The last few days of each year I try to set aside some time to reflect and evaluate what I want to accomplish in the New Year ahead. It’s basically a three-step process:
1. Revisit and review last year’s goals and evaluate progress made.
2. Establish new goals for the New Year.
3. Ask God for a theme for the New Year. (This is already done: for ’09…it’s Forward by Faith)
I follow the process Jeff Leake, Lead Pastor of Allison Park Church, recommends:
· Name Your Year - determine the theme of what you want God to do in 2009.
· Evaluate Your Past - consider what you did well last year and what you need to work on.
· Set Life Goals - write out the larger dreams you have for the rest of your days.
· Write '09 Goals - what are your targets for the next 12 months?
I’ve decided to use the term “goals” instead of “resolutions.” Resolutions often are perfection based, whereas goals are targets. Shooting for something moves us forward more than shooting for nothing.
So what are my '08 goals? I will share that soon...
In the meantime, I’d like to hear some of yours!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
God Is Using You!
There's a story in W.A. Criswell's biography that illustrates how you can never measure the impact of your life.
W.A. tells about the day of his conversion: It was Autumn, 1920. His church was holding a revival and Criswell received permission to skip school to attend a special mid-day meeting.
At the close of the service, W.A. responded to the invitation and accepted Christ as his Savior.
Seven years later he was licensed to preach. He soon began a lifetime of ministry, including 55 years as pastor of First Baptist Church of Dallas. He wrote more than 50 books, led untold thousands to Christ, trained hundreds for the ministry.
He was one of the most influential pastors in America during the 20th century.
But this story is really about the man who preached that 1920 revival which changed the course of Criswell's life. His name was John Hicks. He had been a guest in the Criswell's home during the two week revival, and young W.A. had been greatly impressed with the man's manner and character. This admiration compelled the 10 year old boy to attend every service and hang on every word the preacher spoke.
Years later, as Hicks lay dying in Baylor Hospital, his friend Wallace Basset sat with him during his final moments. Hicks said, "Wallace, my life is over, my preaching days are done, and I've never done anything for Jesus. I've failed, Wallace. I've failed."
Apparently John Hicks never knew about the special contribution he had made to the kingdom of God: how one revival meeting held in a small Texas town -- and specifically one sermon preached on an Autumn morning -- touched the heart of a young boy who would, in turn, touch the lives of millions in the years to come.
The words of Paul come to mind: "Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and teaching. Do not neglect your gift..." (1 Timothy 4:13-14)
Maybe you can't see the full results of your life at this moment. Maybe today your years of sacrifice and hard work resemble nothing. Remember this: You've accomplished things that you don't know about -- and you may never know about them on this side of glory.
What appears to be failure sometimes isn't failure at all. Stay devoted to your work. Do not neglect your calling. Do not neglect your gift. And during those days when measurable results remain elusive: do not give in to despair. God is using you.
W.A. tells about the day of his conversion: It was Autumn, 1920. His church was holding a revival and Criswell received permission to skip school to attend a special mid-day meeting.
At the close of the service, W.A. responded to the invitation and accepted Christ as his Savior.
Seven years later he was licensed to preach. He soon began a lifetime of ministry, including 55 years as pastor of First Baptist Church of Dallas. He wrote more than 50 books, led untold thousands to Christ, trained hundreds for the ministry.
He was one of the most influential pastors in America during the 20th century.
But this story is really about the man who preached that 1920 revival which changed the course of Criswell's life. His name was John Hicks. He had been a guest in the Criswell's home during the two week revival, and young W.A. had been greatly impressed with the man's manner and character. This admiration compelled the 10 year old boy to attend every service and hang on every word the preacher spoke.
Years later, as Hicks lay dying in Baylor Hospital, his friend Wallace Basset sat with him during his final moments. Hicks said, "Wallace, my life is over, my preaching days are done, and I've never done anything for Jesus. I've failed, Wallace. I've failed."
Apparently John Hicks never knew about the special contribution he had made to the kingdom of God: how one revival meeting held in a small Texas town -- and specifically one sermon preached on an Autumn morning -- touched the heart of a young boy who would, in turn, touch the lives of millions in the years to come.
The words of Paul come to mind: "Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and teaching. Do not neglect your gift..." (1 Timothy 4:13-14)
Maybe you can't see the full results of your life at this moment. Maybe today your years of sacrifice and hard work resemble nothing. Remember this: You've accomplished things that you don't know about -- and you may never know about them on this side of glory.
What appears to be failure sometimes isn't failure at all. Stay devoted to your work. Do not neglect your calling. Do not neglect your gift. And during those days when measurable results remain elusive: do not give in to despair. God is using you.
Friday, December 26, 2008
How Big Is God?
How big is your God? How big is Jesus in your life? I'm convinced that the way we live is a consequence of the size of our God. The primary problem in our lives is we are not convinced that we are absolutely safe in the hands of a fully- competent, all-knowing, ever-present, utterly loving, infinitely big God.
If I wake up in the morning and go through the day with a small, shrunken God, there are consequences. I will live in a constant state of fear and anxiety, because everything depends on me, and my mood will be governed by whatever circumstances hit me that day.
If I live with a small God, I will find it unnatural to pray when I have a need, because I'm not really sure, to be honest, that God makes a difference and that prayer matters. If I live with a small God, I will become a slave to whatever other people think of me, because I don't live in the security of a big God's acceptance of me.
When human beings shrink God, they pray without faith, worship without awe, serve without joy, suffer without hope, and the result is a life of stagnation and fear, a loss of vision, an inability to persevere and see it through.
It's against this backdrop the writers of Scripture never tire of telling us that we do not live with a little tribal God. Whatever we need, God is bigger. Whatever our weakness, God is stronger!
Join us at Christian Life Center for the final Sunday in 2008 as we discover what it's like to live with a God who is so big He can do anything!
If I wake up in the morning and go through the day with a small, shrunken God, there are consequences. I will live in a constant state of fear and anxiety, because everything depends on me, and my mood will be governed by whatever circumstances hit me that day.
If I live with a small God, I will find it unnatural to pray when I have a need, because I'm not really sure, to be honest, that God makes a difference and that prayer matters. If I live with a small God, I will become a slave to whatever other people think of me, because I don't live in the security of a big God's acceptance of me.
When human beings shrink God, they pray without faith, worship without awe, serve without joy, suffer without hope, and the result is a life of stagnation and fear, a loss of vision, an inability to persevere and see it through.
It's against this backdrop the writers of Scripture never tire of telling us that we do not live with a little tribal God. Whatever we need, God is bigger. Whatever our weakness, God is stronger!
Join us at Christian Life Center for the final Sunday in 2008 as we discover what it's like to live with a God who is so big He can do anything!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas!
On behalf of the Smith family I wish you a Merry Christmas! May God's peace surround you, and his presence comfort you this holiday season!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
QUOTES ON CHRISTMAS
Christmas is the day that holds time together. -- Alexander Smith
There's only been one Christmas (the rest are anniversaries), and it is not over yet. --W.J. Cameron
The place that the shepherds found was not an academy or an abstract republic; it was not a place of myths allegorized or dissected or explained away. It was a place of dreams come true. -- G.K. Chesterton
I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. -- Charles Dickens.
Some businessmen are saying that this could be the greatest Christmas ever. I always thought the first one was. -- Art Fettig
Nothing during the year is so impressively convincing as the vision Christmas brings of what this world would be if love became the daily practice of humans beings. -- Norman Vincent Peale
There's only been one Christmas (the rest are anniversaries), and it is not over yet. --W.J. Cameron
The place that the shepherds found was not an academy or an abstract republic; it was not a place of myths allegorized or dissected or explained away. It was a place of dreams come true. -- G.K. Chesterton
I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. -- Charles Dickens.
Some businessmen are saying that this could be the greatest Christmas ever. I always thought the first one was. -- Art Fettig
Nothing during the year is so impressively convincing as the vision Christmas brings of what this world would be if love became the daily practice of humans beings. -- Norman Vincent Peale
Monday, December 22, 2008
Huh?
The pastor of a church in California put a sign in front of his church during the Christmas season that said, "Jesus is the reason for the season. Merry Christmas."
He received a complaint from a woman in the community who took exception with the message.
She closed the conversation by saying, "I don't think the church should try to drag religion into every holiday."
Go figure!
He received a complaint from a woman in the community who took exception with the message.
She closed the conversation by saying, "I don't think the church should try to drag religion into every holiday."
Go figure!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
A Christmas Carol
In the fall of 1843 Charles Dickens was facing tremendous financial pressure. He knew he needed to write a hit and he needed to do it quickly.
One evening he took a long walk, hoping for something that would spark his imagination. He began his walk in his own neighborhood-one of London's finest. As he walked he waved and spoke to those he passed, the elegant ladies and the well-dressed gentlemen.
His walk took him across the Thames River into the litter strewn streets of one of London's worst slums. Here, the lords and ladies were replaced by streetwalkers, pickpockets, and beggars.
Suddenly he felt a flash of inspiration. He would write a Christmas story for these very people--people who hungered for a bit of cheer and hope.
Christmas was close; Dickens had to write quickly. As he recorded the story of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge being visited by the ghost of his dead partner, Dickens began to experience a personal change.
What had begun as a calculated plan to eliminate debt became a work that captured his soul.
He wrote about the kind of Christmas he loved--family parties, mistletoe, carols, games, feasts and gifts. When the manuscript was ready for press, Dickens insisted that the book have a gold-stamped cover, a red and green title page, four hand-colored etchings and four woodcuts.
To make it possible for the book to reach a wide audience, he priced it at only five shillings.
Neither Dickens or the publisher were prepared for the response to the release of A Christmas Carol. It completely sold out the initial press run of 6000 copies in the first six days--an amazing feat in 19th England.
Since the book was so lavishly packaged and so modestly priced, it did not provide an immediate solution to Dickens' financial problems. This was all right with him; he had enough to get by. His later works (David Copperfield and Tale of Two Cities among them) brought him the financial prosperity he needed.
In Christmas 1843, however, Charles Dickens was satisfied to give this universally loved novel to the world. From the storm of tribulation came a gift--and it changed forever the way people celebrate Christmas!
One evening he took a long walk, hoping for something that would spark his imagination. He began his walk in his own neighborhood-one of London's finest. As he walked he waved and spoke to those he passed, the elegant ladies and the well-dressed gentlemen.
His walk took him across the Thames River into the litter strewn streets of one of London's worst slums. Here, the lords and ladies were replaced by streetwalkers, pickpockets, and beggars.
Suddenly he felt a flash of inspiration. He would write a Christmas story for these very people--people who hungered for a bit of cheer and hope.
Christmas was close; Dickens had to write quickly. As he recorded the story of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge being visited by the ghost of his dead partner, Dickens began to experience a personal change.
What had begun as a calculated plan to eliminate debt became a work that captured his soul.
He wrote about the kind of Christmas he loved--family parties, mistletoe, carols, games, feasts and gifts. When the manuscript was ready for press, Dickens insisted that the book have a gold-stamped cover, a red and green title page, four hand-colored etchings and four woodcuts.
To make it possible for the book to reach a wide audience, he priced it at only five shillings.
Neither Dickens or the publisher were prepared for the response to the release of A Christmas Carol. It completely sold out the initial press run of 6000 copies in the first six days--an amazing feat in 19th England.
Since the book was so lavishly packaged and so modestly priced, it did not provide an immediate solution to Dickens' financial problems. This was all right with him; he had enough to get by. His later works (David Copperfield and Tale of Two Cities among them) brought him the financial prosperity he needed.
In Christmas 1843, however, Charles Dickens was satisfied to give this universally loved novel to the world. From the storm of tribulation came a gift--and it changed forever the way people celebrate Christmas!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
2009 Resolutions
Charles Lamb said "New Year's Day is every man's birthday."
We're just a few of weeks away from changing the calendar, so we've all got a birthday coming up. We'll all have a chance to reflect a little bit on the past 365 days and, hopefully, focus a lot on the next 365 days. If we choose, we can wipe slate clean from the past and begin a new day.
There's nothing special about January 1, of course, but there is something special about the decision to break away from old habits and develop new ones. It can be done any day -- January 1 is as good a day as any. The important thing is to devote oneself to doing better and trying harder.
It was said of Hezekiah: "In everything he undertook in the service of God's temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered." (2 Chronicles 31:21)
My resolutions for 2009 are centered in this verse. I want to seek God more and to serve him better.
We're just a few of weeks away from changing the calendar, so we've all got a birthday coming up. We'll all have a chance to reflect a little bit on the past 365 days and, hopefully, focus a lot on the next 365 days. If we choose, we can wipe slate clean from the past and begin a new day.
There's nothing special about January 1, of course, but there is something special about the decision to break away from old habits and develop new ones. It can be done any day -- January 1 is as good a day as any. The important thing is to devote oneself to doing better and trying harder.
It was said of Hezekiah: "In everything he undertook in the service of God's temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered." (2 Chronicles 31:21)
My resolutions for 2009 are centered in this verse. I want to seek God more and to serve him better.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Old books, Old Friends
I recently heard about a different approach to reading I'm going to try in 2009: going back to the good books in your library again and again. There's an old saying that great books are not written, they're rewritten. In other words, an author should give his manuscript more than one pass. It can also be said that great books shouldn't be merely read, they should be re-read.
Spurgeon said: "Master those books you have. Read them thoroughly. Bathe in them until they saturate you. Read and reread them, masticate and digest them...A student will find that his mental constitution is more affected by one book thoroughly mastered than by twenty books he has merely skimmed."
As we work our way into the New Year, I've been thinking about my reading list for 2009. There are a few books I read every year or so -- if not the whole volume, at least certain chapters and/or sections that I find especially helpful. Here are some of them.
The Purpose Driven Life (Rick Warren)
Communicating for a Change (Andy Stanley)
A Tale of Three Kings (Gene Edwards)
Visioneering (Andy Stanley)
Celebration of Discipline (Richard Foster)
Courageous Leadership (Bill Hybels)
Mere Christianity (C.S. Lewis)
Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire (Jim Cymbala)
Your Road Map For Success (John Maxwell)
The Power of Positive Living: An Autobiography (Norman Vincent Peale)
These books have become my friends. They encourage me during difficult days, they tell me what I need to hear, they remind me of things I have forgotten, they challenge me to try again, they help me become more holy -- to see Christ more clearly, to love him more dearly, to follow him more nearly, as the old song says.
I encourage you to give some thought to which books on your bookshelf are worth a second look -- and add them to your list for 2009. I'd also like to know what you plan on reading...drop me a line and let me know!
Spurgeon said: "Master those books you have. Read them thoroughly. Bathe in them until they saturate you. Read and reread them, masticate and digest them...A student will find that his mental constitution is more affected by one book thoroughly mastered than by twenty books he has merely skimmed."
As we work our way into the New Year, I've been thinking about my reading list for 2009. There are a few books I read every year or so -- if not the whole volume, at least certain chapters and/or sections that I find especially helpful. Here are some of them.
The Purpose Driven Life (Rick Warren)
Communicating for a Change (Andy Stanley)
A Tale of Three Kings (Gene Edwards)
Visioneering (Andy Stanley)
Celebration of Discipline (Richard Foster)
Courageous Leadership (Bill Hybels)
Mere Christianity (C.S. Lewis)
Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire (Jim Cymbala)
Your Road Map For Success (John Maxwell)
The Power of Positive Living: An Autobiography (Norman Vincent Peale)
These books have become my friends. They encourage me during difficult days, they tell me what I need to hear, they remind me of things I have forgotten, they challenge me to try again, they help me become more holy -- to see Christ more clearly, to love him more dearly, to follow him more nearly, as the old song says.
