Faith Lounge
Jacob's Blog
 Hello and welcome to my personal blog page called "faith lounge". Unlike my official ministry website, this is just a place for me to share my most current thoughts.
Burning your Old Books
By Jacob M. Rodriguez
“And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.” Acts 19:18-20
Kicking an old habit or practice is usually easier said than done—especially when you’ve spent most of your life doing it. Perhaps nothing is harder to change then the mind. Once someone has their mind made up about a certain idea, it takes a lot of convincing to break them away from their beliefs. No one knew this better then the apostle Paul. While stationed in Ephesus, he encountered a society that was deeply rooted in heathen education and sorcery. These false beliefs were integrated into the culture at nearly every level.
Ephesus had a profane reputation throughout the Roman Empire and was considered to be the capital of magic and witchcraft. As you can imagine, the message of Jesus Christ generated quite a stir of controversy. It was such a clash of viewpoints that the apostle Paul spent three months in the synagogue arguing about the kingdom of God. Day after day he debated the most influential thinkers and sages—to no avail in some cases. After some stubborn leaders tried to smear Paul publicly, he held small group discussions in a nearby lecture hall.
At this point, it would seem as though Paul backpedaled himself into a corner. Perhaps the mentality in Ephesus was too stiff. However, Paul didn’t forfeit. After two years of teaching and preaching, Ephesus had a breakthrough. It all began with a huge collapse in the religious establishment. Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish priest, were badly injured by a demon-possessed man after a failed attempt to set him free. The evil spirit answered their demands by saying, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” This event dismissed the idea that the Name of Jesus was simply a magic formula. It also proved Paul’s arguments about the authority in the kingdom of God.
Not only were these pretentious men exposed, but also a newfound reverence for the Name of Jesus emerged in Ephesus. The emptiness of their beliefs caused them to grope for something genuine. Their failed system provoked reverence and honor for the true God. Sometimes you need to experience emptiness to appreciate the God’s abundance.
The Ephesians not only confessed the error in their ways, but responded by burning their sacred books. These books weren’t just any books; they were used for corrupt guidance, sorcery and false doctrine. By burning the books, they made a public statement—essentially saying, “We will no longer live by these teachings. This is not who we are anymore.” They burned the books and turned towards God.
These groups of Ephesians had to make a choice between an impostor, and the real thing. Burning their revered books represented a transformed heart and mind. Perhaps there are books in your life that you need burn. The books in your life may not be actual books, but ideas, ways, beliefs, attitudes or mentalities that you need to burn in order to know God more.
Notice that Paul didn’t have to threaten or bully anyone to repent. These people simply felt conviction and decided to do something about it. The Holy Ghost tugged tightly at their hearts and brought them to a place of complete surrender. Sometimes, even though we sense the Holy Ghost convicting our hearts of something, we resist, fight and pull away. Let’s learn from the Ephesians and respond quickly to God’s call.
You’ll also notice that these people came “confessing and telling their deeds”. Remember, there’s no need to pretend like everything fine when you know things are not. When you come before God, be honest and transparent. Don’t reserve your faults and present your best. Instead, be real and open yourself up to God. After all, He already knows your secrets.
Lessons to Live By:
1. Some Bridges Must be Burned – Someone once said, “don’t burn your bridges”. In other words, don’t mistreat people because someday you may need them again (i.e. employer). Thus, you’ll have a way to come back to them. However, there are some bridges in life that must be burned, because they lead back to a destructive place. Unless you burn certain things in your life, you’re simply taking a break. It might be gone for a season, but someday it will reappear. Unless you completely clear yourself from an unhealthy relationship, it will find it’s way back into your life. By burning their books, the Ephesians eliminated the avenue to return back.
2. Each Person Must Count the Cost – According scripture, these burned books had great financial value. In fact, the total amount of all the burned books soared at around 50,000 pieces of silver. In today’s terms, that would be equivalent to several million dollars. Keep in mind that they didn’t just surrender these items, but they burned them. For all intents and purposes they set millions of dollars on fire. However, when your heart turns towards God, you’ll get rid of things that the world holds dear. This was a cost that this group was willing to pay.
When the Ephesians publicly denounced their old ways and worshiped God, something powerful happened. The bible says, “So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed.” Once they burned their old books, a new book opened up. Suddenly, the word of God flourished in their hearts. It spread widely and had a powerful effect on the whole city. It’s interesting that the word of God didn’t prevail until they surrendered and destroyed the other books. You’ll notice that God’s word won’t grow and prevail in your life until all your old books are burned. When your old mentality is put to rest, God’s word accelerates in your life and causes great things to happen.
