When it comes to temptation, remember these seven things:
(1)God is Faithful and we never become so spiritual that we're immune.
1Corinthians 10:13-"No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it"
(2)Keep Watch!
Because you haven't blown it yet, doesn't mean you can't. Satan is a master of timing, and he's in no hurry.
Mark 14:38- Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.
(3)God’s Bread is all we need to live!
Your flesh is powerful; once indulged it will always want more. Feed Your Spirit More!
(4)Understand that we are responsible.
Sin is a choice. When you choose to abuse God's grace you pay the price, either now or later.
Galatians 6:7- "Do not be deceived...whatever a man sows, that he will also reap"
(5)We're not helpless pawns.
We can’t change what happened yesterday, but your choice, empowered by God's grace, will determine what happens today and tomorrow.
2 Peter 1:3
(6)If you've sinned, there's hope. God will forgive you and use you again.
Jesus told Peter, "I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren" (Luke 22:32 NKJV).
Romans 7:1-6
(7)Stay close to God.
James 4:7- "Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you."
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Perilous Times!
A little boy was asked by his geography teacher about the shape of the world. He responded, “My daddy says it is in awful shape.” In 2 Timothy 3:1, Paul stated, “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come.” “Perilous” means “difficult, painful, hard times, times of stress.”
The Bible gives us guidelines in times like these. Here are a few:
1. REMEMBER THAT GOD IS WITH US. God has declared in Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you.” A television announcer was interviewing a six-year-old girl and queried, “Do you know where God is?” The youngster’s omniscient answer was prompt: “Do you know where He isn’t?” Psalm 94:14, “The Lord will not abandon His people.”
2. MAKE PRAYER AND GOD’S WORD A REGULAR ACTIVITY. In Luke 18:1, we learn that if we do not pray, we will “lose heart.” Hebrews 4:12 says the Word of God is “powerful.” “Powerful” means “energizing.” D. L. Moody testified, “I know the Bible is inspired because it inspires me.”
3. VALUE FRIENDS. At least 26 times in the New Testament, we find the expression “one another.” A London newspaper offered a substantial cash prize to the one who gave the best answer to the question, “Which is the shortest way to London?” The answer that won the prize was, “The shortest way to London is ‘good company’.”
4. DECIDE TO MAINTAIN A POSITIVE ATTITUDE. Studies suggest that only about 25 percent of the tendency toward optimism is carried in the genes, the rest is developed by the individual. Paul exhorted, “Whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of a good report…meditate on these things,” Philippians 4:8.
5. LIVE ONE DAY AT A TIME. Three times in Matthew 6:24 – 34, Christ, when addressing our material needs, stated, “Therefore, do not worry.” Then, He promised that if we will seek first His kingdom, “all these things will be added to you,” so, “do not worry about tomorrow.”
6. HAVE FAITH IN GOD. The Jews used the phrase “I AM,” “Yahweh,” as their way of identifying God throughout the Scriptures. “Yahweh” appears more than six thousand times in the Old Testament. It is the expression of the One who lives eternally, from everlasting to everlasting, without beginning or end.
Remember, “We may face situations beyond our reserves, but never beyond God’s resources!”
The Bible gives us guidelines in times like these. Here are a few:
1. REMEMBER THAT GOD IS WITH US. God has declared in Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you.” A television announcer was interviewing a six-year-old girl and queried, “Do you know where God is?” The youngster’s omniscient answer was prompt: “Do you know where He isn’t?” Psalm 94:14, “The Lord will not abandon His people.”
2. MAKE PRAYER AND GOD’S WORD A REGULAR ACTIVITY. In Luke 18:1, we learn that if we do not pray, we will “lose heart.” Hebrews 4:12 says the Word of God is “powerful.” “Powerful” means “energizing.” D. L. Moody testified, “I know the Bible is inspired because it inspires me.”
3. VALUE FRIENDS. At least 26 times in the New Testament, we find the expression “one another.” A London newspaper offered a substantial cash prize to the one who gave the best answer to the question, “Which is the shortest way to London?” The answer that won the prize was, “The shortest way to London is ‘good company’.”
4. DECIDE TO MAINTAIN A POSITIVE ATTITUDE. Studies suggest that only about 25 percent of the tendency toward optimism is carried in the genes, the rest is developed by the individual. Paul exhorted, “Whatever things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of a good report…meditate on these things,” Philippians 4:8.
5. LIVE ONE DAY AT A TIME. Three times in Matthew 6:24 – 34, Christ, when addressing our material needs, stated, “Therefore, do not worry.” Then, He promised that if we will seek first His kingdom, “all these things will be added to you,” so, “do not worry about tomorrow.”
6. HAVE FAITH IN GOD. The Jews used the phrase “I AM,” “Yahweh,” as their way of identifying God throughout the Scriptures. “Yahweh” appears more than six thousand times in the Old Testament. It is the expression of the One who lives eternally, from everlasting to everlasting, without beginning or end.
Remember, “We may face situations beyond our reserves, but never beyond God’s resources!”
Saturday, August 15, 2009
"Live a life of love
When we take stock of our day-to-day actions there's often a big gap between what we say we value, and how we spend our time, money and energy. Couples spend four times as much time watching television as they do talking to each other. Parents spend an average of four hours a day watching TV, one hour shopping, and six minutes playing with their children. And with each day lost, the gap widens.
In the movie City Slickers, actor and comedian Billy Crystal stands before the children in his son's school class and decides to teach them a lesson they are perhaps not ready to learn: "Value this time in your life, kids, because this is the time in your life when you still have choices, and it goes by so quickly. When you're a teenager you think you can do everything, and you do. Your twenties are a blur, your thirties - you raise your family, you make a little money, you think to yourself, 'What happened to my twenties?' Your forties - you grow a little potbelly, you grow another chin, the music starts to get too loud, and one of your old girlfriends from high school becomes a grandmother. In your seventies you spend most of your time wandering around malls looking for the ultimate in soft yogurt and muttering, 'How come the kids don't call?'... Any questions?"
If we sense a growing gap between what we say matters most to us and what we are actually doing with our life, take action. Get radical if we have to, but seize this moment while we still have it. The call to love rarely comes with urgency.
So lets do as Paul says, "Live a life of love." Ephesians 5:2 (NIV)
In the movie City Slickers, actor and comedian Billy Crystal stands before the children in his son's school class and decides to teach them a lesson they are perhaps not ready to learn: "Value this time in your life, kids, because this is the time in your life when you still have choices, and it goes by so quickly. When you're a teenager you think you can do everything, and you do. Your twenties are a blur, your thirties - you raise your family, you make a little money, you think to yourself, 'What happened to my twenties?' Your forties - you grow a little potbelly, you grow another chin, the music starts to get too loud, and one of your old girlfriends from high school becomes a grandmother. In your seventies you spend most of your time wandering around malls looking for the ultimate in soft yogurt and muttering, 'How come the kids don't call?'... Any questions?"
If we sense a growing gap between what we say matters most to us and what we are actually doing with our life, take action. Get radical if we have to, but seize this moment while we still have it. The call to love rarely comes with urgency.
So lets do as Paul says, "Live a life of love." Ephesians 5:2 (NIV)
Thursday, August 13, 2009
When it comes to giant-problems
A champion went out from the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath." 1 Samuel 17:4 (NKJV) When it comes to giant-problems there are solutions if we look closely!!!!
Problem number (1): Their size can intimidate you. And it doesn't help when everybody around you, including your leader, is running for cover.
Solution 1: This is when you need to recall the victories of your past: Red Sea-sized ones, Jericho Wall-sized ones. How big is your God?
Problem Number (2) Their words can cause you to doubt. "When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were...greatly afraid" (1Sa 17:11 NKJV). Words like, "The tumor's malignant, the company's down-sizing, I don't love you any more, our child is hooked on drugs, the bank is foreclosing."
Solution: How do you handle such words? By turning to the living, life-changing Word of God which transcends all circumstances and trumps all opinions. "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever" (Isa 40:8 NKJV).
Problem Number(3) A small opening and a well protected giant. It was said Goliath could throw his spear half the length of a football field, so that's probably how far David was from him. Furthermore, Goliath had body armor protecting him from head to toe, except for a small opening between his eyes and his forehead. That's what David aimed for.
Solution 3: When you ask God for a solution, it may come as a small opening rather than the size of half a football field! When He shows it to you, trust Him to get you through it. God's response to you is not designed to increase your sense of comfort, but to build your confidence in Him. That way you'll not only be able to handle this giant, but the ones waiting for you in the future.
You are a giant killer, Have faith in God!!!!
Problem number (1): Their size can intimidate you. And it doesn't help when everybody around you, including your leader, is running for cover.
Solution 1: This is when you need to recall the victories of your past: Red Sea-sized ones, Jericho Wall-sized ones. How big is your God?
Problem Number (2) Their words can cause you to doubt. "When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were...greatly afraid" (1Sa 17:11 NKJV). Words like, "The tumor's malignant, the company's down-sizing, I don't love you any more, our child is hooked on drugs, the bank is foreclosing."
Solution: How do you handle such words? By turning to the living, life-changing Word of God which transcends all circumstances and trumps all opinions. "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever" (Isa 40:8 NKJV).
Problem Number(3) A small opening and a well protected giant. It was said Goliath could throw his spear half the length of a football field, so that's probably how far David was from him. Furthermore, Goliath had body armor protecting him from head to toe, except for a small opening between his eyes and his forehead. That's what David aimed for.
Solution 3: When you ask God for a solution, it may come as a small opening rather than the size of half a football field! When He shows it to you, trust Him to get you through it. God's response to you is not designed to increase your sense of comfort, but to build your confidence in Him. That way you'll not only be able to handle this giant, but the ones waiting for you in the future.
You are a giant killer, Have faith in God!!!!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Quick to Listen
'Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak.' JAMES 1:19
Ever think about this, God gave us two ears and one mouth because we need to listen twice as much as we talk. Learning that means being 'quick to listen, slow to speak.' Good listening builds relationships. But good listeners aren't born, they're bred!
So here are a few suggestions to improve your listening:
1) Listen without interrupting. Resist the temptation to jump in and finish the sentence, or hijack the floor. Rein yourself in - just listen.
2) Listen to understand. Try to understand their point of view, feelings, thinking and needs. Good listening is hearing what they actually think, mean or feel, not what you imagine they do. Instead of guessing, ask, 'Am I understanding you correctly? Do you mean...? Are you feeling...?' In other words, don't assume - verify.
3) Listen without judging. Don't rush to conclusions. If what they say doesn't quite add up, keep listening. 'He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him' (Proverbs 18:13 NKJV). When you hear more, it may make sense.
4) Listen without correcting, countering or devaluing. Saying, 'That's not the way it was,' or, 'What did you expect? If you hadn't...' or, 'You're just being too sensitive,' puts people on guard and stops real communication.
5) Validate the speaker. Accept their perceptions and feelings as valid expressions of a valued person. 'If I understand you correctly, you're thinking...feeling...Am I right?' Ask them to help get you on the same page with them. 'Given what you've told me, I can see why you'd feel what you feel,' is very validating and will increase their confidence and willingness to consider the solutions you may offer.
Ever think about this, God gave us two ears and one mouth because we need to listen twice as much as we talk. Learning that means being 'quick to listen, slow to speak.' Good listening builds relationships. But good listeners aren't born, they're bred!
So here are a few suggestions to improve your listening:
1) Listen without interrupting. Resist the temptation to jump in and finish the sentence, or hijack the floor. Rein yourself in - just listen.
2) Listen to understand. Try to understand their point of view, feelings, thinking and needs. Good listening is hearing what they actually think, mean or feel, not what you imagine they do. Instead of guessing, ask, 'Am I understanding you correctly? Do you mean...? Are you feeling...?' In other words, don't assume - verify.
3) Listen without judging. Don't rush to conclusions. If what they say doesn't quite add up, keep listening. 'He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him' (Proverbs 18:13 NKJV). When you hear more, it may make sense.
4) Listen without correcting, countering or devaluing. Saying, 'That's not the way it was,' or, 'What did you expect? If you hadn't...' or, 'You're just being too sensitive,' puts people on guard and stops real communication.
5) Validate the speaker. Accept their perceptions and feelings as valid expressions of a valued person. 'If I understand you correctly, you're thinking...feeling...Am I right?' Ask them to help get you on the same page with them. 'Given what you've told me, I can see why you'd feel what you feel,' is very validating and will increase their confidence and willingness to consider the solutions you may offer.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
When walking in the Dark
Who is among you that fears the Lord, that obeys the voice of His servant, that walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God"
(Isa 50:10 NAS).
Yes, even the godly who "fear the Lord" and who "obey the voice of His servant," will at times walk where there seems to be no light to guide their footsteps and no warm glow to comfort their troubled senses. These are not times of punishment, retribution, or abandonment. No, they're times when God is working out the next important stages of your development, aligning you for greater advancement in His kingdom!
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, men who feared the Lord and obeyed His Word, were ordered to be burned alive for refusing to worship the king's golden image (See Da 3). Listen to their faith confession:
(1) "Our God...is able to deliver us" (v 17). They never doubted God's ability.
(2) "And he will deliver us." They never doubted God's intention.
(3) "But if not...we will not... worship the golden image" (v 18). They never considered an alternative of faithfulness to God.
They had to go through to get through, and they did! You will too.
"Trust in the name of the Lord and rely on (your) God."
He has the last word, not the Devil, circumstances or people.
Like the three Hebrews, you will come out refined as gold tried in the fire.
He has made everything appropriate in its time." Ecclesiastes 3:11 NAS
(Isa 50:10 NAS).
Yes, even the godly who "fear the Lord" and who "obey the voice of His servant," will at times walk where there seems to be no light to guide their footsteps and no warm glow to comfort their troubled senses. These are not times of punishment, retribution, or abandonment. No, they're times when God is working out the next important stages of your development, aligning you for greater advancement in His kingdom!
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, men who feared the Lord and obeyed His Word, were ordered to be burned alive for refusing to worship the king's golden image (See Da 3). Listen to their faith confession:
(1) "Our God...is able to deliver us" (v 17). They never doubted God's ability.
(2) "And he will deliver us." They never doubted God's intention.
(3) "But if not...we will not... worship the golden image" (v 18). They never considered an alternative of faithfulness to God.
They had to go through to get through, and they did! You will too.
"Trust in the name of the Lord and rely on (your) God."
He has the last word, not the Devil, circumstances or people.
Like the three Hebrews, you will come out refined as gold tried in the fire.
He has made everything appropriate in its time." Ecclesiastes 3:11 NAS
Sunday, August 2, 2009
The roller-coaster ride of life
Some of my kids like roller-coasters and some don't. It seems I don't enjoy them as much as I used to, but I will do it to have fun with them. Something I noticed about all coasters is they go up and down, take all kinds of twist and turns but ultimately arrive back at the station safe, hopefully!!! This is exactly what God does with the issues of our lives. They may go up and down but we will arrive home safe, certainly! Ecclesiastes 3:11 declares, "He has made everything appropriate in its time."
The song says: "I beg your pardon; I never promised you a rose garden." Neither did God, so beware of "rose garden" theology. The Christian life is not an either or experience, where either you're a believer and life is problem-free, or an unbeliever and life is tough. It's a both and experience, bringing times you'll enjoy and times you'll endure. The Bible's heroes experienced both the thrill of victory and the sting of defeat, some, like Elijah, even wishing to die.
Consider the paradoxes of God's Word. Jesus was a "man of sorrows" (Isa 53:3).
Yet He was also "anointed...with the oil of gladness above (His) fellows" (Heb 1:9).
Paul said he was "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing...poor, yet making many rich...having nothing, and yet possessing all things" (2Co 6:10 NKJV). These were his thoughts when he said, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Php 4:13 NIV).
In Proverbs 17:22 (NKJV) Solomon says, "A merry heart does good, like medicine." In Ecclesiastes 7:3 he says, "Sorrow is better than laughter: for by sadness...the heart is made better." In Ecclesiastes 7:14 (NAS) he writes, "In...prosperity be happy...in...adversity consider - God has made the one as well as the other."
Rejoice! In our both and world, God is still on the throne. He's controlling the mix of joy to sorrow, peace to conflict, loss to gain, want to satisfaction, tragedy to triumph, with our best interests always foremost in His mind.
The song says: "I beg your pardon; I never promised you a rose garden." Neither did God, so beware of "rose garden" theology. The Christian life is not an either or experience, where either you're a believer and life is problem-free, or an unbeliever and life is tough. It's a both and experience, bringing times you'll enjoy and times you'll endure. The Bible's heroes experienced both the thrill of victory and the sting of defeat, some, like Elijah, even wishing to die.
Consider the paradoxes of God's Word. Jesus was a "man of sorrows" (Isa 53:3).
Yet He was also "anointed...with the oil of gladness above (His) fellows" (Heb 1:9).
Paul said he was "sorrowful, yet always rejoicing...poor, yet making many rich...having nothing, and yet possessing all things" (2Co 6:10 NKJV). These were his thoughts when he said, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Php 4:13 NIV).
