“A Bitter Pill to Swallow…”

 “A bitter pill to swallow” refers to a situation or piece of news that is unpleasant or difficult to accept.  This idiom is often shortened to ‘a bitter pill’.  http://www.englishcoursemalta.com/learn/daily-idiom-a-bitter-pill-to-swallow/

Free Dictionary defines it as: An unpleasant fact, disappointment, or humiliation that is difficult to endure. For example, Failing the bar exam was a bitter pill to swallow, but he plans to try again next year. http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/bitter+pill+to+swallow

We often think of this when we have to take medicine that tastes awful, but will provide positive results.

Professionally, it can be not getting the promotion because the other person was more equipped than you (education, experience).

Personally, it could be informed of the need to reschedule an appointment because you arrived too late.

Physically, it could be disappointment of not losing weight this week when you never exercised or stayed on your eating plan.

Parentally, it could be your child not making the soccer team because you allowed her to miss too many practices.

Financially, it could be not closing on the house you wanted due to being out-bid from another buyer.

Politically, it could be your frustration over a candidate’s win/loss by a tiny margin when, in fact, you didn’t vote.

Spiritually, the Bible could be described as “a bitter pill to swallow.” God requires us to be obedient. He didn’t tell us that we’d enjoy it. He did promise that it would be worth it.

The Bible says:

Psalm 37:34 (NKJV): 34 Wait on the Lord, And keep His way, And He shall exalt you to inherit the land; When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.

Micah 6:8 (NKJV):  8 He has shown you, O man, what is good;

And what does the Lord require of you; But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV):  8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.  9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.

Matthew 7:13-14 (NKJV): 13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Romans 12:2-3 (NKJV):  2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

John 14:15 (NKJV):  15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments.

Memorable Quotes:

“Don’t go outside of obeying God to get something, because you will have to stay outside of God to keep it.”

“Selective obedience brings selective blessings.” – Jorg Klebigat

“A lie doesn’t become truth; wrong doesn’t become right; and evil doesn’t become good just because it is accepted by the majority.”

“Don’t let others distract you from what God has already told you to do.”

Although being obedient can be “a bitter pill to swallow,” it will be worth it in the end.

“Faith Without Works…”

Most of us grew up hearing James 2:14, 17, 24, 26 (NKJV):

"Faith Without Works Is Dead"

14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

This is resonating with me as I travel this health challenge journey.

A quote that speaks loudly to me is in one of my favorite movies Facing the Giants, which says, “I have resolved to give God all I’ve got and leave the results to Him.”

I often hear a lot of people with health challenges say things like, “I know God has this,” or “I have faith in God to heal me.”  But I am realizing that this, in and of itself, is not enough.

The Bible also says in Matthew 17:20 (NKJV):  20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

In other words:  You have got to do something…and then God will do the rest.

You can’t be disobedient or do nothing and expect God to do all the work.

I know of people who have major health issues, yet refuse to do what the doctor recommends:

They don’t do the very basics of good health, i.e., good nutrition, plenty of rest, drinking lots of water or basic exercise. They ignore all of the triggers of their health issues such as adhering to inclement weather, smoking, avoiding others who are sick or avoiding pollen or animals, if they have allergies or respiratory issues.

Then they proclaim: “God is in control.”

(I have to process this for myself, as well. Am I doing everything I can do? Have I given God my very best?)

Yes...God IS in control…yet he expects us to do our part.

Powerful Quotes:

“Don’t complain about the results you are not getting by the work you are not doing.”

“Your fitness is 100% mental! Your mind won’t go where your body doesn’t push it!”

“Fall in love with taking care of yourself…mind, body and spirit.”

“If you want something in life you’ve never had, you’ll have to do something you’ve never done.”

“The doctor of the future will no longer treat the human frame with drugs, but rather will cure and prevent disease with nutrition.” – Thomas Edison
"For we walk by faith, not by sight." - 2 Corinthians 5:7
"Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For You are with me.Your rod and your staff, they comfort me." - Psalms 23:4

Give God your best …He will do the rest….

“The Devil is in the Detail…”

The idiom ”the devil is in the detail” means that mistakes are usually made in the small details of a project. Usually it is a caution to pay attention to avoid failure.

http://grammarist.com/words/devil-is-in-the-details-vs-god-is-in-the-detail/

When people say that “the devil [is] in the detail,” they mean that small things in plans and schemes that are often overlooked can cause serious problems later on.

http://www.usingenglish.com/reference/idioms/devil+is+in+the+detail.html

This comes to mind when planning a wedding.  The Ultimate Goal is to have a beautiful, memorable wedding event.

“Devil in the detail” can include:

…caterer is late.

…groomsman delayed.

…RSVPs not sent in.

…Wedding favors not on every table.

…Wedding flowers are regular lilies instead of stargazer lilies.

…Coordinators fail to feed the DJ at reception.

The key is to pay close attention and address every possible detail in order to minimize it distracting you from the ultimate goal.

This is similar to our spiritual walk. Although we know our ultimate goal is to spend eternity in Heaven with the Lord, Satan is cunning at distracting us.

