Waking up on the wrong side of the bed!

Today I literally woke up on the wrong side of the bed. And yesterday too. And the day before that. See, a few days ago my wife and I switched the side of the bed we sleep on. So everyday since then, I have been getting out of the opposite side of the bed.

I know you're probably thinking its not that big of a deal, but think about this: We have been sleeping on the same side of the bed since the night we got married - almost 6 years ago! And it was so natural to sleep in that side of the bed that we have now to remind each other that we are on the other side. And neither of us slept well the first night. I mean, pulling the covers off each other, kicking each other, and falling off the bed (OK, we didn't actually fall but I sure thought I was going to a few times). And then waking up... your body gets used to a routine and having to get up the "other" way just doesn't feel right.

The only reason we did this is because we switched some things in our room and it just seemed to flow better with each of us on the other side. And I must admit, I actually kinda like it! Why? Read on...

Doing this got me thinking about how we get pulled into routines so easily. Sometimes its refreshing to try something new. It won't always work, but its worth a try. After three nights, I'm getting used to it now and even kinda like it. And in some weird way, it makes me feel like a more well-rounded person. Yeah, because now I know what it feels like to get out of the wrong side of the bed and still have a great day! Not only that, but it is becoming my new routine!

I know what you're thinking... So what Vince?

Pay attention because here's the tie-in... in Romans chapter 6, Paul writes:

"1What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."

Paul is telling us that when we become Christians, we break our old routines. We leave our comfort zone. We get out of the other side of the bed! And let me tell, that's not always the easiest thing to do! But once you do it for a while, it will become your new routine. It will become your new comfort zone. It will become the "right" side of the bed.

Remember that when you talk to people about Christ. Understand their hesitation. Realize their fear. And then encourage them as they follow Christ and gain a new life through Him.

Of course, sleeping on the other side of the bed doesn't do anything glorious for God. But following Christ to live a new life is all about God's glory. So if you haven't already, it's time to try the other side!

Be blessed!
Vince

A tired Superman...

So here it is, already June! What happened to May? Isn't that supposed to be a long month or something? Anyway, now we are into June and doing VBS and beginning our "Summer Calendar" and staying up late and for some reason I feel tired. I just don't get it. I mean, I never get tired. I'm SUPERMAN! But then I remember that even Superman has a weakness!

Did you know that not all kryptonite is harmful to Superman? Yep, there are 5 kinds of kryptonite and only three are harmful to Superman. One can cause death, one can take away all his powers permanently, and on turns him into wired creatures. Superman would rather not be around any, but can stand being around some of it for a little while. Why the Superman lesson? Because its a good lesson for each of us too!

Do you realize that we really DO have super powers? That's right, through the Holy Spirit and prayer, you really do have super powers to accomplish amazing things for God! The problem is that our superpowers only work when we are close to God. We all get away from God and hang out around kryptonite too much. Sometimes we work and play more than worship and pray. And that's when the problems start.

check out Isaiah Chapter 40:28-31:

28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.

29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.

30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Sounds like the Lord can give us some amazing powers! How do you take advantage? Just spend some time PLEASING GOD, BEARING GOOD FRUIT, and GROWING IN KNOWLEDGE! Read Colossians Chapter 1:10-12:

10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.

What an awesome thing to realize that we are given super powers of strength and energy and patience and endurance and joy! Spend some time with God TODAY. No, right NOW. And be renewed! I already feel like Superman again just from writing this!

Well, I'm off to help those in need! :)
Be blessed!
Vince