As we come to the beginning of a new year and the ending of an old one, you may be wishing you could just turn over a new leaf or gain a fresh start.
I once read about a man who was reading his morning newspaper and was shocked to find his name listed in the obituary column. He called up the newspaper and was outraged that they had made such a mistake. "This is terrible," he screamed, "How could you do this to me?" The newspaper's explanation did not satisfy the man, so he stormed down to their office and demanded to see the editor.
After some time of screaming and yelling, the editor grew frustrated and said, "Look buddy! Cheer up. I'll put your name in the birth column tomorrow and you can have a fresh start."
Starting all over again isn't possible. We can't go back to the beginning for a brand new start. However, with Jesus, you can start where you are and create a brand new ending. 2009 is still a blank slate. There are opportunities ahead of you. You decide which course you are going to take.
In Jeremiah 6:16, God says, " 'Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls.' " You decide which path you are going to walk in this coming year. You decide what your priorities will be and what direction you will take. Those are decisions that each of us will make each and every day. In 2009, choose the good way and walk in it. Only there will you find peace.
Happy New Year!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Rose
The first day of school our professor introduced himself and challenged us to get to know someone we didn't already know. I stood up to look around when a gentle hand touched my shoulder. I turned around to find a wrinkled, little old lady beaming up at me with a smile that lit up her entire being.
She said, "Hi handsome. My name is Rose. I'm eighty-seven years old. Can I give you a hug?"
I laughed and enthusiastically responded, "Of course you may!" and she gave me a giant squeeze.
"Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age?" I asked.
She jokingly replied, "I'm here to meet a rich husband, get married, and have a couple of kids..."
"No seriously," I asked. I was curious what may have motivated her to be taking on this challenge at her age.
"I always dreamed of having a college education and now I'm getting one!" she told me. After class we walked to the student union building and shared a chocolate milkshake.
We became instant friends.
Every day for the next three months we would leave class together and talk nonstop. I was always mesmerized listening to this "time machine" as she shared her wisdom and experience with me. Over the course of the year, Rose became a campus icon and she easily made friends wherever she went. She loved to dress up and she reveled in the attention bestowed upon her from the other students. She was living it up. At the end of the semester we invited Rose to speak at our football banquet. I'll never forget what she taught us.
She was introduced and stepped up to the podium. As she began to deliver her prepared speech, she dropped her three by five cards on the floor. Frustrated and a little embarrassed she leaned into the microphone and simply said, "I'm sorry I'm so jittery. I gave up beer for Lent and this whiskey is killing me! I'll never get my speech back in order so let me just tell you what I know."
As we laughed she cleared her throat and began, "We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing. There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy, and achieving success. You have to laugh and find humor every day. You've got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die. We have so many people walking around whom are dead and don't even know it! There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up. If you are nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and don't do one productive thing, you will turn twenty years old. If I am eighty-seven years old and stay in bed for a year and never do anything I will turn eighty-eight. Anybody can grow older.
That doesn't take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding opportunity in change. Have no regrets. The elderly usually don't have regrets for what we did, but rather for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets."
She concluded her speech by courageously singing "The Rose." She challenged each of us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily lives. At the year's end Rose finished the college degree she had begun all those years ago. One week after graduation Rose died peacefully in her sleep. Over two thousand college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it's never too late to be all you can possibly be.
Thoughts.......
Remember, growing old is mandatory. Growing up is optional.
We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.
God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Good friends are like stars.........You don't always see them, but you know they are always there.
Proverbs 18:24 says: There are "friends" who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.
My prayer for you is that you have many friends like Rose who come into your life....and that you will be a friend like Rose to everyone you come into contact with!
She said, "Hi handsome. My name is Rose. I'm eighty-seven years old. Can I give you a hug?"
I laughed and enthusiastically responded, "Of course you may!" and she gave me a giant squeeze.
"Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age?" I asked.
She jokingly replied, "I'm here to meet a rich husband, get married, and have a couple of kids..."
"No seriously," I asked. I was curious what may have motivated her to be taking on this challenge at her age.
"I always dreamed of having a college education and now I'm getting one!" she told me. After class we walked to the student union building and shared a chocolate milkshake.
We became instant friends.
Every day for the next three months we would leave class together and talk nonstop. I was always mesmerized listening to this "time machine" as she shared her wisdom and experience with me. Over the course of the year, Rose became a campus icon and she easily made friends wherever she went. She loved to dress up and she reveled in the attention bestowed upon her from the other students. She was living it up. At the end of the semester we invited Rose to speak at our football banquet. I'll never forget what she taught us.
She was introduced and stepped up to the podium. As she began to deliver her prepared speech, she dropped her three by five cards on the floor. Frustrated and a little embarrassed she leaned into the microphone and simply said, "I'm sorry I'm so jittery. I gave up beer for Lent and this whiskey is killing me! I'll never get my speech back in order so let me just tell you what I know."
As we laughed she cleared her throat and began, "We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing. There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy, and achieving success. You have to laugh and find humor every day. You've got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die. We have so many people walking around whom are dead and don't even know it! There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up. If you are nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and don't do one productive thing, you will turn twenty years old. If I am eighty-seven years old and stay in bed for a year and never do anything I will turn eighty-eight. Anybody can grow older.
That doesn't take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding opportunity in change. Have no regrets. The elderly usually don't have regrets for what we did, but rather for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets."
She concluded her speech by courageously singing "The Rose." She challenged each of us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily lives. At the year's end Rose finished the college degree she had begun all those years ago. One week after graduation Rose died peacefully in her sleep. Over two thousand college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it's never too late to be all you can possibly be.
Thoughts.......
Remember, growing old is mandatory. Growing up is optional.
We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.
God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
Good friends are like stars.........You don't always see them, but you know they are always there.
Proverbs 18:24 says: There are "friends" who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.
My prayer for you is that you have many friends like Rose who come into your life....and that you will be a friend like Rose to everyone you come into contact with!
Happiness or Joy?
In 1776, our country's founding fathers signed a document at Independence Hall called the Declaration of Independence. I think it's an amazing document for a number of reasons, but chiefly because it says something that is different from any other foundational document for any other country on the planet.
You probably know at least a few of its famous words:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
The last phrase in this sentence particularly catches my attention: "the pursuit of Happiness." It was the intent of our founding fathers that we, as Americans, be happy people.
A lot of time has passed since that document was signed. Could we be described as a happy people today? I would have to say "no." Americans, as a whole, enjoy a higher standard of living than anyone else in the world. Yet more Americans go to psychologists and psychiatrists than any other people on the planet.
So what is the problem? Simply put, we are pursuing happiness, but we are going about it in the wrong way. For most people, their happiness depends entirely on good things happening in their lives. When things are going well, they are happy. When things are not going well, they are unhappy.
This can cause us to become caught in an endless cycle, because no matter how much we accumulate or how much we accomplish, we always will feel as though there is something more. Our clothes aren't fashionable enough. Our cars aren't fast enough. Our houses aren't elaborate enough. Our jobs aren't rewarding enough. Our relationships aren't romantic enough or fulfilling enough. Life can become a never-ending pursuit of something just beyond our grasp.
In the New Testament, the Book of Philippians talks about something better than happiness. It's called joy. In Philippians' four chapters, the words joy, rejoicing, or gladness appear at least 19 times. This joy to which Philippians refers was not something available to the first-century. It is available to us in the 21st-century as well.
We find an important word throughout Philippians that shows us the way to experience joy. That word is: mind. It appears 10 times in Philippians, while the word think occurs five times. Add to this the number of times the word remember turns up, and you have a total of 16 references to the mind. Are you picking up on a theme here? The secret to joy is found in the way we think; in our outlook or attitude.
The Apostle Paul, the writer of the book of Philippians, said this: In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus. That is the mind of a person who puts the needs of others above his own. It stands in sharp contrast to our self-centered attitudes of today, yet, if you want to experience joy that’s what is required.
See, joy doesn’t come from what you have, it comes from Who you know. So let me encourage you today, turn your heart to Jesus to find the joy you’re looking for. When we begin to think and act like Him (which is no small feat, mind you....) we will begin to understand that happiness doesn’t come from acquiring more, but from knowing Him better.
You probably know at least a few of its famous words:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
The last phrase in this sentence particularly catches my attention: "the pursuit of Happiness." It was the intent of our founding fathers that we, as Americans, be happy people.
A lot of time has passed since that document was signed. Could we be described as a happy people today? I would have to say "no." Americans, as a whole, enjoy a higher standard of living than anyone else in the world. Yet more Americans go to psychologists and psychiatrists than any other people on the planet.
So what is the problem? Simply put, we are pursuing happiness, but we are going about it in the wrong way. For most people, their happiness depends entirely on good things happening in their lives. When things are going well, they are happy. When things are not going well, they are unhappy.
This can cause us to become caught in an endless cycle, because no matter how much we accumulate or how much we accomplish, we always will feel as though there is something more. Our clothes aren't fashionable enough. Our cars aren't fast enough. Our houses aren't elaborate enough. Our jobs aren't rewarding enough. Our relationships aren't romantic enough or fulfilling enough. Life can become a never-ending pursuit of something just beyond our grasp.
In the New Testament, the Book of Philippians talks about something better than happiness. It's called joy. In Philippians' four chapters, the words joy, rejoicing, or gladness appear at least 19 times. This joy to which Philippians refers was not something available to the first-century. It is available to us in the 21st-century as well.
We find an important word throughout Philippians that shows us the way to experience joy. That word is: mind. It appears 10 times in Philippians, while the word think occurs five times. Add to this the number of times the word remember turns up, and you have a total of 16 references to the mind. Are you picking up on a theme here? The secret to joy is found in the way we think; in our outlook or attitude.
The Apostle Paul, the writer of the book of Philippians, said this: In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus. That is the mind of a person who puts the needs of others above his own. It stands in sharp contrast to our self-centered attitudes of today, yet, if you want to experience joy that’s what is required.
See, joy doesn’t come from what you have, it comes from Who you know. So let me encourage you today, turn your heart to Jesus to find the joy you’re looking for. When we begin to think and act like Him (which is no small feat, mind you....) we will begin to understand that happiness doesn’t come from acquiring more, but from knowing Him better.
Laugh!!!
Someone asked me recently, “Why do you put the funny stuff at the end of the Monday e-mail?” There’s a two part answer to that. First, I love humor. I always have. I like to laugh and I like to make other people laugh. But there’s a bigger reason.
Did you know that people who laugh live longer? It’s true. Proverbs 14:30 says, “A relaxed attitude lengthens a man’s life.
Humor is an amazing thing. It’s a tension dissolver. It’s an antidote to anxiety. It’s just like a tranquilizer, but without any troublesome side-effects. And it’s free! You don’t even need a prescription!
Laughter is life’s shock absorber. If you want to have less stress in your life, learn to laugh at your circumstances.
Someone once asked U.S. President Abraham Lincoln how he handled all the stresses of the Civil War. He said, “If it hadn’t been for laughter, I could not have made it.”
Many famous comedians grew up in poor neighborhoods with lots of problems. They coped with their troubles by learning to laugh and making others laugh.
So learn to laugh. If you can laugh at it, you can live with it. And besides, if you learn to laugh at your troubles, you’ll never run out of anything to laugh at! Life is full of funny situations. The cowboy comedian Will Rogers once said, “I don’t know any jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts.”
And if you’re wondering what God thinks about laughter, check out this verse in Psalm 2:4, “The One enthroned in heaven laughs.” Isn’t that a great verse? God has a sense of humor. God laughs! Proverbs also says that a merry heart is good, like a medicine.
