Tag: Jesus

Anne Lamott On Writing

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Embrace the journey of writing, imperfections and all!

Anne Lamott’s wisdom in “Bird by Bird” reminds us that every writer, no matter how seasoned, has faced the fear of writing poorly. So, banish the hesitation, silence the inner critic, and simply begin.

Trust that with each word you pen, the path will unfold, leading you to unexpected treasures of creativity and insight. Remember, it’s in the act of writing, in the courage to start despite doubts, that the magic truly happens.

So, let your words flow freely, knowing that within them lies the power to inspire, to provoke thought, and to transform lives.

 

Creative Expression Reflects God’s Glory

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Let your creative expression shine forth as a reflection of God’s glory!

Rooted in the belief that every talent and ability is a divine gift, Christians find inspiration in 1 Corinthians 10:31. Just as the heavens declare the glory of God, so too does your creativity serve as a testament to His greatness.

Whether through art, music, writing, or any other form of expression, each stroke of brilliance echoes His magnificence. As you cultivate and share your unique talents, you become a vessel through which His splendor is revealed to the world.

So, embrace your creativity wholeheartedly, knowing that in every creation, you are reflecting the beauty and wonder of the Creator Himself.

1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

 

 

What is the Essence of Creativity?

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Embrace the divine essence of creativity!

Rooted in the belief that we are crafted in the image of a creative God, Christians find inspiration in Genesis 1:27. Just as the Creator fashioned the universe with boundless imagination, so too are we endowed with the power to shape our worlds through creativity.

Let this understanding fuel your artistic endeavors, infusing every stroke of your pen or brush with the divine spark within you. As you harness this sacred gift, remember that your creations have the potential to reflect the beauty and wonder of the Creator Himself.

So, let your creativity flow freely, honoring the source from which it springs and illuminating the world with its radiance.

Genesis 1:27, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”

Creativity is a Divine Gift: Christians believe that creativity stems from being made in the image of a creative God who designed the universe from Genesis 1:27 in the Old Testament of the Bible

Joanna Penn on Writing

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Don’t wait for inspiration; create it!  Let Joanna Penn’s wisdom ignite your creative flame.

The Muse doesn’t linger in the realm of wishes but eagerly awaits you in the act of creation. So, don’t hesitate, don’t procrastinate; pick up your pen and start writing.

Every word you craft, every sentence you mold, beckons her closer, ready to infuse your work with magic. Embrace the journey of creation, knowing that with each stroke, you draw closer to your artistic destiny.

Let your imagination soar, let your ideas flow, and let the Muse guide you on this enchanting voyage of storytelling.

Joan Didion on Writing

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Why do you write?

Author Joan Didion says, “I write nonfiction to share my inner most thoughts on how I’ve navigated life’s challenges. I write fiction to imagine and create new worlds, characters, and narratives. I write poetry because I simply must.”

Like Joan Didion, I write simply because I must.

Wordsworth on Writing

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Let your pen dance to the rhythm of your soul! Embrace the words that spring from within and paint your paper with the vibrant hues of your heart’s whispers.

William Wordsworth reminds us that our truest writing comes from the depths of our being.

So, let your creativity soar and let your story unfold!

C.S. Lewis on Writing

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Let’s take a moment to remember the timeless wisdom of C.S. Lewis: ‘Write what you need to write, not what is currently popular or what you think will sell.’

Let your words flow from your heart, your passions, and your truths. Don’t be swayed by trends or commercial interests.

Embrace the authenticity of your voice and the power of your unique perspective. Your genuine expression will resonate far beyond fleeting trends.

Einstein on Creativity

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Embrace the boundless realm of creativity! Let these words of Albert Einstein ignite the spark within you.

In a world filled with endless perspectives, true creativity lies in your ability to perceive the ordinary in extraordinary ways. Don’t be afraid to wander off the beaten path of conventional thinking; let your imagination soar and your ideas flourish in uncharted territories.

