Heartbeat The Salvation Army Soundcast

I am notorious for not reading the instructions when it comes to something that requires assembly. I can’t tell you how many headaches I’ve caused myself trying to assemble a new piece of furniture without guidance. It usually ends up taking twice as long as halfway through the build I realize I missed a crucial step. Had I just read the manual I would’ve been finished a long time ago!
In the Bible, Paul’s letter to Titus is an instruction manual for pastoral leadership and Christian living. Paul is passing on all that he’s learned to give Titus a head start and help him avoid pitfalls Paul had certainly seen by then.
Paul gives Titus instructions on appointing elders, how to teach appropriate doctrine, how to manage disputes, and general advice on being a Christian man.
So, don’t throw out those manuals, and don’t miss out on the most important one we have, the Word of God.

A few years ago my daughter told me she wanted to make her own raised garden bed for veggies. So, we spent a weekend and built one for her. We planted kale, peppers, and some herbs. But I made sure she knew keeping the garden healthy was her task. She needed to water it daily. Pull out weeds and leaves and make sure that critters weren’t stealing our food.
She was excited about it for the first two weeks until she decided it was too much work and then it became my job. LOL.
Gardens are a lot like our relationships. We can’t take them for granted- never reach out, and expect them to still be there and be healthy. Relationships take time and intentionality to flourish.
So, if there’s someone in your life you’ve been neglecting, take this as your reminder to reach out and give them the attention they deserve.

Why am I here?
Why are any of us here?
Since the beginning of humankind, philosophers have debated this question and offered their own answers. One of the best answers I’ve heard is,
“The purpose of life is a life of purpose”.
What does a life of purpose look like? To contribute something positive in this world? Even something that makes a small difference can give meaning to life.
So, maybe you feel like your life on autopilot. Maybe it’s time for something different. Maybe it’s time to find opportunities to pour into others. Volunteer. Give back to your community. In the Bible, Ephesians 2, Paul says,
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works”

In the aftermath of multiple disasters in the US, Stacy Martin, the editor of Redbook Magazine said,
“Although the national mood is somber right now, I take it in stride as a reminder of the true nature of life: It’s a heady, scary, wonderful, sad, happy mix. Take each moment of each day and live it not as if it’s your last- but as if it’s your first, your best, and your only day.”
That is so beautiful. And great advice. In the Bible, Proverbs 27, verse 1 it says
“Don’t boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.”
I hope this doesn’t sound dark- but tomorrow is never promised. So live your life and live it well. Make today count!
 

It’s been said that sensitivity to the circumstances and feelings of others is the cornerstone of all human relationships.
Many companies today even hold seminars on Sensitivity Training. According to philosopher, Simone Weil, “The love of our neighbor in all its fullness simply means being able to say to them, 'What are you going through?”
In the Bible, the Apostle Paul said of Timothy who is at the church in Philippi, “I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare.
What about you? Do you know what your neighbor is going through today? Be intentional with the relationships around you. We’re not in this alone. Maybe it’s time you reminded someone else.
 
 

My friend’s 6-month old puppy is coming a long way with her training. We went on a trail run together with his dog and she did great. Even off-leash she stayed right with us- until…  a squirrel ran across our path. It didn’t matter that she’s had so much training and really wanted to please her owner. When the squirrel ran past, she took off and chased it up a tree. They are her weakness!
What about you? What things distract you from your prayer life or time in scripture? For some it’s work; a busy schedule in general. For a lot us it might just be social media. It absolutely has its place to share the gospel, but often, it just becomes mindless scrolling.
If you feel like there is something grabbing your attention more than your Heavenly Father- try to put it down for a while and bring your focus back to God.