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.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
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!!
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Changing What Needs To Be Changed
Cosmetic surgery has become very popular lately. People go to cosmetic surgeons wanting to look younger, older, wiser.......or like their favorite movie stars. Sadly, they sometimes come out looking like an altogether different person!
We all like the idea of changing, of becoming something different than what we presently are.
Starting over again . . . .
Reinventing ourselves . . . .
Experiencing a new beginning . . .
Certainly, our culture is obsessed with change and self-improvement.
I heard about a woman named Shirley who was from Beverly Hills. One day, she had a heart attack and was taken to Cedars_Sinai Hospital. While on the operating table, she had a near-death experience. She saw God and asked, "Is this it? Is my life over?"
God said, "No, don't worry. You have another 40 years to live."
Shirley figured that since she had another 40 years, she might as well make the most of it. Upon her recovery, she decided to stay in the hospital and have collagen shots, cheek implants, a facelift and liposuction—the works! She then had someone dye her hair.
When she walked out of the lobby at Cedars_Sinai, however, an ambulance speeding up to the hospital killed her. She arrived in front of God and said, "I thought you said I had another 40 years?"
God replied, "Shirley! I'm so sorry, but I didn't RECOGNIZE YOU!"
Here’s the problem: We recognize the need for change, but we work on the wrong part. We want to change the outside when the problem that needs changed exists on the inside.
Plastic surgery and new hair styles and clothing might make us feel good for awhile, but it doesn’t last. So what we really need to do is figure out what needs fixed and fix that.
It’s not our hair that needs fixed, it’s our hearts. He Bible tells us, "The human heart is most deceitful and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?" (Jeremiah 17:9) Sounds bleak, doesn’t it?
New clothes, hair, makeup, jewelry, toys or surgery isn’t going to fix the heart. Only God can do that. And guess what? That’s exactly what He wants to do! Check out what the Bible says in Ezekiel 36:26, "I will give you a new heart with new and right desires, and I will put a new spirit in you."
Here’s the best part.......God wants to do this for you and it won’t cost you a thing! All you need to do is ask.
Let me encourage you to do just that; ask God for a new heart. We’re drawing closer to Christmas - a time of giving gifts. God wants to give you a great gift as well. It’s the kind of change that every man, woman, boy and girl needs.......and it’s available to all!
We all like the idea of changing, of becoming something different than what we presently are.
Starting over again . . . .
Reinventing ourselves . . . .
Experiencing a new beginning . . .
Certainly, our culture is obsessed with change and self-improvement.
I heard about a woman named Shirley who was from Beverly Hills. One day, she had a heart attack and was taken to Cedars_Sinai Hospital. While on the operating table, she had a near-death experience. She saw God and asked, "Is this it? Is my life over?"
God said, "No, don't worry. You have another 40 years to live."
Shirley figured that since she had another 40 years, she might as well make the most of it. Upon her recovery, she decided to stay in the hospital and have collagen shots, cheek implants, a facelift and liposuction—the works! She then had someone dye her hair.
When she walked out of the lobby at Cedars_Sinai, however, an ambulance speeding up to the hospital killed her. She arrived in front of God and said, "I thought you said I had another 40 years?"
God replied, "Shirley! I'm so sorry, but I didn't RECOGNIZE YOU!"
Here’s the problem: We recognize the need for change, but we work on the wrong part. We want to change the outside when the problem that needs changed exists on the inside.
Plastic surgery and new hair styles and clothing might make us feel good for awhile, but it doesn’t last. So what we really need to do is figure out what needs fixed and fix that.
It’s not our hair that needs fixed, it’s our hearts. He Bible tells us, "The human heart is most deceitful and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?" (Jeremiah 17:9) Sounds bleak, doesn’t it?
New clothes, hair, makeup, jewelry, toys or surgery isn’t going to fix the heart. Only God can do that. And guess what? That’s exactly what He wants to do! Check out what the Bible says in Ezekiel 36:26, "I will give you a new heart with new and right desires, and I will put a new spirit in you."
Here’s the best part.......God wants to do this for you and it won’t cost you a thing! All you need to do is ask.
Let me encourage you to do just that; ask God for a new heart. We’re drawing closer to Christmas - a time of giving gifts. God wants to give you a great gift as well. It’s the kind of change that every man, woman, boy and girl needs.......and it’s available to all!
