Whatever you do Whistle for Jesus

And whatever you do in word or deed [work] do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Col. 3:17

Whistle while you work

Let’s face it most people don’t like their jobs: long hours, uncaring managers, vindictive co-workers, as well as spiteful individuals instigating chaos in the workplace. 

Employees feel unappreciated, unchallenged; they desire promotions and pay increases yet all to no avail. If that’s not enough, current economic turmoil and expert forecast paint a picture of doom and gloom: fewer jobs, lay-off, and pay cuts almost guaranteed with no change in site. Based on these facts, it’s apparent you are stuck in this storm [job] for a dreadfully lengthy time. This is the point where uncertainty brews in one’s mind; questioning life’s journey, God and any  person whom you feel attributed to your pain. There’s also the option of drowning in self pity which will ultimately disconnect you from friends, family, God as well as yourself.

The Seven Dwarfs

Most of you recall the fairy tale, Snow White and her Seven Dwarfs: Sleepy, Doc, Bashful, Sneezy Dopey, Grumpy, and Happy. Each Dwarf had a complaint or was oblivious to what was going on. In regards to work, our situation mirrors apiece of every emotion found in the Dwarfs. 

• There are days when individuals are sleepy or bored during 
• An impatient “no it all” who can be over bearing like Doc  
• Bashful and soft spoken - always pushed around making a day dreadful
• Sneezy is the sweet solution for early dismissal 
• Grumpy, Dopey and Happy: emotions bundled up inside each of us

 Any one of the aforementioned emotions can pop up a split second at work home or at the break of some daunting task.

I don’t profess to have the cure for any of these characteristics nevertheless I do believe by establishing a stronger relationship with Christ can ease the doldrums of monotonous situations. Scripture is very clear, “whatever you do, do it enthusiastically Col 3:23.” What does that mean? Despite how bad your job or life may appear, do everything with good cheer, whistle a joyful noise unto the Lord.. God’s word also elaborates that we should continue earnestly in prayer being vigilant in thanksgiving. Col 4:2.

It is clear that some Dwarfs had great excuses for not wanting to work while others found it a pleasure. When it was all said and done, no matter how each Dwarf felt they whistled while they worked. Likewise, during moments of despair find the inner strength to praise God through song, prayer and even whistling because a merry heart is like medicine but a broken spirit dries the bones. 

My beloved brothers and sisters be steadfast, immovable don’t let the madness of a day shake you from your belief in Christ. Though the labor is hard, it is not in vain and remember, no matter how bad your situation just whistle and always anticipate a miracle!



Tigner J. Rand




Subscribe in a reader

I Will Hear in Heaven

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13





A portrait by Joseph Karl Stieler, 1820


Ludwig van Beethoven is regarded as one of the greatest composers of all times. His nine masterpiece Symphonies has transcended time and is played by countless composers to date. Many may not know that this renowned artiste became deaf, at the apex of his career. “Beethoven's hearing loss did not prevent his composing music, but it made playing at concerts increasingly difficult”. He did not allow physical setbacks to hinder his talent. Oppose to giving up or contemplating suicide Ludwig’s resolution was to continue living for and through his art. Ludwig was also known for stating great quotes. One which caught my attention was sited on his death bed: “I will hear in heaven”.


Reading this quote made me think of many of us who have all our faculties yet we choose to put stumbling blocks in our path telling ourselves what we cannot do. We give up blame others for our short comings or we strive for the lesser oppose to choosing high aspirations.


God has bestowed us with great talents, abilities and skills which are not for our own ego driven desires but to pay homage and praise to God. Ludwig acknowledged his talents to God by stating: “Beethoven can write music, thank God, but he can do nothing else on earth." Stop and think of yourself. What has you metaphorically deaf, keeping you from moving forward: friends, family, job complacency, fear or self? One perspective that is clear by seeking the will of God, His spirit can remove what ever is holding you back.


Take an inward look at yourself find the problems which has seized you. If Ludwig van Beethoven can write great musical scores without hearing what can you do? Look beyond the horizon and find strength which comes from God by way of faith. Become the magnum opus God intended for you to be!


Subscribe in a reader

Life’s New Chapter: repeat bad habits or get better!

Photo: Tigner J.

In life, every four to five years a chapter comes to an end as blank pages are set before us to scribe new adventures. We attempt to outline our lives, by striving to reach high marks, while each period is transformed for the better or it progressively gets worse.


I am grateful God gave me custodianship of two great children. I have committed to memory their birth; my daughter a Thursday and my son a Sunday as well as memorized fond moments of their adolescent years; walking, talking, and first day of school. This past weekend, respectably, both have reached the four & five year pinnacle in life. Both are crossing over into uncharted territories; a new chapter. My daughter graduated High School. Her forethought is to set out on her own by going away to college. A testing ground to apply all learned life and academic skills without aide from parents. My son graduated fifth grade and matriculates to the sixth grade. He has reached the most impressionable years for youth; middle school. Will my children’s commencing be easy? No! However, with God as their Sheppard and God giving them the power I believe He will continue to lead, guide and direct their path so they will not stray.

