Today I want to issue a bit of a challenge to you. It's been said that "perception is reality." There's a lot of truth there. But a good deal of "perception" comes from our "perspective". So my challenge to you is a challenge to change your perspective.
There’s a verse in the Bible, found in Psalm 118:24 which says, “This is the day that the LORD has made. Let us rejoice and be glad today!”
Did you spring out of bed with a cheery smile, ready to greet the day? Did you roll over when the alarm went off and mash the snooze button for another 7 minutes? Have you actually gotten out of bed yet?
No matter how your day starts, the fact remains that the day was made by God....and it was made for you!
But let’s be honest a moment......not every day is a “good” day. There’s are sunny days and rainy days. There are days when everything goes well, and days when nothing goes well; days when the car starts and days when the repair bill exceeds your paycheck. The list could go on and on, but the fact remains: The day was made by God and it was made for you!
Here’s where the whole perspective thing comes in: When the day “goes south”, rejoice in it. When the day is “spectacular”, rejoice in it. Either way, it’s the day the Lord made......and He made it for you!
Now, I’m a lot like you.....I’d love for every day to fall into the “spectacular” category, but as we all know, not every day does. You might think, “It’s a whole lot easier to rejoice when the day goes well than when it doesn’t.” You’re right. It is! But that doesn’t change the fact that God made the day.....and He made it for you!
Here’s the deal: We have to trust God no matter what. No, we may not always like everything that happens. Hey, God doesn’t always like everything that happens either. But we have to remember two things: First, God always knows exactly what we need. Second, when we can’t understand His ways, we have to trust His heart.
So, I encourage you today (and every day), to rejoice in the day the Lord has made no matter what it holds. After all, God made it for you!!!
Blessings, my dear friends! I pray your day will be spectacular!!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Humility
I got to thinking about something last week......
Humility. Great word. Not always so easy to accomplish.
Right after World War II, a U.S. Army officer and his wife were stationed in Japan. That country had been devastated by the war. The post-war economy was in shambles. Unemployment approached 60%.
People came to the Army wife's door daily looking for work. One man said that he could do wonders for her garden if she would only give him a chance.
So, for the first time in her life, this young Army wife hired a gardener. He spoke no English, but the wife, through sign language and pencil and paper gave him instructions about where to plant, prune, and pamper her garden. He listened politely and followed her instructions exactly. The garden emerged as the finest in the neighborhood.
When she finally realized that her new gardener knew far more about the matter than she, the wife stopped giving him directions and let him freely care for the garden. It was magnificent.
Then one day the gardener came with an interpreter who expressed the appreciation but the regrets of the gardener. "He will no longer be able to care for your garden. He must leave."
The wife expressed her regrets and thanked him through the interpreter for making hers such a fine garden. Out of politeness, she asked the interpreter, "Where is he going?"
The interpreter replied that the gardener was returning to his old job as the Professor of Horticulture at the University of Tokyo.
Humility.
My observations have told me that many people avoid humility because they believe it will lead to humiliation. Did you know that the exact opposite is true?
In the Old Testament, Job 5:11 says, “He [God] makes the humble person important...” And in the New Testament, James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
See, it isn’t humility that causes people problems, it’s pride. Pride keeps us from so many things.....things that would be such a blessing to others and ourselves if we would just take that step of humility.
I encourage you to do a little self-examination today. You can only use one of two words to describe yourself: proud or humble. Which one is you? And if you look honestly and discover it’s “proud”, begin to work toward humility. You, and many others, will be glad (and blessed) that you did!
Humility. Great word. Not always so easy to accomplish.
Right after World War II, a U.S. Army officer and his wife were stationed in Japan. That country had been devastated by the war. The post-war economy was in shambles. Unemployment approached 60%.
People came to the Army wife's door daily looking for work. One man said that he could do wonders for her garden if she would only give him a chance.
So, for the first time in her life, this young Army wife hired a gardener. He spoke no English, but the wife, through sign language and pencil and paper gave him instructions about where to plant, prune, and pamper her garden. He listened politely and followed her instructions exactly. The garden emerged as the finest in the neighborhood.
When she finally realized that her new gardener knew far more about the matter than she, the wife stopped giving him directions and let him freely care for the garden. It was magnificent.
Then one day the gardener came with an interpreter who expressed the appreciation but the regrets of the gardener. "He will no longer be able to care for your garden. He must leave."
The wife expressed her regrets and thanked him through the interpreter for making hers such a fine garden. Out of politeness, she asked the interpreter, "Where is he going?"
The interpreter replied that the gardener was returning to his old job as the Professor of Horticulture at the University of Tokyo.
Humility.
My observations have told me that many people avoid humility because they believe it will lead to humiliation. Did you know that the exact opposite is true?
In the Old Testament, Job 5:11 says, “He [God] makes the humble person important...” And in the New Testament, James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
See, it isn’t humility that causes people problems, it’s pride. Pride keeps us from so many things.....things that would be such a blessing to others and ourselves if we would just take that step of humility.
I encourage you to do a little self-examination today. You can only use one of two words to describe yourself: proud or humble. Which one is you? And if you look honestly and discover it’s “proud”, begin to work toward humility. You, and many others, will be glad (and blessed) that you did!
Monday, October 08, 2007
Anything and Everything
At the church where I’m pastor, we’re in a series of messages on the miracles of Jesus. I don’t normally reiterate Sunday’s message here, but this one thought is just too great to not share it with all of you.
In the Gospel of Mark, chapter 9, there’s a story about a dad who had a son. This son had an evil spirit that would wreak havoc in the boy’s life in an effort to destroy him. The dad tried everything he could think of to help his son - just as you and I would do. Nothing helped.
Then he brought his son to Jesus.
I won’t go into all of the detail, but in the process of explaining the problem to Jesus, the dad said, “The evil spirit often makes him fall into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us. Do something if you can.”
Most of us, at some point in our lives, have felt just like this dad. Something is going very wrong and we cry out to God and say, “Do something if you can.” Maybe you’re in one of those situations right now.
I love Jesus’ response. “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” Another translation says, “Everything is possible.....”
What’s possible with God? Anything and Everything! Everything is possible for him who believes.
Simply put, what most of us need is more faith in God. But how do we get that? By spending more time with Him and in the Bible. Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
What did Jesus do? He healed the man’s son. What will He do for you? That depends on what you need. I do know this: He’s still in the miracle working business.
So if you find yourself at a place where you need a miracle today.....I encourage you to take your problem, your need, to God. Go ahead and ask Him........because anything and everything is possible for him (or her) who believes!