In Proverbs 17:22 (NKJV) Solomon says, "A merry heart does good, like medicine." In Ecclesiastes 7:3 he says, "Sorrow is better than laughter: for by sadness...the heart is made better." In Ecclesiastes 7:14 (NAS) he writes, "In...prosperity be happy...in...adversity consider - God has made the one as well as the other."
Rejoice! In our both and world, God is still on the throne. He's controlling the mix of joy to sorrow, peace to conflict, loss to gain, want to satisfaction, tragedy to triumph, with our best interests always foremost in His mind.
Monday, July 20, 2009
The cure for want!
A pastor friend of mine once preached about contentment out of the book of Colossians. He challenged us to hunger after the things of God and not the things of this world. I found my notes this week and thought I would share them with you. Warning, they are quite challenging.
(1) "Don't be greedy for the good things of this life, for that is idolatry" (See Col 3:5 NIV). Stop craving things we don't need. Instead, try enjoying what we've got.
(2) If we're not tithing, start now! We'll be switching from the world's faltering economy to God's fail-safe economy. When we tithe He promises to protect our interests and send blessings "there shall not be room enough to receive" (See Mal 3:8-12).
(3) "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it" (Ps 24:1 NIV) and He guarantees to "supply all our need" (Php 4:19). So before we go shopping, try praying! Ask God for what we need, then wait for Him to respond.
(4) Begin giving away some of what we've got. "It is possible to give away and become richer...[and] to hold on too tightly and lose everything...the liberal man shall be rich" (Pr 11:24-25 TLB). Go ahead, do it! Obey God, be patient, and watch what happens.
I am strengthened in my own faith after re-reading these notes. God Bless you.
(1) "Don't be greedy for the good things of this life, for that is idolatry" (See Col 3:5 NIV). Stop craving things we don't need. Instead, try enjoying what we've got.
(2) If we're not tithing, start now! We'll be switching from the world's faltering economy to God's fail-safe economy. When we tithe He promises to protect our interests and send blessings "there shall not be room enough to receive" (See Mal 3:8-12).
(3) "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it" (Ps 24:1 NIV) and He guarantees to "supply all our need" (Php 4:19). So before we go shopping, try praying! Ask God for what we need, then wait for Him to respond.
(4) Begin giving away some of what we've got. "It is possible to give away and become richer...[and] to hold on too tightly and lose everything...the liberal man shall be rich" (Pr 11:24-25 TLB). Go ahead, do it! Obey God, be patient, and watch what happens.
I am strengthened in my own faith after re-reading these notes. God Bless you.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Treasure in Earthen Vessels.
When God calls us to do something, it means we're called to a higher level of accountability. Jesus said, "Unto whom much is given, of him shall much be required" (See Luke 12:48). But this is where we get it wrong. We think those who are called, are not cut from the same bolt of cloth as others. Wrong! Just because someone prays powerfully and delivers God's Word skillfully, doesn't mean they don't struggle in certain areas. Their struggles may be unseen, but they're still real. We must be careful to make the distinction between the treasure and the vessel. If we're a leader, we should never allow anyone to expect us to be the treasure. Paul says: "We have this treasure," he didn't say we are the treasure!
Let's face it, God uses people we wouldn't use, like Rahab, working the red light district of Jericho. But when she placed her faith in God He used her to win the battle of Jericho, then included her in the family of Christ. Or how about Jephthah who was born to an unwed mother, rejected by his family, and lived in a cave with his own gang of private mercenaries? God used him to deliver Israel and become the nation's youngest judge. Isn't grace amazing?
God specializes in restoring broken vessels. He takes things that aren't productive - marriages that don't work, people with "issues" - and teaches them how to be victorious and fruitful in His service. Knowing this gives us the strength and tenacity to face whatever comes, because we know that when God places His treasure within us, He prizes, protects and prospers it. Paul declares, "We have this treasure in earthen vessels." (2 Corinthians 4:7)So God, let the prize, protection and prosperity flow.
Let's face it, God uses people we wouldn't use, like Rahab, working the red light district of Jericho. But when she placed her faith in God He used her to win the battle of Jericho, then included her in the family of Christ. Or how about Jephthah who was born to an unwed mother, rejected by his family, and lived in a cave with his own gang of private mercenaries? God used him to deliver Israel and become the nation's youngest judge. Isn't grace amazing?
God specializes in restoring broken vessels. He takes things that aren't productive - marriages that don't work, people with "issues" - and teaches them how to be victorious and fruitful in His service. Knowing this gives us the strength and tenacity to face whatever comes, because we know that when God places His treasure within us, He prizes, protects and prospers it. Paul declares, "We have this treasure in earthen vessels." (2 Corinthians 4:7)So God, let the prize, protection and prosperity flow.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Be careful what we say
Here is a great proverb for the day. "The tongue of the wise brings healing." (Proverbs 12:18)
Careless words can hurt people. Not only can they influence a person's self-worth, they can actually shape that person's destiny. If you doubt that, consider these two stories:
(1) One day in a small country church an altar boy accidentally dropped the communion wine. The officiating priest slapped him and shouted, "Leave, and don't come back!" That boy became General Tito, the brutal communist dictator who ruled the people of Yugoslavia for years.
(2) In a big city cathedral another altar boy dropped the communion wine. His bishop turned to him and whispered reassuringly, "It's okay, some day you'll be a great priest." That boy became Archbishop Fulton Sheen, whose sermons touched the hearts of millions on national television.
Your words either build people up or tear them down. Solomon said, "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Here's a truth we don't like to acknowledge; what comes out of our lips reveals what's in our heart, and all our "I didn't mean its" don't change that or undo the damage.
Eugene Petersen writes: "Every day I put love on the line. There's nothing I am less good at. I am far better in competition than love; far better at responding to my instincts to get ahead, than at figuring out how to love another. I'm schooled and trained in getting my own way. And yet I decide every day to set aside what I do best, and attempt to do what I do very clumsily - open myself to the frustrations and failures of loving, daring to believe that failing in love is better than succeeding in pride."
Let's shoot to speak and release words that elevate other people. It shapes their destiny and ours. God Bless you and see ya Sunday....
Careless words can hurt people. Not only can they influence a person's self-worth, they can actually shape that person's destiny. If you doubt that, consider these two stories:
(1) One day in a small country church an altar boy accidentally dropped the communion wine. The officiating priest slapped him and shouted, "Leave, and don't come back!" That boy became General Tito, the brutal communist dictator who ruled the people of Yugoslavia for years.
(2) In a big city cathedral another altar boy dropped the communion wine. His bishop turned to him and whispered reassuringly, "It's okay, some day you'll be a great priest." That boy became Archbishop Fulton Sheen, whose sermons touched the hearts of millions on national television.
Your words either build people up or tear them down. Solomon said, "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing." Here's a truth we don't like to acknowledge; what comes out of our lips reveals what's in our heart, and all our "I didn't mean its" don't change that or undo the damage.
Eugene Petersen writes: "Every day I put love on the line. There's nothing I am less good at. I am far better in competition than love; far better at responding to my instincts to get ahead, than at figuring out how to love another. I'm schooled and trained in getting my own way. And yet I decide every day to set aside what I do best, and attempt to do what I do very clumsily - open myself to the frustrations and failures of loving, daring to believe that failing in love is better than succeeding in pride."
Let's shoot to speak and release words that elevate other people. It shapes their destiny and ours. God Bless you and see ya Sunday....
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Longing for Heaven
Mel Blanc was the voice behind the Warner Brothers cartoon characters in Looney Tunes. At the end of every movie Porky Pig pops up with the same send-off: "That's all, folks!" When Mel Blanc died guess what his family put on his tombstone? "That's all, folks!" But it's not, and deep down we know it. The Bible says God "set eternity in the hearts of men" (Ecc 3:11 NIV). It's a longing that won't go away. It's why the Egyptians built the Pyramids and the Greeks put a gold coin under the tongue of the departed so they could pay the ferryman to cross over the River Styx.
But our longing is not just for a longer life, particularly if longer just means more of the same. A Christian college once sent students door to door to talk to people about spiritual issues. Two of them knocked on one door to find a frenzied mother of three with a vacuum in one hand and a screaming baby in the other, food burning on the stove and a living room so messy it would have qualified as a Federal disaster area. "Are you interested in eternal life?" they asked. "Frankly, I don't think I could stand it," said the mom. We don't want more of just more of the same. We want what's wrong to be put right. We want suffering to stop. We want clean air, meaningful work, honest politicians, clear consciences, ceaseless beauty, and the end of loneliness and war. In other words, we want Heaven. And the good news is, when Christ is your Savior that's where you go when you die!
I love what Revelation 21:3-4 says about Heaven and everything being put right. "(3) And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. (4) He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
I am also reminded about the words that Jesus spoke that confirm just where our citizenship really is located. He said, we pass from death to life. Many act as though we pass from life to death but actually it is quite the opposite. Let a longing for heaven grow in your heart today.
But our longing is not just for a longer life, particularly if longer just means more of the same. A Christian college once sent students door to door to talk to people about spiritual issues. Two of them knocked on one door to find a frenzied mother of three with a vacuum in one hand and a screaming baby in the other, food burning on the stove and a living room so messy it would have qualified as a Federal disaster area. "Are you interested in eternal life?" they asked. "Frankly, I don't think I could stand it," said the mom. We don't want more of just more of the same. We want what's wrong to be put right. We want suffering to stop. We want clean air, meaningful work, honest politicians, clear consciences, ceaseless beauty, and the end of loneliness and war. In other words, we want Heaven. And the good news is, when Christ is your Savior that's where you go when you die!
I love what Revelation 21:3-4 says about Heaven and everything being put right. "(3) And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. (4) He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
I am also reminded about the words that Jesus spoke that confirm just where our citizenship really is located. He said, we pass from death to life. Many act as though we pass from life to death but actually it is quite the opposite. Let a longing for heaven grow in your heart today.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Are you losing yourself?
Luke records: "There met Him ten...lepers...they lifted up their voices and said, 'Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!'...He said to them, 'Go, show yourselves to the priests.' And...as they went, they were cleansed" (Lk 17:12-14 NKJV). Leprosy was a slow, painful death. First you lost your fingers and couldn't work, then you lost your toes and couldn't walk, then it attacked your internal organs. Every day you lost a little more of yourself. Here are five helpful insights from this story:
(1) If you feel like you're "losing yourself," turn to Jesus. He can restore what you've lost and give you back your peace and joy.
(2) "Lift up your voice." Away with dignity and decorum! Desperate people do desperate things. God promises: "You will...find me when you seek me with all your heart" (Jer 29:13 NIV).
(3) Whatever He tells you - do it. Don't lay down conditions to God. And don't seek an identical experience to somebody else. Jesus told the ten lepers, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." Why didn't He just speak to them or touch them like He did others? Don't question, obey! Faith doesn't demand explanations.
(4) Take a step of faith. Luke records, "As they went, they were cleansed." You've got to walk it out; each step brings you one step closer. But nothing happens till you take that first step of faith.
(5) Start praising God! Only one of the ten lepers returned to give thanks, and Jesus noticed it. You can go to God with confidence for your next answer, when you know you remembered to give Him thanks for your last one.
(1) If you feel like you're "losing yourself," turn to Jesus. He can restore what you've lost and give you back your peace and joy.
(2) "Lift up your voice." Away with dignity and decorum! Desperate people do desperate things. God promises: "You will...find me when you seek me with all your heart" (Jer 29:13 NIV).
(3) Whatever He tells you - do it. Don't lay down conditions to God. And don't seek an identical experience to somebody else. Jesus told the ten lepers, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." Why didn't He just speak to them or touch them like He did others? Don't question, obey! Faith doesn't demand explanations.
(4) Take a step of faith. Luke records, "As they went, they were cleansed." You've got to walk it out; each step brings you one step closer. But nothing happens till you take that first step of faith.
(5) Start praising God! Only one of the ten lepers returned to give thanks, and Jesus noticed it. You can go to God with confidence for your next answer, when you know you remembered to give Him thanks for your last one.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
More Lazarus Lessons
I have enjoyed reading the story of Lazarus the last several days. I shared some of this truth on Sunday as we received the offering. Here is some more revelation about this man that Jesus loved that will apply to our lives.
(1) God has a bigger and better plan in mind. Lazarus was dead four days when Jesus arrived. When the Lord waits, it's for two reasons:
(a) That He may be glorified. I found out this week while studying that the Pharisees believed that your spirit left your corpse on the fourth day after you died. So if Jesus had intervened earlier they'd have said, "He wasn't really dead." Hence He told His disciples, "This sickness is ...for the glory of God" (Jn 11:4 NKJV). It's in looking back that we clearly see God's hand at work.
(b) That our faith may be strengthened and built up. Jesus said, "I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe" (Jn 11:15 NKJV). We will always have some form of difficulty or crisis. Our next crisis will be different from our last one, but the thing that must remain strong is our faith.
(2) God will ask us to remove the hindrances and deal with the stench. "Jesus said, 'Take away the stone.' Martha...said to Him, 'Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days'" (Jn 11:38-39 NKJV). Are we praying for an answer in one area, while God's telling us to take away the stone and deal with a "stench" buried in another? Surrender, you can't win! When your heart's right with God your prayers will be answered.
(3) God wants to make us a living testimony. Everywhere Lazarus went, without even speaking a word, his life declared that Jesus is Lord. And the same should be true of us. God has saved and raised us up to be a testimony to His grace and goodness.
(1) God has a bigger and better plan in mind. Lazarus was dead four days when Jesus arrived. When the Lord waits, it's for two reasons:
(a) That He may be glorified. I found out this week while studying that the Pharisees believed that your spirit left your corpse on the fourth day after you died. So if Jesus had intervened earlier they'd have said, "He wasn't really dead." Hence He told His disciples, "This sickness is ...for the glory of God" (Jn 11:4 NKJV). It's in looking back that we clearly see God's hand at work.
(b) That our faith may be strengthened and built up. Jesus said, "I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe" (Jn 11:15 NKJV). We will always have some form of difficulty or crisis. Our next crisis will be different from our last one, but the thing that must remain strong is our faith.
(2) God will ask us to remove the hindrances and deal with the stench. "Jesus said, 'Take away the stone.' Martha...said to Him, 'Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days'" (Jn 11:38-39 NKJV). Are we praying for an answer in one area, while God's telling us to take away the stone and deal with a "stench" buried in another? Surrender, you can't win! When your heart's right with God your prayers will be answered.
(3) God wants to make us a living testimony. Everywhere Lazarus went, without even speaking a word, his life declared that Jesus is Lord. And the same should be true of us. God has saved and raised us up to be a testimony to His grace and goodness.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Lazarus Lessons
Lesson one: Jesus knows how you feel. At Lazarus' funeral, "Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, 'See how He loved him!'" (Jn 11:35-36 NKJV). This story proves we serve a God who can not only raise the dead, but can "sympathize with us" (See Heb 4:15 NKJV). So if you're grieving today turn to God and allow Him to comfort you.
Lesson two: Jesus can give you back what life's taken from you. He can "restore to you the years" that life has stolen (See Joel 2:25). Claim that promise; take it to the place where you've lost so much, and ask God to replace and renew. Martha said, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You" (Jn 11:21-22 NKJV). Instead of saying "if only," pray "even now I know." It's not too late, God can move on your behalf.
Lesson three: Jesus can set you free. "He cried...'Lazarus, come forth!' And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes...Jesus said...'Loose him, and let him go'" (Jn 11:43-44 NKJV). God's Word is greater than the thing that has bound, limited or enslaved you. Even though your mind doesn't fully comprehend it, let your spirit respond to God. Pray with the Psalmist, "Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it" (Ps 119:34-35 NKJV). When you pray such a prayer your faith will grow, and the circumstances that seem impossible will be changed by God.
Lesson two: Jesus can give you back what life's taken from you. He can "restore to you the years" that life has stolen (See Joel 2:25). Claim that promise; take it to the place where you've lost so much, and ask God to replace and renew. Martha said, "Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You" (Jn 11:21-22 NKJV). Instead of saying "if only," pray "even now I know." It's not too late, God can move on your behalf.
Lesson three: Jesus can set you free. "He cried...'Lazarus, come forth!' And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes...Jesus said...'Loose him, and let him go'" (Jn 11:43-44 NKJV). God's Word is greater than the thing that has bound, limited or enslaved you. Even though your mind doesn't fully comprehend it, let your spirit respond to God. Pray with the Psalmist, "Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it" (Ps 119:34-35 NKJV). When you pray such a prayer your faith will grow, and the circumstances that seem impossible will be changed by God.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Complete
When you disregard your positive qualities by telling yourself, "I'm too fat, I'm no good, I never do anything right," you'll always find verification of what you're looking for. Dr. Richard Carlson says: "Putting yourself down reinforces rather than corrects your imperfections by placing unnecessary attention and energy on everything that's wrong, rather than what's right with you.