I loved a story a friend told me recently. She and her husband had gone on a trip and were miles from home. All of a sudden, with absolutely no warning, their car quit. The transmission just quit working. They were on their way to a wedding, they were running a little late and they were in the middle of nowhere. That’s where their car quit.
What would your reaction be? Do you know what my friend did? She started laughing......and not a little snicker, mind you. She busted out laughing! Her husband had already started turning red with anger when he looked at her in wide-eyed disbelief. She simple said, “What other option do we have?” and within a brief moment both of them were laughing. If you ask me, that’s what this laughter thing is all about. It changes things.....it’s contagious......it’s good for you......and God loves it!
Have you ever seen the face of an orangutan? God thought that one up! The duck-billed platypus? Hey, that was His idea too! That proves he has a sense of humor. Do you want to be more like God? Let me encourage you......learn to laugh. It will bless your soul.....and probably those around you, too!
Did you know that people who laugh live longer? It’s true. Proverbs 14:30 says, “A relaxed attitude lengthens a man’s life.
Humor is an amazing thing. It’s a tension dissolver. It’s an antidote to anxiety. It’s just like a tranquilizer, but without any troublesome side-effects. And it’s free! You don’t even need a prescription!
Laughter is life’s shock absorber. If you want to have less stress in your life, learn to laugh at your circumstances.
Someone once asked U.S. President Abraham Lincoln how he handled all the stresses of the Civil War. He said, “If it hadn’t been for laughter, I could not have made it.”
Many famous comedians grew up in poor neighborhoods with lots of problems. They coped with their troubles by learning to laugh and making others laugh.
So learn to laugh. If you can laugh at it, you can live with it. And besides, if you learn to laugh at your troubles, you’ll never run out of anything to laugh at! Life is full of funny situations. The cowboy comedian Will Rogers once said, “I don’t know any jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts.”
And if you’re wondering what God thinks about laughter, check out this verse in Psalm 2:4, “The One enthroned in heaven laughs.” Isn’t that a great verse? God has a sense of humor. God laughs! Proverbs also says that a merry heart is good, like a medicine.
I loved a story a friend told me recently. She and her husband had gone on a trip and were miles from home. All of a sudden, with absolutely no warning, their car quit. The transmission just quit working. They were on their way to a wedding, they were running a little late and they were in the middle of nowhere. That’s where their car quit.
What would your reaction be? Do you know what my friend did? She started laughing......and not a little snicker, mind you. She busted out laughing! Her husband had already started turning red with anger when he looked at her in wide-eyed disbelief. She simple said, “What other option do we have?” and within a brief moment both of them were laughing. If you ask me, that’s what this laughter thing is all about. It changes things.....it’s contagious......it’s good for you......and God loves it!
Have you ever seen the face of an orangutan? God thought that one up! The duck-billed platypus? Hey, that was His idea too! That proves he has a sense of humor. Do you want to be more like God? Let me encourage you......learn to laugh. It will bless your soul.....and probably those around you, too!
Keep Fighting the Fight
Of course, it’s football season. I don’t know how your team might be doing this season (if you even have a team....), but let’s look back to last season for a moment. It was at about this point that everyone began talking about the New England Patriots. They were hot, undefeated and on the move. Rumors began to float around about how the possibilities of this team going undefeated and winning the Super Bowl. Well, that partially happened. For the regular season and playoffs they, indeed, went undefeated, but they didn’t win the big one. Had they won, they would have been hailed as the greatest team of all time. Instead, the '72 Dolphins remain the only undefeated world championship team.
The Patriots didn’t do it. Instead, it was Eli Manning’s year. By the way, do you remember how last season began for him? Probably not. Let’s just say it wasn’t exactly a smooth start. Several weeks into the season he was still the media's goat. He wasn't a favorite among the fans, either.
That all changed with his four consecutive playoff wins; Manning will long be remembered for last year's outstanding postseason performance. The Patriots, on the other hand, will be remembered as the team who couldn't quite go the distance - the team who went "18 and no".
Which brings me to my point. There's a sense in which life itself is much the same as a single game or a single season or even an entire athletic career. The principle is that a strong finish is more important than a strong beginning. The Giants got off to a shaky start last year, but they finished well - and that's what matters most in the game of football.
A guy named Paul wrote about ½ of the New Testament and in some of the last words he wrote he said, "The time of my death is near. I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful." (2 Timothy 4:7) What a privilege to be able to say this. He had been knocked down plenty of times during the 35 years that he served Christ. He even fell down on his own sometimes. Most important, however, is the fact that he always got back up. He kept moving forward, always with the aim of finishing well.
This is what really matters in the Christian life. The occasional defeats are inevitable, especially early on. But your focus must remain on finishing well. A strong finish can overcome a shaky start; a strong finish is more important than an impressive start.
Let me encourage you to forget about how things were, and start moving toward how you want things to be. It's too late to undo your rookie mistakes, but it's not too late finish well. The season isn't over yet.
The Patriots didn’t do it. Instead, it was Eli Manning’s year. By the way, do you remember how last season began for him? Probably not. Let’s just say it wasn’t exactly a smooth start. Several weeks into the season he was still the media's goat. He wasn't a favorite among the fans, either.
That all changed with his four consecutive playoff wins; Manning will long be remembered for last year's outstanding postseason performance. The Patriots, on the other hand, will be remembered as the team who couldn't quite go the distance - the team who went "18 and no".
Which brings me to my point. There's a sense in which life itself is much the same as a single game or a single season or even an entire athletic career. The principle is that a strong finish is more important than a strong beginning. The Giants got off to a shaky start last year, but they finished well - and that's what matters most in the game of football.
A guy named Paul wrote about ½ of the New Testament and in some of the last words he wrote he said, "The time of my death is near. I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful." (2 Timothy 4:7) What a privilege to be able to say this. He had been knocked down plenty of times during the 35 years that he served Christ. He even fell down on his own sometimes. Most important, however, is the fact that he always got back up. He kept moving forward, always with the aim of finishing well.
This is what really matters in the Christian life. The occasional defeats are inevitable, especially early on. But your focus must remain on finishing well. A strong finish can overcome a shaky start; a strong finish is more important than an impressive start.
Let me encourage you to forget about how things were, and start moving toward how you want things to be. It's too late to undo your rookie mistakes, but it's not too late finish well. The season isn't over yet.
Oops.......
I've been away from the blog for a bit......but will try to get some recent posts up today.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Election Day Bonus
A young lady whom I know and respect wrote something that I think is outstanding regarding today's election. It's just a little reminder I thought I'd pass on to you.
God bless.........and go vote!
(Thanks, Laura!)
This election reminds me of a card trick I used to do. I would lay out a grid of cards face up and ask you to choose one but keep it to yourself--just tell me what row it's in. After another such move I'd already know which card you've chosen but, it's a card trick-- gotta make it showy. So I lay the cards face down in four piles, carefully remembering where I've laid your card and the show begins.
First I ask you to point to two piles--then do what I have to do. From the remaining two piles I ask you to point to one and again do what I need to do. There are now only four cards remaining and I ask you to point to two. Finally there are only two cards left on the table and I ask you to choose. The final card sits there and I ask you to flip it over and see if it's your card. Amazingly, it is. Well, not so amazing to me. I can make that happen every time because I am in control.
The whole time you've been making choices. I have not forced any choice upon you. I let you choose the card. I did not force you to choose one pile over another or one card over another. But I'm using your choices towards my outcome. You chose the piles but I chose whether they stay or go. You chose the cards but I determine what happens to them. Until, finally, what I wanted to have happen from the beginning is revealed. You took the steps but I determined how it was going to end. Usually to smiles and "how did you do that!"
Proverbs 16:9 says "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." (NIV) and in Proverbs 16:33 "We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall." (NLT)
Election day you will get to go to the poles and make your choices. They are yours (and everyone else's) to make and not even God is making you choose one or another but never make the mistake of thinking that your choices (or anyone else's) are outside of God's plans. He will determine which card turns up in the end and He's had it planned that way from the beginning. And when it's all said and done we'll be smiling and saying "God, how did you do that!"
God bless.........and go vote!
(Thanks, Laura!)
This election reminds me of a card trick I used to do. I would lay out a grid of cards face up and ask you to choose one but keep it to yourself--just tell me what row it's in. After another such move I'd already know which card you've chosen but, it's a card trick-- gotta make it showy. So I lay the cards face down in four piles, carefully remembering where I've laid your card and the show begins.
First I ask you to point to two piles--then do what I have to do. From the remaining two piles I ask you to point to one and again do what I need to do. There are now only four cards remaining and I ask you to point to two. Finally there are only two cards left on the table and I ask you to choose. The final card sits there and I ask you to flip it over and see if it's your card. Amazingly, it is. Well, not so amazing to me. I can make that happen every time because I am in control.
The whole time you've been making choices. I have not forced any choice upon you. I let you choose the card. I did not force you to choose one pile over another or one card over another. But I'm using your choices towards my outcome. You chose the piles but I chose whether they stay or go. You chose the cards but I determine what happens to them. Until, finally, what I wanted to have happen from the beginning is revealed. You took the steps but I determined how it was going to end. Usually to smiles and "how did you do that!"
Proverbs 16:9 says "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." (NIV) and in Proverbs 16:33 "We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall." (NLT)
Election day you will get to go to the poles and make your choices. They are yours (and everyone else's) to make and not even God is making you choose one or another but never make the mistake of thinking that your choices (or anyone else's) are outside of God's plans. He will determine which card turns up in the end and He's had it planned that way from the beginning. And when it's all said and done we'll be smiling and saying "God, how did you do that!"
In God We Trust....Don't We?
We all know what today is......it’s the last day of those nauseous political advertisements!!!
Seriously, the process of electing officials in our country seems to get longer and more tedious every 4 years, but it is both necessary and a profitable experience for all of us.
Election 2008 is upon us. Today is the day all American citizens 18 & over have the privilege of casting a ballot for the candidates of their choice to provide leadership in our country for the next 4 to 6 years (depending on what office you’re voting for). I do hope you will take advantage of this PRIVILEGE and cast your ballot!
I’ve listened to both candidates. I’ve watched the debates. I’m tired of the rhetoric and the 3rd grade antics! "Senator __________, what is your plan for __________."
"Let me tell you what my opponent is going to do to ruin our country......"
I’m so sick of all of that! It is my opinion that we don’t really have a good candidate this year. However, if one or the other would just suck it up, stand there and tell the American people, "Here’s my vision for America......." I would at least have some respect for that person! What we’ve had - from both sides - has been pretty much void of helpful information in the decision making process.
I read a study several years ago that showed that the majority of people who walk into the voting booth don’t go in to vote FOR someone, but to vote AGAINST someone. Does that make sense?
The Democrats tell us we don’t want 4 more years of Republican leadership and the Republicans tell us we don’t want Democrat leadership. I don’t know how things are going to turn out on Tuesday, but regardless of which party is put in the White House we need to remember a couple of things:
First, we are voting for mortals. However moral and upstanding the politician is that we vote into office… he or she is still a sinner. He or she is still prone to the same weaknesses and sinful tendencies and the same temptations as the rest of us. These politicians are not God… they ARE mortal. They do not walk on water. They do not perform miracles… and they will disappoint us.
Second, these candidates do not have te power to do everything they promise to do. Oh, it all sounds good, but they don’t write the laws. None of them has the power within themselves to change the course of our city, state, or national destiny.
That being said, does God have anything to say about this? Could God actually care about any of this? Actually, He does.