We all have an opportunity for new beginnings in life. Reflect over the past four years and see from whence you came; where you stagnant, standing still, continually looked in the past destroying all possibility of making a change for the better? Or, did you see growth and development, a new creature in Christ, aligned in God’s will?

With all changes in life, we have to remember to stay the course and not give up and put your trust in God. Take the desired steps to begin a new positive chapter in life, also activate a positive attitude, open mind, faith in heart as well as a strong will. Make your next four years the best of your life!

Tigner



Subscribe in a reader

After Thought

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14







Using people for what we want

Many of us stand accused of disregarding family and friends who stood by our side during times of need. After being consoled and invigorated back to life, we toss them away like a used rag; they become after thoughts.

I have a friend who had a heart wrenching experience so tragic life became unbearable he was unable to sleep, eat, or desired to live. The storm had his mind rambling and speaking confused statements of life; in short trying to make sense of a bad situation. I became a soundboard, the voice of reason; someone he could confide in during the darkest hours of the night.

In our personal lives, we groan and cry out woe is me, the storm is too strong the night too dark and the pain is unbearable. Where are you Lord? I don’t feel your presence, weeping has been endured for more than a night and morning seems like it will never come. Nevertheless, when sunny days finally arrive, God now becomes an after thought.

After Thought - feeling good

Today, my friend’s turmoil has ended, life is back to normal. He has moved out of state, frequently visits home and enjoying life. On occasion he calls, typically when departing home. I’ve become the person who keeps him awake during a long journey. In spite of his happy ending I have become the after thought.

Question 1: how does one deal with this situation? Do I allow the flesh to curse and loose a friend? Or do I confront my friend and forgive him? 

Question 2: Do I stop helping people because in the end I will be hurt or does one continue being the voice of reason by providing words of encouragement to others in pain?

Question 3: Reflecting back over your life, have you treated Christ or friends as after thoughts? Only calling when needed or do you reach out to Christ and friends during all times thanking them for being in your life?

So, what is the closing statement? What should I do, loose or regain a friend? Call on Christ when needed or all times? I’m seeking advice from you! Let me know your thoughts.

Tigner

Subscribe in a reader

365 days: Will Make a Difference

“If you are going through storm after storm maybe you have not learned the lesson from your last storm. - Marvin Sapp

Every day can make a difference! Despite the fact it appears your destiny vanished somewhere between Kansas and Oz, there is still time for New Life, to change your appearance, attitude, and approach towards life. No matter what problems you are encountering, tomorrow is predestined to change for the better and one day closer to your purpose.

The Soul’s Remedy came into existence 365 days ago based on storms in my life. My first post was After the Storm I had come to the conclusion that in spite of how much praying and church going an individual may do, there will be unpleasant circumstances in life. After finally conceding and taking the advice from my friend Trenton, I begin chronicling my life. Not as he suggested but the negative as a way of justifying my pain and self-pity. In hind site, I realized the pain, frustration, confusion, as well as barriers were all placed in my path by me, which impeded me from moving forward. To God I give the Glory for he saw something far better; turning a negative into a positive not just for me but for readers’ world wide!

There is a purpose set for each of our lives. Allow God to use you even during your storms. Paul’s cry for relief from his thorn in the side God reminded him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness “2 Cor. 12:9. Understand, when you are weak, then you are strong based on your faith and belief in the power of God’s Grace & Mercy.

God has used me as an instrument to write devotions as a mean of encouragement for others. Likewise, by taking the steps to connect with God, walking in faith and praising his Holy Name, you to can be used in a mighty and miraculous way!

Father God, allow the Holy Spirit to touch and heal your children who are experiencing storms which to appear be out of control. Bring peace, comfort, and reassurance in their life. May they connect and reach their purpose you preordained. Amen

Tigner

Subscribe in a reader

What is your favorite Gospel song and why?

Every person should have a beloved song which moves them to that ‘happy’ place. My favorite Gospel song is HOLINESS by Donnie McClurkin . Holiness is one of my special Gospel songs because it permits me to be with God & the Holy Spirit which typically leads to tears of joy!




This song and its straightforward lyrics convey a message that depicts the average person who is broken, seeking, searching for something and when all else has failed they reach out to connect with God the Father, Son & Holy Spirit. “Holiness is what I long for and what I need”. [You] The singer asks the Holy Spirit to “Take my heart and form it and my mind transform it to your will.” When you sincerely pay attention to the words, the song is describing you! Your participation forces a person to become humble see a mental picture of self and during this short period begin to remove barriers which allows the Holy Spirit to enter the vessel.


