Good morning from Kitale, Kenya. I hope you had a great weekend.
My visit to Africa has been marked by obstacles and delays. Everything from the Iceland volcano to the illness of a driver has created delays for every conference I have been scheduled to speak in. I am reminded of this description of Paul's missionary travels in Acts 16:
Acts 16:6-10 (NASB)
6. They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia ;
7. and after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them;
8. and passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas.
9. A vision appeared to Paul in the night : a man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to him, and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us."
10. When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.
I find that the reason for obstacles often becomes apparent on the back side of those obstacles. In my experience on this trip, I have seen how God has used others to take on new roles of leadership, simply because I was delayed. He has allowed me to hear a word of encouragement that I would not have received had I been "on schedule." A greater excitement to my ministry has been experienced, because of the delays that took place. In each instance though I can see the hand of God at work.
There may be some issues in your life that seem delayed today. I can ensure you that there is a purpose to your delay. The purpose may or may not become evident to you, but make no mistake the delay is according to God's plan. This is the place where trust comes to bear. You must trust in God's direction and leading during these times of uncertainty. When the time is right the answer will become evident.
Until next week (if I have internet access), may God's richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl
Monday, May 03, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Allowing the Sacred to Guide the Secular in Your Life
Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend.
All too often we compartmentalize our lives in to the “secular” and the “sacred.” One set of values is adhered to Monday through Saturday, but an entirely different set of values is adhered to on Sunday. This breaking apart creates an inconsistency in our lives. Our direction shifts based on the audience around us.
Notice what the Bible says:
Proverbs 16:3 (NASB)
Commit your works to the LORD, And your plans will be established.
Instead of creating separate compartments for the secular and sacred, these two things really need to part of the same flow. If you are wanting to be successful in your business pursuits, who better to guide you than the very God who created you and knows the course of your life. Wouldn't it be much more beneficial to allow the Maker of Heaven and Earth to open the doors of opportunity before you? Wouldn't you much prefer the One who knows the heart of very man, to make the introductions to those who are mean to help you achieve your full potential.
It is imperative that each day you talk to God, not only about the things that are broken in your life, but also allow Him to give you direction in the pursuits of your life. Let Him direct you in how your time is managed, who you are going to call next and even what to say during that phone call. God is interested in seeing His purposes accomplished through your life. This means that He is even more concerned with our well being than you are.
Today I encourage you to take a few minutes and consult with the One who knows the number of your days. Take notes and chart a course of action as He shares the plans He has for you.
Until next Monday, may God's richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl
All too often we compartmentalize our lives in to the “secular” and the “sacred.” One set of values is adhered to Monday through Saturday, but an entirely different set of values is adhered to on Sunday. This breaking apart creates an inconsistency in our lives. Our direction shifts based on the audience around us.
Notice what the Bible says:
Proverbs 16:3 (NASB)
Commit your works to the LORD, And your plans will be established.
Instead of creating separate compartments for the secular and sacred, these two things really need to part of the same flow. If you are wanting to be successful in your business pursuits, who better to guide you than the very God who created you and knows the course of your life. Wouldn't it be much more beneficial to allow the Maker of Heaven and Earth to open the doors of opportunity before you? Wouldn't you much prefer the One who knows the heart of very man, to make the introductions to those who are mean to help you achieve your full potential.
It is imperative that each day you talk to God, not only about the things that are broken in your life, but also allow Him to give you direction in the pursuits of your life. Let Him direct you in how your time is managed, who you are going to call next and even what to say during that phone call. God is interested in seeing His purposes accomplished through your life. This means that He is even more concerned with our well being than you are.
Today I encourage you to take a few minutes and consult with the One who knows the number of your days. Take notes and chart a course of action as He shares the plans He has for you.
Until next Monday, may God's richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl
Monday, March 22, 2010
God Doesn't Call The Equipped
Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend.
Exodus 4:10-12 (NASB)
10 Then Moses said to the LORD, "Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since Thou hast spoken to Thy servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue."