I encourage you to give some thought to which books on your bookshelf are worth a second look -- and add them to your list for 2009. I'd also like to know what you plan on reading...drop me a line and let me know!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Changing The Course
There are certain laws at work in the universe, and no amount of power, or money, or influence can change them.
These laws are God's laws. He designed them to work for us, not against us. In order for this to happen, we sometimes have to change our course. His laws don't change; we must change.
When we try to find happiness, fulfillment, and meaning in life through any method other than a personal relationship with God, we are setting ourselves up for failure.
But it doesn't have to be that way. We can change our course at anytime. We can choose life over death; we can choose spiritual blessings over self-destruction.
God doesn't change his course to accommodate us, but if we are willing to change our course, to chart the path of lives in his direction, he will to open his arms wide to receive us, and will shower us with blessings from heaven.
These are his words...
"I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live, and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life..." (Deuteronomy 30:19-20)
These laws are God's laws. He designed them to work for us, not against us. In order for this to happen, we sometimes have to change our course. His laws don't change; we must change.
When we try to find happiness, fulfillment, and meaning in life through any method other than a personal relationship with God, we are setting ourselves up for failure.
But it doesn't have to be that way. We can change our course at anytime. We can choose life over death; we can choose spiritual blessings over self-destruction.
God doesn't change his course to accommodate us, but if we are willing to change our course, to chart the path of lives in his direction, he will to open his arms wide to receive us, and will shower us with blessings from heaven.
These are his words...
"I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live, and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life..." (Deuteronomy 30:19-20)
Friday, December 12, 2008
Quotes On Accomplishment
We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we've already done. —Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. —Herm Albright
There is no such thing as a great talent without great will-power —Honore de Balzac
Luck is being ready for the chance. —James Frank Dobie
Unless a man has trained himself for his chance, the chance will only make him ridiculous. —William Matthews.
Opportunity is sometimes hard to recognize if you're only looking for a lucky break. —Monta Crane
For a man to achieve all that is demanded of him he must regard himself as greater than he is. —Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Opportunity's favorite disguise is trouble. —Frank Tyger
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. —Herm Albright
There is no such thing as a great talent without great will-power —Honore de Balzac
Luck is being ready for the chance. —James Frank Dobie
Unless a man has trained himself for his chance, the chance will only make him ridiculous. —William Matthews.
Opportunity is sometimes hard to recognize if you're only looking for a lucky break. —Monta Crane
For a man to achieve all that is demanded of him he must regard himself as greater than he is. —Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Opportunity's favorite disguise is trouble. —Frank Tyger
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Talking To Myself
The average person talks to himself or herself thousands of times a day. For many people, much of that self-talk is negative. "You're so stupid!" one says to oneself. "Why can't you do anything right? You'll never get a break. You'll never succeed. You don't have a chance."
These words reinforce what we believe about ourselves, and they influence the actions we take.
We find it far too easy to believe in the power of our weaknesses and failures; we find it far too difficult to believe in the power of the God who came to transform us into his likeness.
God spoke through Joel this simple phrase: "Let the weak say 'I am strong.'" (Joel 3:10) He was talking about the day of battle; he was guaranteeing his people a victory.
Every day is the day of battle for followers of Christ. We fight temptation, discouragement, apathy, and failure -- day in, day out. And in the midst of battle, God reminds us that victory is ours. Therefore, let the weak say I am strong -- for (as David proclaimed when facing Goliath) "The battle is the Lord's."
These words reinforce what we believe about ourselves, and they influence the actions we take.
We find it far too easy to believe in the power of our weaknesses and failures; we find it far too difficult to believe in the power of the God who came to transform us into his likeness.
God spoke through Joel this simple phrase: "Let the weak say 'I am strong.'" (Joel 3:10) He was talking about the day of battle; he was guaranteeing his people a victory.
Every day is the day of battle for followers of Christ. We fight temptation, discouragement, apathy, and failure -- day in, day out. And in the midst of battle, God reminds us that victory is ours. Therefore, let the weak say I am strong -- for (as David proclaimed when facing Goliath) "The battle is the Lord's."
Monday, December 8, 2008
The Treasure of Christmas
In the Christmas story, I like how Luke used the phrase, "All who heard the shepherd's story were astonished, but Mary quietly treasured those things in heart and thought about them often." (Luke 2:19)
The King James says, "Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart."
It means that year after year she thought about the events leading to the first Christmas -- how she was chosen to participate in God's story of salvation, how God brought everything together, how she witnessed firsthand that, like the angel had said to her many months before, "Nothing is impossible for God." (Luke 1:37)
Mary's example is good one to follow. We should remember to treasure these things and think about them often. There are so many lessons to be learned the nativity story.
● From the wisemen we learn that God speaks to anyone who will listen, and he leads anyone who is willing to follow.
● From Mary and Joseph we learn what it means to fully submit to the will of God. We learn that obedience takes courage, and that it's better to obey God than worry about what others think or say.
● From the shepherds -- those minimum wage workers who were watching sheep late in the night -- we learn that no one is too poor or too insignificant to have a personal experience with God.
● Even from cruel Herod, we are reminded of how foolish it is to try to hinder the purpose of God.
Most of all, from Jesus, we learn that God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
We're beginning a busy season of the year -- stressful sometimes, hectic, and financially challenging. Follow Mary's example: Remember to remember the first Christmas. Treasuring the story, think about it often, ponder its meaning in your heart.
The King James says, "Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart."
It means that year after year she thought about the events leading to the first Christmas -- how she was chosen to participate in God's story of salvation, how God brought everything together, how she witnessed firsthand that, like the angel had said to her many months before, "Nothing is impossible for God." (Luke 1:37)
Mary's example is good one to follow. We should remember to treasure these things and think about them often. There are so many lessons to be learned the nativity story.
● From the wisemen we learn that God speaks to anyone who will listen, and he leads anyone who is willing to follow.
● From Mary and Joseph we learn what it means to fully submit to the will of God. We learn that obedience takes courage, and that it's better to obey God than worry about what others think or say.
● From the shepherds -- those minimum wage workers who were watching sheep late in the night -- we learn that no one is too poor or too insignificant to have a personal experience with God.
● Even from cruel Herod, we are reminded of how foolish it is to try to hinder the purpose of God.
Most of all, from Jesus, we learn that God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
We're beginning a busy season of the year -- stressful sometimes, hectic, and financially challenging. Follow Mary's example: Remember to remember the first Christmas. Treasuring the story, think about it often, ponder its meaning in your heart.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Nothing is Insignificant with God!
At the beginning of the Christmas story, Mary was just a teenage girl living with her family in Nazareth preparing to marry a man named Joseph. She probably had no ambitions for her life beyond caring for her home, her future husband and children. She was a poor, simple woman. By worldly standards, she was quite insignificant.
But then an angel showed up! And what he said rocked her world: "Do not be afraid, Mary. You have found favor with God" (Luke 1:30).
With those few words the angel announced to her that with God there is no such thing as an insignificant person. There is no person on this planet whom he doesn't see, whom he doesn't know, whom he doesn't love.
You may be poor. You may be desperate. You may lack education and resources. You may be tucked away in an obscure, out of the way place -- feeling like a nowhere man living in a nowhere land. But with God, you're not hidden, you're not obscure, you're not insignificant.
He has a place for you. He has a plan for you. And he is willing to bestow his favor upon you. If you will put yourself in his care, through trust and obedience and submission to him, he will put you in your place, so to speak. He will pour out his favor in your life.
What does his favor mean? It means blessings. The blessings of a happy home, the blessings of joy and peace and abundance. The blessing of knowing him personally.
God's favor also means that he will use your life to do great things. In Mary's case, she did the greatest thing of all -- she gave birth to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
In your case, it means that God will use to touch the lives of people around you. That you will be a blessing to others, and an inspiration to others. He will put you in situations in which you will care for others, and teach others, and influence others in a way that empowers them to fulfill God's calling on their lives.
The favor of God means that he will bless you and he will use you.
But then an angel showed up! And what he said rocked her world: "Do not be afraid, Mary. You have found favor with God" (Luke 1:30).
With those few words the angel announced to her that with God there is no such thing as an insignificant person. There is no person on this planet whom he doesn't see, whom he doesn't know, whom he doesn't love.
You may be poor. You may be desperate. You may lack education and resources. You may be tucked away in an obscure, out of the way place -- feeling like a nowhere man living in a nowhere land. But with God, you're not hidden, you're not obscure, you're not insignificant.
He has a place for you. He has a plan for you. And he is willing to bestow his favor upon you. If you will put yourself in his care, through trust and obedience and submission to him, he will put you in your place, so to speak. He will pour out his favor in your life.
What does his favor mean? It means blessings. The blessings of a happy home, the blessings of joy and peace and abundance. The blessing of knowing him personally.
God's favor also means that he will use your life to do great things. In Mary's case, she did the greatest thing of all -- she gave birth to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
In your case, it means that God will use to touch the lives of people around you. That you will be a blessing to others, and an inspiration to others. He will put you in situations in which you will care for others, and teach others, and influence others in a way that empowers them to fulfill God's calling on their lives.
The favor of God means that he will bless you and he will use you.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Models
I read an interesting article about the church recently that mentioned there are three kinds of churches: the Hotel, the Asylum, and the Hospital. It's an fascinating analogy! Is Christian Life Center one of these?
The Hotel model is the kind of church where people come in and don't lift a finger: all the work is done by someone else. Their stay is temporary, it does not become their home, and it usually isn't long before they check out -- leaving nothing of themselves behind, taking with them all they brought in.
The Asylum model is the kind of church where people arrive with problems and leave with their problems multiplied. It's a place where people go but never get better, and sometimes they get worse.
The Hospital model is the kind of church where hurting people can find healing. There are sick people in the hospital-church, but they're not judged for being sick -- they're just made whole again.
I hope we're more like the hospital model than the others! Our purpose, clearly, is to be a hospital the sin-sick soul. Our goal is to help people discover God and experience His power in life-changing ways; to find healing for their broken lives through the healing power of Jesus Christ!
The Hotel model is the kind of church where people come in and don't lift a finger: all the work is done by someone else. Their stay is temporary, it does not become their home, and it usually isn't long before they check out -- leaving nothing of themselves behind, taking with them all they brought in.
The Asylum model is the kind of church where people arrive with problems and leave with their problems multiplied. It's a place where people go but never get better, and sometimes they get worse.
The Hospital model is the kind of church where hurting people can find healing. There are sick people in the hospital-church, but they're not judged for being sick -- they're just made whole again.
I hope we're more like the hospital model than the others! Our purpose, clearly, is to be a hospital the sin-sick soul. Our goal is to help people discover God and experience His power in life-changing ways; to find healing for their broken lives through the healing power of Jesus Christ!
Monday, December 1, 2008
No More Masks
Our heroes usually wear masks, so we don't know who they really are. Like Spiderman and Batman and the Green Lantern and Zorro... and, of course, the original masked man: the Lone Ranger.
We benefit from their kindness -- they frequently save the world from bad guys like the Penguin and the Joker -- but we don't know who they really are. They may be our heroes, but our knowledge of them is limited; they can't be known personally!
There's a sense in which the same could have been said about God. In the Old Testament we learned about him, we saw how his people benefitted from his kindness, but we couldn't really know him personally, intimately. It was like he was behind a mask.
On Christmas Day, the mask was removed. He revealed himself to us fully and completely, so that we may known him as he really is. This is why, when Philip asked Jesus to reveal the Father, Jesus said, "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father." (John 14:9)
God's plan is not to be our hero. He wants to be more than the one we call on in times of trouble.
He wants to be our constant companion, our Father, our friend. He wants us to know him personally. This is made possible through his Son, Jesus Christ, who was sent to us two thousand years ago. This is why we celebrate his birth.
During the month of December at Christian Life Center our focus will be on Jesus! What significance does this first-century Jewish rabbi named Jesus have in our lives today? He claimed to be the Messiah; how does it affect our lives? Join us this Sunday as we begin exploring the real reason for the season!
We benefit from their kindness -- they frequently save the world from bad guys like the Penguin and the Joker -- but we don't know who they really are. They may be our heroes, but our knowledge of them is limited; they can't be known personally!
There's a sense in which the same could have been said about God. In the Old Testament we learned about him, we saw how his people benefitted from his kindness, but we couldn't really know him personally, intimately. It was like he was behind a mask.
On Christmas Day, the mask was removed. He revealed himself to us fully and completely, so that we may known him as he really is. This is why, when Philip asked Jesus to reveal the Father, Jesus said, "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father." (John 14:9)
God's plan is not to be our hero. He wants to be more than the one we call on in times of trouble.
He wants to be our constant companion, our Father, our friend. He wants us to know him personally. This is made possible through his Son, Jesus Christ, who was sent to us two thousand years ago. This is why we celebrate his birth.
During the month of December at Christian Life Center our focus will be on Jesus! What significance does this first-century Jewish rabbi named Jesus have in our lives today? He claimed to be the Messiah; how does it affect our lives? Join us this Sunday as we begin exploring the real reason for the season!
Friday, November 28, 2008
Hope Inspires Endurance!
Do you know who my biggest hero is? Joe Paterno. He's the head football coach for the Penn State Nittany Lions. I'm not a huge Penn State fan, but this guy is amazing. He's been on the coaching staff at Penn State for 59 years -- 16 years as an assistant and 43 years as the head coach. He's won more football games than any other coach in history. He's now 81 years old.
One of things I like about Paterno is that he cares deeply about his players, not just how they perform on the field, but how they perform in life. One player who was recruited by a number of colleges said that all the other coaches promised him a position on the team. Paterno said, "If you play for Penn State, you'll leave a better person."
Several years ago, when Paterno was still in his early seventies, he went through a storm. Over a period of five years, Penn State had four losing seasons. Penn State alumni were calling for his resignation, if not his head on a platter. A website even sprung up called firejoepaterno.com!
If he had stepped down at that time, no one would have blamed him. He could have said, "I've had a good run, but the time has come for me to call it a day," and he would have gone out a hero.
But after those four losing seasons, Paterno didn't step down. He decided to stick around a few more years. Why? He believed he could still do what he was hired to do all those years ago: consistently produce winning teams for the Penn State program. He had hope -- not wishful thinking, but a solid sense of optimism -- that there were still some good years to come.
What eventually happened? He turned things around. In the three seasons before this one, Penn State lost only a total of 9 games, and they went to a bowl game each year. This year Penn State is 11-1 and they're going to the Rose Bowl. The firejoepaterno.com website is still up, and if you go there you'll see that they're trying desperately to justify their existence.
Even during those days that must have been the most difficult of his career, Joe refused to quit. When people said, "Your time is up, Paterno. You're old. You're finished. You should quit while you're ahead," he just kept going. It is his hope -- his optimism -- that fuels his endurance.
Paul said, "...your endurance inspired by hope" (1 Thess. 1:13). If you want to develop endurance, develop hope. Develop an attitude of optimism. This idea -- that God is in control and that he is working all things together for good -- needs to be foundational in your attitude at work.
This idea -- that the best is yet to come -- will carry you through those difficult days that come with any and every job. That's because hope inspires endurance!
One of things I like about Paterno is that he cares deeply about his players, not just how they perform on the field, but how they perform in life. One player who was recruited by a number of colleges said that all the other coaches promised him a position on the team. Paterno said, "If you play for Penn State, you'll leave a better person."
Several years ago, when Paterno was still in his early seventies, he went through a storm. Over a period of five years, Penn State had four losing seasons. Penn State alumni were calling for his resignation, if not his head on a platter. A website even sprung up called firejoepaterno.com!
If he had stepped down at that time, no one would have blamed him. He could have said, "I've had a good run, but the time has come for me to call it a day," and he would have gone out a hero.
But after those four losing seasons, Paterno didn't step down. He decided to stick around a few more years. Why? He believed he could still do what he was hired to do all those years ago: consistently produce winning teams for the Penn State program. He had hope -- not wishful thinking, but a solid sense of optimism -- that there were still some good years to come.
