Overthinking

The longer I watch baseball, I see evidence of significant reliance on data and analytics to help improve teams. The idea is to use this information to help players and the team improve their performance. Sometimes, it seems it can also cause the athlete to forget to rely on their natural ability. Humans can, at times, overthink something and not see perhaps a more straightforward solution. How many are guilty of that dilemma?
 
In Luke’s gospel, there is a moment Jesus is informing His disciples they will face people of authority who will oppose their worldview and persecute them (Luke 21:10-12). What were His instructions? First, our Lord teaches this is an opportunity for them to be a witness of their faith in Jesus Christ (v.13). Next, no overthinking – instead, “make up your minds not to prepare your defense ahead of time, for I will give you such words and a wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict” (v.14-15). Does that mean no more bible study? No, learning God’s Word is still essential (2Timothy 3:16). However, our Lord is reminding His followers to remember the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). When Peter and John were suddenly before the Sanhedrin, Peter filled with Holy Spirit, spoke to them (Acts 4:8). He was confident in the truth that he said to these men of authority. So, the next time you face a problem or conflict, don’t overthink; instead, pray and remember the Advocate Jesus sent (John 16:12-15). 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Reason

Over 20 years ago, I realized why I was born. No, I am not referring to my calling as a pastor, although it was during this same time frame. However, I did incorporate my self-worth and financial status into my work before this period. That worldly perspective was before I met Jesus. Although I grew up attending church, I didn’t know Him. I knew of God but didn’t know God. I did not know Jesus. When my wife and I found a church to attend consistently, we encountered the Living Word of God through hearing His word and applying His truths in our marriage, home, and church (Hebrews 4:12). This was the beginning of our understanding that words and actions matter. Especially in our faith – I have found this the most joyful and appealing thing about our relationship with the Lord. We can read the holy Scriptures and know that these words are trustworthy and that God follows through with His plans (Hebrews 10:23). This Sunday, our Children’s Ministry will conclude its series on the virtue of ...
Read more

Doubt

There are over 70,000 self-help books on the Amazon website, and over 6,000 manuscripts contend with the battle of doubt. Honestly, I thought both of those numbers would be larger. Nevertheless, much discussion exists about a struggle that can invade our minds and hearts. Doubt can hinder our relationships, jobs, and sometimes our faith. But, of course, it is beneficial to raise suspicion sometimes. For example, when we doubt a course of action that seems unwise, hopefully, it is a decision made after wise counsel and prayer (Proverbs 15:22; Philippians 4:6). Unfortunately, people (me included) have succumbed to doubt because it is an easier choice. A Spanish proverb argues, “Among the safe courses, the safest of all is to doubt.” No matter the reason, doubt could prevent us from experiencing a full life with God (Psalm 16:11; 2 Timothy 1:7). Moments before our Lord gave His  great commission  to His disciples, they came to Him in worship and praised their risen King. Then, as...
Read more

God's Love. God's Plan.

Back in August, we did a series in K-5 ministry about God's compassion for His people, beginning in the book of Genesis. The idea is to introduce the children to  God's big story – the journey of God's love through time and His involvement.  Explaining first that God's actions are out of love (1 John 4:16), and He always has a plan (Proverbs 19:21; Romans 8:28). These certainties inevitably are said no matter what Scripture we are discussing. Our desire as a family ministry is for both children and students to know our faithful, loving God and want to obey His commands out of the love they have for Him.   Starting this Sunday, we will explore the connection between Christmas and God's character, as shown through His big story. Soon we will celebrate the birth of Jesus, the ultimate example of God's faithfulness, His love, and the remarkable fulfillment of a plan to save His people (1 John 4:9-10). It began with a promise in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:15; 1 J...
Read more