When we are young, we have dreams of what we want to be when we grow up. We want to be firemen or astronauts or doctors or policemen or farmers or... My daughter, Kimberly, wanted to be a lawyer or a ballerina - apparently both were pretty equally balanced in her eyes. She and her best friend at the time planned to get a house together and their husbands would live in a house behind them. Her life had purpose and her plans were set.
As we get older, those plans seldom hold up and our purpose tends to get rather murky. Our plans often get thrown into the blender of life and we come up with something quite different. So often, even though we make new plans, we are left wondering what is our purpose.
In my work, I talk with people who, at the end of their lives, are still wondering what God's purpose for them is. They well say, "I know God has some purpose for me, but I just don't know what it is. Life, as is most often the case, did not turn out the way they had thought. And many are left feeling there is something they missed or are missing. There must be purpose, of that they seem sure.
I agree that life has purpose, that God has purpose for our lives. I believe that along the way, He has many things in store for us, many opportunities to fulfill his will in our lives. We don't always see what they are at the time and often opportunities are missed. Some feel they missed their boat entirely.
However, I just don't believe that is ever true. I am convinced that God always has purpose for us, regardless of opportunities missed or years passed: "I know the plans I have for you. Plans to do you good no harm. Plans for hope and a future" (Jer 29:11). Notice the present tense, have not had. God has purpose still for your life.
And, while I can't tell you everything God has planned for you, I can share in a general way what His purpose was and still is. Are you ready? Write this down: "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thess 5:16-18).
There it is. Take joy in life, look to God always and be grateful for what you have. You may not have much but you have life and hope for a future. Some of the happiest people I've ever seen were on mission efforts in third-world countries where they had little but their lives were registered with big smiles and a generous spirit.
In this country, even the poorest of us have much more than the rest of the world. And there is always hope. For the child of God, there is more than hope. We have already won the victory. We re simply on a journey home to receive the glory already purchased on the cross. We may have some difficult miles ahead, but soon they will be behind us. In the meantime let us rejoice, let us pray and let us be thankful. Jus' Say'n.
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Monday, August 29, 2016
Desire
When I was 17, two of my brothers and one of my best friends joined the Army. Not wanting to be left behind, I decided to join as well. Of course, being 17, I couldn't just sign on the dotted line, I would have to get my parents' consent.
I didn't approach my mother as I was certain that she would not be on board with another son enlisting during a time of war. My dad, however, a retired Command Sergeant Major, should have been a pretty easy sale - Not!
My dad was having nothing of my plans to drop out of high school a year before graduating. He told me to forget the idea and get my head back in the pursuit of finishing high school and then, at 18 and a high school graduate, I was free to join the Army.
Well, I did finish high school but I didn't join the Army. I rebelled and joined the Air Force. Well, it wasn't a full-on rebellion, but I did assert my independence. Everyone else was decked in green while I was wearing blue. OK, it wasn't a bold move on any level, however I do like blue better than green. But, I digress.
My dad wasn't opposed to my having and achieving a dream of uniform service, but he was having nothing to do with my plan that ran counter to his knowledge of what was best for me. He knew that finishing high school was a foundation for whatever the next step might be and he was fully behind me entering the service after that foundation plank was set in place.
Our Heavenly Father too, is in support of our hopes and dreams, but not if they run counter to His knowledge of what is good and best for us. He is willing to give us our heart's desire, when our desire aligns with His perfect will: "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart" (Ps 37:4).
If your plans are being frustrated, perhaps you need to rethink your desire compared with God's revealed will or possibly you need to be laying it before the Lord in prayer, listening for His response. Maybe your goal is fine but your timing is not God's timing. That was Jesus warning to Mary when she asked him to turn water into wine, letting her know that it was too soon to reveal too much about his divine nature: “Woman, why do you involve me? My hour has not yet come" (Jn 2:4).
God does answer prayers. God does love you. God wants to give you the desires of your heart. But God will not give you want is not good and best for you as determined by His perfect will not yours; for God is good all the time and all the time, God is good. Jus' Say'n.
I didn't approach my mother as I was certain that she would not be on board with another son enlisting during a time of war. My dad, however, a retired Command Sergeant Major, should have been a pretty easy sale - Not!
My dad was having nothing of my plans to drop out of high school a year before graduating. He told me to forget the idea and get my head back in the pursuit of finishing high school and then, at 18 and a high school graduate, I was free to join the Army.
Well, I did finish high school but I didn't join the Army. I rebelled and joined the Air Force. Well, it wasn't a full-on rebellion, but I did assert my independence. Everyone else was decked in green while I was wearing blue. OK, it wasn't a bold move on any level, however I do like blue better than green. But, I digress.
My dad wasn't opposed to my having and achieving a dream of uniform service, but he was having nothing to do with my plan that ran counter to his knowledge of what was best for me. He knew that finishing high school was a foundation for whatever the next step might be and he was fully behind me entering the service after that foundation plank was set in place.
Our Heavenly Father too, is in support of our hopes and dreams, but not if they run counter to His knowledge of what is good and best for us. He is willing to give us our heart's desire, when our desire aligns with His perfect will: "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart" (Ps 37:4).
If your plans are being frustrated, perhaps you need to rethink your desire compared with God's revealed will or possibly you need to be laying it before the Lord in prayer, listening for His response. Maybe your goal is fine but your timing is not God's timing. That was Jesus warning to Mary when she asked him to turn water into wine, letting her know that it was too soon to reveal too much about his divine nature: “Woman, why do you involve me? My hour has not yet come" (Jn 2:4).
God does answer prayers. God does love you. God wants to give you the desires of your heart. But God will not give you want is not good and best for you as determined by His perfect will not yours; for God is good all the time and all the time, God is good. Jus' Say'n.
Thursday, August 25, 2016
The Storm
Olympic gold medalist Laura Wilkinson left a college scholarship, her friends and a life she loved to pursue her sport of platform diving at the highest level. But shortly before the Olympic trials Laura broke her right foot in three places.
Laura was devastated and felt her world was crashing down around her. One day she dropped to her knees, letting her crutches fall to the floor as she cried out in tears, "Why? How can this be good for me?" Her emotions pouring out through her tears, Laura began thanking God - not because she was feeling happy but because she began to feel His presence in the middle of the storm.
She later reflected, "He never left me. That is joy. Choosing God is choosing joy. He took me broken and tattered physically, mentally and emotionally. He loved me 'as is.' He carried me through the storm. Joy in God, hope in God and love because of God is not fleeting. It will never leave you, no matter what dreams are broken....No matter what you face, He has overcome the world. Jesus said, 'In the world, you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world'" (Jn 16:33).
Whether your storm is a fractured foot, a broken heart, a busted bank account, a derailed career or a shattered dream of any stripe, in Christ you are not alone and Christ is the Master of the storm. Do you recall the biblical narrative of the disciples navigating a storm in a boat? "Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, 'Lord, save us! We're going to drown!' He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm"(Matt 8:24-26).
The point is that Jesus doesn't promise to take us out of the storm, he promises that he will go with us through the storm. And as he is the Master of the storm and our lives, we need not be afraid but only trust in him to the end. We may not be able to see how any good can come of our current situation or how we possibly make it but he promises "I will never leave you" (Jn 14:18) "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Rom 8:28).
Don't focus on the storm. Focus on the Master of the storm. Keep your eyes on Jesus and trust in him to see you through. He is faithful, even when we are struggling in our faith. Jus' Say'n.
Laura was devastated and felt her world was crashing down around her. One day she dropped to her knees, letting her crutches fall to the floor as she cried out in tears, "Why? How can this be good for me?" Her emotions pouring out through her tears, Laura began thanking God - not because she was feeling happy but because she began to feel His presence in the middle of the storm.
She later reflected, "He never left me. That is joy. Choosing God is choosing joy. He took me broken and tattered physically, mentally and emotionally. He loved me 'as is.' He carried me through the storm. Joy in God, hope in God and love because of God is not fleeting. It will never leave you, no matter what dreams are broken....No matter what you face, He has overcome the world. Jesus said, 'In the world, you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world'" (Jn 16:33).