What eventually happened? He turned things around. In the three seasons before this one, Penn State lost only a total of 9 games, and they went to a bowl game each year. This year Penn State is 11-1 and they're going to the Rose Bowl. The firejoepaterno.com website is still up, and if you go there you'll see that they're trying desperately to justify their existence.
Even during those days that must have been the most difficult of his career, Joe refused to quit. When people said, "Your time is up, Paterno. You're old. You're finished. You should quit while you're ahead," he just kept going. It is his hope -- his optimism -- that fuels his endurance.
Paul said, "...your endurance inspired by hope" (1 Thess. 1:13). If you want to develop endurance, develop hope. Develop an attitude of optimism. This idea -- that God is in control and that he is working all things together for good -- needs to be foundational in your attitude at work.
This idea -- that the best is yet to come -- will carry you through those difficult days that come with any and every job. That's because hope inspires endurance!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Crazy Dreams!
Recently, I came aross the story of Ronald Mallet, a man who lost his father to a smoking related illness 53 years ago. When his father died, his lifelong quest began: to build a time machine that would enable him to travel into the past, see his father again, and warn him to change his lifestyle.
It sounds crazy, I know. If Ronald Mallet was a wild-eyed Emmet Brown type (that was Christopher Lloyd in the Back to the Future trilogy), it would be easy to laugh him off as a nutcase.
But he's nothing like Emmet Brown. He is a tenured theoretical physicist at the University of Connecticut, only the 79th African American to earn a doctorate in physics. Why did he choose physics? Because of his crazy dream: he wanted to find a way to travel through time, because he desperately wanted to see his father once again.
He hid his obsession hidden for decades, knowing that if the secret got out, he would become a laughingstock. So he worked at home each night in solitude, and along the way made some amazing discoveries -- discoveries that the academic community is beginning to pay attention to.
It also illustrates how there are many things that drive us to choose the career we choose -- and if the motive is strong enough, it can drive us to do the seemingly impossible.
I can't imagine devoting my life to something as crazy as time travel. Instead, I've devoted my life (we've devoted our lives) to something that many find crazier -- the foolishness of preaching.
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18)
It sounds crazy, I know. If Ronald Mallet was a wild-eyed Emmet Brown type (that was Christopher Lloyd in the Back to the Future trilogy), it would be easy to laugh him off as a nutcase.
But he's nothing like Emmet Brown. He is a tenured theoretical physicist at the University of Connecticut, only the 79th African American to earn a doctorate in physics. Why did he choose physics? Because of his crazy dream: he wanted to find a way to travel through time, because he desperately wanted to see his father once again.
He hid his obsession hidden for decades, knowing that if the secret got out, he would become a laughingstock. So he worked at home each night in solitude, and along the way made some amazing discoveries -- discoveries that the academic community is beginning to pay attention to.
It also illustrates how there are many things that drive us to choose the career we choose -- and if the motive is strong enough, it can drive us to do the seemingly impossible.
I can't imagine devoting my life to something as crazy as time travel. Instead, I've devoted my life (we've devoted our lives) to something that many find crazier -- the foolishness of preaching.
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18)
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Today at CLC I'm going to be talking about the connection between graditude and generosity. The focus will be on the apostle Paul's words of instruction to the church at Corinth. However, you can go back years earlier and discover the principles being established with the children of Israel.
For example, in the book of Deuteronomy is a lesson to be learned about giving. Verses 1-11 describes the Liturgy of the First Fruits, which was associated with each of the Pilgrim festivals. Even though we don't celebrate the same feasts and festivals that they did, we can follow a similar liturgy today when we give. Here are three reminders about how to give:
1. Make giving a priority. (v. 2)...take some of the firstfruits of all that you produce from the soil of the land the Lord your God is giving you and put them in a basket. (v. 10) "...and now I bring the firstfruits of the soil that you, O Lord, have given me."
2. Make giving an act of worship.(v. 10) Place the basket before the Lord your God and bow down before him.
3. Make giving a celebration of thanksgiving.(v. 11) And you and the Levites and the aliens among you shall rejoice in all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household.
We express gratitude by recognizing our debt to God (v. 2); by remembering his faithfulness (v.5-9) and by reaching out to to others (v. 11 — "Remember to include the Levites and the foreigners living among in the celebreation." NLT).
For example, in the book of Deuteronomy is a lesson to be learned about giving. Verses 1-11 describes the Liturgy of the First Fruits, which was associated with each of the Pilgrim festivals. Even though we don't celebrate the same feasts and festivals that they did, we can follow a similar liturgy today when we give. Here are three reminders about how to give:
1. Make giving a priority. (v. 2)...take some of the firstfruits of all that you produce from the soil of the land the Lord your God is giving you and put them in a basket. (v. 10) "...and now I bring the firstfruits of the soil that you, O Lord, have given me."
2. Make giving an act of worship.(v. 10) Place the basket before the Lord your God and bow down before him.
3. Make giving a celebration of thanksgiving.(v. 11) And you and the Levites and the aliens among you shall rejoice in all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household.
We express gratitude by recognizing our debt to God (v. 2); by remembering his faithfulness (v.5-9) and by reaching out to to others (v. 11 — "Remember to include the Levites and the foreigners living among in the celebreation." NLT).
Friday, November 21, 2008
What God Sees
God sees us according to our potential, not our limitations. Jesus called Peter "a rock" long before Peter did anything to deserve the name. God's objective in our life is that we might be conformed to the image of his Son...to become the righteousness of God in Christ. (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 5:21)
This puts us on a never-ending quest for self-improvement...a never-ending quest for holiness. Our purpose each day is to make an effort toward spiritual growth, to become more like him. That's why at Christian Life Center we've made spiritual formation one of our core values.
Let's keep in mind that God already sees in us the potential to become what he wants us to be. It is we who have a hard time believing in ourselves, and believing in his ability to bring it to pass.
This anonymous Mexican prayer expresses both humility and faith in God's ability to work in our lives. Let's make it our prayer, too.
I am only a spark, Make me a fire.
I am only a string,Make me a lyre.
I am only a drop,Make me a fountain.
I am only an anthill,Make me a mountain.
I am only a feather,Make me a wing.
I am only a rag,Make me a king.
This puts us on a never-ending quest for self-improvement...a never-ending quest for holiness. Our purpose each day is to make an effort toward spiritual growth, to become more like him. That's why at Christian Life Center we've made spiritual formation one of our core values.
Let's keep in mind that God already sees in us the potential to become what he wants us to be. It is we who have a hard time believing in ourselves, and believing in his ability to bring it to pass.
This anonymous Mexican prayer expresses both humility and faith in God's ability to work in our lives. Let's make it our prayer, too.
I am only a spark, Make me a fire.
I am only a string,Make me a lyre.
I am only a drop,Make me a fountain.
I am only an anthill,Make me a mountain.
I am only a feather,Make me a wing.
I am only a rag,Make me a king.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
A Week To Live
What would you do if you knew you had only week to live? Would you go away? Would you go home? Would you do some last minute sinning, or some last minute repenting? Would you be sad? Angry? Hopeful? Afraid? How would you spend those final hours?
Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. (John 13:1)
When Jesus had one week to live, he chose to wash his disciples' feet. He did the work of a common slave, ministering to those who were closest to him. He washed their feet (John 13), he comforted them (John 14), he encouraged them (John 15-16), prayed for them (John 17), and then he died for them. He spent the last week of his life fulfilling his purpose; he spent the last week of his life being a servant.
...the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:28)
You and me, we have a week to live: this week — and most probably hundreds more. I want to spend this week fulfilling my purpose, doing that which is most important in terms of eternity: serving Christ by serving others.
Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. (John 13:1)
When Jesus had one week to live, he chose to wash his disciples' feet. He did the work of a common slave, ministering to those who were closest to him. He washed their feet (John 13), he comforted them (John 14), he encouraged them (John 15-16), prayed for them (John 17), and then he died for them. He spent the last week of his life fulfilling his purpose; he spent the last week of his life being a servant.
...the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:28)
You and me, we have a week to live: this week — and most probably hundreds more. I want to spend this week fulfilling my purpose, doing that which is most important in terms of eternity: serving Christ by serving others.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Control
Life isn't easy. We all know that. We all face challenges big and small, and sometimes things seem to spin out of control. The key word is seem.
No matter how things look for you today, you can find a place of peace in the presence of God.
You can get centered in him, because he is for you, and because he is in control of every situation -- including this situation, today. It's a choice you make. A choice to be honest with your situation, and a choice to trust that God will deliver on his promises.
You can celebrate this day, because this is the day that God has designed to change you, to teach you, to help you.
You can ask for more than enough, because God has the ability to help you thrive. And you can look to the light, because in his word and in his presence, you will find all the help you need!
No matter how things look for you today, you can find a place of peace in the presence of God.
You can get centered in him, because he is for you, and because he is in control of every situation -- including this situation, today. It's a choice you make. A choice to be honest with your situation, and a choice to trust that God will deliver on his promises.
You can celebrate this day, because this is the day that God has designed to change you, to teach you, to help you.
You can ask for more than enough, because God has the ability to help you thrive. And you can look to the light, because in his word and in his presence, you will find all the help you need!
Friday, November 14, 2008
All Because of Grace
The movie "Saving Private Ryan" ends with Captain Miller(Tom Hanks’ character)sitting near a bridge after an attack by German forces. His life is ebbing away as he pulls Ryan (Matt Damon)down toward him.
Struggling for breath he whispers, "Earn this, earn this."
As Ryan stands his face morphs back into the present as a senior adult searching for Miller’s cross in the cemetery. Crying he turns to his wife and says, "Tell me I’m a good man."
Many people may believe that Christ died for them, but they have an attitude that Christ told them, "Earn this." They spend their lives through religion trying to receive validation so that people will tell them, "You are a good man or a good woman."
Grace is realizing that we can never earn Christ’s sacrifice for us on the cross. Our lives should reflect thanksgiving for what he has done instead of validation for being a good person. We can never earn salvation. We can only receive it.
Struggling for breath he whispers, "Earn this, earn this."
As Ryan stands his face morphs back into the present as a senior adult searching for Miller’s cross in the cemetery. Crying he turns to his wife and says, "Tell me I’m a good man."
Many people may believe that Christ died for them, but they have an attitude that Christ told them, "Earn this." They spend their lives through religion trying to receive validation so that people will tell them, "You are a good man or a good woman."
Grace is realizing that we can never earn Christ’s sacrifice for us on the cross. Our lives should reflect thanksgiving for what he has done instead of validation for being a good person. We can never earn salvation. We can only receive it.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Ho, Ho, Ho...
Let the record reflect the following action. November 12, 2008 Pastor Del posted his first Christmas blog! Ok, so I'm a bit early perhaps but I'm already hearing Christmas music on the radio!! Geez...at least let me get the turkey digested first! At any rate, my mind is already beginning to fill with thoughts about the holidays ahead.
How do you gauge a good Christmas? Most of us, I would guess, have some type of scale that determines whether or not this Christmas, or any Christmas, goes down as one of the better ones. And, I would imagine, most of us probably already have a pretty good idea of where this Christmas will fit on the spectrum.
We have a bad habit of making Christmas all about “me” -- my expectations, my wants, my needs, my preferences. The result is, often, that Christmas disappoints us or frustrates us in one way or another, year in and year out.
The paradox is that Christmas really is about you -- you are the reason that God sent his Son into the world. It was the only way you could be saved. He sent Jesus to be born in a manger and to die on the cross for your sins so that you could turn back to him, so that you could experience the forgiveness of sin, so that God’s face could shine upon you. Only then can you be saved.
Before you think about what you can give, be willing to receive God’s gift to you. His gift of love. His gift of acceptance. His gift of new life. When you receive God’s gift to you, you are able to give back to him, and give to those around you.
How do you gauge a good Christmas? Most of us, I would guess, have some type of scale that determines whether or not this Christmas, or any Christmas, goes down as one of the better ones. And, I would imagine, most of us probably already have a pretty good idea of where this Christmas will fit on the spectrum.
We have a bad habit of making Christmas all about “me” -- my expectations, my wants, my needs, my preferences. The result is, often, that Christmas disappoints us or frustrates us in one way or another, year in and year out.
The paradox is that Christmas really is about you -- you are the reason that God sent his Son into the world. It was the only way you could be saved. He sent Jesus to be born in a manger and to die on the cross for your sins so that you could turn back to him, so that you could experience the forgiveness of sin, so that God’s face could shine upon you. Only then can you be saved.
Before you think about what you can give, be willing to receive God’s gift to you. His gift of love. His gift of acceptance. His gift of new life. When you receive God’s gift to you, you are able to give back to him, and give to those around you.
Monday, November 10, 2008
The Grass is Always Greener...
I read an interesting story in the Tampa Bay paper recently. It's about a man who lives Hudson, Florida; his name is Andy Law.
One morning, as Andy was reading the daily news, he came across a story that shocked him. Joseph Prudente, a sixty-six year old man in nearby Beacon Woods had gone to jail for the crime of having a brown lawn. He had received notices from the local homeowners association that his grass wasn't green enough for community standards, but he overlooked them. Prudente has some health problems right now and is struggling financially. He can barely make his mortgage payment; he doesn't have the resources to take care of his lawn.
So the homeowner's association did what was in their power: they filed a court order against him and had him arrested, without the option of posting bail.
Here's where Andy comes in. He has troubles of his own. His business is failing, he is on the verge of losing his own house, and he is considering bankruptcy. But as he read Joseph Prudente's story, Andy decided that something must be done. "This," he thought, "is a problem that can be solved."
He began calling everyone he knew to help. Soon the yard was full of people working. Others dropped off gifts. Another man came to repair the sprinkler. Andy borrowed some lawn equipment and convinced a nursery to donate sod. By the end of the day, the yard was done: covered with new green grass, red mulch, flowers, and a working sprinkler.
At this time, the Tampa Bay paper reports, there was a sudden, thick downpour. Jennifer Prudente, Joseph's wife, stood in the rain with her arms open wide. "Our luck is changing," she said.
The next day Joseph was released from jail. Though he still faces fines and court costs, he is a free man today ... as long his grass stays the right shade of green. (And you thought your neighbors were picky.)
As far as I'm concerned, this story is more about Andy than it is about Joseph. Yes, it's outrageous that you can go to jail in America for having brown grass; I realize that some will see only this aspect of the story.
More impressive is the fact that one young man, also down on his luck, put his own problems on the back burner long enough to make a difference in someone else's life. This is an example of Paul's words in Philippians being put into practice: "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4)
One morning, as Andy was reading the daily news, he came across a story that shocked him. Joseph Prudente, a sixty-six year old man in nearby Beacon Woods had gone to jail for the crime of having a brown lawn. He had received notices from the local homeowners association that his grass wasn't green enough for community standards, but he overlooked them. Prudente has some health problems right now and is struggling financially. He can barely make his mortgage payment; he doesn't have the resources to take care of his lawn.
So the homeowner's association did what was in their power: they filed a court order against him and had him arrested, without the option of posting bail.
Here's where Andy comes in. He has troubles of his own. His business is failing, he is on the verge of losing his own house, and he is considering bankruptcy. But as he read Joseph Prudente's story, Andy decided that something must be done. "This," he thought, "is a problem that can be solved."
He began calling everyone he knew to help. Soon the yard was full of people working. Others dropped off gifts. Another man came to repair the sprinkler. Andy borrowed some lawn equipment and convinced a nursery to donate sod. By the end of the day, the yard was done: covered with new green grass, red mulch, flowers, and a working sprinkler.
At this time, the Tampa Bay paper reports, there was a sudden, thick downpour. Jennifer Prudente, Joseph's wife, stood in the rain with her arms open wide. "Our luck is changing," she said.