First, He tells us that we should pray for our leaders......and at this point, for the candidates vying to become our next leaders. Here’s what He tells us: First of all, I encourage you to make petitions, prayers, intercessions, and prayers of thanks for all people, for rulers, and for everyone who has authority over us. Pray for these people so that we can have a quiet and peaceful life always lived in a godly and reverent way. This is good and pleases God our Savior. (1 Timothy 2:1-3)
Regardless of whether your political candidate wins on Tuesday, you have a responsibility to support and pray for the leadership of our country.
Second, He tells us that we should live together in harmony. Face it, come Wednesday morning, many will be elated and many will be deflated. That’s life. But we still have a responsibility to live in peace and work together.
Romans 14:19 says: So let’s pursue those things which bring peace and which are good for each other. And Ephesians 4:3 tells us: Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Every piece of legal tender printed or minted in the United States says, "In God We Trust" on it, but do we? Friends, it is a dangerous mistake to put more faith in politics, politicians and political parties than we do in God.
Regardless of what happens in this election, a few things are certain: 1) History will be made; 2) We MUST be the UNITED States of America and not the divided states of America; 3) We must pray for our leaders!
I trust you will be voting tomorrow. Regardless of the outcome, let’s work together to heal the divide in our country and move it back to the foundation upon which it was built.
I’m Pastor Chuck, and I approved this message!
Seriously, the process of electing officials in our country seems to get longer and more tedious every 4 years, but it is both necessary and a profitable experience for all of us.
Election 2008 is upon us. Today is the day all American citizens 18 & over have the privilege of casting a ballot for the candidates of their choice to provide leadership in our country for the next 4 to 6 years (depending on what office you’re voting for). I do hope you will take advantage of this PRIVILEGE and cast your ballot!
I’ve listened to both candidates. I’ve watched the debates. I’m tired of the rhetoric and the 3rd grade antics! "Senator __________, what is your plan for __________."
"Let me tell you what my opponent is going to do to ruin our country......"
I’m so sick of all of that! It is my opinion that we don’t really have a good candidate this year. However, if one or the other would just suck it up, stand there and tell the American people, "Here’s my vision for America......." I would at least have some respect for that person! What we’ve had - from both sides - has been pretty much void of helpful information in the decision making process.
I read a study several years ago that showed that the majority of people who walk into the voting booth don’t go in to vote FOR someone, but to vote AGAINST someone. Does that make sense?
The Democrats tell us we don’t want 4 more years of Republican leadership and the Republicans tell us we don’t want Democrat leadership. I don’t know how things are going to turn out on Tuesday, but regardless of which party is put in the White House we need to remember a couple of things:
First, we are voting for mortals. However moral and upstanding the politician is that we vote into office… he or she is still a sinner. He or she is still prone to the same weaknesses and sinful tendencies and the same temptations as the rest of us. These politicians are not God… they ARE mortal. They do not walk on water. They do not perform miracles… and they will disappoint us.
Second, these candidates do not have te power to do everything they promise to do. Oh, it all sounds good, but they don’t write the laws. None of them has the power within themselves to change the course of our city, state, or national destiny.
That being said, does God have anything to say about this? Could God actually care about any of this? Actually, He does.
First, He tells us that we should pray for our leaders......and at this point, for the candidates vying to become our next leaders. Here’s what He tells us: First of all, I encourage you to make petitions, prayers, intercessions, and prayers of thanks for all people, for rulers, and for everyone who has authority over us. Pray for these people so that we can have a quiet and peaceful life always lived in a godly and reverent way. This is good and pleases God our Savior. (1 Timothy 2:1-3)
Regardless of whether your political candidate wins on Tuesday, you have a responsibility to support and pray for the leadership of our country.
Second, He tells us that we should live together in harmony. Face it, come Wednesday morning, many will be elated and many will be deflated. That’s life. But we still have a responsibility to live in peace and work together.
Romans 14:19 says: So let’s pursue those things which bring peace and which are good for each other. And Ephesians 4:3 tells us: Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Every piece of legal tender printed or minted in the United States says, "In God We Trust" on it, but do we? Friends, it is a dangerous mistake to put more faith in politics, politicians and political parties than we do in God.
Regardless of what happens in this election, a few things are certain: 1) History will be made; 2) We MUST be the UNITED States of America and not the divided states of America; 3) We must pray for our leaders!
I trust you will be voting tomorrow. Regardless of the outcome, let’s work together to heal the divide in our country and move it back to the foundation upon which it was built.
I’m Pastor Chuck, and I approved this message!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Mankind Is My Business
I dropped the ball last week. Let me explain.
I’ve had a couple of incredibly busy weeks, the details of which are irrelevant. One day last week I was moving like a mad man, so for lunch I just grabbed a sandwich while I was out. As I headed back to the office to inhale my sandwich I saw what appeared to be a homeless man at an intersection. Something inside me said, "Give him your sandwich."
I ignored it.
I have prayed for that man more times than I can count since that day......and I've prayed for myself, too!
We’ve all heard that we need to stop and smell the roses. Forget the roses, we need to slow down and love mankind. I’m reminded of Charles Dickens’ character, Jacob Marley, in "A Christmas Carol." He said, "Mankind is my business!" And isn’t mankind our business?
There’s a story in Luke’s Gospel about this:
One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: "Teacher, what must I do to receive eternal life?" Jesus replied, "What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?"
The man answered, "‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’" "Right!" Jesus told him. "Do this and you will live!" Luke 10:25_28
If you had to boil all of the commandments of God down to no more than a sentence, Jesus confirmed it would read something like this: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind, and also love your neighbor as yourself.
There is a connection between our love for God and our love for others. There is a connection between the compassion we receive from God and the compassion we extend to our neighbors.
But the lawyer in this exchange with Jesus pressed in like a prosecutor, drilling for a specific definition of neighbor. Luke writes, "The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus,
‘And who is my neighbor?’" (10:29)
Being a gentle teacher, Jesus didn’t answer directly (or even crack any lawyer jokes). He told a story many of us are familiar with, about a man beaten and left for dead on the road to Jericho. First, a priest walked by, and seeing the man, crossed to the other side of the road. Then, an assistant at the Temple who was in charge of purity and tithing walked by, and seeing the injured man, he crossed to the other side of the road.
Finally, a man from a despised race, a Samaritan, walked by and stopped. He treated the man’s injuries and then took him to a nearby inn, paying for his care and lodging until he could get back on his feet.
"Who," Jesus asked, "was the injured man’s neighbor?"
The lawyer responded, "The one who showed him mercy." "That’s right," Jesus said, "Now go and do the same." (Luke 10:37)
Here’s the deal. I know this story. I’ve read it many times. I’ve taught it.
But I didn’t live it last week. (No one ever said transparency was fun!)
When the lawyer faced Jesus, he tried to justify his current behavior, instead of allowing Jesus to teach him the compassionate behavior. In other words, the lawyer was trying to bend the scriptures to match his behavior when he should have been changing his behavior to match the scriptures.
This story clearly shows us that relationship triumphs over religion. It was the religious people who walked by, and it was the despised Samaritan who helped the injured man. Friends, Jesus is less interested in religion – rituals and rules – than He is in compassionate relationships; it is compassion in relationships that reveals the heart of God, not the following of religious rules.
Can I encourage you this week to slow down and see people this week? I’m not talking about seeing them with your eyes, but seeing them with your heart. Remember the end of the story? The lawyer learned that it was the Samaritan who had done the right thing - shown the man mercy.
So I encourage you with the words of Jesus to the lawyer: "Now go and do the same." (Luke 10:37)
I’m praying for you, friends......thanks for doing the same for me.
I’ve had a couple of incredibly busy weeks, the details of which are irrelevant. One day last week I was moving like a mad man, so for lunch I just grabbed a sandwich while I was out. As I headed back to the office to inhale my sandwich I saw what appeared to be a homeless man at an intersection. Something inside me said, "Give him your sandwich."
I ignored it.
I have prayed for that man more times than I can count since that day......and I've prayed for myself, too!
We’ve all heard that we need to stop and smell the roses. Forget the roses, we need to slow down and love mankind. I’m reminded of Charles Dickens’ character, Jacob Marley, in "A Christmas Carol." He said, "Mankind is my business!" And isn’t mankind our business?
There’s a story in Luke’s Gospel about this:
One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: "Teacher, what must I do to receive eternal life?" Jesus replied, "What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?"
The man answered, "‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’" "Right!" Jesus told him. "Do this and you will live!" Luke 10:25_28
If you had to boil all of the commandments of God down to no more than a sentence, Jesus confirmed it would read something like this: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind, and also love your neighbor as yourself.
There is a connection between our love for God and our love for others. There is a connection between the compassion we receive from God and the compassion we extend to our neighbors.
But the lawyer in this exchange with Jesus pressed in like a prosecutor, drilling for a specific definition of neighbor. Luke writes, "The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus,
‘And who is my neighbor?’" (10:29)
Being a gentle teacher, Jesus didn’t answer directly (or even crack any lawyer jokes). He told a story many of us are familiar with, about a man beaten and left for dead on the road to Jericho. First, a priest walked by, and seeing the man, crossed to the other side of the road. Then, an assistant at the Temple who was in charge of purity and tithing walked by, and seeing the injured man, he crossed to the other side of the road.
Finally, a man from a despised race, a Samaritan, walked by and stopped. He treated the man’s injuries and then took him to a nearby inn, paying for his care and lodging until he could get back on his feet.
"Who," Jesus asked, "was the injured man’s neighbor?"
The lawyer responded, "The one who showed him mercy." "That’s right," Jesus said, "Now go and do the same." (Luke 10:37)
Here’s the deal. I know this story. I’ve read it many times. I’ve taught it.
But I didn’t live it last week. (No one ever said transparency was fun!)
When the lawyer faced Jesus, he tried to justify his current behavior, instead of allowing Jesus to teach him the compassionate behavior. In other words, the lawyer was trying to bend the scriptures to match his behavior when he should have been changing his behavior to match the scriptures.
This story clearly shows us that relationship triumphs over religion. It was the religious people who walked by, and it was the despised Samaritan who helped the injured man. Friends, Jesus is less interested in religion – rituals and rules – than He is in compassionate relationships; it is compassion in relationships that reveals the heart of God, not the following of religious rules.
Can I encourage you this week to slow down and see people this week? I’m not talking about seeing them with your eyes, but seeing them with your heart. Remember the end of the story? The lawyer learned that it was the Samaritan who had done the right thing - shown the man mercy.
So I encourage you with the words of Jesus to the lawyer: "Now go and do the same." (Luke 10:37)
I’m praying for you, friends......thanks for doing the same for me.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Always Do The Right Thing
A man entered my father's diesel-repair shop, said he was a driver from a trucking fleet and suggested, "How about adding a few extra parts to the bill for this truck repair? We'll let the company pay for it, and you and I can split the difference."
Dad refused, but the customer was insistent.
"I come through here a lot," the man continued. "We could make quite a bit of money."
Dad said that wasn't how he operated.
"Everyone does it!" the man yelled. "Are you some kind of fool?"
Burning mad, Dad asked him to leave and take his business elsewhere.
Suddenly the man smiled and extended his hand for a handshake. "I own a trucking company," he said. "I've been looking for a mechanic I can trust, and I'm not taking my business anywhere else!"
Several years ago, a preacher from out of state accepted a call to a church in Houston, Texas. Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change.
As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, 'You'd better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it.'
Then he thought, 'Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as 'a gift from God' and keep quiet.'
When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, "Here, you gave me too much change."
