"I told him to stay humble, stay teachable, forgive quickly and apologize quickly. It is good advice for all of us."
There are times I know God is speaking through me to others. I am sure any of you readers who are Christians can identify a time when you were used of God to speak to someone else. At times we find that those same words God speaks through us are spoken to us.
In the case of what I said to my friend as I wrote it down that night and now a year later as I read it today it applies to my own life.
Humility is a misunderstood word. In our present society we think of humble as it relates to things. People will call a small house a humble house. Some would say that someone without means in the natural is living a humble life. This is not the humility that God wants from us.
True humility is depending on God. Moses was said to be the meekest man on earth. Did you know he wrote that about himself? Most of us would say he was prideful. Not so if you have the right definition of humility and meekness. All Moses was saying about himself was that he was the one who depended on God the most.
In order to succeed in life we need to stay humble. That means we continually depend on God. Depend on Him for everything. For wisdom, direction, strength and whatever else you need. If we can stay humble then we can know that God will pour out His grace on us. God opposes the proud be He gives grace to the humble.
We should also endeavor to stay teachable. It is a personal goal of mine to be a lifelong learner. The crazy thing is that the more I know the more I realize how little I know. Especially when it comes to God. The more I know of Him the bigger He gets.
When we realize we don't have all the answers it frees us from pride and helps us to stay humble. Then we get back to the place of grace. Being teachable will also help us to navigate new areas of life.
Finally we should all be ready to forgive quickly and apologize quickly. Jesus forgave us. That is reason alone to forgive others. If fact, we are commanded to forgive as God in Christ forgave us.
Pride will stop us from both forgiving and apologizing. When we are prideful we hinder relationships and hold on to hurts. It is that ungodly spirit that insists "I was right and they were wrong!" that wont let go. A spirit of humility depends on God to forgive and apologize; even when you don't think you were that wrong. It doesn't matter as much as following the way of God. God's way is forgiveness. He showed us that in Jesus Christ.
This is just a short list of things that will help us in life's course. Can you think of any other good advice that you would add to this list?
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
How Much Do You Want it?
"I gave an altar call right away and a bunch of people came forward. The service went on and at the announcements I was thinking about how to tell the people if they missed the first altar call to come and talk to the prayer teams when God told me to give them another altar call. I thought"But I only have five minutes left!“ And He responded "So, give them an altar call.” I gave the quickest altar call I ever did. It reminded me of a radio broadcast invitation for salvation. Eighteen people responded! Ten showed up but I think some were repeats and realized they had already done what we were doing. Still, ten people needed that altar call. God would spare a city for those ten. He would certainly leave the ninety nine and go after the one. At home the Lord spoke to me about a double portion. We can have it if we want it. We have to want it. We have to ask for it. And we have to stick in there to receive it. Once you get it you have to walk in it, or, use it."
Whatever we want in life, after we have settled the issue of if it is God's will, we can have. The question we all have to answer is; "How much do you want it?" The answer to this question will determine if you get what you want.
As a pastor my life's work is to help people on their journey with God. From birth to death I work with people in all stages of life. Primarily I want to see people start their new life by being born again. Every time we have a church service there will be an altar call. I pray and seek after God for people to respond when we give the invitation.
On morning I woke up before my alarm and had the thought to go back to sleep. As I closed my eyes I heard God whisper in my spirit, "How bad do you want it?" I knew exactly what He was talking about when I heard the question. How bad did I want to see my prayers answered for people to respond tot he call for salvation? How bad did I want to see them grow? How bad did I want our church to grow? I responded by getting up and going to prayer and preparation for the day.
It is the same for anything we want in life. How bad do you want to grow? How bad do you want a great marriage? How bad do you want your kids to grow up right? How bad do you want to prosper in business? The answer will determine what your next move should be.
Once you know how bad you want it then prove it with your life. Prove it to yourself, to God and to those around you. Spend the time you need to working at what is important. Work at it without getting distracted. The longer you stick with it the more progress you will make until you eventually achieve your goal.
It sounds easy but, like with all things that truly matter, will take a lifetime. I don't know that this side of heaven we will ever say we have arrived when it comes to building a marriage or family or with our spiritual growth. We can always be growing and attaining greater heights. If you really want it, whatever it is, you will be in it for the long haul. And chances are if you stay after it you will not only get it but it will be wonderful.
Friday, February 19, 2016
Christ in the Boat
“Christ’s presence confers success.” - Spurgeon
"Spurgeon sparked a great thought from Luke 5:4 where Jesus tells the fishermen to let down their nets for a catch. They had toiled all night but only out of obedience do they act. The result is miraculous. Peter falls at the feet of Jesus asking him to depart for he confesses he is a sinful man. Jesus rejects to offer to leave and stays giving a statement of His purpose that he will make them fishers of men. They forsake all and follow Him. We look forward to the day of Pentecost and see how Jesus purpose was accomplished when the many thousands are saved. What made the difference was Christ in the boat. The Holy Spirit in the heart makes the difference. With Him we can do all things. Without Him we can do nothing."
The question I would ask you is "What are you looking to be successful at?" Is it in business? Then Christ should be your Boss and partner. Is it in Marriage? Then let Christ be the strength of the threefold strand that is not easily broken. Is it in ministry? Then follow the Chief Shepherd and serve as He did.
The difference is the presence of God in the middle of the endeavor. One of the greatest examples of this is when Jesus and the disciples are crossing the sea and a storm comes upon them. Here is Christ in the bow asleep. Even thought the disciples were straining against the oars and were concerned for their lives they were in the most secure place they could be as long as Jesus was in the boat.
We often feel the same way when straining against the winds and currents of our life struggles. It feels as though God is asleep and doesn't care if we perish. The moment we approach and bring our need to Him He speaks to the storm and calms it completely.
If you haven't involved God or if He is outside of your endeavors it is time to re-prioritize. Make Him your all. He should not only be a part of your endeavors but the reason for them. When you do success is assured.
Have you seen this principle at work? What factors come in to play when determining motivation and if Christ is truly in the boat?
Friday, February 12, 2016
Learning Forward
"This year was more organized and seemed to be better than last year. That is good that we are learning and moving forward."