11 And the LORD said to him, "Who has made man's mouth? Or who makes him dumb or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the LORD?
12 "Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say."
There is a saying that goes something like this: God does not call the equipped...God equips those He calls. So many times in our lives we know that God is calling us to greater things, but we find ourselves operating as Moses did in Exodus 4. We are filled with excuses for why God cannot use us in a greater capacity. For Moses, his excuse was that he had problems speaking and in his mind that was more than enough to disqualify him from the call God was placing on his life.
All too often we enter into the assumption that because I am not good at something, because I have no experience in a particular matter that God would not choose to use me in that capacity. The Bible shows us that God has never chosen His servants based on their resume. David was a shepherd boy certainly not the pedigree for a king. Elisha the prophet was plowing the fields with a team of oxen. Peter the chosen vessel of God on the day of Pentecost was a career fisherman. None of these would have been our choices for the role that God was calling them to. They had no experience in the matters at hand, yet that is exactly who God chose. He called them, He equipped them and He worked through them in powerful ways.
Today I want to challenge you to simply say “yes” to the call of God on your life. Trust not in your own abilities, but acknowledge the equipping power of God as it comes to bear on your life.
Until next Monday, may God's richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl
Monday, March 15, 2010
What's Under Your Hood?
Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend.
Over the past few days I have been engaged in a battle of determination to get my old pickup truck running, so my oldest son can use it for transportation at college. Just about the time I think I have the problem resolved, I find that there are yet other problems to be dealt with. There are unseen things in the mechanical systems of the truck that are causing it be of no value as a vehicle in its present condition.
I find it fascinating how often we see these patterns in our own lives as well. Look at the following statement made by the Lord about King Saul:
1 SAMUEL 16:7 (NASB)
But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
From all outward appearances, Saul seemed like the ideal candidate to be king. He was tall, he was handsome, he seemed to have the proper bearing for royalty. Unfortunately Saul was not fit to rule, because there were problems deep within him. His heart was not fully yielded unto God. His unyielding heart would ultimately become visible in his actions and decisions.
It is critical in each of our lives that we regularly undergo a diagnostic process with the Lord. We need to allow Him to examine the “systems” with in us. Where he finds values, ideals, goals and relationships out of tune with His perfect will; we need to allow Him to make the necessary adjustments. After all you wouldn't settle for a misfiring, non-running vehicle; so why settle for a misfiring, out of alignment life.
Today I encourage you to plug into the Holy Spirit's diagnostic presence and allow Him to give you a thorough review.
Until next Monday, may God's richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl
Monday, March 01, 2010
Treasured Friendships
Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend.
1 Corinthians 16:19-20 (NASB)
19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
20 All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
Today I was answering emails from some of my greatest friends in the world. I realize that some of the most cherished treasures I have are the rich friendships that I have been blessed with. Today I was corresponding with a friend in India about the upcoming birth of her first child in a week and half. In another email I was talking with a friend in Uganda about seeing him again in April. I recently corresponded with a friend in Canada about his upcoming ministry schedule. Every week via Facebook, I correspond with friends who were a part of my journey at different stages in my life.
It is no wonder that the Apostle Paul referred to those who were so dear to him in his letters. God used these friendships as a means of encouraging and sustaining the apostle through some of the darkest days of his life. These friendships continued on in spite of geography and time. In them was a lasting bond that moved far beyond the realm of mere acquaintance, but instead moved deep into the realm of sharing the fullness of life, knit together by the bond of Christ.
As I have traveled throughout the world, I have been amazed at how deep these friendships have become in my own life. I have mourned the death of loved ones with friends a half a world away. I have rejoiced over the marriage of daughters, the return of sons and the move of God in families and ministries.
At the same time I have received notes of encouragement at just the right time from places like India and Africa. I have shared laughs with friends I haven’t seen in a quarter of a century. Although time changes us in many ways, friendships forged into the bedrock of our faith have a staying power that is unmatched.
