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Do you think dignity and reverence are important qualities in worship? You can argue that they are desirable traits in all circumstances, but beware that you do not adopt cultural standards that are not in the Bible. David danced before me with all his might in a garment appropriate for dancing. His wife mocked him for his lack of dignity in the presence of his ‘inferiors’, but he defended himself saying his dance was for me, and that he was, in effect, just getting warmed up; he was prepared to go further. My response is not recorded, but her barrenness from then on may be taken as disapproval of her criticism. If you are inhibited in worship do not criticize those who are not. 

Journaling from Julia Parker as she goes through our Through the Bible training. A word that we all need to hear!

“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead…. 36“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” (Lu 10:30, 36,37)

There is deep within the human heart a desire to win. This is obvious in commerce, military engagements, and politics. Even these are not enough so you stage athletic competition and other games as contrived contests to compare performance and identify a victor. Do you think this is consistent with Biblical principles? You are engaged in a spiritual struggle with an adversary determined to harm you, your loved ones, and innocent strangers. This is not a game or contrived contest. There are real consequences and your desire to fight and win should be equal to the stakes involved. My word promises that I cause you to triumph and I give you the victory. 

Jesus, blessed Lord, a word for Your people, please.
 
My beloved people, My precious children. Do you not know, do you not realize,
how great is My love for you? So many of you continue to do your own thing - why
don’t you come and spend more time with Me? I so love having you in My presence!
There is so much we can do together. Why do you try to go through the events of
life without My input, My guidance, My love? Many are the trials of life, but know

Do you see any value in suffering in silence? You live in a culture with a bias for immediate complaint and resolution of anything unpleasant. My word says that those who do their alms before men to be seen of them have their reward, but those who do their alms in secret are see by their Father in heaven who rewards them openly. Do you see how this principle can be extended to comfort and sympathy? Most are not willing to suffer without complaint. They seek comfort from others and get it. Yet there is a special level of comfort that only the Comforter can provide. If you are willing to suffer in silence I can help you in ways your friends cannot. 

T. David Manohar is one of our recent doctoral graduates from Christian Leadership University. We are proud of this accomplishment in his life, and are glad to publish an article he is using in the secular workplace on Whole Brain Learning. His article gives a brief historical overview of how scientists have come to the understanding of left and right brain functions, and then explores the question, "How can I use both hemispheres more effectively?" The specific topic he uses as an example to demonstrate how to use both hemispheres is writing.

Have you heard it said that misery loves company? Have you seen this in action? Have you had others seek out your company so they could complain at length, refusing any attempt of yours to minister grace and joy, and trying to drag you down with them? Have you ever done this to someone else? They may say that they want comfort, but they refuse comfort. You do not minister life to them by agreeing with and facilitating this. I met people in desperate circumstances. Did I ever give in to pity and commiseration? Do not mistake these for compassion and mercy. I ministered life and redemption to those who desired it, and commissioned you to do the same in my name. 

Do you like to get gifts? Who doesn’t? You like some gifts more than others, but you accept them with the understanding that they are for you. The gifts I give are better than those from anyone else, but the gifts I give you are not for you. They are for others. The gifts I give are special abilities you may employ to serve others. My prophets speak to others rather than to themselves. They are my messengers, employing the gift I give them to relay my message to others. The same principle holds for other gifts I give to equip you for ministry. Have I not called you to lay down your life and be the servant of all? It is more blessed to give than to receive. You will find joy in exercising the gifts I give you to serve others. 

Do you consider the pursuit of happiness to be the highest goal? Consider my servant Paul. Would you consider him to be happy according to the commonly accepted definition? He led a life of affliction and torment. Yet would he have cast aside the burdens and sorrows he carried for me? He did not consider them worthy to compare to the glory that would be revealed in him. The concept of happiness that your culture seeks is shallow and not consistent with Biblical principles. Who would seek to lose their own life to save it? Yet if you lay down your life and pick up your cross and follow me you will have eternal life, treasure in heaven, and true happiness.