In the Gospel of Mark, chapter 9, there’s a story about a dad who had a son. This son had an evil spirit that would wreak havoc in the boy’s life in an effort to destroy him. The dad tried everything he could think of to help his son - just as you and I would do. Nothing helped.
Then he brought his son to Jesus.
I won’t go into all of the detail, but in the process of explaining the problem to Jesus, the dad said, “The evil spirit often makes him fall into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us. Do something if you can.”
Most of us, at some point in our lives, have felt just like this dad. Something is going very wrong and we cry out to God and say, “Do something if you can.” Maybe you’re in one of those situations right now.
I love Jesus’ response. “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” Another translation says, “Everything is possible.....”
What’s possible with God? Anything and Everything! Everything is possible for him who believes.
Simply put, what most of us need is more faith in God. But how do we get that? By spending more time with Him and in the Bible. Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
What did Jesus do? He healed the man’s son. What will He do for you? That depends on what you need. I do know this: He’s still in the miracle working business.
So if you find yourself at a place where you need a miracle today.....I encourage you to take your problem, your need, to God. Go ahead and ask Him........because anything and everything is possible for him (or her) who believes!
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
"Spam" Filters
On your e-mail you either have some kind of spam filter or you get tons of junk mail. That spam filter serves a very important purpose. I doubt if it's perfect, but it does a pretty good job of filtering out the messages you don't want to read.
In the real world, we're bombarded with "messages" all day long. Some of them are useful: encouragement from friends, words of inspiration, uplifting music, ideas for self-improvement, and so on. But in addition to these good messages comes a lot of clatter, junk, "spam" from the outside, tempting us to think this or do that. We may try to ignore those types of messages, but sometimes it isn't as easy as it looks.
Personally, I'm thankful for the Bible. It helps us filter the messages we receive day in, day out. It helps separate right from wrong, good from bad, truth from error. Philippians 4:8 says, "Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Pretty good advice!
These 8 things serve as filters. If you'll think on these things, you'll discover the right messages get through, the wrong ones end up where they belong -- in the junk file.
As you go about your day today, you'll hear a significant amount of auditory spam: Messages telling you that you'll be happy if you live only for yourself...that you should seek revenge for some small offense...that a little bit of gossip never hurt anyone...that you deserve special treatment, and so on.
I encourage you to run those things through your "spam" filter......and let them end up where they belong.......in the junk folder to be deleted!
In the real world, we're bombarded with "messages" all day long. Some of them are useful: encouragement from friends, words of inspiration, uplifting music, ideas for self-improvement, and so on. But in addition to these good messages comes a lot of clatter, junk, "spam" from the outside, tempting us to think this or do that. We may try to ignore those types of messages, but sometimes it isn't as easy as it looks.
Personally, I'm thankful for the Bible. It helps us filter the messages we receive day in, day out. It helps separate right from wrong, good from bad, truth from error. Philippians 4:8 says, "Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Pretty good advice!
These 8 things serve as filters. If you'll think on these things, you'll discover the right messages get through, the wrong ones end up where they belong -- in the junk file.
As you go about your day today, you'll hear a significant amount of auditory spam: Messages telling you that you'll be happy if you live only for yourself...that you should seek revenge for some small offense...that a little bit of gossip never hurt anyone...that you deserve special treatment, and so on.
I encourage you to run those things through your "spam" filter......and let them end up where they belong.......in the junk folder to be deleted!
Monday, September 17, 2007
And What About Forgiveness?
Last week I wrote about anger. But let's take it a step further. What about forgiveness?
Some of the things that cause us anger are over in a brief period of time, we're able to work through the anger and move on. But others are things that we've carried around for awhile. Not only do we need to get past the anger......we have to learn to forgive.
Sounds easy, but let's be honest......forgiveness is a choice and for some unknown reason we humans would sometimes rather be angry and unforgiving than take that step fo forgiveness. I haven't quite figured that out. Rather than forgive someone we'd often rather carry a chip on our shoulder. But what good does it do? It just makes our shoulder tired!
And think about this: Whom does your anger and lack of forgiveness hurt? The other person? Nope.......they just go on their merry way. It hurts YOU and affects everything you do.
Maybe as many as ten years ago—or even twenty—someone hurt you. You forgave them and, for all practical purposes, forgot about it...until something happened to re-open the wound. It could be a conversation, a circumstance, a chance event, or any number of other things that causes you to find yourself struggling again with unforgiveness. It's not that you weren't sincere in your first (or second, or third) attempt to forgive them, it's just that the hurt will not go completely away.
A couple of years ago two individuals were immoral, unethical and completely deceptive toward me. I forgave them. It wasn't easy....and to be honest.....I didn't even want to do it! I wanted to just be mad at them - but that was only hurting me. So I chose to forgive them. Do I have lunch with them now? Nope.....and probably won't. Forgiveness doesn't mean they have to become your best buddy and you start hanging out with them. It simply means you forgive.
Honestly, there are times when I see them that the anger and resentment rares it's ugly head again. At that moment I have to make a choice: let the anger and unforgiveness return, or choose to forgive them......again. The argument could be made that I hadn't really forgiven them in the first place, or else I wouldn't have felt so bitter. In the most literal sense, I guess that may be true. If I had forgiven them the same way Christ has forgiven me, I suppose I would have simply waved hello and moved on my way—without giving a second thought to what happened long ago.
I have no doubt I was sincere in my desire to forgive completely. But sometimes the bonds of bitterness aren't easily broken. Sometimes we have to forgive someone again and again before it is settled completely in our own mind.
Jesus told Peter that we are to forgive our brother "seventy-times-seven." I always assumed he was referring to "seventy-times-seven" separate offenses. The fact is, he could have been referring to a single event.
If you want to succeed in life, you must be able to forgive. In fact, let's face it: if you want to SURVIVE life, you must be able to forgive. We strive to forgive as we have been forgiven—immediately and absolutely—but sometimes it takes us awhile to reach that point. When old wounds are re-opened, we have to treat them as if they were brand new: take them to God, lay them at His feet, and ask Him for the grace to forgive as He has forgiven you.
Don't let past hurts hold you back. Reliving the pain from last month, or last year, or your previous job or relationship isn't worth the price you have to pay. It keeps you from focusing on what God has called you to do today: serve Him with joy, and love Him with all your heart.
God's act of forgiveness toward us is a one-time event. We ask once, he forgives, he forgets, and that's the end of it. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)
Our forgiveness of others should be the same, but it's not always easy. Sometimes forgiveness is a process that has to be repeated again and again.
