n0klu's Rants

  April 27, 2022 at 12:01 AM CST Topic: +DEV+     Peace with Our Portion Peace with Our Portion "They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything-all she had to live on." Mark 12:44 "Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing."       Psalm 34:10 Scripture Focus: Mark 12:41-44 The Lord is not impressed by the dollar amounts we place in offering plates. He is moved by our faithfulness to believe He will do what He says He will do.   The widow in Mark 12 had great faith in a God of miraculous provisions who would keep His promises from Scripture. "They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, The LORD is upright; he is my Rock" (Psalm 92:14-15). She trusted in the One who always took care of her. The widow had confidence in God's provisions, even as she gave the last of her money.   Having been in business most of our lives, we experienced some good years and a few just plain bad ones.

  April 25, 2022 at 2:15 AM CST Topic: +DEV+     No Peace in Perfectionism No Peace in Perfectionism "And now I will show you the most excellent way."       1 Corinthians 12:31 Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 We often put pressure on ourselves and     others to be perfect. We have expectations in our families, marriages, work settings, classrooms, and     so on of consistent, no-slip, stellar performance. These are hard standards to impose on flawed, sinful human beings.   Perfectionism is one way people who feel devalued attempt to establish their worth. But it's a miserable self-appointment, both for the perfectionist and those who     must live with him or her. A home can be shipwrecked by the crippling tension created from unrealistic demands. When perfectionism rules, someone is (or many people are) brought down.   The "most excellent way" Paul speaks of is through showing love that is patient and kind, that does not boast or act proud, that keeps no

  April 21, 2022 at 2:00 AM CST Topic: +DEV+     Looking for Peace Looking for Peace "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."       Proverbs 17:22 Scripture Focus: Luke 2:36-39 Just look around at people in public areas, in friend groups, on job sites, etc. You might see more eye contact given to phone screens than to individual people. I'm sure you've been in restaurants where     people are at tables together but are giving all their attention to their phones. I recently watched this very thing with what appeared to be a dad and his little girl. She kept looking anxiously at him while he directed his eyes to his screen. We were made to be in relationship with others, and person-to-person eye contact is a significant part of that.   Zacchaeus not only wanted to see Jesus; He desired to know Him. The Lord knew Zacchaeus would eagerly welcome Him into his home and heart. Eye to eye, they spoke together there in a fellowship that wou

  April 20, 2022 at 2:00 AM CST Topic: +DEV+     A Rich Peace A Rich Peace "LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us."       Isaiah 26:12 Scripture Focus: Mark 10:17-27 It's ironic that the wealthy man who was eager to learn how to inherit eternal life was standing in the very presence of the way to     the Father. Looking for another rule to follow and keep, he was bewildered by Jesus' reply. The Lord doesn't expect everyone to give away all they own. But for this young man, asking him to do so exposed the idols of his heart. He believed salvation could be obtained through human effort, and     if parting with his wealth was necessary, then eternal life appeared unreachable.   Jesus did not condemn the rich man but looked at him with love. He understood his struggle. The world has always     taught us that our security is in wealth. A life of luxury certainly does not lend itself to seeking God for help since it creates

  April 19, 2022 at 1:11 AM CST Topic: +DEV+     Peace-Filled Houses Peace-Filled Houses "By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures." Proverbs 24:3-4     Scripture Focus: John 1:43-51 Nathanael's low regard for Nazareth was evident. The town was obscure, despised, and never mentioned in the Old Testament. This may have prompted Nathanael's comment, "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" (John 1:46)   I grew up on a dusty Missouri farm near a town along the Dry Fork Creek. It was paradise to me: I could roam the bordering farms and woodlands, wade/swim in the Creek, and cross a bridge to the bustling Town of Salem. It wasn't until later when my family moved to a more prosperous area that I learned     of my hometown's reputation. The condescending jokes and mockery about the people and the town seemed strange to me since it was my home. Ther

  April 18, 2022 at 1:58 AM CST Topic: +DEV+     Peace in Being Heard Peace in Being Heard "Then Jesus looked up and said, 'Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me."     John 11:41-42   Scripture Focus: Psalm 34:1-10 We have complete confidence knowing that God the Father always hears us. The God Who Hears is pleased when we express ourselves genuinely to Him and others. As we learn to listen to Him, we become more attentive in listening to the people He has put in our lives.   Healthy human relationships allow the people in them to be heard without the threat of passive     or aggressive reactions from the listener. Giving others an attentive ear so their thoughts can be expressed validates their worth and establishes security in the relationship. Being heard is not only healing to one's spirit but also to one's mind and body.   Christian psychiatrist Dr. Curt Thompson in his book Anatomy of the Soul (2010) explains "actual