Why would you do this knowing the only possible result is a negative outlook, more negative feelings and less appreciation for the gift of life? People who regularly put themselves down are often seen as complainers, not to mention the example they set. Everyone has aspects of themselves they'd like to improve, but this doesn't mean you should beat yourself up. Here on earth none of us is ever going to be perfect, but putting yourself down isn't the answer."
The Bible says God "has made perfect forever those who are being made holy." Max Lucado writes: "Underline the word perfect. Note, the word isn't better. Not improving. Not on the upswing. God doesn't improve; he perfects. He doesn't enhance; he completes...I realize there's a sense in which we're imperfect. We still err. We still stumble. We still do exactly what we don't want to do...that part of us is 'being made holy.' But when it comes to our position before God, we're perfect. When he sees each of us, he sees someone who has been made perfect through the One who is perfect - Jesus Christ." It's okay to work on improving yourself, but go easy; stop often and remind yourself that you're "being made new...becoming like the One who made you" (Col 3:10 NCV).
Why would you do this knowing the only possible result is a negative outlook, more negative feelings and less appreciation for the gift of life? People who regularly put themselves down are often seen as complainers, not to mention the example they set. Everyone has aspects of themselves they'd like to improve, but this doesn't mean you should beat yourself up. Here on earth none of us is ever going to be perfect, but putting yourself down isn't the answer."
The Bible says God "has made perfect forever those who are being made holy." Max Lucado writes: "Underline the word perfect. Note, the word isn't better. Not improving. Not on the upswing. God doesn't improve; he perfects. He doesn't enhance; he completes...I realize there's a sense in which we're imperfect. We still err. We still stumble. We still do exactly what we don't want to do...that part of us is 'being made holy.' But when it comes to our position before God, we're perfect. When he sees each of us, he sees someone who has been made perfect through the One who is perfect - Jesus Christ." It's okay to work on improving yourself, but go easy; stop often and remind yourself that you're "being made new...becoming like the One who made you" (Col 3:10 NCV).
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Picture the wind blowing through the cedars of Lebanon and some of them "humming" in response. And the greater the storm, the sweeter their song. These were called humming cedars. And God uses humming cedars to build strong churches.
In Acts, a couple of humming cedars were incarcerated in a Philippian dungeon, their hands and feet locked in stocks, their backs flogged, the contempt of society heaped on them. How did they respond? "At midnight Paul and Silas were...singing hymns to God...Suddenly there was a great earthquake...the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed" (Ac 16:25-26 NKJV). One old preacher said: "God got so caught up in their praises that He began to tap His big foot. And when God taps His foot, you get earthquakes."
Praise breaks chains and opens doors; it's the strategy for victory. Satan will try to stop you from praising God because he knows:
(a) The importance of praise. "Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised" (Ps 48:1 NKJV). (b) The healing effects of praise. God's answer to "the spirit of heaviness" is "the garment of praise" (Isa 61:3). But like any garment, you must put it on.
(c) The power of praise in times of crisis. When Israel was outnumbered by the enemy, God told them to put a choir in front of the army and march into battle. And it worked! "When they began...to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the [enemy]" (2Ch 20:22 NKJV). Don't wait until the battle is over to shout; go to war with the praise of God on your lips and watch Him turn your situation around.
In Acts, a couple of humming cedars were incarcerated in a Philippian dungeon, their hands and feet locked in stocks, their backs flogged, the contempt of society heaped on them. How did they respond? "At midnight Paul and Silas were...singing hymns to God...Suddenly there was a great earthquake...the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed" (Ac 16:25-26 NKJV). One old preacher said: "God got so caught up in their praises that He began to tap His big foot. And when God taps His foot, you get earthquakes."
Praise breaks chains and opens doors; it's the strategy for victory. Satan will try to stop you from praising God because he knows:
(a) The importance of praise. "Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised" (Ps 48:1 NKJV). (b) The healing effects of praise. God's answer to "the spirit of heaviness" is "the garment of praise" (Isa 61:3). But like any garment, you must put it on.
(c) The power of praise in times of crisis. When Israel was outnumbered by the enemy, God told them to put a choir in front of the army and march into battle. And it worked! "When they began...to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the [enemy]" (2Ch 20:22 NKJV). Don't wait until the battle is over to shout; go to war with the praise of God on your lips and watch Him turn your situation around.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Fire Cedars
My friend Jerry always prays for me and others that we would be the oaks of God. Big oaks start with small cedars. Solomon used something called fire cedars to build the temple. It's said that shepherds used it to make fires at night because it was saturated in oil, would ignite easily, and burn a long time. What a picture.
God gathered 120 fire cedars in the upper room, and "suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit" (Ac 2:2-4 NKJV). That day 3,000 souls were won to Christ!
The church was born in the fire and has been sustained by the fire - and we must not let that fire go out! Even in the days of the Old Testament tabernacle, God commanded His people to take the fire that burned on the altar and carry it with them wherever they went. In other words we need a true revival. When revival comes it will focus on who we are not what we do. Let's ask ourselves this:
(1) Is it scriptural? (See Isa 8:20).
(2) Does it magnify the person of Christ? (See Jn 3:30 NKJV).
(3) Does it demonstrate God's love? (See Ac 2:44-45).
(4) Does it win souls and turn them into disciples? "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples" (Jn 15:8 NKJV).
If we can have this kind of move of God, we will be the Oaks of God. Keep on praying Jerry!!!!
God gathered 120 fire cedars in the upper room, and "suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit" (Ac 2:2-4 NKJV). That day 3,000 souls were won to Christ!
The church was born in the fire and has been sustained by the fire - and we must not let that fire go out! Even in the days of the Old Testament tabernacle, God commanded His people to take the fire that burned on the altar and carry it with them wherever they went. In other words we need a true revival. When revival comes it will focus on who we are not what we do. Let's ask ourselves this:
(1) Is it scriptural? (See Isa 8:20).
(2) Does it magnify the person of Christ? (See Jn 3:30 NKJV).
(3) Does it demonstrate God's love? (See Ac 2:44-45).
(4) Does it win souls and turn them into disciples? "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples" (Jn 15:8 NKJV).
If we can have this kind of move of God, we will be the Oaks of God. Keep on praying Jerry!!!!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
"It is well with my soul"
The peace Jesus gives brings a sense of assurance that no matter what happens, you know "it is well with my soul." He says to us: "My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and...afraid." The peace Jesus gives doesn't depend on conditions and circumstances. It comes from knowing you're God's child and that your Father controls the universe, loves you and always has your best interests at heart. That's why people who've lost everything will often tell you they wouldn't trade what they've learned, even if it meant recouping all their losses.
Joni Erikson Tada discovered a supernatural peace when an accident confined her to a wheelchair, and Corrie Ten Boom found it in a Nazi death camp. Missionary Elisabeth Elliot found it ministering to the Indian tribe who massacred her husband. She wrote, "Only in acceptance lies peace...not in resignation."
There's a big difference! Author Creath Davis points out that: "Resignation is surrender to fate. Acceptance is surrender to God. Resignation lies down quietly in an empty universe. Acceptance rises up to meet the God who fills that universe with purpose and destiny. Resignation says, 'I can't.' Acceptance says, 'God can.' Resignation paralyzes the life process. Acceptance releases the process for its greatest creativity. Resignation says, 'It's all over for me.' Acceptance says, 'Now that I'm here, what's next, Lord?' Resignation says, 'What a waste.' Acceptance says, 'In what redemptive way will you use this mess, Lord?' Resignation says, 'I'm alone.' Acceptance says, 'I belong to you, Lord.'"
Today, let's accept what God has in store for us because we know it is good and not bad. Be Blessed....
Joni Erikson Tada discovered a supernatural peace when an accident confined her to a wheelchair, and Corrie Ten Boom found it in a Nazi death camp. Missionary Elisabeth Elliot found it ministering to the Indian tribe who massacred her husband. She wrote, "Only in acceptance lies peace...not in resignation."
There's a big difference! Author Creath Davis points out that: "Resignation is surrender to fate. Acceptance is surrender to God. Resignation lies down quietly in an empty universe. Acceptance rises up to meet the God who fills that universe with purpose and destiny. Resignation says, 'I can't.' Acceptance says, 'God can.' Resignation paralyzes the life process. Acceptance releases the process for its greatest creativity. Resignation says, 'It's all over for me.' Acceptance says, 'Now that I'm here, what's next, Lord?' Resignation says, 'What a waste.' Acceptance says, 'In what redemptive way will you use this mess, Lord?' Resignation says, 'I'm alone.' Acceptance says, 'I belong to you, Lord.'"
Today, let's accept what God has in store for us because we know it is good and not bad. Be Blessed....
Friday, June 12, 2009
Today, encourage somebody
The nineteenth-century writer Walt Whitman struggled for years to get anyone interested in his poetry. In the midst of his discouragement he received a life-changing note from an admirer of his work. The note read, "Dear Sir, I am not blind to the worth of the wonderful gift of Leaves of Grass. I find it the most extraordinary piece of wit and wisdom that America has yet contributed. I greet you at the beginning of a great career." It was signed by Ralph Waldo Emerson. Whitman enjoyed a long career and is now considered one of the giants of American literature.
But when times were tough he needed encouragement to keep going. And he's not alone. When we're on the brink of failure, the right word at the right time can keep us in the game. When we're too tired or discouraged to keep going, an act of compassion can give us new strength.
Encouragement is one of the central themes of the Bible:
"Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad" (Pr 12:25)
"Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees" (Isa 35:3).
"For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you,'Fear not, I will help you'" (Isa 41:13).
Encouragement doesn't deny the problem; it enables us to overcome it. It doesn't validate stubbornness or stupidity; it simply corrects and guides us in the right path. It doesn't leave us alone to carry the burden, it lets us know that God is present to help and strengthen us. So today, encourage somebody!
But when times were tough he needed encouragement to keep going. And he's not alone. When we're on the brink of failure, the right word at the right time can keep us in the game. When we're too tired or discouraged to keep going, an act of compassion can give us new strength.
Encouragement is one of the central themes of the Bible:
"Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad" (Pr 12:25)
"Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees" (Isa 35:3).
"For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you,'Fear not, I will help you'" (Isa 41:13).
Encouragement doesn't deny the problem; it enables us to overcome it. It doesn't validate stubbornness or stupidity; it simply corrects and guides us in the right path. It doesn't leave us alone to carry the burden, it lets us know that God is present to help and strengthen us. So today, encourage somebody!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
If you want to succeed - prepare well!
"Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong." Proverbs 24:3 TLB
What happens when you're not well-prepared? Things you hope won't happen, do, and they occur with greater frequency than the things you hope will happen. The dividing line between winning and losing - is preparation! Tennis champion Arthur Ashe said, "The key to winning is self-confidence, and the key to self-confidence is preparation." Singing, "If you wish upon a star" won't make your dreams come true; you've got to prepare yourself.
Ever wonder what Jesus was doing during those pre-dawn risings and nights of prayer? Preparing! If you plan to keep growing, preparation must become a way of life. We must never stop asking, "Lord, what do You want me to do? What will it cost me in time, effort and resources? What obstacles must I overcome?" If we live with that mindset we'll be well on our way to fulfilling God's purpose for our life.
Asked how long it would take to bring his ship to a stop, the Queen Mary's captain replied, "A little over a mile." Then he added, "A good captain thinks at least a mile ahead." Your success in any venture is determined by how important it is to you, and your ability to prepare for it. The Living Bible paraphrases it this way: "Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong through common sense, and profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts." Alexander Hamilton, a founding father of the United States, said, "Men give me credit for genius, but all the genius I have lies in this: when I have a subject to hand, I study it profoundly." So, if we want to succeed - prepare well!
Man, I want to be better at this. We may not all have the same talent but we all have the same opportunity to make a supreme effort, be prepared and ready. Be Blessed. Remember this Sunday our new series, "Staying in Love"
What happens when you're not well-prepared? Things you hope won't happen, do, and they occur with greater frequency than the things you hope will happen. The dividing line between winning and losing - is preparation! Tennis champion Arthur Ashe said, "The key to winning is self-confidence, and the key to self-confidence is preparation." Singing, "If you wish upon a star" won't make your dreams come true; you've got to prepare yourself.
Ever wonder what Jesus was doing during those pre-dawn risings and nights of prayer? Preparing! If you plan to keep growing, preparation must become a way of life. We must never stop asking, "Lord, what do You want me to do? What will it cost me in time, effort and resources? What obstacles must I overcome?" If we live with that mindset we'll be well on our way to fulfilling God's purpose for our life.
Asked how long it would take to bring his ship to a stop, the Queen Mary's captain replied, "A little over a mile." Then he added, "A good captain thinks at least a mile ahead." Your success in any venture is determined by how important it is to you, and your ability to prepare for it. The Living Bible paraphrases it this way: "Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong through common sense, and profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts." Alexander Hamilton, a founding father of the United States, said, "Men give me credit for genius, but all the genius I have lies in this: when I have a subject to hand, I study it profoundly." So, if we want to succeed - prepare well!
Man, I want to be better at this. We may not all have the same talent but we all have the same opportunity to make a supreme effort, be prepared and ready. Be Blessed. Remember this Sunday our new series, "Staying in Love"
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Are you a good listener?
Someone quipped, "God gave us two ears and one mouth because we need to listen twice as much as we talk." Good listening builds relationships. But good listeners aren't born, they're bred! So here are a few suggestions to improve our listening:
(1) Listen without interrupting. Resist the temptation to jump in and finish the sentence, or hijack the floor. Rein ourself in - just listen.
(2) Listen to understand. Try to understand their point of view, feelings, thinking and needs. Good listening is hearing what they actually think, mean or feel, not what we imagine they do. Instead of guessing, ask, "Am I understanding you correctly? Do you mean...? Are you feeling...?" In other words, don't assume - verify.
(3) Listen without judging. Don't rush to conclusions. If what they say doesn't quite add up, keep listening. "He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him" (Pr 18:13 NKJV). When we hear more, it may make sense.
(4) Listen without correcting, countering or devaluing. Saying, "That's not the way it was," or, "What did you expect? If you hadn't..." or, "You're just being too sensitive," puts people on guard and stops real communication.
(5) Validate the speaker. Accept their perceptions and feelings as valid expressions of a valued person. "If I understand you correctly, you're thinking...feeling...Am I right?" Ask them to help get you on the same page with them. "Given what you've told me, I can see why you'd feel what you feel," is very validating and will increase their confidence and willingness to consider the solutions you may offer.
God makes the most important tip about being a great listener. In James 1:19, He says, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak." I recommit myself today to be a great listener. It promises to build up our lives. Just think, If everyone is listening, the world would drastically cut down on noise pollution. Just being thoughtful of the environment. Be Blessed!!
(1) Listen without interrupting. Resist the temptation to jump in and finish the sentence, or hijack the floor. Rein ourself in - just listen.
(2) Listen to understand. Try to understand their point of view, feelings, thinking and needs. Good listening is hearing what they actually think, mean or feel, not what we imagine they do. Instead of guessing, ask, "Am I understanding you correctly? Do you mean...? Are you feeling...?" In other words, don't assume - verify.
(3) Listen without judging. Don't rush to conclusions. If what they say doesn't quite add up, keep listening. "He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him" (Pr 18:13 NKJV). When we hear more, it may make sense.
(4) Listen without correcting, countering or devaluing. Saying, "That's not the way it was," or, "What did you expect? If you hadn't..." or, "You're just being too sensitive," puts people on guard and stops real communication.
(5) Validate the speaker. Accept their perceptions and feelings as valid expressions of a valued person. "If I understand you correctly, you're thinking...feeling...Am I right?" Ask them to help get you on the same page with them. "Given what you've told me, I can see why you'd feel what you feel," is very validating and will increase their confidence and willingness to consider the solutions you may offer.
God makes the most important tip about being a great listener. In James 1:19, He says, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak." I recommit myself today to be a great listener. It promises to build up our lives. Just think, If everyone is listening, the world would drastically cut down on noise pollution. Just being thoughtful of the environment. Be Blessed!!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
We don't always know the reason for our trials, but God revealed to Paul the reason for his "thorn in the flesh." It was to keep him from being "exalted" (See 2Co 12:7). Success can be intoxicating, and intoxicated people aren't known for being too bright or trustworthy!
What happens when you get a thorn in your flesh? It hurts. And you'll let everything else go while you focus on removing it. Three times Paul prayed for God to remove the thorn, but God had another plan. You see, God is at His strongest in us when we are at our weakest. When Paul discovered that God's power in his life was tied to the thorn that afflicted him, he responded, "I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities...For whenever I am weak, then I am strong" (2Co 12:10 NRS). In other words, "If it's for my good, bring it on, Lord!" If you've a thorny person in your life from whom you've prayed to be delivered and it hasn't happened, maybe God wants you to experience His grace and power through dealing with that person. But you won't experience this until you move from pain to praise.
The Bible speaks about "the sacrifice of praise to God" (Heb 13:15). A sacrifice means that something has to die on somebody's altar. So if we want to experience God's grace and power in our life, we must be willing to die to self-interest, ego, and independence. There's nothing wrong with asking God to remove our thorn. But when our prayer for deliverance turns to praise, we're on our way to power, because God is giving us grace.