Whether your storm is a fractured foot, a broken heart, a busted bank account, a derailed career or a shattered dream of any stripe, in Christ you are not alone and Christ is the Master of the storm. Do you recall the biblical narrative of the disciples navigating a storm in a boat? "Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, 'Lord, save us! We're going to drown!' He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm"(Matt 8:24-26).
The point is that Jesus doesn't promise to take us out of the storm, he promises that he will go with us through the storm. And as he is the Master of the storm and our lives, we need not be afraid but only trust in him to the end. We may not be able to see how any good can come of our current situation or how we possibly make it but he promises "I will never leave you" (Jn 14:18) "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Rom 8:28).
Don't focus on the storm. Focus on the Master of the storm. Keep your eyes on Jesus and trust in him to see you through. He is faithful, even when we are struggling in our faith. Jus' Say'n.
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Eureka
Eureka, a word attributed to the Ancient Greek Scholar, Archimedes, who noticed when stepping in his bath one day that the water level rose and instantly understood the concept of displaced volume and was able to apply that principle to determine the volume of irregular objects, is not a word we use much anymore unless we're talking about a particular place (Eureka Springs or Eureka, CA) or perhaps a vacuum cleaner.
The word means, "I found it!" And it is properly used as an exclamation not just a statement as it suggests you have found something you have been searching for and are excited to have done so.
I don't think that Olympic Gold Snowboarder, Kelly Clark, joined Archimedes in yelling, "Eureka, eureka!" But she nonetheless had that experience, which came after being overwhelmed with a feeling of emptiness: "I had money, I had fame, I had an Olympic gold medal" but, she went on to say, "If this is what life is, if this is everything; I don't want to do it anymore."
This feeling set her on a search for God and the meaning of life that lasted four months at which point she realized that she didn't want to go another day without God in her life. On that day she invited Jesus into her life and everything changed when she found what her soul was searching for: "That was a huge shifting point for me where my snowboarding became this amazing expression and fun thing, rather than this thing that I had to do. It became this thing that I was made to do and I could actually enjoy."
What Kelly found, her "Eureka!" moment was discovering the path of life and the joy that is found in living before God and walking with the Lord on that path. While her life did not change, her reason and purpose for living did making everything different - fulfilling her spirit within. It was then she found her "joy in the Lord, [that] cause[d] [her] to ride in triumph on the heights" (Isa 58:14).
Have you reached the point in which you wonder "is this all there is to life?" Are you so ready for your "Eureka!" moment? Is your should aching within you for something, someone? Perhaps it is time or time once again to invite Jesus into your life, to give reason and purpose for what you do. Perhaps you need to find your joy in the Lord. Jus' Say'n.
The word means, "I found it!" And it is properly used as an exclamation not just a statement as it suggests you have found something you have been searching for and are excited to have done so.
I don't think that Olympic Gold Snowboarder, Kelly Clark, joined Archimedes in yelling, "Eureka, eureka!" But she nonetheless had that experience, which came after being overwhelmed with a feeling of emptiness: "I had money, I had fame, I had an Olympic gold medal" but, she went on to say, "If this is what life is, if this is everything; I don't want to do it anymore."
This feeling set her on a search for God and the meaning of life that lasted four months at which point she realized that she didn't want to go another day without God in her life. On that day she invited Jesus into her life and everything changed when she found what her soul was searching for: "That was a huge shifting point for me where my snowboarding became this amazing expression and fun thing, rather than this thing that I had to do. It became this thing that I was made to do and I could actually enjoy."
What Kelly found, her "Eureka!" moment was discovering the path of life and the joy that is found in living before God and walking with the Lord on that path. While her life did not change, her reason and purpose for living did making everything different - fulfilling her spirit within. It was then she found her "joy in the Lord, [that] cause[d] [her] to ride in triumph on the heights" (Isa 58:14).
Have you reached the point in which you wonder "is this all there is to life?" Are you so ready for your "Eureka!" moment? Is your should aching within you for something, someone? Perhaps it is time or time once again to invite Jesus into your life, to give reason and purpose for what you do. Perhaps you need to find your joy in the Lord. Jus' Say'n.
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Strength For The Journey
The thing about the journey of life is that it is not a sprint. While their will be moments when we will need a burst of strength to get to a certain goal or through a particular event, life is transversed over the long haul. And there will be times when it just seems you can't find the strength to go on. As you look down the road at what you have to face, already feeling road-weary, you may say to yourself, "I just don't know how I can make it."
Triathlete Hunter Kemper had reached such a point in his life but rather than give in to despair, he turned to the Source of strength: "I knelt down before Him in the bedroom of my rental home and confessed to him that I could no longer do it on my own. I cried a lot that day; to because I was sad but because I felt free."
Hunter has found that this strength even applies to his life as a triathlete: "On the days when I don't think I can run another mile, or when I don't think I'm able to cross the finish line, I always remember that God does not grow tired or weary. Anything is possible with God."
Hunter is not confused, thinking that he personally has the strength to face anything, he is clear in understanding that it is God who does not wear down or out, and that it is God, who lends him the strength. Everyone, in their human frame grows weary, but God's children have a reserve that allows them to "do all things through Christ who give [them] strength" (Phil 4:13).
The prophet Isaiah puts it this way: "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" (40:30-31).
What about you? Are you feeling weary, wondering how you will finish the race or complete the journey? Are you wondering where you will find the strength? It is no secret. God is the Source and he will supply, not always in a sprint because the journey is long and while we will fly with God-given bursts at times and we will run for a distance too; in the long run, we will have the strength to continue the walk to the journey's end. Jus' Say'n.
Triathlete Hunter Kemper had reached such a point in his life but rather than give in to despair, he turned to the Source of strength: "I knelt down before Him in the bedroom of my rental home and confessed to him that I could no longer do it on my own. I cried a lot that day; to because I was sad but because I felt free."
Hunter has found that this strength even applies to his life as a triathlete: "On the days when I don't think I can run another mile, or when I don't think I'm able to cross the finish line, I always remember that God does not grow tired or weary. Anything is possible with God."
Hunter is not confused, thinking that he personally has the strength to face anything, he is clear in understanding that it is God who does not wear down or out, and that it is God, who lends him the strength. Everyone, in their human frame grows weary, but God's children have a reserve that allows them to "do all things through Christ who give [them] strength" (Phil 4:13).
The prophet Isaiah puts it this way: "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" (40:30-31).
What about you? Are you feeling weary, wondering how you will finish the race or complete the journey? Are you wondering where you will find the strength? It is no secret. God is the Source and he will supply, not always in a sprint because the journey is long and while we will fly with God-given bursts at times and we will run for a distance too; in the long run, we will have the strength to continue the walk to the journey's end. Jus' Say'n.
Monday, August 22, 2016
For His Glory
Olympic volleyball player, David Smith, was highly involved in church activities growing up. He was in to "everything I could get my hands on..." church on Sunday, Bible studies, youth group...whatever was going on at church, David was there.
In time, David became very involved in sports - to the point that it became an idol of sorts: "I had a lot of distractions; for me, sports was my biggest rival with God."
For most, the distraction of sports participation begins to vanish after high school but for David it had only begun as he was awarded a scholarship to play volleyball at UC Irvine, which could have led him down a path further from God. However, David made an important discovery: "I didn't understand that God made sports - not as a rival with Him but something I could use to glorify Him."
Rather than rivaling his relationship with Christ, he learned that volleyball was something he could do with God to glorify Him in the way he played and conducted himself both on and off the court: "I just can't check Christ at the door; He wanted to be in there with me. He created me to be a volleyball player so He can play with me."
Whether we're playing volleyball or working at the office or hitting the books at school; there never is a time when we should put our relationship with Christ on hold. Christianity is not a compartment of our lives, it is our life - everything else is a compartment of our faith.
When we understand that, it changes how and why we do everything. Nothing we do is just about ourselves, it is a part of our witness, our service to God and mankind. The biblical mandate is this, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Cor 10:31). Rain
And, when we do all for the glory of God, there is a secondary effect upon mankind that works to their glory as well: "Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God--- even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved" (vv. 32-33).
Life is not about me, it is about Him and His concern is for all His children. Everything I do, therefore, is of great importance to God as each encounter a Christian has with another individual will either draw that person closer or push them further away from God.
