Finding the Good in a Negative World

This is a Debbie Downer world. The times we live in focuses on the negative. “If it bleeds. It leads” the news tells us. Good news seldom makes 6 O’Clock News. 

The station where I worked in Phoenix always looked to do something new and innovative. “Good News Arizona” hit the airwaves, showing people building a special needs playground in their neighborhood to help one child. School children sending care packages, photos, and letters to soldiers fighting the Gulf War, and so on. There is no shortage of goodness in this world. The trials we go through just cloud our view.

Laziness makes us focus on the negative. It surrounds us.  It takes work to push through the tragedies in life to find the treasures. God equips us with all the tools we need Philippians 4:8

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.“

You realize all of those things define God Himself. If we set our eyes on Him and focus on Him, our focus will shift.  

Need a little help? Look around you. When God created the heavens and the earth, the animals, the flowers of the fields, He put a bow on it all and pronounced it “GOOD.” When He formed man and woman, He declared them “VERY GOOD.” Goodness surrounds us.

Go for a walk. Soak in the sunshine. Call a friend or loved one to hear a friendly, caring voice. Play your favorite music. In Job 38:7, we find “‘the morning stars sang together’.  God is surrounded by a heavenly choir. Angels sang, heralding the birth of Jesus. Dance like David did. It will bring you and God joy!

As the Facebook meme goes, “Be the good you want to see in the world.”  We have too many Debbie Downers and too much negative news. Do something new and innovative. Set yourself apart, and  “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:2.

Finding Freedom Through Trust and Surrender

Joining the party a little late, as usual. Many people have thrown out their “WORD” for the year. Here’s mine: Trust and Surrender. Yes, I realize it is two words, but I have learned that you cannot have one without the other.

Near the end of World War II, Germany had depleted its number of fighting-age men. The long war and a Second Front left them with little choice but to give rifles to anyone, including boys and scientists. The latter didn’t join up willingly. At the first site of conflict, they laid down their weapons and surrendered to the Allied Forces. It appears they trusted being in the hands of the Allies more than under the thumb of the Nazi Regime.

Their surrender brought freedom and, for many, a new home in the United States of America. Their expertise launched NASA with a far better goal than what they once served.

Christians face the same dilemma. We can stay where we are, unhappy that life is not what we want. Or we can surrender to what is good and have the life that only God can provide.
Under our own power, evil will tempt us to choose anything that makes us feel good. The devil will tell you that money, love, power, possessions, or any earthly thing will fill that hole in your heart.

It took a scientist to tell us that the devil misses the mark. You will, too, if you believe his lies. The hole is God-Shaped; only He can fill it. Enter scientist Blaise Pascal, who wrote in 425 AD:

“What else does this craving, and this helplessness, proclaim but that there was once in man a true happiness, of which all that now remains is the empty print and trace? This he tries in vain to fill with everything around him, seeking in things that are not there the help he cannot find in those that are, though none can help, since this infinite abyss can be filled only with an infinite and
immutable object; in other words, by God himself.”

Strip down all the things we seek; one thing is the same. We all desire love. The Bible tells us, “God is Love”. In 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7, we learn its definition:

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.Love never fails.”

If that is the definition of love, and God is love, then He is all of those and more. He fills the hole in our hearts with His patience, kindness, humility, honor, truthfulness, protection, trust, hope, perseverance, and unfailing love.

Trust and Surrender don’t come naturally to me or anyone. Even those German scientists probably feared what could happen if they did. Trust and Surrender led the Germans to a better life. God wants the best life for us, one with Him here and in eternity. God’s love makes letting go easier. In letting go, we will have all our hearts seek HIM.

Letting Go of Bitterness: Lessons in Forgiveness

Ask anyone who knows me or even remotely knows me; I am never at a loss for words. Teachers always noted on my report card, “Talks Too Much.” It followed me into adulthood when I became the social director of the workplace. An unofficial title and sometimes an unwelcome one from management. But I did spread bonding friendships in the newsroom.

One of those relationships turned nasty when one of my dearest friends believed a lie about me. Nothing I said fixed it.

I took it to God. When I had none, I turned to His words, remembering a sermon that said God loves when we pray scripture.

Every day, I prayed Ephesians 4:31-32, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” 

Six months passed. I prayed daily and took it to the Lord. I didn’t try to plead my case with my friend, only to God. One day, my phone rang. It was my friend asking, “Will you forgive me?” 