What happens when you get a thorn in your flesh? It hurts. And you'll let everything else go while you focus on removing it. Three times Paul prayed for God to remove the thorn, but God had another plan. You see, God is at His strongest in us when we are at our weakest. When Paul discovered that God's power in his life was tied to the thorn that afflicted him, he responded, "I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities...For whenever I am weak, then I am strong" (2Co 12:10 NRS). In other words, "If it's for my good, bring it on, Lord!" If you've a thorny person in your life from whom you've prayed to be delivered and it hasn't happened, maybe God wants you to experience His grace and power through dealing with that person. But you won't experience this until you move from pain to praise.
The Bible speaks about "the sacrifice of praise to God" (Heb 13:15). A sacrifice means that something has to die on somebody's altar. So if we want to experience God's grace and power in our life, we must be willing to die to self-interest, ego, and independence. There's nothing wrong with asking God to remove our thorn. But when our prayer for deliverance turns to praise, we're on our way to power, because God is giving us grace.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Brokenness
Sometimes God allows us to hit the bottom in order to discover that He's the rock at the bottom. Gideon faced an army of 135,000 troops with just 32,000 men. And 22,000 of them left the battlefield and went home when he offered them the chance. Do the math. Gideon's thinking, "There's no way we can win!" Then God explains: "The people who are with you are too many for Me to give Midian into their hands, for Israel would become boastful, saying, 'My own power has delivered me'" (Jdg 7:2 NAS). There it is again, the age-old battle of ego that we all fight daily. It's why the Lord's Prayer ends with: "Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen" (Mt 6:13). Where does our power come from? God! Who should the glory for our accomplishments go to? God! How long does this arrangement last? Forever!
God had to break Jacob of self-sufficiency so the "Israel" within him could come out. Sometimes God has to take you down before He can raise you up. Moses was called the meekest man on earth. But it took forty years of living as a shepherd in the wilderness to detox him of pride and get him submitted to God. Only then was he ready to stand before Pharaoh and perform miracles that demonstrated God's power - and vindicated Moses!
Brokenness doesn't mean being a wimp, suffering from an inferiority complex or having a case of low self-esteem. No, brokenness means praying, "Lord, if this job is going to get done, and done right, You're going to have to do it through me. So my trust is in You."
Psalm 51:17 declares, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit." What a great reminder of God's grace and provision.
God had to break Jacob of self-sufficiency so the "Israel" within him could come out. Sometimes God has to take you down before He can raise you up. Moses was called the meekest man on earth. But it took forty years of living as a shepherd in the wilderness to detox him of pride and get him submitted to God. Only then was he ready to stand before Pharaoh and perform miracles that demonstrated God's power - and vindicated Moses!
Brokenness doesn't mean being a wimp, suffering from an inferiority complex or having a case of low self-esteem. No, brokenness means praying, "Lord, if this job is going to get done, and done right, You're going to have to do it through me. So my trust is in You."
Psalm 51:17 declares, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit." What a great reminder of God's grace and provision.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Don't lose your peace
One of the greatest promises in the Bible is, "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You."(Isaiah 26:3 NKJV) Who are we trusting to solve the problem, God or ourself? We need to live by the principle "Do your best, then let God do the rest."
Too many of us have the idea that it's wrong to enjoy ourselves while we have problems. We grow up believing that if we can't do anything else, the least we can do is worry, act stressed out and be miserable. The Bible addresses this: "Do not [for a moment] be frightened...for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign...from God" (Php 1:28 AMP). This Scripture teaches us that when adversity comes (and it will) we must stay in peace. Satan doesn't know what to do with us when he can't get us upset; we've taken a powerful weapon out of his hands.
"For such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a...sign...from God." Keeping your peace doesn't exempt you from life's difficulties, it just allows God to have the last word. By trusting Him completely you are no longer at the mercy of circumstances, other people, or your own emotions and limitations.
I heard it said, from my Dad or some other wise person, "In times like these it's helpful to remember that there have always been times like these." The question is not will trouble come, but how will we handle it? The writer to the Hebrews says, "We which have believed do enter into rest" (Heb 4:3). When things go wrong - do what God leads you to do, then rest in Him and watch Him work on your behalf!
Too many of us have the idea that it's wrong to enjoy ourselves while we have problems. We grow up believing that if we can't do anything else, the least we can do is worry, act stressed out and be miserable. The Bible addresses this: "Do not [for a moment] be frightened...for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign...from God" (Php 1:28 AMP). This Scripture teaches us that when adversity comes (and it will) we must stay in peace. Satan doesn't know what to do with us when he can't get us upset; we've taken a powerful weapon out of his hands.
"For such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a...sign...from God." Keeping your peace doesn't exempt you from life's difficulties, it just allows God to have the last word. By trusting Him completely you are no longer at the mercy of circumstances, other people, or your own emotions and limitations.
I heard it said, from my Dad or some other wise person, "In times like these it's helpful to remember that there have always been times like these." The question is not will trouble come, but how will we handle it? The writer to the Hebrews says, "We which have believed do enter into rest" (Heb 4:3). When things go wrong - do what God leads you to do, then rest in Him and watch Him work on your behalf!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Grow In Grace.
Winning gracefully can be harder than losing gracefully. When we win we're tempted by arrogance, power, insensitivity, gloating, and wanting to relive our success long after everyone else is bored by it. Gracious winners always remember what it feels like to lose. They are caught up in something bigger than their own wins and losses. I discovered a story of great grace demonstrated by Abe Lincoln during his time as President that I wanted to share with you.
Abraham Lincoln had the wisdom to place the good of the country above his own ego, appointing his worst political critic, Edwin Stanton, to run the War Department. Stanton, a brilliant legal mind, could be brusque and condescending. As Frederick Douglass put it, "Politeness was not one of his weaknesses." Lincoln, on the other hand, was keenly aware of his looks and his uneducated background. (When someone charged him with being two-faced during a campaign, he responded: "If I had two faces, do you think I'd be wearing this one?"). As outgoing attorney general of the losing party, Stanton had belittled Lincoln as "the original gorilla." How Lincoln treated Stanton is Civil War history. Lincoln trusted in him, confided in him, leaned on him, depended on him. And Stanton responded with unfailing loyalty and affection.
On the morning of April 14, 1865, Abraham Lincoln died after having been shot the night before at Ford's Theatre. The most famous words ever spoken after the death of a president were spoken that morning: "Now he belongs to the ages." The speaker was Edwin Stanton. Robert Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln's son, said that after his father died he was visited in his room each morning for two weeks by Stanton who "Spent the first ten minutes of his visits weeping without saying a word." When nothing else works, showing grace does!
The book of 2nd Peter says it best. "Grow in grace." 2 Peter 3:18
Abraham Lincoln had the wisdom to place the good of the country above his own ego, appointing his worst political critic, Edwin Stanton, to run the War Department. Stanton, a brilliant legal mind, could be brusque and condescending. As Frederick Douglass put it, "Politeness was not one of his weaknesses." Lincoln, on the other hand, was keenly aware of his looks and his uneducated background. (When someone charged him with being two-faced during a campaign, he responded: "If I had two faces, do you think I'd be wearing this one?"). As outgoing attorney general of the losing party, Stanton had belittled Lincoln as "the original gorilla." How Lincoln treated Stanton is Civil War history. Lincoln trusted in him, confided in him, leaned on him, depended on him. And Stanton responded with unfailing loyalty and affection.
On the morning of April 14, 1865, Abraham Lincoln died after having been shot the night before at Ford's Theatre. The most famous words ever spoken after the death of a president were spoken that morning: "Now he belongs to the ages." The speaker was Edwin Stanton. Robert Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln's son, said that after his father died he was visited in his room each morning for two weeks by Stanton who "Spent the first ten minutes of his visits weeping without saying a word." When nothing else works, showing grace does!
The book of 2nd Peter says it best. "Grow in grace." 2 Peter 3:18
Friday, May 22, 2009
Stick to what you know!
Our brain doesn't like blank spaces, so when it encounters questions without answers it searches for something to put in the blank spaces. And because we're driven by our own perceptions, needs and prejudices, we're not always objective. We're blind to our blind spots and think we "know," and the results can be disastrous for our relationships. "I know what your real intentions are. You think I don't know what's going on in that head of yours? I can tell by the look on your face exactly what you're thinking."
Such words indicate we've got the other person "pegged," and feel no need to consider the situation further because we couldn't possibly be wrong. Case closed. What about such Scriptures as, "He who answers a matter before he hears the facts - it is a folly and shame to him" (Pr 18:13 AMP). Or, "Be quick to hear, slow to speak" (Jas 1:19 NAS). Or, "Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive" (Pr 17:28 NKJV).
Before you "sound off," consider three things:
(1) "No one can know a person's thoughts except that person's own spirit" (1Co 2:11 NLT). You may suspect, guess, even feel strongly, but you don't know their thoughts or intentions.
(2) "Who art thou that judgest another man's servant?" (Ro 14:4). Much of our "knowing," is merely our own judgmental spin on things.
(3) If you think you know and need to deal with the issue, try saying, "I have some impressions (concerns, observations, etc.) I'd like to talk about." Then discuss your observations, feelings and impressions as your perceptions, not "gospel truth," leaving judgment to God.
Such words indicate we've got the other person "pegged," and feel no need to consider the situation further because we couldn't possibly be wrong. Case closed. What about such Scriptures as, "He who answers a matter before he hears the facts - it is a folly and shame to him" (Pr 18:13 AMP). Or, "Be quick to hear, slow to speak" (Jas 1:19 NAS). Or, "Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive" (Pr 17:28 NKJV).
Before you "sound off," consider three things:
(1) "No one can know a person's thoughts except that person's own spirit" (1Co 2:11 NLT). You may suspect, guess, even feel strongly, but you don't know their thoughts or intentions.
(2) "Who art thou that judgest another man's servant?" (Ro 14:4). Much of our "knowing," is merely our own judgmental spin on things.
(3) If you think you know and need to deal with the issue, try saying, "I have some impressions (concerns, observations, etc.) I'd like to talk about." Then discuss your observations, feelings and impressions as your perceptions, not "gospel truth," leaving judgment to God.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Prayer Is - Amazing!
One Bible teacher writes: "I read an interesting book by an unbeliever who attempted to 'do in' the Christian faith. Despite his lack of belief, I found insightful something he said regarding prayer. He called it 'the most incredible conceit in the history of humankind,' arguing that if you worked for General Motors as a lowly employee and wanted to see the boss, you wouldn't have the remotest chance...Think about it. What would happen if a citizen tried to speak to the President of the United States? I've thought about putting in a person-to-person call just to see what would happen.
I'd probably speak to an undersecretary to an assistant to somebody, but not likely the President...'And so,' says my skeptical friend in his book, 'what an incredible conceit to suppose that at any moment we can talk to the boss of 'the whole shebang.' And indeed the concept of prayer would be an incredible conceit...if it weren't true. But it is...and it's the most incredible condescension on the part of a gracious God. You could probably never speak to the highly placed people in this world, yet the most highly placed Person in the universe - 'the Boss of the whole shebang' - waits patiently to hear what you have to say.
We can come before God with freedom and without fear...through faith in Christ' (NCV). Don't you find that amazing? This day and every day you have the great privilege of prayer. You can talk to the Boss, tell Him your worries and cares, share with Him your triumphs and joys - and He always has time to listen." Prayer is - amazing!
I'd probably speak to an undersecretary to an assistant to somebody, but not likely the President...'And so,' says my skeptical friend in his book, 'what an incredible conceit to suppose that at any moment we can talk to the boss of 'the whole shebang.' And indeed the concept of prayer would be an incredible conceit...if it weren't true. But it is...and it's the most incredible condescension on the part of a gracious God. You could probably never speak to the highly placed people in this world, yet the most highly placed Person in the universe - 'the Boss of the whole shebang' - waits patiently to hear what you have to say.
We can come before God with freedom and without fear...through faith in Christ' (NCV). Don't you find that amazing? This day and every day you have the great privilege of prayer. You can talk to the Boss, tell Him your worries and cares, share with Him your triumphs and joys - and He always has time to listen." Prayer is - amazing!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
I Love Teenagers!!!!!
Having teenagers in the family makes for a different environment. It's no so easy for the teen either. It is difficult being a teenager and getting harder by the day. Teenagers are neither adult nor child, and can become either without notice. Flooding hormones and exploding neurons spark biochemical reactions in their heads and bodies. Words like, "What in the world were you thinking?" form involuntarily on our lips. In response come sullen teenage shrugs, followed by the incomprehensible, "I don't know." And they don't! What can we do? "Lock them up?" Sorry, that's illegal. But here are several things that can help us love and care for teens.
(1) Back off and slow down. "Be clear minded and self-controlled." One of the biggest mistakes we parents make is overreacting, which triggers an escalating battle of wills we're unlikely to win. Decibel levels rise, wisdom fails, our teen concludes we're the crazy one, and suddenly there's no adult present and nobody's "minding the store." We've become part of the problem, leaving our child angry and insecure, without a rational role model. Pray, breathe deeply and count to ten! For our child's sake, it's time for the clear minded and self-controlled parent to prevail.
(2) Remember, anger begets anger. "An angry person starts fights; a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin" (Pr 29:22 NLT). No one can infuriate us like a teenager trying to grow up. A look, a word, an attitude, and you're "hooked;" we're in a shouting match with our own child. How crazy is that? Emotionally charged exchanges hard wire our teenager's brain for automatic, long-term anger reactions. What's the answer? Use the carrot and stick approach of Scripture: "Provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture [love and encouragement] and admonition [character building discipline] of the Lord" (Eph 6:4).
(3) Tell them, "I Love you". Tell them, "I Love you". Tell them, I love you". Yes, I know I repeated it. I was actually trying to make this article longer so I threw a few extra in there for effect. (just kidding) I mean it, grab them tight and tell them you love them. This is so hard but really necessary. Keep them loved despite the problems so they don't look for love in the wrong place. It may feel like hugging a cactus, but getting stuck will heal and pay huge rewards.
For those with teenagers, good luck, we need it. Remember, tomorrow's leaders are about to emerge, so love and shape their life. Be Blessed.
(1) Back off and slow down. "Be clear minded and self-controlled." One of the biggest mistakes we parents make is overreacting, which triggers an escalating battle of wills we're unlikely to win. Decibel levels rise, wisdom fails, our teen concludes we're the crazy one, and suddenly there's no adult present and nobody's "minding the store." We've become part of the problem, leaving our child angry and insecure, without a rational role model. Pray, breathe deeply and count to ten! For our child's sake, it's time for the clear minded and self-controlled parent to prevail.
(2) Remember, anger begets anger. "An angry person starts fights; a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin" (Pr 29:22 NLT). No one can infuriate us like a teenager trying to grow up. A look, a word, an attitude, and you're "hooked;" we're in a shouting match with our own child. How crazy is that? Emotionally charged exchanges hard wire our teenager's brain for automatic, long-term anger reactions. What's the answer? Use the carrot and stick approach of Scripture: "Provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture [love and encouragement] and admonition [character building discipline] of the Lord" (Eph 6:4).
(3) Tell them, "I Love you". Tell them, "I Love you". Tell them, I love you". Yes, I know I repeated it. I was actually trying to make this article longer so I threw a few extra in there for effect. (just kidding) I mean it, grab them tight and tell them you love them. This is so hard but really necessary. Keep them loved despite the problems so they don't look for love in the wrong place. It may feel like hugging a cactus, but getting stuck will heal and pay huge rewards.
For those with teenagers, good luck, we need it. Remember, tomorrow's leaders are about to emerge, so love and shape their life. Be Blessed.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Coming clean with God
A therapist who graduated 34 years earlier called the University of Oregon and admitted she'd cheated on a final exam. Instead of revoking her degree the University asked her to write an article on integrity. A woman who completed a walk around the world confessed she traveled part-way in a support truck. "I shouldn't be remembered as the first woman to walk round the world when I cheated," she said. How many of us would even have admitted our deception?
The Psalmist said, "When I kept silent about my sin...Your hand was heavy upon me."
Confessing your sins:
(a) Lets us experience God's forgiveness: He already knows about them anyway, but He won't forgive us while we're busy making excuses and blame-shifting. John says, "If we confess...he will forgive our sins" (1Jn 1:9 NCV). The first move is up to us.
(b) Restores our emotional and physical energy: Nothing's more draining than denial and nothing's more invigorating than a clean slate. David said, "My strength...failed because of my iniquity" (Ps 31:10 NAS). Reflecting on his affair with Bathsheba, he said, "When I kept silent... my vitality was drained...I acknowledged my sin...and You forgave the guilt" (Ps 32:3-5 NAS).
(c) Allows us to move on: Confession allows us to hit the "reset" button and start again. It's also important to draw a line between the past and the future in case we're tempted to repeat our behavior.