So, what about you? Do you live, work and play for the glory of God and the salvation of mankind. Or, do are you in it just to win it for yourself? Jus' Ask'n.
In time, David became very involved in sports - to the point that it became an idol of sorts: "I had a lot of distractions; for me, sports was my biggest rival with God."
For most, the distraction of sports participation begins to vanish after high school but for David it had only begun as he was awarded a scholarship to play volleyball at UC Irvine, which could have led him down a path further from God. However, David made an important discovery: "I didn't understand that God made sports - not as a rival with Him but something I could use to glorify Him."
Rather than rivaling his relationship with Christ, he learned that volleyball was something he could do with God to glorify Him in the way he played and conducted himself both on and off the court: "I just can't check Christ at the door; He wanted to be in there with me. He created me to be a volleyball player so He can play with me."
Whether we're playing volleyball or working at the office or hitting the books at school; there never is a time when we should put our relationship with Christ on hold. Christianity is not a compartment of our lives, it is our life - everything else is a compartment of our faith.
When we understand that, it changes how and why we do everything. Nothing we do is just about ourselves, it is a part of our witness, our service to God and mankind. The biblical mandate is this, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1 Cor 10:31). Rain
And, when we do all for the glory of God, there is a secondary effect upon mankind that works to their glory as well: "Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God--- even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved" (vv. 32-33).
Life is not about me, it is about Him and His concern is for all His children. Everything I do, therefore, is of great importance to God as each encounter a Christian has with another individual will either draw that person closer or push them further away from God.
So, what about you? Do you live, work and play for the glory of God and the salvation of mankind. Or, do are you in it just to win it for yourself? Jus' Ask'n.
Friday, August 19, 2016
Not Mine
One group of unnamed characters in the animated film, "Finding Nemo," that stands out in my memory is the seagulls. Whenever a food source, like the little crab, would appear, all of them would begin squawking "Mine, mine!" And then each would take out after it, determined to secure the meal for himself and only for himself.
Perhaps it is so memorable because it is so true to human nature, this desire to look out for number one or as the old Schlitz Beer commercials used to put it, "Grab all the gusto you can." There is this selfish streak in us that want what we want, without regard to how it might impact others.
It is fashionable in counseling individuals to say that "you can't do this for anyone else, you have to do it for yourself as if it is only real, only lasting, only true if one works to overcome addictions or change behavior for self. It would seem that self is the one that should receive top billing, that working to serve self is the highest calling.
But is that really true? Is it true that we cannot make changes and overcome addiction or improve our lives with others primarily in mind? Can individuals make changes when they become a parent that puts the child first? Can a husband begin going to opera just for his wife's sake? Can a wife take up fishing just to support her husband? Is it true that doing something primarily for someone else is not as real or beneficial as doing it for one's self? No, it is not true.
In fact, truly great things are done with others in mind. Our Founding Fathers pledged and risked their personal wealth and safety for the good of the colonies. Our bravest heroes in battle give up their lives protecting others, even jumping on top of gernades or otherwise putting themselves in harm's way for their buddies.
Employees get up earlier than they would for themselves to get to work on time, teammates actually do "take one for the team" when necessary, parents and grandparents sit through shows like "Finding Nemo" when they would rather be just about anywhere else. The fact is that doing for self is anything but the highest calling. While necessary at times to attend to self, if it is the driving force in your life, you will end up on a a very lonely path indeed.
Here's the truth of the matter: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Phil 2:3-4). Serving others is our true calling, it is in fact why Jesus came to this earth and we are charged to "have this same attitude of Christ" (v. 5).
Life would truly be better for everyone if we all would shift from seeing everything in the lens of "mine" to regarding things as "not mine." If we all were given to share and do for others, all would have enough, all would be taken care of, all would benefit - even self. Jus' Say'n.
Perhaps it is so memorable because it is so true to human nature, this desire to look out for number one or as the old Schlitz Beer commercials used to put it, "Grab all the gusto you can." There is this selfish streak in us that want what we want, without regard to how it might impact others.
It is fashionable in counseling individuals to say that "you can't do this for anyone else, you have to do it for yourself as if it is only real, only lasting, only true if one works to overcome addictions or change behavior for self. It would seem that self is the one that should receive top billing, that working to serve self is the highest calling.
But is that really true? Is it true that we cannot make changes and overcome addiction or improve our lives with others primarily in mind? Can individuals make changes when they become a parent that puts the child first? Can a husband begin going to opera just for his wife's sake? Can a wife take up fishing just to support her husband? Is it true that doing something primarily for someone else is not as real or beneficial as doing it for one's self? No, it is not true.
In fact, truly great things are done with others in mind. Our Founding Fathers pledged and risked their personal wealth and safety for the good of the colonies. Our bravest heroes in battle give up their lives protecting others, even jumping on top of gernades or otherwise putting themselves in harm's way for their buddies.
Employees get up earlier than they would for themselves to get to work on time, teammates actually do "take one for the team" when necessary, parents and grandparents sit through shows like "Finding Nemo" when they would rather be just about anywhere else. The fact is that doing for self is anything but the highest calling. While necessary at times to attend to self, if it is the driving force in your life, you will end up on a a very lonely path indeed.
Here's the truth of the matter: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Phil 2:3-4). Serving others is our true calling, it is in fact why Jesus came to this earth and we are charged to "have this same attitude of Christ" (v. 5).
Life would truly be better for everyone if we all would shift from seeing everything in the lens of "mine" to regarding things as "not mine." If we all were given to share and do for others, all would have enough, all would be taken care of, all would benefit - even self. Jus' Say'n.
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Under New Management
It's the same business, same location, same product but it's totally different because it's under new management. It may be better or it may be worse, depending on the management; but you can be sure it will be different. Who one works for make all the difference in the outcome of his work as direction, support and motivation comes from the top.
The very attitude workers have about their jobs are greatly impacted from the top. If a worker feels appreciated and fairly compensated, he is much more likely to have a good attitude and give his best when it comes to production. If he has a personal relationship with the boss, his pride in product generally goes up as well. Who you work for and how you relate to them translates into the quality of the work you do.
But what if you work for a boss that is a poor leader and is lacking in the skills to motivate you or is simply not a very nice person who doesn't provide positive support. What if you work for a miserly boss that doesn't compensate fairly and doesn't recognize your talent and efforts. Where do you find the support and encouragement to be a happy and productive employee?
The simple answer: Somewhere else. You may actually post your resume and begin looking for new employment. You could try to change the relationship you have with your current boss. You could focus on the customer or the people for whom your product or service is designed. All these things may help. But let me offer another solution that will help and will keep on helping even when your relationship with your boss turns sour or your customers are being whiny, demanding babies.
Bring your whole life under the management of God. Don't work just for your employer or produce just for your customer. Don't look just to your paycheck for affirmation or even the response of those paying for your service or product. As the Bible puts it, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving" (Col 3:23-24)
Here's the turn, when we place our live under His management, we know that He will reward us and treat us with mercy and grace. When I'm working for the Lord, knowing that my service or product reflects on my witness of Him, I have greater motivation to do my best. In fact, seeing my work as a sacrifice means that only my best will do.
When working for the Lord instead of man, I have an inward desire to work at the top of my game, to do my very best and give the glory to Him rather than be overly concerned about how much I'm getting in return or how much I'm being noticed. My reward becomes the satisfaction of serving my God well by performing and/or producing in the best manner possible.
Tired of your job? Can't stand your boss? Customers driving you to distraction? It's time for a management change, allow the Lord to be in complete control of your life so that you can "Rejoice always and again I will say rejoice" (Phil 4:4). Jus' Say'n.
The very attitude workers have about their jobs are greatly impacted from the top. If a worker feels appreciated and fairly compensated, he is much more likely to have a good attitude and give his best when it comes to production. If he has a personal relationship with the boss, his pride in product generally goes up as well. Who you work for and how you relate to them translates into the quality of the work you do.
But what if you work for a boss that is a poor leader and is lacking in the skills to motivate you or is simply not a very nice person who doesn't provide positive support. What if you work for a miserly boss that doesn't compensate fairly and doesn't recognize your talent and efforts. Where do you find the support and encouragement to be a happy and productive employee?
