UNcommon

You made me

You created me

Now give me the sense to follow your commands

– Psalm 119:73

 

We have always been told to use common sense.

Well, God tells us to use UNcommon sense.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. –Proverbs 3:5

 

We are to be unique.  We are to be different in our approach; our decisions, our behaviors.

We are to be a peculiar people. (Titus 2:14, 1 Peter 2:9)

Whether you are a football fan or not you were exposed to the whole Tim Tebow phenomenon a couple years ago.  He was mocked for being a virgin.  He was ridiculed for no drinking, no partying, no foul language.  And most of all he was highly criticized for always talking about Jesus and His love and obedience for/to Him.

What is sad is that every one of us who claim to be a Christian is, according to God Himself, to be the same.  We are to follow His commands – not how the world does it.

How it should have been is that when he spoke – “he’s a Christian” and nothing else would be the response of the world.  For if we were all being uncommon; if we were all being unique from the world’s ways it wouldn’t of been a big deal when they heard how he lived and the words he spoke.

Would anybody mistake you for being UNcommon?

Does anyone see you as being unique?

Would anyone definitely label you as being a follower of Jesus?

A Christian?

Shouldn’t they?

Live in a way that unbelievers would question their disbelief in God

Intentionally, today…. and everyday…. Be UNcommon

It’s what the people around you need to see

Freely Given, Freely Give

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”  1 Corinthians 13:4-7

 

“God is love” 1 Timothy 4:8

 therefore speak truth from this scripture

 

God is patient and kind to me.

God keeps no record of being wronged by me.

God does not rejoice when injustice happens to me, but rejoices when the truth wins out for me.

God never gives up on me.

God never loses faith in me.

God is always hopeful for me.

God endures through every circumstance I am in.

 

God, through the Bible, never tells us that if we do really really good we will be exempt from pain, heartache, suffering, setbacks, disappointments. No, He tells us that we will have storms. Sin has brought all these things into this world. God has no sin. Therefore, though He allowed it, He isn’t the cause of these mentioned things.

Why would He allow it? (Genesis 50:20)

That you may experience His mercy and grace.

That you will experience those 7 sentences above.

The more we truly see God for who He is the better we can see ourselves through Him. This should therefore, translate into how we see others.

Who in your life do you have a hard time showing patience? Kindness?

Who do you hold a grudge (record) against?

Who do you easily give up on?

Is it YOU?

1st– Look at those seven sentences about how God loves you.

It is grace.

What is grace?

It is UNDESERVED FAVOR

2. You must receive it –“For it is God’s grace that has saved you”

Ephesians 8:2

 

3. When you receive and accept it then you can insert your name where God’s name is and then someone else’s where it says me.

Freely it has been given to you, freely you must give

It is against your sinful nature, therefore, you must intentionally do. When you deliberately give grace it will become a habit.

A habit that will enrich, empower, embolden and revitalize you to live a life of excellence and will do the same for others. So it into your own life ……God did.

Intentionally , today…and everyday…. Offer Grace, as it has been freely given to you

Move Forward

Remember not the former things; nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you perceive it? – Isaiah 43:18-19

 

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

We can be our own worst enemies.

We can be so hard on ourselves that it affects our decision making.

We can hinder persevering and striving in the moment because we are stuck on yesterday.

We allow sin, mistakes, and foolishness – defeats and setbacks, from the day before, to allow doubt and self condemnation.

There is, therefore, now no condemnation for those who belong to Christ.  Romans 8:1.   

 

You are more than the choices you have made.

You are more than the sum of your past mistakes.

You are more than the problems you create.

– 10^thAvenue North – You are more

His mercies begin afresh each morning.  Lamentations 3:23

 

Today is a new day.

Today is an opportunity to repent and start afresh.

 It is a day to go in a positive new direction.

Opportunity to LIVE excellent

I want to encourage you to have faith in Him whose mercy endures forever.  2 Chronicles 7:3.