Your Sphere of Influence
Have you ever stopped to consider your sphere of influence? Perhaps you think you don’t really influence anyone, but that is simply not true. Everyone influences someone. If you are married, you influence your spouse. If you are a parent, you influence your kids. If you go to church, you influence the people there. If you live in a neighborhood, your influence extends to your neighbors. If you go to a workplace each day, then you influence the people at work. Never underestimate the truth that others are watching you. When you think about it that way, you are an individual of great influence!
It is difficult to realize that our influence can be increased through adversity, yet many times that is part of God’s plan to bring about good through all circumstances. We see how three men from the Bible demonstrate this consistently.
In the Bible, Joseph faced numerous adversities, yet rose to be the second in command of all of Egypt. His story reminds us that we are never out of God’s reach and we are never without hope. If God is with us, no one and nothing can stand against us.
In the Bible, Daniel was constantly "taking the high road" and choosing to do what was right rather than what was convenient. Every time he did he gained more of the king’s favor.
I could list many more - both Biblical characters and non-Biblical characters - individuals who faced adversity and overcame with God’s help. I wish I could tell you that you’ll never face adversity. I’d be lying to you if I did. Jesus Himself said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
You say, "Nope! That’s not me. No adversity here." Great, but somewhere, sometime you’ll face some. And if you are facing difficulties right now, well, don’t lose hope! Not only can God help you through the adversity if you ask Him, but He can use the adversity in your life to influence others.
My high school shop teacher had a sign over the door. It read "Getting up after you’ve fallen down strengthens your muscles." I want to encourage you today: If you’ve been knocked down, get back up. If you’re facing adversity, don’t face it alone. Ask God to help you......and He will!
Once you’ve come through it, help others who may be facing similar situations. In doing so, you’ll have more influence on others than you know!
It is difficult to realize that our influence can be increased through adversity, yet many times that is part of God’s plan to bring about good through all circumstances. We see how three men from the Bible demonstrate this consistently.
In the Bible, Joseph faced numerous adversities, yet rose to be the second in command of all of Egypt. His story reminds us that we are never out of God’s reach and we are never without hope. If God is with us, no one and nothing can stand against us.
In the Bible, Daniel was constantly "taking the high road" and choosing to do what was right rather than what was convenient. Every time he did he gained more of the king’s favor.
I could list many more - both Biblical characters and non-Biblical characters - individuals who faced adversity and overcame with God’s help. I wish I could tell you that you’ll never face adversity. I’d be lying to you if I did. Jesus Himself said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
You say, "Nope! That’s not me. No adversity here." Great, but somewhere, sometime you’ll face some. And if you are facing difficulties right now, well, don’t lose hope! Not only can God help you through the adversity if you ask Him, but He can use the adversity in your life to influence others.
My high school shop teacher had a sign over the door. It read "Getting up after you’ve fallen down strengthens your muscles." I want to encourage you today: If you’ve been knocked down, get back up. If you’re facing adversity, don’t face it alone. Ask God to help you......and He will!
Once you’ve come through it, help others who may be facing similar situations. In doing so, you’ll have more influence on others than you know!
Friends
Friends.
How does one define a friend? We all have friends, some closer than others. Me? I am blessed with an abundance of friends.....including you! I won’t pretend that I personally know everyone who gets this e-mail, but I know many of you and I consider you to be my friends.
Oscar Wilde wrote of George Bernard Shaw, "Shaw hasn't an enemy in the world. And none of his friends like him." Author Jeremy Thorpe, tongue in cheek, misquoted a Biblical concept when he wrote, "Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his friends for his life." Unfortunately, there are some folks who actually abide by that fractured command. Someone else said, "A friend in need....is a pest!" Ah, but a real friend! Now we're talking!
We all have many acquaintances whom we appreciate and enjoy. A friend is another dimension. A friend is someone who has been at your side through the proverbial "thick and thin" for years. That friend knows you on your good days and the bad ones, yet never varies in his or her appreciation of you. You can probably count the number of those friends on your fingers, especially if the duration of that friendship has been for decades. I have several such friends, and I’m sure you do as well.
The best friend you have, of course, is Jesus Who has promised never to leave you, never to forsake you. Unlike Thorpe's misquote, Jesus laid down His life for His friend!
Let me encourage you today to be a great friend. It’s impossible to be a close friend to every person you know, but we can certainly be friendly to everyone we know and to everyone we meet.
Sometimes all it takes is a smile and a "hello" to brighten someone’s day. Life is so crazy busy that we sometimes fail in that. But today, I encourage you to slow down just a bit.....and be a friend.