The simple answer: Somewhere else. You may actually post your resume and begin looking for new employment. You could try to change the relationship you have with your current boss. You could focus on the customer or the people for whom your product or service is designed. All these things may help. But let me offer another solution that will help and will keep on helping even when your relationship with your boss turns sour or your customers are being whiny, demanding babies.
Bring your whole life under the management of God. Don't work just for your employer or produce just for your customer. Don't look just to your paycheck for affirmation or even the response of those paying for your service or product. As the Bible puts it, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving" (Col 3:23-24)
Here's the turn, when we place our live under His management, we know that He will reward us and treat us with mercy and grace. When I'm working for the Lord, knowing that my service or product reflects on my witness of Him, I have greater motivation to do my best. In fact, seeing my work as a sacrifice means that only my best will do.
When working for the Lord instead of man, I have an inward desire to work at the top of my game, to do my very best and give the glory to Him rather than be overly concerned about how much I'm getting in return or how much I'm being noticed. My reward becomes the satisfaction of serving my God well by performing and/or producing in the best manner possible.
Tired of your job? Can't stand your boss? Customers driving you to distraction? It's time for a management change, allow the Lord to be in complete control of your life so that you can "Rejoice always and again I will say rejoice" (Phil 4:4). Jus' Say'n.
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
Higher Purpose
Daniel Diaz was born with malformed upper and lower limbs. He was not equipped to compete like other boys he grew up with. Instead, he competed on a higher level. Daniel Diaz was a six-time gold medal swimmer in the 2012 Paralymics in London.
In order to compete in the 50m butterfly, he had to race against the next highest level of competitors. When told the news, his reply was. "No problem. I will race for Brazil, for myself and for the Lord." Daniel Diaz was not just racing, he was racing with purpose, he was racing for national pride and for the glory of the Lord.
Daniel was in the lane next to Roy Clark, a world-class swimmer from the United States. When the gun sounded, Daniel raced into the lead and held on. As he touched the wall and turned for home, he could sense Roy closing in on him. In the last 10 meters, he blocked out all the other swimmer, including Roy, and sprinted for the wall, giving it all he had, doing his very best.
Daniel won the race and looking up at the scoreboard, he learned that he had broken the world record. When asked how he felt, Daniel responded, "I use the gift God gave me to do what I trained for and I do my best. And when my best results in a gold medal, I am happy. But if it doesn't happen I also am happy because I have it my best. I deliver my life to Him and simply allow Him to act."
Daniel Diaz' attitude is a winning one that is found in the pages of the Bible: "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize" (1 Cor 9:24-27).
This same attitude, one of higher purpose, is the attitude that will carry anyone and everyone through life, causing us to do our best and therefore, achieve the best of which we are capable. And this best is hat God calls us to - not someone else's best, not necessarily the best in the world, but our personal best. Daniel Diaz, in doing his personal best, actually did the best in the world. But his attitude was that even if he did not, he would be happy as long as it was his best - swimming with a higher purpose insured his best.
You and I, like Daniel Diaz and the apostle Paul, can swim or run or work or serve with that same higher purpose. In so doing, we will do our best and we will have acted with honor and have brought glory to God who created us in His own image. Jus' Say'n.
In order to compete in the 50m butterfly, he had to race against the next highest level of competitors. When told the news, his reply was. "No problem. I will race for Brazil, for myself and for the Lord." Daniel Diaz was not just racing, he was racing with purpose, he was racing for national pride and for the glory of the Lord.
Daniel was in the lane next to Roy Clark, a world-class swimmer from the United States. When the gun sounded, Daniel raced into the lead and held on. As he touched the wall and turned for home, he could sense Roy closing in on him. In the last 10 meters, he blocked out all the other swimmer, including Roy, and sprinted for the wall, giving it all he had, doing his very best.
Daniel won the race and looking up at the scoreboard, he learned that he had broken the world record. When asked how he felt, Daniel responded, "I use the gift God gave me to do what I trained for and I do my best. And when my best results in a gold medal, I am happy. But if it doesn't happen I also am happy because I have it my best. I deliver my life to Him and simply allow Him to act."
Daniel Diaz' attitude is a winning one that is found in the pages of the Bible: "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize" (1 Cor 9:24-27).
This same attitude, one of higher purpose, is the attitude that will carry anyone and everyone through life, causing us to do our best and therefore, achieve the best of which we are capable. And this best is hat God calls us to - not someone else's best, not necessarily the best in the world, but our personal best. Daniel Diaz, in doing his personal best, actually did the best in the world. But his attitude was that even if he did not, he would be happy as long as it was his best - swimming with a higher purpose insured his best.
You and I, like Daniel Diaz and the apostle Paul, can swim or run or work or serve with that same higher purpose. In so doing, we will do our best and we will have acted with honor and have brought glory to God who created us in His own image. Jus' Say'n.
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Moving In
Part of my devotional this morning came from Psalm 1:1, which reads, "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers." What struck me about this verse is the progression of sin, the "moving in," if you will.
The warning against sin saturation is not one of falling into sin as if one were minding his own business and stepped into a trap that had been carefully covered. It is more of one who was first intrigued and then walked right into the trap, eyes wide open, or perhaps "eyes wide shut" as one who is choosing not to see (As an aside, many failed marriages begin this way, not paying attention to the reg flags in the dating period).
The process described in Psalms 1 is that of first "walking" in step with the wicked. The thought conjured is that of walking along, seeing and hearing what people are up to. Then one stops to "stand" nearby to get a closer look or hear a bit more of what is going on. And finally, one pulls up a chair so he can "sit" among them and fully join in the group.
What I have described is the downward spiral of sin but there is also an upward pull of righteousness that works in reverse. As I continued in Psalm 1, verses 2-3, I read of one who did not follow the path of sin "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers"
The path of righteousness begins with an attraction or "delight" in God's Word that leads to a place where he begins to look closely or "meditates" on it and finally becomes rooted or "planted" in the streams of God's will. There are two paths, just as Jesus says in Matthew 7:13-14 and we are given the choice of which to to take.
The really good news about the path your are on is two-fold: 1) If you have been taking the path that leads deeper into sin, which results in destruction, you can choose to turn around. The Bible calls it "repentance" or a change of one's mind. We don't have to continue just because we started down that path. You can apply this truth to addictive behavior, adulterous thinking or abusive actions - whatever the sin path, you can choose to turn around.
2) If you have chosen the path of righteousness but don't see the results for which you had hoped, instead are still making bad choices, struggling with bad habits or just acting badly - whatever measuring stick you may be using, you can choose to improve and God will empower you to change, allowing you to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Pet 3:18).
Choosing a life of righteousness or a life of sin is not simply a one-shot or one-time event. It is instead much more like moving in. You don't just show up in your new house one day and magically become settled in - there is a lot of unpacking to do, arranging to manage and putting up to get past before you can finally settle in. Even then, the process continues as you make changes and additions further down the road.
Either way, until you reach the end of your path, you get to choose and make new choices. With God's help, you can succeed in righteousness for he will "do more than you can ask or imagine according to his power at work within you" (Eph 3:20). Jus' Say'n.
The warning against sin saturation is not one of falling into sin as if one were minding his own business and stepped into a trap that had been carefully covered. It is more of one who was first intrigued and then walked right into the trap, eyes wide open, or perhaps "eyes wide shut" as one who is choosing not to see (As an aside, many failed marriages begin this way, not paying attention to the reg flags in the dating period).
The process described in Psalms 1 is that of first "walking" in step with the wicked. The thought conjured is that of walking along, seeing and hearing what people are up to. Then one stops to "stand" nearby to get a closer look or hear a bit more of what is going on. And finally, one pulls up a chair so he can "sit" among them and fully join in the group.
What I have described is the downward spiral of sin but there is also an upward pull of righteousness that works in reverse. As I continued in Psalm 1, verses 2-3, I read of one who did not follow the path of sin "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers"
The path of righteousness begins with an attraction or "delight" in God's Word that leads to a place where he begins to look closely or "meditates" on it and finally becomes rooted or "planted" in the streams of God's will. There are two paths, just as Jesus says in Matthew 7:13-14 and we are given the choice of which to to take.
