The value of 7-Cs

Shalom readers! What I'm about to share is the value of "7-Cs". I re-write this in my blog which I got from a book I read, from an author name Vicki J. Kuyper. And the best part of it is that the Bible references are all taken out from the book of Psalm.

Here it goes... Happy reading!

01) CHALLENGE

During a track and field event, it isn't uncommon to see an athlete trip over one of the hurdles and tumble to the ground. What brings the crowd to its feet is when the runner gets back up. Challenge involves risk, in sports and in life. Don't be afraid of trying difficult things. Whether you succeed or fail, God promises to renew your strength and purpose. You may not understand how, but you can be certain He's able. 

Some mornings you wake up with the knowledge that a challenging day is ahead of you. Other times, difficulty catches you by surprise. Whatever challenge enters your life, remind yourself that the Lord is near. Not only will God help you meet each challenge head-on, but He will use each one to help you grow. Look for God's hand at work in your life, helping you achieve what may seem impossible.

Psalm 147:5-6 - Our Lord is great, with limitless strength; we'll never comprehend what he knows and does. God puts the fallen on their feet again.

Psalm 145:18 - The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

02) CHARACTER

Some women spend a great amount of time trying to look beautiful on the outside, while paying little attention to what's on the inside. God's words and His Spirit can help reveal the true you, from the inside out. Ask God where your character needs some touching up - or perhaps a total makeover. See if your thoughts, your words, and your actions line up with the woman you'd like to see smiling back at you in the mirror each morning.

Not everyone will understand the unseen story behind what you say and do. There will be times when you're misunderstood, slandered, or even rejected. This is when your true character shines through. How you respond to adversity and unfair accusations says a lot about you and the God you serve. Ask God to help you address any blind spots you may have about your own character. Treat your critics with respects. Then move ahead with both confidence and humility. 

Psalm 26:2 - Test my thoughts and find out what I am like. 

Psalm 17:2 - Only you can say that I am innocent, because only your eyes can see the truth. 

03) CHOICES 

Some choices we make change the course of our lives, such as whether we'll remain single or marry, what career we'll pursue, whether or not to adopt a child. But there's one choice that changes not only the direction of our lives, but our eternity. When we choose to follow God, it affects every choice we make from that moment forward. the more we involve God in our decision process, the wiser our choices will be.

When you;re driving along on unfamiliar highway, road signs are invaluable. They point you in the proper direction and warn you of impending danger. When it comes to the road of life, the Bible is a sign that helps guide you every step of the way. The more you read it, the better prepared you are to make good choices. When facing a fork in the road of life, stop to consider which direction God's Word would have you go.

Psalm 16:5 - My choices is you, God, first and only. And now I find I'm your choice!

Psalm 119:133 - Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.

04) COMFORT 

When you are in need of comfort, you seem to instinctively turn to a spouse, close family member or close friend. There's nothing wrong with seeking a human shoulder to cry on when you need it. Just remember that the Bible refers to Jesus  as both our bridegroom and friend. The comfort God provides runs deeper than anything people can offer. God sees your problems as part of a larger, eternal picture and can offer perspective as well as solace.

Putting your faith in Jesus doesn't mean you'll never have a broken heart. Scripture tells us even Jesus wept. Jesus knew the future. He knew His heavenly Father was in control. He knew victory was certain. But He still grieved. When your heart is broken, only God has the power to make it whole again. It won't happen overnight. But when you draw close to god, you draw close to the true source of peace, joy, and healing. 

Psalm 9:9-10 - God's a safe-house for the battered, a sanctuary during bad times. The moment you arrive, you relax; you're never sorry you knocked. 

Psalm 34:18 - The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.  

05) COMPASSION

 If your children are hurting, you don't think twice about coming to their aid. You listen attentively to their heartaches, dry their tears, and offer them words of wisdom and encouragement. As God's child, you have a perfect and powerful heavenly Father who feels this way about you. His compassion is more than emotion. It's love in action. You can tell God anything, without fear of condemnation or abandonment. God's forgiveness runs as deep as His love.

Without love and compassion, an all-powerful God would be something to fear instead of Someone to trust. That's one reason why Jesus came to earth; to help us see the compassionate side of the Almighty. Throughout the Gospels, we read how Jesus reached out to the hurting-the outcasts, the infirm, the poor, and the abandoned. He didn't turn his back on sinners, but embraced them with open arms. His arms are still open. Will you run toward His embrace?

Psalm 103:13 - As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.

Psalm 86:15 - But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.  

06) CONFIDENCE

In the Bible, when a word or phrase is repeated, it's time to pay attention. In the original language of the Old Testament, this signifies that something is the best, the ultimate. The psalmist in Psalm 57 doubly notes how confident his heart is in God. No wonder praise comes naturally to him! Take it from the psalmist: You need never doubt God's heart toward you. You can be confident-eternally confident-in Him. 

We live in uncertain times, economically, politically, and gobally. Yet you can greet each new day with your head held high, confident and unafraid. Why? Because you have a God who cares deeply about you and the world around you. When your confidence is placed firmly in God instead of your own abilities, bank account, or "good karma", you need not fear the future. It's in God's powerful, capable, and compassionate hands.

Psalm 57:7 - My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praises!

Psalm 112:6-8 - Those who are righteous will be long remembered. They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly. 

07) CONTENTMENT

When it comes to brains, sheep are not the sharpest crayons in the box. They frightened easily, tend to follow the crowd, and have limited abilities for defending themselves. That's why sheep thrive best with a shepherd who guides, protects, and cares for their needs. Our Good Shepherd will do the same for us. Worry, fear, and discontent are products of a sheepish mentality. However, the peace of true contentment can be ours when we follow God's lead.

Picture a well-fed newborn resting in her mother's arms, peacefully gazing up into her eyes. That's contentment. No worrying about "Does this diaper make me look fat?" No fears over "Will social security be around when I retire?" No burning desire for a nicer stroller or a bigger crib. Allow God to baby you. Gaze into His eyes by recalling the ways He's provided for you. Cultivate contentment by trusting Him as a mother is trusted by her child.

Psalm 23:1 - The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

Psalm 131:2 - I've cultivated a quiet heart. Like a baby content in its mother's arms, my soul is a baby content.  

Well..well.. I have been blessed reading it and I'm happy sharing the blessing with you. Hope you will be blessed too!