My encouragement to you today is simple: I encourage you to forgive. No, we're not God and we don't have the ability to "forgive and forget" as He does. So until you can master the "forget" part, keep working on the "forgive" part. It will serve you well.
Some of the things that cause us anger are over in a brief period of time, we're able to work through the anger and move on. But others are things that we've carried around for awhile. Not only do we need to get past the anger......we have to learn to forgive.
Sounds easy, but let's be honest......forgiveness is a choice and for some unknown reason we humans would sometimes rather be angry and unforgiving than take that step fo forgiveness. I haven't quite figured that out. Rather than forgive someone we'd often rather carry a chip on our shoulder. But what good does it do? It just makes our shoulder tired!
And think about this: Whom does your anger and lack of forgiveness hurt? The other person? Nope.......they just go on their merry way. It hurts YOU and affects everything you do.
Maybe as many as ten years ago—or even twenty—someone hurt you. You forgave them and, for all practical purposes, forgot about it...until something happened to re-open the wound. It could be a conversation, a circumstance, a chance event, or any number of other things that causes you to find yourself struggling again with unforgiveness. It's not that you weren't sincere in your first (or second, or third) attempt to forgive them, it's just that the hurt will not go completely away.
A couple of years ago two individuals were immoral, unethical and completely deceptive toward me. I forgave them. It wasn't easy....and to be honest.....I didn't even want to do it! I wanted to just be mad at them - but that was only hurting me. So I chose to forgive them. Do I have lunch with them now? Nope.....and probably won't. Forgiveness doesn't mean they have to become your best buddy and you start hanging out with them. It simply means you forgive.
Honestly, there are times when I see them that the anger and resentment rares it's ugly head again. At that moment I have to make a choice: let the anger and unforgiveness return, or choose to forgive them......again. The argument could be made that I hadn't really forgiven them in the first place, or else I wouldn't have felt so bitter. In the most literal sense, I guess that may be true. If I had forgiven them the same way Christ has forgiven me, I suppose I would have simply waved hello and moved on my way—without giving a second thought to what happened long ago.
I have no doubt I was sincere in my desire to forgive completely. But sometimes the bonds of bitterness aren't easily broken. Sometimes we have to forgive someone again and again before it is settled completely in our own mind.
Jesus told Peter that we are to forgive our brother "seventy-times-seven." I always assumed he was referring to "seventy-times-seven" separate offenses. The fact is, he could have been referring to a single event.
If you want to succeed in life, you must be able to forgive. In fact, let's face it: if you want to SURVIVE life, you must be able to forgive. We strive to forgive as we have been forgiven—immediately and absolutely—but sometimes it takes us awhile to reach that point. When old wounds are re-opened, we have to treat them as if they were brand new: take them to God, lay them at His feet, and ask Him for the grace to forgive as He has forgiven you.
Don't let past hurts hold you back. Reliving the pain from last month, or last year, or your previous job or relationship isn't worth the price you have to pay. It keeps you from focusing on what God has called you to do today: serve Him with joy, and love Him with all your heart.
God's act of forgiveness toward us is a one-time event. We ask once, he forgives, he forgets, and that's the end of it. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)
Our forgiveness of others should be the same, but it's not always easy. Sometimes forgiveness is a process that has to be repeated again and again.
My encouragement to you today is simple: I encourage you to forgive. No, we're not God and we don't have the ability to "forgive and forget" as He does. So until you can master the "forget" part, keep working on the "forgive" part. It will serve you well.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Christ in Me
I love these words from Casting Crowns' song In Me from their Lifesong album:
'Cause when I'm weak, You make me strong
When I'm blind you shine Your light on me
'Cause I'll never get by living on my own ability
How refreshing to know You don't need me
How amazing to find that you want me
So I'll stand on Your Truth, and I'll fight with Your Strength
Until You bring the victory, by the power of Christ in me
Walk in His strength, friend.....let the Christ in you be seen by others!!!
'Cause when I'm weak, You make me strong
When I'm blind you shine Your light on me
'Cause I'll never get by living on my own ability
How refreshing to know You don't need me
How amazing to find that you want me
So I'll stand on Your Truth, and I'll fight with Your Strength
Until You bring the victory, by the power of Christ in me
Walk in His strength, friend.....let the Christ in you be seen by others!!!
Monday, September 10, 2007
I'm So Mad I Could Just........
Anger.
Kind of an ugly word, isn't it? I was speaking with a good friend the other day who told me about an event that had happened to him just a few days prior. A young man had become very angry and attempted to take it out on him!
Some people believe that anger is a bad thing........and it can be. But the Bible says, "Be angry without sinning." (Ephesians 4:26) Therefore, anger isn't necessarily bad, until it becomes uncontrollable. Anger can even be a positive thing at times. The key is this: I must control my anger and not let my anger control me.
In his autobiography, Number 1, Billy Martin told about hunting in Texas with Mickey Mantle. Mickey had a friend who would let them hunt on his ranch. When they reached the ranch, Mickey told Billy to wait in the car while he checked in with his friend. Mantle's friend quickly gave them permission to hunt, but he asked Mickey a favor. He had a pet mule in the barn who was going blind, and he didn't have the heart to put him out of his misery. He asked Mickey to shoot the mule for him.
When Mickey came back to the car, he pretended to be angry. He scowled and slammed the door. Billy asked him what was wrong, and Mickey said his friend wouldn't let them hunt. "I'm so mad at that guy," Mantle said, "I'm going out to his barn and shoot one of his mules!" Mantle drove like a maniac to the barn. Martin protested, "We can't do that!" But Mickey was adamant. "Just watch me," he shouted.
When they got to the barn, Mantle jumped out of the car with his rifle, ran inside, and shot the mule. As he was leaving, though, he heard two shots, and he ran back to the car. He saw that Martin had taken out his rifle, too. "What are you doing, Martin?" he yelled. Martin yelled back, face red with anger, "We'll show that son of a gun! I just killed two of his cows!"
Anger can be dangerously contagious. Proverbs 22:24 & 25 tells us, "Do not be a friend of one who has a bad temper, and never keep company with a hothead, or you will learn his ways and set a trap for yourself." Pretty good advice, don't you think?
I encourage you to avoid anger when it's possible. However, in those times when anger does come your way, if you're able to control that anger, work through the situation, cool down and move on. If you find that the anger is controlling you, I suggest you find someone to talk with and figure out how to turn things around.
Kind of an ugly word, isn't it? I was speaking with a good friend the other day who told me about an event that had happened to him just a few days prior. A young man had become very angry and attempted to take it out on him!