Intentionally, Today and Everyday…… LIVE replenished, move forward

Training Wheels

Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God and at just the right time He will exalt you. – 1 Peter 5:6

But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, patient, filled with unfailing love and faithfulness – Psalm 86:15

Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them. Every day begin the task anew – Francis de Sales

God will use my relationship and experiences with my children to teach me about His character and His never ceasing love for me.

One instance was years ago teaching my oldest girl to ride her bike without her training wheels. It was time. She was more than ready and was too old to be riding with training wheels still. It was hard in her frustration and anger at herself and to me for having to do it; over and over awkwardly and falling. We would try another day. I cannot try to explain to her when she is falling and going nowhere on the bike that she will get it and will be so joyous when she is taking off and flying down the street on her own. But I continued to encourage her and guided her with one hand on the back of her seat and the other on the handle bars (that she started yelling “don’t let go!”) But as we go I can sense the right time to take my hand off and just run next to her. When she sees that she is doing it herself, she breaks out in joy!

She gains confidence in herself for achieving.

 A stepping stone of life.

 

Is God trying to take the training wheels off in an area in your life?

It is when you grow in faith in what you don’t see more and more. That you trust Him even more and with that growing faith you step boldly into His increased call in your life.

 

God’s timing is perfect. I knew that it was time for my daughter to take the training wheels off. I wasn’t letting her ride alone by herself. I was still riding next to her but she was learning to balance the bike herself than using the training wheels.

God is patient – I knew that in time she would be able to do it. It was just a matter of time therefore we kept working on it. God is patient with you; continually working on you.

It’s how you grow. Could you imagine being 20, 30, 40+ years old riding a bike with training wheels? Of course not. It is an analogy, though, of all aspects of our lives. We have to grow up.

It empowered her even though at first she was uncertain and a little afraid. But how great the reward!

He is still right beside you, never leaving you.

Is there an area in your life that God is calling you to strip the training wheels and grow in your spiritual maturity?

Intentionally, today….and everyday…take off the training wheels

 

Freely Received, Freely Give

“Love is patient and kind.  Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.  It does not demand its own way.  It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.  It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.  Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

“God is love” – 1 Timothy 4:8 – therefore speak truth from this scripture

God is patient and kind TO ME.

God keeps no record of being wronged BY ME.

God does not rejoice when injustice happens to me, but rejoices when the truth wins out FOR ME.

God never gives up ON ME.

God never loses faith IN ME.

God is always hopeful FOR ME.

God endures through every circumstance I AM IN.

 

God, through the Bible, never tells us that if we do really really good we will be exempt from pain, heartache, suffering, setbacks, disappointments.  No, He tells us that we will have storms.  Sin has brought all these things into this world.  God has no sin.  Therefore, though He allowed it, He isn’t the cause of these mentioned things.

Why would He allow it? (Genesis 50:20)

That you may experience His mercy and grace.

That you will experience those 7 sentences above.

The more we truly see God for who He is the better we can see ourselves through Him.  This should therefore, translate into how we see others.

Who in your life do you have a hard time showing patience? Kindness?

Who do you hold a grudge (record) against?

Who do you easily give up on?

Is it YOU? 

1st– Look at those 7 sentences about how God loves you.

It is grace.

What is grace?

It is UNDESERVED FAVOR

2. You must receive it – “For it is God’s grace that has saved you” – Ephesians 2:8

3. When you receive and accept it then you can insert your name where God’s is and then someone else’s where it says me.

Freely it has been given to you, freely you must give

It is against your sinful nature, therefore, you must INTENTIONALLY do.  When you deliberately give grace it will become a habit.

A habit that will enrich, empower, embolden and revitalize you to live a life of excellence and will do the same for others.  So it into your own life ……GOD DID.

 Intentionally, Today……and every day…offer grace

Live Intentional – Today

BODY – Somehow, some way, intentionally be physically active

MIND – Continue to use empowering words – conversations, interactions

SPIRIT – Read the Word –allow it to transform your spirit, your mind

Light And Grace

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.  – Proverbs 15:1

The other day I stopped to get a coffee.  While I waited a woman came into the store.  The lady came to the counter and told the girl at the register that she just received breakfast at the drive through and that the food was cold.