I have read that in order for a blog, or any endeavor, to be successful that you have to know who you are and who your audience is. You have to know what makes you unique and what you are aiming to say. It has taken a year to get it out but I know that Thoughts From Last Year is a platform to share how we can grow forward from the lessons of our past.
We all want to be successful and get better at what we do. The amazing thing is that God has given us a tool to learn from called experience. Our failures are redeemable when we learn from them. Edison and many other inventors, leaders, entrepreneurs and others are proof of this. We all can be better today than yesterday.
It is amazing to me how we often miss this in the lessons of the Bible. Joshua heaped up 12 stones from the middle of the Jordan river to remember the miraculous crossing. No doubt the story of the disobedience 40 years earlier would be told as well. Jesus even taught his disciples lessons by having them remember the experiences of feeding thousands of people with loaves and fishes. (If you don't remember these stories go read your Bible!)
Today's tough times are teachers for tomorrow. Learn forward by being aware of your life. It is easy to miss out and float through life. This is especially true if your life is tough or painful. We like to numb pain and ignore problems with distractions like television and the Internet. It may be time to turn off the tv and put down the smart phone to focus on what you're facing. You should consider writing an account or journaling so that you can go back and remember the lessons you are learning today if you're not already.
We are all in this together. We have one life to live and God is showing us the lessons every day. History does repeat itself. It is our choice to do it better when it does.
What lessons have you learned and how did you handle the when they came up again?
I have read that in order for a blog, or any endeavor, to be successful that you have to know who you are and who your audience is. You have to know what makes you unique and what you are aiming to say. It has taken a year to get it out but I know that Thoughts From Last Year is a platform to share how we can grow forward from the lessons of our past.
We all want to be successful and get better at what we do. The amazing thing is that God has given us a tool to learn from called experience. Our failures are redeemable when we learn from them. Edison and many other inventors, leaders, entrepreneurs and others are proof of this. We all can be better today than yesterday.
It is amazing to me how we often miss this in the lessons of the Bible. Joshua heaped up 12 stones from the middle of the Jordan river to remember the miraculous crossing. No doubt the story of the disobedience 40 years earlier would be told as well. Jesus even taught his disciples lessons by having them remember the experiences of feeding thousands of people with loaves and fishes. (If you don't remember these stories go read your Bible!)
Today's tough times are teachers for tomorrow. Learn forward by being aware of your life. It is easy to miss out and float through life. This is especially true if your life is tough or painful. We like to numb pain and ignore problems with distractions like television and the Internet. It may be time to turn off the tv and put down the smart phone to focus on what you're facing. You should consider writing an account or journaling so that you can go back and remember the lessons you are learning today if you're not already.
We are all in this together. We have one life to live and God is showing us the lessons every day. History does repeat itself. It is our choice to do it better when it does.
What lessons have you learned and how did you handle the when they came up again?
Saturday, February 6, 2016
The End of the Story
"This morning while driving to work I saw the first part of a rainbow in the cloud. It was wide and it was beautiful. I didn't notice the other end of it until later when I was pulling around the bend in the highway and saw the rest of it. God's promises are often like that broken rainbow. We have a promise we find and we rejoice. It's beautiful and it's wonderful and then it disappears. We get discouraged but there on the other side glowing brighter and stronger at the end is the rest of the promise; the fulfillment of it. God's promises will come. God will make sure they come to pass. We need to trust God that he will complete that good work which he began. When we see Jesus we may cry out like John, “The Lamb of God who was slain from the foundation of the world!” But just like we rejoice in his birth and mourn at his death there is a resurrection coming."
The beginning of the story can excite us can't it? I love the start of a good book or watching the opening credits of a movie. But the middle of a story can drag on. I can't tell you how many books I have not finished because it wasn't keeping me like the beginning.
The Bible says in Ecclesiastes that the end of a thing is better than it's beginning. The end of a story or a good movie will always be better than the beginning. But even more than that the end of a time in life will be better than the beginning.
When things take longer than you expect it can be discouraging. We lose hope in the middle of a thing. The wonderful news is that the One who began the story will be faithful to finish it.
We have some friends who are in the middle of a terrible story. The beginning was a bad report from the doctor, lots of tests and tons of bad news. As the story continued it seemed that things went from bad to worse. Just when we thought they were at the end of a long process of chemotherapy and were out of the woods a second diagnosis came in. They are currently still stranded in the middle of a story that I know they wish they could finish.
Life isn't as easy as putting a book down or changing the channel. We have to trust that God is in control and that our prayers are being heard. God will finish the story. I know there is a great ending ahead of my friends. Just like I know that whatever you are in the middle of right now the Author of Life will complete in a wonderful way. Follow His lead. He isn't finished with any of us yet.
I would love to hear from you about your story, beginning, middle or end. Leave some comments below.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Day 344 - An Open Conversation About Life
"...an open conversation...about life..."
I think we need more of this. We need to be open and honest about life. Not rude or ugly but motivated by love. We can do it if we are willing to do some things.
We cannot have an open conversation about life if we are distracted. We need to put the electronics down and turn them off. I heard a report on the radio today that there are buses in our area installing loud speakers outside the bus to alert people who may be distracted by electronic devices to let them know the bus is coming. Apparently people are getting hit by buses for this reason. Otherwise they wouldn't be putting in speakers to tell people a huge bus is headed towards them. Maybe I need a loud speaker to tell people I want their undivided attention.
If you're married and trying to fix your marriage then checking updates online will not help you connect to your spouse who is sitting in the same room with you. If you are working on the job you will not win points with your boss by posting selfies and hash tags about work. Get to work. Listen to your boss. Offer ideas.
We also need to be ready to see ourselves. I have found that I don't always have the right perspective on how I am perceived. I think people see me one way and often they see me another way. Good or bad.
I recently had someone tell me how they viewed me in a moment of crisis. They were saying how I took charge and lead with clear direction and authority. My presence gave them comfort and strength to follow and do what needed to be done. They saw me as firing off decisions and taking action. You want open and honest? I told them how I viewed myself. I felt like I was part of the crowd and was just following and doing what needed to be done. Thankfully they caught something else!
I have had the opposite happen to me as well. There have been times I have thought I was calm, collected, clear and my wife or my employees have come to me and told me quite the opposite. I was shouting, disturbed, frustrated and all over the place.