Some people believe that anger is a bad thing........and it can be. But the Bible says, "Be angry without sinning." (Ephesians 4:26) Therefore, anger isn't necessarily bad, until it becomes uncontrollable. Anger can even be a positive thing at times. The key is this: I must control my anger and not let my anger control me.
In his autobiography, Number 1, Billy Martin told about hunting in Texas with Mickey Mantle. Mickey had a friend who would let them hunt on his ranch. When they reached the ranch, Mickey told Billy to wait in the car while he checked in with his friend. Mantle's friend quickly gave them permission to hunt, but he asked Mickey a favor. He had a pet mule in the barn who was going blind, and he didn't have the heart to put him out of his misery. He asked Mickey to shoot the mule for him.
When Mickey came back to the car, he pretended to be angry. He scowled and slammed the door. Billy asked him what was wrong, and Mickey said his friend wouldn't let them hunt. "I'm so mad at that guy," Mantle said, "I'm going out to his barn and shoot one of his mules!" Mantle drove like a maniac to the barn. Martin protested, "We can't do that!" But Mickey was adamant. "Just watch me," he shouted.
When they got to the barn, Mantle jumped out of the car with his rifle, ran inside, and shot the mule. As he was leaving, though, he heard two shots, and he ran back to the car. He saw that Martin had taken out his rifle, too. "What are you doing, Martin?" he yelled. Martin yelled back, face red with anger, "We'll show that son of a gun! I just killed two of his cows!"
Anger can be dangerously contagious. Proverbs 22:24 & 25 tells us, "Do not be a friend of one who has a bad temper, and never keep company with a hothead, or you will learn his ways and set a trap for yourself." Pretty good advice, don't you think?
I encourage you to avoid anger when it's possible. However, in those times when anger does come your way, if you're able to control that anger, work through the situation, cool down and move on. If you find that the anger is controlling you, I suggest you find someone to talk with and figure out how to turn things around.
Monday, September 03, 2007
Guidance
Good morning and welcome to September! I trust you enjoyed your 3-day weekend (those of you who had one.......sorry Charlie!)
Allow me to expand on something you may have read before.
I'm not a dancer - much to my wife's disappointment. Actually, I may have a slow dance with her once in awhile, but as far as what everyone else calls "dancing", I don't do that. If I even tried it wouldn't look like dancing anyway. It would look more like some guy jerking around like he's holding on to 220 volts! Let's just say it's not pretty. Now, if you want to see someone dance, check out Robert Barone (Brad Garrett) on Everybody Loves Raymond......the guy can dance! But that's another story.
While I'm not much of a dancer, I do know that when you dance (at least the more "formal" style of dancing) someone has to lead. When twopeople try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn't flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky. When one person realizes and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music. One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing lightly in one direction or another. The dance takes surrender, willingness, trust and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other.
Gentle guidance. Let me see if I can help you see something in the word GUIDANCE.
The first letter is "G". Let that represent God.
The second letter is "U". Let that represent You.
The third is "I". Let that represent......you guessed it......I.
Those three letters are followed by the word "DANCE".
Put it all together.......God, You and I Dance.
God made a promise in Psalms 32:8 for all who trust in Him. It says, 'The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.'" Pretty great promise, eh?
I encourage you today to "dance" with God..........and let Him lead. Need guidance? He's promised to give it! All you have to do is ask.......
So today......and every day......dance like nobody's watching (and in my case, that's the ONLY time I dance - when nobody's watching!)!!!
Allow me to expand on something you may have read before.
I'm not a dancer - much to my wife's disappointment. Actually, I may have a slow dance with her once in awhile, but as far as what everyone else calls "dancing", I don't do that. If I even tried it wouldn't look like dancing anyway. It would look more like some guy jerking around like he's holding on to 220 volts! Let's just say it's not pretty. Now, if you want to see someone dance, check out Robert Barone (Brad Garrett) on Everybody Loves Raymond......the guy can dance! But that's another story.
While I'm not much of a dancer, I do know that when you dance (at least the more "formal" style of dancing) someone has to lead. When twopeople try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn't flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky. When one person realizes and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music. One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing lightly in one direction or another. The dance takes surrender, willingness, trust and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other.
Gentle guidance. Let me see if I can help you see something in the word GUIDANCE.
The first letter is "G". Let that represent God.
The second letter is "U". Let that represent You.
The third is "I". Let that represent......you guessed it......I.
Those three letters are followed by the word "DANCE".
Put it all together.......God, You and I Dance.
God made a promise in Psalms 32:8 for all who trust in Him. It says, 'The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.'" Pretty great promise, eh?
I encourage you today to "dance" with God..........and let Him lead. Need guidance? He's promised to give it! All you have to do is ask.......
So today......and every day......dance like nobody's watching (and in my case, that's the ONLY time I dance - when nobody's watching!)!!!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
No "I" in Team
We've all heard the statement: "There's no I in Team". Yep, it's true. Not a single "I" in the word "Team". But let's be honest, there's still quite a bit of "I" in all of us. But hey, the statement isn't about spelling, it's about teamwork. It's about working together. Here's just a couple of thoughts about that very subject:
Leonard Bernstein was once asked which instrument was the most difficult to play. His answer was, "Second fiddle. I can get plenty of first violinists, but to find someone who can play the second fiddle with enthusiasm—that's a problem. And if we have no second fiddle, we have no harmony."
It is better to have one person working with you than having three people working for you. —Dwight. D. Eisenhower
A group becomes a team when each member is sure enough of himself and his contribution to praise the skills of the others. —Norman G. Shiddle
No one can whistle a symphony, it takes an orchestra to play it. —Halford E. Luccock
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3-4)
Wow! Even God has something to say about teamwork. Must be important, huh?
Leonard Bernstein was once asked which instrument was the most difficult to play. His answer was, "Second fiddle. I can get plenty of first violinists, but to find someone who can play the second fiddle with enthusiasm—that's a problem. And if we have no second fiddle, we have no harmony."
It is better to have one person working with you than having three people working for you. —Dwight. D. Eisenhower
A group becomes a team when each member is sure enough of himself and his contribution to praise the skills of the others. —Norman G. Shiddle
No one can whistle a symphony, it takes an orchestra to play it. —Halford E. Luccock
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3-4)
Wow! Even God has something to say about teamwork. Must be important, huh?
Thursday, August 02, 2007
The Main Thing.......
I'm sure you've heard this before, but I heard it for the first time many years ago. It came from my good friend Ed Nelson, a great pastor, mentor and leader who invested heavily in my life. Here's what he said: The main thing is keep the main thing the main thing.
Simple? Yep. Difficult? Oh yeah!