(d) Lets us grow: Thomas Edison said failure taught him over a thousand ways not to make a light bulb! Making our mistakes work for us instead of against us, starts with confessing them to God and accepting His forgiveness.
God is so gracious and faithful to deal with us, if we just give him the chance. No need to worry or fret, just come clean. Be Blessed...
The Psalmist said, "When I kept silent about my sin...Your hand was heavy upon me."
Confessing your sins:
(a) Lets us experience God's forgiveness: He already knows about them anyway, but He won't forgive us while we're busy making excuses and blame-shifting. John says, "If we confess...he will forgive our sins" (1Jn 1:9 NCV). The first move is up to us.
(b) Restores our emotional and physical energy: Nothing's more draining than denial and nothing's more invigorating than a clean slate. David said, "My strength...failed because of my iniquity" (Ps 31:10 NAS). Reflecting on his affair with Bathsheba, he said, "When I kept silent... my vitality was drained...I acknowledged my sin...and You forgave the guilt" (Ps 32:3-5 NAS).
(c) Allows us to move on: Confession allows us to hit the "reset" button and start again. It's also important to draw a line between the past and the future in case we're tempted to repeat our behavior.
(d) Lets us grow: Thomas Edison said failure taught him over a thousand ways not to make a light bulb! Making our mistakes work for us instead of against us, starts with confessing them to God and accepting His forgiveness.
God is so gracious and faithful to deal with us, if we just give him the chance. No need to worry or fret, just come clean. Be Blessed...
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Debunking marriage myths
The myth of the "right person," suggests happiness in marriage depends entirely on finding the right person. It's said to be a matter of luck, Cupid, the alignment of the stars, the moon hitting your eye like a big pizza pie, etc., occasionally even God. Just find the right person and they'll make your life supremely happy, romantic, excited, fulfilled, blissful. They will become, as the song says, "that old black magic" that holds you in its spell, leading you into the enchanted land of endless love. It's all up to them. And nothing ever felt more convincingly real or right!
Despite the advice of friends and family, we'll "give away the farm" and turn ourselves inside out to keep this addictive, magic happening. When it stops (and it does), three things happen:
(1) We cry, manipulate, bribe, and later blame, vilify and consider them phonies for changing on us and making us miserable. "He's not the man I married," we complain. He may not be the person you expected him to be (that person doesn't exist outside your myth) but he is the one you married and the problem isn't all his.
(2) We label him "the wrong person" and either search for the right one or give up on the opposite sex as being false, faithless and fickle.
(3) We learn the truth: there is no right person to make us happy always. At that point we're set free to find happiness by becoming the right person, the one God created us to be, giving generously, allowing others to be real, limited, changeable humans, and looking to God for our joy!
Despite the advice of friends and family, we'll "give away the farm" and turn ourselves inside out to keep this addictive, magic happening. When it stops (and it does), three things happen:
(1) We cry, manipulate, bribe, and later blame, vilify and consider them phonies for changing on us and making us miserable. "He's not the man I married," we complain. He may not be the person you expected him to be (that person doesn't exist outside your myth) but he is the one you married and the problem isn't all his.
(2) We label him "the wrong person" and either search for the right one or give up on the opposite sex as being false, faithless and fickle.
(3) We learn the truth: there is no right person to make us happy always. At that point we're set free to find happiness by becoming the right person, the one God created us to be, giving generously, allowing others to be real, limited, changeable humans, and looking to God for our joy!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Turning stumbling blocks into stepping stones
We don't hear much about Abraham Lincoln's defeats because his victories were so notable. But for much of his life the odds were against him. His mother died when he was nine. In 1832 he lost an election to the Illinois State Legislature. In 1849 he was rejected as Commissioner of the General Land Office. He lost Senate races in 1855 and 1858, and in between failed to win a vice-presidential nomination. However, his most painful losses were the deaths of his four-year-old and twelve-year-old sons. Born in the backwoods of Kentucky, Lincoln had only a few months of "blab school" - one without books where students repeated the teacher's words. He taught himself mathematics, read the classics and worked on his writing and speaking skills using the Bible as his model. His philosophy was, "I'll study and prepare, and when the time comes I'll be ready." He told a friend, "Bear in mind, your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing." His Gettysburg Address is one of the most notable speeches in history. During the darkest days of the Civil War he said, "I do the very best I know how...and I mean to keep on doing it to the end."
The Apostle Paul had some very dark and difficult days, but had this same resolution. Acts 20:17-24, tells us this story. (17) "From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. (18) And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, (19) serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; (20) how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, (21) testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (22) And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, (23) except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. (24) But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy..."
Paul didn't say, "None of these things hurt me," he said, "None of these things move me." Big difference! Paul refused to let life's problems derail him. He understood that what happens in us is more important than what happens to us. He also understood that when we look to Jesus as our role model and draw strength from Him each day, He'll give us all that's needed to overcome in life.
Application: Become resolute in trusting the Heavenly Father. Be Blessed!!
The Apostle Paul had some very dark and difficult days, but had this same resolution. Acts 20:17-24, tells us this story. (17) "From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. (18) And when they had come to him, he said to them: "You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, (19) serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; (20) how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, (21) testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (22) And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, (23) except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. (24) But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy..."
Paul didn't say, "None of these things hurt me," he said, "None of these things move me." Big difference! Paul refused to let life's problems derail him. He understood that what happens in us is more important than what happens to us. He also understood that when we look to Jesus as our role model and draw strength from Him each day, He'll give us all that's needed to overcome in life.
Application: Become resolute in trusting the Heavenly Father. Be Blessed!!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Trusting God when there are no answers
Life's losses leave us hurting and wondering. Cancer takes a young mother or father. Divorce strikes your happy home. Financial ruin devastates your retirement plans. A child goes to jail, is killed or commits suicide. Such times raise questions which are difficult, if not impossible to answer. We examine the circumstances again and again. We speculate about the details, searching for clues that might make some sense and make it easier for us to bear. We turn the spotlight on ourselves, others, even God, wondering what could or should have been done differently that might have prevented this. We turn to others to comfort us and what we receive feels inadequate for our need.
When answers don't seem forthcoming and the heavens are silent, what should we do?
Here are two Scriptures to help you in such times:
(1) "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us" (Dt 29:29 NKJV). When it comes to understanding things, we have our territory, God has His. And ours is limited to what He decides to reveal. At that point we must "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding" (Pr 3:5 NKJV).
(2) "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God" (Ro 8:28). God may explain it to us, or He may not. But He's "the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End" (Rev 22:13 NKJV), which means, He has a plan and He's working it out for our good and His glory. So trust Him!
I say again, "Let's trust Him"
Be Blessed......
When answers don't seem forthcoming and the heavens are silent, what should we do?
Here are two Scriptures to help you in such times:
(1) "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us" (Dt 29:29 NKJV). When it comes to understanding things, we have our territory, God has His. And ours is limited to what He decides to reveal. At that point we must "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding" (Pr 3:5 NKJV).
(2) "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God" (Ro 8:28). God may explain it to us, or He may not. But He's "the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End" (Rev 22:13 NKJV), which means, He has a plan and He's working it out for our good and His glory. So trust Him!
I say again, "Let's trust Him"
Be Blessed......
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Rules for handling anger- Keep it non-lethal
Paul writes: "In your anger do not sin" (Eph 4:26 NIV). What do Paul's words mean? Don't let your anger escalate to the point of doing damage. Don't use your words as a weapon or a control mechanism. It's okay to express our emotions in a healthy way, but keep them in check. Our goal must be to resolve the problem and strengthen the relationship, not "sound off" and wound the other person. Is this easy to do? No. We'll need a good strong dose of grace to do it.
Words spoken in jest, sarcasm, self-righteousness or "righteous indignation" wound people, sometimes permanently. "Perverseness [of the tongue] breaks the spirit." (Pr 15:4 NKJV). "A crushed spirit who can bear?" (Pr 18:14 NIV). "The tongue can bring death" (Pr 18:21 NLT). Angry words, once unleashed, can: "Go down into a man's inmost parts" (Pr 26:22 NIV). Our words can live in the heart and memory of a person and go all the way to the grave with them.
We say, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me," but it's not true. A person can die of a crushed spirit, and the one who spoke the words can live to regret the damage they inflicted and never get a chance to undo it. On the other hand, anger properly handled never needs to be repented of.
So let's learn to differentiate between the anger we feel and the words we speak. Anger carefully thought through, can reveal important information about needed changes. Let's focus on that, and ask God to show us what needs changing in the other person - and us! Be Blessed!
Words spoken in jest, sarcasm, self-righteousness or "righteous indignation" wound people, sometimes permanently. "Perverseness [of the tongue] breaks the spirit." (Pr 15:4 NKJV). "A crushed spirit who can bear?" (Pr 18:14 NIV). "The tongue can bring death" (Pr 18:21 NLT). Angry words, once unleashed, can: "Go down into a man's inmost parts" (Pr 26:22 NIV). Our words can live in the heart and memory of a person and go all the way to the grave with them.
We say, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me," but it's not true. A person can die of a crushed spirit, and the one who spoke the words can live to regret the damage they inflicted and never get a chance to undo it. On the other hand, anger properly handled never needs to be repented of.
So let's learn to differentiate between the anger we feel and the words we speak. Anger carefully thought through, can reveal important information about needed changes. Let's focus on that, and ask God to show us what needs changing in the other person - and us! Be Blessed!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
When things look bad
F.B. Meyer says: "The education of our faith is incomplete [till] we learn that God's providence works through loss...that there's a ministry to us through the failure and fading of things. The dwindling brook where Elijah sat is a picture of our lives! 'Some time later the brook dried up' (1Ki 17:7 NIV) is the history of our yesterdays and a prophecy of our tomorrows...learn the difference between trusting in the gift and trusting in the Giver. The gift may last for a season but the Giver is eternal. If the Lord had led Elijah directly to the widow at Zarephath, he'd have missed something that helped make him a better man - living by faith. Whenever our earthly resources dry up it's so we may learn that our hope and help are in God."
One author writes: "Sometimes there's not enough money to make ends meet; people tell us to budget and we chuckle. We look at the situation and say 'No way.' That's the time to trust God. Your possibilities are not limited by past or present circumstances. If there's not enough to pay legitimate expenses, do your best then let go. Trust God to supply your need, then look beyond your wallet. Look to your source. Claim a divine...unlimited supply...Do your part. Strive for financial responsibility in thought and action. Ask for wisdom and listen to God's leadings. Then let go of your fears and your need to control.
'Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding' (Pr 3:5 NLT). We all know money is a necessary part of living - and so does God."
"Happy is he...whose hope is in the Lord." Psalm 146:5 NKJV
One author writes: "Sometimes there's not enough money to make ends meet; people tell us to budget and we chuckle. We look at the situation and say 'No way.' That's the time to trust God. Your possibilities are not limited by past or present circumstances. If there's not enough to pay legitimate expenses, do your best then let go. Trust God to supply your need, then look beyond your wallet. Look to your source. Claim a divine...unlimited supply...Do your part. Strive for financial responsibility in thought and action. Ask for wisdom and listen to God's leadings. Then let go of your fears and your need to control.
'Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding' (Pr 3:5 NLT). We all know money is a necessary part of living - and so does God."
"Happy is he...whose hope is in the Lord." Psalm 146:5 NKJV
Monday, April 13, 2009
Seeing God in your situation
When you are in a crisis it's easy to lose perspective. It happened to Jesus' disciples on the Emmaus Road. Discouraged about His death, they were "going over all these things that had happened. In the middle of their...questions, Jesus came up and walked along with them. But they were not able to recognize who he was" (Lk 24:15-16 TM). When you take your eyes off Jesus, you begin to feel helpless about things.
Dr. Michael Youssef says: "Facing a major crisis... I tend to be the kind of person whose vision becomes blurred...my perceptions are shot...my contemplations one-sided...and I often shut out the very people who can deliver me...just like these two disciples...Their vision was blurred about the very person who was walking with them and talking to them. The One whose death they were mourning was alive...but they didn't realize it because their focus was on the wrong thing."
But everything changed the minute they recognized Him. "Within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There...the two...told...how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread" (Lk 24:33-35 NLT). Notice the words "within the hour." In an instant they went from fear to courage, pain to joy, and despair to hope. And that's the story of Easter. No matter how bad things may appear to be, when you set your eyes on Jesus He will fill you with hope. So Paul writes: "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened."
Dr. Michael Youssef says: "Facing a major crisis... I tend to be the kind of person whose vision becomes blurred...my perceptions are shot...my contemplations one-sided...and I often shut out the very people who can deliver me...just like these two disciples...Their vision was blurred about the very person who was walking with them and talking to them. The One whose death they were mourning was alive...but they didn't realize it because their focus was on the wrong thing."
But everything changed the minute they recognized Him. "Within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There...the two...told...how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread" (Lk 24:33-35 NLT). Notice the words "within the hour." In an instant they went from fear to courage, pain to joy, and despair to hope. And that's the story of Easter. No matter how bad things may appear to be, when you set your eyes on Jesus He will fill you with hope. So Paul writes: "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened."
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Wanna be First, Anyone?
As Dan Mazur led his team of climbers up Mount Everest the conditions were ideal for reaching the summit. Then two hours from the top they came across Lincoln Hall, a climber who'd collapsed the day before on his way down. Alone and hallucinating, he had no equipment and was suffering from frostbite and dehydration. (They later learned Hall's team leader had called his wife to say he was dead!) Without hesitation they gave Hall their oxygen, food and water, and by the time help arrived, reaching the peak was out of the question. They sacrificed years of planning, weeks of climbing, and their lifelong dream to save another climber. Not surprisingly, today Mazur helps build schools and hospitals in parts of Nepal without roads, electricity, phones and running water. That's the kind of person he is.
Would you give up your dream to save another person? Ordinary people do it every day: moms and dads working two jobs to feed and clothe their kids; parents who turn down job transfers rather than uproot their families; round-the-clock caregivers whose loved ones are depending on them.
In God's kingdom, things are different. Jesus said:
If anyone wants to be first, he must [put himself] last. (Mark 9:35)
The least are considered the greatest (Luke 9:48).
The most honorable seat in the house is for the one we overlook (Luke 14:8-9).
We esteem others more highly than ourselves (Romans 12:10 & Philippians 2:3).
We give up our coat and go the extra mile (Matthew 5:40-41).
John the Baptist said of Jesus, "He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less" (John 3:30).
Still wanna be first?
Would you give up your dream to save another person? Ordinary people do it every day: moms and dads working two jobs to feed and clothe their kids; parents who turn down job transfers rather than uproot their families; round-the-clock caregivers whose loved ones are depending on them.
In God's kingdom, things are different. Jesus said:
If anyone wants to be first, he must [put himself] last. (Mark 9:35)
The least are considered the greatest (Luke 9:48).
The most honorable seat in the house is for the one we overlook (Luke 14:8-9).
We esteem others more highly than ourselves (Romans 12:10 & Philippians 2:3).
We give up our coat and go the extra mile (Matthew 5:40-41).
John the Baptist said of Jesus, "He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less" (John 3:30).
Still wanna be first?
Friday, April 3, 2009
Succeeding at home
Building a good relationship at home is like building a wall: It's done brick by brick. And the mortar that holds it together is unconditional, un-condemning, unselfish love. The only way you'll know how good a job you've done is when it's tested by the storms of life. One of the most important keys to succeeding at home is - communication. So:
(1) Become creative. Spend time together as a family. Call your mate during the day and try to meet sometimes for lunch. Drive your kids to school or soccer practice so you can talk to them. Communication can happen anywhere, but it won't happen unless you make it a priority.
(2) Identify communication killers. Internet, cell phones and TV are the chief culprits. The average couple spends less than one hour a week in meaningful communication; they spend five times more each day watching television. This is a "screen test" you'll have to pass if you want to succeed at home.
(3) Encourage every member to speak their mind. And when they do, don't criticize or retaliate. Differences of opinion are healthy. Handled right, they can make things better.
(4) Be conscious of how you interact with your family. You may have unwittingly adopted a style that stifles communication. Stop and consider; do you:
(a) retaliate - that has a degrading effect;
(b) dominate - that has an intimidating effect;
(c) isolate - that has a frustrating effect.
(d) cooperate - that has an encouraging effect.
If you're in the habit of using any communication style other than a cooperative one, start working immediately to change it. You'll have to, if you want to build a good relationship with your family. God's word says, "Through wisdom a house is built." (Proverbs 24:3 NKJV) Let's use wisdom and start the building or in some cases re-building process.
(1) Become creative. Spend time together as a family. Call your mate during the day and try to meet sometimes for lunch. Drive your kids to school or soccer practice so you can talk to them. Communication can happen anywhere, but it won't happen unless you make it a priority.
(2) Identify communication killers. Internet, cell phones and TV are the chief culprits. The average couple spends less than one hour a week in meaningful communication; they spend five times more each day watching television. This is a "screen test" you'll have to pass if you want to succeed at home.
(3) Encourage every member to speak their mind. And when they do, don't criticize or retaliate. Differences of opinion are healthy. Handled right, they can make things better.