Personal Action:
The Ephesians in this story had to burn their old books. Make a list and pray about some of the things in your life that may need to be burned.
1.
2.
3.
4.
posted by Jacob Rodriguez at Thursday, September 25, 2008
Created with Purpose Conference (Report)
I hope you're having a blessed week so far.
I would like to testify today, and give God all the glory for what he has done. This past weekend, my wife Cherie and I (and our son Makai) had the privilege and honor to be hosted at the Created with Purpose conference in San Diego, where I blessed with the opportunity to speak to sum 450 women. It was nothing short of incredible. The way God moved and ministered to the lives of those women will never be forgotten. On Friday night, speaker and vocalist, Sister Vonnie Lopez delivered a powerful, and timely message about passing down our spiritual heritage to the next generation. Women were challenged to examine their roles in shaping our children, and leaving a legacy of Apostolic faith, the word of God, and praise. That church came unglued with exuberant praise and worship!
Saturday was simply awesome. The theme seemed to be about "surrendering and coming out". In the morning, Sister Vonnie Lopez delivered another challenging message about stepping into your purpose and realizing your hidden potential. The women were blessed and their spirits were refreshed. Saturday afternoon, I finished the conference and was humbled to speak to the women on the subject: "The Struggle Over your Destiny". My message dug deep into the heart of the issues that women struggle with inside--unexpected detours and unexplainable disappointments. It was a very transparent message, which lead women to let go of whatever hurts, fears or issues they've been holding on to. In the end, we experienced a powerful move of the Holy Ghost. There was emotional healing, and even physical healing that took place.
Many thanks go out to the conference staff at Lighthouse Christian Fellowship. They did everything with a spirit of excellence and hospitality. It was an honor to be apart of such a tremendous event. Many women were forever changed.
We ask that you continue to pray for our ministry.
In His Care,
Jacob Rodriguez
posted by Jacob Rodriguez at Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Introducing iWoman
Greetings in Jesus Name!
I would like to make a special announcement to all of the women who subscribe to this blog. TrueTouch Ministries has launched a new networking website just for apostolic women, called iWoman.
Website: www.iwomannetwork.ning.com
iWoman is a place for women to engage, encourage and empower each other. It is a social network uniquely created for Apostolic women. Why? Because extraordinary women need an extraordinary place to connect. Consider this your website, your place for ministry and community.
The most important purpose of this website is to CONNECT with other women. And also, to find resources, material and information that will minister to your life.
Sign up today. Have fun, be inspired, meet new people and share your life.
SPREAD THE WORD to every Apostolic/Pentecostal woman you know!
Our membership is growing!!
Blessings,
Jacob Rodriguez
iWoman Network
www.iwomannetwork.ning.com
posted by Jacob Rodriguez at Wednesday, August 27, 2008
One Thing
The psalmist David said, “One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple.” (Psalm 27:4)
Jesus told Martha, who was worried and troubled about many things, “But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:42)
Life is unpredictable, and sometimes a little crazy. It’s amazing how quickly your plate can fill up with responsibilities, errands, chores, business and yes—problems. To date, I’ve yet to meet a man or woman who is immune to problems. I’ve yet to encounter a problem-free person. The main difference between people is how they handle them.
The two verses I noted in the beginning were written ages apart, but share a common thread in life. The psalmist David penned the first as a declaration of faith. Jesus uttered the second scripture in response to Martha’s busyness and fatigue. Both instances include the words “one thing” with regards to the presence of God. In this article, we’ll look at David’s words.
To fully chew and shallow what David said in Psalm 27:4, you have to look at what he wrote before. He said, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked came against me To eat up my flesh, My enemies and foes, They stumbled and fell. Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, In this I will be confident.” (Psalm 27:1-3).
David’s desire for “one thing”—God’s presence—opened up four secrets about God. When you stop what you’re doing and pour yourself into “one thing”, you too will discover these secrets:
1. The Lord is my Light – When you walk in darkness, you can easily trip and hurt yourself over things that shouldn’t have the power to impact you. But because you’re in darkness, you can’t fully guard yourself against danger. When the Lord is your light, however, He illuminates your path. Subtle dips and bumps in the road won’t cause you to lose your balance. Light represents revelation, clear understanding and focus. When God’s light is shining in your life, you have nothing to fear.
