Remember the old cliché, “You don’t miss a good thing until it’s gone.” I have experienced that this week. My wife has been out of town since Sunday, which left me at home with three boys ranging in age from 8 to 6 months. Hence, I have learned to appreciate and miss the help my wife provides around the house. It is apparent to see why God, in His infinite wisdom, purposed for a man and women to remain together until death. The past few days have taught me to appreciate the value of teamwork. I have a newfound respect for single moms and dads. In some small way, I have a tiny understanding of what single parents go through on a daily basis and how much they must rely on their family for help. Marriage centers on teamwork, which tends to be a constant theme throughout Paul’s writings. Remember how Paul talks about unity and how the body of Christ is to work together just as the physical body does. This is Paul’s way of saying that we need to work together for the common goal of seeing the lost saved and witnessing the saved become like Christ by having love for one another and not malice.
I challenge us all this week to appreciate the small things in life and tell those around you how much you really appreciate them and what they do to make life a little easier. In turn, as Christians, let’s try to get along realizing the goal before us and not making the mistake of thinking anything Christ centered has anything to do with us. In fact it is not about us, but all about Him.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Around the Watercooler
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. – Ephesians 4:29
Everyone has a hub for casual conversation. Whether it is the watercooler, the teachers’ lounge, or the staff break room, there is likely a place where the Monday news can be heard buzzing. You may find a challenge in avoiding the hub of conversation altogether. But you can sound a different voice amid the chatter.
Unwholesome talk covers a lot of ground. You could consider negativity, rumors, gossip, and untruth to be unwholesome. You may think you have that covered, since you do not involve yourself in such destructive communication. But wait. When you read beyond the warning of what not to do, you are presented with a challenge. It is not enough to use self-control only to withhold unsavory conversation. Silence alone is not the self-control needed in the close areas of your life. You fight against a negative with a positive. Engage yourself in the building up of others.
The challenge presented to you here is to encourage others according to their needs. Ignoring others is not an option. You are to help them by encouraging them in the areas that they need it. You are to benefit others with your words. Your voice may be a lone voice in a cloud of conversation. But your words can bring hope and inspiration to others. My wife and I encountered such a person at the last church we attended. He was an older pastor who had long retired and devoted his life to the uplifting of others. He always had something good and encouraging to say to those around him. He never allowed the conversation to focus on himself. In turn, everyone wanted to talk to him and looked forward to his attention.
My challenge for us is to join a conversation we would normally avoid. Infuse positive and encouraging comments in the dialogue. Meet the challenge of meeting the needs of others. Become an encourager and see what a difference positive reinforcement has regarding conversational influence.
Everyone has a hub for casual conversation. Whether it is the watercooler, the teachers’ lounge, or the staff break room, there is likely a place where the Monday news can be heard buzzing. You may find a challenge in avoiding the hub of conversation altogether. But you can sound a different voice amid the chatter.
Unwholesome talk covers a lot of ground. You could consider negativity, rumors, gossip, and untruth to be unwholesome. You may think you have that covered, since you do not involve yourself in such destructive communication. But wait. When you read beyond the warning of what not to do, you are presented with a challenge. It is not enough to use self-control only to withhold unsavory conversation. Silence alone is not the self-control needed in the close areas of your life. You fight against a negative with a positive. Engage yourself in the building up of others.
The challenge presented to you here is to encourage others according to their needs. Ignoring others is not an option. You are to help them by encouraging them in the areas that they need it. You are to benefit others with your words. Your voice may be a lone voice in a cloud of conversation. But your words can bring hope and inspiration to others. My wife and I encountered such a person at the last church we attended. He was an older pastor who had long retired and devoted his life to the uplifting of others. He always had something good and encouraging to say to those around him. He never allowed the conversation to focus on himself. In turn, everyone wanted to talk to him and looked forward to his attention.
My challenge for us is to join a conversation we would normally avoid. Infuse positive and encouraging comments in the dialogue. Meet the challenge of meeting the needs of others. Become an encourager and see what a difference positive reinforcement has regarding conversational influence.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Keep Going
"I remind you to keep using the gift God gave you...let it grow, as a small flame grows into a fire." (2 Timothy 1:6)
Good Boy Scouts know how to start fires. Although there are reports of using such strange items as a soda can or a chocolate bar, there are several common elements required to ignite any fire. You need something to create a spark, material to use as tinder to turn the spark into a flame, and kindling to generate a fire from the initial flame. Igniting passion in yourself and other is much the same as starting a fire. God gave you what you need for the spark. He created you with gifts found in your talents, skills, and abilities. Your responsibility is to take that spark and turn it into a flame. You can find the tinder of opportunities for using your gifts all around you. But using your gifts once in a lifetime or once in a while is not enough to maintain a fire. The flame must be continually kindled to keep the fire going. The more you put gifts to work, the more you feed the flame within you. Passion is that fire within. It is that burning desire to make a difference in the world around you. Passion can be more than a temporary excitement. As you fan the flame of the God-given spark within you, you can maintain zeal to achieve great accomplishments in life.