(4) Be conscious of how you interact with your family. You may have unwittingly adopted a style that stifles communication. Stop and consider; do you:
(a) retaliate - that has a degrading effect;
(b) dominate - that has an intimidating effect;
(c) isolate - that has a frustrating effect.
(d) cooperate - that has an encouraging effect.
If you're in the habit of using any communication style other than a cooperative one, start working immediately to change it. You'll have to, if you want to build a good relationship with your family. God's word says, "Through wisdom a house is built." (Proverbs 24:3 NKJV) Let's use wisdom and start the building or in some cases re-building process.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
"Above and beyond"
In Roman times soldiers could make Jewish citizens carry their gear for a mile. But Jesus says: "If someone forces you to go one mile, go...two." Max Lucado writes: "We've a second-mile servant in our church. By profession he's an architect; by passion, a servant. Prior to each worship service he does his rounds through the men's restrooms...wipes sinks, cleans mirrors, checks toilets and picks up paper. He tells no one and requests nothing in return...
Let me tell you how to spot [second-milers]. They don't wear badges or uniforms; they wear smiles. They've discovered ...joy in the extra effort...satisfaction in helping others...that the real reward rests at the base of the second mile-post... Why? Liberation! They've passed from slave to volunteer. When 'Mary anointed Jesus' feet,' one-milers like Judas criticized the deed as wasteful. Not Jesus. He received the gesture as a demonstration of love, a friend surrendering her most treasured gift.
There's an elderly man in your community who just lost his wife. An hour of your time would mean the world to him. Some kids in your city have no dad to take them to movies or baseball games. Maybe you can. They can't pay you back but they'll smile like a cantaloupe slice at your kindness. How about this one? Down the hall is a person who shares your last name. Shock them with kindness...your homework done with no complaints...coffee served when they awake...a love letter written for no special reason. Alabaster poured out 'just because.'
Jesus chose the servants' quarters. Can't we?" John Gardner said, "When people are serving, life is no longer meaningless." You're not called to "get by," you're called to go "above and beyond." What an incredible challenge. Jesus said, "If someone forces you to go one mile, go...two." (Matthew 5:41 NIV) Find a place to be a second miler today. You will find you've moved from slave to volunteer.
Be blessed and we will see you on the weekend.
Let me tell you how to spot [second-milers]. They don't wear badges or uniforms; they wear smiles. They've discovered ...joy in the extra effort...satisfaction in helping others...that the real reward rests at the base of the second mile-post... Why? Liberation! They've passed from slave to volunteer. When 'Mary anointed Jesus' feet,' one-milers like Judas criticized the deed as wasteful. Not Jesus. He received the gesture as a demonstration of love, a friend surrendering her most treasured gift.
There's an elderly man in your community who just lost his wife. An hour of your time would mean the world to him. Some kids in your city have no dad to take them to movies or baseball games. Maybe you can. They can't pay you back but they'll smile like a cantaloupe slice at your kindness. How about this one? Down the hall is a person who shares your last name. Shock them with kindness...your homework done with no complaints...coffee served when they awake...a love letter written for no special reason. Alabaster poured out 'just because.'
Jesus chose the servants' quarters. Can't we?" John Gardner said, "When people are serving, life is no longer meaningless." You're not called to "get by," you're called to go "above and beyond." What an incredible challenge. Jesus said, "If someone forces you to go one mile, go...two." (Matthew 5:41 NIV) Find a place to be a second miler today. You will find you've moved from slave to volunteer.
Be blessed and we will see you on the weekend.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Eight principles to live by
People who set goals accomplish much more than people of equal education and ability who don't. With that in mind, build these eight principles into your life. Good planning and insight...bring...you honor and respect." Proverbs 3:21-22
(1) Decide what you want. But first consult God. "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails" (Pr 19:21 NIV).
(2) Think on paper. Writing your goals down gives them a sense of permanency, plus it energizes you. "Good planning and insight... bring...you honor and respect." Wishy-washy objectives won't get you where you want to go.
(3) Establish a deadline. Without a definite beginning and ending it's easy to procrastinate and get nowhere.
(4) Make a list of what you need to do to. Keep it before you at all times; it'll give you a track to run on.
(5) Convert your list to a plan. Decide what you need to do first and what you can do later. An organized plan is always better than trying to carry stuff around in your head.
(6) Act immediately. "Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity" (Eph 5:15-16 NIV). Do something! A mediocre plan that's implemented beats a brilliant one that's not.
(7) Do something every day to move you forward. Build it into your schedule. For example, read systematically through your Bible, call a specific number of clients, engage in physical activity for a given time.
(8) Have a goal you're willing to devote your life to. And keep your eye on that goal at all times. "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Ps 90:12 NIV).
(1) Decide what you want. But first consult God. "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails" (Pr 19:21 NIV).
(2) Think on paper. Writing your goals down gives them a sense of permanency, plus it energizes you. "Good planning and insight... bring...you honor and respect." Wishy-washy objectives won't get you where you want to go.
(3) Establish a deadline. Without a definite beginning and ending it's easy to procrastinate and get nowhere.
(4) Make a list of what you need to do to. Keep it before you at all times; it'll give you a track to run on.
(5) Convert your list to a plan. Decide what you need to do first and what you can do later. An organized plan is always better than trying to carry stuff around in your head.
(6) Act immediately. "Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity" (Eph 5:15-16 NIV). Do something! A mediocre plan that's implemented beats a brilliant one that's not.
(7) Do something every day to move you forward. Build it into your schedule. For example, read systematically through your Bible, call a specific number of clients, engage in physical activity for a given time.
(8) Have a goal you're willing to devote your life to. And keep your eye on that goal at all times. "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Ps 90:12 NIV).
Monday, March 30, 2009
Leadership
"If a man's gift is...leadership, let him govern diligently." Romans 12:6-8 NIV
Good leaders have intuition. They "see it" when others don't; they "get it." We all fall into three intuition levels:
(1) Those who will never see it. Putting these people into a leadership role is like putting a square peg in a round hole; you can keep hammering and driving it, but it won't fit. When someone's gifted to work in a support role, it's a mistake to put them into a leadership role. Besides, every orchestra needs a good second fiddle. We're only responsible for the gifts God gives us, not the ones we want - or other people think we should have.
(2) Those who are nurtured to see it. These folks have the raw material; they just need to be nurtured and mentored. Dr. John Maxwell points out that the ability to think like a leader is "informed intuition." These people just need someone to inform, instruct and inspire them, and they'll become good leaders. The truth is, without intuition we're condemned to be blindsided by events and opinions all of our lives.
(3) Those who naturally see it. These are the ones who are born with true leadership gifts. They instinctively understand people and know how to move them from point A to point B. Even as children they act like leaders. Watch them on the playground and you will see everyone else following them. People with such God-given intuition can build on it, become great leaders and bless others.
Now, if you want to see leadership in its finest form study the life of Christ, who said, "the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life" (Mt 20:28 NKJV).
Good leaders have intuition. They "see it" when others don't; they "get it." We all fall into three intuition levels:
(1) Those who will never see it. Putting these people into a leadership role is like putting a square peg in a round hole; you can keep hammering and driving it, but it won't fit. When someone's gifted to work in a support role, it's a mistake to put them into a leadership role. Besides, every orchestra needs a good second fiddle. We're only responsible for the gifts God gives us, not the ones we want - or other people think we should have.
(2) Those who are nurtured to see it. These folks have the raw material; they just need to be nurtured and mentored. Dr. John Maxwell points out that the ability to think like a leader is "informed intuition." These people just need someone to inform, instruct and inspire them, and they'll become good leaders. The truth is, without intuition we're condemned to be blindsided by events and opinions all of our lives.
(3) Those who naturally see it. These are the ones who are born with true leadership gifts. They instinctively understand people and know how to move them from point A to point B. Even as children they act like leaders. Watch them on the playground and you will see everyone else following them. People with such God-given intuition can build on it, become great leaders and bless others.
Now, if you want to see leadership in its finest form study the life of Christ, who said, "the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life" (Mt 20:28 NKJV).
Thursday, March 19, 2009
It-Takes-One-To-Make-One
NCAA basketball tournament starts today!! March Madness to all us sports geeks. 65 college basketball teams, from very very famous and established universities to never heard of them before schools, all in the same tournament with an equal chance to win. One game elimination, thus the madness. Everyone is buzzing about their brackets and trying to figure who will be this years giant killer.
Ever thought about the history of Giant killing? Don't think it started with the basketball tournament. When David stepped out to face Goliath, do you think he said, "I wonder if this has ever been done before? This is a regular David verses Goliath situation".
Even more interesting question, How many giant killers were in King Saul's army? Answer- NOT ONE!!! When Goliath challenged Israel every soldier quaked with fear. Yet David, who came to bring food to his brothers, sized up the situation, recalled his experiences with God and went out and killed him.
Now, after David became king, how many other giant killers arose in Israel? I count at least three:
1. "Then Sibbecai...killed Sippai, one of the descendants of the giants, and they were subdued.
2. "And there was war with the Philistines again, and Elhanan...killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver's beam.
3. "Again there was war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature who had twenty-four fingers and toes, six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot; and he also was descended from the giants. When he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea, David's brother, killed him.
These were descended from the giants in Gath [Goliath's home town], and they fell by the hand of David and by the hands of his servants" (1Ch 20:4-8 NAS).
Why do you suppose there were no giant killers in Saul's day? Because Saul himself wasn't one! But under David's leadership they multiplied because David was a giant killer. This illustrates the "it-takes-one-to-make-one" principle that starts in Genesis and runs through the Bible. God shows us how He intends things to work in life:
"Let the earth bring forth the living creature...each according to its kind." Genesis 1:24
Each one of us is a product of our DNA and our environment. Be careful who influences you, and be careful how you influence others. What are you making today and what is being made in you. Be a giant killer, it is what God created you to be!!!
Ever thought about the history of Giant killing? Don't think it started with the basketball tournament. When David stepped out to face Goliath, do you think he said, "I wonder if this has ever been done before? This is a regular David verses Goliath situation".
Even more interesting question, How many giant killers were in King Saul's army? Answer- NOT ONE!!! When Goliath challenged Israel every soldier quaked with fear. Yet David, who came to bring food to his brothers, sized up the situation, recalled his experiences with God and went out and killed him.
Now, after David became king, how many other giant killers arose in Israel? I count at least three:
1. "Then Sibbecai...killed Sippai, one of the descendants of the giants, and they were subdued.
2. "And there was war with the Philistines again, and Elhanan...killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the shaft of whose spear was like a weaver's beam.
3. "Again there was war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature who had twenty-four fingers and toes, six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot; and he also was descended from the giants. When he taunted Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea, David's brother, killed him.
These were descended from the giants in Gath [Goliath's home town], and they fell by the hand of David and by the hands of his servants" (1Ch 20:4-8 NAS).
Why do you suppose there were no giant killers in Saul's day? Because Saul himself wasn't one! But under David's leadership they multiplied because David was a giant killer. This illustrates the "it-takes-one-to-make-one" principle that starts in Genesis and runs through the Bible. God shows us how He intends things to work in life:
"Let the earth bring forth the living creature...each according to its kind." Genesis 1:24
Each one of us is a product of our DNA and our environment. Be careful who influences you, and be careful how you influence others. What are you making today and what is being made in you. Be a giant killer, it is what God created you to be!!!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Lessons learned only in Life's Storms
"Why are you so fearful?" Mark 4:40 NKJV
In the Gospel of Mark we read: "He said to them, 'Let us cross over to the other side'...And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, 'Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?' Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, 'Peace, be still!' And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, 'Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?' And they...said to one another, 'Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!'" (Mk 4:35-41 NKJV).
Here are two lessons we learn only in life's storms:
(1) We must trust what God has told us. When Jesus said, "Let us cross over to the other side" there wasn't a big enough wave to take them under, no matter how threatening. What has God promised us? Standing on that won't keep us from getting scared or soaked, but it'll keep us from sinking.
(2) We must remind ourselves who's in the boat with us. If the Lord can calm a storm, He can prevent one. So when He permits us to go through storms it's to show us that we don't have a problem He can't solve; that we may be powerless in the situation but He's not; and that through this experience we'll come to know Him in a way we have never known Him before. So learn these lessons well and come out stronger on the other side.
If you are someone who remembers things by writing them down, put this in a place that can be seen and then immediately remembered. "Why are you so fearful? God is in Charge!!!!
In the Gospel of Mark we read: "He said to them, 'Let us cross over to the other side'...And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, 'Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?' Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, 'Peace, be still!' And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, 'Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?' And they...said to one another, 'Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!'" (Mk 4:35-41 NKJV).
Here are two lessons we learn only in life's storms:
(1) We must trust what God has told us. When Jesus said, "Let us cross over to the other side" there wasn't a big enough wave to take them under, no matter how threatening. What has God promised us? Standing on that won't keep us from getting scared or soaked, but it'll keep us from sinking.
(2) We must remind ourselves who's in the boat with us. If the Lord can calm a storm, He can prevent one. So when He permits us to go through storms it's to show us that we don't have a problem He can't solve; that we may be powerless in the situation but He's not; and that through this experience we'll come to know Him in a way we have never known Him before. So learn these lessons well and come out stronger on the other side.
If you are someone who remembers things by writing them down, put this in a place that can be seen and then immediately remembered. "Why are you so fearful? God is in Charge!!!!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Guard against lust
"Above all...guard your heart." Proverbs 4:23 NIV
Jesus said, "Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Mt 5:28 NIV). Why did Jesus say this? Because every lustful glance damages your marriage bond. The less you desire your mate, the more you'll look for things in them to justify your fantasies. And the saddest part is, you'll never know how good your marriage could have been.To win, you must decide once and for all to be fully committed to God.
Here are three Scriptures you need to live by:
(1) "I have made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully" (Job 31:1 NIV). Before David got into trouble with Bathsheba we read: "He saw a woman bathing...inquired about the woman...and took her" (2Sa 11:2-4 NKJV). Pay close attention to the progression: "saw", "inquired," "took." If what you're looking at is not yours, pull your eyes away immediately.
(2) "Take captive every thought...make it obedient to Christ" (2Co 10:5 NIV). Police your mind. Instead of giving in to your daydreams or the internet or magazines, etc. fill your mind with God's Word and memories of your best moments with your mate. "Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee" (Ps 119:11).
(3) "Above all...guard your heart." Work on strengthening your bond with your mate. Decide to love even when you don't feel like it, and your love will begin to blossom. And if you need to, find someone who can help you. "A brother is born for adversity" (Pr 17:17). Sometimes the difference between victory and defeat can be as little as five or ten minutes on the telephone, talking and praying with someone who understands.
Jesus said, "Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Mt 5:28 NIV). Why did Jesus say this? Because every lustful glance damages your marriage bond. The less you desire your mate, the more you'll look for things in them to justify your fantasies. And the saddest part is, you'll never know how good your marriage could have been.To win, you must decide once and for all to be fully committed to God.
Here are three Scriptures you need to live by:
(1) "I have made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully" (Job 31:1 NIV). Before David got into trouble with Bathsheba we read: "He saw a woman bathing...inquired about the woman...and took her" (2Sa 11:2-4 NKJV). Pay close attention to the progression: "saw", "inquired," "took." If what you're looking at is not yours, pull your eyes away immediately.
(2) "Take captive every thought...make it obedient to Christ" (2Co 10:5 NIV). Police your mind. Instead of giving in to your daydreams or the internet or magazines, etc. fill your mind with God's Word and memories of your best moments with your mate. "Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee" (Ps 119:11).
(3) "Above all...guard your heart." Work on strengthening your bond with your mate. Decide to love even when you don't feel like it, and your love will begin to blossom. And if you need to, find someone who can help you. "A brother is born for adversity" (Pr 17:17). Sometimes the difference between victory and defeat can be as little as five or ten minutes on the telephone, talking and praying with someone who understands.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
The Path to the Throne
"I have found David...a man after My own heart." Acts 13:22 NKJV
David was anointed to be king in his teens, but he only ascended the throne at thirty.
There's a pattern here:
(1) God calls the man. In spite of being unappreciated by his family and overlooked by the prophet Samuel, God picked David. He also picked Deborah to lead the nation in a male-dominated society. Stop trying to figure God out, and stop comparing yourself to others! "Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?" (Ro 9:21 NIV). We'd have rejected many of the people God used - which lets us know how much we don't know.
(2) God decides the plan. "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it" (Php 1:6 NKJV). Who decides it? Who performs it? Who should your confidence be in? God! God's plan for David involved years of ducking Saul's spears, living in caves and working with 600 misfits who redefine the word "dysfunctional." God trains you in a small sphere so you can handle a bigger one.
(3) God knows the span of time required. "Who through faith and patience [endurance] inherit the promises" (See Col 1:11-12). Endurance means standing firm under pressure. The prize belongs to the man or woman who's committed for the long haul. Joseph refused to let go of his dream; it's what enabled him to say no to the advances of Potiphar's wife and endure unjust imprisonment. But the day came when Potiphar and his wife knelt before Joseph.