2. The Lord is my Salvation – David realized that no matter what he got himself into, or what ensnared him, there was always an escape route. No conflict was too strenuous. No pain was too deep. No situation too impossible for God to resolve. God’s people were slaves to Egypt for generations until one day God decided it was time to deliver them. That’s when he summoned Moses to stand before Pharaoh and say, “Let my people go”. God is a God of deliverance. The Lord didn’t just save us on the Cross; He saves us everyday by removing the shackles of the enemy and untangling the issues that often strap us down.
3. The Lord is my Strength – David understood that God was the source of his strength, the power-line to his life. This is simply recognizing that you cannot do it all on your own. You are not super-man or super-woman. You, like every one else, are a limited resource. Whatever amount of strength and vigor you have will eventually dry up. But God’s strength is flawless and limitless. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” In other words, God’s grace is plenty, and his strength is realized in times of weakness and difficulty.
4. The Lord is Beautiful – David said that when he gets into the temple, he’s able to “behold the beauty of the LORD”. When your heart is focused on “one thing”, you can behold the beauty of God, even in ugly circumstances. Sometimes, the problems of life pollute our perception about God and his goodness. His will doesn’t always make sense. But when your life is positioned in his presence, you can find the beauty of his sovereignty and supreme love. You can smile in places where others frown, laugh where others cry.
Once David discovered the power of “one thing”—God’s presence, he could (1) recognize God’s light, (2) receive God’s deliverance, (3) rest in God’s strength, and (4) realize God’s beauty. How about you?
Perhaps life has cluttered your heart with uninvited worries. Maybe you find yourself consumed with fear, emotionally drained or perhaps just tired. Maybe you’re trying to do too much, too soon. Maybe you’ve placed unrealistic expectations on yourself, which have sapped your strength. Or, perhaps you’ve got yourself tied up with too many things, and now it’s time to refocus your heart.
If so, it’s time to rediscover the value of “one thing”. Immerse yourself in God’s presence today. Talk to the Lord and wait upon him.
Another FaithLounge blog by Jacob M. Rodriguez
TrueTouch Ministries
www.truetouch.org
posted by Jacob Rodriguez at Monday, August 11, 2008
Update
Hello FaithLounge family,
I realize that it’s been a while since I’ve written on this blog. I apologize for not keeping things up to date. Things are busier than ever, both professionally and personally. The biggest reason for my leave of absence from blogging is the birth of my son, Makai! This is the first for my wife, Cherie and I. We’re so happy, and excited to have our little bundle of joy as we write a whole new chapter in our lives. I covet your prayers and thank those of you who have been praying for us. Makai is healthy and bonding well with his mommy and daddy. =)
As you can imagine, my brain is boiling over with thoughts, emotions and inspiration. As a full-time writer and author of several books, I can usually articulate my thoughts into words. It’s something that I’m pretty good at. However, there have been only two times in my life where words couldn’t describe or express my emotions. The first was when my wife walked down the aisle on our wedding day. And the second came just two weeks ago (July 22nd), when I saw my son Makai for the first time. Time stood still and words were like a brush without paint.
Tears swelled up in my eyes, my voice box cracked and my knees felt like rubber. At that moment, “life” took on a whole new meaning. Everything changed. I became a dad. It is the greatest feeling in the world.
All I can say is, our God is awesome! And I give him all the honor and glory for blessing us with such a priceless treasure. Children are gifts from God.
Again, thanks for your thoughts and prayers. Stay tuned for more blogs on FaithLounge.
Jacob Rodriguez
www.truetouch.org
posted by Jacob Rodriguez at Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Fathers and Sons – A Winning Team
I want to wish all of the fathers a very Happy Father's Day! Here's an excerpt from my book Hidden Kings. In this section I talked about fathers and sons. Of course the relationship between fathers and their daughters are equally important. However, I felt to narrow in on the topic of father-son. I pray it's a blessing...
From the time your son is born, you are his life coach, his mentor. No one will have the level of influence you have on him, not even his mother. As a father, it is your role to prepare and shape him for manhood. How you live your own life will establish a pattern for him to follow.
Everything you do and say is being registered in his mind, no matter how young or old he is. One thing I have learned from my dad is that coaching never stops. Even when I reached an age at which I felt more independent and capable, I quickly realized how much I still needed my dad’s coaching. From the time I was born, my dad committed himself to be my coach. He helped to wean me away from motherly protection and childish behavior, into manhood. He allowed me to be a boy, while continually showing me what it is to be a man.