The driver, with a smile, replied, "Aren't you the new preacher in town? I have been thinking about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I'll see you at church on Sunday."
When the minister stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, 'Oh God, I almost sold Jesus for a quarter.’
Sometimes doing the right thing is hard......even for a preacher! Norman Cousins wrote "Anatomy of an Illness" and in the book he tells the story of a sleepless night he spent at the Los Angeles Airport. He needed to make a phone call to his office, so he put a quarter in a pay phone and didn’t get a dial tone. All he got was a recording that said, "Please deposit a quarter to make a call."
Frustrated, he deposited another quarter and dialed the operator. He explained to the operator what had happened and asked her to give him his money back or at least give him a dial tone to call his office. )This was back in the day when the operator had the ability to send a command to the phone to return a quarter.) Instead, the operator replied, "Certainly sir. We will return your money if you send us your name and address."
Cousins thought to himself, "How ridiculous! I’m supposed to take my time and money to send you my name and address to get my 25 cents back? And why add the expense to them to process, pay, and mail my money back to me?"
Cousins continues, "I got frustrated and hit the ’return money’ lever and quarters started pouring out of the telephone and filled the floor of the phone booth!" He said, "I told the operator what was happening and she said, "Please put the money back in the box."
Cousins replied, "I would be happy to send the money back to you in the mail. Just send me an envelope with your name and address!"
Like I said, sometimes it’s hard to do the right thing! Do it anyway. Why? First, because it’s right. Second, because it matters. Third, because it builds character, and finally, because in the end, we’re all going to have to stand before God.
Once when umpire Babe Pinelli called Babe Ruth out on strikes, Ruth argued with him and said, "There's 40,000 people here who know that last one was a ball, tomato head." Pinelli replied with the measured stateliness of John Marshall: "Maybe so, but mine is the only opinion that counts."
Those of you who know me well know that I refuse to use "guilt" to try and get someone to consider God. God doesn’t use it, so why should I? But the truth of the matter is this: One day, whether we like it or not, we’re going to have to answer to God as to why we did.....or didn’t......do the right thing. And at that moment, His opinion is the only one that counts.
A few weeks ago I wrote about heroes. Another hero of mine is a fellow named Paul. Actually, he wrote about ½ of the New Testament, but his name wasn’t always Paul. He was born and named Saul. He studied religion and religious thought, but never had a relationship with God. Then this Jesus fellow came along and changed everything......which Saul didn’t like. So he set out to kill all of the Christians.......until he had his own encounter with God. Not only did that encounter change his name, it changed his life.
At one point Paul found himself sitting in a cold, damp dungeon. Like an athlete who had spent his strength to win the prize, Paul had persevered. During his 30 years of ministry, a thousand voices had urged him to cheat in the race, throw in the towel, compromise the faith. But Paul had decided that he would not listen to the voices of the crowd. He had only one Judge to please. He was ready to meet the Umpire of the universe.
Psalm 97:11 says: Light shines on those who do right; joy belongs to those who are honest.
So let me encourage you today, friends......always do the right thing. Sometimes it will be more difficult than others. Do the right thing anyway. It will set an excellent example and build character now. And if you have trusted in God and received His free gift of forgiveness, it will also serve you well when you stand before Him for His opinion.
Dad refused, but the customer was insistent.
"I come through here a lot," the man continued. "We could make quite a bit of money."
Dad said that wasn't how he operated.
"Everyone does it!" the man yelled. "Are you some kind of fool?"
Burning mad, Dad asked him to leave and take his business elsewhere.
Suddenly the man smiled and extended his hand for a handshake. "I own a trucking company," he said. "I've been looking for a mechanic I can trust, and I'm not taking my business anywhere else!"
Several years ago, a preacher from out of state accepted a call to a church in Houston, Texas. Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change.
As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, 'You'd better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it.'
Then he thought, 'Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as 'a gift from God' and keep quiet.'
When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, "Here, you gave me too much change."
The driver, with a smile, replied, "Aren't you the new preacher in town? I have been thinking about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I'll see you at church on Sunday."
When the minister stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, 'Oh God, I almost sold Jesus for a quarter.’
Sometimes doing the right thing is hard......even for a preacher! Norman Cousins wrote "Anatomy of an Illness" and in the book he tells the story of a sleepless night he spent at the Los Angeles Airport. He needed to make a phone call to his office, so he put a quarter in a pay phone and didn’t get a dial tone. All he got was a recording that said, "Please deposit a quarter to make a call."
Frustrated, he deposited another quarter and dialed the operator. He explained to the operator what had happened and asked her to give him his money back or at least give him a dial tone to call his office. )This was back in the day when the operator had the ability to send a command to the phone to return a quarter.) Instead, the operator replied, "Certainly sir. We will return your money if you send us your name and address."
Cousins thought to himself, "How ridiculous! I’m supposed to take my time and money to send you my name and address to get my 25 cents back? And why add the expense to them to process, pay, and mail my money back to me?"
Cousins continues, "I got frustrated and hit the ’return money’ lever and quarters started pouring out of the telephone and filled the floor of the phone booth!" He said, "I told the operator what was happening and she said, "Please put the money back in the box."
Cousins replied, "I would be happy to send the money back to you in the mail. Just send me an envelope with your name and address!"
Like I said, sometimes it’s hard to do the right thing! Do it anyway. Why? First, because it’s right. Second, because it matters. Third, because it builds character, and finally, because in the end, we’re all going to have to stand before God.
Once when umpire Babe Pinelli called Babe Ruth out on strikes, Ruth argued with him and said, "There's 40,000 people here who know that last one was a ball, tomato head." Pinelli replied with the measured stateliness of John Marshall: "Maybe so, but mine is the only opinion that counts."
Those of you who know me well know that I refuse to use "guilt" to try and get someone to consider God. God doesn’t use it, so why should I? But the truth of the matter is this: One day, whether we like it or not, we’re going to have to answer to God as to why we did.....or didn’t......do the right thing. And at that moment, His opinion is the only one that counts.
A few weeks ago I wrote about heroes. Another hero of mine is a fellow named Paul. Actually, he wrote about ½ of the New Testament, but his name wasn’t always Paul. He was born and named Saul. He studied religion and religious thought, but never had a relationship with God. Then this Jesus fellow came along and changed everything......which Saul didn’t like. So he set out to kill all of the Christians.......until he had his own encounter with God. Not only did that encounter change his name, it changed his life.
At one point Paul found himself sitting in a cold, damp dungeon. Like an athlete who had spent his strength to win the prize, Paul had persevered. During his 30 years of ministry, a thousand voices had urged him to cheat in the race, throw in the towel, compromise the faith. But Paul had decided that he would not listen to the voices of the crowd. He had only one Judge to please. He was ready to meet the Umpire of the universe.
Psalm 97:11 says: Light shines on those who do right; joy belongs to those who are honest.
So let me encourage you today, friends......always do the right thing. Sometimes it will be more difficult than others. Do the right thing anyway. It will set an excellent example and build character now. And if you have trusted in God and received His free gift of forgiveness, it will also serve you well when you stand before Him for His opinion.
Pursue The Dream
I spent most of last week in Atlanta, Georgia. The place is ginormous!!! And it’s tough to find Pepsi products! I got to see some amazing things! I saw the world champion of "pop and lock". "Popping", as it’s called, is a style of dance that is best described by watching a youtube video. It’s movements that are almost "jerky" but in a funky, freestyle, kind of way. Anyway, this guy was amazing! He was not only world champion of pop and lock, but he was double-jointed as well. I kind of wondered if he even had joints a few times!
I also saw the Southern Belles, the national champions of clogging. (You may have seen them on America’s Got Talent.) These ladies’ feet moved in a blur! They were so together that they moved almost as one.
I heard Jim Collins and Seth Godin, two of the worlds foremost authorities on leadership and interpreting trends in business. I heard Andy Stanley and Craig Groeschel, two of the finest communicators in the church.
Within the past few days I got to rub shoulders with Brad, an exceptional high school band director, Kenny, an excellent truck mechanic, Bob, a top rated insurance and investment advisor, Jeff, an IT specialist, Larry & Bill & Melissa, security specialists and Amira, a pre-med student in college.
Why would I tell you all of this? What’s the big deal about the people & performances I saw? Simply this: these people have discovered something that sets them apart. They have discovered purpose.
Here’s the deal: God wired you to be good at some things. Our problem is that too often we try to be good at many things. Many people are half committed to a dozen different things. If you really want to make an impact with your life, if you want your life to count, you've got to learn to be totally committed to a few things rather than half committed to a dozen things.
One of the things that Jim Collins said this week really resonated with me. He said, "If you have a ‘To Do’ list, do you also have a, ‘Stop Doing’ list? If you don’t, you’ll never achieve your ‘To Do’ list." In other words, in order to find your purpose you have to walk away from some of the things that are draining energy, but producing nothing in the way of results.
Let me encourage you today, find a purpose. Figure out the way God wired you and then go for it. For some of you (and I don’t want to make your boss angry) it may mean leaving the job you’re in and going back to school to pursue a passion. For others, it may simply mean starting a "Stop Doing" list so you can achieve even greater things in your areas of strength.
Too many people waste time trying to get better at something they’re not good at. Instead, focus your time, effort and energy on getting better at what you are good at. Doesn’t that make more sense, anyway?
The Bible says it this way in Ecclesiastes 9:10: Whatever work you do, do your best, because you are going to the grave, where there is no working, no planning, no knowledge, and no wisdom. In other words, find that passion and pursue it because there’s coming a day when you won’t be able to.
Don’t put it off. Pursue your dream with God’s help. The next thing you know, I’ll be writing about you!!!
I also saw the Southern Belles, the national champions of clogging. (You may have seen them on America’s Got Talent.) These ladies’ feet moved in a blur! They were so together that they moved almost as one.
I heard Jim Collins and Seth Godin, two of the worlds foremost authorities on leadership and interpreting trends in business. I heard Andy Stanley and Craig Groeschel, two of the finest communicators in the church.
Within the past few days I got to rub shoulders with Brad, an exceptional high school band director, Kenny, an excellent truck mechanic, Bob, a top rated insurance and investment advisor, Jeff, an IT specialist, Larry & Bill & Melissa, security specialists and Amira, a pre-med student in college.
Why would I tell you all of this? What’s the big deal about the people & performances I saw? Simply this: these people have discovered something that sets them apart. They have discovered purpose.
Here’s the deal: God wired you to be good at some things. Our problem is that too often we try to be good at many things. Many people are half committed to a dozen different things. If you really want to make an impact with your life, if you want your life to count, you've got to learn to be totally committed to a few things rather than half committed to a dozen things.
One of the things that Jim Collins said this week really resonated with me. He said, "If you have a ‘To Do’ list, do you also have a, ‘Stop Doing’ list? If you don’t, you’ll never achieve your ‘To Do’ list." In other words, in order to find your purpose you have to walk away from some of the things that are draining energy, but producing nothing in the way of results.
Let me encourage you today, find a purpose. Figure out the way God wired you and then go for it. For some of you (and I don’t want to make your boss angry) it may mean leaving the job you’re in and going back to school to pursue a passion. For others, it may simply mean starting a "Stop Doing" list so you can achieve even greater things in your areas of strength.
Too many people waste time trying to get better at something they’re not good at. Instead, focus your time, effort and energy on getting better at what you are good at. Doesn’t that make more sense, anyway?
The Bible says it this way in Ecclesiastes 9:10: Whatever work you do, do your best, because you are going to the grave, where there is no working, no planning, no knowledge, and no wisdom. In other words, find that passion and pursue it because there’s coming a day when you won’t be able to.
