Self Fulfilling Prophecy

I recently met with a colleague.  We were discussing trends in our profession and he reminded me to be careful of how I forecasted the future based upon prior experiences.  He insinuated that the way I was speaking could bring about a self fulfilling prophecy.  His willingness to be direct and honest caused me to pause and think more about the way I speak.   Was I being negative in my thinking or speaking facts? 

Either way, I believe the key is to speak the truth with hope for the future.  When individuals are sick, we want to believe they will be healed.  When people lose their jobs, we want to believe they will get new and better ones.  When people want to become famous baseball players, movie stars and writers, it is important to do our best to encourage our friends and loved ones, yet we also have to be mindful of the truth.  Self efficacy drives our performance and our futures.  I would hate to miss out on becoming who God wants me and my family to become because of my failure to believe in the plans God may have to provide a bright future full of hope. 

Accumulating possessions or experiences?

I am listening to one of my favorite podcast series, "Chase the Lion" by Mark Batterson.  He asked the question: "Are you trying to accumulate experiences or possessions?"  He stated that in an effort to be safe and secure and minimize uncertainty, we often try to accumulate possessions instead of experiences.  When I look back over the last several years, I am very thankful for the time I spent embracing new experiences.

What is the definition of perseverance?

According to thefreedictionary.com:

 

Persevere

To persist in or remain constant to a purpose, idea, or task in the face of obstacles or discouragement.

 

Perseverance

Steady persistence in adhering to a course of action, a belief, or a purpose; steadfastness.

What is the definition of endurance?

According to thefreedictionary.com

1. The act, quality, or power of withstanding hardship or stress: A marathon tests a runner's endurance.

2. The state or fact of persevering: Through hard work and endurance, we will complete this project.
3. Continuing existence; duration.

Pursue endurance: you may live to be 100

My 100 year old friend knows what it means to pursue endurance.  Physical, emotional, spiritual and social challenges continue to change as we mature.  Endurance in all these aspects makes a big difference when it comes to staying joyful with life's ups and downs. 

Pursue gentleness: Power under control

I am ashamed to say that, out of all the things in life I am trying to pursue, gentleness has not been on the top of my list.  I don't believe I have thought of gentleness as something to chase after.  However, 1 Timothy 6:11 encourages us to pursue gentleness.  The idea, here, is to actually try to grow in our ability to be gentle.  Gentleness is also one of the fruits of the spirit.  What kind of gentleness should we pursue?

According to http://kevinmartineau.ca/our-world-needs-more-gentlenes/, the Greek definition of gentleness is "power under control."   This definition does not imply that we pursue passive behavior in life.  We know we are to live with zeal, perseverance and to stand firm in our faith.  In humility, we understand our power comes from the Lord, but we work at controlling the power we have been given.

The floating axhead

God's math is not bound to the rules of our math.  God can make an iron axhead float.  I love the story in 2 Kings 6:1-7.  Some guys were out cutting trees down and a borrowed axhead flew into the water.  Elisha did an act of faith and God honored his act and made the axhead float to the top of the water.

Sometimes when I am running, I like to focus on this story.  I remember that my God is big enough to make an axhead float.  If He can make an axhead float, then He can make things that I perceive as impossible... possible.