I challenge each of us to take our talents and put them to daily use for the advancement of God's Kingdom that He might receive the honor and glory from our every act.
Good Boy Scouts know how to start fires. Although there are reports of using such strange items as a soda can or a chocolate bar, there are several common elements required to ignite any fire. You need something to create a spark, material to use as tinder to turn the spark into a flame, and kindling to generate a fire from the initial flame. Igniting passion in yourself and other is much the same as starting a fire. God gave you what you need for the spark. He created you with gifts found in your talents, skills, and abilities. Your responsibility is to take that spark and turn it into a flame. You can find the tinder of opportunities for using your gifts all around you. But using your gifts once in a lifetime or once in a while is not enough to maintain a fire. The flame must be continually kindled to keep the fire going. The more you put gifts to work, the more you feed the flame within you. Passion is that fire within. It is that burning desire to make a difference in the world around you. Passion can be more than a temporary excitement. As you fan the flame of the God-given spark within you, you can maintain zeal to achieve great accomplishments in life.
I challenge each of us to take our talents and put them to daily use for the advancement of God's Kingdom that He might receive the honor and glory from our every act.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
The Game of Life
My grandmother ran across this and wanted me to share it with everyone. The following was written by my grandfather.
Looking at the person's life from a baseball game perspective -
1st The Field:
1st Base: Salvation (Sin, Guilt, Repentance, and Confession)
2nd Base: Committment
3rd Base: Church Membership
HomeBase: Heaven
2nd Game Rules:
A: You must come to bat before you can hit the ball
B: You only have so many chances to hit the ball
C: After the ball is hit, all bases must be touched in order to reach home
I thought this was pretty cool and something we could all live by. As simple as this analogy sounds, it is very true. Today examine your live and see what, if any, base you're on. If your on HomeBase, well that would be kinda freaky.
Looking at the person's life from a baseball game perspective -
1st The Field:
1st Base: Salvation (Sin, Guilt, Repentance, and Confession)
2nd Base: Committment
3rd Base: Church Membership
HomeBase: Heaven
2nd Game Rules:
A: You must come to bat before you can hit the ball
B: You only have so many chances to hit the ball
C: After the ball is hit, all bases must be touched in order to reach home
I thought this was pretty cool and something we could all live by. As simple as this analogy sounds, it is very true. Today examine your live and see what, if any, base you're on. If your on HomeBase, well that would be kinda freaky.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Short and Sweet
John 11:35, "Jesus wept." Wow, Jesus God's Son wept over the sins of man. Why then are we any different? We're not. Today, show compassion towards those who show anger towards you. In other words, I challenge us all to take the high road. Show others around you why being a Christian is different.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Words are Forever
Do you remember this nursery rhyme, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me?” Have you ever personally used it? I bet you have. Words hurt. In fact, children even know that words hurt. Often we realize the importance of words when we are the victim of a hurtful comment, even as an adult. Seldom do we realize how hurtful words are when we are the ones speaking them.
We must realize that our words are powerful and carry great influence. Words can give life or kill it. Therefore, we have a choice. With our words, we can stifle effectiveness within our workplace. Or we can inspire momentum, impart courage, and instill hope. Words have consequences, and we must accept those consequences. As difficult as it sounds, we must begin every conversation with the end result in mind. We must choose what things we want cultivated in our relationships. Remembering we reap what we sow, especially with words. So, speak good things and reap good things in return. Give encouragement; receive encouragement. Be a friend and then you will find a friend. If we choose our responses, then we can control our consequences. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit – you choose” (MSG).
For some of us thinking before we speak is a tall request. The tongue is powerful. The tongue has the power to start and end wars. It has the power to start and end relationships. It has the power to request eternal life, “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” Romans 10:10. So how do we control our tongue? Simple, control your heart. Your tongue is a direct reflection of you heart. Your tongue speaks what the heart believes. Thus, it is a matter of the heart. If our hearts are filled with compassion, our speech will reflect it. If our hearts are filled with anger, then our speech will be angry. So how do we say good things? We engulf ourselves with God and everything Godly. In addition, we surround ourselves with God’s people and read God’s word. Therefore, if we import Godly things, we will export Godly things.