Don’t put it off. Pursue your dream with God’s help. The next thing you know, I’ll be writing about you!!!
Hang Up Your Troubles
So let me begin with a question.......have you ever had a bad day at work?
Okay, stupid question......sorry! Of course you have. We all have! But what do you do with that bad day? Do you take it home to your family and nail them to the wall with it? Do you ignore your spouse and kids because you’re self absorbed in the difficult day? Or are you able to handle it like the carpenter in this story?
The carpenter I hired to help me restore an old farm house had just finished a rough first day on the job. A flat tire had caused him to miss an hour of work, his electric saw quit, and now his ancient pick_up truck refused to start.
As I drove him home, he sat in stony silence. When we arrived he invited me in to meet his family. As we walked to the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands. When opening the door he underwent an amazing transformation. His tanned face was wreathed in smiles; he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss.
Afterward he walked me to the car. We passed by the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier.
"Oh, that's my trouble tree," he replied. "I know I can't help having troubles on the job, but one thing's for sure, they don't belong in the house with my wife and children. So, I just hang them on the tree when I come home in the evening and then I just pick them up again in the morning."
"Funny thing, though," he smiled, "when I come out in the morning to pick 'em up, there ain't nearly as many as I remembered hanging there the night before."
What a great point! I read that story years ago, but haven’t quite mastered it yet. The fact remains, the troubles of your day should never be taken out on those you love the most. Here’s what the Bible says: Whoever brings trouble to his family will be left with nothing but the wind. (Proverbs 11:29)
Don’t find yourself there! Let me encourage you to leave your troubles outside when you come home, and when you get ready to head back the next day, like the carpenter, you’ll find there aren’t nearly as many as you remember putting there the night before.
Okay, stupid question......sorry! Of course you have. We all have! But what do you do with that bad day? Do you take it home to your family and nail them to the wall with it? Do you ignore your spouse and kids because you’re self absorbed in the difficult day? Or are you able to handle it like the carpenter in this story?
The carpenter I hired to help me restore an old farm house had just finished a rough first day on the job. A flat tire had caused him to miss an hour of work, his electric saw quit, and now his ancient pick_up truck refused to start.
As I drove him home, he sat in stony silence. When we arrived he invited me in to meet his family. As we walked to the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands. When opening the door he underwent an amazing transformation. His tanned face was wreathed in smiles; he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss.
Afterward he walked me to the car. We passed by the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier.
"Oh, that's my trouble tree," he replied. "I know I can't help having troubles on the job, but one thing's for sure, they don't belong in the house with my wife and children. So, I just hang them on the tree when I come home in the evening and then I just pick them up again in the morning."
"Funny thing, though," he smiled, "when I come out in the morning to pick 'em up, there ain't nearly as many as I remembered hanging there the night before."
What a great point! I read that story years ago, but haven’t quite mastered it yet. The fact remains, the troubles of your day should never be taken out on those you love the most. Here’s what the Bible says: Whoever brings trouble to his family will be left with nothing but the wind. (Proverbs 11:29)
Don’t find yourself there! Let me encourage you to leave your troubles outside when you come home, and when you get ready to head back the next day, like the carpenter, you’ll find there aren’t nearly as many as you remember putting there the night before.
Do You Know Where You're Going?
Everyone has people they look up to. Perhaps it was a parent or a teacher....maybe a coach or some leader who made a difference in your life.
I have several heroes. One is my dad. Another is my wife.....and even though they’re younger than I, my kids are my heroes as well. There are others, too, but let me tell you a story about another of my heroes:
Billy Graham is now 86 years old with Parkinson's disease.
In January 2000, leaders in Charlotte ,North Carolina, invited their favorite son, Billy Graham, to a luncheon in his honor. Billy initially hesitated to accept the invitation because he struggles with Parkinson's disease. But theCharlotte leaders said, "We don't expect a major address. Just come and let us honor you." So he agreed.
After wonderful things were said about him, Dr. Graham stepped to the rostrum, looked at the crowd, and said, "I'm reminded today of Albert Einstein, the great physicist who this month has been honored by Time magazine as the Man of the Century. Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger. When he came to Einstein, Einstein reached in his vest pocket. He couldn't find his ticket, so he reached in his trouser pockets. It wasn't there, so he looked in his briefcase but couldn't find it. Then he looked in the seat beside him. He still couldn't find it.
The conductor said, ‘Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I'm sure you bought a ticket. Don't worry about it.’
Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket.
The conductor rushed back and said, ‘Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don't worry, I know who you are. No problem. You don't need a ticket. I'm sure you bought one.’
Einstein looked at him and said, ‘Young man, I too, know who I am. What I don't know is where I'm going.’"
Having said that Billy Graham continued, "See the suit I'm wearing? It's a brand new suit. My wife, my children, and my grandchildren are telling me I've gotten a little slovenly in my old age. I used to be a bit more fastidious. So I went out and bought a new suit for this luncheon and one more occasion.
You know what that occasion is? This is the suit in which I'll be buried. But when you hear I'm dead, I don't want you to immediately remember the suit I'm wearing.
I want you to remember this: I not only know who I am .. I also know where I'm going."
Jesus hung on a cross between two thieves who were crucified for their crimes. One ridiculed and rejected Christ. The other asked for mercy. Jesus said to him, "Today you will be with me in paradise."
This may sound more like a sermon than words of encouragement, but if I may, allow me to simply remind you to make sure you know where you’re going.
I have several heroes. One is my dad. Another is my wife.....and even though they’re younger than I, my kids are my heroes as well. There are others, too, but let me tell you a story about another of my heroes:
Billy Graham is now 86 years old with Parkinson's disease.
In January 2000, leaders in Charlotte ,North Carolina, invited their favorite son, Billy Graham, to a luncheon in his honor. Billy initially hesitated to accept the invitation because he struggles with Parkinson's disease. But theCharlotte leaders said, "We don't expect a major address. Just come and let us honor you." So he agreed.
After wonderful things were said about him, Dr. Graham stepped to the rostrum, looked at the crowd, and said, "I'm reminded today of Albert Einstein, the great physicist who this month has been honored by Time magazine as the Man of the Century. Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger. When he came to Einstein, Einstein reached in his vest pocket. He couldn't find his ticket, so he reached in his trouser pockets. It wasn't there, so he looked in his briefcase but couldn't find it. Then he looked in the seat beside him. He still couldn't find it.
The conductor said, ‘Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I'm sure you bought a ticket. Don't worry about it.’
Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket.
The conductor rushed back and said, ‘Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don't worry, I know who you are. No problem. You don't need a ticket. I'm sure you bought one.’
Einstein looked at him and said, ‘Young man, I too, know who I am. What I don't know is where I'm going.’"
Having said that Billy Graham continued, "See the suit I'm wearing? It's a brand new suit. My wife, my children, and my grandchildren are telling me I've gotten a little slovenly in my old age. I used to be a bit more fastidious. So I went out and bought a new suit for this luncheon and one more occasion.
You know what that occasion is? This is the suit in which I'll be buried. But when you hear I'm dead, I don't want you to immediately remember the suit I'm wearing.
I want you to remember this: I not only know who I am .. I also know where I'm going."
Jesus hung on a cross between two thieves who were crucified for their crimes. One ridiculed and rejected Christ. The other asked for mercy. Jesus said to him, "Today you will be with me in paradise."
This may sound more like a sermon than words of encouragement, but if I may, allow me to simply remind you to make sure you know where you’re going.
Looking Up
Last week was a bit tumultuous, to say the least! I was driving on Wednesday and had the radio on and heard the following: ! 1) The stock market fell another 450 points after having dropped over 500 points on Tuesday. 2) Oil prices rose $5 per barrel. 3) The government is shelling out $85 billion to rescue the AIG insurance group and they’re talking about establishing a government agency to buy bankrupt companies and banks, and 4) Gold shot up $70 per ounce.
Wow! All in one day! Can you believe that?!
The economy is a roller coaster, we’re moving toward the final stretch of a presidential election, there’s unrest around the world and things are looking a bit bleak in several areas.
So let’s all synchronize our watches and Tuesday at 8 pm let’s worry together. Sound good? No, not really. But honestly, have you spent some time worrying lately? Maybe you’re not worrying about these things, but about other things.
Is my job secure?
My marriage is feeling a bit shaky, will it last?
The gas tank is almost empty, and so is my bank account.....
So many things consume our thoughts, our time and our energy. But worry isn’t the answer. Worry sucks the life and the joy out of so many people......and people can worry, literally, about anything and everything. But it does nothing productive. In fact, here’s what God said about worry in Proverbs 12:25: Worry is a heavy load. In Ecclesiastes 5:3 the Bible says: The saying is true: Bad dreams come from too much worrying.
So if worry isn’t the answer, what is? Glad you asked! Psalms 121 says: I look up to the hills, but where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
I know I’ve written this before, but it’s true (hey, you can only write so many of these E-Mails before you’re bound to repeat yourself): When trouble comes, don’t waste your time looking around, instead, look up. That’s where your help comes from.
If I didn’t know God was in control, I’d be a bit worried right now because of the events taking place all around us. But I do know God is in control and He’s going to take care of things. He may not take care of them like I would take care of them, but that’s why He’s God and I’m not (which is a VERY good thing!).
So I encourage you today, look up! There are always going to be situations that cause us to pause and wonder what’s going on, but keep in mind that God is always going to be there for all who trust in Him. So hang in there, friend......and look up. You’ll find what you’re looking for.
Carefully Consider Your Steps
Brett Favre. Just the mention of his name polarizes people. "He should never have retired." "He should never have come out of retirement." "The Packers were idiots to trade him." "The Jets were idiots to want him." The list of issues could go an on and on.....and I’m sure as the season progresses there will be pundits on both sides of the issue making their points - some of them quite loudly!
I’m not a huge Favre fan, nor a huge Green Bay fan. I’m not a big New York fan either. Hmmmm.......I just don’t follow pro football that much. Regardless, it seems to me that there’s plenty of blame to go around here.
Ultimately, though, I think it comes down to Favre not having a clear direction. He decides to retire. Everyone breathed a sigh of regret, but they plan a party. I don’t know when he began having second thoughts, but he couldn’t change his mind after the party was planned, right? So he retired. There was a party. Packer fans wept. Life went on.
Then he changed his mind. The rest was a public fiasco, and still is to a degree. But it bears out what the Bible says in Proverbs 14:15: The prudent carefully consider their steps.
I have a couple of thoughts here and then I’ll leave Brett to play all the football he wants:
1) While it’s impossible to know every detail of every situation, before you make a huge decision, be sure to consider it from every angle you possibly can.
2) If you make a mistake, suck it up and admit that you made a mistake. Then proceed to correcting that mistake.
3) You’re never going to please everyone. Even Jesus didn’t do that. So talk to God, consider every angle and then make the best decision you can with the information you have.
4) When people criticize you (and they will), know that your decision is the best one possible.
I’m neither "for" nor "against" Brett Favre or Green Bay or New York. His story simply illustrates an important truth: The prudent carefully consider their steps.
Let me wrap this up with a story adapted from Aesop’s Fables:
A miller and his son were traveling to market with their donkey. They had not gone very far when they overheard three women at a well. "Have you ever seen anything so strange? Two men are walking when they could ride. Why do people have donkeys?"
Responding to the women, the miller quickly put his son on the back of the animal and continued on the journey. Soon they met two men in the midst of a fierce debate. "I say the present generation shows no respect for its elders," cried the older man. Spying the miller and his son, he continued, "There, that prove what I am saying. The young, healthy lad rides while his old father is forced to walk."