Without thinking, the story of Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross, popped into my head. One day, someone reminded her of a vicious thing done to her years before. She acted as if she had never heard of the incident. “Don’t you remember it?” a friend asked. “No,” came Barton’s reply, “I distinctly remember forgetting it.“

I said the same thing to my friend, not because Clara Barton said it, but because God did. Verse 32 says, “Forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.” If a perfect God can forgive imperfect people, how can we not forgive one another? 

I prayed this verse not only for my friend but also for me. Holding on to bitterness, rage, brawling, slander, and malice hurts us more than it hurts others. Letting go allows God to do the work. 

Whenever I am asked how I know God is real, I tell this story. None of my human efforts changed this situation. Believe me, I used all my words! When I took God at His word, He accomplished what He alone can- changed hearts, both mine and my friend.

Fresh Fruit: A Path to Health and Faith


Every new year kicks off with exercise and diet resolutions. The healthy lifestyle lasts about a month and a half, when Cupid brings boxes of chocolates and fancy restaurant dinners. That little cherub is a troublemaker.

Like every year, headlines grab our attention about the “it” foods to eat. This go-round, it’s berries. This seems like a no-brainer for those raised to eat our fruits and vegetables. However, my mom told my three sisters and me it would put hair on our chests. Not a desired outcome, but we knew her humor and obediently ate what was good for us.

Berries are the bomb.  The antioxidants inside them protect our cells from cancer and decrease our risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Research suggests that berries enhance cognitive function, slow mental decline, and are anti-inflammatory. People who eat berries show the fruit of their good nature.

Christians are called to live lives that show the goodness of the Fruit Of The Spirit. In the same way, the benefits of berries can be seen in us; the Spirit of God should, too!

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)  

Before his death, Jesus told his friends and disciples they would not be alone. He sent his Holy Spirit to help and guide them. When we walk with the Lord, that same power, God’s very spirit, lives in us.

Researchers spend a lot of time testing and studying food to separate the good from the bad. Here is the test for walking with the Lord. Replace the word Spirit in this bible verse with your name. Would people say you are full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? The Spirit is God. His fruits are the very nature of God.  When we show the work of the fruit, we show the proof of a good and perfect God.

Fruit can’t grow without the sun’s light. Christian, the same goes for us. We only grow when the SON’S light shines on us. Ask His Spirit to make you more like Him. Only then can we be a light in a very dark world. Let your actions do the talking. Share the fruit so that others can live life with the Lord.

God’s Blessings: Embracing Life’s Snow Days

Snow days are met with a mixed reaction. Kids love them, parents, not so much. Some parents scramble to make arrangements for their kids and work schedules. Other parents breathe a heavy sigh because it means a lot of wet clothes, cold kids, and full houses that should’ve been quiet. For children, the site of a newly fallen snow brings joy- a time to get out of the classroom and onto a sled and play with reckless abandon.

God gives us snow days, too. We must choose how we see them.

No matter what God brings into our lives, we need to view it from his perspective. He always works for our good. What seems like a bad thing can be the biggest blessing. Sometimes God uses those things to steer us back on the path. That is a good thing!

The blessings he shares with us come in all shapes and sizes. We need to thank God for each one, no matter how small.

The Bible tells us and James 1:17, “Every good and perfect gift is from above,coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

People will change, and circumstances will change. Some days will be good, and others bad. God remains the same. He never changes. He is always good and always working for you.

Thank Him today for everything he brings into your life. He is shaping you into His very image.

Shine Without Glaring: The Power Of Faith

Those of us born before the video game age played simpler things like “Hide and Go Seek,” “Simon Says,” and, of course, this all-time favorite, “How Long Can You Stare at the Sun?” There’s a comedian who does a bit about this, and his parents tell him to find another activity because we all know the sun is blinding.

Sometimes, we can blind others with our faith. Not everyone is on the same timeline when it comes to having a relationship with the Lord. It’s God‘s timing. Our job is to be a light, not a glaring, blinding one. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells us, “You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14).

People are drawn to the city on the hill because of its beauty, not because of flashy, bright lights. If the light were blinding, no one could find their way. In the same sermon, Jesus tells us to be salt. A little salt is good. Too much salt ruins the recipe. No one craves that. 

Live the life others will crave. Reflect the love of God. Let your faith be something that draws people to Him. Please don’t overdo it with the light and the salt. No one wants salt-ridden food. No one wants to be beaten over the head with the Bible. No one wants to be lectured. People crave peace, love, and fulfillment. God offers that. Let the beauty of His light shine through you for His glory.