Challenge:
Examine your life. Are you surrounded by God’s people? Are you doing Godly things? When you watch a movie is it Godly? When you talk or text friends is it Godly conversation? Do you read God’s word daily? Do you attend church with God’s people? Is your conversation about others good for the most part or bad?
Today, tomorrow, the next day, the next day, etc. let's try and fuel our bodies with Godly things and see if in return good things come out.
We must realize that our words are powerful and carry great influence. Words can give life or kill it. Therefore, we have a choice. With our words, we can stifle effectiveness within our workplace. Or we can inspire momentum, impart courage, and instill hope. Words have consequences, and we must accept those consequences. As difficult as it sounds, we must begin every conversation with the end result in mind. We must choose what things we want cultivated in our relationships. Remembering we reap what we sow, especially with words. So, speak good things and reap good things in return. Give encouragement; receive encouragement. Be a friend and then you will find a friend. If we choose our responses, then we can control our consequences. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit – you choose” (MSG).
For some of us thinking before we speak is a tall request. The tongue is powerful. The tongue has the power to start and end wars. It has the power to start and end relationships. It has the power to request eternal life, “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” Romans 10:10. So how do we control our tongue? Simple, control your heart. Your tongue is a direct reflection of you heart. Your tongue speaks what the heart believes. Thus, it is a matter of the heart. If our hearts are filled with compassion, our speech will reflect it. If our hearts are filled with anger, then our speech will be angry. So how do we say good things? We engulf ourselves with God and everything Godly. In addition, we surround ourselves with God’s people and read God’s word. Therefore, if we import Godly things, we will export Godly things.
Challenge:
Examine your life. Are you surrounded by God’s people? Are you doing Godly things? When you watch a movie is it Godly? When you talk or text friends is it Godly conversation? Do you read God’s word daily? Do you attend church with God’s people? Is your conversation about others good for the most part or bad?
Today, tomorrow, the next day, the next day, etc. let's try and fuel our bodies with Godly things and see if in return good things come out.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Unconditional Love
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. – John 3:16
You are often admonished to know what you believe in. You may believe in hard work, stewardship, and integrity. Or maybe you believe in talent, fate, or luck. Knowing what you believe can help guide your path in life. But a question can be posed. In whom do you believe?
From early in life you are encouraged to believe in yourself. “Trust your instincts and appreciate your gifts,” you have been told. You may have been reared to stand on your own two feet in independence. Self-awareness, capability, and confidence are indeed desirable qualities in a person. However, trusting in your own abilities or potential will sustain you temporarily with partial effectiveness. It is not enough to have faith in yourself alone.
Faith in God is not based on ability, work ethic, or achievement. It is an expression of trust that God in His sovereignty will enable you to succeed. John 3:16 explains that when you believe in Him, you will have not only temporary benefits, but God’s eternal life-giving power. He is the source of all knowledge, power, and life. In the daily challenges of life, you can trust God will empower you to overcome your problems. When you find yourself feeling powerless against problems in you life, realize that your capability comes not from your own skill, but from the One who created you and sustains you. Trust in His ability instead of your own and understand you have access to His power. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
Challenge:
Think of those areas in your life in which you are trusting in God alone to provide an answer or direction. Now, pray in faith and believe that He is the source of provision.
You are often admonished to know what you believe in. You may believe in hard work, stewardship, and integrity. Or maybe you believe in talent, fate, or luck. Knowing what you believe can help guide your path in life. But a question can be posed. In whom do you believe?
From early in life you are encouraged to believe in yourself. “Trust your instincts and appreciate your gifts,” you have been told. You may have been reared to stand on your own two feet in independence. Self-awareness, capability, and confidence are indeed desirable qualities in a person. However, trusting in your own abilities or potential will sustain you temporarily with partial effectiveness. It is not enough to have faith in yourself alone.
Faith in God is not based on ability, work ethic, or achievement. It is an expression of trust that God in His sovereignty will enable you to succeed. John 3:16 explains that when you believe in Him, you will have not only temporary benefits, but God’s eternal life-giving power. He is the source of all knowledge, power, and life. In the daily challenges of life, you can trust God will empower you to overcome your problems. When you find yourself feeling powerless against problems in you life, realize that your capability comes not from your own skill, but from the One who created you and sustains you. Trust in His ability instead of your own and understand you have access to His power. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
Challenge:
Think of those areas in your life in which you are trusting in God alone to provide an answer or direction. Now, pray in faith and believe that He is the source of provision.
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