So keep your eyes on the prize and don't give up and stay on the path to the throne.
David was anointed to be king in his teens, but he only ascended the throne at thirty.
There's a pattern here:
(1) God calls the man. In spite of being unappreciated by his family and overlooked by the prophet Samuel, God picked David. He also picked Deborah to lead the nation in a male-dominated society. Stop trying to figure God out, and stop comparing yourself to others! "Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?" (Ro 9:21 NIV). We'd have rejected many of the people God used - which lets us know how much we don't know.
(2) God decides the plan. "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it" (Php 1:6 NKJV). Who decides it? Who performs it? Who should your confidence be in? God! God's plan for David involved years of ducking Saul's spears, living in caves and working with 600 misfits who redefine the word "dysfunctional." God trains you in a small sphere so you can handle a bigger one.
(3) God knows the span of time required. "Who through faith and patience [endurance] inherit the promises" (See Col 1:11-12). Endurance means standing firm under pressure. The prize belongs to the man or woman who's committed for the long haul. Joseph refused to let go of his dream; it's what enabled him to say no to the advances of Potiphar's wife and endure unjust imprisonment. But the day came when Potiphar and his wife knelt before Joseph.
So keep your eyes on the prize and don't give up and stay on the path to the throne.
Monday, March 9, 2009
My Father's Son
Matthew 5:43-45
"(43)You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy; (44) But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (45) To show that you are the children of your Father Who is in heaven..."
Over the last 2 weeks, We have been talking about traps or Pit Falls that the enemy uses to distract us from God's purpose and plan. On this past Sunday, We discovered that fouls or offenses are one such trap. It robs us of power and authority. Not worth the loss in my opinion but when the offense is great or the wound by someone we love it makes matters more difficult.
I asked us to take the next 7 days to show mercy and kindness (forgiveness)to someone who offended or fouled us. I did mine today. I wrote and blessed someone who had fouled me. Man it felt really good.
I am my Father in Heavens son. Be Blessed!
"(43)You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy; (44) But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (45) To show that you are the children of your Father Who is in heaven..."
Over the last 2 weeks, We have been talking about traps or Pit Falls that the enemy uses to distract us from God's purpose and plan. On this past Sunday, We discovered that fouls or offenses are one such trap. It robs us of power and authority. Not worth the loss in my opinion but when the offense is great or the wound by someone we love it makes matters more difficult.
I asked us to take the next 7 days to show mercy and kindness (forgiveness)to someone who offended or fouled us. I did mine today. I wrote and blessed someone who had fouled me. Man it felt really good.
I am my Father in Heavens son. Be Blessed!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The Prayer God Answers
"Their cry for help...went up to God." Exodus 2:23 NIV
Just when the Israelites thought life couldn't get worse, it did! Pharaoh withheld their straw and ordered them to produce the same daily quota of bricks. At that point three things happened:
(1) "The Israelites groaned in their slavery" (v. 23). It's what we do when we feel so bad that words can't express it. We groan, first within ourselves, then to whoever will listen, finding relief in venting our frustrations. But lasting help requires more than just talking to yourself and others. So, they raised the decibel level and:
(2) "Cried out...for help." God had seen them grit their teeth and white-knuckle it through another day. But since they were talking to everybody but Him, nothing changed. However, as soon as "their cry...went up to God...[He] heard their groaning" (v. 24). He just wanted a prayer to answer. David declared, "He hears My voice and...has inclined His ear to me...I shall call upon Him as long as I live" (Ps 116:1-2 NAS). Instead of complaining, pray! Give God a prayer to answer and He'll answer it. "Why would God listen to someone like me?" you say. Because:
(3) "God remembered His covenant with Abraham...and...took notice of them" (Ex 2:24-25 NAS). God answered their prayers because of a covenant He made with their father. He took notice of them because they were Abraham's children. They got it "on credit." So do you!
"God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Eph 4:32). God's mercy and favor is yours today because you belong to Christ.
"My Father will give you whatever you ask in my name... Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete" (Jn 16:23-24 NIV).
How good is that?
Just when the Israelites thought life couldn't get worse, it did! Pharaoh withheld their straw and ordered them to produce the same daily quota of bricks. At that point three things happened:
(1) "The Israelites groaned in their slavery" (v. 23). It's what we do when we feel so bad that words can't express it. We groan, first within ourselves, then to whoever will listen, finding relief in venting our frustrations. But lasting help requires more than just talking to yourself and others. So, they raised the decibel level and:
(2) "Cried out...for help." God had seen them grit their teeth and white-knuckle it through another day. But since they were talking to everybody but Him, nothing changed. However, as soon as "their cry...went up to God...[He] heard their groaning" (v. 24). He just wanted a prayer to answer. David declared, "He hears My voice and...has inclined His ear to me...I shall call upon Him as long as I live" (Ps 116:1-2 NAS). Instead of complaining, pray! Give God a prayer to answer and He'll answer it. "Why would God listen to someone like me?" you say. Because:
(3) "God remembered His covenant with Abraham...and...took notice of them" (Ex 2:24-25 NAS). God answered their prayers because of a covenant He made with their father. He took notice of them because they were Abraham's children. They got it "on credit." So do you!
"God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Eph 4:32). God's mercy and favor is yours today because you belong to Christ.
"My Father will give you whatever you ask in my name... Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete" (Jn 16:23-24 NIV).
How good is that?
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Succeeding on the job
"He who looks after his master will be honored." Proverbs 27:18
Another Bible characteristic to acquire for job success is thoughtfulness. That's so, whether you're a general in the army or a "GI Joe," the company president or the nightshift janitor. Character is not class-conscious. You don't demand respect, you earn it every day. If you're in a leadership role, the Bible says: "Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds" (Pr 27:23 NAS).
Good employers and supervisors make it their business to know the needs, strengths, weaknesses, potential and motivational levels of their workers. As a result employee sick time is reduced, morale improved and quality and production soars. A pay increase isn't always the best motivator. Sometimes your thoughtfulness, understanding and interest in your employees are a more powerful motivator. The old "kick them in the pants" philosophy is a sure-fire way to generate resentment and undermining. Respect and caring invites cooperation, makes allies, not adversaries of employees and employers, and brings out the best in everybody.
If you're an employee God promises, "He who looks after his master will be honored." It's not cool to bad-mouth the boss, even if your peers egg you on. Ultimately those around you will distrust you because they know that at some point you'll do the same to them. Speak well of your boss, honor him or her and submit to their authority (See Ro 13:1-7). If you can't, say nothing and look for another job; otherwise you'll be judged for undermining them. In the parable of the talents Jesus said that the workers who took care of their boss's interests were rewarded richly. Yes, God will honor you for respecting even a difficult boss!
Definitely something to think long and hard about. Much reward hangs in the balance!! Blessings
Another Bible characteristic to acquire for job success is thoughtfulness. That's so, whether you're a general in the army or a "GI Joe," the company president or the nightshift janitor. Character is not class-conscious. You don't demand respect, you earn it every day. If you're in a leadership role, the Bible says: "Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds" (Pr 27:23 NAS).
Good employers and supervisors make it their business to know the needs, strengths, weaknesses, potential and motivational levels of their workers. As a result employee sick time is reduced, morale improved and quality and production soars. A pay increase isn't always the best motivator. Sometimes your thoughtfulness, understanding and interest in your employees are a more powerful motivator. The old "kick them in the pants" philosophy is a sure-fire way to generate resentment and undermining. Respect and caring invites cooperation, makes allies, not adversaries of employees and employers, and brings out the best in everybody.
If you're an employee God promises, "He who looks after his master will be honored." It's not cool to bad-mouth the boss, even if your peers egg you on. Ultimately those around you will distrust you because they know that at some point you'll do the same to them. Speak well of your boss, honor him or her and submit to their authority (See Ro 13:1-7). If you can't, say nothing and look for another job; otherwise you'll be judged for undermining them. In the parable of the talents Jesus said that the workers who took care of their boss's interests were rewarded richly. Yes, God will honor you for respecting even a difficult boss!
Definitely something to think long and hard about. Much reward hangs in the balance!! Blessings
Monday, February 16, 2009
Succeeding on the job
"Go to the ant...consider its ways and be wise." Proverbs 6:6 NIV
When it comes to having a work ethic, "Go to the ant, consider its ways and be wise." These tiny giants of industry teach us valuable principles for living. Observe three things about them:
(1) The ant "has no commander, no overseer or ruler" (Pr 6:7 NIV). Nobody has to get it out of bed in the morning or coax it to get moving. Nobody supervises its work or enforces quality standards on it. Nobody needs to micromanage its time on the job or make sure it starts punctually, puts in a full day, pulls its weight and doesn't quit early. It's self-motivated and driven by its own high standards, not by rules, regulations or the fear of being fired.
(2) It "stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest" (Pr 6:8 NIV). While everybody else is complaining about the heat (the weather, the economy, politics, etc.), the hard-working ant just keeps preparing for the future. Later, in the more moderate temperatures of harvest time, it continues gathering. Disregarding the conditions, it works. Then while others are struggling to survive it feasts on the fruit of its labor. "Watch and learn," is God's counsel.
(3) The ant is no haphazard, disorganized drifter wandering around aimlessly, looking for something to do. He knows exactly what he's there for and where and how to do it. He's goal-directed, focused, determined and unstoppable. You can't keep a good ant down! "Consider...and be wise."
"But my job's a dead end," you say. As long as you're in this job do it "heartily, as to the Lord" (Col 3:23). Prove yourself where you are and God will promote you to better things.
When it comes to having a work ethic, "Go to the ant, consider its ways and be wise." These tiny giants of industry teach us valuable principles for living. Observe three things about them:
(1) The ant "has no commander, no overseer or ruler" (Pr 6:7 NIV). Nobody has to get it out of bed in the morning or coax it to get moving. Nobody supervises its work or enforces quality standards on it. Nobody needs to micromanage its time on the job or make sure it starts punctually, puts in a full day, pulls its weight and doesn't quit early. It's self-motivated and driven by its own high standards, not by rules, regulations or the fear of being fired.
(2) It "stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest" (Pr 6:8 NIV). While everybody else is complaining about the heat (the weather, the economy, politics, etc.), the hard-working ant just keeps preparing for the future. Later, in the more moderate temperatures of harvest time, it continues gathering. Disregarding the conditions, it works. Then while others are struggling to survive it feasts on the fruit of its labor. "Watch and learn," is God's counsel.
(3) The ant is no haphazard, disorganized drifter wandering around aimlessly, looking for something to do. He knows exactly what he's there for and where and how to do it. He's goal-directed, focused, determined and unstoppable. You can't keep a good ant down! "Consider...and be wise."
"But my job's a dead end," you say. As long as you're in this job do it "heartily, as to the Lord" (Col 3:23). Prove yourself where you are and God will promote you to better things.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Be a "builder-upper!
"Encourage and strengthen him." Deuteronomy 3:28 NIV
God knew that Joshua would need all the help he could get in leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. So He told his mentor, Moses, "Encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land" (v. 27-28). God recognized that Moses was the best man to strengthen and encourage Joshua because he'd dealt with pressures and "people problems" at the Red Sea, and again in the desert when Israel grumbled against God - and him.
Everybody needs encouragement, including you! You need others to cheer you on when you've been battered by setbacks and circumstances. German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said, "Correction does much, but encouragement does much more." It rekindles your spirit and gives you the oomph to keep going. One well known pastor wrote, "Nothing can uplift more than the encouragement of a friend or loved one. It's the oxygen of the soul. Having run two miles, a person may need to pause and catch his or her breath before running another two. Before facing a formidable task, or even the wearying routines of life, a person needs to pause for encouragement before tackling the work ahead. So become oxygen to the souls of those around you. Strengthen them to persevere for the Kingdom. Encourage them with God's promise to work good in all things."
Stop and think about somebody who could use a little encouragement, and before today is over, make it a point to get in touch with them. "Let us pursue the things...by which one may edify [build up] another" (Ro 14:19 NKJV).
God knew that Joshua would need all the help he could get in leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. So He told his mentor, Moses, "Encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land" (v. 27-28). God recognized that Moses was the best man to strengthen and encourage Joshua because he'd dealt with pressures and "people problems" at the Red Sea, and again in the desert when Israel grumbled against God - and him.
Everybody needs encouragement, including you! You need others to cheer you on when you've been battered by setbacks and circumstances. German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said, "Correction does much, but encouragement does much more." It rekindles your spirit and gives you the oomph to keep going. One well known pastor wrote, "Nothing can uplift more than the encouragement of a friend or loved one. It's the oxygen of the soul. Having run two miles, a person may need to pause and catch his or her breath before running another two. Before facing a formidable task, or even the wearying routines of life, a person needs to pause for encouragement before tackling the work ahead. So become oxygen to the souls of those around you. Strengthen them to persevere for the Kingdom. Encourage them with God's promise to work good in all things."
Stop and think about somebody who could use a little encouragement, and before today is over, make it a point to get in touch with them. "Let us pursue the things...by which one may edify [build up] another" (Ro 14:19 NKJV).
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Learn to be content
I found this article on contentment and it was a real blessing to me. I wanted to share it with you and hope it will be a blessing to you as well.
Sometimes contentment means:
(1) Learning to be happy with less. A hard-charging executive decided to spend a few days in a monastery. "I hope your stay is a blessed one," said the monk who showed him to his cell. "If you need anything let us know. We'll teach you how to live without it." Happiness isn't getting what you want, it's enjoying what God's given you. Paul said he had learned to be content, "Whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
(2) Reminding yourself things could be worse. Snoopy was lying in his dog house one Thanksgiving Day, mumbling about being stuck with dog food while all those humans got to be inside with the turkey and gravy and pumpkin pie. "Of course, it could have been worse," he finally reflected, "I could have been born a turkey." Reminding yourself "It could be worse" can be a powerful developer of contentment.
(3) Understanding that what you seek is spiritual, not material. Paul says to beware of "greed, which is idolatry" (Col 3:5 NIV). Our problem isn't just that we want more, it's that the condition which underlies all our wanting is that we really want God. As Augustine said, "Our souls will never rest, until they rest in Thee." Why would God let us feel at home, when this world is not our home? Our dissatisfaction, if we let it, can sharpen our spiritual hunger and cause us to pray, "Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Mt 6:10 NIV).
Michael Drosnin wrote a book about a man who wanted more wealth, so he built one of the biggest financial empires of his day. He wanted more pleasure, so he paid for the most glamorous women money could buy. He wanted more adventure, so he set air speed records, built and piloted the world's most unique aircraft. He wanted more power, so he acquired political clout that was the envy of senators. He wanted more glamour, so he owned film studios and courted stars. Drosnin tells how this man's life ended: "He was a figure of gothic power, ready for the grave. Emaciated, only 120 pounds stretched over his six-foot-four-inch frame...thin scraggly beard that reached its way onto his sunken chest, hideously long fingernails in grotesque yellow corkscrews ...Many of his teeth were black, rotting stumps. A tumor was beginning to emerge from the side of his head...innumerable needle marks...Howard Hughes was an addict. A billionaire junkie."
So here's the question: If Hughes had pulled off one more deal, made one more million and tasted one more thrill, would it have been enough? The illusion of gratitude is that we will experience it more, if we get more! No, making sure a child gets everything they want destroys their initiative and dulls their sense of gratitude and contentment. Don't you find it interesting that the man who wrote, "I have learned the secret of being content" also wrote, "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1Thess 5:18)? You cannot make yourself a more grateful or contented person, but you can pray for it and open your heart to it.
"I have learned the secret of being content." Philippians 4:12 NIV
Sometimes contentment means:
(1) Learning to be happy with less. A hard-charging executive decided to spend a few days in a monastery. "I hope your stay is a blessed one," said the monk who showed him to his cell. "If you need anything let us know. We'll teach you how to live without it." Happiness isn't getting what you want, it's enjoying what God's given you. Paul said he had learned to be content, "Whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
(2) Reminding yourself things could be worse. Snoopy was lying in his dog house one Thanksgiving Day, mumbling about being stuck with dog food while all those humans got to be inside with the turkey and gravy and pumpkin pie. "Of course, it could have been worse," he finally reflected, "I could have been born a turkey." Reminding yourself "It could be worse" can be a powerful developer of contentment.
(3) Understanding that what you seek is spiritual, not material. Paul says to beware of "greed, which is idolatry" (Col 3:5 NIV). Our problem isn't just that we want more, it's that the condition which underlies all our wanting is that we really want God. As Augustine said, "Our souls will never rest, until they rest in Thee." Why would God let us feel at home, when this world is not our home? Our dissatisfaction, if we let it, can sharpen our spiritual hunger and cause us to pray, "Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Mt 6:10 NIV).