The next day Joseph was released from jail. Though he still faces fines and court costs, he is a free man today ... as long his grass stays the right shade of green. (And you thought your neighbors were picky.)
As far as I'm concerned, this story is more about Andy than it is about Joseph. Yes, it's outrageous that you can go to jail in America for having brown grass; I realize that some will see only this aspect of the story.
More impressive is the fact that one young man, also down on his luck, put his own problems on the back burner long enough to make a difference in someone else's life. This is an example of Paul's words in Philippians being put into practice: "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4)
Saturday, November 8, 2008
100th Posting
Someone once said that wisdom is to live your one and only life in such a way that when it comes to an end, and it will, God looks at it and says, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Well done."
This is wisdom. From the moment you wake up in the morning until you go to bed at night, you love God with all your heart and soul and mind and strength, and then you walk through the day and love the people that you see. Love them like you love yourself. Then become a servant of the world.
Not a bad way to live!
This is wisdom. From the moment you wake up in the morning until you go to bed at night, you love God with all your heart and soul and mind and strength, and then you walk through the day and love the people that you see. Love them like you love yourself. Then become a servant of the world.
Not a bad way to live!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
MISSIONAL LIVING AT IT'S BEST!
It's hard to believe but the holidays are upon us...again! I've already heard Christmas music on the radio...unbelieveable!
One of the great outreach ministries at CLC this time of the year are the boxes of love. I hope you have picked one up. It's a simple yet effective way of showing compassion to a less fortunate family.
Former Ambassador for Humanitarian issues, Tony Hall reminds us: "There's over 2500 verses in the Bible that deal with the issue of helping the poor, the sick, the hungry. God set it up that we are to address this issue and that he works through us. His Plan B? Well, I don't know what Plan B is. Plan A is the way he set it up."
God's plan goes back to the first books of the Bible. Deuteronomy 15:4 sets the standard: There should be no poor among you. A few verses later the acknowledgement is made: There will always be poor people in the land. [v.11]
What then is our response? Our responsibility?
Therefore, I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land. (Deuteronomy 15:11)
Pastor John Ratz commented recently on the CLC Group Life Blog that "Living an others-centered life is truly the mark of a Christ-follower. Sharing the message of God’s love to a lost and dying world is of prime importance. Serving those very people, rather than judging and condemning them, is a bridge that earns us the credibility in their eyes."
Missional living at it’s best is being God's hand reaching out to others.
One of the great outreach ministries at CLC this time of the year are the boxes of love. I hope you have picked one up. It's a simple yet effective way of showing compassion to a less fortunate family.
Former Ambassador for Humanitarian issues, Tony Hall reminds us: "There's over 2500 verses in the Bible that deal with the issue of helping the poor, the sick, the hungry. God set it up that we are to address this issue and that he works through us. His Plan B? Well, I don't know what Plan B is. Plan A is the way he set it up."
God's plan goes back to the first books of the Bible. Deuteronomy 15:4 sets the standard: There should be no poor among you. A few verses later the acknowledgement is made: There will always be poor people in the land. [v.11]
What then is our response? Our responsibility?
Therefore, I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land. (Deuteronomy 15:11)
Pastor John Ratz commented recently on the CLC Group Life Blog that "Living an others-centered life is truly the mark of a Christ-follower. Sharing the message of God’s love to a lost and dying world is of prime importance. Serving those very people, rather than judging and condemning them, is a bridge that earns us the credibility in their eyes."
Missional living at it’s best is being God's hand reaching out to others.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Things That Still Stand!
Today is an historic day in our nation. Today we decide who will lead us as our president for the next four years. I fulfilled my obligation and voted, and surprisingly no one was in front of me...I walked in; cast my vote and walked out. It took all of 5 minutes.
Later tonight the results will be known. Regardless of who does or does not win some things will remain the same:
1. God will still be on the Throne.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Bible will still have all the answers.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed men and women proclaiming the Truth.
6.There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out His Spirit upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will continue to save the lost when they come to Him.
He's got the whole world in His hands!
Later tonight the results will be known. Regardless of who does or does not win some things will remain the same:
1. God will still be on the Throne.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Bible will still have all the answers.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed men and women proclaiming the Truth.
6.There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out His Spirit upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will continue to save the lost when they come to Him.
He's got the whole world in His hands!
Living Without It
In an article in Christianity Today, Philip Yancey wrote...
"I've become more convinced than ever that God finds ways to communicate with those who truly seek him, especially when we lower the volume of the surrounding static.
"I remember reading the account of a spiritual seeker who interrupted a busy life to spend a few days in a monastery.
"'I hope your stay is a blessed one,' said the monk who showed the visitor to his cell. 'If you need anything, let us know, and we'll teach you how to live without it.'"
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age... (Titus 2:11-12)
"I've become more convinced than ever that God finds ways to communicate with those who truly seek him, especially when we lower the volume of the surrounding static.
"I remember reading the account of a spiritual seeker who interrupted a busy life to spend a few days in a monastery.
"'I hope your stay is a blessed one,' said the monk who showed the visitor to his cell. 'If you need anything, let us know, and we'll teach you how to live without it.'"
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age... (Titus 2:11-12)
Sunday, November 2, 2008
What Is and What If
A couple of years ago Fellowship Church in Dallas used a great theme for their "C3" church growth conference: "Turning What If Into What Is." This is the goal of every leader. It should also be the goal of every believer.
We need to learn to ask "What if?" in every area of life: our spiritual growth, our work, our family, our marriage, our ministry, our sphere of influence.
However, in order to turn your what if into what is, you must first turn your what is into what if.
In other words, instead of simply accepting things the way they are, consider the possibilities of the "what ifs" in your most challenging situations. Take some time to ask, "What are the possibilities here? What is the best that could happen? How could things change, and what could I do to initiate the process?"
Don't settle for what is. Explore the world of what if, and see what new dreams God can inspire.
We need to learn to ask "What if?" in every area of life: our spiritual growth, our work, our family, our marriage, our ministry, our sphere of influence.
However, in order to turn your what if into what is, you must first turn your what is into what if.
In other words, instead of simply accepting things the way they are, consider the possibilities of the "what ifs" in your most challenging situations. Take some time to ask, "What are the possibilities here? What is the best that could happen? How could things change, and what could I do to initiate the process?"
Don't settle for what is. Explore the world of what if, and see what new dreams God can inspire.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Buying Happiness?
BUSINESSDAY.COM reports that in August, 2003, a study was released revealing that money can't buy happiness.
Beginning in 1975, University of Southern California researcher Richard Easterlin surveyed 1500 persons annually and found that...
"Many people are under the illusion that the more money we make, the happier we'll be. We put all of our resources into making money at the expense of our family and our health…The problem is we don't realize that our material wants increase with the amount of money we make."
The study discovered happiness was related to quality time with loved ones, good health, being friendly, having an optimistic outlook, exercising self-control, and possessing a deep sense of ethics.
This is why Paul said, "But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." (1 Timothy 6:8)
Beginning in 1975, University of Southern California researcher Richard Easterlin surveyed 1500 persons annually and found that...
"Many people are under the illusion that the more money we make, the happier we'll be. We put all of our resources into making money at the expense of our family and our health…The problem is we don't realize that our material wants increase with the amount of money we make."
The study discovered happiness was related to quality time with loved ones, good health, being friendly, having an optimistic outlook, exercising self-control, and possessing a deep sense of ethics.
This is why Paul said, "But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." (1 Timothy 6:8)
Thursday, October 30, 2008
A Person of Influence
What does it mean to be a person of influence? There's a lot of answers to that question, but the important thing to remember is it’s really not a question of "if", it’s a question of "what kind" and "how much".
You are an influencer -- at home, at work, at church. If you want, you can be a positive influence in others -- you can make a difference in people’s lives.
In 30 years they will be able to look back and say, "I made this good decision because I followed your advice. I developed this habit, because I followed your example. I became what I am because you believed in me, you challenged me, you inspired me, you encouraged me, and you never gave up on me. You poured life into me, and it made all the difference."
Decide today that you will be a person of influence.
Decide today that you will pay the price that must be paid.
Decide today that you choose influence over popularity, that you will choose pleasing God over pleasing people.
Decide today that you will pour your life into others without fear and without reservation, so that your influence will make a difference for years to come!
You are an influencer -- at home, at work, at church. If you want, you can be a positive influence in others -- you can make a difference in people’s lives.
In 30 years they will be able to look back and say, "I made this good decision because I followed your advice. I developed this habit, because I followed your example. I became what I am because you believed in me, you challenged me, you inspired me, you encouraged me, and you never gave up on me. You poured life into me, and it made all the difference."
Decide today that you will be a person of influence.
Decide today that you will pay the price that must be paid.
Decide today that you choose influence over popularity, that you will choose pleasing God over pleasing people.
Decide today that you will pour your life into others without fear and without reservation, so that your influence will make a difference for years to come!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
God's Power
Many people say they want God's resurrection power, but they forget one crucial part. What comes before a resurrection? Death. Pain. Suffering. Just as Jesus endured these things on the road to his resurrection, we can expect to endure them, too. God's power will not save you from suffering, but his power will get you through it. You can count on it.
God's power didn't save Joseph from prison, but God's power got him through prison--and through his power Joseph rose to prominence in Egypt and his family was restored.
God's power didn't prevent Moses from spending years exiled in Midian, but through God's power Moses was able to stand up to Pharaoh and lead God's people out of Egypt.
God's power didn't prevent Nehemiah from becoming a slave to King Artaxerxes, but through God's power Nehemiah was able to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and was instrumental in bringing about revival in Israel.
God's power didn't prevent Jairus' daughter from dying, but through God's power she was raised to life.
God's power didn't prevent Bartimeus from being born blind, but through God's power his sight was restored.
God's power didn't prevent Paul and Silas from being beaten and thrown in jail, but through God's power their chains were broken and salvation came to the house of the Philippian jailer.
God's power didn't keep Paul out of prison, but through God's power he wrote the letters that have inspired countless millions in their spiritual life for the last 2000 years.
God's power is available to you--his resurrection power.
The result of understanding who Christ is, and understanding who you are in Christ, is that you will experience his resurrection power. Power that will change you from the inside out. Power over sin. Power over despair. Power over fear. His power is available to you.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
The Blame Game!
A couple of years ago a woman filed a $1 million lawsuit against Dr Pepper. She had been chosen to participate in their halftime punt-catching promotion during a college football game. She didn't win, but it was, according to her suit, Dr. Pepper's fault.
She had been told she would receive three punts from a kick-simulation machine (catch one, $50,000; two, $250,000; all three, $1 million) and was told that the punts would come down in the general vicinity of the 50-yard line.
She missed all three because, she said, her they came down too far away: one landed on the 44, one landed on the 45, and one landed on the 42. Therefore, she argued, it was Dr. Pepper's fault that she didn't win $1 million.
Sometimes it's difficult for us to admit it's our fault. It's difficult to admit the role we play in our failures, in our setbacks, and our sin. It's not easy to say: "I had a chance, but I blew it." Too often, instead of fixing the problem, we settle for fixing blame -- on anyone others than ourselves.
Whether it's in our relationships, our career, or our spiritual life, improvement (and, ultimately, mastery) begins with accepting responsibility for our own limitations, mistakes, and failures.
When faced with his own sin, King David said to God:
"I have sinned greatly... Now, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing." (1 Chronicles 21:8)
When you don't perform up to par — professionally, personally, or spiritually — you've got two choices. You can fix the blame or you can fix the problem. The first step in problem solving -- the first step toward wholeness — is taking responsibility. From there, we begin moving forward.
She had been told she would receive three punts from a kick-simulation machine (catch one, $50,000; two, $250,000; all three, $1 million) and was told that the punts would come down in the general vicinity of the 50-yard line.
She missed all three because, she said, her they came down too far away: one landed on the 44, one landed on the 45, and one landed on the 42. Therefore, she argued, it was Dr. Pepper's fault that she didn't win $1 million.
Sometimes it's difficult for us to admit it's our fault. It's difficult to admit the role we play in our failures, in our setbacks, and our sin. It's not easy to say: "I had a chance, but I blew it." Too often, instead of fixing the problem, we settle for fixing blame -- on anyone others than ourselves.
Whether it's in our relationships, our career, or our spiritual life, improvement (and, ultimately, mastery) begins with accepting responsibility for our own limitations, mistakes, and failures.
When faced with his own sin, King David said to God:
"I have sinned greatly... Now, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing." (1 Chronicles 21:8)
When you don't perform up to par — professionally, personally, or spiritually — you've got two choices. You can fix the blame or you can fix the problem. The first step in problem solving -- the first step toward wholeness — is taking responsibility. From there, we begin moving forward.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
ENTHUSIASM!
FedEx CEO and founder Fred Smith first developed the idea for an innovative air-freight company while he was a student at Yale University. His professor was less than impressed; the paper Smith submitted outlining the concept earned him a "C". Thirty years later, FedEx is the world's largest express transportation company, with 128,000 employees and more than $7 billion in capital.
This short-sighted professor didn't take a few things into consideration. One is Smith's persistence—he simply refuses to give up. Another is his resourcefulness—when plan 'A' doesn't work, there is always a plan 'B' to put in motion.
Most important, however, is Smith's ability to recruit others to his vision. People want to be part of what he is involved in—even to the point of sacrifice. In the early days, for example, his pilots often refueled company jets with their own money. Sometimes they sat on paychecks for months to help keep the company afloat.
How does he do it? How does he command such devotion from his employees?
Fred Smith's greatest asset is his enthusiastic determination to get the job done. It sounds like a cliché, but he believes in what he is doing. As a result, he inspires loyalty.
The Christians in Philippi offered Paul this same kind of loyalty. They supported him through prayer, hard work, and sacrificial giving. Why? Maybe they were inspired by the enthusiasm they observed in Paul when their church was first founded.
You remember the story: After being beaten in the town square, Paul and Silas were thrown in jail. They were singing hymns late into the night when an earthquake came and shook the foundations of their jail cell, freeing them from their chains. Paul could have escaped. He could have left Philippi and never come back, but instead he stayed, and took the opportunity to lead the jailer to Christ. Paul believed in what he was doing, and his enthusiastic determination to spread the gospel encouraged the Philippian believers. [Acts 16]
Your enthusiasm has a profound effect on others. When you approach anything with an upbeat commitment to get the job done, people begin to take notice. When they see that you believe in what you are doing, they become willing to join in the process.
The secret, then, is to pour your life into something that captures your heart, and give it all you've got. Solomon said, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." (Ecclesiastes 9:10) You will find that your zeal is contagious, and it will spread to the people around you.
This short-sighted professor didn't take a few things into consideration. One is Smith's persistence—he simply refuses to give up. Another is his resourcefulness—when plan 'A' doesn't work, there is always a plan 'B' to put in motion.
Most important, however, is Smith's ability to recruit others to his vision. People want to be part of what he is involved in—even to the point of sacrifice. In the early days, for example, his pilots often refueled company jets with their own money. Sometimes they sat on paychecks for months to help keep the company afloat.
How does he do it? How does he command such devotion from his employees?
Fred Smith's greatest asset is his enthusiastic determination to get the job done. It sounds like a cliché, but he believes in what he is doing. As a result, he inspires loyalty.
The Christians in Philippi offered Paul this same kind of loyalty. They supported him through prayer, hard work, and sacrificial giving. Why? Maybe they were inspired by the enthusiasm they observed in Paul when their church was first founded.
You remember the story: After being beaten in the town square, Paul and Silas were thrown in jail. They were singing hymns late into the night when an earthquake came and shook the foundations of their jail cell, freeing them from their chains. Paul could have escaped. He could have left Philippi and never come back, but instead he stayed, and took the opportunity to lead the jailer to Christ. Paul believed in what he was doing, and his enthusiastic determination to spread the gospel encouraged the Philippian believers. [Acts 16]
Your enthusiasm has a profound effect on others. When you approach anything with an upbeat commitment to get the job done, people begin to take notice. When they see that you believe in what you are doing, they become willing to join in the process.
