“That one has a basement.”
“Oh, I love that extra garage.”
“Man, they have more parking than me.”

Instead of being thankful for the beautiful home the the Lord has blessed us with, I was discontent because I was comparing up.

I see it with my kids. They are always telling me about someone who has more than them and how they want it. “Dad, if you get this for me, I won’t ever want anything else. This is all I want.”

As their father, this is frustrating to me. Their Mom and I seek to provide everything they need and when they don’t get something that another person has it is usually not because we can’t afford it. We usually do not give them something they want because it would not be good for them. More, more, more is not the best for them.

Never once have one of my sons come to me and say, “Dad, I noticed that a friend of mine had less than me and I wondered why are we so blessed. Can I take some of my toys and give them away.”

We think a lot about why we have less than others.  What would it look like if we thought more about why we have more than others?

Our Heavenly Father is fully committed to providing everything we need forever and always. You don’t have to fear. You are fully provided for. If God hasn’t given you something you desire it is because it’s not the best for you right now. He is a good father!

What he probably is waiting for is for us to stop comparing our lives with others. Be thankful for the blessings we have, and recognize we are blessed to be a blessing.

My Dad has always told me, “We are blessed to distribute.” To give away the blessings of God. To love and open-handed life knowing that we can trust God to always provide as we follow His example and give our lives away.

Have you ever wondered what the “More” is for? 

“Lord show us who we can you bless today.” In Jesus Name!

#MakeADifference

-Brandon

When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.

2 Kings 6:15 NIV

I can identify with the perspective Elisha’s servant. It feels like these days circumstances have us surrounded. The future is uncertain and we are outnumbered.

This is what it looks like.

But Elisha had a different perspective:

“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

2 Kings 6:26-17

Elisha didn’t dismiss the reality of the army that had him surrounded. However, he focused his sights on a higher truth. Elisha was telling his servant, “Don’t worry. It’s not what it looks like.”

I know it looks like were surrounded. But the truth is that the enemy army is surrounded by the army of the living God! This is the higher reality!

It may look like we’re surrounded by circumstances around us. It may look like you have no hope. The future may look uncertain. But I want to remind you today, if you’re in Christ, it’s not what it looks like! God is going to use this season for good. He is going to turn this trial into your greatest testimony. He is going to turn this mess into a miracle! He is in control and you can have peace!

You are surrounded by God’s favor! You are surrounded with hope. You are surrounded by victory. You are surrounded with healing. You are surrounded with protection. You are surrounded by grace!

Let’s choose to focus on the higher reality today! Instead of complaining about the army that has us surrounded, let’s see God higher than what we face. Let’s share it. Let’s sing it. Let’s read about it! There is hope! The enemy is surrounded. We win!

“Lord, Open our eyes so that we can see you higher than ours problems.
Help us to see you higher than the pandemic. Help us to see you higher than the division. Help us see that you are in full control of the world and of our lives and we can trust you.”

Have a great day!
-Brandon

This is a trait I passed down to my oldest son. He has had glasses for the past couple months now and he keeps losing them. My wife and I can’t understand it. He has a significant prescription, he can surely notice when they are off, but he still forgets where he took them off all the time. While frustrated earlier this week that he lost them once again, I asked, “How is this possible! I wear glasses everyday and I know when mine are lost. Why do you keep losing yours?” He said, “Well Dad you have been wearing them for a lot longer than me.”

Yes, I may not forget my physical lenses very often. However, many days I leave the house without my spiritual lenses.

Here are some spiritual spectacles to look through today:

Lens of God’s favor – As a believer, you have the favor of God on your life. You can expect the favor of God today and forever.

Lens of God’s faithfulness – You serve a faithful God. He is faithful in every season and that includes today. Look back over your life and remember that God has never let you down, and he is not about to start today. He is faithful.

Lens of God’s friendship – The God of the universe calls you friend (John 15). What would happen if you lived this entire day seeing the reality that God wants to have a relationship with you today. Let today be a day of constant communication with your creator!

There are so many more, but let these be a start.

Have a great day and don’t forget your glasses!

–Brandon