Spring is now officially here and if the weather stays true to form, the Pennsylvania rainy season has officially begun. I personally wish everyday could be 70 degrees sunny, but I realize the importance of the rain.
For much of my life I lived in central Kansas. This part of the nation is predominately farm country. At this time of year the average farmer has his winter wheat crop planted. If the rains don’t come in the springtime, the hopes of a bountiful harvest in June are slim.
The Bible talks about the importance of the rain:
Psalm 65:10 (NLT)
You drench the plowed ground with rain,
melting the clods and leveling the ridges.
You soften the earth with showers
and bless its abundant crops.
The rain softens the ground and nourishes the crops. Without the rain the crops will burn up, dry out and whither away.
Consider the rainstorms you have experienced in life. I find in my life that God often allows the rains to come. The days get dark and dreary. I begin wondering if the rain will ever end. When the clouds finally break, the landscape of my life has changed. The ground has been softened and my soul has been nourished.
When I look back on these rainy seasons I find that what seemed like a crisis at the time has now become a tremendous blessing. In the aftermath of the rain I have developed perseverance, deep faith, an awareness of friendship and a new well of peace.
As you look out your window today and see the rain reflect on the past problems that have turned into blessings and thank God for the rains. If you are currently experiencing a personal rainy season, remember that God is using those rains to soften the soil and nurture your soul. In due time the rainy season will end and a bountiful crop will be visible in your life.
Until next Monday may God’s richest blessings be yours.
Monday, March 28, 2005
Monday, March 21, 2005
Monday Morning Encouragement - March 21, 2005
Do you ever wonder if you’re making a difference in this life? I know I often do a lot of soul searching over this issue. I find myself often wondering if I’m doing all I could or if I’m really making a difference in anyone’s life?
I want to challenge you this morning with the following passage of scripture:
Acts 5:15-16 (NLT)
As a result of the apostles' work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter's shadow might fall across some of them as he went by. [16] Crowds came in from the villages around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those possessed by evil spirits, and they were all healed.
I’ve always been fascinated by this account. If you read it carefully, you understand that the miraculous was taking place simply by Peter walking by. In fact Peter would have been unaware of the miracles taking place behind him.
When I preach on this passage I always liken this account to a boat traveling through the water. A boat traveling through the water leaves a wake behind it. Any vessel behind that boat will be affected in some way by that wake. A few years ago I went fishing with a couple of guys from our church on Lake Erie. I can remember a few “larger” vessels rocking our boat as they passed.
As you move through life, you also leave a wake. In your wake you can give life, just as Peter did, or you can bring pain, sorrow, bitterness, etc… Peter’s wake was a life giving wake, because he was fully surrendered to God’s purpose for his life. God’s presence was so evident in Peter, that just to be in his presence was to experience God’s touch.
Today ask God to fill you so completely with His presence that anyone who comes into contact with you will feel his life giving touch. Remember, when God is working in and through you He is the one receiving the glory. You may never know the type of impact you made on this world until you stand before Him, but rest assured you are making a difference in this world.
Until next Monday may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.
I want to challenge you this morning with the following passage of scripture:
Acts 5:15-16 (NLT)
As a result of the apostles' work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter's shadow might fall across some of them as he went by. [16] Crowds came in from the villages around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those possessed by evil spirits, and they were all healed.
I’ve always been fascinated by this account. If you read it carefully, you understand that the miraculous was taking place simply by Peter walking by. In fact Peter would have been unaware of the miracles taking place behind him.
When I preach on this passage I always liken this account to a boat traveling through the water. A boat traveling through the water leaves a wake behind it. Any vessel behind that boat will be affected in some way by that wake. A few years ago I went fishing with a couple of guys from our church on Lake Erie. I can remember a few “larger” vessels rocking our boat as they passed.
As you move through life, you also leave a wake. In your wake you can give life, just as Peter did, or you can bring pain, sorrow, bitterness, etc… Peter’s wake was a life giving wake, because he was fully surrendered to God’s purpose for his life. God’s presence was so evident in Peter, that just to be in his presence was to experience God’s touch.
Today ask God to fill you so completely with His presence that anyone who comes into contact with you will feel his life giving touch. Remember, when God is working in and through you He is the one receiving the glory. You may never know the type of impact you made on this world until you stand before Him, but rest assured you are making a difference in this world.
Until next Monday may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.
Monday, March 14, 2005
Monday Morning Encouragement - March 14, 2005
By nature I tend to be a bit of a risk taker….actually that would probably be understating it. I have a fly by the seat of the pants, adventurous, risk taking personality. In my early through mid 20’s I was a street cop in Fort Worth, TX and Dodge City, KS. When people used to ask me why I had become a cop, I would always reply: “I’m an adrenaline junkie!”
As I get older I find myself being more of a calculated risk taker. Some of the “crash and burns” of life have made me more cautious. Caution in itself is a good thing, but at times I find myself paralyzed with unfounded fears. It is with this thought that I bring you this morning’s note of encouragement.