The secret, then, is to pour your life into something that captures your heart, and give it all you've got. Solomon said, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." (Ecclesiastes 9:10) You will find that your zeal is contagious, and it will spread to the people around you.
Monday, October 20, 2008
A Safe Place
It's 10:43 Monday morning and I'm sitting in a Starbucks in Newtown while waiting on Marvina to do a few things around town.
Watching people come and go with their beverage in hand is an interesting past-time. The majority appear to have everything anyone could ever want out of life.
Appearances, however, are deceiving. Because we live in an imperfect world, people experience hurt, and I'm sure some of these people are hurting deeply; they just don't show it. They're hurt by accidents, by illnesses. But the deepest hurts in life will come from people.
Relationships are the greatest blessing and the greatest joy in our lives. They are also the greatest source of stress in our lives. People do hurt us, sometimes intentionally, sometimes unintentionally, sometimes accidentally, and sometimes on purpose.
That’s why at CLC we are committed to building an atmosphere of openness and honesty and authenticity. We want to create a safe place where real people can share real problems without being judged, and by being accepted and loved. They can find safety and be able to share.
If you've been hurt in any way we want you to discover God's peace. Let Him sooth your wounds, and satisfy every one of your needs!
Watching people come and go with their beverage in hand is an interesting past-time. The majority appear to have everything anyone could ever want out of life.
Appearances, however, are deceiving. Because we live in an imperfect world, people experience hurt, and I'm sure some of these people are hurting deeply; they just don't show it. They're hurt by accidents, by illnesses. But the deepest hurts in life will come from people.
Relationships are the greatest blessing and the greatest joy in our lives. They are also the greatest source of stress in our lives. People do hurt us, sometimes intentionally, sometimes unintentionally, sometimes accidentally, and sometimes on purpose.
That’s why at CLC we are committed to building an atmosphere of openness and honesty and authenticity. We want to create a safe place where real people can share real problems without being judged, and by being accepted and loved. They can find safety and be able to share.
If you've been hurt in any way we want you to discover God's peace. Let Him sooth your wounds, and satisfy every one of your needs!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Getting It Done!
We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we've already done. —Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. —Herm Albright
There is no such thing as a great talent without great will-power —Honore de Balzac
Luck is being ready for the chance. —James Frank Dobie
Unless a man has trained himself for his chance, the chance will only make him ridiculous. —William Matthews.
Opportunity is sometimes hard to recognize if you're only looking for a lucky break. —Monta Crane
For a man to achieve all that is demanded of him he must regard himself as greater than he is. —Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Opportunity's favorite disguise is trouble. —Frank Tyger
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. —Herm Albright
There is no such thing as a great talent without great will-power —Honore de Balzac
Luck is being ready for the chance. —James Frank Dobie
Unless a man has trained himself for his chance, the chance will only make him ridiculous. —William Matthews.
Opportunity is sometimes hard to recognize if you're only looking for a lucky break. —Monta Crane
For a man to achieve all that is demanded of him he must regard himself as greater than he is. —Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Opportunity's favorite disguise is trouble. —Frank Tyger
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
What Matters Most
The vision of Christian Life Center is to create a place where people discover God and experience His power in Life-changing ways! However, there are some strategic focus points or values under which the whole vision rests; values that we have to lift up powerfully and live out passionately.
Values are the filters through which we want to funnel what we do as a church. These are the building blocks or foundations on which the rest of the structure sits.
These values are the guiding principles that will help us make decisions on a daily basis and define what we stand for as a church. They help answer the question, “What matters most?” Because if everything is important then nothing is important!
Core values – everybody has them. As a matter of fact, we all live by a core set of values either consciously or unconsciously. They really are the driving force behind our lives. So you might be asking, "how does one define a value?” There are many definitions but the one best one is this: values are “a set of core beliefs by which one measures his or her priorities in life.”
In other words, values are an essential part in keeping one’s life on track. When we clarify our values, we begin to lay down a plumb line for all our decisions. They help us to navigate as we face future crossroads.
For the next four weeks we’re going to be talking about:
October 19 Loving God
October 26 Loving Others
November 2 Missional Living
November 9 Spiritual Formation
These are the things that matter most to Christian Life Center! These are the four defining values that bring clarity to who we are as a community of faith. Join us as we talk about foundations on which we will build a great church.
This week we'll look at Mark 12:28-31. Jesus said that we're to love God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our mind and will and our strength. That means loving him with all that we are: our emotions, our intellect, our innermost being, our outward actions. The focus of all we do should be, first and foremost, on loving God!
Values are the filters through which we want to funnel what we do as a church. These are the building blocks or foundations on which the rest of the structure sits.
These values are the guiding principles that will help us make decisions on a daily basis and define what we stand for as a church. They help answer the question, “What matters most?” Because if everything is important then nothing is important!
Core values – everybody has them. As a matter of fact, we all live by a core set of values either consciously or unconsciously. They really are the driving force behind our lives. So you might be asking, "how does one define a value?” There are many definitions but the one best one is this: values are “a set of core beliefs by which one measures his or her priorities in life.”
In other words, values are an essential part in keeping one’s life on track. When we clarify our values, we begin to lay down a plumb line for all our decisions. They help us to navigate as we face future crossroads.
For the next four weeks we’re going to be talking about:
October 19 Loving God
October 26 Loving Others
November 2 Missional Living
November 9 Spiritual Formation
These are the things that matter most to Christian Life Center! These are the four defining values that bring clarity to who we are as a community of faith. Join us as we talk about foundations on which we will build a great church.
This week we'll look at Mark 12:28-31. Jesus said that we're to love God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our mind and will and our strength. That means loving him with all that we are: our emotions, our intellect, our innermost being, our outward actions. The focus of all we do should be, first and foremost, on loving God!
Lights...Camera...Action!
John Ruskin said, "What we think or what we know or what we believe is, in the end, of little consequence. The only consequence is what we do."
We'll take issue with part of this statement, since we know that what we believe (i.e. our faith) is, in fact, of great consequence.
We also know, however, that unless what we believe is expressed in what we do, our beliefs aren't fully genuine. [James 2:26]
So, nitpicking aside, look at what Ruskin is saying. He's saying that talking, planning, evaluating, analyzing, and theorizing won't get us where we need to be. What we need to do, more than anything else, is take action.
Jack Canfield (The Chicken Soup for the Soul guy) said, "The world doesn't pay for what you know; it pays you for what you do."
Canfield goes on to say (in his book, The Success Principles): "When you take action, you trigger all kinds of things that will inevitably carry you to success...You begin to learn things from your experience that cannot be learned from listening to others or from reading books. You begin to get feedback about how to do it better, more efficiently, and more quickly...
You begin to attract others who will support and encourage you. All manner of good things begin to flow in your direction once you begin to take action."
What action have you been putting off too long?
We'll take issue with part of this statement, since we know that what we believe (i.e. our faith) is, in fact, of great consequence.
We also know, however, that unless what we believe is expressed in what we do, our beliefs aren't fully genuine. [James 2:26]
So, nitpicking aside, look at what Ruskin is saying. He's saying that talking, planning, evaluating, analyzing, and theorizing won't get us where we need to be. What we need to do, more than anything else, is take action.
Jack Canfield (The Chicken Soup for the Soul guy) said, "The world doesn't pay for what you know; it pays you for what you do."
Canfield goes on to say (in his book, The Success Principles): "When you take action, you trigger all kinds of things that will inevitably carry you to success...You begin to learn things from your experience that cannot be learned from listening to others or from reading books. You begin to get feedback about how to do it better, more efficiently, and more quickly...
You begin to attract others who will support and encourage you. All manner of good things begin to flow in your direction once you begin to take action."
What action have you been putting off too long?
Monday, October 13, 2008
Disappointments
Bible teacher Kay Arthur was bitterly disappointed when she contracted a heart infection that forced her to leave her work as a missionary in Mexico. "I felt like a failure," she said. "Depression set in until I cried, 'Father, whatever you want.'"
She went on to say, "It would be several years before I'd see how He'd use those formative years of study in Mexico to prepare me to write inductive Bible studies that would eventually reach fifty-two countries."
"My disappointments aren't over," she continues. "Pain and trials are almost constant companions, but never enemies. They drive me into His sovereign arms. There He takes my disappointments and works everything together for good."
(from Nelson's Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations and Quotes.)
She went on to say, "It would be several years before I'd see how He'd use those formative years of study in Mexico to prepare me to write inductive Bible studies that would eventually reach fifty-two countries."
"My disappointments aren't over," she continues. "Pain and trials are almost constant companions, but never enemies. They drive me into His sovereign arms. There He takes my disappointments and works everything together for good."
(from Nelson's Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations and Quotes.)
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Churches
A survey by the Barna Research Group has pinpointed the reasons why Americans choose a church. A nationwide sampling of Americans were asked to respond to the following statement:
"For most people there are a few key factors that determine whether or not they will return to a church they have visited. For each factor I mention please tell me if that factor would be extremely important, pretty important, somewhat important, not too important or not at all important in your decision of whether or not to return to a church you had visited."
Of the 22 factors named, including worship styles and community outreaches, the top eight reasons for selecting a church, in order of importance, were:
• Theological beliefs
• How much people care
• Quality of sermons
• Friendliness to visitors
• Help to poor and disadvantaged
• Quality of children’ programs
• How much you like your pastor
• Denomination
(From the Barna Research Group)
"For most people there are a few key factors that determine whether or not they will return to a church they have visited. For each factor I mention please tell me if that factor would be extremely important, pretty important, somewhat important, not too important or not at all important in your decision of whether or not to return to a church you had visited."
Of the 22 factors named, including worship styles and community outreaches, the top eight reasons for selecting a church, in order of importance, were:
• Theological beliefs
• How much people care
• Quality of sermons
• Friendliness to visitors
• Help to poor and disadvantaged
• Quality of children’ programs
• How much you like your pastor
• Denomination
(From the Barna Research Group)
Thursday, October 9, 2008
WHAT PEOPLE WITH MONEY SAY ABOUT MONEY
In light of the current economic crisis in our country I thought I'd post of few interesting remarks from those who know what having tons of money is all about!
"I have made millions, but they have brought me no happiness." -- John D. Rockefeller
"I know of nothing more despicable and pathetic than a man who devotes all the ho urs of the waking day to the making of money for money's sake." -- John D. Rockefeller
"I am the most miserable man on earth." -- John Jacob Astor
"What can I say? I only know that I am desolate." --J. Paul Getty
"I was happier when I was doing a mechanic's job." -- Henry Ford
"Millionaires seldom smile." -- Andrew Carnegie
"Money has only one use -- to give one independence from his enemies." -- Humphrey Bogart
"Money doesn't talk, it swears." -- Bob Dylan
"Money often costs too much." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson
"I don't care too much for money, for money can't buy me love." -- John Lennon & Paul McCartney
"I have made millions, but they have brought me no happiness." -- John D. Rockefeller
"I know of nothing more despicable and pathetic than a man who devotes all the ho urs of the waking day to the making of money for money's sake." -- John D. Rockefeller
"I am the most miserable man on earth." -- John Jacob Astor
"What can I say? I only know that I am desolate." --J. Paul Getty
"I was happier when I was doing a mechanic's job." -- Henry Ford
"Millionaires seldom smile." -- Andrew Carnegie
"Money has only one use -- to give one independence from his enemies." -- Humphrey Bogart
"Money doesn't talk, it swears." -- Bob Dylan
"Money often costs too much." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson
"I don't care too much for money, for money can't buy me love." -- John Lennon & Paul McCartney
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Teamwork Pt. 2
I thought this would be a good follow up to my previous post on teamwork...gets the point across wonderfully well!
Sportscaster and former baseball great Ralph Keiner tells this story:
After the season in which I hit 37 home runs, I asked Pittsburgh Pirate general manager Branch Rickey for a raise. And he refused.
"I led the league in home runs," I reminded him.
"Where did we finish?" Rickey asked me.
"Last," I replied.
"Well," Rickey said, "we can finish last without you."
Sportscaster and former baseball great Ralph Keiner tells this story:
After the season in which I hit 37 home runs, I asked Pittsburgh Pirate general manager Branch Rickey for a raise. And he refused.
"I led the league in home runs," I reminded him.
"Where did we finish?" Rickey asked me.
"Last," I replied.
"Well," Rickey said, "we can finish last without you."
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Teamwork
Lyndon B. Johnson said, "There are no problems we cannot solve together, and very few we can solve by ourselves."
We see this in Nehemiah, each person doing his or her part to build the wall around the city of Jerusalem: "From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah who were building the wall." (Nehemiah 4:16-17)
Our tendency is to tackle our problems on our own, but this is the least effective strategy. We need to make a habit of enlisting others to help us face our challenges.
Nehemiah made sure that his workers had someone watching their backs; we need the same!
We see this in Nehemiah, each person doing his or her part to build the wall around the city of Jerusalem: "From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah who were building the wall." (Nehemiah 4:16-17)
Our tendency is to tackle our problems on our own, but this is the least effective strategy. We need to make a habit of enlisting others to help us face our challenges.
Nehemiah made sure that his workers had someone watching their backs; we need the same!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Think Twice, Speak Once
Cartoonist Bill Watterson of Calvin and Hobbes fame...which by the way, is absolutely one of my favorite comic strips of all time said, "Sometimes when I'm talking, my words can't keep up with my thoughts. I wonder why we think faster than we speak. Probably so we can think twice."
His words remind us of Solomon's: "He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity." (Proverbs 21:23)
Do you want to eliminate some trouble in your life before it happens? Learn to think twice and speak once.
His words remind us of Solomon's: "He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity." (Proverbs 21:23)
Do you want to eliminate some trouble in your life before it happens? Learn to think twice and speak once.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
CONNECTING WITH PEOPLE
In his book, Becoming a Person of Influence, John Maxwell identifies nine steps for connecting with people.
1. Don't take people for granted.You can connect with people and lead them only if you value them.
2. Possess a Make-a-Difference mindset.
3. Initiate movement toward them.
4. Look for common ground.
5. Recognize and respect differences in personality.
6. Find the key to other's lives.
7. Communicate from the heart.
8. Share common experiences.No one ever achieves alone what he can do when partnering with others.
9. Once connected, move forward!
1. Don't take people for granted.You can connect with people and lead them only if you value them.
2. Possess a Make-a-Difference mindset.
3. Initiate movement toward them.
4. Look for common ground.
5. Recognize and respect differences in personality.
6. Find the key to other's lives.
7. Communicate from the heart.
8. Share common experiences.No one ever achieves alone what he can do when partnering with others.
9. Once connected, move forward!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
BEING OFFENDED
Last night at CLC I spoke about dealing with grudges/resentments. What do you do with the hurt in your life from being offended?
Many people go through their lives hanging on to hurts. In fact, many pastors I know are still nursing wounds from pastorates long, long ago. They say, along with David...
Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence. (Psalm 73:13)
There's a way to deal with resentment and hurt. Dwelling on it, talking about it, reliving it—this isn't the solution. Looking for ways to get even isn't the solution. But I'll tell you what has worked for me. When I find myself reliving past hurts this is what I remind myself to do.
Don't talk about it. Most of us have been told that talking about such things will help with the "healing process" but in my case it only makes things worse. The less I talk about offences, the easier it is to get through them.
Do pray about it. I ask God to change my heart, and I ask him to pour blessings on whoever it is I resent.
Look for a chance to do good. I know a pastor who sends a check each year to a contentious church he served years ago—it's a step towards saying "I regret the hard feelings that developed between us."