Today I would encourage you to count the relationships you have been given as treasures in your own life. Perhaps its time to send a greeting out to someone you haven’t heard from in a while. Your contact may be just the thing that is needed in their life today.
Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl
1 Corinthians 16:19-20 (NASB)
19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
20 All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
Today I was answering emails from some of my greatest friends in the world. I realize that some of the most cherished treasures I have are the rich friendships that I have been blessed with. Today I was corresponding with a friend in India about the upcoming birth of her first child in a week and half. In another email I was talking with a friend in Uganda about seeing him again in April. I recently corresponded with a friend in Canada about his upcoming ministry schedule. Every week via Facebook, I correspond with friends who were a part of my journey at different stages in my life.
It is no wonder that the Apostle Paul referred to those who were so dear to him in his letters. God used these friendships as a means of encouraging and sustaining the apostle through some of the darkest days of his life. These friendships continued on in spite of geography and time. In them was a lasting bond that moved far beyond the realm of mere acquaintance, but instead moved deep into the realm of sharing the fullness of life, knit together by the bond of Christ.
As I have traveled throughout the world, I have been amazed at how deep these friendships have become in my own life. I have mourned the death of loved ones with friends a half a world away. I have rejoiced over the marriage of daughters, the return of sons and the move of God in families and ministries.
At the same time I have received notes of encouragement at just the right time from places like India and Africa. I have shared laughs with friends I haven’t seen in a quarter of a century. Although time changes us in many ways, friendships forged into the bedrock of our faith have a staying power that is unmatched.
Today I would encourage you to count the relationships you have been given as treasures in your own life. Perhaps its time to send a greeting out to someone you haven’t heard from in a while. Your contact may be just the thing that is needed in their life today.
Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl
Monday, February 22, 2010
Audit your return
Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend.
Over the past few weeks most of you have been collecting your personal financial data so that you can complete your tax returns for 2009. Putting together your financial information is always insightful. You discover what you earned for the year, your expenses, your charitable giving and so on. Our tax forms are not simply a government reporting of income and tax liability, but in many ways it is a snapshot of the priorities in our life.
For many people the objective of their life is to put larger numbers into the earning box each year. They work a little harder, a little longer and look for new sources of revenue in an effort to secure a better way of life. Unfortunately with each new calendar year, the count returns to zero. So the question becomes: “What did you do that was lasting in nature?”
Matthew 6:20-21 (NASB)
20 "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;
21 for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Work is a normal part of life, the real issues arise when our work only feeds a continual cycle of needing more. So much of what we are working to obtain, is temporal. They are things that quickly lose their value and at some point will no longer be desirable.
As you look over your financial information this year, perhaps you need to conduct your own personal audit. As you examine the figures for 2009, determine if those 365 days were well spent. What did you achieve in those 365 days? Whose life did you invest in over that time period? What did you establish that was lasting in nature? What adjustments do you need to make this year?
As you take this time to evaluate. Commit your ways before the Lord this week and ask Him to lead you into those things of lasting value.
Until next week, may God's richest blessings be yours.
Carl
Over the past few weeks most of you have been collecting your personal financial data so that you can complete your tax returns for 2009. Putting together your financial information is always insightful. You discover what you earned for the year, your expenses, your charitable giving and so on. Our tax forms are not simply a government reporting of income and tax liability, but in many ways it is a snapshot of the priorities in our life.
For many people the objective of their life is to put larger numbers into the earning box each year. They work a little harder, a little longer and look for new sources of revenue in an effort to secure a better way of life. Unfortunately with each new calendar year, the count returns to zero. So the question becomes: “What did you do that was lasting in nature?”
Matthew 6:20-21 (NASB)
20 "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;
21 for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Work is a normal part of life, the real issues arise when our work only feeds a continual cycle of needing more. So much of what we are working to obtain, is temporal. They are things that quickly lose their value and at some point will no longer be desirable.