Michael Drosnin wrote a book about a man who wanted more wealth, so he built one of the biggest financial empires of his day. He wanted more pleasure, so he paid for the most glamorous women money could buy. He wanted more adventure, so he set air speed records, built and piloted the world's most unique aircraft. He wanted more power, so he acquired political clout that was the envy of senators. He wanted more glamour, so he owned film studios and courted stars. Drosnin tells how this man's life ended: "He was a figure of gothic power, ready for the grave. Emaciated, only 120 pounds stretched over his six-foot-four-inch frame...thin scraggly beard that reached its way onto his sunken chest, hideously long fingernails in grotesque yellow corkscrews ...Many of his teeth were black, rotting stumps. A tumor was beginning to emerge from the side of his head...innumerable needle marks...Howard Hughes was an addict. A billionaire junkie."
So here's the question: If Hughes had pulled off one more deal, made one more million and tasted one more thrill, would it have been enough? The illusion of gratitude is that we will experience it more, if we get more! No, making sure a child gets everything they want destroys their initiative and dulls their sense of gratitude and contentment. Don't you find it interesting that the man who wrote, "I have learned the secret of being content" also wrote, "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1Thess 5:18)? You cannot make yourself a more grateful or contented person, but you can pray for it and open your heart to it.
"I have learned the secret of being content." Philippians 4:12 NIV
Monday, February 2, 2009
Deal With Unhealed Wounds!
Physician, heal yourself!" Luke 4:23 NKJV
A few years ago, while playing softball, I slid into second base and ripped the skin off my right leg. A week later, it got infected and I had to swallow my pride (guys don't like going to the doctor) and go to the doctor to get medicine. The doctor asked me if I had considered taking up a less dangerous sport, considering my age. The nerve of that guy!! A few weeks later, our family went on a previously planned vacation with our friends Ryan and Jen Scott to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. We were so excited to take the kids white water rafting as one of the activities. We chose the extreme river to get the most thrill out of the adventure, actually the kids did the choosing. While shooting the rapids,(I've always wanted to say that) I hit my now scabbed over leg on this post in the center of the boat. It hurt so bad, that all I could do was hold my leg. Forget holding onto the kids, it's every hurt Dad for himself.
Did you know that in the Old Testament a priest could not serve in God's house if he had a scab, which is an unhealed wound or a bleeding sore (See Lev 21:20)? Why? Because when you've got a scab you're not up to par. You can't get close to others in case they bump into you and knock the protective cover off it. You're not at your best because the pain-drain is sapping your strength. You're afraid to talk about your scab in case people reject you, so you wear a mask, live on two levels and become insecure and controlling. Worst of all, you're so busy working for God and taking care of others that you don't think you've time to stop and take care of yourself. The Bible says: "Physician, heal yourself!"
Does this mean people with "issues" can't work for God? No, quite the opposite. It's the broken, who become masters at mending. But first you must take time to be healed. Jesus said that when the blind lead the blind they both fall into a ditch (See Mt 15:14). It's hard to talk about victory to others when you yourself are living in defeat. It's hard to bring emotional healing to others when you're still battling the unresolved issues of your past. When you are still bleeding, you can't treat people's problems with the same kind of aggressive faith you'd have if you'd already worked through the problem.
Is it wrong to have a wounded heart? No, but it's wrong not to deal with it. So, spend time with God and let Him make you whole so that He can use you to minister more effectively to others. Start by reading your bible everyday this week. I believe like the eunuch in Acts 8, God will send answers your way. Let the healing begin and lets shoot the rapids!!!
A few years ago, while playing softball, I slid into second base and ripped the skin off my right leg. A week later, it got infected and I had to swallow my pride (guys don't like going to the doctor) and go to the doctor to get medicine. The doctor asked me if I had considered taking up a less dangerous sport, considering my age. The nerve of that guy!! A few weeks later, our family went on a previously planned vacation with our friends Ryan and Jen Scott to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. We were so excited to take the kids white water rafting as one of the activities. We chose the extreme river to get the most thrill out of the adventure, actually the kids did the choosing. While shooting the rapids,(I've always wanted to say that) I hit my now scabbed over leg on this post in the center of the boat. It hurt so bad, that all I could do was hold my leg. Forget holding onto the kids, it's every hurt Dad for himself.
Did you know that in the Old Testament a priest could not serve in God's house if he had a scab, which is an unhealed wound or a bleeding sore (See Lev 21:20)? Why? Because when you've got a scab you're not up to par. You can't get close to others in case they bump into you and knock the protective cover off it. You're not at your best because the pain-drain is sapping your strength. You're afraid to talk about your scab in case people reject you, so you wear a mask, live on two levels and become insecure and controlling. Worst of all, you're so busy working for God and taking care of others that you don't think you've time to stop and take care of yourself. The Bible says: "Physician, heal yourself!"
Does this mean people with "issues" can't work for God? No, quite the opposite. It's the broken, who become masters at mending. But first you must take time to be healed. Jesus said that when the blind lead the blind they both fall into a ditch (See Mt 15:14). It's hard to talk about victory to others when you yourself are living in defeat. It's hard to bring emotional healing to others when you're still battling the unresolved issues of your past. When you are still bleeding, you can't treat people's problems with the same kind of aggressive faith you'd have if you'd already worked through the problem.
Is it wrong to have a wounded heart? No, but it's wrong not to deal with it. So, spend time with God and let Him make you whole so that He can use you to minister more effectively to others. Start by reading your bible everyday this week. I believe like the eunuch in Acts 8, God will send answers your way. Let the healing begin and lets shoot the rapids!!!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
How long will this attack last?
"Having done all...stand." Ephesians 6:13 NKJV
The size of the prize determines the severity of the fight. The enemy knows your vulnerabilities and he'll push you to your limits. When he does, remember: "Blessed is the man who endures...when he has been approved, he will receive the crown" (Jas 1:12 NKJV).
We recently had a brand new baby added to our house!! No, not a child, a baby bird. It is the product of our daughter Cassidy's 3 years of asking, begging and persistence. (Sweetly, may I add.) "Approved" means victory qualifies you for greater things. "Endures" means your staying power is being tested. She got the victory because of her persistence, despite the impossible (me) odds.
So, "having done all...stand." You say, "How long will this attack last?" The Prince of Darkness hindered Daniel's prayers for twenty-one days (See Da 10:13). Goliath defied the armies of Israel forty days and nights (See 1Sa 17).
Your enemy is relentless; you must be, too. When it comes to prayer, your persistence overcomes his resistance. "You have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise" (Heb 10:36 NKJV).
David didn't get into trouble with Bathsheba until he left the battlefield. It's the safest place to be. So stay there, keep fighting and God will come to your aid. When Joshua needed extra time to defeat his enemies, the sun stood still. God was saying, "As long as the sun doesn't go down you won't go down either, for the same power that's holding it up is holding you up." Isn't that great?
Jesus healed people in different ways. Some He spoke to, others He touched. One day He told ten lepers to go and show themselves to the priest. And the Bible says: "As they went, they were cleansed" (Lk 17:14). They were probably wondering, "When will it happen? How will it happen?" Faith doesn't demand details, it just keeps moving obediently forward, believing God for the right result!
Keep persisting. Our enemy will relent and God won't. Praise God!! See ya Sunday for part 2 of, "Play Your Position":Believe the Headlines!!
The size of the prize determines the severity of the fight. The enemy knows your vulnerabilities and he'll push you to your limits. When he does, remember: "Blessed is the man who endures...when he has been approved, he will receive the crown" (Jas 1:12 NKJV).
We recently had a brand new baby added to our house!! No, not a child, a baby bird. It is the product of our daughter Cassidy's 3 years of asking, begging and persistence. (Sweetly, may I add.) "Approved" means victory qualifies you for greater things. "Endures" means your staying power is being tested. She got the victory because of her persistence, despite the impossible (me) odds.
So, "having done all...stand." You say, "How long will this attack last?" The Prince of Darkness hindered Daniel's prayers for twenty-one days (See Da 10:13). Goliath defied the armies of Israel forty days and nights (See 1Sa 17).
Your enemy is relentless; you must be, too. When it comes to prayer, your persistence overcomes his resistance. "You have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise" (Heb 10:36 NKJV).
David didn't get into trouble with Bathsheba until he left the battlefield. It's the safest place to be. So stay there, keep fighting and God will come to your aid. When Joshua needed extra time to defeat his enemies, the sun stood still. God was saying, "As long as the sun doesn't go down you won't go down either, for the same power that's holding it up is holding you up." Isn't that great?
Jesus healed people in different ways. Some He spoke to, others He touched. One day He told ten lepers to go and show themselves to the priest. And the Bible says: "As they went, they were cleansed" (Lk 17:14). They were probably wondering, "When will it happen? How will it happen?" Faith doesn't demand details, it just keeps moving obediently forward, believing God for the right result!
Keep persisting. Our enemy will relent and God won't. Praise God!! See ya Sunday for part 2 of, "Play Your Position":Believe the Headlines!!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Need more strength? Wait on God!
I've always thought of waiting as a painful event. Like, wait to open the presents or wait until everyone gets here before we eat. It means exercising some patience and willpower. Yet, God gives us a different view of waiting and something that comes other than pain while we wait. Isaiah 40:31 declares,"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength."
God usually doesn't tell us how He will answer our prayers, or even when. But He does promise those who wait on Him one thing - strength. The word "wait" in this Scripture pictures a Hebrew word used in the making of rope. Every rope starts out as a thread, and every strand added just increases its strength. So each time you wait on the Lord you add another thread to the rope; you get a little stronger, a little more able to cope. Do you feel like you're just hanging on by a thread today? Spend more time in God's presence and God's Word, and watch your thread turn into a rope. But waiting is not always passive, sometimes it's active, like waiting on a customer, seeing that his or her needs are met. In this case, waiting is not so much a position as it is a focus.
The Bible says, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee" (Isa 26:3). Whether it's sitting prayerfully in His presence or actively carrying out His will, you have God's assurance that your strength will be renewed.
If you're at the end of your rope today, grab hold of these three promises: (1) "Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord" (Ps 27:14 NKJV). (2) "Wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him" (Ps 62:5 NKJV). (3) "As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters...so our eyes look to the Lord our God" (Ps 123:2 NKJV).
Do you need more strength? Wait on God! Be Blessed while you wait. Only 331 more days until we can open our presents!!!!
God usually doesn't tell us how He will answer our prayers, or even when. But He does promise those who wait on Him one thing - strength. The word "wait" in this Scripture pictures a Hebrew word used in the making of rope. Every rope starts out as a thread, and every strand added just increases its strength. So each time you wait on the Lord you add another thread to the rope; you get a little stronger, a little more able to cope. Do you feel like you're just hanging on by a thread today? Spend more time in God's presence and God's Word, and watch your thread turn into a rope. But waiting is not always passive, sometimes it's active, like waiting on a customer, seeing that his or her needs are met. In this case, waiting is not so much a position as it is a focus.
The Bible says, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee" (Isa 26:3). Whether it's sitting prayerfully in His presence or actively carrying out His will, you have God's assurance that your strength will be renewed.
If you're at the end of your rope today, grab hold of these three promises: (1) "Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord" (Ps 27:14 NKJV). (2) "Wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him" (Ps 62:5 NKJV). (3) "As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters...so our eyes look to the Lord our God" (Ps 123:2 NKJV).
Do you need more strength? Wait on God! Be Blessed while you wait. Only 331 more days until we can open our presents!!!!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Happiness Keys
"If you know these things." John 13:17 AMP
One of the blessings the framers of the constitution tried to ensure that we could all have is, the pursuit of happiness. We sure do pursue it in interesting and crazy ways. Something profound hit me about this promise. It's only the pursuit that is promised!! The picture of a dog chasing his tail rushes to my mind. I believe they knew that it would be impossible for men to bring about happiness. It seems to me, it is a promise that must lead to God. In that light, I thought I would share a few things that I hope will help us live in happiness.
If you want God's best, don't just think about how to invest your money, think about how to invest your life. Jesus said, "If you know these things...happy...are you if you...[do them]." Living this way means:
(1) Making time for friends and loved ones. "Let no one seek his own, but each...the other's well-being" (1Co 10:24 NKJV). George Eliot wrote: "Oh, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person; having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but to pour them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, knowing that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then, with the breath of kindness, blow the rest away."
(2) Giving thanks. If you can't be grateful for what God has given you, look around you and be grateful for what He's protected you from. The enemy doesn't have to steal anything from you, just make you take it for granted. "From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another" (Jn 1:16 NIV). The excitement of a new car or a salary increase soon passes, but anytime you stop to count your blessings you start feeling better.
(3) Practicing contentment. A gardener who'd tried everything to get rid of dandelions wrote to the Department of Agriculture for help. "What can I try next?" he asked. "Try getting used to them!" came the reply. In life, you get what you focus on! That's why Paul writes, "Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise" (Php 4:8 NLT).
In a famous authors words, "Don't Worry, Be Happy"
Be Blessed and Happy.....
One of the blessings the framers of the constitution tried to ensure that we could all have is, the pursuit of happiness. We sure do pursue it in interesting and crazy ways. Something profound hit me about this promise. It's only the pursuit that is promised!! The picture of a dog chasing his tail rushes to my mind. I believe they knew that it would be impossible for men to bring about happiness. It seems to me, it is a promise that must lead to God. In that light, I thought I would share a few things that I hope will help us live in happiness.
If you want God's best, don't just think about how to invest your money, think about how to invest your life. Jesus said, "If you know these things...happy...are you if you...[do them]." Living this way means:
(1) Making time for friends and loved ones. "Let no one seek his own, but each...the other's well-being" (1Co 10:24 NKJV). George Eliot wrote: "Oh, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person; having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but to pour them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, knowing that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then, with the breath of kindness, blow the rest away."
(2) Giving thanks. If you can't be grateful for what God has given you, look around you and be grateful for what He's protected you from. The enemy doesn't have to steal anything from you, just make you take it for granted. "From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another" (Jn 1:16 NIV). The excitement of a new car or a salary increase soon passes, but anytime you stop to count your blessings you start feeling better.
(3) Practicing contentment. A gardener who'd tried everything to get rid of dandelions wrote to the Department of Agriculture for help. "What can I try next?" he asked. "Try getting used to them!" came the reply. In life, you get what you focus on! That's why Paul writes, "Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise" (Php 4:8 NLT).
In a famous authors words, "Don't Worry, Be Happy"
Be Blessed and Happy.....
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Cutting off ears
"Keep your tongue from evil." Psalm 34:13
When Jesus was betrayed by Judas, He just stood there, even though He could have called twelve legions of angels to His defense. Then the mob came, laid hands on Him and arrested Him. Peter, ready to defend Jesus, drew his sword and cut off the High Priest's servant's ear.
Impulsive, quick-on-the-draw Peter was thinking, "We don't have to take this!" But Jesus said, "No, that's not how you handle things!" Then, "he touched the man's ear and healed him" (Luke 22:51).
Peter was talking when he needed to be listening, and doing things when he didn't need to be doing them. He needed to learn how to wait on God, to exercise humility and discernment. God had great plans for Peter, but if he wanted to reach people for Christ he couldn't do it by taking out his sword and chopping off ears when he felt angry. There's a lesson here.
Our abrasive words can cut off people's ability to hear. We can't just fly off the handle whenever we feel like it. We must be sensitive to God: If He tells us, "Say nothing," we must stand there quietly, even if it means letting someone think they're right even when we know they're not. We must say, "Yes, Lord," and accept that He doesn't owe us an explanation. How many times do we prevent somebody's spiritual growth, or God's blessings from coming into our own lives, because we don't control what we say?
Perhaps you think that compared to adultery or stealing this is no big deal? Think again: "He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin"
(Proverbs 13:3).
In other words, be slooooooooow to speak. This is in Southern talk, of course. Have a great day and see ya on Sunday. We start a new series on being in position for a God encounter.
When Jesus was betrayed by Judas, He just stood there, even though He could have called twelve legions of angels to His defense. Then the mob came, laid hands on Him and arrested Him. Peter, ready to defend Jesus, drew his sword and cut off the High Priest's servant's ear.
Impulsive, quick-on-the-draw Peter was thinking, "We don't have to take this!" But Jesus said, "No, that's not how you handle things!" Then, "he touched the man's ear and healed him" (Luke 22:51).
Peter was talking when he needed to be listening, and doing things when he didn't need to be doing them. He needed to learn how to wait on God, to exercise humility and discernment. God had great plans for Peter, but if he wanted to reach people for Christ he couldn't do it by taking out his sword and chopping off ears when he felt angry. There's a lesson here.
Our abrasive words can cut off people's ability to hear. We can't just fly off the handle whenever we feel like it. We must be sensitive to God: If He tells us, "Say nothing," we must stand there quietly, even if it means letting someone think they're right even when we know they're not. We must say, "Yes, Lord," and accept that He doesn't owe us an explanation. How many times do we prevent somebody's spiritual growth, or God's blessings from coming into our own lives, because we don't control what we say?
Perhaps you think that compared to adultery or stealing this is no big deal? Think again: "He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin"
(Proverbs 13:3).
In other words, be slooooooooow to speak. This is in Southern talk, of course. Have a great day and see ya on Sunday. We start a new series on being in position for a God encounter.
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