When you have an open conversation and get honest and real then you see what others see. You see you. Sometimes you has to change. I know...I've had to change. But I am better for it.
Don't be missing when it comes to your life. Your spouse, friends, children and co-workers need you. Get rid of the distractions and take some time to focus and talk about life. Have an open and honest conversation. Be ready for change as you see yourself through others eyes. As you do life will get better.
Have you had any open conversations like this lately. Are there other factors that hinder us from talking?
I think we need more of this. We need to be open and honest about life. Not rude or ugly but motivated by love. We can do it if we are willing to do some things.
We cannot have an open conversation about life if we are distracted. We need to put the electronics down and turn them off. I heard a report on the radio today that there are buses in our area installing loud speakers outside the bus to alert people who may be distracted by electronic devices to let them know the bus is coming. Apparently people are getting hit by buses for this reason. Otherwise they wouldn't be putting in speakers to tell people a huge bus is headed towards them. Maybe I need a loud speaker to tell people I want their undivided attention.
If you're married and trying to fix your marriage then checking updates online will not help you connect to your spouse who is sitting in the same room with you. If you are working on the job you will not win points with your boss by posting selfies and hash tags about work. Get to work. Listen to your boss. Offer ideas.
We also need to be ready to see ourselves. I have found that I don't always have the right perspective on how I am perceived. I think people see me one way and often they see me another way. Good or bad.
I recently had someone tell me how they viewed me in a moment of crisis. They were saying how I took charge and lead with clear direction and authority. My presence gave them comfort and strength to follow and do what needed to be done. They saw me as firing off decisions and taking action. You want open and honest? I told them how I viewed myself. I felt like I was part of the crowd and was just following and doing what needed to be done. Thankfully they caught something else!
I have had the opposite happen to me as well. There have been times I have thought I was calm, collected, clear and my wife or my employees have come to me and told me quite the opposite. I was shouting, disturbed, frustrated and all over the place.
When you have an open conversation and get honest and real then you see what others see. You see you. Sometimes you has to change. I know...I've had to change. But I am better for it.
Don't be missing when it comes to your life. Your spouse, friends, children and co-workers need you. Get rid of the distractions and take some time to focus and talk about life. Have an open and honest conversation. Be ready for change as you see yourself through others eyes. As you do life will get better.
Have you had any open conversations like this lately. Are there other factors that hinder us from talking?
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Day 336 - Let it Rain
"A rainy day at last. It feels like ages since we have had a full day of rain."
Living in Southern California we don't get much rain. I remember as a child we had a huge storm where it rained for three days straight. At the end of the storm we went outside to play and found a huge puddle. We splashed and played for what seemed like hours. My dad even came and played in the puddle with us. He would take his foot and kick the water at us making waves that towered over our heads. We ended our play time with a hot shower to warm back up since we were wet and cold.
The past few years we have been in drought. A few years ago the trees never dropped their leaves and last year the strawberries never stopped producing fruit. While I enjoyed having fresh year round strawberries I am hating the water restrictions we currently have now. I would much rather have a rainy season.
Dry seasons in life can be tough. I have experienced times where I was spiritually dried up. Many of you reading know that feeling. You feel like you are in a dark place and wish you could hear God's voice or experience His presence.
For a year I interned at a church in the San Diego area. I was spending time on the road, money on gas and energy on ministry. The problem was I only gave out and never filled back up. After my savings dried up, my time was all spent and I was spiritually dry I knew something had to change. I found a church service on a Sunday night and sat in the back. The moment the guy on the guitar strummed the first note I was in tears. God ministered to me through those songs and moments with him by myself in the back of that church for a few months while I finished my internship.
If you are in a dry season then it is time to identify the factors that have dried you up. Mine was from doing ministry but not being ministered to. Receiving was (and is) as important as giving. Maybe for you it is something different. Pray and ask the Holy Soirit what it is and how you can deal with it. It could be forgiving an offense, getting back to church, spending time with God in prayer and study of His word or something else that God reveals to you. Whatever it is be diligent with it and as you do expect God to send the rain!
Have you ever experienced a dry season in your life? How did you come out of it?
Living in Southern California we don't get much rain. I remember as a child we had a huge storm where it rained for three days straight. At the end of the storm we went outside to play and found a huge puddle. We splashed and played for what seemed like hours. My dad even came and played in the puddle with us. He would take his foot and kick the water at us making waves that towered over our heads. We ended our play time with a hot shower to warm back up since we were wet and cold.
The past few years we have been in drought. A few years ago the trees never dropped their leaves and last year the strawberries never stopped producing fruit. While I enjoyed having fresh year round strawberries I am hating the water restrictions we currently have now. I would much rather have a rainy season.
Dry seasons in life can be tough. I have experienced times where I was spiritually dried up. Many of you reading know that feeling. You feel like you are in a dark place and wish you could hear God's voice or experience His presence.
For a year I interned at a church in the San Diego area. I was spending time on the road, money on gas and energy on ministry. The problem was I only gave out and never filled back up. After my savings dried up, my time was all spent and I was spiritually dry I knew something had to change. I found a church service on a Sunday night and sat in the back. The moment the guy on the guitar strummed the first note I was in tears. God ministered to me through those songs and moments with him by myself in the back of that church for a few months while I finished my internship.
If you are in a dry season then it is time to identify the factors that have dried you up. Mine was from doing ministry but not being ministered to. Receiving was (and is) as important as giving. Maybe for you it is something different. Pray and ask the Holy Soirit what it is and how you can deal with it. It could be forgiving an offense, getting back to church, spending time with God in prayer and study of His word or something else that God reveals to you. Whatever it is be diligent with it and as you do expect God to send the rain!
Have you ever experienced a dry season in your life? How did you come out of it?
Friday, November 27, 2015
Day 332 - Larger Than Life
"We saw the movie in IMAX. It was epic. We loved the experience and the movie wasn't too bad either."
The IMAX experience is larger than life. We saw a Sci-Fi movie last year in IMAX that I don't think would be as awesome on any other screen. When I was 18 I saw the Grand Canyon movie on the IMAX there. I saw more of the canyon in the movie than I did in person.
As fun and wonderful as the experience is it cannot match the real joys of life. Bigger and louder don't equal reality. There are small joys and soft words that far surpass any movie the world can write.