That's why we're in the process of re-examining virtually everything we're doing at Osceola Assembly. We want to be the most effective church we can be and that can only happen with God's help and clear direction.
We're pulling together our leadership team for a time of prayer, brainstorming and planning. Thanks for your prayers!!!
Simple? Yep. Difficult? Oh yeah!
That's why we're in the process of re-examining virtually everything we're doing at Osceola Assembly. We want to be the most effective church we can be and that can only happen with God's help and clear direction.
We're pulling together our leadership team for a time of prayer, brainstorming and planning. Thanks for your prayers!!!
Friday, July 27, 2007
21 Years....How Did That Happen?
21 years ago today CharlieD was born. Well, actually Charles D. DeVos Jr. was born. CharlieD came along later, but that's another story.
It's really cool to watch your kids grow up. It happens so quickly that if you blink you'll miss it (literally!). They learn to crawl, then walk, then run, then fall (oops.....). They go off to school, make new friends, learn new things, make more new friends, go to PE (that's always fun), play in the band and make a few more new friends.
Somewhere they go from being "your little boy" to being a full grown man. I don't exactly know it all happened, but here we are.
Somewhere along the way Charlie got hooked on RAP and HIP HOP music. So much so that he has written and recorded several songs (see his virb page as listed in my previous post) and is pursuing a degree in Digital Media. And this is where CharlieD came along. That's his stage name. He's pictured here at the Sonshine Music Festival after performing on the Impromptu Stage. Pretty cool.
The best part is that he has grown up and is a man of God. He may play in front of large or small crowds, but he truly only plays for an Audience of One.
Am I proud? Oh yeah! Can't you tell?!?!
Happy Birthday, Charlie!!!!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
A T-Shirt Challenge
Do you ever find yourself reading people's T-Shirts? Some of them make me smile, some of them make me sad and a few of them make me sick. Yeah, you know what I'm talking about. Oh, and guys, it's best to not read T-Shirts that the ladies are wearing at all. You know why......
Then there are "Christian" T-Shirts. One would think that, since I'm a pastor, I'd really like "Christian" T-Shirts. There are a few that are alright, but most of them, I really dislike! So many of them either scream condemnation or say "I'm a Christian so I'm better than you". No, they don't say it directly, but it's there.......
I did mention, however, that there are a few I like. A few weeks ago, my son, Charlie, and I went to the Sonshine Christian music festival in Willmar, Minnesota. We had a great time listening to dozens of bands and Charlie even got to perform on the impromptu stage. If you'd like to hear some of Charlie's music, check out http://www.virb.com/charlied.
While we were at Sonshine I saw a T-Shirt that really made me think. It was a simple, yellow shirt with black lettering and a tiny graphic. It said: God, help me be the kind of man my dog thinks I am.
Okay, so maybe I'm pretty simple, but that's a message that I can relate to. And it's a message that challenges me (and I don't even have a dog!).
How about you? Are you the kind of person your dog thinks you are? If not, today is a great day to start becoming that person!
Then there are "Christian" T-Shirts. One would think that, since I'm a pastor, I'd really like "Christian" T-Shirts. There are a few that are alright, but most of them, I really dislike! So many of them either scream condemnation or say "I'm a Christian so I'm better than you". No, they don't say it directly, but it's there.......
I did mention, however, that there are a few I like. A few weeks ago, my son, Charlie, and I went to the Sonshine Christian music festival in Willmar, Minnesota. We had a great time listening to dozens of bands and Charlie even got to perform on the impromptu stage. If you'd like to hear some of Charlie's music, check out http://www.virb.com/charlied.
While we were at Sonshine I saw a T-Shirt that really made me think. It was a simple, yellow shirt with black lettering and a tiny graphic. It said: God, help me be the kind of man my dog thinks I am.
Okay, so maybe I'm pretty simple, but that's a message that I can relate to. And it's a message that challenges me (and I don't even have a dog!).
How about you? Are you the kind of person your dog thinks you are? If not, today is a great day to start becoming that person!
Saturday, May 26, 2007
25 Years and Counting.......
Last night Helen and I celebrated 25 years of marriage with an open house at the church. Our actual anniversary date is May 29, but it just made sense to celebrate on Friday rather than Tuesday.
You know, I wouldn't trade the past 25 years for anything. I've worked harder and loved more and had more fun than I could ever imagine. Would I marry Helen again? In a heartbeat!
Marriage doesn't "just happen". It requires an investment on both parts........not 50-50, it requires 100-100!
My encouragement to you is this:
If you're married, work at it and NEVER give up! Ecclesiasties 7:8 says: Finishing is better than starting! (Ecclesiastes 7:8a)
If you're considering marriage, take your time and wait for God to bring the right one to you. Proverbs 18:22 tells us: He who finds a wife finds what is good.
25 year.........WOW! Now, on to the next 25!!!
Sunday, May 06, 2007
It's Not The Goal That Matters Most
We've talked about setting goals on a couple of occasions....but let me give you another perspective on the issue.
There have been countless books and articles written about the need to set specific goals. It's been said that without goals there can be no achievement - so we're encouraged to make a detailed list of everything we want, from professional achievements to material acquisitions.
The problem with this line of thinking is that it forces us to focus on the wrong thing. Success isn't found in keeping an eye on the destination, but by taking care of the details of the journey. Sure, it's important to know where you're going and goal-setting has its place. But more important than the final goal is the route we take in getting there.
See, you can have goals, or "targets", but you can't control the "target". Targets tend to move and have a way of being missed. But I can control the process; I can control the steps I take.
It's this way in all aspects of life. A salesman can't control his income, but he can control how many calls he makes, and how well he knows his presentation. An athlete can't control the final score, but he can control how he gets ready for the game and how hard he plays. Parents can't control the decisions their children make, but they can control the amount of time, love, patience and forgiveness they pour into their children's lives.
Theologian Henri Nouwen once said, "We cannot make it rain, but we can see to it that the rain falls on prepared soil." And realistically......this is as far as our contribution to success goes.
Friends, if your goal is heaven......and I pray that it is.......then it's important that we tend to things down here on our journey. I love what the apostle Paul wrote to a young man named Timothy about this very issue. He said, "If you keep yourself pure, you will be a utensil God can use for hispurpose. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master touse you for every good work." (2 Timothy 2:21)
I encourage you to keep your eye on the goal, but keep your focus on the journey. Take it one step at a time......following God.......trust Him forHis help all along the way. Then, when you achieve the ultimate goal......celebrate!!!
I look forward to celebrating with you!!!