As my coach, my dad never demeaned me, but always affirmed my value and gave me space to grow. A coach is not a sergeant or commander. A coach is not a dictator. A coach is a teacher, someone who helps you to win. Even the best athletes in the world have all been coached. Take for instance pro golfer Tiger Woods, who sadly lost his father to cancer. For as long as Tiger had been in the public eye, his father, Earl Woods, had been right there by his side. From Tiger’s first amateur championship to the day he stole the show by winning at The Masters, his dad was never far from his son’s swing.
Upon his death, Tiger said, “My dad was my best friend and greatest role model, and I will miss him deeply.” Sure, golf was the means, but this father-son relationship was about more than clubs and fairways. In Tiger’s case, fathering didn’t just meet par (pardon the pun), but extended into all the most important areas of life. It wasn’t so much his swing techniques, but his life techniques that helped Tiger become successful. In his book, Training a Tiger: A Father’s Guide to Raising a Winner in Both Golf and Life, Earl Woods said, “I make it very, very clear that my purpose in raising Tiger was not to raise a golfer. I wanted to raise a good person.”
Whether it was in golf or some other pursuit, Tiger’s father invested in him so he would become a successful man. A real life coach doesn’t focus as much on occupation as on character. Tiger Woods wouldn’t be the champion he is today without the coaching of his father. In the foreword to his father's book, Tiger Woods said: "In retrospect, golf for me was an apparent attempt to emulate the person I looked up to more than anyone: my father. He was instrumental in helping me develop the drive to achieve, but his role—as well as my mother's—was one of support and guidance, not interference.”
Whether or not Tiger Woods became a golfer, he was going to be successful. His dad’s fatherly coaching prepared him for greatness. A lot can be learned from their relationship. I’m sure we all can think of other great examples of fathers and sons. The big take-away here is that fatherhood is about mentoring. In your son’s life, it’s a role that will determine what kind of man he will be. The following are two keys to fatherly coaching:
1. Connection
The first and most important element to coaching your son is connecting to him. From the day he was born, there was already an innate connection between the two of you. This is God-given. Your son is essentially your seed, an extension of you. He has your DNA. He has your name. He probably has your facial features, or is built like you. Without any effort or investment, your son embodies many of your attributes. Without one conversation, one game of catch, or one fishing trip, there is a powerful connection between you two. This alone is pure and wonderful.
The innate connection between fathers and sons is entirely invisible, yet tangible. When you look into his eyes, you are looking into a reflection of who you are. However, as beautiful and wonderful as this initial connection is, it is not enough to last a lifetime, or even to adolescence. Lasting connections between fathers and sons, namely between you and yours, are created through building a relationship. Building a relationship comes through spending quality time together. I cannot tell you just how important it is that you have a meaningful, practical relationship with your son, especially when he’s young and impressionable. While I’m not a licensed psychologist, you don’t need a degree to understand the power of a healthy relationship between a father and son.
Being your son’s life coach begins with strong connection, and strong connection is built with clear communication and time investment. Talking with your son is life to his soul and nourishment to his masculine character. The more time you spend with him, the more he learns about himself. As stated in previous chapters, a son needs his father to tell him who he is.
He won’t know he’s a king, unless you affirm his value.
My father didn’t merely take time to be with my brothers and me; he gave time, made time, prolonged time, and invented time for us. Having him standing in the bleachers at our football games was a small act in comparison with the time he devoted to mentoring and shaping us.
My dad always maintained a connection with me. Even though I might have acted in ways he didn’t approve or totally understand, he never tuned me out. Thank God! Even today, the connection we have is unbreakable.
2. Counsel
Counsel is so important. But its success is entirely dependent on the first key. Counsel without connection is ineffective. Fathers who correct or discipline without connection run the risk of hurting their sons. This is one of the main reasons that many sons grow up bitter toward their fathers. Their fathers scored high on discipline, but failed miserably in connection and affection. My dad’s connection with me validated his counsel. I knew he cared. I knew he loved me and wanted only the best for me. So whenever he spoke, I listened. That doesn’t mean I always followed his advice and never disobeyed. As a teenager, there were lots of times when I thought I knew more than he. But that’s any teenager! Still I still listened, because the whole time … I had his words in my mind.
Whether it was at the kitchen table or in the car, I was always being counseled. We talked about everything: relationships, education, finances, and ministry. Sometimes my dad came to me. Other times I went to him. Either way, we talked. Today we have a very open relationship, and can still talk. This is a huge blessing.