Some people serve a small God who they shove in a box called Sunday morning. He is there for insurance and comfort every now and then. I would venture to say they haven't met the real God yet. He is larger than life. He is bigger than the universe and His words resonate louder than any other. The whisper of God can change everything in a moment.
Next time your problems look huge or the world you live in seems overwhelming have a moment in the presence of God. Look up, He is higher than the heavens. Take a walk and look at the stars. God created them and named them all. What is too big for Him? Cast your care on Him because He cares for you. He can handle your problems and take care of your needs.
Have you had a larger than life experience with God? Has He ever whispered something to you that changed your life?
The IMAX experience is larger than life. We saw a Sci-Fi movie last year in IMAX that I don't think would be as awesome on any other screen. When I was 18 I saw the Grand Canyon movie on the IMAX there. I saw more of the canyon in the movie than I did in person.
As fun and wonderful as the experience is it cannot match the real joys of life. Bigger and louder don't equal reality. There are small joys and soft words that far surpass any movie the world can write.
Some people serve a small God who they shove in a box called Sunday morning. He is there for insurance and comfort every now and then. I would venture to say they haven't met the real God yet. He is larger than life. He is bigger than the universe and His words resonate louder than any other. The whisper of God can change everything in a moment.
Next time your problems look huge or the world you live in seems overwhelming have a moment in the presence of God. Look up, He is higher than the heavens. Take a walk and look at the stars. God created them and named them all. What is too big for Him? Cast your care on Him because He cares for you. He can handle your problems and take care of your needs.
Have you had a larger than life experience with God? Has He ever whispered something to you that changed your life?
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Day 294 - The End of Your Life
"Nana was gone. Her closest relatives had all came today to say goodbye. Jess wrote the following in an e-mail to our staff: The family has said goodbye to our beautiful nana Ellen. Tonight she closed her eyes and woke up with our Jesus. She was the best mom, and grandma anyone could have. She loved people with all her heart and she loved Jesus."
I could have included my entire journal entry from this day last year but I am sure you don't want to read the details of soccer practice and grocery shopping in between the point of what this day was all about. Here was a woman who simply loved people and loved Jesus. She would recall her favorite moments again and again and loved to talk. She had a flare for life. She would order things from Home Shopping Network and immediately return it or tuck it away and never use it. We all laughed about it with her. She loved to cook for her family.
All these things are happy memories but even more so they are her legacy and they have have shaped individuals and families. The real point of what I am saying here is not about my wife's Nana. It is really about you. What will people say when you are gone? What will the legacy be that you leave?
Life is too short to mess around. We must love passionately and let people know we love them. We must witness like Jesus is coming back today (because if it was the Will of the Father He could). We must work and build for the future and for our families and future generations. As we do the legacy we leave will be one worth having.
You may have heard the story of the man who had been working with explosives and became wealthy through his work. When his brother passed away there was an error in the newspaper and the reporter did an obituary on this man instead of his brother. It was all about how he had merchandised death and his life was destructive from that point of view. The man decided to change his legacy and poured himself into more honorable pursuits and rewarded others for the same. That man was Alfred Nobel who the Nobel Peace Prize is named after.
If you don't like the answer you came up with when I asked what would people say about you then it is time to make some changes. You can as long as you have breath in your lungs. It is like a friend of mine used to say to me from his seat in a wheelchair with a smile on his face; 'Any day above ground is a good one.' Now I happen to know that the day of a Christian's death is much better than thousands of days here on the earth but I get what he was saying.
Let's live and love and leave a legacy so that when we go into eternity people speak of the wonderful things we have done and the impact we had on their lives.
If you could write your own obituary what would it say? Are there any that you have heard of or read in the Bible or somewhere else that you admired the person after hearing it? Who and why?
I could have included my entire journal entry from this day last year but I am sure you don't want to read the details of soccer practice and grocery shopping in between the point of what this day was all about. Here was a woman who simply loved people and loved Jesus. She would recall her favorite moments again and again and loved to talk. She had a flare for life. She would order things from Home Shopping Network and immediately return it or tuck it away and never use it. We all laughed about it with her. She loved to cook for her family.
All these things are happy memories but even more so they are her legacy and they have have shaped individuals and families. The real point of what I am saying here is not about my wife's Nana. It is really about you. What will people say when you are gone? What will the legacy be that you leave?
Life is too short to mess around. We must love passionately and let people know we love them. We must witness like Jesus is coming back today (because if it was the Will of the Father He could). We must work and build for the future and for our families and future generations. As we do the legacy we leave will be one worth having.
You may have heard the story of the man who had been working with explosives and became wealthy through his work. When his brother passed away there was an error in the newspaper and the reporter did an obituary on this man instead of his brother. It was all about how he had merchandised death and his life was destructive from that point of view. The man decided to change his legacy and poured himself into more honorable pursuits and rewarded others for the same. That man was Alfred Nobel who the Nobel Peace Prize is named after.
If you don't like the answer you came up with when I asked what would people say about you then it is time to make some changes. You can as long as you have breath in your lungs. It is like a friend of mine used to say to me from his seat in a wheelchair with a smile on his face; 'Any day above ground is a good one.' Now I happen to know that the day of a Christian's death is much better than thousands of days here on the earth but I get what he was saying.
Let's live and love and leave a legacy so that when we go into eternity people speak of the wonderful things we have done and the impact we had on their lives.
If you could write your own obituary what would it say? Are there any that you have heard of or read in the Bible or somewhere else that you admired the person after hearing it? Who and why?
Day 293 - Phases of Life
"It is getting dark earlier and people in our family keep noting it."
Seasons are a constant reminder to us that life changes. One of our pastors who I respect very much told me that the times, days, seasons and celebrations are God's way of giving us reminders and opportunities to see important life lessons on a yearly basis. I see the wisdom in that statement because I often am brought back to concepts when seasons change or special days of the year come around.
I wonder how much we would talk about Jesus' birth if we didn't have a yearly day set aside for us to celebrate. Would we remember the cross and the resurrection like we should without a yearly reminder?
I often encourage people that holidays, anniversaries and birthdays should be celebrated. Make a big deal of your family and marriage and children. Celebrate big time and express love and appreciation. I just went to a ten year anniversary of a church and was so happy that I could pray for them and encourage them that their work was vital and their labors are making a difference.