He overwhelms us with details such as, our jobs, our money, our children, our health, our wants and desires.

It is often perplexing that…

…people can’t get to Sunday worship service on time, yet they are ON TIME for their jobs on Monday morning;

…people can plan every detail of their vacation, but it rarely includes locating a place to worship on Sunday;

…we can commit to other “worldly”  pursuits, but we can’t commit to completing a Bible Study course or studying the Bible;

…we “are too busy” to help others, yet we are very detailed in taking care of ourselves.

Our spiritual journey was never promised to be a smooth one…it was promised to be worth it.

An older, and slightly more common, phrase “God is in the detail” means that attention paid to small things has big rewards, or that details are important. http://grammarist.com/words/devil-is-in-the-details-vs-god-is-in-the-detail/

The Bible says:

Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV): 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

James 4:7 (NKJV):  7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Genesis 50:20 (NKJV): 20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

2 Corinthians 2:11 (NKJV):  11 lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.

1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV):  8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

2 Timothy 2:22 (NKJV):  22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV):  13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

Memorable Quotes

“God is up to something or the devil would not be fighting you this hard. You are going to win.”

“You can’t walk with God holding hands with the devil.”

“The devil doesn’t come in a red cape and pointy horns. He comes as everything you’ve ever wished for…”

“Sometimes the devil allows people to live a life free of trouble, cause he doesn’t want them depending on God.” – from movie God is Not Dead

"There are times when you simply have to righteously hang on and outlast the devil." - Ezra Taft Benson

“Satan tries to limit your praying because he knows your praying will limit him.”

“Satan offers sinful pleasures but always hides the price tag.”

“Satan’s greatest lie: you have plenty of time to get right with God.” 

It would serve us to keep “God in the detail” of our daily lives to ultimately earn big rewards.

“Yours to Lose”          

We tend to have things in our lives that we feel we will have forever.

This is not entirely true.

Cases in Point:

#1 - You may always be an American, UNLESS you change your citizenship to that of another country’s.  Being born an American citizen, the Declaration of Independence states:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life,_Liberty_and_the_pursuit_of_Happiness

The Constitution contains “The Bill of Rights” which allows freedoms such as Freedom of Speech and Right to Bear Arms. http://www.whitehouse.gov/our-government/the-constitution

You always have access to the rights of being an American citizen…as long as you obey the laws of the land and the exercise of your freedoms do not infringe on someone else's.

If anyone overreaches these rights, such as the racist, violent chant recorded by fraternity members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon on the campus of University of Oklahoma or Michael Dunn’s fatally shooting of Jordan Davis because of loud music can result in your rights being revoked.

The fraternity was banned from the campus and several members expelled. Michael Dunn was convicted of 1-count of first degree murder, 3-counts of second degree attempted murder and sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole. In both cases, freedom was theirs…to lose.

#2 - After watching the 2015 Super Bowl 49 game with the New York Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks, I am as perplexed as everyone else. Why would Seattle’s coach Peter Carroll or the offensive coordinator not have the quarterback Russell Wilson put the ball in the hands of the most consistent, "guaranteed" Running Back Marshawn Lynch? This would have clinched the win for them. Instead, they chose to pass it, which resulted in an interception by Patriots Marshall Butler and a 28-24 win for the Patriots. I agree with the perspective of one of my Facebook friends:

 "Although many will disagree, I think Seattle LOST this Super Bowl versus the Patriots WINNING it."

By the 4^th quarter, the game appeared to be a WIN for Seattle. The game appeared to be theirs to lose…unfortunately, they did.

#3 – We have all heard the awful stories of people who have WON the Powerball Lottery of amounts such as $300 million dollars. Yet, we find out that two years later, after lack of financial responsibility, recklessness and lavish spending, the winners are now, bankrupt and broke. Wealth and financial freedom was theirs to lose…unfortunately, they did.

Salvation is the same way. Jesus Christ died so that we all would have it…as long as we obey God. He didn’t just die a horrific death on the cross with no conditions. If He had, then it would have been pointless…wouldn’t it?

The Bible says:

Matthew 24:13 (NKJV):  “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”

Luke 6:46 (NKJV):  “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?

Matthew 7:21-23 (NKJV): 21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ “

Hebrews 10:26-27 (NKJV):  26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.

Titus 2:11-14 (NKJV):  11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Memorable Quotes:

“Salvation is free; Discipleship costs everything we have.” – Billy Graham

“Salvation is Yours to Lose.” – David Jones, Jr., Ed.D.

"You are free to chose, but you are not free from the consequences of your choices."

 Heaven is yours to lose.  Plan for it wisely…

Understanding “My Grace Is Sufficient…”

One of the most profound scriptures in the Bible is:

2 Corinthians 12:9-11(NIV): 9 But he said to me,“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

I have said this to others to encourage them and had it said to me.

I guess I didn’t truly understand it until I have been on this current health journey of managing Primary Progressive MS.