During my encounter of attack from Satan, which inflicted pain from every possible source, I reverted to the power of song. We all have been there; having the overwhelming feeling of anxiety so strong it actually made you weak. You try praying and meditating all to no avail. From your belief in God’s love and his power there is no option of giving up or doubting victory. I wanted peace and to be still; there is no option of reverting back to old habits. Therefore, I begin to sing. There is power through song and praise!


In spite of all the trials and tribulations we encounter God loves a happy person. Song can be good medicine for a cheerful heart otherwise a depressed and crushed spirit will dry up the bones. Prov. 17:21-23


There will come a time that every living person will experience some dreadful feeling. What do you do to over come? What is your favorite Gospel song which bring you joy and why? Find a song of praise and sing it with good cheer!



Tigner

For more posts check this link out!
http://thesoulsremedy.blogspot.com/










Subscribe in a reader

Letting Go for God is Hard

Free falling off a cliff

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3: 5-6


Hanging on to life's cliff

If you where hanging off a cliff screaming for help and heard the voice of Jesus say "let go" would you? Or would you be the Christian who is ever hearing but never understanding; ever seeing but never perceiving and whose heart has become calloused. (Isaiah 6,  Matt. 13)


Jesus encouraged His followers to see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, turn from their ways, and he would heal them. It is clear what the out come would be when applying this method, however, many Christians choose to follow their own logic and understanding. God sees the end from the very beginning, all we have to do is trust.

Hanging on to burdens

In life, we find ourselves suspended over perplexed situations that cause frustration and disappointment which prompts us to call on the Lord. From praying we anticipate and receive answers but choose to hang on oppose to letting go. One element of Christian growth is to learn when to plant and sow; when to take on new tasks, when to hold, and when to let go.  Another component of growth is to find the true connection with God, increase knowledge, relationship, trust, and faith in Christ which will allow you to make right decisions as well as reap the benefits of joy.

Walking with Christ

This new concept of walking with Christ is not an easy process. There will be set backs, as well as joy and happiness. During the dry seasons don’t complain about life but find short bursts of elation and continuously building upon it will conquer grief. Joy and sadness cannot coexist in the same space at the same time.

Whatever your ‘cliff in life’ may be, just submit yourself, walk and trust in God! Stop trying to figure it out. If it’s a job, home, relationship, children, or finances, let go of the ledge. Will it be easy? NO but you will make it! God got your back. Find your safety net through God. It will make way for a better relationship with Christ!


Tigner

For more posts checkout
 http://thesoulsremedy.blogspot.com/




Subscribe in a reader

1+1=3

There are many branches of mathematics which study numbers, and shapes. When applied, math’s intent is to formulate and establish truth by deduction. Simply put a person can find a solution to a problem. Since pre-school we were taught 1+1=2. Well, I’m here to inform you God’s math does not equate to the logic of man’s definition. One plus one equals three!


There are several occasions where God’s unnatural math superseded the rational of man. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, where three men that were thrown in a fiery furnace while an astounded King Nebuchadnezzar stood in haste; "was it not three men casted into the midst of the fire?" God’s supernatural allowed Nebchadnezzar to see four men loosed. Daniel 3:1-30 Jesus also told his disciples where two or three have gathered together in my name I am there.

Today, we allow our ego to hinder God’s miracles. We sum up problems by drawing our own conclusions by Edging God Out, we seek advice from strangers hoping their theory is the absolute value of a complex situation; evaluate problems and come up with our own conclusions; we diametrically oppose everything Christ encourages us to do which is come to Him with our problems. God is knocking but until we in allow him to enter he will always be on the outside. Find a course of action to apply God’s arithmetic instead of your math. God’s infinite wisdom is a far greater mass than we can ever imagine: one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day to God! 2 Peter 3:8

By removing ego, submitting your all and joining the greatest common factor – God this will allow him to work through you. The return on such an investment will increase the dividends of life, happiness, joy, peace, love and your relationship with God. They will add up to insurmountable blessings!

Tigner Rand


For more posts check http://thesoulsremedy.blogspot.com/



Subscribe in a reader

Changing your thoughts you can change your world!

Brothers and sisters, whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. Whatever you have learned, received, heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9



I recently read, people misunderstand or misinterpret the idea of “adopting a positive attitude about life.” In theory, most accept as truth the only way to achieve a positive attitude one has to be happy go lucky everyday; there are no variations of contentment. As with all situations there is also a sect that closes their eyes to reality. In general, their intent is to trick themselves that events or negative actions did not take place. Both circumstances are wrong ways to a positive life.