In the Old Testament you see God commanding the children of Israel to celebrate multiple times a year. If He hadn't they may have worked themselves to death! What He was doing was causing them to pause and take notice. Jesus said the Old Testament scriptures pointed to Him so really these feasts and yearly celebrations were pointing them to the One who was to come. It is no different for us today except that we are looking back on the finished work of Jesus.
As the holiday season approaches remember to pause and take notice of who God is, what Jesus has done and what the Holy Spirit is speaking to you in this season.
What is your favorite season or holiday? In that season or holiday how does it point you to God?
Seasons are a constant reminder to us that life changes. One of our pastors who I respect very much told me that the times, days, seasons and celebrations are God's way of giving us reminders and opportunities to see important life lessons on a yearly basis. I see the wisdom in that statement because I often am brought back to concepts when seasons change or special days of the year come around.
I wonder how much we would talk about Jesus' birth if we didn't have a yearly day set aside for us to celebrate. Would we remember the cross and the resurrection like we should without a yearly reminder?
I often encourage people that holidays, anniversaries and birthdays should be celebrated. Make a big deal of your family and marriage and children. Celebrate big time and express love and appreciation. I just went to a ten year anniversary of a church and was so happy that I could pray for them and encourage them that their work was vital and their labors are making a difference.
In the Old Testament you see God commanding the children of Israel to celebrate multiple times a year. If He hadn't they may have worked themselves to death! What He was doing was causing them to pause and take notice. Jesus said the Old Testament scriptures pointed to Him so really these feasts and yearly celebrations were pointing them to the One who was to come. It is no different for us today except that we are looking back on the finished work of Jesus.
As the holiday season approaches remember to pause and take notice of who God is, what Jesus has done and what the Holy Spirit is speaking to you in this season.
What is your favorite season or holiday? In that season or holiday how does it point you to God?
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Day 287 - Lament
"No one wants to watch strength fade and soundness vanish away."
Reading the journal entry from last year was tough today. It brings back memories of a time where two grandparents were fading from this life and another one was ill. Today is a better day since those two are in Heaven. More difficult days are ahead. I have family on both sides that are close to their end of days here on earth. My greatest comfort is that they are Godly people and will be in Heaven soon.
Death is never easy. Death is as much of a part of life as life itself is. Unless Jesus comes in our lifetime we will all have to pass through a physical death. For those who are Christians it will be a passing from glory to glory. We discard this old tattered tent and put on our eternal dwelling.
The pain of that process is not for those who are gone but for those who remain. We all feel the loss of someone we cared for and valued. It is necessary to grieve and shed tears. When we do we heal and are able to move forward in life.
I have had two men that I deeply cared for pass on too soon. Both left a profound impact on my life. One was a high school friend named Marcus. He was kind of a quirky guy who always had something to say. We would love to have him around as a friend and life of the party so to speak. When he truly gave his heart to the Lord he traveled with a missions group and shared the love of Jesus with everyone he met. One day he put on a new pair of roller-blades and grabbed the back of a friends car and went for a ride. Little did anyone know that would be his last act on the earth.
Our youth group took it hard. We prayed, cried, gathered and talked. We comforted one another that Marcus was probably talking Jesus' ear off and was running around Heaven having a good time. I learned that life is short and we have to stay focused on our mission while we are here from Marcus.
The second man that impacted my life was named Martin. He was a small African American with a gold tooth and corn rows that ushered at our church. He had a scratchy voice and a personality much like Marcus. That is probably why I liked him. When people would get saved at our church he would go get them and bring them to the altar. One time two kids got saved and Martin had one under each arm and had the biggest laugh and smile.
When Martin passed from health issues I remember how surreal it felt. I had the privilege of doing the funeral. The only problem was that I had grown to love Martin as a brother in the Lord and when I went to speak at the funeral cried through most of my words. During the funeral they showed a video that they had filmed of Martin at our Food Distribution Center. He was giving his testimony about how he actually died in a hospital and had an encounter with Jesus. He knew better than what he was doing and the Lord gave him a charge to live for Him for the rest of his days. Martin's next words still ring through my soul; "I left this earth a fool and came back a preacher." Indeed he was and he did live for the Lord whole hearted for his time here on the earth.
In Ecclesiastes it says there is more wisdom in the house of mourning than in the house of feasting. The living take to heart their lives in the light of eternity when confronted with death. It isn't easy but it is a place we can grow from and take comfort that God is good no matter what.
What lessons have you learned in times of mourning? Are there scriptures that give you comfort when facing death and eternity?
Reading the journal entry from last year was tough today. It brings back memories of a time where two grandparents were fading from this life and another one was ill. Today is a better day since those two are in Heaven. More difficult days are ahead. I have family on both sides that are close to their end of days here on earth. My greatest comfort is that they are Godly people and will be in Heaven soon.
Death is never easy. Death is as much of a part of life as life itself is. Unless Jesus comes in our lifetime we will all have to pass through a physical death. For those who are Christians it will be a passing from glory to glory. We discard this old tattered tent and put on our eternal dwelling.
The pain of that process is not for those who are gone but for those who remain. We all feel the loss of someone we cared for and valued. It is necessary to grieve and shed tears. When we do we heal and are able to move forward in life.
I have had two men that I deeply cared for pass on too soon. Both left a profound impact on my life. One was a high school friend named Marcus. He was kind of a quirky guy who always had something to say. We would love to have him around as a friend and life of the party so to speak. When he truly gave his heart to the Lord he traveled with a missions group and shared the love of Jesus with everyone he met. One day he put on a new pair of roller-blades and grabbed the back of a friends car and went for a ride. Little did anyone know that would be his last act on the earth.
Our youth group took it hard. We prayed, cried, gathered and talked. We comforted one another that Marcus was probably talking Jesus' ear off and was running around Heaven having a good time. I learned that life is short and we have to stay focused on our mission while we are here from Marcus.
The second man that impacted my life was named Martin. He was a small African American with a gold tooth and corn rows that ushered at our church. He had a scratchy voice and a personality much like Marcus. That is probably why I liked him. When people would get saved at our church he would go get them and bring them to the altar. One time two kids got saved and Martin had one under each arm and had the biggest laugh and smile.
