Goodness – Brian Friedl

How To Stay Positive

Brian — Sat, 19 Aug 2017 15:13:48 +0000

It seems like the news runs from one tragedy to another and the more damaging the better. We are bombarded with stories of infidelity and wrecked homes while waiting in line. We can’t seem to get away from the negativity, sin and filth. If we manage to avoid all those external sources, we always have the options of examining our own hearts. It only takes a moment to find more there! So how do we stay focused and positive?

As always God’s word gives us good solid instruction:

Think on these:

Whatever is true
Whatever is noble
Whatever is right
Whatever is pure
Whatever is lovey
Whatever is admirable
If any excellence
If any praiseworthy
Then practice:

These are not individual to do’s but a reference and framework for Paul’s teaching. Teaching without application is pointless. The great commission even reminds us to “teach them to observe”. The implication is that we are practicing them ourselves or how else could we teach the observing part?

We are shaped by what we take in, but even more by what we practice. What and who will you give permission to shape your thoughts and actions? The news, Enquirer or the Holy Scriptures? Do you want a life filled with drama or God’s peace? The choice is yours.

Reflection

Does your life seem like it’s filled with excessive drama? Take a break from the news and negative. There are plenty of people around you that could catch you up and most likely with less details.

Start a reading plan of His word to begin taking in pure wholesome goodness daily!
Prayer

Father, thank you for your word and wisdom. Grow in us a desire to drink deep and be transformed by it. Confirm our minds in the image of Christ and take every thought captive. May Your glory and goodness reign over our lives forever in Jesus, Amen!

How To Express Wisdom

Brian — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 14:42:37 +0000

Wisdom is designed to be expressed. We are not to just become huge storehouses of wisdom that dispense nuggets when asked. We are in fact to live out the Godly wisdom we have received.

And what does it look like?

Good behavior. When wisdom from above has its way it results in good behavior. That’s the kind of wisdom I want! How sweet it is when God’s wisdom is experienced by all because one of His children live it out.

Gentle. Wisdom is not seeking to be seen as the one who is wise, but instead desires goodness for all its recipients

Reflection

Get by yourself and ask God to help you examine your intentions.

Are you desiring true wisdom that is expressed as good to others?

Or are you seeking to be seen as wise?

Are you gentle in wisdom or Do you lord it over others?

Prayers

Father, humble our hearts and teach us Your wisdom. Help us to soak it in to the depths of our souls, that it may be the fuel of our good deeds. May the glory be Yours now and forever more, in Christ, Amen!

How To Be The Greatest

Brian — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 12:29:59 +0000

I just spent 5 days on a ship with around 1700 professional network marketing men and women from one of the fastest growing companies in the world. Your first reaction in hearing that maybe throwing up , “Yuck”, or “I hate salesmen”, but I have to say this was one of the best trips I’ve ever been on.

You see, I knew a little over 1/4 of the people on board and they are not your typical salespeople. Their goal is to serve others. They are not focus ed on their own greatness. On the contrary, they took the time to offer advice and answers my and others questions completely even though they received no personal gain.

Now I’m sure, if I had met everyone I would have found some self-serving superstar out there in the mix. But of the 400 I knew and the 50+ new people I met, all of them shared the same mindset of serving others. This didn’t just make them great but made the whole experience great.

I’m reminded of the competition the disciples were having of who was the greatest. Yes, pride snuck in, even with the disciples. Jesus, humbly and patiently taught them that to be great means to be the greatest servant. Certainly He lived His teaching as a foot washing Rabbi who eventually went to the cross for all humanity.

If anyone deserved to be woshipped and served it was our Savior. While the spot for greatest servant was filled by Jesus, we can still make the most of our time by being a great servant. There are many in need and you have the means to fill those needs. You are equipped with the gospel, ears to listen, and a mouth to encourage. Some of you even have money tied up in resources that could be sold. These funds could change the world.

Think of how the world would be if we were all working to be the greatest servant. This is how greatness would truly be seen.

Reflection

In what ways is pride keeping you from serving unhindered?

Can you explain the Gospel clearly to someone else?

What resources, skills, abilities, gifts, experiences do you have that can benefit others?
Put away your pride and find someplace to go and serve. This could be at your church, a local food pantry, or even a mission trip.

Prayer

Father, Your Son, has taught us rightly that we are Your servants. We are about Your work; the work of reconciling the world to You through the greatest act of love ever known…the cross. Give us even more opportunities to serve using all You have given us. Pour us out like a drink offering to the world around us. May Jesus receive all the glory He is due. In His name we pray, Amen!

A Heart Of Obedience

Brian — Sun, 18 Dec 2016 12:20:28 +0000

There is a stinging truth that our pride often prevents us from seeing the depths of wickedness in our hearts. We make light of our sin and the sacrifice that was made to atone for it. We think of ourselves more highly than we ought.
Sometimes we even intentionally sin ignoring the magnitude of the Lord’s sacrifice reducing the cross to an unlimited get out of jail free card. It is true that where sin abounds grace abounds all the more; however, Paul said in Romans:

“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be…” ~ Romans 6:1-2a NASB

God sees our heart for what it is and longs for it to be pure like His. He desires our heart to overflow with righteousness and justice out of a love and devotion for Him. Our hearts were designed to love and worship Him!

What sin in your life continues to promise life but keeps delivering death?

Confess that sin before God today, turn from to Your Father in heaven, and know that what He has provided in Christ is all you need.

Pray today that the minds of our brothers and sisters as well as ours would be rightly fixed on Jesus Christ, that we would humbly see our hearts as they truly are, and that we would realize our desperate need for Him. For He is our love, He is our justice, and He is our righteousness.
@brianfriedl

#truthtalk4life

Be Good For Goodness Sake

Brian — Sun, 04 Dec 2016 12:22:22 +0000

It can be so frustrating watching people who cheat the systems of life and seem to be getting ahead. Take heart for a man will reap what he sows. Surface goodness with a wicked heart will soon be exposed and those who have truly delighted in the Lord will be given the desires of their heart. Note: This does not mean that if you do a bunch of stuff for God, He owes you and will give you stuff.

As we come into the Christmas season, I’m reminded of the phrase “Be good for goodness sake”. While this seems yet to be a trick for parents to get some good behavior out of their kids for at least one month, I see something deeper. The Lord knows our heart. When we desire and delight in Him and all His goodness , He will give us the desire of our heart. This holiday season, let’s truly honor and desire Him. What better gift could we receive than God Himself and all His goodness.

Be content in Him and be good for goodness’ sake.