Immediately the father told his son to dismount, and he climbed on the animal's back. They hadn't gone very far when they met a man and his wife walking down the road. "Look at that mean father," the woman exclaimed. "He rides while his little son has to walk."
Embarrassed, the miller took his son by the arm. "Come up here with me. We will both ride the donkey." Together they rode toward the market. Soon they met a group of men loading hay beside the road. "Shame on you," a fat man cried, "overloading the poor donkey. "Why, the two of you are strong enough to carry that poor animal."
Both the miller and his son quickly got off the animal and walked along until they found a large log. They tied the legs of the donkey together and slipped the log between the animal's legs. Then they attempted to carry it over the bridge that led to the market.
People on the other side of the bridge roared with laughed when they saw two men trying to carry a donkey. The noise frightened the animal that he kicked loose and fell into the river and drowned.
The prudent carefully consider their steps.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
One Foot In Front Of The Other
The 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China concluded about a month ago. There were some pretty amazing moments, to be sure. Is Michael Phelps a swimming machine, or what?!?! And of course, I can’t mention the Olympics without mentioning Iowa’s sweethearts: Shawn Johnson and Lolo Jones - both of whom represented the United States, and Iowa, quite well. So with the image of the Olympics in mind......
Imagine, for a moment, that we are competing in a race. When the starter's pistol is fired, we take off, and I leave you in my dust. I'm running really well. Let's say we are going for 10 laps, and we are coming to the last one. I say to myself, "I am creaming the competition. I am going to go get a Krispy Kreme doughnut now." So I wander off the track. Let's say that you cross the finish line 10 minutes later. It is clear that I beat you, but if I didn't do the final lap and cross the finish line, then I have lost the race. It doesn't matter if I led for nine out of 10 laps. I had to finish the race I began.
It’s important to start with the end in mind. Was the end a Krispy Kreme doughnut? I don’t think so. The end is the finish line, the winner’s circle, to stand on the medalist’s stand. Call it what you want, but the goal is to finish and finish well.
As many of you "get back into the swing of things" at school or in your job, let me encourage you to start with the end in mind. Plan to run hard so you can finish well. Will you tire along the way? I’m sure you will. Will you be tempted to go off the track from time to time? I imagine so. But don’t give in to those temptations.
Some of you may have seen the Olympic Marathon broadcast on August 16. Paula Radcliff was a competitor in that race, and she finished 23rd. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that Radcliff is the world record holder in the event. For 3 months prior to the Olympics she had been battling a stress fracture injury in her leg.
I didn’t see the beginning of the race, but I did see the final few miles. Every step was work for her, but she didn’t quit. Each time her leg came down there was a grimace of pain on her face, but she kept running.
"I was going to the finish line no matter what. I tried to the right things in the race, tried to go after Constantina but my legs weren't there. I didn't feel sick or in distress, but there was nothing else I could do."
Four years ago, in Athens, Radcliffe stopped three miles from the finish with illness. But this time, she was committed to making it to the finish line. How about you? Do you have the drive? Do you have the determination? Do you have the end in mind?
And let’s translate this spiritually for a moment: There are many people who started off with a great burst of energy as they followed God, but somehow got off the track. They got sidelined by something and just haven’t returned to finish the race.
In the Bible, Hebrews 12:1 says (in part), "let us run the race that is before us and never give up."
No one ever said your work would be easy, the project would be a piece of cake, your marriage would always go smoothly or your walk with God would be effortless. However, if we commit to running the race and never giving up, we’ll reach the goal!
You can do it.......just keep running........one foot in front of the other.........yeah, just like that!
No Need To Worry!
Good morning, friends! I trust your weekend gave you some time to relax and
regroup and that you’re ready for the week ahead.
Last week was a bit tumultuous, to say the least! I was driving on Wednesday
and had the radio on and heard the following: ! 1) The stock market fell another
450 points after having dropped over 500 points on Tuesday. 2) Oil prices rose
$5 per barrel. 3) The government is shelling out $85 billion to rescue the AIG
insurance group and they’re talking about establishing a government agency to
buy bankrupt companies and banks, and 4) Gold shot up $70 per ounce.
Wow! All in one day! Can you believe that?!
The economy is a roller coaster, we’re moving toward the final stretch of a
presidential election, there’s unrest around the world and things are looking a
bit bleak in several areas.
So let’s all synchronize our watches and Tuesday at 8 pm let’s worry
together. Sound good? No, not really. But honestly, have you spent some time
worrying lately? Maybe you’re not worrying about these things, but about other
things.
Is my job secure?
My marriage is feeling a bit shaky, will it last?
The gas tank is almost empty, and so is my bank account.....
So many things consume our thoughts, our time and our energy. But worry isn’t
the answer. Worry sucks the life and the joy out of so many people......and
people can worry, literally, about anything and everything. But it does nothing
productive. In fact, here’s what God said about worry in Proverbs 12:25: Worry
is a heavy load. In Ecclesiastes 5:3 the Bible says: The saying is true: Bad
dreams come from too much worrying.
So if worry isn’t the answer, what is? Glad you asked! Psalms 121 says: I
look up to the hills, but where does my help come from? My help comes from the
LORD, who made heaven and earth.
I know I’ve written this before, but it’s true (hey, you can only write so
many of these E-Mails before you’re bound to repeat yourself): When trouble
comes, don’t waste your time looking around, instead, look up. That’s where your
help comes from.
If I didn’t know God was in control, I’d be a bit worried right now because
of the events taking place all around us. But I do know God is in control and
He’s going to take care of things. He may not take care of them like I would
take care of them, but that’s why He’s God and I’m not (which is a VERY good
thing!).
So I encourage you today, look up! There are always going to be situations
that cause us to pause and wonder what’s going on, but keep in mind that God is
always going to be there for all who trust in Him. So hang in there,
friend......and look up. You’ll find what you’re looking for.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Dream Big, then Hold On!
There’s a story in the first book of the Bible, Genesis, that I want to focus on for a few moments. Allow me to paraphrase the story - the story of Joseph. You may have seen a play or production about him and his multi-colored robe. Joseph was the firstborn child of his mother, Rachel. He had 10 step-brothers who were quite jealous of him because he was his father’s favorite son.
One day, God gave Joseph a dream. In that dream he saw himself being placed in a position of leadership and his brothers and family becoming subservient to his leadership. Needless to say, his family wasn’t terribly favorable by that idea.
One day his brothers were watching their father’s flocks and Joseph was sent to check on them. When they saw him coming they plotted to squash his dreams, so they sold him into slavery and told their father that he was dead. (No one every said there weren’t dysfunctional families in the Bible!)
He was purchased by a man named Potipher and he quickly rose to the top of the servant’s ladder. However, Potipher’s wife thought Joseph was quite a handsome young man and wanted to sleep with him. Joseph refused, so she framed him, claiming rape, and he was imprisoned. While in prison he gained favor with the warden and rose to the top of the "privileged" list. He also interpreted a dream that another prisoner had, that ultimately came to be.
Some time later, that prisoner was restored to his position in the king’s palace. Then the king had a dream that troubled him and no one could tell him what it meant. The former prisoner remembered that Joseph had interpreted his dream and told the king who summoned Joseph to him. Joseph, with God’s help, was able to interpret the dream, so the king made him second in command in the entire kingdom. (Not too shabby for a boy turned slave turned prisoner, eh?)
Several years after that a famine hit the land, but Joseph’s wisdom had led them to store grain over the years so there was plenty. Famine also hit the land of his family, causing them to come to Joseph to ask for his assistance - which he readily gave. Ultimately, his original dream came to pass and he was in leadership over his family.
Whew! So, great story, right? But what does it all mean? Allow me to offer some words of encouragement to you from this story:
1) Hold on to the dreams God gives you. It might seem outrageous or even impossible, but never let go of it.
2) There are always going to be those who will tell you it can’t happen, those who will want to rain on your parade. Hold on to your dreams anyway!
3) There will be adversity to the dreams taking place. You have a choice: You can let the adversity discourage and ultimately destroy you, or you can press on with determination. Your decision will have a lot to do with the outcome of your dreams.
4) Ultimately, with God’s help, your dreams can happen. Just don’t ever give up!!!
Most people, when faced with the circumstances Joseph faced, would have given up. That’s due, in large part, to the fact that so few people believe in themselves anymore. Can I tell you something? God believes in you. And He can help you see those dreams come to pass, if you will let him.
One final word from the Bible. Ephesians 3:20 says, "With God’s power working in us, God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine."
Let me give you my interpretation of that verse: With God’s power at work in me I can achieve the dreams He’s given me......and even more.
Let me encourage you to chase your dreams. Don’t let the naysayers slow you down. Go for it!!! I’ll be cheering you on. And when you get there, drop me a line and let me know. Until then, I’ll be in your corner!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Crushing Criticism
Tomorrow night is the big game: Memphis vs. Kansas for the NCAA National Championship in basketball. I didn’t get to see Memphis beat UCLA, but I watched Kansas play North Carolina. Wow! What a game!
UCLA made the Final Four, but doesn’t get to advance to the final game. But they have been there many times. Former coach John Wooden, who turned 97 last year, was once asked his opinion of retired Texas Tech and Indiana coach Bobby Knight. Wooden would only respond, "I think Bob Knight is an outstanding teacher of the game of basketball, but I don't approve of his methods. But I'm not a judge, and I'm not judging Bob Knight. There is so much bad in the best of us and so much good in the worst of us, it hardly behooves me to talk about the rest of us."
I think he understands what Henry Kaiser once said, "When your work speaks for itself, don’t interrupt."
Wooden has shown us what a legend looks like. He not only was a gentlemen on the court, he holds records that may never be broken. His 10 national championships, his 88 game winning streak, his phenomenal winning percentage, the players he groomed for stardom in the NBA - this is his legacy; he has no reason to add the title of "outspoken critic" to the list.
Yet it seems that so many are constantly critical, always criticizing others. In all our lives there are those who might be deemed "worthy" of outspoken criticism. But we have to choose: We can criticize, or we can care; we can lament or we can love.
The Bible says: You have no right to criticize your brother or look down on him. Remember, each of us will stand personally before the Judgment Seat of God. (Romans 14:10)
It’s not my job to criticize (although like many, I’ve become good at it. God, please forgive me.) I’d like to encourage you to strive toward leaving a legacy built, not upon our estimation (or criticism) of others, but upon our own measurable accomplishments. In other words, criticize less, do more. That’s what a legend looks like.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
A Personal Encouter With an Encourager
I had the privilege of working with at the annual vocal/instrumental solo & ensemble contest this past Saturday. A number of schools participated with hundreds of performances throughout the day.
I was a center manager for instrumental solos and ensembles. We started at 8 AM and finished at about 5 PM. In the process we heard dozens of trumpet and french horn solos, along with several brass ensembles. The students weren’t competing against each other, but for a rating. As with all contests, there were some OUTSTANDING performances, many GREAT performances, a number of GOOD performances and a couple of NOT SO GREAT performances. All in all the students did a great job and I was proud of all of them.
Each center has a judge that evaluates every performance, writes comments and instructions for improvement and then gives different aspects of the performance a numeric value. Add those numbers up and you have the final score and rating for the performance.
The reason I’m writing about this is because of the judge I worked with. His name is Jeffrey Agrell and he is a professor at the School of Music at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. I had never worked with him nor even met him prior to Saturday, but from the very first performance in the morning I was deeply impressed by this guy.