Most of all, Let it go. We have to make a conscious decision: "I am not going to hang on to that any longer." Sometimes we have to "let it go" 10, 15, 20 times a day. However many times it takes, keep doing it until it works.
Resentment isn't worth it. Hanging on to hurts won't help those hurts heal any faster—but it will rob you of joy today. Let it go.
Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. (Psalm 73:1)
Many people go through their lives hanging on to hurts. In fact, many pastors I know are still nursing wounds from pastorates long, long ago. They say, along with David...
Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence. (Psalm 73:13)
There's a way to deal with resentment and hurt. Dwelling on it, talking about it, reliving it—this isn't the solution. Looking for ways to get even isn't the solution. But I'll tell you what has worked for me. When I find myself reliving past hurts this is what I remind myself to do.
Don't talk about it. Most of us have been told that talking about such things will help with the "healing process" but in my case it only makes things worse. The less I talk about offences, the easier it is to get through them.
Do pray about it. I ask God to change my heart, and I ask him to pour blessings on whoever it is I resent.
Look for a chance to do good. I know a pastor who sends a check each year to a contentious church he served years ago—it's a step towards saying "I regret the hard feelings that developed between us."
Most of all, Let it go. We have to make a conscious decision: "I am not going to hang on to that any longer." Sometimes we have to "let it go" 10, 15, 20 times a day. However many times it takes, keep doing it until it works.
Resentment isn't worth it. Hanging on to hurts won't help those hurts heal any faster—but it will rob you of joy today. Let it go.
Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. (Psalm 73:1)
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
About Our Worries
Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows; it empties today of its strength. —Corrie Ten Boom
Worry often gives small things a big shadow. —Swedish Proverb
If you do the best and the most you can today, don't worry about tomorrow.—B.C. Forbes
Worry is the interest you pay on trouble before it comes. —Dan Cresten
If you have a worry problem, do these three things:
1. Ask yourself "What is the worst that can happen?"
2. Prepare to accept it if you have to.
3. Calmly proceed to improve on the worst.—Dale Carnegie
Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. (Proverbs 12:25)
Worry often gives small things a big shadow. —Swedish Proverb
If you do the best and the most you can today, don't worry about tomorrow.—B.C. Forbes
Worry is the interest you pay on trouble before it comes. —Dan Cresten
If you have a worry problem, do these three things:
1. Ask yourself "What is the worst that can happen?"
2. Prepare to accept it if you have to.
3. Calmly proceed to improve on the worst.—Dale Carnegie
Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. (Proverbs 12:25)
Monday, September 29, 2008
About Change
It's been said that the seven last words of the church are: "We never done it that way before." (The seven last words of the church in Missouri, that is!) We tend to resist change — and I've noticed that "contemporary" churches are just as reluctant to change as "traditional" churches. That's not necessarily a bad thing; change for the sake of change rarely leads to success.
Too often we keep changing the things that working and ignore what really needs to be fixed.
I've seen churches that are constantly changing their music ministry or the structure of their service when what they really need to change is the friendliness of their people to visitors.
The approach to any kind of change in our personal lives or ministry should be handled with thoughtfulness and prayerful consideration. Here are some notable quotes on the topic.
"If you want to truly understand something, try to change it." — Kurt Lewin
"There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things." — Nicolo Machiavelli
"Don't take the fence down until you know the reason it was put up." — G.K. Chesterton
"Not all change is improvement, but without change there can be no improvement." — John Maxwell, Developing the Leader within You
"In the end, it is important to remember that we cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are." — Max Depree, Leadership is an Art
Too often we keep changing the things that working and ignore what really needs to be fixed.
I've seen churches that are constantly changing their music ministry or the structure of their service when what they really need to change is the friendliness of their people to visitors.
The approach to any kind of change in our personal lives or ministry should be handled with thoughtfulness and prayerful consideration. Here are some notable quotes on the topic.
"If you want to truly understand something, try to change it." — Kurt Lewin
"There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things." — Nicolo Machiavelli
"Don't take the fence down until you know the reason it was put up." — G.K. Chesterton
"Not all change is improvement, but without change there can be no improvement." — John Maxwell, Developing the Leader within You
"In the end, it is important to remember that we cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are." — Max Depree, Leadership is an Art
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Team Work
In his book, Becoming a Person of Influence, John Maxwell tells the story about a famous 19th century organist who traveled from town to town giving concerts.
In each town he hired a boy to pump the organ during the concert. After one performance, the hired boy said to the organist, "We sure had a great concert tonight, didn't we?"
"What do you mean -- 'we'?" the organist said. "I had a great concert. Now run on home."
The next night when the organist was halfway through a magnificent piece, the organ suddenly quit. The organist continued to pound the keys, but no sound came out.
The audience became restless. At this point, the little boy stuck his head around the corner of the organ and said, "We're not having a great concert tonight, are we?"
The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. (1 Corinthians 3:8)
In each town he hired a boy to pump the organ during the concert. After one performance, the hired boy said to the organist, "We sure had a great concert tonight, didn't we?"
"What do you mean -- 'we'?" the organist said. "I had a great concert. Now run on home."
The next night when the organist was halfway through a magnificent piece, the organ suddenly quit. The organist continued to pound the keys, but no sound came out.
The audience became restless. At this point, the little boy stuck his head around the corner of the organ and said, "We're not having a great concert tonight, are we?"
The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. (1 Corinthians 3:8)
Friday, September 26, 2008
The Hunger!
Solomon said, "The laborer's appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on." (Proverbs 16:26)
We are all driven by one appetite or another, one hunger or another. Which one is driving you today? The hunger to provide for your family? The hunger to succeed? The hunger for recognition?
Or the hunger to make a difference in eternity? The hunger to please God? The hunger to change lives?
Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." (Matthew 5:6) Let this be the hunger that drives you today: The hunger to do good, the hunger to be good.
We are all driven by one appetite or another, one hunger or another. Which one is driving you today? The hunger to provide for your family? The hunger to succeed? The hunger for recognition?
Or the hunger to make a difference in eternity? The hunger to please God? The hunger to change lives?
Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." (Matthew 5:6) Let this be the hunger that drives you today: The hunger to do good, the hunger to be good.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Romans Road
If you've not read the Book of Romans lately I'd encourage you to do so. I know it can be a hard book to completely understand, but Paul basically hits the same themes over and over again.
We do not live by our power, we live by God's power.
We're not saved by our own goodness, we're saved by his goodness.
We don't live to serve ourselves, we live to serve him by serving others.
Romans is a testament of Faith In Action. It tells what to believe and how to live out our beliefs. The Christ follower who lives by the "Romans way" is an extraordinary person.
And you can be that person. Make this your prayer: "God use me, God work through me, God make me strong!"
We do not live by our power, we live by God's power.
We're not saved by our own goodness, we're saved by his goodness.
We don't live to serve ourselves, we live to serve him by serving others.
Romans is a testament of Faith In Action. It tells what to believe and how to live out our beliefs. The Christ follower who lives by the "Romans way" is an extraordinary person.
And you can be that person. Make this your prayer: "God use me, God work through me, God make me strong!"
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Be An Encourager!
You know what happens when a boxer goes to his corner between rounds. His team gathers round him, dressing his wounds, keeping his muscles loose, offering encouragement and advice: "You can do this. You can win this fight. Watch for his left hook. Keep your guard up. You can do it." And on and on. They keep doing this, even when the fighter is getting beat.
Every person needs one or two people in their corner encouraging them to stay in the fight. Especially when we're getting beaten up by our circumstances -- we need encouragement and support.
I hope you have someone doing this for you, but right now I want you to think of something even more important. There are one or two people in your life with whom you have special influence. Your words carry more weight with them than anyone else's. Don't be stingy with them. Use your words generously. Be an encourager.
A few years back Pepper Rogers, then head football coach at UCLA, was going through a terrible season. He was very upset about it, and he didn't think his wife was encouraging him enough. He said, "My dog is my best friend. I told my wife that a man needs at least two friends. She told me to go out and buy another dog."
Don't make your friends go out and buy another dog. Give them encouragement and support when they need it!
Every person needs one or two people in their corner encouraging them to stay in the fight. Especially when we're getting beaten up by our circumstances -- we need encouragement and support.
I hope you have someone doing this for you, but right now I want you to think of something even more important. There are one or two people in your life with whom you have special influence. Your words carry more weight with them than anyone else's. Don't be stingy with them. Use your words generously. Be an encourager.
A few years back Pepper Rogers, then head football coach at UCLA, was going through a terrible season. He was very upset about it, and he didn't think his wife was encouraging him enough. He said, "My dog is my best friend. I told my wife that a man needs at least two friends. She told me to go out and buy another dog."
Don't make your friends go out and buy another dog. Give them encouragement and support when they need it!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Repentance...
Repentance is the most positive, uplifting, empowering experience you'll ever have. When you repent, all the obstacles between you and God's fullness are broken into pieces.
When you repent of your sin -- whether it is the first time or the five-hundredth time -- all of heaven rejoices. [Luke 15:10]
When you repent, the past is put away, it is erased, it is forgotten. Do we deserve this? Absolutely not. But it is God's gift to all who will ask.
When you repent, God can begin working in your life again, using you, blessing you, comforting you, empowering you.
This is why Peter spoke these words in the book of Acts: "Repent, then, and turn to God, so your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord." (Acts 3:19)
Times of refreshing. That's what we all need. Are you ready for God to restore you? Do you want to wash away the past? Do you want God to comfort you and strengthen and bless you with his goodness? Then don't let any sin -- no matter how big or small it may seem -- to stand in your way.
Give yourself fully to him, and let him do his work in you.
When you repent of your sin -- whether it is the first time or the five-hundredth time -- all of heaven rejoices. [Luke 15:10]
When you repent, the past is put away, it is erased, it is forgotten. Do we deserve this? Absolutely not. But it is God's gift to all who will ask.
When you repent, God can begin working in your life again, using you, blessing you, comforting you, empowering you.
This is why Peter spoke these words in the book of Acts: "Repent, then, and turn to God, so your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord." (Acts 3:19)
Times of refreshing. That's what we all need. Are you ready for God to restore you? Do you want to wash away the past? Do you want God to comfort you and strengthen and bless you with his goodness? Then don't let any sin -- no matter how big or small it may seem -- to stand in your way.
Give yourself fully to him, and let him do his work in you.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Responding To Criticism
Every Christ follower should commit Nehemiah 4 to memory -- or at the very least, meditate on it frequently. It's that good!
Nehemiah 4 is about an unfortunate but inevitable companion to life: criticism and opposition. We all face it. When you try to do anything at all -- especially something good -- there will be those who think it's their job to criticize you, and sometimes there will even be those who think it's their job to stop you in your tracks.
Criticism is a fact of life, because, as Benjamin Disraeli once said, "It is easier to be critical than to be correct." It is also easier for some to criticize others than it is to actually get involved doing good things themselves. For this reason, criticism is unavoidable.
Critics are like the gnats you have to deal with you're outdoors. The sun is warm, the scenery is beautiful, the fresh air is invigorating -- but those gnats can be really annoying. But sometimes they're just part of the outdoor experience. You've got to put up with them.
And if you're in leadership, you have to put up with criticism and opposition. The key is not to fight back. The key is to keep moving forward, doing what God has called you to do. Keep focused on him, keep focused on the work, keep your guard up, keep in contact with the right people, and keep reminding yourself of why you do what you do -- this is how you respond to criticism!
Nehemiah 4 is about an unfortunate but inevitable companion to life: criticism and opposition. We all face it. When you try to do anything at all -- especially something good -- there will be those who think it's their job to criticize you, and sometimes there will even be those who think it's their job to stop you in your tracks.
Criticism is a fact of life, because, as Benjamin Disraeli once said, "It is easier to be critical than to be correct." It is also easier for some to criticize others than it is to actually get involved doing good things themselves. For this reason, criticism is unavoidable.
Critics are like the gnats you have to deal with you're outdoors. The sun is warm, the scenery is beautiful, the fresh air is invigorating -- but those gnats can be really annoying. But sometimes they're just part of the outdoor experience. You've got to put up with them.
And if you're in leadership, you have to put up with criticism and opposition. The key is not to fight back. The key is to keep moving forward, doing what God has called you to do. Keep focused on him, keep focused on the work, keep your guard up, keep in contact with the right people, and keep reminding yourself of why you do what you do -- this is how you respond to criticism!
Monday, September 15, 2008
FORGIVING AGAIN
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 sometimes it's not that cut and dried.
Sometimes, forgiveness is a process that has to be repeated again and again. 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, or a circumstance, or 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.
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." [Matthew 18:22] I always assumed he was referring to "seventy-times-seven" separate offenses. The fact is, he could have been referring to one single event.
If you want to succeed in life, you must be able to forgive. In fact, if you want to survive in 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 cross, lay them at Jesus 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 church, or from junior high, 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.
Our forgiveness of others should be the same, but sometimes it's not that cut and dried.
Sometimes, forgiveness is a process that has to be repeated again and again. 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, or a circumstance, or 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.
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." [Matthew 18:22] I always assumed he was referring to "seventy-times-seven" separate offenses. The fact is, he could have been referring to one single event.
If you want to succeed in life, you must be able to forgive. In fact, if you want to survive in 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 cross, lay them at Jesus 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 church, or from junior high, 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.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Sunday!
5:15 Sunday morning and I can't wait for church today! It's going to be a great day! For many of you, you will not read this until afterwards, but I'm sure it was a great experience.
Now that schools are back in full swing and the summer travel season has come to a close we're starting to gear up for the fall. There are some exciting things coming up in the next few months at CLC, and we don't want you to miss out!
Now that schools are back in full swing and the summer travel season has come to a close we're starting to gear up for the fall. There are some exciting things coming up in the next few months at CLC, and we don't want you to miss out!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
GRAHAM ON SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES
When Jerry Jenkins was working with Billy Graham in the writing of Graham's autobiography Just As I Am, Jenkins asked Graham about his spiritual disciplines. He said, "...you're seen as almost the Protestant Pope. Surely there are secrets, hints you can offer laypeople on how to maintain their walk with God."
Graham demurred, insisting that he is no authority. Jenkins asked Graham to explain, at least, how he maintains his own spiritual disciplines.
Graham answered, "There's no secret to that. God doesn't hide the key from us. The Bible says to pray without ceasing and to search the Scriptures. And I do that."
Graham went on to say that he has a habit of leaving his Bible open somewhere where he will notice it during the day. He said, "I pick it up at odd moments and read a verse or two or a chapter or two or for an hour or two. And this is not for study or sermon preparation. This is just for my own spiritual nourishment." [Adapted from Jerry Jenkins, Writing for the Soul]
Bible reading and prayer: these are the habits that have sustained one of the greatest Christian leaders of history. We will never outgrow or "out-succeed" the need for these basic disciplines. This is why Peter said, "As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby." (1 Peter 2:2)
Graham demurred, insisting that he is no authority. Jenkins asked Graham to explain, at least, how he maintains his own spiritual disciplines.
Graham answered, "There's no secret to that. God doesn't hide the key from us. The Bible says to pray without ceasing and to search the Scriptures. And I do that."
Graham went on to say that he has a habit of leaving his Bible open somewhere where he will notice it during the day. He said, "I pick it up at odd moments and read a verse or two or a chapter or two or for an hour or two. And this is not for study or sermon preparation. This is just for my own spiritual nourishment." [Adapted from Jerry Jenkins, Writing for the Soul]
Bible reading and prayer: these are the habits that have sustained one of the greatest Christian leaders of history. We will never outgrow or "out-succeed" the need for these basic disciplines. This is why Peter said, "As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby." (1 Peter 2:2)
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
ONE STEP FORWARD
One winter morning, an employee explained why he had shown up for work 45 minutes late. "It was so slippery out that for every step I took ahead, I slipped back two."