I looked at the woman’s demeanor and tone of her voice, and also the employee and her manager.  How was it being said, and how was it being received and responded to?  Because, to me, it will speak volumes about each person.  Fair or not.

The customer’s demeanor was unthreatening with a kind voice.

The two workers, at the counter, apologized and asked for a new hot biscuit from the back.  The woman said that it would be okay if they just went ahead and nuked the one they gave her.  Then, a gentleman from the back came around and apologized to the woman.

I was impressed.  How many times have you seen one or both parties act defensive?

What was exhibited was treating others with respect.  In doing so, we give the other person value.

I have been at a restaurant where someone at our table was indignant because of some dissatisfaction and made sure they gave the staff a piece of their mind.  It can be embarrassing.  It can be sad.

Two things here – how you bring issues, complaints and concerns.  It shows, not only how you perceive others, but also yourself.

And second, how you receive them.

We have interactions each day that we have opportunity to be light or darkness.  We are both people each day.  We bring up the issue and issues are being brought up to us.  The quicker we realize this the better the conversation can be.  We are acknowledging that we too make mistakes and wish to be talked to in a respectful courteous manner.

And there is the third party observer as I was.  It blessed me to see these individuals show class and respect.

It is only one small interaction.  But, we have them all day long.  We can only control our responses.

 We too, though, have an impact on the other person’s response.

And I believe it will carry through to the other person’s next interaction.  As well as your own.

It has a domino effect in your day, as well as the others.

Sow unity, not discord, and have a godly effect on this world we live in.

SET YOUR THERMOSTAT on Kindness!

Intentionally, Today and Everyday….. be light and grace in an unforgiving tough world

Resources at http://www.matttreppel.com/

Who Do You Favor?

Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become more like Him. –Colossians 3:10

In Forest Gump, Forest meets up with “his” Jenny after a few years and finds out he has a son. He looks just like Forest. Forest goes and sits next to Junior who is on the floor watching tv. They both sit the same way with their legs crossed, backs up straight and their heads tilted in the same direction.

That boy favors his ole man!

There is always someone that we are compared to. Whether it is relative, a friend, boss or co-worker.

God created man in His own image – Genesis 1:27

You were created to be like God.

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had – Philippians 2:5

Humble

Confidence

Servant

Helpful

Forgiving

Graceful

Peace

Wisdom

Faithful

Obedient

Unwavering

Disciplined

Kind

The key is “put on”

You have to intentionally “take off” the attitude of the flesh, the world and put on your “new nature”

Our new nature doesn’t easily allow others to dictate our words, actions or decisions.

Our new nature isn’t influenced by “political correctness”

Our new nature fights upstream against the downstream of mediocrity

Our new nature doesn’t have the mind of the world that changes with the seasons but is solid on truth- unrattled.

Our new nature trusts and has faith in what it doesn’t see.

Our new nature doesn’t compromise to indulgences, instant gratification, but stands solid on discipline and delayed gratification.

Our new nature has peace in the midst of turmoil

You can’t just go about your day and throw a “switch” when needed.

You have to prepare daily.

Be transformed by continually reading “Him” His Word.

You have to intentionally humble yourself before God and relinquish your flesh wants and ways and ask the Holy Spirit to clothe you in His righteousness- to intentionally live excellent.

The world needs to see more people looking like Christ.

So, who do you “favor”?

Intentionally, Today and Everyday….. put on your new nature

Resources at http://www.matttreppel.com/

LIVE Loved

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love?…nothing in all of creation will ever be able to separate us from God’s love revealed to us in Christ Jesus.  Romans 8:35, 39. 

 Have you ever just hated yourself?

Just so mad at yourself for something you did or should have done?

Just so pissed at yourself you can (and maybe have) screamed?

Or perhaps you feel you can’t get it right.  That you just feel like you are worthless at times?

Do you, at times, feel you are being punished, deservedly so?

It’s the enemy telling you lies.

God loves you no matter what. He will never love you anymore or any less regardless of anything you do or don’t do. He will never leave you nor forsake you.