Your unique vision has the power to unveil wonders unseen and inspire minds anew. So, dare to dream, dare to innovate, and let your creativity illuminate the world! And who knows, someone may think you’re as smart as Albert Einstein.

A Response to Change

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A response to change

Meditations

The seventieth decade of life has descended on me. While my body feels the wear of the years, my brain feels like I’m sixteen going on seventeen. If life was an hourglass, the sands would be running out.

Eight years ago, I heard former Super Bowl winning football coach and current NASCAR owner Coach Joe Gibbs describe life as a football game. He had turned seventy-five years old and likened his age to being in the fourth quarter of a football game. The officials have given the two-minute warning.

He said, “To achieve all your life’s aspirations, when you’re my age, it’s time to run the hurry-up offense. You feel the pressure of time running out. The clock will be all zeros before you know it.”

Writing has always been a key part of my aspirations, but more importantly, I want to share the life lessons I’ve learned from my loved ones, military experience, and Christian leaders. I’ll call the lessons learned “The Meditations of Jimmie Aaron Kepler.”

Change

During my early twenties, I served as a second lieutenant in the US Army. My previous company commander’s term ended, and a new captain took charge. The new commander brought about significant changes. Lightning quickness describes the pace of change. My role shifted from leading a rifle platoon to leading a weapons platoon.

Change dominated the day. I asked my father, a military retiree, for advice. Overwhelmed and frustrated best described my feelings during this process. I was my first experience going through a change of command.

My father emphasized that change is the sole constant in life. My ability to adapt to change was crucial for survival in the workplace. He told me that the new company commander or any boss or supervisor makes changes. I need to support those changes and help him or her succeed.

Dad told me if I can’t get along with the new commander or boss, I need to “get along.”

I asked him what he meant by that statement.

He told me I should be able to work with or adapt to any manager or leader placed over me. If I decide I don’t want to work or follow the new person’s leadership, I need to move on – get along to a new job. He said that it’s me who has to change; I will never change my boss. Me developing a negative or resistant attitude because of the changes does no one any good.

Dad quoted Philippians 4:11 from the Bible, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”

He added, “Jim, it’s up to you to be content where you live, where you work, with your friends, with your family, and with your boss. Quit your whining, adjust your attitude, and be happy you have a successful job and a loving family. Now go help make your new boss a success. When he succeeds, you succeed.”

Why Should We Wait on the Lord?

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Waiting:

Waiting on God’s timing can be hard. The Bible gives us guidance on waiting in Psalm 27:14.

Bible Verse:

“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.”

Psalm 27:14 KJV

Who wrote Psalm 27:14 and when was it written?

Psalm 27:14 was written by King David. It is part of the Book of Psalms, which is traditionally attributed to him. 

The exact date of its writing is uncertain, but it is believed to have been composed during David’s reign as King of Israel, around the 10th century BC.

What is the context of Psalm 27:14?

King David expresses his trust and confidence in God despite facing adversaries and challenges. 

Throughout the psalm, David speaks of seeking refuge in God, finding strength in His presence, and waiting patiently for His deliverance.

Verse 14 encourages patience and courage in waiting for God’s timing and intervention. 

It emphasizes the idea of trusting in God’s plan and relying on His strength to sustain us through difficult times.

What does Psalm 27:14 mean?

Psalm 27:14 encourages believers to trust in the Lord and wait patiently for His timing. It emphasizes the importance of having courage and faith while enduring trials or waiting for answers to prayers. 

The promise is that God will strengthen the hearts of those who put their trust in Him and wait for His guidance and provision.

What does “wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart:” from Psalm 27:14 mean?

Psalm 27:14 is an encouragement to trust in God and have patience in His timing. It advises believers to wait patiently for the Lord’s guidance, help, and deliverance in difficult times. 

The phrase “wait on the Lord” implies a sense of dependence on God and His plans, rather than relying solely on human efforts or understanding.

The verse also encourages believers to be courageous and not lose heart while waiting for God’s intervention. It assures that God will provide strength and support to those who trust in Him.

