New Article: Think Abundance Not Scarcity

“There are no trees in Saskatchewan!”

I have heard that statement many times, mostly from people who moved to Estevan from places like British Columbia or northern Ontario. Compared to what they expect, Saskatchewan, and Estevan in particular, seems rather barren. However, that statement is not true. More than half the province is covered with trees. Go up north and there are trees everywhere.

A few months ago, I came across an aerial photo of Estevan from the 1950s. When I showed it to my girls, the first thing they said was, “Wow, there are no trees in that picture!” The photo looked odd to them because their understanding is that “Estevan has trees”. They see our town differently than someone who has just moved here from British Columbia. They see what is here, not what is lacking.

A scarcity mindset is dangerous because it only allows us to see what we do not have. For example, if I believe that I do not have any real friends, I will automatically overlook all the good friends that I do have and notice only those who treat me poorly.

If I could give everyone one present right now, it would be the ability to see their blessings. Even in the worst circumstances, there is something for which to be grateful and gratitude changes everything.

More than that, I would give us the ability to believe in a God who can do anything, anywhere and at any time. After all, God deals in abundance, not scarcity.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21).

Comments

The Art of Noticing.... Seeing what we need to see and what we miss when we don't

What we focus on in life matters. Here are some scriptural reminders that will help us see correctly. https://youtu.be/Rn76tV0ZH8s

Consider This.... Which Way Are You Leaning?

When Ben Patterson agreed to join three friends climbing Mount Lyell, the highest point in Yosemite National Park, he did not realize what he was signing up for. Early in the day, it became clear that he was completely unprepared for the task. In an effort to keep up with his more experienced friends, Ben took a shortcut. It did not occur to him that there might be a reason the others had not selected this route, but he soon found out why. Ben became stuck on the glacier. He could not move up, down or sideways and one wrong move would send him sliding down a forty-five-degree slope to the valley floor miles below. That is when one of his friends came to the rescue. His buddy leaned over the edge and carved some footholds in the ice. He told Ben to step to the first foothold and immediately swing his other foot to the second, then his buddy would pull him to safety. Lastly, his friend gave him one more piece of advice....

Consider This: The Biggest Problem Is Not Out There!

In a time when everyone has a vocal opinion on everything and judgment is everywhere, maybe we need to reconsider the words of Jesus. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:3-5). Here are two observations to consider. First, when we look for what others are doing wrong, we are starting in the wrong place. “Take the log out of your eye” is the first move. Start with yourself! It is easy to judge others and make excuses for ourselves. Yet, that is completely backwards! If we are honest, we never get past making ourselves better. There is always more to do. This, then, leaves very little time to point out...

Consider this

Subscribe

Get new posts by email:

Search This Blog