Therefore there is now no condemnation for anyone in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

Our qualification comes from God.  2 Corinthians 3:5

Cast all your cares upon God for He cares for you.  1 Peter 5:7

Though, we may sin or/and do and say foolish, dumb, unwise things, we are righteous.  We were created in God’s image. And always will be.

Maybe today – you need to give yourself some undeserved favor – GRACE.  To allow yourself to receive His mercy that He freely offers.

It enables us to see through other people’s shortcomings and see God’s goodness at the core.  We too, then, can extend grace.  We too can empower others through God’s grace.

We can share God’s unconditional love.  The love He shares freely with us.  In so doing, we are allowing God’s grace and mercy, His peace and love to flow through, and to, us.

Never let the enemy tell you that you are worthless or insignificant.  You have a value in the eyes of God so great that it was worth dying for. You are a blessing to the world.

Intentionally, Today and Everyday…… LIVE loved

Resources at http://www.matttreppel.com/

Forgive

LIVE INTENTIONAL

For if you forgive people their trespasses (their reckless and willing sins, leaving them go and giving up resentment) your Heavenly Father will also forgive you.

BUT, if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. – Matthew 6:14-15

 Unforgiveness keeps us from truly LIVING a CHAMPION LIFE of excellence.

 Unforgiveness affects your relationship with God more than it does that other person. Therefore it adversely affects you mind, body and spirit. It is like a big backpack filled with lead that you are carrying on your back.  God wants to take it off but you refuse.  It will bring stress to your body, therefore then, your mind and your spirit.  Slowing you down, weakening you and frustrating you.

  Forgiveness is God’s grace in a sacrifice.  God made a way for you to be forgiven of your sin.  He demands of you to do the same.

 To LIVE a CHAMPION LIFE we must obey God’s command of forgiveness- whether we feel it or not.  Feeling will come.  Be trusting and obedient first.  It will free you even more than the other person.  It will empower the both of you.

 This is what an unbelieving world all around you needs to witness.

 Intentionally, today……and every day…. Let go, trust God and experience the power of His grace.

http://www.matttreppel.com/

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True Identity

LIVE INTENTIONAL

 Jacob was alone in camp and man came and wrestled with him until the dawn began to break.  The man said, “Let me go, for the dawn in breaking!”

But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”

“What is your name?” the man asked.  He replied, “Jacob.”

“Your name will no longer be Jacob,” the man told him.  “From now on you will be called Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have won.”

“Please tell me your name,” Jacob said.

“Why do you want to know my name?” the man replied.  Then he blessed Jacob there. – Genesis 32:24, 26-29

 

Jacob was a deceiver from birth.   Deceiver is the definition of Jacob.  He deceived his brother, father in law and his father.  He deceived himself.

Jacob made a bad name for himself.  Because of this Jacob was on the run quite a bit.  He made mistakes and was filled with guilt and regret.

That night he wrestled with God.

He wrestled with himself.  He has beaten himself up for the deception that he carried out that has affected all his family.

He battled.  He was so desperate to have a new identity that he would not give in, let go, until he was assured a new identity; a new name.

Do you beat yourself up?  Do you fight within?  Angry?  Regretful?

Bitter?

Do you fight with God. Kick and scream? Do you take it out on others as well as yourself?

Can you not stand to be in your own skin sometimes?

The man gave Jacob a new name, a new hope, a new identity.  He gave Jacob a new name – Israel means “God fights”.

He was no longer identified with his past.  Either are you.

God did the fighting.  Through Christ Jesus He has redeemed you.  You have peace, forgiveness and a new identity in Christ.

Don’t fight with yourself anymore.  You have no condemnation on you for any past grievances or present circumstances.

Therefore there now is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. –Romans 8:1

 God is faithful to forgive you of your sins and cleanse you of all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9

 Any one is Christ is a new creation.  The old life is gone and a new one has begun! – 2 Corinthians 5:17

 No longer are you wrestling with God or with yourself.

Receive and accept the grace that has been poured out for you.

Receive His peace.  It is fully available.  Rest in it.  Move forward because of it.

 Intentionally, today……and every day…. wrestle no more, be at peace within

http://www.matttreppel.com/

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