The Bible says this: Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be arrogant, but be friendly........(Romans 12:16)
How does one define a friend? We all have friends, some closer than others. Me? I am blessed with an abundance of friends.....including you! I won’t pretend that I personally know everyone who gets this e-mail, but I know many of you and I consider you to be my friends.
Oscar Wilde wrote of George Bernard Shaw, "Shaw hasn't an enemy in the world. And none of his friends like him." Author Jeremy Thorpe, tongue in cheek, misquoted a Biblical concept when he wrote, "Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his friends for his life." Unfortunately, there are some folks who actually abide by that fractured command. Someone else said, "A friend in need....is a pest!" Ah, but a real friend! Now we're talking!
We all have many acquaintances whom we appreciate and enjoy. A friend is another dimension. A friend is someone who has been at your side through the proverbial "thick and thin" for years. That friend knows you on your good days and the bad ones, yet never varies in his or her appreciation of you. You can probably count the number of those friends on your fingers, especially if the duration of that friendship has been for decades. I have several such friends, and I’m sure you do as well.
The best friend you have, of course, is Jesus Who has promised never to leave you, never to forsake you. Unlike Thorpe's misquote, Jesus laid down His life for His friend!
Let me encourage you today to be a great friend. It’s impossible to be a close friend to every person you know, but we can certainly be friendly to everyone we know and to everyone we meet.
Sometimes all it takes is a smile and a "hello" to brighten someone’s day. Life is so crazy busy that we sometimes fail in that. But today, I encourage you to slow down just a bit.....and be a friend.
The Bible says this: Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be arrogant, but be friendly........(Romans 12:16)
What's a Person Worth?
A few years ago there was a true story about a man in New York City who was kidnaped. His kidnappers called his wife and asked for $100,000 ransom. She talked them down to $30,000.
The story had a happy ending: the man returned home unharmed, the money was recovered, and the kidnappers were caught and sent to jail. But, don't you wonder what happened when the man got home and found that his wife got him back for a discount? Calvin Trillin was the writer of this story. He imagined out loud what the negotiations must have been like: "$100,000 for that old guy? You have got to be crazy. Just look at him! Look at that gut! You want $100,000 for that? You've got to be kidding. He’s balding and I don’t know how many good years he has left. Cut me a break here. $30,000 is my top offer."
I’m guessing that there are many of you who can identify with the wife in that story, but for some reason I find myself identifying with the husband. Yeah, I fit the “old, gut, balding scenario, but it goes beyond that. I'd like to think if I were in a similar situation, there would be people who would spare no expense to get me back. I’d like to think that they wouldn't haggle over the price....they wouldn't say, 'Well, let me think about it.' I like to think that they would say, 'We'll do anything for you.'"
Now, many of you who receive this e-mail are dear friends who would say just that. Others of you, I’ve never met. My point, however, is bigger than you and I being acquaintances. My point has to do with the value of a human being. I know we’re all worth about $5 in mineral value, but what are people worth in “people value”? Why do we sometimes treat others rudely or even with mean attitudes?
I recently sat at a football game, surrounded by families with small children. Up the aisle comes a man screaming profanities at the top of his lungs. I asked him to please watch his mouth. He replied, “You watch YOUR mouth, Maynard!” I didn’t reply. 30 seconds later he said, “You got a problem with my language?” I replied, “The children do.” He immediately apologized and left our area.
I don’t have to agree with someone’s opinion or action to be nice to them. I could have shot back a few choice verbal shots at this guy, but I chose not to. Why? Because somewhere along life’s way this guy has been hurt by someone and now he’s taking it out on everyone. What he needs isn’t another smart mouth shooting verbal bullets at him, he needs someone to show him that he has value.
After all, isn’t that what God does for us? Scripture says that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. He could just condemn us, but instead He offers hope against all of the hurt in our lives.
I encourage you to look at people through different lenses this week. You know the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” What a crock! Broken bones heal, broken spirits need hope. You have the power to offer it to others........I encourage you to do so!
The story had a happy ending: the man returned home unharmed, the money was recovered, and the kidnappers were caught and sent to jail. But, don't you wonder what happened when the man got home and found that his wife got him back for a discount? Calvin Trillin was the writer of this story. He imagined out loud what the negotiations must have been like: "$100,000 for that old guy? You have got to be crazy. Just look at him! Look at that gut! You want $100,000 for that? You've got to be kidding. He’s balding and I don’t know how many good years he has left. Cut me a break here. $30,000 is my top offer."