There have been countless books and articles written about the need to set specific goals. It's been said that without goals there can be no achievement - so we're encouraged to make a detailed list of everything we want, from professional achievements to material acquisitions.
The problem with this line of thinking is that it forces us to focus on the wrong thing. Success isn't found in keeping an eye on the destination, but by taking care of the details of the journey. Sure, it's important to know where you're going and goal-setting has its place. But more important than the final goal is the route we take in getting there.
See, you can have goals, or "targets", but you can't control the "target". Targets tend to move and have a way of being missed. But I can control the process; I can control the steps I take.
It's this way in all aspects of life. A salesman can't control his income, but he can control how many calls he makes, and how well he knows his presentation. An athlete can't control the final score, but he can control how he gets ready for the game and how hard he plays. Parents can't control the decisions their children make, but they can control the amount of time, love, patience and forgiveness they pour into their children's lives.
Theologian Henri Nouwen once said, "We cannot make it rain, but we can see to it that the rain falls on prepared soil." And realistically......this is as far as our contribution to success goes.
Friends, if your goal is heaven......and I pray that it is.......then it's important that we tend to things down here on our journey. I love what the apostle Paul wrote to a young man named Timothy about this very issue. He said, "If you keep yourself pure, you will be a utensil God can use for hispurpose. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master touse you for every good work." (2 Timothy 2:21)
I encourage you to keep your eye on the goal, but keep your focus on the journey. Take it one step at a time......following God.......trust Him forHis help all along the way. Then, when you achieve the ultimate goal......celebrate!!!
I look forward to celebrating with you!!!
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Choose Well
Every day of our lives, we are faced with choices. Inside the supermarket and you'll find 24 different bagged salads, 107 different of cheeses, 30 kinds of muffins, 40 flavors of coffee, and 80 brands of cereal in the first 10 feet of the aisle! Books? Amazon.com has millions. Music? iTunes has thousands. The menu at the restaurant is like a small book. Choices!
Many choices we make won't have many long_lasting implications. But some choices carry long-term significance; choices like whom we’ll marry, or what career path we'll follow. Then there's the most important choice of all . . . the choice to follow Christ.
The Bible is filled with stories of men and women who made choices that impacted their entire lives. Moses chose to help his fellow Jews over the fame and fortune of Egypt. Joseph chose to obey God rather than give in to the seduction of an attractive woman. The list could go on and on.
But what about those who made bad choices.....and the consequences? Adam's choice cost him Paradise. King Saul's choice cost him his kingdom. Judas's choice cost him his life and his eternal soul. The choices we make in time are binding in eternity. We make our decisions . . . and then our decisions make us.
God cares deeply about the choices we make in the course of our lives. He wants us to make decisions that will bring success and joy in our lives on earth, and then into His presence for eternity after we pass from this life.
God’s desire can be summarized in Moses’ words to the children of Israel. "Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Choose to love the LORD your God and to obey him and commit yourself to him, for he is your life." (Deuteronomy 30:19–20 NLT)
Maybe you are at a crossroads in your life. You know the right way to go, but there is that shortcut that looks awful tempting. Be careful! We make our decisions . . . and then our decisions make us. I encourage you, friend, choose well.
Many choices we make won't have many long_lasting implications. But some choices carry long-term significance; choices like whom we’ll marry, or what career path we'll follow. Then there's the most important choice of all . . . the choice to follow Christ.
The Bible is filled with stories of men and women who made choices that impacted their entire lives. Moses chose to help his fellow Jews over the fame and fortune of Egypt. Joseph chose to obey God rather than give in to the seduction of an attractive woman. The list could go on and on.
But what about those who made bad choices.....and the consequences? Adam's choice cost him Paradise. King Saul's choice cost him his kingdom. Judas's choice cost him his life and his eternal soul. The choices we make in time are binding in eternity. We make our decisions . . . and then our decisions make us.
God cares deeply about the choices we make in the course of our lives. He wants us to make decisions that will bring success and joy in our lives on earth, and then into His presence for eternity after we pass from this life.
God’s desire can be summarized in Moses’ words to the children of Israel. "Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Choose to love the LORD your God and to obey him and commit yourself to him, for he is your life." (Deuteronomy 30:19–20 NLT)
Maybe you are at a crossroads in your life. You know the right way to go, but there is that shortcut that looks awful tempting. Be careful! We make our decisions . . . and then our decisions make us. I encourage you, friend, choose well.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Keep Swinging!!!
A few years back the Detroit Tigers were having a horrible season. At the end of April they were on track to becoming the losingest team in the history of baseball. They didn't quite make it, but they did manage to set an American League record for most losses (119) in a single season.
If you are a Detroit Tigers fan, it was a long winter! But just two seasons later, the Tigers were on track to becoming the winningest team in baseball, breaking a record set by Chicago in 1906. They didn't quite make that record, but they still had a great season.
Quick turn around, wasn't it? This reversal didn't happen by accident, and how it happened is best described by the experts, but here's the point I want you to pick up on today: It happened. The worst team in baseball in one season became one of the best teams in baseball just a few seasons later.
Personally and professionally we all endure losing seasons from time to time. A losing season may tell us that it's time to start over, but it doesn't tell us it's time to quit. If you've suffered some setbacks in life, whether in your family or job or school, first remember that you're not alone. And second, it doesn't mean that your best days are forever behind you. There's a big season right around the corner.
I've always found the words of the prophet Isaiah comforting. He wrote: "When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Do not be afraid, for I am with you." (Isaiah 43:2 & 5)
For those who trust in God, we have no reason to fear because He is with us. Trials and troubles are cyclical, but the promises of God are permanent.
If you're where the Tigers were in 2003, look at where they are now. This can be you. I encourage you today, keep swinging the bat. Keep running the bases. Don't give up. You may be struggling in certain areas now, but those struggles are temporary. You'll experience a turn around, because God's promises are forever.
If you are a Detroit Tigers fan, it was a long winter! But just two seasons later, the Tigers were on track to becoming the winningest team in baseball, breaking a record set by Chicago in 1906. They didn't quite make that record, but they still had a great season.
Quick turn around, wasn't it? This reversal didn't happen by accident, and how it happened is best described by the experts, but here's the point I want you to pick up on today: It happened. The worst team in baseball in one season became one of the best teams in baseball just a few seasons later.
Personally and professionally we all endure losing seasons from time to time. A losing season may tell us that it's time to start over, but it doesn't tell us it's time to quit. If you've suffered some setbacks in life, whether in your family or job or school, first remember that you're not alone. And second, it doesn't mean that your best days are forever behind you. There's a big season right around the corner.