The boss eyed him with suspicion, and asked, "Oh yeah? Then how did you get here?"
The employee said, "I finally gave up and started home."
One step forward, two steps back. Ever felt like that was you? Bruce Springsteen wrote about it...
When I look at myself at myself I don't seeThe man I wanted to be.Somewhere along the line I slipped off trackOne step up, two steps back.
The Bible has a word for those backward steps: sin. It also has a solution: repentance. When we find ourselves moving in the wrong direction, we need to repent. We need to do what the above mentioned employee did—head back home. That will get us where we need to be.
Isaiah said, Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the way; walk in it." (Isaiah 30:21)
Listen to that voice...and keep moving forward.
The boss eyed him with suspicion, and asked, "Oh yeah? Then how did you get here?"
The employee said, "I finally gave up and started home."
One step forward, two steps back. Ever felt like that was you? Bruce Springsteen wrote about it...
When I look at myself at myself I don't seeThe man I wanted to be.Somewhere along the line I slipped off trackOne step up, two steps back.
The Bible has a word for those backward steps: sin. It also has a solution: repentance. When we find ourselves moving in the wrong direction, we need to repent. We need to do what the above mentioned employee did—head back home. That will get us where we need to be.
Isaiah said, Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the way; walk in it." (Isaiah 30:21)
Listen to that voice...and keep moving forward.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Prayer
It's been a few days since I've logged an entry...forgive my infrequency. I had intended to over the weekend. My thoughts have been a bit scattered, however.
Sadly, Marvina's father, Mr. Marvin Skidmore, passed away on Sunday evening. At 85 yrs of age he lived a remarkable like, and his passing is his graduation into the presence of the God he so faithfully served.
Please keep Marvina and our family in prayer this week as we go through the difficult, but necessary things that must be done when a family member passes away.
Sadly, Marvina's father, Mr. Marvin Skidmore, passed away on Sunday evening. At 85 yrs of age he lived a remarkable like, and his passing is his graduation into the presence of the God he so faithfully served.
Please keep Marvina and our family in prayer this week as we go through the difficult, but necessary things that must be done when a family member passes away.
Friday, August 29, 2008
HABITS AND THE PULL OF GRAVITY
In his book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey talks about how the astronauts of Apollo 11 had to overcome the tremendous gravitational pull of the earth to in order to get to the moon.
He says, "More energy was spent in the first few minutes of lift-off, in the first few miles of travel, than was used over the next several days to travel half a million miles."
Covey continues...
"Habits, too, have tremendous gravity pull -- more than most people realize or would admit. Breaking deeply imbedded habitual tendencies such as procrastination, impatience, criticalness, or selfishness that violate basic principles of human effectiveness involves more than a little willpower and a few minor changes in our lives. Lift off takes a tremendous effort, but once we break out of the gravity pull, our freedom takes on a whole new dimension."
Anyone who has broken a habit knows about this. The first few days of a new diet, or a new exercise regime, for example, are torture...ask me...I'll tell ya! But there comes a time when you get used to it, when each action doesn't take monumental effort ... and eventually you actually begin to enjoy it.
When breaking a bad habit or trying to establish a good one, you can expect some resistance up front. Don't let the anticipated resistance prevent you from getting started. You'll burn a lot of fuel for the first days, but it won't be long before you're able to coast a bit.
He says, "More energy was spent in the first few minutes of lift-off, in the first few miles of travel, than was used over the next several days to travel half a million miles."
Covey continues...
"Habits, too, have tremendous gravity pull -- more than most people realize or would admit. Breaking deeply imbedded habitual tendencies such as procrastination, impatience, criticalness, or selfishness that violate basic principles of human effectiveness involves more than a little willpower and a few minor changes in our lives. Lift off takes a tremendous effort, but once we break out of the gravity pull, our freedom takes on a whole new dimension."
Anyone who has broken a habit knows about this. The first few days of a new diet, or a new exercise regime, for example, are torture...ask me...I'll tell ya! But there comes a time when you get used to it, when each action doesn't take monumental effort ... and eventually you actually begin to enjoy it.
When breaking a bad habit or trying to establish a good one, you can expect some resistance up front. Don't let the anticipated resistance prevent you from getting started. You'll burn a lot of fuel for the first days, but it won't be long before you're able to coast a bit.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
QUOTES ON GOAL-SETTING
I love these quotes. The first two by Mays and Twain are my favorites. They remind me of the verse: "With God all things are possible..."
"The tragedy of life doesn't lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach. It isn't a calamity to die with dreams unfulfilled, but it is a calamity not to dream. It isn't a disgrace not to reach the stars, but it is a disgrace to have no stars to reach for. Not failure, but low aim, is a sin." -- Benjamin Mays
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -- Mark Twain
"If you can accomplish all your goals in a year or two, your goals are too small." -- Joel Osteen
"The world makes way for the man who knows where he is going." --Ralph Waldo Emerson
"If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things." -- Albert Einstein
"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." --C.S. Lewis
"Everything I've ever done was out of fear of being mediocre." -- Chet Atkins
"The tragedy of life doesn't lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach. It isn't a calamity to die with dreams unfulfilled, but it is a calamity not to dream. It isn't a disgrace not to reach the stars, but it is a disgrace to have no stars to reach for. Not failure, but low aim, is a sin." -- Benjamin Mays
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." -- Mark Twain
"If you can accomplish all your goals in a year or two, your goals are too small." -- Joel Osteen
"The world makes way for the man who knows where he is going." --Ralph Waldo Emerson
"If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things." -- Albert Einstein
"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." --C.S. Lewis
"Everything I've ever done was out of fear of being mediocre." -- Chet Atkins
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Quotes On Leadership
Inventories can be managed, but people must be led. -- Ross Perot
There's nothing more demoralizing than a leader who can't clearly articulate why we're doing what we're doing. -- James Kouzes and Barry Posner
If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. -- John Quincy Adams
The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority. -- Kenneth Blanchard
Keep your fears to yourself, but share your inspiration with others. -- Robert Louis Stevenson
A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go, but ought to be. -- Rosalyn Carter
The price of greatness is responsibility. -- Winston Churchill
Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things. -- Peter Drucker
Example is not the main thing in influencing others, it is the only thing. -- Albert Schweitzer
A big man is one who makes us feel bigger when we are with him. -- John Maxwell
There's nothing more demoralizing than a leader who can't clearly articulate why we're doing what we're doing. -- James Kouzes and Barry Posner
If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. -- John Quincy Adams
The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority. -- Kenneth Blanchard
Keep your fears to yourself, but share your inspiration with others. -- Robert Louis Stevenson
A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go, but ought to be. -- Rosalyn Carter
The price of greatness is responsibility. -- Winston Churchill
Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things. -- Peter Drucker
Example is not the main thing in influencing others, it is the only thing. -- Albert Schweitzer
A big man is one who makes us feel bigger when we are with him. -- John Maxwell
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Confident In A Crisis!
Someone said, “Tough times do not last, but tough people do!” I don’t know about the last part of that statement, but I am certain about the first part.
A crisis won’t last, but people with faith in God do!
You can outlast the crises of life. Acts 27 gives us a little insight into how to do just that. Paul’s journey to Rome was filled with danger and the potential for destruction. As they sailed toward Rome, their ship was engulfed in a major crisis in the form of a tremendous storm and they all expected to die at sea.
Paul’s experience at sea during the crisis is an example for you and me. As we continue on this faith journey, we sometimes must sail over stormy seas. Sometimes, the sailing is smooth. Most of the time, it is not! Often the crises and storms that rock our lives seem to threaten the very foundations that we stand upon.
Many times, these storms cause us to become discouraged and to want to give up, but Acts 27 is a wonderful reminder that we can be confident in a crisis!
Join us Sunday August 31st as we examine Acts 27 and discover the lessons that will help us remain confident in a crisis.
A crisis won’t last, but people with faith in God do!
You can outlast the crises of life. Acts 27 gives us a little insight into how to do just that. Paul’s journey to Rome was filled with danger and the potential for destruction. As they sailed toward Rome, their ship was engulfed in a major crisis in the form of a tremendous storm and they all expected to die at sea.
Paul’s experience at sea during the crisis is an example for you and me. As we continue on this faith journey, we sometimes must sail over stormy seas. Sometimes, the sailing is smooth. Most of the time, it is not! Often the crises and storms that rock our lives seem to threaten the very foundations that we stand upon.
Many times, these storms cause us to become discouraged and to want to give up, but Acts 27 is a wonderful reminder that we can be confident in a crisis!
Join us Sunday August 31st as we examine Acts 27 and discover the lessons that will help us remain confident in a crisis.
Friday, August 22, 2008
DAILY PRACTICE
Andre Previn said, "If I miss a day of practice, I know it. If I miss two days, my manager knows it. If I miss three days, my audience, knows it."
He was talking about the piano, but the same is true about your devotional life. When you're spending time with God on a consistent basis, it shows. When you aren't, it also shows. You'll see it first, then those closest to you, and, pretty soon, it will be obvious to everyone.
Paul said that you are "transformed by the renewing of your mind..." (Romans 12:2) This renewal -- this transformation -- occurs during those quiet moments we spend in the presence of God, when he open his Word and open our hearts to what the Spirit would say to us.
No matter what one accomplishes professionally in the work of the ministry, this time with God remains a daily priority. If Andre Previn needs to practice the piano every day to stay at his best, we need to practice the presence of God every day to stay at our best.
He was talking about the piano, but the same is true about your devotional life. When you're spending time with God on a consistent basis, it shows. When you aren't, it also shows. You'll see it first, then those closest to you, and, pretty soon, it will be obvious to everyone.
Paul said that you are "transformed by the renewing of your mind..." (Romans 12:2) This renewal -- this transformation -- occurs during those quiet moments we spend in the presence of God, when he open his Word and open our hearts to what the Spirit would say to us.
No matter what one accomplishes professionally in the work of the ministry, this time with God remains a daily priority. If Andre Previn needs to practice the piano every day to stay at his best, we need to practice the presence of God every day to stay at our best.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Storm? What Storm?
It's Tuesday night and the day has passed without so much as a few sprinkles and some wind. To be honest I'm kind of bummed about it all. I wanted to experience my first hurricane!
Tropical storm, Fay, never developed for the Tampa area. Instead it went further east and is still in the process of crossing the state. Oh well...at least all the area school kids got a free day out of school.
Tomorrow it's back to normal. I'll be back into the "no shoes, no shirt, no problems" mindset!
Tropical storm, Fay, never developed for the Tampa area. Instead it went further east and is still in the process of crossing the state. Oh well...at least all the area school kids got a free day out of school.
Tomorrow it's back to normal. I'll be back into the "no shoes, no shirt, no problems" mindset!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Bring on the Storm!
As Tropical Storm Fay churns across Cuba and heads for Florida, Marvina and I are planning to hit it head on! In about 4 hours we'll be boarding a Southwest Airlines flight for Tampa. Should be an interesting week!
Stay tuned. I'll be posting...even if it's from an evacuation shelter! Keep us in your prayers.
Stay tuned. I'll be posting...even if it's from an evacuation shelter! Keep us in your prayers.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Thinking For A Change
I've not share this with too many people before, but somewhere in my documents on my hard drive is a file called "Personal Growth." It contains some things I've complied over the years to help me grow and improve as a person. The majority of quotes, sayings, articles, etc. are about your thoughts. It may seem insignificant but your thoughts play a BIG role in shaping who you are and what you'll become.
Dale Carnegie said, "Remember, happiness doesn't depend upon who you are or what you have; it depends solely upon what you think." This is why Paul commands you "to be made new in the attitude of your minds..." (Ephesians 4:23)
There's no getting past it: change begins between your ears. You'll never see a permanent change in your circumstances until you make a permanent change in your thoughts. The paradox is that when you successfully change the way you think, the status of your situation loses much of its significance. When you begin thinking right, you find that externals aren't all they're cracked up to be.
Thinking right doesn't change your circumstances directly. It changes you -- it renews you and transforms you -- and the indirect result most often is that external conditions change, too. But your first focus must be on what's going in your mind. What are you thinking about?
Norman Vincent Peale said, "Change your thoughts and you'll change your world." That's a secondary outcome. The primary outcome is: Change your thoughts you'll change yourself. As Paul said, "Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think." (Romans 12:2)
Where do we start? "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." (Philippians 4:8)
Happiness, satisfaction, contentment, and optimism: these all begin (and end) with being made new in the attitude of your mind.
Dale Carnegie said, "Remember, happiness doesn't depend upon who you are or what you have; it depends solely upon what you think." This is why Paul commands you "to be made new in the attitude of your minds..." (Ephesians 4:23)
There's no getting past it: change begins between your ears. You'll never see a permanent change in your circumstances until you make a permanent change in your thoughts. The paradox is that when you successfully change the way you think, the status of your situation loses much of its significance. When you begin thinking right, you find that externals aren't all they're cracked up to be.
Thinking right doesn't change your circumstances directly. It changes you -- it renews you and transforms you -- and the indirect result most often is that external conditions change, too. But your first focus must be on what's going in your mind. What are you thinking about?
Norman Vincent Peale said, "Change your thoughts and you'll change your world." That's a secondary outcome. The primary outcome is: Change your thoughts you'll change yourself. As Paul said, "Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think." (Romans 12:2)
Where do we start? "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." (Philippians 4:8)
Happiness, satisfaction, contentment, and optimism: these all begin (and end) with being made new in the attitude of your mind.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Plant any trees lately?
An ancient proverb says, "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today." Looking back on the past twenty years of my life, it's easy to see all the trees that should have been planted: I should have invested more, studied more, taken more picnics with the kids, appreciated others more, watched TV less, worried less, laughed more, enjoyed life more, and on and on.
It's easy to see today all the trees I failed to plant twenty years ago. And it may be tempting to dwell on those good things left undone. God, however, has forgotten them; those sins of omission have been cast into the same sea of forgetfulness as our other sins.
Instead, I must be about the business of planting trees today. Paul said, "Indeed, God is ready to help you right now. Today is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2) Yesterday will never be any different than it was, but the pages of now are still blank. Today is the day of salvation; today is the day to start planting trees!
It's easy to see today all the trees I failed to plant twenty years ago. And it may be tempting to dwell on those good things left undone. God, however, has forgotten them; those sins of omission have been cast into the same sea of forgetfulness as our other sins.