When Martin passed from health issues I remember how surreal it felt. I had the privilege of doing the funeral. The only problem was that I had grown to love Martin as a brother in the Lord and when I went to speak at the funeral cried through most of my words. During the funeral they showed a video that they had filmed of Martin at our Food Distribution Center. He was giving his testimony about how he actually died in a hospital and had an encounter with Jesus. He knew better than what he was doing and the Lord gave him a charge to live for Him for the rest of his days. Martin's next words still ring through my soul; "I left this earth a fool and came back a preacher." Indeed he was and he did live for the Lord whole hearted for his time here on the earth.
In Ecclesiastes it says there is more wisdom in the house of mourning than in the house of feasting. The living take to heart their lives in the light of eternity when confronted with death. It isn't easy but it is a place we can grow from and take comfort that God is good no matter what.
What lessons have you learned in times of mourning? Are there scriptures that give you comfort when facing death and eternity?
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Day 240 - Permanent Solution To A Temporary Problem
"We talked about her son who tried to kill himself last night."
There have been a few times in my life that news shocked me and made me sick to my stomach. This was one of them. I had a close relationship with this individual. I had walked him through rocky points in marriage and eventually a divorce. I had prayed with this man and labored to keep him in church. Now here is news that he had tried to end his life.
The only light I could see in this situation was that he was still alive. His mother was dealing with the feelings associated with suicide. "What did I do? What didn't I do? What could I have done?"
We prayed together and I listened and let her work through the emotions and tears. In the end I encouraged her and then connected with him later that day over the phone. He was ready to make the changes and to work where he needed.
I have heard it said that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. The pressures and weights of today will not be the same pressures of tomorrow. Whatever you are going through you must remember that you are 'going through' it. It won't always be like this. Yet the devil wants us to believe that and would love for us to end it all.
The greatest hope we have is that no matter how hard it gets in this life if we are Christians we have the life to come that there will be no more pain and suffering. We have a Comforter now who is with us everywhere we go and in everything we encounter.
If you are battling suicidal thoughts you need to talk with someone who is godly and trusted. Share with them what you are feeling. Pray together and seek the scriptures on your situation. Also at the bottom of this page I have included telephone numbers you can call if you feel like you have no one to talk to.
God loves you and has a wonderful future He has planned. You will outlast the problems and the trials of life.
What scriptures give you hope? What are you looking forward to in life?
USA National Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). New Hope Telephone Counseling Center 714-639-4673. Covenant House 1-800-999-9999 . Focus on the Family's Counseling Department 1-855-771-HELP (4357). Monday through Friday between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Mountain time.
There have been a few times in my life that news shocked me and made me sick to my stomach. This was one of them. I had a close relationship with this individual. I had walked him through rocky points in marriage and eventually a divorce. I had prayed with this man and labored to keep him in church. Now here is news that he had tried to end his life.
The only light I could see in this situation was that he was still alive. His mother was dealing with the feelings associated with suicide. "What did I do? What didn't I do? What could I have done?"
We prayed together and I listened and let her work through the emotions and tears. In the end I encouraged her and then connected with him later that day over the phone. He was ready to make the changes and to work where he needed.
I have heard it said that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. The pressures and weights of today will not be the same pressures of tomorrow. Whatever you are going through you must remember that you are 'going through' it. It won't always be like this. Yet the devil wants us to believe that and would love for us to end it all.
The greatest hope we have is that no matter how hard it gets in this life if we are Christians we have the life to come that there will be no more pain and suffering. We have a Comforter now who is with us everywhere we go and in everything we encounter.
If you are battling suicidal thoughts you need to talk with someone who is godly and trusted. Share with them what you are feeling. Pray together and seek the scriptures on your situation. Also at the bottom of this page I have included telephone numbers you can call if you feel like you have no one to talk to.
God loves you and has a wonderful future He has planned. You will outlast the problems and the trials of life.
What scriptures give you hope? What are you looking forward to in life?
USA National Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). New Hope Telephone Counseling Center 714-639-4673. Covenant House 1-800-999-9999 . Focus on the Family's Counseling Department 1-855-771-HELP (4357). Monday through Friday between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Mountain time.
Monday, August 17, 2015
Day 230 - Learning the Hard Way
"I found out later that I didn't put any sunblock on my face."
I would imagine you know how I found out that I didn't have any sunblock on my face. Pain and redness!
Like the old DC Talk song says; "Some people gotta learn the hard way, I guess I'm the type of guy who's gotta find out for himself". Experience is a tough teacher. She doesn't discriminate nor does she pull any punches. Like walking into a wrecking ball there have been things that I wanted to know for myself and later wished I would have listened to sound wisdom. Or to take it a step further asked someone who would know!
Thankfully not everything in life is learned this way. There are lots of things we can only learn from experience and hard knocks. But if you can learn from the experience of others or from instruction then you will save yourself many sorrows and painful learning lessons.
This is where the student of the Bible will be glad to know their efforts aren't wasted. The Bible is more than a bunch of stories from history. It is examples of people who failed and succeeded. It shows us what to do and what not to do.
Why learn from tough times when you can receive the instruction of God's Word?
What tough life lessons have you learned in the school of hard knocks? What lessons have you learned from others or from the Word of God?
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Day 218 - No Small Thing, No Small Impact
"It was a normal day of meetings and prayer and study. The good thing is that no matter how normal it all is it impacts lives."
Your life matters. Everything you do counts. The choices we make today will impact tomorrow and eventually eternity.
It is easy to get distracted with discouragement. Life can get boring and mundane. When life is a drag or a grind that discouragement makes a miserable existence. Eventually the negativity will seep off the tongue like bad breath. You may not realize you have it but everyone else does.
The remedy is to remind ourselves that God has ordained our steps and that what we do matters. It matters to God, it matters to us and it matters to others. My life impacts people. Daily prayers, daily devotions and daily duties will eventually equal daily answers, daily victories, daily salvation, and daily blessing.
When I released my book I had prayed for big things to happen. I had dreams of a huge campaign to launch it and promote it. What ended up happening was that there were delays and eventually when the book went live I had no marketing plan in place and the launch was a bit anti climatic.