The really good news about the path your are on is two-fold: 1) If you have been taking the path that leads deeper into sin, which results in destruction, you can choose to turn around. The Bible calls it "repentance" or a change of one's mind. We don't have to continue just because we started down that path. You can apply this truth to addictive behavior, adulterous thinking or abusive actions - whatever the sin path, you can choose to turn around.
2) If you have chosen the path of righteousness but don't see the results for which you had hoped, instead are still making bad choices, struggling with bad habits or just acting badly - whatever measuring stick you may be using, you can choose to improve and God will empower you to change, allowing you to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Pet 3:18).
Choosing a life of righteousness or a life of sin is not simply a one-shot or one-time event. It is instead much more like moving in. You don't just show up in your new house one day and magically become settled in - there is a lot of unpacking to do, arranging to manage and putting up to get past before you can finally settle in. Even then, the process continues as you make changes and additions further down the road.
Either way, until you reach the end of your path, you get to choose and make new choices. With God's help, you can succeed in righteousness for he will "do more than you can ask or imagine according to his power at work within you" (Eph 3:20). Jus' Say'n.
Monday, August 15, 2016
Finishing The Race
Amber Neben was diagnosed with spinal meningitis at the age of four and doctors said she would not likely live. Even if she managed to survive, they said she would have brain damage. Friends began to pray for her, which resulted in her parents becoming part of a church family and set Amber on a faith walk that would become a true race as described in the Book of Hebrews:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" (12:1-3).
Overcoming the ravages of meningitis, Amber became a runner but stress fractures brought that dream to an early end. Undaunted, she took up cycling, which resulted in a professional career as a UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) category 1 racer. She was picked up for the road world championship team in 2001 and 2002. In 2003, she was placed on probation for testing positive for. A banned substance that proved later to have been the result of consuming contaminated supplements - although unintentional, she had to serve a six-month ban.
Amber missed the Olympic team in 2004 by 8 seconds, and in 2007 she was treated for melanoma. However, despite those barriers and a number of severe injuries from cycling crashes, Amber made the Olympic Team in both 2008 and 2012. She attributed her ability to stay on course despite her many roadblocks to a living faith in Christ: "Living a life that reflects Christ, walking in a way that honors God and is real, and being genuine in the who you are is huge. People need to see Christians live a Christian life."
Life can be very difficult at times. You can count on challenges to any worthwhile goal. And, in particular, you can count on barriers to your faith, to walking in the Light, to finishing the race marked out for you by Christ. The Enemy does not want to to succeed in giving a platform for your witness, your walk of faith. He wants to steal your joy by dashing your dreams. Above all, Satan wants to derail your race, causing you to take your eyes off Jesus, becoming weary and giving in.
Do you feel the drain? Do you hear the voices telling you it is all too much? Have you begun to wonder if you can truly make it? Don't listen to the lies! Keep your eyes focused on Jesus and your feet on the path set before you. Listen to the encouragement of the heavenly hosts and loved ones who have gone on before you. Finish the race! Despite the challenges, "[You] can do all things through Christ who gives [you] strength" (Phil 4:13). Jus' Say'n.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" (12:1-3).
Overcoming the ravages of meningitis, Amber became a runner but stress fractures brought that dream to an early end. Undaunted, she took up cycling, which resulted in a professional career as a UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) category 1 racer. She was picked up for the road world championship team in 2001 and 2002. In 2003, she was placed on probation for testing positive for. A banned substance that proved later to have been the result of consuming contaminated supplements - although unintentional, she had to serve a six-month ban.
Amber missed the Olympic team in 2004 by 8 seconds, and in 2007 she was treated for melanoma. However, despite those barriers and a number of severe injuries from cycling crashes, Amber made the Olympic Team in both 2008 and 2012. She attributed her ability to stay on course despite her many roadblocks to a living faith in Christ: "Living a life that reflects Christ, walking in a way that honors God and is real, and being genuine in the who you are is huge. People need to see Christians live a Christian life."
Life can be very difficult at times. You can count on challenges to any worthwhile goal. And, in particular, you can count on barriers to your faith, to walking in the Light, to finishing the race marked out for you by Christ. The Enemy does not want to to succeed in giving a platform for your witness, your walk of faith. He wants to steal your joy by dashing your dreams. Above all, Satan wants to derail your race, causing you to take your eyes off Jesus, becoming weary and giving in.
Do you feel the drain? Do you hear the voices telling you it is all too much? Have you begun to wonder if you can truly make it? Don't listen to the lies! Keep your eyes focused on Jesus and your feet on the path set before you. Listen to the encouragement of the heavenly hosts and loved ones who have gone on before you. Finish the race! Despite the challenges, "[You] can do all things through Christ who gives [you] strength" (Phil 4:13). Jus' Say'n.
Friday, August 12, 2016
The Missing "Peace"
If you want to frustrate someone working on a puzzle, just remove one piece. There will forever be that one space not filled, one missing piece. Regardless of how many other pieces fell into place, that one missing piece will frustrate the entire puzzle process. With that one bit of cardboard missing, they will have no "peace" about the entirety of the puzzle experience.
Have you ever bought a put-together furniture item and got all the way to the end to discover that one single piece was not included? You may have been feeling pretty good about the whole thing until that one missing piece was discovered and then, no peace was to be had with your purchase or your efforts. Instead, frustration and angst are all your money, time and energy have bought you.
You find this to be true in your work, your education, your parenting, your marriage; and, quite frankly, in all of life itself. When there is a missing piece, you will be missing peace. This is the source of the discord in our country today - there is a missing piece in the lives of our citizenry that frustrates and leave them without inner peace.
Frustration that gives rise to anger, which produces violence is rampant in our inner-city youth, where the majority grow up with the missing piece of a father in the home. That missing piece, regardless of how we taut diverse family structures, results in a frustration that keeps our prisons filled to capacity and beyond. We actually need the foundation of a mother and a father in our lives.
We can grow up without a father in the home, or a mother for that matter. We can also grow up without both of our legs, but it is not the same as having two. The frustration level and the level of difficulty will be much greater. You will either have to limp through life or squire a replacement leg of somekind. Young people will have to limp through life or find a replacement father of some kind, like an uncle or grandad or other male role figure.
But, even with an intact family - even with every earthly need being met, there will still be a missing piece that will leave us missing peace: God's presence. There is an empty place in our soul that can only be filled with His Spirit. And, if we are ever to have peace, we must let Him fill that void.
Here is the way to finding the missing peace in our lives: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:6-7). Jus' Say'n.
Have you ever bought a put-together furniture item and got all the way to the end to discover that one single piece was not included? You may have been feeling pretty good about the whole thing until that one missing piece was discovered and then, no peace was to be had with your purchase or your efforts. Instead, frustration and angst are all your money, time and energy have bought you.
You find this to be true in your work, your education, your parenting, your marriage; and, quite frankly, in all of life itself. When there is a missing piece, you will be missing peace. This is the source of the discord in our country today - there is a missing piece in the lives of our citizenry that frustrates and leave them without inner peace.
Frustration that gives rise to anger, which produces violence is rampant in our inner-city youth, where the majority grow up with the missing piece of a father in the home. That missing piece, regardless of how we taut diverse family structures, results in a frustration that keeps our prisons filled to capacity and beyond. We actually need the foundation of a mother and a father in our lives.
We can grow up without a father in the home, or a mother for that matter. We can also grow up without both of our legs, but it is not the same as having two. The frustration level and the level of difficulty will be much greater. You will either have to limp through life or squire a replacement leg of somekind. Young people will have to limp through life or find a replacement father of some kind, like an uncle or grandad or other male role figure.
But, even with an intact family - even with every earthly need being met, there will still be a missing piece that will leave us missing peace: God's presence. There is an empty place in our soul that can only be filled with His Spirit. And, if we are ever to have peace, we must let Him fill that void.
Here is the way to finding the missing peace in our lives: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:6-7). Jus' Say'n.
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Bitter or Better
Daniel Dias was born with malformed upper and lower limbs. Although challenged much more than other boys, his biggest problem growing up seemed to be that he kept breaking his prostheses during the soccer games he loved to play.