Instead, I must be about the business of planting trees today. Paul said, "Indeed, God is ready to help you right now. Today is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2) Yesterday will never be any different than it was, but the pages of now are still blank. Today is the day of salvation; today is the day to start planting trees!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
101 Ways To Praise A Child
I got this from a friend of mine, Tom Rees.101 Ways to Praise Your Child:
WOW · WAY TO GO · SUPER · YOU'RE SPECIAL · OUTSTANDING · EXCELLENT · GREAT· GOOD · NEAT · WELL DONE · REMARKABLE · I KNEW YOU COULD DO IT · I'M PROUD OF YOU · FANTASTIC · SUPER STAR · NICE WORK · LOOKING GOOD · YOU'RE ON TOP OF IT · BEAUTIFUL · NOW YOU'RE FLYING · YOU'RE CATCHING ON · NOW YOU'VE GOT IT · YOU'RE INCREDIBLE · BRAVO · YOU'RE FANTASTIC · HURRAY FOR YOU · YOU'RE ON TARGET · YOU'RE ON YOUR WAY · HOW NICE · HOW SMART · GOOD JOB · THAT'S INCREDIBLE · HOT DOG · DYNAMITE · YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL · YOU'RE UNIQUE · NOTHING CAN STOP YOU NOW · GOOD FOR YOU · I LIKE YOU YOU'RE A WINNER · REMARKABLE JOB · BEAUTIFUL WORK · SPECTACULAR · YOU'RE SPECTACULAR · YOU'RE DARLING · YOU'RE PRECIOUS · GREAT DISCOVERY · YOU'VE DISCOVERED THE SECRET · YOU FIGURED IT OUT · FANTASTIC JOB · HIP, HIP, HURRAY · BINGO · MAGNIFICENT · MARVELOUS · TERRIFIC · YOU'RE IMPORTANT · PHENOMENAL · YOU'RE SENSATIONAL · SUPER WORK · CREATIVE JOB · SUPER JOB · FANTASTIC JOB · EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE · YOU'RE A REAL TROOPER · YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE · YOU ARE EXCITING · YOU LEARNED IT RIGHT · WHAT AN IMAGINATION ·WHAT A GOOD LISTENER · YOU ARE FUN · YOU'RE GROWING UP · YOU TRIED HARD · YOU CARE · BEAUTIFUL SHARING · OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE · YOU'RE A GOOD FRIEND · I TRUST YOU · YOU'RE IMPORTANT · YOU MEAN A LOT TO ME · YOU MAKE ME HAPPY · YOU BELONG · YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND · YOU MAKE ME LAUGH · YOU BRIGHTEN MY DAY · I RESPECT YOU · YOU MEAN THE WORLD TO ME · THAT'S CORRECT · YOU'RE A JOY · YOU'RE A TREASURE · YOU'RE WONDERFUL · YOU'RE PERFECT · AWESOME · A+ JOB · YOU'RE A-OK MY BUDDY · YOU MADE MY DAY · THAT'S THE BEST · A BIG HUG · A BIG KISS · SAY I LOVE YOU!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Opening Ceremonies
As I type this I'm watching the opening ceremonies of the Olympic games in Beijing. I'm not usually a big fan of stuff like this, but this ain't half bad! If I heard Bob Costas right the cost for these opening ceremonies is around $300 million dollars!
I'm thinking...what could I do with $300 million dollars? That's a lot of trips to Cold Stone creamery!! It's also a lot of Jeff Gordon memorabilia to decorate my office. Come to think of it...$300 million dollars is a lot of everything!
I'll probably never have that much, but God always makes sure I have what I need. The difference between my needs and my wants can be as wide as the Atlantic Ocean sometimes. I have to remind myself it's not about what I don't have that I need to dwell on. Rather I need to thank God for what I do have.
I would encourage you to do the same! Thank God every day for what you have...even if the grand total only comes out to $30 dollars verses $300 million.
I'm thinking...what could I do with $300 million dollars? That's a lot of trips to Cold Stone creamery!! It's also a lot of Jeff Gordon memorabilia to decorate my office. Come to think of it...$300 million dollars is a lot of everything!
I'll probably never have that much, but God always makes sure I have what I need. The difference between my needs and my wants can be as wide as the Atlantic Ocean sometimes. I have to remind myself it's not about what I don't have that I need to dwell on. Rather I need to thank God for what I do have.
I would encourage you to do the same! Thank God every day for what you have...even if the grand total only comes out to $30 dollars verses $300 million.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FAITH AND HOPE
The following comes from Thomas Smail. I found it to be a powerful reminder. Read it slowly and take in each word.
"When the prayer made in faith is not answered, and the healing for which many have sought does not come, we are not to look for someone to accuse of failure in faith.
Rather we are to remember that besides faith there is hope.
Hope has to do with God's promises that are still future and hidden, just as faith has to do with God's promises that are here and now.
To the person who has believed for today but has not seen the answer come today, there comes the call to hope.
Hope says, 'Tomorrow also is God's. Enough has happened already to assure you that the rest is on the way.'"
Amen.
"When the prayer made in faith is not answered, and the healing for which many have sought does not come, we are not to look for someone to accuse of failure in faith.
Rather we are to remember that besides faith there is hope.
Hope has to do with God's promises that are still future and hidden, just as faith has to do with God's promises that are here and now.
To the person who has believed for today but has not seen the answer come today, there comes the call to hope.
Hope says, 'Tomorrow also is God's. Enough has happened already to assure you that the rest is on the way.'"
Amen.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
A Question of Passion
John Maxwell asks are you doing what you love and loving what you do? He goes on to say, "You will never fulfill your destiny doing work you despise. You are nothing unless it comes from your heart…… To be a difference-maker, you have to bring passion, commitment, and caring to your career." Passion gives you the energy advantage over others.
Contrary to popular belief, Work is not a curse. It's not God's way of punishing you. Neither is it just about the paycheck. Your job is God's way of helping you become the person he wants you to be. Elbert Hubbard said, "We work to become, not to acquire."
It really doesn't matter how much talent or how much potential you bring to the table. It matters how much effort you're willing to invest. Adopt a different attitude toward your job -- rather than "hardly working", try "heartily working." Work at your job with all your heart, as working for the Lord.
Contrary to popular belief, Work is not a curse. It's not God's way of punishing you. Neither is it just about the paycheck. Your job is God's way of helping you become the person he wants you to be. Elbert Hubbard said, "We work to become, not to acquire."
It really doesn't matter how much talent or how much potential you bring to the table. It matters how much effort you're willing to invest. Adopt a different attitude toward your job -- rather than "hardly working", try "heartily working." Work at your job with all your heart, as working for the Lord.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Just Do It!
Procrastination is the biggest thief you will ever fall victim to, and it's the biggest enemy you will ever face, because it prevents you from being today what you can be.
This week I came across The Procrastinators Creed. Here are its tenets.
1. I believe that if anything is worth doing, it would have been done already.
2. I shall never move quickly, except to avoid more work or find excuses.
3. I will never rush into a job without a lifetime of consideration.
4. I shall meet all of my deadlines directly in proportion to the amount of bodily injury I could expect to receive from missing them.
5. I truly believe that all deadlines are unreasonable regardless of the amount of time given.
6. I shall never forget that the probability of a miracle, though infinitesmally small, is not exactly zero.
7. If at first I don't succeed, there is always next year.
8. I shall always decide not to decide, unless of course I decide to change my mind.
9. I know that the work cycle is not plan/start/finish, but is wait/plan/plan.
10. I will never put off until tomorrow, what I can forget about forever.
Can anyone relate to this? The thing that stands between you and the life you were meant to live is the idea that you can begin tomorrow. This applies to your health, and it applies to your finances, and it applies to your professional life, and it applies to your family life. And most of all it applies to your spiritual life.
If you want to live at full speed, you've got to begin today. The small step you take today will carry you further than the big step you'll never take tomorrow. Get started...Just do it!
This week I came across The Procrastinators Creed. Here are its tenets.
1. I believe that if anything is worth doing, it would have been done already.
2. I shall never move quickly, except to avoid more work or find excuses.
3. I will never rush into a job without a lifetime of consideration.
4. I shall meet all of my deadlines directly in proportion to the amount of bodily injury I could expect to receive from missing them.
5. I truly believe that all deadlines are unreasonable regardless of the amount of time given.
6. I shall never forget that the probability of a miracle, though infinitesmally small, is not exactly zero.
7. If at first I don't succeed, there is always next year.
8. I shall always decide not to decide, unless of course I decide to change my mind.
9. I know that the work cycle is not plan/start/finish, but is wait/plan/plan.
10. I will never put off until tomorrow, what I can forget about forever.
Can anyone relate to this? The thing that stands between you and the life you were meant to live is the idea that you can begin tomorrow. This applies to your health, and it applies to your finances, and it applies to your professional life, and it applies to your family life. And most of all it applies to your spiritual life.
If you want to live at full speed, you've got to begin today. The small step you take today will carry you further than the big step you'll never take tomorrow. Get started...Just do it!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
The Ultimate Life-style!
Wednesday August 6th we’ll begin a mid-week summer series called "Prayer: The Ultimate Lifestyle." For the next few weeks we'll be focusing on prayer as a lifestyle.
Paul said to the Thessalonians, Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). How do we do that? If prayer was just an exercise that we go through that required us to assume a certain posture and recite certain phrases, then following Paul's commandment would be impossible.
But prayer is much more than that. It's not just something you do occasionally, or even for a few minutes every day.
Prayer, when applied to your life the way God intended it to be, is a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week conversation with God. It is a lifestyle!
I hope you can join us on Wednesdays as we learn together about this on-going conversation God wants to have with all of us.
Paul said to the Thessalonians, Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). How do we do that? If prayer was just an exercise that we go through that required us to assume a certain posture and recite certain phrases, then following Paul's commandment would be impossible.
But prayer is much more than that. It's not just something you do occasionally, or even for a few minutes every day.
Prayer, when applied to your life the way God intended it to be, is a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week conversation with God. It is a lifestyle!
I hope you can join us on Wednesdays as we learn together about this on-going conversation God wants to have with all of us.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Too Soon To Quit!
I mentioned a couple of days ago about the series, "Whatta Comeback!" we'll be starting this Sunday at CLC. It's all about the disciple Peter and his up's and down's in his faith journey. This Sunday part one is called "Stay In The Game." Norman Vincent Peale used to say, "It's always too soon to quit."
This reminds me of a quote attributed to Ross Perot: "Most people give up just when they're about to achieve success. They quit on the on the one-yard line. They give up at the last minute of the game, one foot away from a winning touchdown." Pretty profound for businessman-turned-politician!
On this subject, Paul encouraged us, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9)
The "proper time" sometimes takes a little longer to arrive than we like. And sometimes it feels like the proper time will never arrive. This is when we need we need to engage our faith. It's when we need to determine to dig in and stick around a little longer. It's never a good time to quit.
B.C. Forbes said, "History has demonstrated that the most notable winners usually encountered heartbreaking obstacles before the triumphed. They won because they refused to become discouraged by their defeats."
The life of a Christ follower -- and more specifically, the ministry -- consists of overcoming one defeat after another. That's because we're in a spiritual battle and everyday we confront the enemy. We may lose a little ground from time to time, but we will not lose the war. We have been promised victory -- a harvest of righteousness -- if we do not give up. It's always too soon to quit!
This reminds me of a quote attributed to Ross Perot: "Most people give up just when they're about to achieve success. They quit on the on the one-yard line. They give up at the last minute of the game, one foot away from a winning touchdown." Pretty profound for businessman-turned-politician!
On this subject, Paul encouraged us, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9)
The "proper time" sometimes takes a little longer to arrive than we like. And sometimes it feels like the proper time will never arrive. This is when we need we need to engage our faith. It's when we need to determine to dig in and stick around a little longer. It's never a good time to quit.
B.C. Forbes said, "History has demonstrated that the most notable winners usually encountered heartbreaking obstacles before the triumphed. They won because they refused to become discouraged by their defeats."
The life of a Christ follower -- and more specifically, the ministry -- consists of overcoming one defeat after another. That's because we're in a spiritual battle and everyday we confront the enemy. We may lose a little ground from time to time, but we will not lose the war. We have been promised victory -- a harvest of righteousness -- if we do not give up. It's always too soon to quit!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Comebacks Are Possible!
Hard to believe that July is almost in the history books! It's been a great summer at CLC. August promises to be just as wonderful.
This Sunday, August 3rd we’re beginning a three week series called “Whatta Comeback!” No matter how late in the game it may seem, no matter how far behind you appear to be, a comeback is possible. This series takes a look at the profound change that Peter experienced, revealing how to experience a turnaround in your life through the power of God's grace.
It's for those who feel like they're losing the game and need to turn things around. For the next three weeks we will learn some Biblical principles for creating change in your life from one of the Bible's most colorful characters, the Apostle Peter.
To say that Peter made a comeback is an understatement. In a very short period of time he went from the depths of despair and failure and hopelessness to the heights of faith and power and success. How did he get there?
I'll give away the ending right now and tell you this much: He couldn't have done it without God's help and God wouldn't have done it without Peter's participation.
Sunday we’ll look at the first step in making a comeback. It is making a decision to stay in the game as long as there is time on the clock. Many will never experience a comeback because they quit too soon. Do you want to make a comeback? Stay in the game. Stay in the game and wait for the miracles to begin!
This Sunday, August 3rd we’re beginning a three week series called “Whatta Comeback!” No matter how late in the game it may seem, no matter how far behind you appear to be, a comeback is possible. This series takes a look at the profound change that Peter experienced, revealing how to experience a turnaround in your life through the power of God's grace.
It's for those who feel like they're losing the game and need to turn things around. For the next three weeks we will learn some Biblical principles for creating change in your life from one of the Bible's most colorful characters, the Apostle Peter.
To say that Peter made a comeback is an understatement. In a very short period of time he went from the depths of despair and failure and hopelessness to the heights of faith and power and success. How did he get there?
I'll give away the ending right now and tell you this much: He couldn't have done it without God's help and God wouldn't have done it without Peter's participation.
Sunday we’ll look at the first step in making a comeback. It is making a decision to stay in the game as long as there is time on the clock. Many will never experience a comeback because they quit too soon. Do you want to make a comeback? Stay in the game. Stay in the game and wait for the miracles to begin!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Your Time Will Come
Satchel Paige threw his first major league pitch at the age of 42. Actually, he was good enough to play in the majors at the age of 18, but he couldn't: Satchel Paige was black. Seven years after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball, Paige, an undisputed superstar everywhere but in the major leagues, finally got his chance.
Cleveland owner Bill Veek was criticized for adding such an old man to his roster; some sportswriters and critics called it a publicity stunt. Others said Paige was finally getting the break he had deserved for years, though most doubted his ability to compete effectively at his age.
Paige silenced the critics when he won his first three games as a pro, shutting out Chicago twice in the process.
All along he knew he was good enough to pitch in the major leagues, and when he finally got his chance, he proved it. He went on to win 28 games during his pro career, and even made a brief comeback at the age of 59, pitching three innings for the Kansas City A's.
He approached his major league pitching debut no differently than he approached any of the 2,500 games he pitched during his career. "It was just another game," he said. "And home plate was where it always was."
Though Paige had the ability to make throwing a baseball look effortless, he spent his life perfecting the art. And, eventually, he got his chance to show the world he was capable of competing with the best.
King Solomon said, "Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men." (Proverbs 22:29)
Solomon is emphasizing that commitment to quality is more important than self-promotion. Do your job well, he says, and you'll get your chance to serve before the best.
In the work that you do, you may have to wait years before you get your chance to play in the big leagues. And the fact is, the chance may never come in the way you would like. But you can be sure your time will come. As Christ followers we can work with the assurance that our jobs -- even the most menial tasks -- are performed before our King. Our efforts do not go unnoticed. All the more reason to pursue excellence in all we do!
Cleveland owner Bill Veek was criticized for adding such an old man to his roster; some sportswriters and critics called it a publicity stunt. Others said Paige was finally getting the break he had deserved for years, though most doubted his ability to compete effectively at his age.
Paige silenced the critics when he won his first three games as a pro, shutting out Chicago twice in the process.
All along he knew he was good enough to pitch in the major leagues, and when he finally got his chance, he proved it. He went on to win 28 games during his pro career, and even made a brief comeback at the age of 59, pitching three innings for the Kansas City A's.
He approached his major league pitching debut no differently than he approached any of the 2,500 games he pitched during his career. "It was just another game," he said. "And home plate was where it always was."
Though Paige had the ability to make throwing a baseball look effortless, he spent his life perfecting the art. And, eventually, he got his chance to show the world he was capable of competing with the best.
King Solomon said, "Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men." (Proverbs 22:29)
Solomon is emphasizing that commitment to quality is more important than self-promotion. Do your job well, he says, and you'll get your chance to serve before the best.
In the work that you do, you may have to wait years before you get your chance to play in the big leagues. And the fact is, the chance may never come in the way you would like. But you can be sure your time will come. As Christ followers we can work with the assurance that our jobs -- even the most menial tasks -- are performed before our King. Our efforts do not go unnoticed. All the more reason to pursue excellence in all we do!
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