In his 1933 inaugural address Franklin Roosevelt spoke these famous words: “So first of all let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear…is fear itself…nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.”
Fear paralyzes many people to the point that they no longer grow, dream or reach for greater heights. Fear tells us that we will fail, that we will be hurt and that we should not trust. In my life I have met many who have missed out on God’s best because of these types of fears. I have a friend who is a fellow pastor who once told me: “I would love to try some of the things that you do in your church…but if they fail all of the responsibility falls on my shoulders.” The sad part of this is that my friend doesn’t enjoy his ministry, he wants it to be so much more than it is…but he is unwilling to step out in faith and trust God for the results.
The point I want to drive home to you this morning is simply this: “Where God guides…He provides!” I want to illustrate this to you with the following passage of scripture:
Joshua 3:13-17 (NLT)
The priests will be carrying the Ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth. When their feet touch the water, the flow of water will be cut off upstream, and the river will pile up there in one heap."
[14] When the people set out to cross the Jordan, the priests who were carrying the Ark of the Covenant went ahead of them. [15] Now it was the harvest season, and the Jordan was overflowing its banks. But as soon as the feet of the priests who were carrying the Ark touched the water at the river's edge, [16] the water began piling up at a town upstream called Adam, which is near Zarethan. And the water below that point flowed on to the Dead Sea until the riverbed was dry. Then all the people crossed over near the city of Jericho. [17] Meanwhile, the priests who were carrying the Ark of the Lord's covenant stood on dry ground in the middle of the riverbed as the people passed by them. They waited there until everyone had crossed the Jordan on dry ground.
Did you notice anything here? The Jordan River was at flood stage. Most of you remember what our local rivers looked like in September…high water and fast moving currents. That is the scenario here. Now remember God had already promised that when the feet of the priests touched the water, that the water would part. Sounds simple enough right? But most of us would agree that often times there are fine lines between faith and stupidity. The trust of the people was put to the test at the water’s edge. Fear could paralyze them in their tracks. What if we drown? What if the ark gets swept away? What if…what if? The “what ifs” in life derail many people from experiencing God’s very best for them.
Notice the water only parted after the foot of the priests touched the water. Standing at the edge of the river doesn’t take faith. Stepping off into it does! Today you may be faced with opportunities to take a faith “risk.” This may be as simple as striking up a conversation with someone new or offering assistance to someone who needs a helping hand. Don’t let fear paralyze you. Remember where God guides…God provides!
Until next Monday may God’s richest blessings be yours.
As I get older I find myself being more of a calculated risk taker. Some of the “crash and burns” of life have made me more cautious. Caution in itself is a good thing, but at times I find myself paralyzed with unfounded fears. It is with this thought that I bring you this morning’s note of encouragement.
In his 1933 inaugural address Franklin Roosevelt spoke these famous words: “So first of all let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear…is fear itself…nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.”
Fear paralyzes many people to the point that they no longer grow, dream or reach for greater heights. Fear tells us that we will fail, that we will be hurt and that we should not trust. In my life I have met many who have missed out on God’s best because of these types of fears. I have a friend who is a fellow pastor who once told me: “I would love to try some of the things that you do in your church…but if they fail all of the responsibility falls on my shoulders.” The sad part of this is that my friend doesn’t enjoy his ministry, he wants it to be so much more than it is…but he is unwilling to step out in faith and trust God for the results.
The point I want to drive home to you this morning is simply this: “Where God guides…He provides!” I want to illustrate this to you with the following passage of scripture:
Joshua 3:13-17 (NLT)
The priests will be carrying the Ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth. When their feet touch the water, the flow of water will be cut off upstream, and the river will pile up there in one heap."
[14] When the people set out to cross the Jordan, the priests who were carrying the Ark of the Covenant went ahead of them. [15] Now it was the harvest season, and the Jordan was overflowing its banks. But as soon as the feet of the priests who were carrying the Ark touched the water at the river's edge, [16] the water began piling up at a town upstream called Adam, which is near Zarethan. And the water below that point flowed on to the Dead Sea until the riverbed was dry. Then all the people crossed over near the city of Jericho. [17] Meanwhile, the priests who were carrying the Ark of the Lord's covenant stood on dry ground in the middle of the riverbed as the people passed by them. They waited there until everyone had crossed the Jordan on dry ground.
Did you notice anything here? The Jordan River was at flood stage. Most of you remember what our local rivers looked like in September…high water and fast moving currents. That is the scenario here. Now remember God had already promised that when the feet of the priests touched the water, that the water would part. Sounds simple enough right? But most of us would agree that often times there are fine lines between faith and stupidity. The trust of the people was put to the test at the water’s edge. Fear could paralyze them in their tracks. What if we drown? What if the ark gets swept away? What if…what if? The “what ifs” in life derail many people from experiencing God’s very best for them.