I’m guessing that there are many of you who can identify with the wife in that story, but for some reason I find myself identifying with the husband. Yeah, I fit the “old, gut, balding scenario, but it goes beyond that. I'd like to think if I were in a similar situation, there would be people who would spare no expense to get me back. I’d like to think that they wouldn't haggle over the price....they wouldn't say, 'Well, let me think about it.' I like to think that they would say, 'We'll do anything for you.'"
Now, many of you who receive this e-mail are dear friends who would say just that. Others of you, I’ve never met. My point, however, is bigger than you and I being acquaintances. My point has to do with the value of a human being. I know we’re all worth about $5 in mineral value, but what are people worth in “people value”? Why do we sometimes treat others rudely or even with mean attitudes?
I recently sat at a football game, surrounded by families with small children. Up the aisle comes a man screaming profanities at the top of his lungs. I asked him to please watch his mouth. He replied, “You watch YOUR mouth, Maynard!” I didn’t reply. 30 seconds later he said, “You got a problem with my language?” I replied, “The children do.” He immediately apologized and left our area.
I don’t have to agree with someone’s opinion or action to be nice to them. I could have shot back a few choice verbal shots at this guy, but I chose not to. Why? Because somewhere along life’s way this guy has been hurt by someone and now he’s taking it out on everyone. What he needs isn’t another smart mouth shooting verbal bullets at him, he needs someone to show him that he has value.
After all, isn’t that what God does for us? Scripture says that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. He could just condemn us, but instead He offers hope against all of the hurt in our lives.
I encourage you to look at people through different lenses this week. You know the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” What a crock! Broken bones heal, broken spirits need hope. You have the power to offer it to others........I encourage you to do so!
Motivations
People tend to base decisions on one of four motivations in life:
1. Circumstances
That’s where whatever the circumstances are dictates our behavior, our decisions, our actions.
2. Conveniences
We all like convenient things, don’t we? We love microwave ovens, television remote controls and dry cleaners. Why? Because they make life easier for us. But is convenience the best basis for decision making?
3. Criticisms
As much as we all like convenience, we all hate criticism. Many decisions are made either in response to criticism, or simply to avoid it.
4. Convictions.
This is the only one that really works. Only decisions that are based on your convictions will last and leave a lasting legacy.
The people who have made the greatest impact on this world, for good or bad, are those who had the deepest convictions. They weren’t necessarily the smartest people, the brightest people, the most educated, the wealthiest, or even the most famous. But they were people of conviction.
If you’re going to build convictions, you need to build them on something that’s going to last. But how do you do that when it seems that everything changes? Fads change, fashions change. Psychology changes. Even science textbooks change. We keep learning more and more. So if you’re going to build convictions you have to build them on something solid; something absolute.
There’s only one thing that never changes. That is the truth of God.
If it was true a thousand years ago, it will be true today and it will be true a thousand years from tomorrow because truth does not change.
The Bible says this in Isaiah 40:8 (NLT), “The grass withers, and the flowers fade, but the Word of our God stands forever.” What was that last word? How long? And just how long is forever?
The Word of God doesn’t change. It is absolute.
My encouragement to you today is simple: Build your life on absolutes. The Bible says that God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Sounds pretty absolute to me!
1. Circumstances
That’s where whatever the circumstances are dictates our behavior, our decisions, our actions.
2. Conveniences
We all like convenient things, don’t we? We love microwave ovens, television remote controls and dry cleaners. Why? Because they make life easier for us. But is convenience the best basis for decision making?
3. Criticisms
As much as we all like convenience, we all hate criticism. Many decisions are made either in response to criticism, or simply to avoid it.
4. Convictions.
This is the only one that really works. Only decisions that are based on your convictions will last and leave a lasting legacy.
The people who have made the greatest impact on this world, for good or bad, are those who had the deepest convictions. They weren’t necessarily the smartest people, the brightest people, the most educated, the wealthiest, or even the most famous. But they were people of conviction.
If you’re going to build convictions, you need to build them on something that’s going to last. But how do you do that when it seems that everything changes? Fads change, fashions change. Psychology changes. Even science textbooks change. We keep learning more and more. So if you’re going to build convictions you have to build them on something solid; something absolute.
There’s only one thing that never changes. That is the truth of God.
If it was true a thousand years ago, it will be true today and it will be true a thousand years from tomorrow because truth does not change.
The Bible says this in Isaiah 40:8 (NLT), “The grass withers, and the flowers fade, but the Word of our God stands forever.” What was that last word? How long? And just how long is forever?
The Word of God doesn’t change. It is absolute.
My encouragement to you today is simple: Build your life on absolutes. The Bible says that God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Sounds pretty absolute to me!
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