I've always found the words of the prophet Isaiah comforting. He wrote: "When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Do not be afraid, for I am with you." (Isaiah 43:2 & 5)
For those who trust in God, we have no reason to fear because He is with us. Trials and troubles are cyclical, but the promises of God are permanent.
If you're where the Tigers were in 2003, look at where they are now. This can be you. I encourage you today, keep swinging the bat. Keep running the bases. Don't give up. You may be struggling in certain areas now, but those struggles are temporary. You'll experience a turn around, because God's promises are forever.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Home, Sweet Home!
I read a story about a little dog named Mugsy, who was walking across the street one day and, tragically, was hit by a truck. His sad owners took Mugsy down to the pet cemetery and buried him. They were so sorry they would never see their precious little dog again.
But a few days later, much to their surprise, they found Mugsy scratching at the back door. They could hardly believe their eyes. They opened the door and let little Mugsy in. He was covered with dirt but alive. It turns out their little dog wasn't dead after all. They had buried him alive, but the industrious little pooch clawed his way out and found his way home.
I read a definition for the word home that I liked. It said, "Home is not where you live, but where you are loved." And when you utilize that definition, then the words of Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz are so true: "There's no place like home!"
Regardless of what you might call "home" here on earth, did you know that God has an eternal home waiting for all who will trust in Him? It's called heaven. In John 14:2 Jesus said, "There are many rooms in my Father's home, and I am going to prepare a place for you." I hope it's your plan to go there!
If the definition of home is that it is a place where you are loved, you'll never be more at home then when you get to heaven. But you have to get ready. Here on earth, you might buy a house or rent an apartment or live with parents and call that home. To prepare for your home in heaven, all you have to do is trust in God and ask for His forgiveness for your sins. Then, someday, it will be "Home, Sweet Home" for you in heaven!
Why mention this at all? Because God has put a homing instinct inside every person, a sense that there is something more to life. In fact, Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, "He has put eternity in their hearts." Because of this, we will never be fully satisfied in this life. There is always going to be something missing.
So I encourage you.......enjoy your home here on earth, but make heaven your eternal destination. You'll never regret it.
But a few days later, much to their surprise, they found Mugsy scratching at the back door. They could hardly believe their eyes. They opened the door and let little Mugsy in. He was covered with dirt but alive. It turns out their little dog wasn't dead after all. They had buried him alive, but the industrious little pooch clawed his way out and found his way home.
I read a definition for the word home that I liked. It said, "Home is not where you live, but where you are loved." And when you utilize that definition, then the words of Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz are so true: "There's no place like home!"
Regardless of what you might call "home" here on earth, did you know that God has an eternal home waiting for all who will trust in Him? It's called heaven. In John 14:2 Jesus said, "There are many rooms in my Father's home, and I am going to prepare a place for you." I hope it's your plan to go there!
If the definition of home is that it is a place where you are loved, you'll never be more at home then when you get to heaven. But you have to get ready. Here on earth, you might buy a house or rent an apartment or live with parents and call that home. To prepare for your home in heaven, all you have to do is trust in God and ask for His forgiveness for your sins. Then, someday, it will be "Home, Sweet Home" for you in heaven!
Why mention this at all? Because God has put a homing instinct inside every person, a sense that there is something more to life. In fact, Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, "He has put eternity in their hearts." Because of this, we will never be fully satisfied in this life. There is always going to be something missing.
So I encourage you.......enjoy your home here on earth, but make heaven your eternal destination. You'll never regret it.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Tax Day!!
I probably shouldn't go here, but I'm going to anyway. Yes, it's tax day. Normally it would be April 15 but because it fell on a Sunday we get a one day reprieve.
So have you completed the tax forms and sent them in? I hope you got a refund. If not, I hope you saved a few bucks so you can pay what you owe.
Did you know that God addressed taxes in the Bible? Yep. I won't go into all of the references, but here's one that stands out to me. It's found in Romans 13:7 and it says: Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Everyone owes some kind of tax. Whether it's income tax, sales tax, property tax or some other tax, we owe them. God says we should pay. There may be other "fees" or "revenues" that we owe. God says pay them. But He also says to pay respect and honor to whom it's due.
Then, in verse 8 it says: Pay all your debts, except the debt of love for others. You can never finish paying that! If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill all the requirements of God's law.
Taxes and fees, hey, it's only money. It's the respect, honor and love for others that really matter! Those are the things that truly impact people's lives.
Sure, pay your taxes, but let me encourage you: don't forget to "pay" the other things as well. Give your respect, honor and love to those around you and watch them bloom like a spring flower!
So have you completed the tax forms and sent them in? I hope you got a refund. If not, I hope you saved a few bucks so you can pay what you owe.
Did you know that God addressed taxes in the Bible? Yep. I won't go into all of the references, but here's one that stands out to me. It's found in Romans 13:7 and it says: Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Everyone owes some kind of tax. Whether it's income tax, sales tax, property tax or some other tax, we owe them. God says we should pay. There may be other "fees" or "revenues" that we owe. God says pay them. But He also says to pay respect and honor to whom it's due.
Then, in verse 8 it says: Pay all your debts, except the debt of love for others. You can never finish paying that! If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill all the requirements of God's law.
Taxes and fees, hey, it's only money. It's the respect, honor and love for others that really matter! Those are the things that truly impact people's lives.
Sure, pay your taxes, but let me encourage you: don't forget to "pay" the other things as well. Give your respect, honor and love to those around you and watch them bloom like a spring flower!
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Spring Cleaning
Let me approach a subject that we may not like very much: Spring Cleaning.
Spring means many things to us. But one of the most notable things that comes with spring is spring cleaning, when we go through our houses and take care of all the messes that have built up over the months.
I heard about an interesting custom in Italy for New Year's Eve. At midnight, the windows of every house open and everyone pitches out whatever they absolutely hate-furniture, clothes, dishes-they all come crashing to the ground. Now I would call that serious housecleaning.
I don't know about you, but I am not the tidiest person on the face of the earth. Right now my garage needs spring cleaning so badly! My office tends to get cluttered with various projects I'm working on. Some of you know how that works. Stuff just kind of adds up. You work on something and instead of cleaning up the mess you just move on to the next project.
Then there are people like my wife who is always doing a little here and a little there and keeping the place in great shape.
Unfortunately, the same thing tends to happen in our spiritual lives. There are some of us who allow problems to develop. We allow things to get really out of control. And when we reap the inevitable results of sin or when some crisis hits, we turn to God and say, "Lord, I need Your help to get me out of this mess."