Letting Go of Negativity Through Faith

My brain beats any DVR or sports Instant Replay. I can tell you events down to the tiniest detail. Of course, this mostly goes for the bad things that have happened to me. For example, back in the 1900s, I can remember being bullied by a certain girl in grade school. Yes, play-by-play all those many years ago. Oh, I’m up on current events, too; ask my husband. He will tell you I have a very good memory, and I don’t think he sometimes means it as a compliment.

Why do we let negative thoughts take up rent in our brains? We rehearse the same hurts over and over and over again. God does not want us to rehearse things in our minds. He wants our minds to be renewed. If we get caught in a loop of negative thinking, Satan keeps our focus on our problems and off our God. God knows we have a strong enemy. So, he offers us a way to fight for our thoughts. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)Looking through this list, each describes our God. He is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise. Our circumstances are not. God is telling us to think about him to take our thoughts off of ourselves and let him have all the space that the negative thoughts occupy.  Look up, not inward. Renew your thoughts with Him. Let go of the old. God tells us he is making all things new.(Revelation 21:5)

Why Sometimes a Little Salt is Good: A Lesson in Balance

An annoying app on my phone called NextDoor is anything but neighborly. It pretends to be a kind of neighborhood watch for the 21st century. All I have seen is people complaining. Today, someone ranted about the use of salt to melt snow and its negative impact on the planet.  I had to stop myself from offering that I had slipped and fallen on our shoveled but unsalted driveway. The snow had been removed, but the melt had become glossy, unseen ice. Boom! I wrenched my back, knee, and shoulder.  Sometimes, a little salt is actually good!


I deleted the text and moved on. God calls us to do the same in life. Seek peace and pursue it. Scroll on by on Facebook and X. Don’t engage in things that will only cause trouble for you and others.


More often than not, what we don’t do has the most impact. We live in a very divided and angry world. People clawing away at each other, to what end?  Is anyone happier for it? Instead, do as the Lord commands. Turn away from evil. Search for peace and maintain it. Show the world God’s love. Everyone will be better for it.

Let Go and Trust: The Power of Surrender in Faith

Throw in the towel. Wave the white flag. Quit. Surrender. None of these sound very positive. But in God’s economy, these are rich. Take it from someone who tries and tries and tries. It will never be enough. The best advice ever given me when I was working came during my evaluation. My news director looked right at me and said, Sandy, you were doing many things. I thought, “This is going to go great”. Then he added, but you aren’t doing anything well. Ouch! What started out sounding good didn’t end well. In the long run, it did. I had to learn to focus on my tasks, not everything around me. This is what God is telling us in this verse. Stop trying. I am God, and I can do everything, not you. We are strong when we turn to him and realize our weakness (2 Corinthians 12: 9-11). Know that he is more than able(Ephesians 3: 20). There is nothing he cannot do. The Bible tells us apart from him, we can do no good thing(John 15:5). Know that He is God. Give it up to Him.

WHO DO YOU LOVE?

After winning his third Super Bowl, football quarterback phenom Tom Brady asked an interviewer, “Why do I have 3 Super Bowl rings and still feel like there is something greater out there for me?” He got it right on two counts. He went on to win four more rings, and there is something greater for him. God. We find ourselves chasing after bigger and better: a job, money, a spouse, and happy and healthy children. None of these things is bad. God wants good things for his children. He puts it in order for us. “And he will give them to you if you give him first place in your life and live as he wants you to.” (Matthew 6:33 TLB)

Here’s the deal. God doesn’t care how many rings are on your hand. He cares about what is in your heart.  He will put his finger on what you love and ask if you love him more. God is more than able to give us the desires of our hearts when we desire him first. Our God caused the Holy Roman Empire to call for a census so that all its people would return to their hometowns. This put Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Our God created a star in the sky so that three guys from other countries would travel 800 miles with their entourages to see the King of the Jews. If God can put a star in the sky and cause an emperor to call for a census that moved people around on Earth, how much more can he do in your life when you seek Him first? 

Mercy Hill Church has deeply dived into this question:  “Is God the most important thing in your life?” If He isn’t, none of the things you chase will come to be. Tom Brady nailed it. There is so much more to life. It is a relationship with the one true God who sent his Son to save us when we could not save ourselves. 

As we draw near to Christmas, draw near to God. He chases after you. Stop running after things of this world, and let Him capture your heart.

Please watch this week’s sermon by Pastor Andrew Hopper. This blog is adapted from his message.