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Journal Archives – September,
2002 |
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| AN ONGOING SPIRITUAL WEBLOG |
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September 30, 2002
God always provides what we need. My self-centeredness often
confuses my "wants" with my "needs". It's
not just finances. I need to recognize how God provides inspiration,
enouragement, kind words from others, someone put in my path
to help me (and thus, get me out of myself).
Tom Gilbert
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September 25, 2002
Testimonies - the personal stories of people's life experience
and the hope and faith that comes from God's amazing grace are
powerful tools in helping others. I realize this every time
I hear one. All of us go through life facing all kinds of situations.
Some people have it harder than others. No matter how bad it
gets, God's love is enough to make it better. It can work the
miracles that nothing else can. This love and forgiveness is
freely given. It cannot be bought. we can only accept it for
what it is - a loving gift.
As we go through life it's good to remember these testimonies
and how effective they can be. This is part of why we must get
out among people and be involved In others' lives. Eventually
we may experience something really extraordinary. We may get
to be part of someone's testimony as we carry the message of
God's great love through His son Jesus Christ.
Tom Gilbert
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September 23, 2002
Autumn has officially begin and the changing of seasons is always
a good time to evaluate how our lives are changing. Am I truly
progressing on this spiritual walk? Am I keeping my focus on
Christ and letting Him live through me?
Just as the seasons bring about change in nature (sometimes
in radical ways) we must be open to the ongoing change and transformation
that the Lord works in our lives. God is not finished with us
and we are all works in progress. Together we can turn "our
leaves" to the beautiful Fall colors that reflect God's
goodness. Never forget that others look at our actions and form
opinions on them, regardless of our intentions.
Tom Gilbert
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September 18, 2002
Everyone seems to face the challenge of approval. We all want
to be liked, accepted and thought highly of. The problem with
this is when we put people's approval above God's.
Of course, we should recognize that God loves us unconditionally.
Does that mean He approves of us? You can answer that question
yourself. His love isn't conditional. I'm certain, however,
that God wants us to do what is right. Approval of our behavior,
including our thoughts, should be contigent on right living.
What brings this to mind today is the "See
You At The Pole" prayer gatherings that took place
at many schools this morning. This annual event (always the
third Wednesday in September) has grown enormously, yet it must
still be a real act of courage for students to gather around
the flagpole at their schools early in the morning and openly
pray. I saw students at a local high school, a relatively small
band joining hands in prayer. Meanwhile, most of the other students
were busily heading into class, the usual social interaction
a sharp counterpoint to those praying students. Peer pressure
is a huge thing for young people. Let's face it, that pressure
extends to adults, too. At work or in public, how often do we
let our guard down and let people see who we really are and
what we really believe?
If you believe in God and you've accepted Christ into your life,
remember Philippians 1:6, "And I am sure that God, who
began the good work within you, will continue his work until
it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back
again."(NLT)
Tom Gilbert
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September 11, 2002
So the one year anniversary of September 11th is here. It's
a dreary, rainy day in New Mexico which adds to the somber tone
many of us are feeling. Yet, we are called not only to remember,
but to live. As we all deal with the myriad of emotions this
day brings I pray that we continue to look to the One who understands
far better than we ever will and who provides the peace that
surpasses all understanding.
My scripture reading this morning was from Luke, chapter 6.
The beatitudes have some of Jesus' most intense and deep teachings
and comments. It was especially striking to read, on this day
particularly, the command to "Love your enemies, do good to
those who hate you"(Luke 6:27). Remember, too, that verse 36
says, "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." (NIV)
Tom Gilbert
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September 5, 2002
It was five years ago today that Mother Teresa passed away.
Most people have heard of her, but how much do you know about
her and her life? She was truly an example of someone who lived
for Christ.
She was tireless in her efforts to help the poor, the hungry and
the destitute. Her servant's heart is an example to us all.
Visit www.americancatholic.org/Features/Teresa/
to find out more about her.
Tom Gilbert
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September 4, 2002
Changing our old patterns of behavior is often like turning
a large ship. It takes time. Yesterday I was in a bit of a funk
and I was at a loss for the cause. Perhaps because of the amount
of work I had to do, maybe because of the inertia I had to overcome
following the Labor Day holiday weekend.
Whatever the cause (it's not that important) I recognized my
discomfort. In the past I would stew over my distress. This
time I applied some spiritual tools, like prayer, gratitude
and patience. I spent some time talking with others and seeing
what I could do to help them. My discomfort did not dissapear
right away, but eventually it did. The following night was restless.
Again, I prayed. Now I feel better. I can count those hours
of disturbance not as a loss, but a gain, for some spiritual
development and progress were achieved!
Tom Gilbert
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September 3, 2002
The Labor Day holiday has just passed here in the states. It
was nice to have a three day weekend, but it also got me thinking
about work and labor. So many of us do not enjoy our jobs.
Granted there are far too many of us in jobs that are not
enjoyable.
Still, God calls us each day to participate joyfully in life
and to work hard.
The greatest work we may do each day is to encourage, uplift
and help one another. So many people need assistance. So many
also need to hear the good news of the Gospel.
The Bible admonishes us to not be lazy and to do our part to
earn our way. The apostle Paul was particularly known for this.
Let us not be negative about our jobs. Let's dedicate each day
and the fruits of our labor to God.
Tom Gilbert
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August 30, 2002
One of the traps of living your life daily in Christian service
is that we begin to think about how good our work for the Lord
is. This may seem entirely innocent. Our motives may be quite
pure. The danger, however, is that we start to focus on all
that we are doing.
In Oswald Chambers excellent daily devotional, My Utmost
For His Highest, he comments on this.
He reminds us that we should always be looking to our relationship
with Jesus. What God does through us is important, not what
we are doing for him. This is an excellent reminder for me today
as I continue working on our new web site. I must remember that
while the effort I put forth will hopefully result in a place
to come on the web for all who want a deeper relationship with
Jesus Christ, the true purpose and result of this endeavor--or
any endeavor--is in the hands of God. My relationship with him
and Jesus is key. To Him be the glory!
Tom Gilbert
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August 28, 2002
The growth of the web site mirrors an ongoing spiritual growth
for us. I find, personally, that I've had to confront over and
over again the shortcomings in my faith. It is convicting to
recognize my lack, my sin, in light of the purpose and content
on Living The Solution. This is a good thing, really. It is
our fervent hope that others will find inspiration and benefit
as they visit here. If it also results in a deeper relationship
with God through Jesus Christ then we should give heartfelt
praise and thanks! The Spirit does indeed move within us.
Tom Gilbert
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Scripture taken from the Holy Bible,
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.Copyright © 1973, 1978,
1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout
the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® and NIV® are registered trademarks
of International Bible Society. Use of either trademark for
the offering of goods or services requires the prior written
consent of International Bible Society.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible,
New Living Translation, copyright ©1996. Used by permission
of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189, USA. All
rights reserved.
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