As a father, you must continually counsel your sons, as well as your daughters. A lot of the counsel I received while growing up was corrective. I would be heading down a dangerous path or flirting with dumb ideas, and my dad would pull me in and straighten out my thinking.
I remember particularly being in a relationship of which he wasn’t too fond. Seeing that I was pretty persistent and that things would become more serious, he advised me to stay away from it. At first I didn’t want to hear his advice. After all, I felt pretty strongly about the relationship. But little by little I began to see things more clearly. It took more than a few conversations for me to start changing my mind. Today I can tell you that I listened wholeheartedly, and am much happier because of it. Eventually I met my beautiful wife, Cherie, and the rest is history.
Your son needs your counsel. Counsel is a vital part of coaching. Don’t be afraid to counsel him. He needs to hear from you. Your voice is powerful. Even when it appears that he’s not listening, and that your words are going in one ear and out the other, keep speaking to him. Nobody is as influential in his life as you are. You have the ability to help him stay on course, get back on course, or change course if necessary. Put your arm around him and speak to him. If you don’t talk to him, someone else will—a friend, or someone who doesn’t share your same convictions and wisdom.
Even when he grows up, moves on, and starts his own family, your voice will remain in him. That’s a wonderful thing.
I know I’ve shared only two keys with you, but I believe these are the most important. Certainly there are many other elements to fatherly coaching, but none is needed more than connection and counsel. Everything you say to him will impact his future. If you tell him he can do anything, he’ll aim high. If you tell him he’s dumb and won’t amount to much, sadly he won’t. Your son will eventually become a product of what you speak to him.
Yes, he’ll make his own decisions.
However your connection and counsel have the greatest impact on his life. Push him to dream big. Tell him he’s great.
Crown him.
Your greatest legacy will never be written about in a book, but rather be seen through the life of your child. The greatest mark you can leave in your life is the mark on your child’s life.
posted by Jacob Rodriguez at Friday, June 13, 2008
Panic Room
The following was condensed and adapted from the forthcoming book by Jacob M. Rodriguez, "Unbreakable" - God's Perfect Strength for Every Woman's Heart
In the 2002 movie called, Panic Room, Meg Altman (played by Jodie Foster), and her daughter Sarah (Kristen Stewart), find themselves in a race against time, and two greedy burglars who become increasingly agitated and violent. The film focuses on what’s called a “panic room”, which is basically a safe shelter located in high-end homes. On the mother and daughter’s first night in their new home, two thieves burglarized the home, hoping to snatch three-million-dollars in bearer bonds that were left by the previous owner. This "panic room" was a place to hide and seek safety until the police arrived. The movie itself is quite a thriller and definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat.
I’m no film critic, so the reason I mention this movie is to shine light on the panic rooms that women often run to in times of trouble and waiting. Although the movie’s panic room offered “protection” and not more “panic”, it breaks the ice on how easy it is to panic when hopes are shattered.
Sarah panicked. She could hear her biological clock ticking. No child. No signs of pregnancy. Little by little, Sarah became a difficult woman to live with. She allowed herself to become more and more irritated. I’m sure Abraham noticed, but as any wise husband would, tried to pretend nothing was wrong with her.
Let’s talk little bit about Abraham, not the Patriarch, but the husband. The hardest thing for a husband to do is confront his aggravated wife about her aggravation. Abraham was careful not to exchange in a war of words, lest he find himself further from a solution. Like most husbands know, he knew that there isn’t too much you can say to cheer up a wife who is emotionally hurt or upset. The wrong tone or the slight mix up of words could do more harm then help.
However, he couldn’t deny the elephant standing in the room. He knew exactly why Sarah was a bit edgier these days—still no baby.
In fact, I’m sure Abraham even felt partly to blame for her frustration. He was the one who uprooted her life and convinced her to buy into this dream. He was the one sold the idea and planted seeds of hope in her heart. To think that Abraham was completely detached from Sarah’s emotions is quite untrue. He could read her body language. He could sense that she was feeling the heat, the pressure. She didn't feel like something was wrong with the plan, but that something was wrong with her. Maybe she wasn't the woman she thought she was. Maybe she overestimated herself. As most women would, she took it personal.
I wouldn’t doubt that the most troubling thing for Abraham was not that his wife was becoming cold with him, but even with God.