In 2004, at the age of 16, he watched Brazilliam Clodoaldo Silva on TV set four world records and win six gold medals as well as one silver in the Paralympic Games. That day a dream was born and he began to take swimming lessons, becoming proficient in eight lessons.
Two years later he entered his first international competition, winning five medals. In 2008, he competed in the Summer Paralymics in Beijing and won a total of nine medals. including four gold, more than any other athlete at the Games. He went on to win six more gold medals in the 2012 Summer Games in London.
Here's the deal: When facing adversity, difficulty or disadvantage; we can become bitter or better. The choice will determine whether we become a victor or a victim. The apostle, who faced tremendous persecutions, challenges and setbacks; refusing to accept victim status, proclaimed "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil 4:13).
Paul wasn't saying he was a spiritual superman that could leap over tall jail cells, stop a hurled stone or run faster than a speeding camel; he was saying that no difficulty would take away his Christian joy or his determination to win the victor's crown - "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (vv. 4, 6)
Like the apostle Paul, Daniel Dias embraced his challenges rather than complain about them, he achieved contentment instead of contempt and roared through life instead of whimpering or whining. As Christians, we can become "...more than conquerors through him who loved us" (Rom 8:37). Or we can become conquered. What do you choose? Jus' Ask'n.
In 2004, at the age of 16, he watched Brazilliam Clodoaldo Silva on TV set four world records and win six gold medals as well as one silver in the Paralympic Games. That day a dream was born and he began to take swimming lessons, becoming proficient in eight lessons.
Two years later he entered his first international competition, winning five medals. In 2008, he competed in the Summer Paralymics in Beijing and won a total of nine medals. including four gold, more than any other athlete at the Games. He went on to win six more gold medals in the 2012 Summer Games in London.
Here's the deal: When facing adversity, difficulty or disadvantage; we can become bitter or better. The choice will determine whether we become a victor or a victim. The apostle, who faced tremendous persecutions, challenges and setbacks; refusing to accept victim status, proclaimed "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil 4:13).
Paul wasn't saying he was a spiritual superman that could leap over tall jail cells, stop a hurled stone or run faster than a speeding camel; he was saying that no difficulty would take away his Christian joy or his determination to win the victor's crown - "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (vv. 4, 6)
Like the apostle Paul, Daniel Dias embraced his challenges rather than complain about them, he achieved contentment instead of contempt and roared through life instead of whimpering or whining. As Christians, we can become "...more than conquerors through him who loved us" (Rom 8:37). Or we can become conquered. What do you choose? Jus' Ask'n.
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Baptizing Cats
The story is told of a mother watching out the back window as her young son was standing on a wooden box, pretending to preach to their cat. She smiled to herself and thought how sweet. Just then, her little preacher boy grabbed the cat and began dunking it into a bucket of water. The cat was terrorized, trying its best to get away.
She ran out the back door yelling, "Tommy, what are you doing?" He said, "I'm baptizing the cat." His mom, replied, "Didn't you know that cats hate being dunked in water?" He resolutely answered, "Well, he should of thought of that before he joined my church!"
I am reminded of this story as I consider what happens all too often on the Internet. We encounter people with a different religious, political or world-view and then, rather than try to have a discussion that might lead to a better understanding of the other, we try to force our opinion open them (Confession: While I try not to be overbearing, I know I sometimes come across that way - I tend to be passionate about my beliefs).
The point is that while you may be able to overwhelm another by the force of your being, a baptized cat is not likely o be a convinced or converted cat. Chances are it will be a very annoyed cat with no desire to engage with you from that point forward. While you may feel vindicated in the strength of your argument or response, you may have vanquished any possibility of truly communicating your core belief.
The biblical teaching on engaging one outside your belief is in contrast, "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone" (Col 4:5-6). Instead of working to overpower another, work to overcome the distance between you and them, laying down a bridge rather than erecting a wall.
I'm not trying to say I've always done this. I know that I have failed at times and wound up driving a wedge instead of bridging a gap. But, it nonetheless is my aim and my desire to follow the way of Christ to redeem rather than rebuff. And, I know that the Internet and the world would be a better place if we all would make an effort to bridge the distance rather than dig in on our side, hurling verbal grenades to the other side. Jus' Say'n.
She ran out the back door yelling, "Tommy, what are you doing?" He said, "I'm baptizing the cat." His mom, replied, "Didn't you know that cats hate being dunked in water?" He resolutely answered, "Well, he should of thought of that before he joined my church!"
I am reminded of this story as I consider what happens all too often on the Internet. We encounter people with a different religious, political or world-view and then, rather than try to have a discussion that might lead to a better understanding of the other, we try to force our opinion open them (Confession: While I try not to be overbearing, I know I sometimes come across that way - I tend to be passionate about my beliefs).
The point is that while you may be able to overwhelm another by the force of your being, a baptized cat is not likely o be a convinced or converted cat. Chances are it will be a very annoyed cat with no desire to engage with you from that point forward. While you may feel vindicated in the strength of your argument or response, you may have vanquished any possibility of truly communicating your core belief.
The biblical teaching on engaging one outside your belief is in contrast, "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone" (Col 4:5-6). Instead of working to overpower another, work to overcome the distance between you and them, laying down a bridge rather than erecting a wall.
I'm not trying to say I've always done this. I know that I have failed at times and wound up driving a wedge instead of bridging a gap. But, it nonetheless is my aim and my desire to follow the way of Christ to redeem rather than rebuff. And, I know that the Internet and the world would be a better place if we all would make an effort to bridge the distance rather than dig in on our side, hurling verbal grenades to the other side. Jus' Say'n.
Monday, August 8, 2016
Humble Pie
In my youth, one of the worst dishes you could be served was "humble pie." Just as unsavory was having to "eat your own words" or "eat crow," none of which were acceptable to any Red-Blooded American. The mantras that wound our clocks were "American Pride!" and "Union Proud!" and "Take pride in yourself!"
Due to our rejection of a king over us and our strong desire for individual freedom, we took the posture that we would "bow to no man!" But the idea of not bowing before a man-appointed king, translated to not being humbled before anyone for any reason. Having this pride in self, for many, took on the form of be filled with self-pride.
The trouble with this pride, which was the foundation of the first sin in which Eve was seduced with the temptation "when you eat of it [forbidden fruit] your eyes will be open, and you will be like God" (Gen 3:5), is that it is still the root of all sin. It compromises our faith and trust in God, misplacing both in ourselves.
We begin to think of ourselves as "captains of our own destiny" and "masters of our own fate." We begin to truly think we are totally in control of our lives and that we can do what we want, when we want because we are Americans, born free and proud! But the truth is, "You don't even know what will happen tomorrow....Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.' As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil" (Js 4:14-16).
Being served humble pie against one's unyielding will is very distasteful indeed. However, to willfully embrace humility as God intended, leads to a completely different experience: "In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time" (1 Pet 5:5-6).
Being able to humble ourselves, showing respect and deference to another, is actually a source of strength and power. It allows us to accept the help and guidance we need at times and especially our need to submit to God, who actually holds the future in his mighty hands. Embracing humility is to recognize and accept the stature and worth of another, it is not to devalue oneself. In contrast, it allows one to take the place the Creator has given him in the community of man and the kingdom of God. Jus' Sayin'.
Due to our rejection of a king over us and our strong desire for individual freedom, we took the posture that we would "bow to no man!" But the idea of not bowing before a man-appointed king, translated to not being humbled before anyone for any reason. Having this pride in self, for many, took on the form of be filled with self-pride.
The trouble with this pride, which was the foundation of the first sin in which Eve was seduced with the temptation "when you eat of it [forbidden fruit] your eyes will be open, and you will be like God" (Gen 3:5), is that it is still the root of all sin. It compromises our faith and trust in God, misplacing both in ourselves.
We begin to think of ourselves as "captains of our own destiny" and "masters of our own fate." We begin to truly think we are totally in control of our lives and that we can do what we want, when we want because we are Americans, born free and proud! But the truth is, "You don't even know what will happen tomorrow....Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.' As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil" (Js 4:14-16).