There were two things that struck me about Mr. Agrell. First, he spoke personally with every soloist following their performance, and spoke to every ensemble following theirs. He would offer words of instruction, suggestions for improvement and some technical expertise. Second, and this is the one that really impressed me, he had nothing but encouragement to offer to every single performer. I watched him closely. He wasn’t just offering "empty words". He meant every single word he spoke and he was just as sincere with the final performance as he was with the first.
All of this made me wonder.....why aren’t most of us like that? I try to be positive and upbeat and encouraging, but I don’t always achieve it. So I’ve decided I’m going to work harder to obey 1 Thessalonians 5:11 which says, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
Can I encourage you to do the same? Be an encourager. Mr. Agrell set an excellent example for me and everyone else who stepped into our center. I hope I can do the same for someone else.
God bless, friends! Have a great week!
I was a center manager for instrumental solos and ensembles. We started at 8 AM and finished at about 5 PM. In the process we heard dozens of trumpet and french horn solos, along with several brass ensembles. The students weren’t competing against each other, but for a rating. As with all contests, there were some OUTSTANDING performances, many GREAT performances, a number of GOOD performances and a couple of NOT SO GREAT performances. All in all the students did a great job and I was proud of all of them.
Each center has a judge that evaluates every performance, writes comments and instructions for improvement and then gives different aspects of the performance a numeric value. Add those numbers up and you have the final score and rating for the performance.
The reason I’m writing about this is because of the judge I worked with. His name is Jeffrey Agrell and he is a professor at the School of Music at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa. I had never worked with him nor even met him prior to Saturday, but from the very first performance in the morning I was deeply impressed by this guy.
There were two things that struck me about Mr. Agrell. First, he spoke personally with every soloist following their performance, and spoke to every ensemble following theirs. He would offer words of instruction, suggestions for improvement and some technical expertise. Second, and this is the one that really impressed me, he had nothing but encouragement to offer to every single performer. I watched him closely. He wasn’t just offering "empty words". He meant every single word he spoke and he was just as sincere with the final performance as he was with the first.
All of this made me wonder.....why aren’t most of us like that? I try to be positive and upbeat and encouraging, but I don’t always achieve it. So I’ve decided I’m going to work harder to obey 1 Thessalonians 5:11 which says, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
Can I encourage you to do the same? Be an encourager. Mr. Agrell set an excellent example for me and everyone else who stepped into our center. I hope I can do the same for someone else.
God bless, friends! Have a great week!
Monday, March 10, 2008
Created for "Choice Work"
I often tell people, "God has a specific plan and purpose for your life. Your job is to discover His plan and then fulfill it. Then, and only then will you have a fulfilling life."
The response I get is so often the same: "What good am I to God? How could He possibly want to use me?"
The problem is, so many people have such low self-esteem that they believe they’re worthless........even to God. But that’s not the case at all! Psalm 139:16 says, "Your eyes saw me when I was only a fetus. Every day of my life was recorded in your book before one of them had taken place." God created you just the way you are, and He did it ON purpose FOR A purpose!
Years ago a traveler visited a logging area in the Pacific Northwest. He watched with great curiosity as a logger, working alongside a mountain stream, would periodically jab his sharp hook into a log as it went past and separate it from the others. This visitor could not see any reason as to why the logger would grab certain logs and let others go by.
When the visitor asked the logger about it, he replied, "These logs may all look alike to you, but I can recognize that a few of them are quite different. The ones that I let pass by grew in a valley where they were always protected from the storms. Their grain is rather coarse. But the logs that I have pulled aside come from high up on the mountains. They were beaten by strong winds from the time they were quite small. This toughens the trees and gives them a fine grain. We save these logs for choice work. They are too good to be used for ordinary lumber."
Here’s what is so cool about God: EVERY person is created for "choice work". No one is "ordinary" with God. Not you, not your co-workers, not your spouse or you kids.......no one. God made everyone specifically how He wanted them to be made, and He has a purpose for every individual to fulfill.
And friend, when you discover that purpose and begin to fulfill it, you’re going to find joy and peace and satisfaction like you’ve never known it before. Let me encourage you to talk to God in prayer and seek to discover His plan for your life. I promise you, it will be the most fulfilling thing you’ll ever do!!
The response I get is so often the same: "What good am I to God? How could He possibly want to use me?"
The problem is, so many people have such low self-esteem that they believe they’re worthless........even to God. But that’s not the case at all! Psalm 139:16 says, "Your eyes saw me when I was only a fetus. Every day of my life was recorded in your book before one of them had taken place." God created you just the way you are, and He did it ON purpose FOR A purpose!
Years ago a traveler visited a logging area in the Pacific Northwest. He watched with great curiosity as a logger, working alongside a mountain stream, would periodically jab his sharp hook into a log as it went past and separate it from the others. This visitor could not see any reason as to why the logger would grab certain logs and let others go by.
When the visitor asked the logger about it, he replied, "These logs may all look alike to you, but I can recognize that a few of them are quite different. The ones that I let pass by grew in a valley where they were always protected from the storms. Their grain is rather coarse. But the logs that I have pulled aside come from high up on the mountains. They were beaten by strong winds from the time they were quite small. This toughens the trees and gives them a fine grain. We save these logs for choice work. They are too good to be used for ordinary lumber."
Here’s what is so cool about God: EVERY person is created for "choice work". No one is "ordinary" with God. Not you, not your co-workers, not your spouse or you kids.......no one. God made everyone specifically how He wanted them to be made, and He has a purpose for every individual to fulfill.
And friend, when you discover that purpose and begin to fulfill it, you’re going to find joy and peace and satisfaction like you’ve never known it before. Let me encourage you to talk to God in prayer and seek to discover His plan for your life. I promise you, it will be the most fulfilling thing you’ll ever do!!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Receiving Advice
We have an exceptional leadership team at the church I pastor. I often go to them, seeking their input and advice with regard to various matters. But let’s be honest...how often do we like to "receive" advice? Wouldn’t we rather "give" it? But "receiving" advice is actually quite a wise thing to do!
The ability to accept and act on good advice is fundamental to success in any venture. That's why Solomon said, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed." (Proverbs 15:22)
The question is: Who do you go to for advice? Here are some suggestions about who to turn to.
Seek advice from those who know. Leonardo da Vinci said, "Ask counsel of him who governs himself well." There are people I know from whom I will gladly receive financial advice, but whose parenting advice I avoid. Not everyone is wise in every area, but in the areas where they excel and succeed, that’s the area where seeking their advice is wise.
Do you want to learn how to endure adversity? Don't ask someone for whom life has been a "piece of cake". Talk with the person who has been through the valley, through the dark times. Ask the one who has weathered a few storms. They’re the ones who can give you advice that is worthwhile.
Seek advice from those who care. There are people in life who have only their best interest in mind, and there are people in life who truly care about you. Talk to the ones who care. The advice they give is going to be a benefit, whereas the ones who only focus on themselves may not guide you in a direction that will help you.
John Ray said, "It is a foolish sheep that makes the wolf his counselor." Isn’t it funny how every time you ask for advice from a salesman their advice always involves purchasing his product? Make sure you listen to those who have your best interests in heart, not theirs.
Be willing to hear what you don't want to hear, and be willing to do what you don't want to do. The temptation is to seek advice from those who will say what you want them to say. Good advice will challenge you to rethink your approach and fine tune your strategy. Solomon said, "The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice." (Proverbs 12:15)
Getting advice is not about allowing others to make decisions for you. Ultimately, the decision is up to you. You're the one who must live the consequences - all the more reason to make sure going in that you've heard from the best and are committed to following their example.
I encourage you to use wisdom when seeking advice. And of course, begin with God. If there’s anyone who knows you, cares for you and will guide you in a direction that will always benefit you......it’s Him.
The ability to accept and act on good advice is fundamental to success in any venture. That's why Solomon said, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed." (Proverbs 15:22)
The question is: Who do you go to for advice? Here are some suggestions about who to turn to.
Seek advice from those who know. Leonardo da Vinci said, "Ask counsel of him who governs himself well." There are people I know from whom I will gladly receive financial advice, but whose parenting advice I avoid. Not everyone is wise in every area, but in the areas where they excel and succeed, that’s the area where seeking their advice is wise.
Do you want to learn how to endure adversity? Don't ask someone for whom life has been a "piece of cake". Talk with the person who has been through the valley, through the dark times. Ask the one who has weathered a few storms. They’re the ones who can give you advice that is worthwhile.
Seek advice from those who care. There are people in life who have only their best interest in mind, and there are people in life who truly care about you. Talk to the ones who care. The advice they give is going to be a benefit, whereas the ones who only focus on themselves may not guide you in a direction that will help you.
John Ray said, "It is a foolish sheep that makes the wolf his counselor." Isn’t it funny how every time you ask for advice from a salesman their advice always involves purchasing his product? Make sure you listen to those who have your best interests in heart, not theirs.
Be willing to hear what you don't want to hear, and be willing to do what you don't want to do. The temptation is to seek advice from those who will say what you want them to say. Good advice will challenge you to rethink your approach and fine tune your strategy. Solomon said, "The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice." (Proverbs 12:15)
Getting advice is not about allowing others to make decisions for you. Ultimately, the decision is up to you. You're the one who must live the consequences - all the more reason to make sure going in that you've heard from the best and are committed to following their example.
I encourage you to use wisdom when seeking advice. And of course, begin with God. If there’s anyone who knows you, cares for you and will guide you in a direction that will always benefit you......it’s Him.
A Great Sermon
I got a call the other day from a dear friend, commenting on a recent lesson I taught at the church. Hey, I’m just like everyone else.......it feels good to receive a compliment. Well, his call got the wheels turning in my brain and I began thinking about the question, "What’s a great sermon?"
To answer that, let me share a brief story sent to me by my friend, Nancy:
While watching a little TV on Sunday instead of going to church, I watched a Church in Atlanta honoring one of its senior pastors who had been retired many years. He was 92 at that time and I wondered why the Church even bothered to ask the old gentleman to preach at that age.
After a warm welcome, introduction of this speaker, and as the applause quieted down he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and a sliding gate to the podium. Without a note or written paper of any kind he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself and then quietly and slowly he began to speak....
"When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50 odd years of preaching. I thought about it for a few days and boiled it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me through all my trials. The one thing that I could always rely on when tears and heartbreak and pain and fear and sorrow paralyzed me... the only thing that would comfort was this verse:
"Jesus loves me this I know.
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong,
we are weak but He is strong.....
Yes, Jesus loves me...
The Bible tells me so."
When he finished, the church was quiet. You actually could hear his foot steps as he shuffled back to his chair. I don't believe I will ever forget it.
"Jesus loves me, this I know." Now THAT’S a great sermon! The Bible says it this way: Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)
I’ve taught a lot of sermons in my life, and Lord willing, I’ll teach many more. No one is going to remember all of them (not even me!). But I encourage you to remember the sermon from the 92 year old pastor. It’s words are worth more than all the gold in the world!
To answer that, let me share a brief story sent to me by my friend, Nancy:
While watching a little TV on Sunday instead of going to church, I watched a Church in Atlanta honoring one of its senior pastors who had been retired many years. He was 92 at that time and I wondered why the Church even bothered to ask the old gentleman to preach at that age.
After a warm welcome, introduction of this speaker, and as the applause quieted down he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and a sliding gate to the podium. Without a note or written paper of any kind he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself and then quietly and slowly he began to speak....