I must say that after book readings and signings when all the dust settled I wondered if the adventure was worth the journey. It was at that time I had someone share a statement with me that they got in prayer. They said that God had sent them to encourage me. The statement was; "No small thing. No small impact." That statement is not only for me. It is for you as well. I believe it is true.
Your life adventure is worth the journey. Even the boring and mundane is holy and meaningful.
Have you seen small things have big impact? How did it happen?
Your life matters. Everything you do counts. The choices we make today will impact tomorrow and eventually eternity.
It is easy to get distracted with discouragement. Life can get boring and mundane. When life is a drag or a grind that discouragement makes a miserable existence. Eventually the negativity will seep off the tongue like bad breath. You may not realize you have it but everyone else does.
The remedy is to remind ourselves that God has ordained our steps and that what we do matters. It matters to God, it matters to us and it matters to others. My life impacts people. Daily prayers, daily devotions and daily duties will eventually equal daily answers, daily victories, daily salvation, and daily blessing.
When I released my book I had prayed for big things to happen. I had dreams of a huge campaign to launch it and promote it. What ended up happening was that there were delays and eventually when the book went live I had no marketing plan in place and the launch was a bit anti climatic.
I must say that after book readings and signings when all the dust settled I wondered if the adventure was worth the journey. It was at that time I had someone share a statement with me that they got in prayer. They said that God had sent them to encourage me. The statement was; "No small thing. No small impact." That statement is not only for me. It is for you as well. I believe it is true.
Your life adventure is worth the journey. Even the boring and mundane is holy and meaningful.
Have you seen small things have big impact? How did it happen?
Friday, July 31, 2015
Day 213 - This Blog Just Got Weird
"It was weird."
Sometimes a good idea at the time gets weird. I have thought in my mind something would turn out good and then it turns out...
I once heard an interview with Tom Hanks. He said he had made a few good movies and a lot of bad ones. I get it Tom!
We have to call it. It is better to admit it and move forward. I had some guys in our young adults ministry when I was leading it drive up on a Vespa with helmets and round goggles on riding together. The first words out of the drivers mouth were "It just got weird." Indeed. We had a good conversation afterward from what I remember.
Have you had anything like this happen to you? What do you do when things get weird?
Sometimes a good idea at the time gets weird. I have thought in my mind something would turn out good and then it turns out...
I once heard an interview with Tom Hanks. He said he had made a few good movies and a lot of bad ones. I get it Tom!
We have to call it. It is better to admit it and move forward. I had some guys in our young adults ministry when I was leading it drive up on a Vespa with helmets and round goggles on riding together. The first words out of the drivers mouth were "It just got weird." Indeed. We had a good conversation afterward from what I remember.
Have you had anything like this happen to you? What do you do when things get weird?
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Day 207 - Passion
"I preached a passionate word to the end that my voice was starting to go on me."
Is there something you are passionate about? Something that moves you? Something that wakes you up out of bed?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said "If a man has not discovered something that he will die for he isn't fit to live."
Now before you get down on yourself if you haven't discovered that something yet remember that there is someone Who is passionate about you. When you get a hold of how passionate He is then your passion becomes like a fire within.
God is passionate about you. That is why Jesus went to the cross. His passion led Him to die for you.
When I understood the passion of God it changed my life. It has fueled every decision I have made. And now my life's work is telling others the good news that God loves them and is passionate about them.
God wants to be involved in our lives on the macro and micro levels. He delights in us and dances over us with joy. That is kind of a weird thought, God dancing. It shows His passionate love for us. As a Father with their children so is God with us.
How does knowing God's passion for you fuel your passion for Him? How can we express that passion?
Is there something you are passionate about? Something that moves you? Something that wakes you up out of bed?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said "If a man has not discovered something that he will die for he isn't fit to live."
Now before you get down on yourself if you haven't discovered that something yet remember that there is someone Who is passionate about you. When you get a hold of how passionate He is then your passion becomes like a fire within.
God is passionate about you. That is why Jesus went to the cross. His passion led Him to die for you.
When I understood the passion of God it changed my life. It has fueled every decision I have made. And now my life's work is telling others the good news that God loves them and is passionate about them.
God wants to be involved in our lives on the macro and micro levels. He delights in us and dances over us with joy. That is kind of a weird thought, God dancing. It shows His passionate love for us. As a Father with their children so is God with us.
How does knowing God's passion for you fuel your passion for Him? How can we express that passion?
Monday, July 20, 2015
Day 201 - Pushing On
"We drove to golf and got about five holes in. Jess did exceptionally well. On the fifth hole it rained us out. It actually was hail that was stinging our ears and soaking us. The wind was so strong it was pushing over dad's clubs so I threw them on my back and pushed ahead. He didn't like that but I was fine."
I love how Spurgeon writes that it was by perseverance that the snail reached the ark. It is no different with us. Some things will only get done when we push on.
If life is tough and the storms rage, push on. When you don't understand and it seems like chaos and confusion, push on. If you don't see the end, push on. You can make it.
The Bible is right when we read the words 'you have need of endurance'. Life is not a sprint it is a marathon. We win when we finish no matter how short or how long we run. What matters is that we make it to the finish line. The only way to do that is to push on.
What are some areas you need to push on in your life? How can you do it?
I love how Spurgeon writes that it was by perseverance that the snail reached the ark. It is no different with us. Some things will only get done when we push on.
If life is tough and the storms rage, push on. When you don't understand and it seems like chaos and confusion, push on. If you don't see the end, push on. You can make it.
The Bible is right when we read the words 'you have need of endurance'. Life is not a sprint it is a marathon. We win when we finish no matter how short or how long we run. What matters is that we make it to the finish line. The only way to do that is to push on.
What are some areas you need to push on in your life? How can you do it?
Saturday, July 18, 2015
Day 200 - The Adventure of Life
"It was an adventure."
In flip flops, my wife and I took our son and nephew down a steep trail following a gorgeous waterfall. We slid down several places and had to climb through some rough and dense foliage. At the end we made it to a road that went by some cute little cabins and ended at a bridge in between twin lakes where we met the rest of our family and turned around to see our trail down the waterfall from the other side.
Without an adventure life is just boring. We all need a bit of excitement and the unknown to keep our blood pumping.