And then there are others who live their spiritual lives the same way that my wife cleans house. They are always maintaining their relationship with the Lord, little by little, day by day, always cultivating it, and constantly keeping their hearts in a right relationship with God. That is the way to live.
You might think, "Yeah, well, I may not be the tidiest person in the world, but I get the job done." Perhaps, but think of all the time you would save if you maintained things regularly and didn't have to do a major cleaning overhaul every so often!
Again, let me apply this spiritually. If we will maintain our daily walk with God we can avoid most of the pitfalls that crop up when we don't. 1 John 1:9 tells us, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just toforgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Need a little spiritual spring cleaning? Go to God. He'll listen, and if you ask Him He'll forgive. Then, focus on that day to day walk with God......that day to day cleaning. It's much more satisfactory, friend, I promise!
I encourage you this week, work on whatever spiritual spring cleaning might be necessary. And then, maintain on a day by day basis and enjoy the blessings of God!
Spring means many things to us. But one of the most notable things that comes with spring is spring cleaning, when we go through our houses and take care of all the messes that have built up over the months.
I heard about an interesting custom in Italy for New Year's Eve. At midnight, the windows of every house open and everyone pitches out whatever they absolutely hate-furniture, clothes, dishes-they all come crashing to the ground. Now I would call that serious housecleaning.
I don't know about you, but I am not the tidiest person on the face of the earth. Right now my garage needs spring cleaning so badly! My office tends to get cluttered with various projects I'm working on. Some of you know how that works. Stuff just kind of adds up. You work on something and instead of cleaning up the mess you just move on to the next project.
Then there are people like my wife who is always doing a little here and a little there and keeping the place in great shape.
Unfortunately, the same thing tends to happen in our spiritual lives. There are some of us who allow problems to develop. We allow things to get really out of control. And when we reap the inevitable results of sin or when some crisis hits, we turn to God and say, "Lord, I need Your help to get me out of this mess."
And then there are others who live their spiritual lives the same way that my wife cleans house. They are always maintaining their relationship with the Lord, little by little, day by day, always cultivating it, and constantly keeping their hearts in a right relationship with God. That is the way to live.
You might think, "Yeah, well, I may not be the tidiest person in the world, but I get the job done." Perhaps, but think of all the time you would save if you maintained things regularly and didn't have to do a major cleaning overhaul every so often!
Again, let me apply this spiritually. If we will maintain our daily walk with God we can avoid most of the pitfalls that crop up when we don't. 1 John 1:9 tells us, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just toforgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Need a little spiritual spring cleaning? Go to God. He'll listen, and if you ask Him He'll forgive. Then, focus on that day to day walk with God......that day to day cleaning. It's much more satisfactory, friend, I promise!
I encourage you this week, work on whatever spiritual spring cleaning might be necessary. And then, maintain on a day by day basis and enjoy the blessings of God!
Monday, April 02, 2007
Holy Week
This week is often referred to as "Holy Week", which began yesterday with Palm Sunday. This final week of Christ's ministry and life before He was crucified was clearly important. Three of the gospel writers (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) devote a full third of their contents to reporting this week, and the entire last half of the Gospel of John is dedicated to this week. Jerusalem, which had a normal population of about 50,000 at this time, had at least tripled in size because of the influx of pilgrims celebrating the Jewish holiday Passover. Early (Palm) Sunday morning Jesus made his entry into the city. This was the end of all privacy and safety, and the beginning of what would be an inevitable collision course with the religious and political authorities. Crowds began to shout and sing as they threw down their garments on the pathway to cushion his ride - an Oriental custom still observed on occasions - as well as palm fronds, the symbol of triumph.
I have often wondered how many of those people who enthusiastically cried, "Hosanna!" on Palm Sunday shouted, "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!" a few days later. Some may have been keenly disappointed, even angry, that Christ didn't use His miraculous power to establish an earthly kingdom. Hadn't He created a golden opportunity to rally popular support by parading into Jerusalem and offering Himself as King?
But Jesus didn't come to establish a kingdom on earth. He came to establish His kingdom in the hearts of humanity. It wasn't about a palace and a throne and a mighty scepter for Jesus, it was about forgiveness for sin and the promise of eternal life with Him in heaven. And who is this for? For everyone, my friend. Everyone. John 1:13 says, "But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God." I love that word, "all". What does it mean? It means ALL. Like the children's song, "Red and yellow, black and white, we are precious in His sight......"
There are people today who have the wrong view of Christ just as those on that day had a wrong vies. Christ does not offer immunity from life's hardships, a cure for every disease, or the promise of financial success. What the King offered then is what He offers today-Himself as the sacrifice for our sins, and an invitation to trust and serve Him. If we accept His offer, we will not be disappointed.
Palm Sunday is past, Easter Sunday is just days ahead. I encourage you to attend church this Easter Sunday. Even if you're not "a church goer", attend anyway. Why? Who knows......you might learn something new about God and find hope that was lost somewhere along the way.
If you are in the Osceola area and don't have a church you regularly attend, I invite you to worship with us. You can find details of our services at http://www.oagministries.com.
Blessings to you, my friend! And may the love of God bless you and fill you to overflowing!
I have often wondered how many of those people who enthusiastically cried, "Hosanna!" on Palm Sunday shouted, "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!" a few days later. Some may have been keenly disappointed, even angry, that Christ didn't use His miraculous power to establish an earthly kingdom. Hadn't He created a golden opportunity to rally popular support by parading into Jerusalem and offering Himself as King?
But Jesus didn't come to establish a kingdom on earth. He came to establish His kingdom in the hearts of humanity. It wasn't about a palace and a throne and a mighty scepter for Jesus, it was about forgiveness for sin and the promise of eternal life with Him in heaven. And who is this for? For everyone, my friend. Everyone. John 1:13 says, "But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God." I love that word, "all". What does it mean? It means ALL. Like the children's song, "Red and yellow, black and white, we are precious in His sight......"
There are people today who have the wrong view of Christ just as those on that day had a wrong vies. Christ does not offer immunity from life's hardships, a cure for every disease, or the promise of financial success. What the King offered then is what He offers today-Himself as the sacrifice for our sins, and an invitation to trust and serve Him. If we accept His offer, we will not be disappointed.
Palm Sunday is past, Easter Sunday is just days ahead. I encourage you to attend church this Easter Sunday. Even if you're not "a church goer", attend anyway. Why? Who knows......you might learn something new about God and find hope that was lost somewhere along the way.
If you are in the Osceola area and don't have a church you regularly attend, I invite you to worship with us. You can find details of our services at http://www.oagministries.com.
Blessings to you, my friend! And may the love of God bless you and fill you to overflowing!
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