I recall one day trying to head out to the post office to mail some cards of encouragement and go to Noon Bible Study. I felt extra stiff, achy and slow. I remember quietly praying, “Lord, I am just trying to go serve you. Please help me here.”

The message I quietly heard from my “inner voice” was:“My grace is sufficient…”

The interpretation I received was: “You have just enough energy to go do what I need you to do. Ignore the messages from the world. I don’t need you to run a marathon or climb Mt. Everest. If only ‘a tad of energy’ is what you have, that’s all that is needed for you to serve me. My strength is revealed in your weakness.”

Oftentimes, we use excuses. We ignore this by our own internal insecurities such as "I'm too tired" or "It hurts too badly."

This firm statement from the Lord is difficult for us to embrace. We typically cannot hear it or believe it among the loud chatter of the world. We often measure our success by the world's standards instead of by God's standards.

We often hear messages such as:

• “Push through”
• “No pain, no gain”
• “You have got to get it done”
• “Just do it”
• "It's too hard"

These messages don’t support this quiet reassurance by the Lord. It calls on your ability to TRUST GOD and Obey Him.

Memorable Quotes:

“Every weakness you have is an opportunity for God to show his strength in your life.”
“The weakest part of my life can become the strongest part of my faith.”
“Until God opens the next door for you, praise Him in the hallway.”
“When we have nothing left but God, we discover that God is enough.”
“The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you.”

The main thing for us to understand is that God gives us the energy, the time and the resources to do exactly what He wants us to do…to serve others and be obedient to Him. He said, “My grace is sufficient…”

Will you trust Him?

“When People Mistreat You…”

"When people mistreat you, without forgiveness, you become them.” –  David Jones, Jr., Ed.D.

This wisdom hit me right between the eyes many years ago:

I had just begun my professional corporate career in Sales, first job straight out of college. I was the youngest in my department, very naïve and overly-trusting. I lowered my defenses and trusted a colleague who I believed to be a dear friend and confidante’ for almost 9 years – all throughout my naïve’ 20’s. 

Although “2+2 never quite added up to 4,” I ignored these red flags. I was profoundly loyal, trusted her completely and unconditionally, going out of my way to do any and everything in the world for her.

When an intervention occurred of other friends trying to enlighten me, I still refused to believe them. I continued defending her. It took them repeating to me things she had told them very freely (my most intimate, embarrassing secrets that I had ONLY ever told her) and the horrible, cruel things she said about me for me to have my eyes opened. I practically hyperventilated! I felt as though someone had literally punched me in the stomach – leaving me unable to breathe. Was I that blind?! This ultimate betrayal was overwhelming. I cried and grieved uncontrollably. I was inconsolable...

I am sad to say that my erratic, emotionally-charged response, although very effective and professionally-executed, was not reflective of my authentic self. I utilized every game, ploy and back-door maneuver I had ever seen her do to expose her, pass judgment and and ultimately, hurt her as much as she had hurt me. "An eye for an eye..." right???

I remember being upset with my cousin, who was also our co-worker and her friend. She reminded me of Matthew 18:15 by saying, "You really should have gone to her, and her alone." I emotionally rejected this advice. (I humbly wish I hadn't...)

I finally "came to myself" and went to her to apologize for my behavior. She refused it, very angry at having been out-played on her own game. (She NEVER - even to this day - apologized to me.)

I realized several things from this experience. First, that only "hurt people hurt people." She was hurting...and as a devoted friend...I missed it. For this, I have deep regrets. Secondly, that she was an excellent, unknowing teacher…and I had become the consummate student. I was flawless…I had trumped her at her own pain-inflicting, manipulative game. I had become everything that I resented and that appalled me about her…I had become her!

I ended up working with her again years later, as well as crossing paths at a few social events. Will I ever trust her again? Unlikely. Although I still remember the hurt and betrayal I endured, I was and am, even now, able to think of her fondly and wish her well. I had to forgive her…I had to forgive myself…

The Bible says:

1 Peter 3:9 (NIV): 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

Luke 6:37 (NIV):  37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Ephesians 4:32 (NIV):  32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Colossians 3:13 (NIV):  13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Matthew 6:15 (NIV):  15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Memorable Quotes

“Forgiveness doesn't excuse their behavior... Forgiveness prevents their behavior from destroying your heart.:” – Justin and Trisha Davis

“Life becomes easier when you learn to accept an apology you never got.” – Robert Brault
"An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind." - Mahatma Gandhi

“Forgiveness is me giving up my right to hurt you for hurting me.” – Anonymous

“Be careful with your words. Once they are said, they can be only forgiven, not forgotten.”

“When another person makes you suffer, it is because he suffers deeply within himself, and his suffering is spilling over. He does not need punishment; he needs help.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

“Forgive yourself for not having the foresight to know what now seems so obvious in hindsight.” – Judy Belmont

 “Don’t allow your wounds to turn you into a person you are not.”

"When people show you who they are, believe them the first time." – Dr. Maya Angelou

Don’t become who the world influences you to be. Forgive others, forgive yourself and be who God wants you to be…