So Sarai said to Abram, “See now, the LORD has restrained me from bearing children…” (Genesis 16:2a)
At face value, this statement may seem simple or unrevealing. But you have to catch the tone under Sarah’s comments. This is actually the boiling point in her emotions—a final complaint and withdrawal of responsibility.
Sarah was essentially saying…
“Okay Abraham, this is it. I’ve taken all I can and am ready to pull the plug on this thing. God himself must not want me to give birth. I’ve waited. I clung to whatever shred of hope there was. But I’m tired of pretending that things are good. I feel like God playing with my emotions. One moment I’m excited, the next moment you have to scrape my heart off the floor with a spatula. I feel like the punch line of a joke. I’m not laughing anymore. God has prevented me…better yet, restrained me from getting pregnant. This is where I draw the line. Game over.”
Sarah was entangled in a web of feelings. She lost all patience. She found herself in a place where you might be today—at your wits end. But here’s where she went wrong. The easiest thing to say is that Sarah lost grip of her faith, or that she didn’t have any faith. I don’t believe that idea. If Sarah had a lack of faith, she would have never bought into the promise. Sure, we can’t deny the role of faith in receiving her child. God was precisely interested in Sarah’s total trust. That was the glue that kept this whole plan together.
What made Sarah irritated and uptight on a daily basis was her lack of gratitude. She was so consumed over what she didn’t have, that she nearly ruined what she did have. This is a powerful portrayal of what happens when you get too focused on the things you haven’t received, as opposed to what you have.
I wonder if you can relate?
Have you become so frustrated with one of your child’s poor decisions that you have neglected to celebrate your other children? Have you become so tense and upset about losing your childhood dream that you haven’t thanked God for the roof over your head? Have you become so jealous of another woman’s life that you haven’t appreciated the one you have? Have you become so irritated with your husband’s few shortcomings, that you cease to enjoy his positive qualities? Have you focused too much on where you wish to be, rather than praise God for where you are now? Have you become moody, and at times you don’t even like yourself?
Believe me, I know these are hard questions. Maybe you’re thinking, “You do you think you are?” Or “He’s not talking about me.” If so, keep reading. You’re exactly the one I’m writing to. This is a wake up call—an alarm to your soul. It’s possible that you are about to lose a valuable relationship, a career or a ministry. If these pages are starting to feel hot, it’s because God is trying to send you message.
Sarah allowed herself to lose total control of her emotions and actions. Her frustration got the best of her. And the truth is, your frustration will get the best of you too. Your marriage could suffer. Your kids could withdraw from you.
Perhaps you think no one notices that you’re unhappy or consumed. But they do. And like Abraham, they just don’t want to upset you more. They don’t want to annoy the situation any further. They know that if they bring it up, it will only upset you, ruin your appetite, or silence you for the evening. But your frustration is not a secret.
Reversing irritation begins with gratitude. Let me give you three gifts to start appreciating, three ways to get out of the panic room of ungratefulness:
1. The Gift of Life
I know this one sounds like a no-brainer. But far too often we neglect to appreciate the gift of life itself. Life is so precious, so dear; we must thank God for breathing the breath of life into our lungs and giving us health. When you appreciate being alive, it takes you to the core of what life is really all about. This is why most people who have had near death experiences or have recovered from fatal illnesses have a much simpler, purer appreciation for life. They are grateful for another day because they kissed eternity. Surely it doesn’t take a brush with death to appreciate the gift of life.
2. The Gift of Ordinary Things
As someone once said, “stop and smell the roses.” When was the last time you did just that? Life can be so busy, stressful at times that you could miss out on some small treasures. In your busyness and focusing all your attention on what you don’t have, you miss out on the simple blessings around you. Make time to notice and appreciate the ordinary, the seemingly mundane things. Don’t take for granted everyday gifts. In many countries, our mundane benefits are luxuries. Be grateful for the small things that God has done.
3. The Gift of God
Jesus once told a headstrong woman from Samaria, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water” (John 4:10). Let’s not bypass the greatest gift of all—Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Appreciate the fact that you have God in your life. Consider where you would be without Him, without His grace, His mercy, His love. Maybe it’s time to thank God again for the gift of salvation, the fact that you were doomed, but are now forgiven. Be ever more grateful for the gift of God—that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins.
Sarah panicked by becoming unapproachable, irritable and unstable. But hold on to your cup of tea, because the ride is about to get a lot bumpier. I can’t imagine that even Abraham could have predicted what Sarah would say next…
posted by Jacob Rodriguez at Monday, May 19, 2008
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