By no means can I give all the antidotes in one short piece of writing on how to obtain a cheery attitude in regards to living. Nevertheless I will attempt to provide you with examples I feel are vital for us all in achieving a more Chrsit like mind set. Adopting a positive attitude is more about how you approach existence oppose to how you perceive or view it. It is so easy for a person to see the negative, cry whoa is me and give up on everything. It takes a strong will of effort and the faith of a mustard seed to fight through the burdens we so often tote along. If you have not experienced such set backs or any adversity your existence will sooner than later lead you to pitfalls, conflicts, mishaps and even disasters that will turn your happy world upside down! How you deal with these misfortunes will make the difference of total dismay, bitterness, and anger with God or some glimmer of joy until the sunny days come again.

The entire epistle of Philippians was written by a man who at one time was considered one of the most zealous enthusiastic and out spoken leader of the early Christian movement. During a time when he was incarcerated and dealing with personal issues; the symbolic ‘throne in the side’ - Paul, whose name was changed from Saul, was also a prominent figure of the Synagogue where he fervently protected and upheld the laws of his Jewish forefathers. It took fourteen years of ‘unlearning’ or changing his thoughts and beliefs before he was able to scribe one of the most joyous filled books in the Bible. By renewing of the mind Paul became one of Jesus’ greatest advocates.

Just take a moment to examine yourself: If you were faced with such a calamity as Paul being chained in a damp, cold, dreary dungeon of a prison could you find it all joy to write and encourage others to be of good cheer, full of joy, fellowship, and unity? Paul clearly stated his feelings in the first chapter: “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers, I always pray with joy I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.” Philippians 1: 3-7 It is safe to assume we all would not have the same passion as Paul. In contrast our thoughts and letters would be mostly centered around our situation: Dear friends, I trust and hope this letter finds you all doing well. For me, considering my situation, I am in a dark place in life physically, mentally and literally, chained in the bowels of a dark cold cave. Though I believe God is with me it is hard for me to find joy in such a dismal time in my life. Paul never presented the negative he found joy and wanted to exemplify joy to others as a form of encouragement. By changing your thoughts you can change your world just as Paul did!

No where has it been written that being a Christian would be like tip toeing through the tulips on a bright and sunny day! Even Jesus met conflicts in his short life. However, God did pen through the various scribes of the Bible for us to count on his word and lean on it for understanding. What ever your crossroad is in life, find ways to keep joy in your heart; seize and take hold of it. Your moment of happiness may come in the form of a song, a joke, a smile or a compliment from a stranger. Take the nuggets and build upon them to conquer your sadness. It goes without saying but remember to also encourage others especially family friends and co-workers, In other words, people you frequently see. You never know what can make the difference in a person’s life.

Each situation we face during our walk of life has two sides; when faced with negative encounters seek guidance for positive solutions and when there is an over abundance of positivity sow and spread like seeds allowing them to grow and be a blessing to others. Give joy from the heart and never ever expect anything in return. Being a cheerful giver will bless you in the long run.
Remember, for every disappointment or missed opportunities realize there is something better just around the corner provided you focus on your possibilities not your impossibilities.

Tigner
For more posts check http://thesoulsremedy.blogspot.com/

Subscribe in a reader

Out of the mouth of babes: The cutest things they say

Children can say the cutest things that adults don’t forget. I am of the opinion that God’s little angels speak from the heart. Their words are sincere and genuine no matter how brutally honest they can be.

Jesus loves the little children; they are precious in his sight and from their praise God has established a stronghold around them.

Recently, I experienced a complement from a toddler about three or four years old. This child caught my attention from a far as I approached the store entrance: A happy tot dressed in a bright pink dress and two puffy pony tails skipping and singing while holding her grandmother’s hand. As the three of us approached I reached around to open door for the couple. As usual, I anticipated the typical dry thanks most women utter but to my surprise it was the youngster who blurted out a heartfelt thank you! Though the thank you was cordial it was her follow up remark that really resonated and made my day. This pint sized angel turned around and told me I really like your green shirt too! All customers passing by chimed in like a back up choir with their oohs and aahs; they too heard this little girl.

The disciples asked Jesus who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? His response was unless we change and become like little children, we will never enter the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in Jesus’ name welcomes me. It goes without saying; being child like is a challenge for most adults. We are set in our ways and see simple minded behavior as being childish. We often conceal our honesty; which one of you would dare to say anything remotely close to what this child said to me without being in fear or thinking someone was making a pass at you?

Let us gain knowledge from the children in our lives, learn to be humble, be honest, have a child like behavior and bring a bit a joy in someone’s life like this little girl expressed towards me. Though I may never see this little person again I will always cherish and rewind in my mind’s eye the look on her face when I told her THANK YOU! And I like your pink dress too!!!


Tigner
Be encouraged
http://thesoulsremedy.blogspot.com

Subscribe in a reader