overcoming debt.
Overcoming pride.
Overcoming another mess I made.

Sometimes the hurdles in life seem insurmountable; let me assure you, they are not! My mom has a wonderful saying she gives me when I ask for advice about big problems I’m facing. She simply says, “just do the next right thing.” I won’t tell you that this simple axiom will magically fix all your problems. But, it will put you in alignment with God. HE CAN!

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. [4] For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

1 John 5:3-4 KJV

God’s creation is simple. God’s commandments are simple. God’s plan of salvation for man is simple.

And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

1 John 4:21 KJV

We like to complicate things. Maybe it is just that we don’t value others time and energy as much as we value our own ideas. It takes time and effort to see waste and remove it. I think it was Ben Franklin who wrote, “If I had more time, I would have written a shorter letter.” Take the time and do the work of simplicity. Less is more. 🙂

We have opportunities every day to meet the needs of others. Some days it might just be going to work to produce more than we need so we will have enough to give. Other days it could be sitting and listening to a friend who has lost a loved one. Our responsibility is to SEE the need and then be prepared to meet it with compassion.

But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

1 John 3:17 KJV

Love God and love others as yourself. What a wonderful world it would be, if we were grateful for our blessings and gracious to those around us. Even though we often fall short of this perfect standard, it is still our responsibility to love and care for each other. If you run into someone who is having a bad day; remember, you have the ability to turn on the light. 🙂

He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.

1 John 2:10 KJV

Nobody likes to be wrong. Lets face it, no matter how smart you are; from time to time, you will be. Resist the temptation to retreat inside your bubble of self righteousness and throw rocks at the rest of the world.

We all have a responsibility to think critically, learn from our own errors and make changes for the better. The more we do this, the closer we will be to the truth.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1 John 1:8 KJV

We are all very busy growing our families, our careers and our lives. We often get so wrapped up in our to-do list that we leave out the most important part. Choose to make a difference today by growing in grace and giving it to others. Remember, the people we encounter are not perfect but they are eternal.

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

2 Peter 3:18 KJV

Effort is contagious. Attitude is contagious. Kindness is contagious. It has been said many times, show me your five closest friends and I will show you your reflection. If you want to know how to be wealthy, hang out with wealthy people. If you want to be a world class eSports gamer, compete with other elite gamers. If you want to be a great parent, get advice from people who have raised good kids. No access is no excuse. Books, documentaries and even YouTube will allow you to learn from people around the world and across the ages.

It’s your responsibility. Be intentional. Infect the world with goodness!

While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.

2 Peter 2:19 KJV

I’m sure you could tell me “WHAT” you did yesterday; but could you tell me “WHY”? Simon Sinek’s Ted Talk might help you find the answer or at least give you something to think about. 🙂

Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.

2 Peter 1:15 KJV

It’s human nature to compare and judge. We must resist the temptation to believe that our current circumstances somehow put us above any other human being. Grace flows into our lives when we put on humility and submit ourselves to each other.

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

1 Peter 5:5 KJV

What were you thinking? 🙄 This is usually the question that comes after the results of a poor decision. Most likely, there was not a great deal of thought at all. If we ever allow our own lust ahead of our mind…we are out of order. Take the time to pray, think and explore the order of creation and the truth of the scriptures. In doing so, you will see the mind and will of God.

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; [2] That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

1 Peter 4:1-2 KJV