This past year I have launched out on a few adventures. While keeping my roles as a man of God, husband and father, pastor and spiritual leader I have also expanded my business, given generously more than I thought I could and published a children's book.
I never dreamed of the life that God would lead me to. It is an adventure. Faith is an adventure. Marriage is an adventure. Parenting is an adventure. Business is an adventure. Life is an adventure and it is worth venturing out.
Do you see life as an adventure or a drudge? How does seeing life as an adventure change how we live it?
In flip flops, my wife and I took our son and nephew down a steep trail following a gorgeous waterfall. We slid down several places and had to climb through some rough and dense foliage. At the end we made it to a road that went by some cute little cabins and ended at a bridge in between twin lakes where we met the rest of our family and turned around to see our trail down the waterfall from the other side.
Without an adventure life is just boring. We all need a bit of excitement and the unknown to keep our blood pumping.
This past year I have launched out on a few adventures. While keeping my roles as a man of God, husband and father, pastor and spiritual leader I have also expanded my business, given generously more than I thought I could and published a children's book.
I never dreamed of the life that God would lead me to. It is an adventure. Faith is an adventure. Marriage is an adventure. Parenting is an adventure. Business is an adventure. Life is an adventure and it is worth venturing out.
Do you see life as an adventure or a drudge? How does seeing life as an adventure change how we live it?
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Day 196 - The Best View
"The view of the valley was better than the view of the crater."
Last year while on family vacation we hiked to a place called the Inyo craters. There are three in a row. The first one is large and has turquoise water in it from the volcanic activity there. The second crater is a little way up and has lots of trees in it and a little water. Not as good of a view as the first but you might as well see it because it is right next to the first one.
I had never been to the third one and had seen pictures but it never looked like anything. I decided to go for it and hike to the third crater. My brother-in-law and my nephew went as well. In fact a lot of the family wanted to go but the trail whittled down and eventually the little kids couldn't go any further. We eventually were on our hands and knees scrambling up the side of the cinder cone. We made it to the top of the third crater.
Inside the crater were some trees and bushes. Aside from a few squirrels playing there really wasn't much to see. Until we turned around. There was before us the whole valley. We could see the roads and resorts as well as meadows and trees for miles. It all headed towards the tall mountains in the distance.
I have found that there were goals that I have achieved that were not what I had hoped or expected. Places I wanted to go to, conferences I wanted to attend, people I have wanted to meet didn't turn out to be what I expected. In the midst of my pondering what is wrong with the picture I turn and see a different view.
One time I went across the nation for a conference where I thought we would learn about how to better minister to our youth at church and ended up hearing from God about transitions that were coming up in life. I was saying to God in my prayers, "Really God?! You had to bring me across the nation to talk to me about this?" The response was quick, "Yes, I finally have your full attention."
Let's look past disappointments to a different view. It could be there is something beautiful we haven't seen yet. Look around, and don't forget to look up!
Have you had an experience like this? What was the lesson?
Last year while on family vacation we hiked to a place called the Inyo craters. There are three in a row. The first one is large and has turquoise water in it from the volcanic activity there. The second crater is a little way up and has lots of trees in it and a little water. Not as good of a view as the first but you might as well see it because it is right next to the first one.
I had never been to the third one and had seen pictures but it never looked like anything. I decided to go for it and hike to the third crater. My brother-in-law and my nephew went as well. In fact a lot of the family wanted to go but the trail whittled down and eventually the little kids couldn't go any further. We eventually were on our hands and knees scrambling up the side of the cinder cone. We made it to the top of the third crater.
Inside the crater were some trees and bushes. Aside from a few squirrels playing there really wasn't much to see. Until we turned around. There was before us the whole valley. We could see the roads and resorts as well as meadows and trees for miles. It all headed towards the tall mountains in the distance.
I have found that there were goals that I have achieved that were not what I had hoped or expected. Places I wanted to go to, conferences I wanted to attend, people I have wanted to meet didn't turn out to be what I expected. In the midst of my pondering what is wrong with the picture I turn and see a different view.
One time I went across the nation for a conference where I thought we would learn about how to better minister to our youth at church and ended up hearing from God about transitions that were coming up in life. I was saying to God in my prayers, "Really God?! You had to bring me across the nation to talk to me about this?" The response was quick, "Yes, I finally have your full attention."
Let's look past disappointments to a different view. It could be there is something beautiful we haven't seen yet. Look around, and don't forget to look up!
Have you had an experience like this? What was the lesson?
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Day 193 - Crazy Times
"It was the craziest thing."
Have you ever had a time when life was just crazy? I don't mean busy. I mean crazy. It doesn't make sense.
We probably have all had moments that we remember where things are out of hand, you have no control or you just don't know what happened.
I have had situations that I would define as crazy in the negative sense. As a young teen I remember our crazy neighborhood having gang initiations behind our house and shootouts across the street (that I slept through by the way). I didn't enjoy those moments.
I have also had crazy moments that were exhilarating and even though it was hectic I loved every moment of it. We have had some crazy events at the church where things didn't add up or we were way in over our head but God came through in a major way. I would gladly have moments like that over and over. It is like an adrenaline rush.
The neat thing about life is that no matter how crazy it gets God is still in control. We may feel like everything is out of hand but He still has the whole world in His hands! Seize the day. Crazy good or crazy bad God has you covered!
Have you ever had a time where life was crazy? How did you make it through? (Good or bad.)
Have you ever had a time when life was just crazy? I don't mean busy. I mean crazy. It doesn't make sense.
We probably have all had moments that we remember where things are out of hand, you have no control or you just don't know what happened.
I have had situations that I would define as crazy in the negative sense. As a young teen I remember our crazy neighborhood having gang initiations behind our house and shootouts across the street (that I slept through by the way). I didn't enjoy those moments.
I have also had crazy moments that were exhilarating and even though it was hectic I loved every moment of it. We have had some crazy events at the church where things didn't add up or we were way in over our head but God came through in a major way. I would gladly have moments like that over and over. It is like an adrenaline rush.
The neat thing about life is that no matter how crazy it gets God is still in control. We may feel like everything is out of hand but He still has the whole world in His hands! Seize the day. Crazy good or crazy bad God has you covered!
Have you ever had a time where life was crazy? How did you make it through? (Good or bad.)
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