Being served humble pie against one's unyielding will is very distasteful indeed. However, to willfully embrace humility as God intended, leads to a completely different experience: "In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time" (1 Pet 5:5-6).
Being able to humble ourselves, showing respect and deference to another, is actually a source of strength and power. It allows us to accept the help and guidance we need at times and especially our need to submit to God, who actually holds the future in his mighty hands. Embracing humility is to recognize and accept the stature and worth of another, it is not to devalue oneself. In contrast, it allows one to take the place the Creator has given him in the community of man and the kingdom of God. Jus' Sayin'.
Friday, August 5, 2016
Two Letters
A friend of mine needed to get a letter that would help expedite his father's veteran benefit. After he asked me, he went about doing the things he normally does, not thinking about the letter or how it would be produced, by who or when. I, in turn, made a phone call asking that it be written and then did not think much more about it.
Yesterday, he received a call from the one who would write it saying it would be done that day, I was going to be in the office later so I picked it up and brought it back to him. My friend entrusted me to help him, I entrusted someone else to help us. Neither of us fretted about the letter and there was no need to do more than ask.
Another individual, who I really don't know, contacted me because she had been trying for a year to get a form letter through the VA to help someone for whom she has guardianship to receive benefits. After talking on the phone for a bit, I assured her I be able act as their representative and send in a corrected form letter with the appropriate information needed to forward the claim.
This woman thanked me for my willingness to help and then said, "I'm going to go ahead and send it in again myself and then if it comes back needing more work, I'll call you." Like my friend, she needed some help from me and reached out. But, unlike him, she was not quite ready to let go. Chances are, in a month or so, I'll get another call to do what I could have already have taken care of had she been able to let go.
Have you ever done that - asked for help and then continued on trying on your own? Would you do that if you really trusted the one you had asked to take care of it? Doesn't really make much sense, does it? You either trust them to take care of it or you don't. If you don't trust that they will take care of it, don't ask them. If you do trust them, don't keep working on it yourself.
Here's a bigger question: "Do you ask God to handle things and then still fret over them?" Do you lay things before the Father in prayer and them pick them back up again to carry on your own? What does that say about your trust factor in Him? Paul said, "The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it" (1 Thess 5:24). He was talking about sanctifying us, making us holy. There is no more difficult or needful thing in our lives but, when we turn it over to God, he will do it!
Many turn to God and then keep turning their need over in their minds, trying to figure out how they can become holy or take care of a need that is beyond their control instead of letting go and letting God take care of it. In whom will you trust? God or self? Jus' Ask'n.
Yesterday, he received a call from the one who would write it saying it would be done that day, I was going to be in the office later so I picked it up and brought it back to him. My friend entrusted me to help him, I entrusted someone else to help us. Neither of us fretted about the letter and there was no need to do more than ask.
Another individual, who I really don't know, contacted me because she had been trying for a year to get a form letter through the VA to help someone for whom she has guardianship to receive benefits. After talking on the phone for a bit, I assured her I be able act as their representative and send in a corrected form letter with the appropriate information needed to forward the claim.
This woman thanked me for my willingness to help and then said, "I'm going to go ahead and send it in again myself and then if it comes back needing more work, I'll call you." Like my friend, she needed some help from me and reached out. But, unlike him, she was not quite ready to let go. Chances are, in a month or so, I'll get another call to do what I could have already have taken care of had she been able to let go.
Have you ever done that - asked for help and then continued on trying on your own? Would you do that if you really trusted the one you had asked to take care of it? Doesn't really make much sense, does it? You either trust them to take care of it or you don't. If you don't trust that they will take care of it, don't ask them. If you do trust them, don't keep working on it yourself.
Here's a bigger question: "Do you ask God to handle things and then still fret over them?" Do you lay things before the Father in prayer and them pick them back up again to carry on your own? What does that say about your trust factor in Him? Paul said, "The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it" (1 Thess 5:24). He was talking about sanctifying us, making us holy. There is no more difficult or needful thing in our lives but, when we turn it over to God, he will do it!
Many turn to God and then keep turning their need over in their minds, trying to figure out how they can become holy or take care of a need that is beyond their control instead of letting go and letting God take care of it. In whom will you trust? God or self? Jus' Ask'n.
Thursday, August 4, 2016
Life or Death
I was already in route to a patient's house with several more lined up for a full day when I received the call that another one of my patient's family was gathering at his house as he was very close to death. So, I made so quick changes and headed to his home where nearly a dozen cars were parked outside.
I knocked on the door, expecting it to be opened by a tearful son or daughter of the an but was greeted with a smile and brought to the Arkansas room, where the pt was chatting with one of our nurses as his family was visiting with one another in the living room.
While I had been warned he very likely would die before I got there, he definitely wasn't gasping for his last breath. He greeted me warmly and we carried on a conversation about his faith, family and his days in the military. I made an appointment to see him next week before I left. Will he be there to keep it? I don't know, but maybe.
When I returned to the office at the end of day, I was told of the death, not of a terminal patient, but of the son of a caregiver who no one suspected that he was anywhere near death. It was a shock to everyone. He seemed like he had his whole life ahead of him on one day and proved that it was all behind him on the next.
The point is that life or death lies before us at all times. Which one is not for us to say. You may have many years ahead of you or you may have all but a few days behind you; only God knows. As James, the brother of Jesus, wrote, "Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (Js 4:13-14).
We really don't know. Each day could be another step on an extended journey on earth or it could be your last. What will you do with it? Will you be a conduit of God's mercy and grace, or will you be a reservoir of all whatever you can gather for yourself? Or as Jesus put it, "putting up treasures in heaven or gathering them on earth" (cf. Mt 6:19-20).
The truth is that every day is a mater of life or death. We do not have days to waste in view of our terminal state that is not reserved just for hospice patients but rather "is is appointed that all shall die and then the judgment" (Heb 9:27). Just when your appointment is set is for God alone to know, but set it is. What do you want to be doing on that day? Maybe you should do that today? Jus' Say'n.
I knocked on the door, expecting it to be opened by a tearful son or daughter of the an but was greeted with a smile and brought to the Arkansas room, where the pt was chatting with one of our nurses as his family was visiting with one another in the living room.
While I had been warned he very likely would die before I got there, he definitely wasn't gasping for his last breath. He greeted me warmly and we carried on a conversation about his faith, family and his days in the military. I made an appointment to see him next week before I left. Will he be there to keep it? I don't know, but maybe.
When I returned to the office at the end of day, I was told of the death, not of a terminal patient, but of the son of a caregiver who no one suspected that he was anywhere near death. It was a shock to everyone. He seemed like he had his whole life ahead of him on one day and proved that it was all behind him on the next.
The point is that life or death lies before us at all times. Which one is not for us to say. You may have many years ahead of you or you may have all but a few days behind you; only God knows. As James, the brother of Jesus, wrote, "Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (Js 4:13-14).
We really don't know. Each day could be another step on an extended journey on earth or it could be your last. What will you do with it? Will you be a conduit of God's mercy and grace, or will you be a reservoir of all whatever you can gather for yourself? Or as Jesus put it, "putting up treasures in heaven or gathering them on earth" (cf. Mt 6:19-20).
The truth is that every day is a mater of life or death. We do not have days to waste in view of our terminal state that is not reserved just for hospice patients but rather "is is appointed that all shall die and then the judgment" (Heb 9:27). Just when your appointment is set is for God alone to know, but set it is. What do you want to be doing on that day? Maybe you should do that today? Jus' Say'n.
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
In The Thick of It
"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms" (Eph 1:18-20).
Did you take not of what the apostle Paul said about you in the passage above? That the power you have access to is the same power God exerted when he raise Christ from the dead! All the power that was marshaled to free Jesus from the grave is at your disposal.
That does not mean bad things will never happen, God's power is not a cosmic lucky rabbit's foot to hang around your neck supposedly keeping you from harm. God's power, exercised here for Jesus was after he experienced death. His power raised him from death not protected him from it.
God does not call us to live in a divine bubble wherein we are untouched by pain and suffering anymore than he kept Jesus free from harm. His power is exerted to save us from harm not keep us from it. Pain and suffering have redeeming qualities that work to our perfection or completion - even for Christ in his role as Savior: "Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him" (Heb 5:8-9).