Psalm 27:14 is about maintaining faith, courage, and patience in God, even when facing challenges or uncertainties in life.

What is the difference in biblical translations of Psalm 27:14 (KJV and ESV)? 

Psalm 27:14 KJV biblical translation says:

“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.”

Psalm 27:14 ESV biblical translation says:

“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”

How does Psalm 27:14 give encouragement?

Psalm 27:14 provides encouragement in several ways:

  1. Encouragement to Wait on the Lord: It reminds believers to be patient and trust in God’s timing. Waiting on the Lord implies putting faith in His plan and recognizing that He knows what is best for us.
  2. Encouragement to Be Courageous: Psalm 27:14 encourages believers to have courage despite their circumstances. It acknowledges that waiting on the Lord may require endurance and steadfastness, but assures that God will provide the strength needed to persevere.
  3. Promise of Strength: Psalm 27:14 promises that as we wait on the Lord and remain courageous, He will strengthen our hearts. This strength comes from the Lord’s presence and enables believers to face challenges with confidence.

Psalm 27:14 encourages believers to trust in God’s timing, to be courageous in the face of adversity, and to rely on His strength to sustain them through difficult times.

How can I apply Psalm 27:14 to my life?

Here are some ways you can apply Psalm 27:14 to your life:

  1. Trust in God’s Timing: Psalm 27:14 encourages patience and trust in God’s timing. Sometimes, things don’t happen as quickly as we would like them to, but waiting on the Lord means trusting that He knows what is best for us and will act in His perfect timing.
  2. Be Courageous: Psalm 27:14 calls us to be of good courage while we wait. Waiting can be difficult and uncertain, but having courage means facing challenges with confidence, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.
  3. Seek Strength from God: When we wait on the Lord, He promises to strengthen our hearts. This means that as we wait patiently for His guidance and provision, He will give us the inner strength and resilience we need to endure and overcome any trials or obstacles we may face.
  4. Persist in Waiting: The repetition of “wait, I say, on the Lord” emphasizes the importance of patience and perseverance in waiting on God. It’s a reminder to continually trust in Him, even when the waiting seems long or difficult.
  5. Pray for Guidance: While waiting, continue to pray and seek God’s guidance. Use this time of waiting to deepen your relationship with Him through prayer, meditation on His word, and seeking His will for your life.

Applying Psalm 27:14 to your life involves trusting in God’s timing, being courageous, seeking strength from Him, persisting in waiting, and continually seeking His guidance through prayer and meditation on His word.

A model or example prayer using Psalm 27:14:

A prayer based on tPsalm 27:14 might go something like this:

Dear Lord,

As I face challenges and uncertainties in life, help me to wait patiently on You. Grant me the courage to trust in Your timing and Your plans. 

Strengthen my heart, Lord, so that I may remain steadfast in faith, even when the journey is difficult. 

May I find peace and confidence in knowing that You are always with me, guiding and protecting me. 

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

What are five takeaways from Psalm 27:14?

Here are five takeaways from Psalm 27:14:

  1. Patience and Trust: Psalm 27:14 emphasizes the importance of waiting on the Lord, indicating the need for patience and trust in His timing and plan.
  2. Courage: It encourages believers to be of good courage, suggesting that maintaining courage is essential while waiting on God.
  3. Divine Strength: The promise of divine strength is given to those who wait on the Lord, indicating that God provides the necessary strength to endure difficulties and challenges.
  4. Repeated Emphasis: The repetition of the phrase “wait, I say, on the Lord” underscores its significance, highlighting the importance of relying on God and not acting impulsively or out of fear.
  5. Encouragement to Persevere: Psalm 27:14 serves as an encouragement for believers to persevere in their faith and to continue trusting in God’s guidance and provision, even in times of uncertainty or waiting.

 

This blog is adapted from his  book, “Wait Upon the Lord: Waiting For God’s Movement and Activity in Your Life” in Book Four from “The Bible Speaks to Life Issues” which  will be released in the Spring of 2024. You can learn more of the book series and purchase it at MORE INFO ABOUT SERIES.