"When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50 odd years of preaching. I thought about it for a few days and boiled it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me through all my trials. The one thing that I could always rely on when tears and heartbreak and pain and fear and sorrow paralyzed me... the only thing that would comfort was this verse:
"Jesus loves me this I know.
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong,
we are weak but He is strong.....
Yes, Jesus loves me...
The Bible tells me so."
When he finished, the church was quiet. You actually could hear his foot steps as he shuffled back to his chair. I don't believe I will ever forget it.
"Jesus loves me, this I know." Now THAT’S a great sermon! The Bible says it this way: Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)
I’ve taught a lot of sermons in my life, and Lord willing, I’ll teach many more. No one is going to remember all of them (not even me!). But I encourage you to remember the sermon from the 92 year old pastor. It’s words are worth more than all the gold in the world!
Being a Giver
I was on the receiving end this week. I received a phone call on Thursday telling me that I had been given an extremely generous gift. In fact, it wasn’t one gift, it was two. This gift came from a group of people who truly went WAY above and beyond in their giving. I was truly blessed and look forward with great anticipation to enjoying their gift to me.
But it got me to thinking.......am I a giver? A good friend of mine once said, "Never give to a non-giver because at that moment your giving stops." Good point! If I give to a non-giver, the giving stops. But if I give to another giver, the giving just keeps on going and going and going.
Let’s face it, there are two kinds of people in this world: givers and takers. I’m guessing we all know our share of both. But the big question is this: Which one are you?
A couple of verses of Scripture come to mind. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, "God loves the person who gives cheerfully." And Romans 12:8 says, "If you have money, share it generously."
The following story explains it well:
As the Cadillac owner walked to his car, he saw a boy about 10-years old staring intently through the windows. Wondering what he was up to, the man put his hands on the youngster's shoulders, pulled gently, and asked him what he was doing. The boy said he was interested in cars and had read a lot about different models. He then told him many details about this particular year and body style.
After a bit, the boy asked, "Mister, how much did you pay for this car?" The man replied,
"Nothing. My brother gave it to me."
The boy responded, "I wish . . ." but stopped in mid_sentence.
The man chuckled, "You were going to say, 'I wish I had a brother like that.'"
"No, I was going to say, 'I wish I could be a brother like that'. You see, sir, I have a brother who is crippled and I'd like to do a lot of things for him."
Let me encourage you to follow the example of the individuals who blessed me last week....and the heart of the young man in the story....be a generous giver. Giving isn’t exclusively monetary. There are so many ways to give into the lives of others. Choose to be a giver. Trust me, it’s the much better way to go!
But it got me to thinking.......am I a giver? A good friend of mine once said, "Never give to a non-giver because at that moment your giving stops." Good point! If I give to a non-giver, the giving stops. But if I give to another giver, the giving just keeps on going and going and going.
Let’s face it, there are two kinds of people in this world: givers and takers. I’m guessing we all know our share of both. But the big question is this: Which one are you?
A couple of verses of Scripture come to mind. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, "God loves the person who gives cheerfully." And Romans 12:8 says, "If you have money, share it generously."
The following story explains it well:
As the Cadillac owner walked to his car, he saw a boy about 10-years old staring intently through the windows. Wondering what he was up to, the man put his hands on the youngster's shoulders, pulled gently, and asked him what he was doing. The boy said he was interested in cars and had read a lot about different models. He then told him many details about this particular year and body style.
After a bit, the boy asked, "Mister, how much did you pay for this car?" The man replied,
"Nothing. My brother gave it to me."
The boy responded, "I wish . . ." but stopped in mid_sentence.
The man chuckled, "You were going to say, 'I wish I had a brother like that.'"
"No, I was going to say, 'I wish I could be a brother like that'. You see, sir, I have a brother who is crippled and I'd like to do a lot of things for him."
Let me encourage you to follow the example of the individuals who blessed me last week....and the heart of the young man in the story....be a generous giver. Giving isn’t exclusively monetary. There are so many ways to give into the lives of others. Choose to be a giver. Trust me, it’s the much better way to go!
The Best Source
I can remember when I was younger and I had messed up. I know that most of you have never messed up, but I was actually kind of good at it. This particular time my dad was talking with me (TO me) and I shot some smart reply to him like, "Yeah, well you’re not the best dad in the world you know!" I’ll never forget what he said. He looked at me and said, "I may not be the best dad in the world, but I’m trying. I’ve never done this before and there is no manual for raising kids."
That was a rather heated moment and I regret what I said because my dad is an absolutely incredible dad! His statement, however, stuck with me. I’ve often wished, as a parent, that there was a book that explained everything there is to know about parenting.....or world hunger.....or financial decision making.....or how to build relationships.....or how to relax. Then it struck me: there is a book with all of those things in it - and more!
It’s the Bible.
I know, I know. It’s a boring book that was written hundreds of years ago. Right? How could it possibly be interesting? Let’s see......It is a book about seduction, hot sex with multiple partners, schemes to have a rival eliminated, incest, murder, mayhem, thievery, family violence, sexism, surrogate mothers, polygamy, religious intolerance, and bloody wars. In it’s pages you’ll find infertility, surrogacy gone wrong, jealousy, "cat" fights, exhibitionism, adultery, an unexpected pregnancy, a non-compliant husband, and premeditated murder. Nope, they just don’t write ‘em like this anymore!
But more than "excitement", there’s also some incredible insight into humanity, relationships, child-rearing, finances, sex and integrity. The Bible is a book of hope. And you know what? You don’t even have to believe in God to reap benefit from reading it!
2 Timothy 3:16 says: All Scripture is given by God and is useful for teaching, for showing people what is wrong in their lives, for correcting faults, and for teaching how to live right.
A Bible that is falling apart is usually the sign of a life that isn't. So let me encourage you to pick yours up, dust it off if necessary, and begin reading it this year. I’d be happy to offer some guidance on reading it, if you’d like. And if you don’t have a Bible, let me know and I’ll give you one.
That was a rather heated moment and I regret what I said because my dad is an absolutely incredible dad! His statement, however, stuck with me. I’ve often wished, as a parent, that there was a book that explained everything there is to know about parenting.....or world hunger.....or financial decision making.....or how to build relationships.....or how to relax. Then it struck me: there is a book with all of those things in it - and more!
It’s the Bible.
I know, I know. It’s a boring book that was written hundreds of years ago. Right? How could it possibly be interesting? Let’s see......It is a book about seduction, hot sex with multiple partners, schemes to have a rival eliminated, incest, murder, mayhem, thievery, family violence, sexism, surrogate mothers, polygamy, religious intolerance, and bloody wars. In it’s pages you’ll find infertility, surrogacy gone wrong, jealousy, "cat" fights, exhibitionism, adultery, an unexpected pregnancy, a non-compliant husband, and premeditated murder. Nope, they just don’t write ‘em like this anymore!
But more than "excitement", there’s also some incredible insight into humanity, relationships, child-rearing, finances, sex and integrity. The Bible is a book of hope. And you know what? You don’t even have to believe in God to reap benefit from reading it!
2 Timothy 3:16 says: All Scripture is given by God and is useful for teaching, for showing people what is wrong in their lives, for correcting faults, and for teaching how to live right.
A Bible that is falling apart is usually the sign of a life that isn't. So let me encourage you to pick yours up, dust it off if necessary, and begin reading it this year. I’d be happy to offer some guidance on reading it, if you’d like. And if you don’t have a Bible, let me know and I’ll give you one.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Packing Parachutes
I’m guessing that many of you have read this story before.
Charles Plumb was a US Navy jet pilot in Vietnam. After 75 combat missions, his plane was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile. Plumb ejected and parachuted into enemy hands. He was captured and spent 6 years in a communist Vietnamese prison. He survived the ordeal and now lectures on lessons learned from that experience!
One day, when Plumb and his wife were sitting in a restaurant, a man at another table came up and said, "You're Plumb! You flew jet fighters in Vietnam from the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk. You were shot down!"
"How in the world did you know that?" asked Plumb.
"I packed your parachute," the man replied. Plumb gasped in surprise and gratitude. The man pumped his hand and said, "I guess it worked!" Plumb assured him, "It sure did. If your chute hadn't worked, I wouldn't be here today."
Plumb couldn't sleep that night, thinking about that man. Plumb says, "I kept wondering what he had looked like in a Navy uniform: a white hat; a bib in the back; and bell_bottom trousers. I wonder how many times I might have seen him and not even said 'Good morning, how are you?' or anything because, you see, I was a fighter pilot and he was just a sailor." Plumb thought of the many hours the sailor had spent at a long wooden table in the bowels of the ship, carefully weaving the shrouds and folding the silks of each chute, holding in his hands each time the fate of someone he didn't know.
Now, Plumb asks his audience, "Who's packing your parachute?" Everyone has someone who provides what they need to make it through the day. He also points out that he needed many kinds of parachutes when his plane was shot down over enemy territory _ he needed his physical parachute, his mental parachute, his emotional parachute, and his spiritual parachute.
He called on all these supports before reaching safety.
I have two questions for you today: 1) Who’s packing your parachute? I promise you, friend, someone is packing your parachute. Whether it’s a word of encouragement, a smile or a well-timed prayer on your behalf - someone is packing your parachute.
2) Whose parachute are you packing? Where can you lend a hand today? Whom can you pray for? Who needs a smile or a word of encouragement? It all matters!!
The Bible teaches us to, "encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing."
I encourage you to pack someone’s parachute today. They may not be jumping out of a plane into enemy territory, but they still need you in their corner!
Have a terrific, parachute-packed week!!
Charles Plumb was a US Navy jet pilot in Vietnam. After 75 combat missions, his plane was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile. Plumb ejected and parachuted into enemy hands. He was captured and spent 6 years in a communist Vietnamese prison. He survived the ordeal and now lectures on lessons learned from that experience!
One day, when Plumb and his wife were sitting in a restaurant, a man at another table came up and said, "You're Plumb! You flew jet fighters in Vietnam from the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk. You were shot down!"
"How in the world did you know that?" asked Plumb.
"I packed your parachute," the man replied. Plumb gasped in surprise and gratitude. The man pumped his hand and said, "I guess it worked!" Plumb assured him, "It sure did. If your chute hadn't worked, I wouldn't be here today."
Plumb couldn't sleep that night, thinking about that man. Plumb says, "I kept wondering what he had looked like in a Navy uniform: a white hat; a bib in the back; and bell_bottom trousers. I wonder how many times I might have seen him and not even said 'Good morning, how are you?' or anything because, you see, I was a fighter pilot and he was just a sailor." Plumb thought of the many hours the sailor had spent at a long wooden table in the bowels of the ship, carefully weaving the shrouds and folding the silks of each chute, holding in his hands each time the fate of someone he didn't know.
Now, Plumb asks his audience, "Who's packing your parachute?" Everyone has someone who provides what they need to make it through the day. He also points out that he needed many kinds of parachutes when his plane was shot down over enemy territory _ he needed his physical parachute, his mental parachute, his emotional parachute, and his spiritual parachute.
He called on all these supports before reaching safety.
I have two questions for you today: 1) Who’s packing your parachute? I promise you, friend, someone is packing your parachute. Whether it’s a word of encouragement, a smile or a well-timed prayer on your behalf - someone is packing your parachute.
2) Whose parachute are you packing? Where can you lend a hand today? Whom can you pray for? Who needs a smile or a word of encouragement? It all matters!!
The Bible teaches us to, "encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing."
I encourage you to pack someone’s parachute today. They may not be jumping out of a plane into enemy territory, but they still need you in their corner!
Have a terrific, parachute-packed week!!
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