What we are seeing is that a godly life does not prevent one from facing the difficulties, which can serve God's will in achieving His ends through our lives and thereby making us more perfect vessels of his will. In the process, we are strengthened as our faith in Him to deliver is increased and our character is being molded by circumstance. As someone once said, "Character is hammered out on the anvil of adversity."
God is not interested in keeping us safe from harm. Rather, he intends to perfect us in physical suffering and save us from spiritual death. We live in a fallen world that has become the battlefield of good and evil. War, by nature, is difficult, dangerous and deadly. God intends that we be victorious not victim proof. He will save us in the middle of the struggle not set up on the sidelines to huddle. Jus' Say'n.
Did you take not of what the apostle Paul said about you in the passage above? That the power you have access to is the same power God exerted when he raise Christ from the dead! All the power that was marshaled to free Jesus from the grave is at your disposal.
That does not mean bad things will never happen, God's power is not a cosmic lucky rabbit's foot to hang around your neck supposedly keeping you from harm. God's power, exercised here for Jesus was after he experienced death. His power raised him from death not protected him from it.
God does not call us to live in a divine bubble wherein we are untouched by pain and suffering anymore than he kept Jesus free from harm. His power is exerted to save us from harm not keep us from it. Pain and suffering have redeeming qualities that work to our perfection or completion - even for Christ in his role as Savior: "Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him" (Heb 5:8-9).
What we are seeing is that a godly life does not prevent one from facing the difficulties, which can serve God's will in achieving His ends through our lives and thereby making us more perfect vessels of his will. In the process, we are strengthened as our faith in Him to deliver is increased and our character is being molded by circumstance. As someone once said, "Character is hammered out on the anvil of adversity."
God is not interested in keeping us safe from harm. Rather, he intends to perfect us in physical suffering and save us from spiritual death. We live in a fallen world that has become the battlefield of good and evil. War, by nature, is difficult, dangerous and deadly. God intends that we be victorious not victim proof. He will save us in the middle of the struggle not set up on the sidelines to huddle. Jus' Say'n.
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Mistaken Identity
A few weeks back, I walked into a nursing home and a couple stood up to greet me as if they were expecting me. I shook their hands and as they began to tell me their circumstance, I knew I was not the one they were waiting to see. So I told them who I was and they apologized for the mistake in identity but then went on to say that they had been thinking it might be time for hospice but were unsure of who to talk to or how and when to go about it.
I took the time to answer their questions and belay some of their fears and misgivings. I explained the medical, social, emotional and spiritual dimensions of hospice and how we would work to provide a support system for both their loved one and them. As I started to leave, I said, "Would you like me to pray for you?" They responded, "Yes, please." I did and they thanked me for taking the time with them and for the prayer. I gave them my card and invited them to call me if they had more questions or were ready to take the next step. Their mistaken identity was not really a mistake.
It happened again yesterday as I walked up to the nurses' desk in another facility. An elderly man walked up to me and asked, "Are you the doctor?" I responded, "I actually am a chaplain. My doctorate is in ministry, not medicine." "Oh, I'm sorry," he began. I interrupted him saying, "It's really OK. I'm sure the doctor will be along in a bit."
The man shook his head and then began to tell me his circumstance and how he came to be in the nursing home. We talked at some length about his medical/social/familial/financial circumstances and I tried to assure him he would be OK. I assured him that the best was yet to come in his life and that God is faithful. He nodded and pointed upward saying he knew heaven was awaiting him.
As with the couple before, I asked him if he wanted me to pray for him. He nodded yes and as I did, tears began to stream down his face. After the amen, he hugged me and thanked me for taking the time for him. His mistaken identity was not a mistake either.
In both cases, there existed a need that was not going to be met by the individual they were waiting to see. Oh, their would be needs met but not the one we met with a divine intervention. Not that I'm divine but that the God of Glory's Spirit used me to speak to them. My biggest contribution was to slow down in my busy day and attend to the opportunity God set before me. They needed a moment of grace and I was able to be a channel of God's blessing.
The apostle Paul said, "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone" (Col 4:5-6). Making the most of opportunities begins with being open to the possibility a mistaken identity may be a divine appointment - that today may be the day and that you may be the one appointed to be a channel of mercy and grace. Jus' Say'n.
I took the time to answer their questions and belay some of their fears and misgivings. I explained the medical, social, emotional and spiritual dimensions of hospice and how we would work to provide a support system for both their loved one and them. As I started to leave, I said, "Would you like me to pray for you?" They responded, "Yes, please." I did and they thanked me for taking the time with them and for the prayer. I gave them my card and invited them to call me if they had more questions or were ready to take the next step. Their mistaken identity was not really a mistake.
It happened again yesterday as I walked up to the nurses' desk in another facility. An elderly man walked up to me and asked, "Are you the doctor?" I responded, "I actually am a chaplain. My doctorate is in ministry, not medicine." "Oh, I'm sorry," he began. I interrupted him saying, "It's really OK. I'm sure the doctor will be along in a bit."
The man shook his head and then began to tell me his circumstance and how he came to be in the nursing home. We talked at some length about his medical/social/familial/financial circumstances and I tried to assure him he would be OK. I assured him that the best was yet to come in his life and that God is faithful. He nodded and pointed upward saying he knew heaven was awaiting him.
As with the couple before, I asked him if he wanted me to pray for him. He nodded yes and as I did, tears began to stream down his face. After the amen, he hugged me and thanked me for taking the time for him. His mistaken identity was not a mistake either.
In both cases, there existed a need that was not going to be met by the individual they were waiting to see. Oh, their would be needs met but not the one we met with a divine intervention. Not that I'm divine but that the God of Glory's Spirit used me to speak to them. My biggest contribution was to slow down in my busy day and attend to the opportunity God set before me. They needed a moment of grace and I was able to be a channel of God's blessing.
The apostle Paul said, "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone" (Col 4:5-6). Making the most of opportunities begins with being open to the possibility a mistaken identity may be a divine appointment - that today may be the day and that you may be the one appointed to be a channel of mercy and grace. Jus' Say'n.
Monday, August 1, 2016
The Valley
My morning reading took me through Psalm 23, an oft read and often quoted passage of Scripture that we generally fail to consider one very critical point: Why are the sheep and the Shepherd in the Valley of The Shadow of Death? Why wouldn't the Shepherd simply guide the sheep elsewhere? Why let the sheep pass through such a place?
The illustration comes from the fact that, in Palestine, green grass and abundant water does not exist every where - shepherds have to herd their flocks to those places, often on the other side of steep and treacherous valleys. To stay on this side of the valley was simply not an option.
In Hebrews 9:27, we read, "people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment." Again, there is no option. And, as the writer of the Book of Hebrews warns, "It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (10:31). Except for the fact that Jesus is the Good Shepherd and "The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (Jn 10:11).
Jesus went to the cross so that "whoever believes on him should not perish but have everlasting life" (Jn 3:16) and so the Valley of The Shadow of Death is not a fearful place for His followers as He is with us and he protects us by the power of his blood.
Like the sheep of Palestine, we need to pass through this dark valley in order to reach the land where the green grass, the quiet waters - the House of The Lord exists. But we need fear no evil, no sting of death for, as Christians, we are safely escorted by the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Jus' Say'n.
The illustration comes from the fact that, in Palestine, green grass and abundant water does not exist every where - shepherds have to herd their flocks to those places, often on the other side of steep and treacherous valleys. To stay on this side of the valley was simply not an option.
In Hebrews 9:27, we read, "people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment." Again, there is no option. And, as the writer of the Book of Hebrews warns, "It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (10:31). Except for the fact that Jesus is the Good Shepherd and "The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (Jn 10:11).
Jesus went to the cross so that "whoever believes on him should not perish but have everlasting life" (Jn 3:16) and so the Valley of The Shadow of Death is not a fearful place for His followers as He is with us and he protects us by the power of his blood.
Like the sheep of Palestine, we need to pass through this dark valley in order to reach the land where the green grass, the quiet waters - the House of The Lord exists. But we need fear no evil, no sting of death for, as Christians, we are safely escorted by the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Jus' Say'n.
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