Monthly Archives: July 2017

What is all the buzz about?

 

If you know me personally, you know that I am a big time want-to-be technology geek. Alas, I have to rely on four much younger and true geeks who are willing to put up with this old guy! Raymond, Dusty, Clint, and Ryan each help me keep my tech-itch scratched, poor guys! I love the buzz! I want to be in on everything that is happening.

Most people have one or two areas of interest they like to keep up with the latest buzz. What is it that draws you to the buzz? Technology, fashion, headline news, hot cars, cooking, stock prices, movies ….. what pushes your buzz button?

Five things to consider concerning your pursuit of the buzz:

1.) Is the buzz benefiting your life in some way? Entertainment can be a reason and benefit enough. It can also be a productivity thief. You have to weigh the cost and gain!

2.) Buzz almost always introduces something you do not have and is an enticement. How do you respond to the constant call to new acquisitions? The buzz can have a devastating effect on your finances and that can affect your relationships too!

3.) In many areas, the buzz can blind you to see things in a very biased way. Are you able to step away from it long enough to see from other vantage points or perspectives? What does it cost you to always follow the buzz: friends, family, money, time?

4.) Are you able to see trends and cycles in the buzz? Sometimes the opportunities are right there in the buzz! Can you successfully analyze and apply the information that you are gathering from the buzz that will assist you in making good choices?

5.) When do you need to be creating the buzz rather than listening to it? There comes a time where the buzz needs to be all about your leadership and directives. Most people are buzz consumers. Only a few people learn how to be buzz producers. These are the world changers.

The fish lays thousands of eggs at one time, the chicken lays only one or two, but she creates a lot of buzz about what she does! So, what kind of eggs did you have for breakfast this morning?

What is the buzz all about in your life? Surprisingly enough, it may be a healthy question to ask yourself.

Philippians 4 :6-8 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there be any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.”

Stand your buzz up next to Philippians 4:6-8. Measure it well and prosper, my friend!

Blessings,

Fred Hughes

Read this and other blog posts on our websites.

www.byfredhughes.com ~ www.decision1.org

Taking that leap of faith!

Actually, the Bible says that it is impossible to please God without faith! Therefore, faith is something we should operate in. The problem is: how or what we choose to base our faith on. One of my friends back in school was always quick to leap. His big issue was that it was almost always a leap of stupid! Reckless abandon is not faith.

Faith is acting upon the truth.

However, facts are not always the truth. We work hard at gathering facts to base our decisions upon but sometimes fail to search the truth. In order to discover the wisdom we need to actually make the right choices, we need more than facts can provide. We need a peace that surpasses our human understanding — something that is the truth and trustworthy at the deepest level even though we cannot see it physically at the moment!

Facts are not always the truth! That is a bold statement. Let me give you some examples: Someone may have told you, “You will never amount to anything!” That may have been a fact based on that person’s view of you at that moment in time. Was it the truth? No, it was not! Your bank statement may say in a very loud voice, “You’re Broke!” It may be a fact right now, but has it said that to you before? Then things happened, and some prayers were answered. Something turned around, and the truth is “Broke” is not permanent!

Truth trumps facts every time!

When truth and facts agree, it gives us the confidence to take that leap of faith. How then do we tune-in to the truth? I am glad you asked, because I do have the answer for you. Let me introduce you! His name is Jesus. John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” John 8:31-32 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” The meaning of the word “know” is to be intimate with. The truth that you become intimate with, that is the truth that will set you free. Jesus is the truth. His word (The Bible) is like a tuning fork. It will tune you in to the truth that trumps facts!

The doctor said you have cancer! That may be a fact, but the truth says, “by His stripes you were healed.” The CPA may say you are in trouble! That may be a fact, but the Bible says, “Let the poor say I am rich. It also says, “My God shall supply all of my needs in Christ Jesus.”

Facts are subject to change, but the truth never changes!

You see, when you find the truth and believe it, it will trump facts all day long. Taking the leap of faith becomes a lifestyle of grace rather than a fearful risk! Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Leap into the Word. Leap into the truth. He will set you free!

Blessings,

Fred Hughes

Read this and other blog posts on our websites.

www.byfredhughes.com ~ www.decision1.org