Notice the water only parted after the foot of the priests touched the water. Standing at the edge of the river doesn’t take faith. Stepping off into it does! Today you may be faced with opportunities to take a faith “risk.” This may be as simple as striking up a conversation with someone new or offering assistance to someone who needs a helping hand. Don’t let fear paralyze you. Remember where God guides…God provides!
Until next Monday may God’s richest blessings be yours.
Monday, March 07, 2005
Monday Morning Encouragement - March 07, 2005
I don’t know how your Monday has started off, but mine is off to a grand start. I started my day with my wife informing me that our hot water heater tank is leaking from the top and that our basement is flooding. It is with this backdrop that I bring you today’s Monday morning encouragement.
Life is filled with crisis moments. At times like these it is easy to feel like the character “Pigpen” from the Peanuts cartoons. If you recall Pigpen always has his own personal cloud following him around. It is important for all of us to remember that difficult times are a part of life. In the end we come away with greater character and new found strength.
The Bible reminds us:
James 1:2-3 (NLT)
Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. [3] For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
Things like water heaters. car repair, and visits to the emergency room can cause great stress in our lives if we allow them to. I think it is important that we instead look beyond the crisis and realize that these things are also the opportunity to build faith, trust, patience and as the verse above said endurance. Life is a marathon and not a sprint. Endurance is something we all need.
For me on a day like today, I go back to the promise that has carried me through many difficult days:
Psalm 34:19 (NLT)
The righteous face many troubles, but the Lord rescues them from each and every one.
This is where trust comes in. I have to trust that God who hears my prayers is big enough to carry me through any crisis. As I reflect back over my life I have seen God carry me through the loss of a home, a miscarriage, business failure, financial downturns and adversity of many different shapes and sizes…today I am confident that he will see me through once again.
If you are facing a crisis in your own life today…just remember God will make a way…even when it doesn’t seem possible. Tomorrow will still come and one day this crisis too will pass.
Until next Monday may God’s richest blessings be upon you.
Life is filled with crisis moments. At times like these it is easy to feel like the character “Pigpen” from the Peanuts cartoons. If you recall Pigpen always has his own personal cloud following him around. It is important for all of us to remember that difficult times are a part of life. In the end we come away with greater character and new found strength.
The Bible reminds us:
James 1:2-3 (NLT)
Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. [3] For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
Things like water heaters. car repair, and visits to the emergency room can cause great stress in our lives if we allow them to. I think it is important that we instead look beyond the crisis and realize that these things are also the opportunity to build faith, trust, patience and as the verse above said endurance. Life is a marathon and not a sprint. Endurance is something we all need.
For me on a day like today, I go back to the promise that has carried me through many difficult days:
Psalm 34:19 (NLT)
The righteous face many troubles, but the Lord rescues them from each and every one.
This is where trust comes in. I have to trust that God who hears my prayers is big enough to carry me through any crisis. As I reflect back over my life I have seen God carry me through the loss of a home, a miscarriage, business failure, financial downturns and adversity of many different shapes and sizes…today I am confident that he will see me through once again.
If you are facing a crisis in your own life today…just remember God will make a way…even when it doesn’t seem possible. Tomorrow will still come and one day this crisis too will pass.
Until next Monday may God’s richest blessings be upon you.
Monday Morning Encouragement - February 28, 2005
How rested are you this morning? I would guess like me, many of you find that getting adequate rest is hard work in itself. I tend to lean towards the workaholic side of the spectrum. Last night I went to bed with the wheels churning over how to better promote a website…sounds relaxing doesn’t it?
Let’s be honest many of us have forgotten what the weekend was originally intended to be.
Exodus 23:12 (NLT)
"Work for six days, and rest on the seventh. This will give your ox and your donkey a chance to rest. It will also allow the people of your household, including your slaves and visitors, to be refreshed.
Admit it most of us use our weekends to do MORE work. The only difference is that instead of the office we do our work in the yard, under the hood of the car or with a hammer and saw.
Our bodies were not made to go non-stop 24/7/365. A body that lacks in rest will begin to show other signs of its fatigue through illness, irritability and reduced performance. This week I encourage you to build in some down time into your week. You have my permission…take a few hours at some point this week and do nothing. Allow yourself time to be refreshed to just stop and soak in life.
Until next Monday may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.
Let’s be honest many of us have forgotten what the weekend was originally intended to be.
Exodus 23:12 (NLT)
"Work for six days, and rest on the seventh. This will give your ox and your donkey a chance to rest. It will also allow the people of your household, including your slaves and visitors, to be refreshed.
Admit it most of us use our weekends to do MORE work. The only difference is that instead of the office we do our work in the yard, under the hood of the car or with a hammer and saw.
Our bodies were not made to go non-stop 24/7/365. A body that lacks in rest will begin to show other signs of its fatigue through illness, irritability and reduced performance. This week I encourage you to build in some down time into your week. You have my permission…take a few hours at some point this week and do nothing. Allow yourself time to be refreshed to just stop and soak in life.
Until next Monday may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.
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