As you look over your financial information this year, perhaps you need to conduct your own personal audit. As you examine the figures for 2009, determine if those 365 days were well spent. What did you achieve in those 365 days? Whose life did you invest in over that time period? What did you establish that was lasting in nature? What adjustments do you need to make this year?
As you take this time to evaluate. Commit your ways before the Lord this week and ask Him to lead you into those things of lasting value.
Until next week, may God's richest blessings be yours.
Carl
Monday, February 08, 2010
Spirit lifters
Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend.
2 Corinthians 7:5-6 (NASB)
5 For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within.
6 But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
5 For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within.
6 But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
Perhaps you can relate to these words of the Apostle Paul. We all go through times when there just seems to be no rest for the weary. Trouble is at every turn and from the time you wake up in the morning, until your head hits the pillow at night you are in a knock down, drag out street fight with the fears that lurk deep within you.
God is very aware of our circumstances. In Paul's case God sent Titus to minister to Paul's needs. Titus was truly a gift from during Paul's time of need. Titus' presence lifted Paul's spirit and his report of the ministry he had received from the church in Corinth was all the more encouraging.
I have found in some of the darkest days of my life, God has done a similar thing throughout my life. During these seasons, I have received the unexpected phone call from a long time friend; the surprise invitation to breakfast or the unexpected knock at the door. These divine contacts have been medicine to my soul in the difficult seasons of life.
Today you may feel the prompting to call someone you haven't talked to in a while. Realize that you may be God's messenger of hope in the midst of someone's darkest days. Your call, visit and extension of yourself may be just the shot in the arm someone else is needing today. If you are the one in the dark season today. Keep your eyes opened for the “Titus” God is sending to encourage your soul.
Until next Monday, may God's richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl
Monday, February 01, 2010
The Super Bowls of Life
Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend.
This week is filled with Super Bowl hype, as the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts prepare to face off. For the New Orleans Saints this is their first Super Bowl appearance in the team’s history. For a city that was so devastated by Hurricane Katrina, this game has refueled a great sense of civic pride. With so many dreams, aspirations, and sentimental motivations for winning on the line, the Saints will be under pressure to perform at the peak of their abilities. During this week the coaching staff will reinforce the basics of ball control, timing, clock management and everything else that goes along with winning football games.
In life we often face Super Bowl sized challenges. Times when every ounce of our being is required to see us through successfully. Fortunately for those times, we have been given a powerful coach. Look at the words of Jesus:
John 14:26 (NLT)
But when the Father sends the Counselor as my representative—and by the Counselor I mean the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I myself have told you.
Superstar athletes do not become that way by themselves. It is the constant feedback and motivation given by their coaches that takes them to the top of their game. In the Christian life we cannot make it in our own strength, but we have been given the Holy Spirit and His power indwells us.
The Holy Spirit constantly reminds us of the basics….”Loving God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength”…”Loving your neighbor as yourself.” In those clutch times He empowers us with strength and abilities that are beyond us. We have the right words to comfort a friend in need. We find a wellspring of peace when we are in the midst of turmoil. We find the strength to press on in spite of personal pain and loss. Instead of calling in a play, the Holy Spirit brings a passage of scripture to mind that is a perfect fit for your situation. At other times He places a song in your heart that changes your perception of the situation at hand. At other times He sends in different personnel to walk along side of you to mentor, encourage and strengthen you.
This morning you may find yourself in the middle of life’s Super Bowl. Take a moment to look at all God has done to prepare you for such a time as this. Look at those who surround you and have made you better. Recognize God’s touch in every part of your circumstances.
Until next Monday may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl
This week is filled with Super Bowl hype, as the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts prepare to face off. For the New Orleans Saints this is their first Super Bowl appearance in the team’s history. For a city that was so devastated by Hurricane Katrina, this game has refueled a great sense of civic pride. With so many dreams, aspirations, and sentimental motivations for winning on the line, the Saints will be under pressure to perform at the peak of their abilities. During this week the coaching staff will reinforce the basics of ball control, timing, clock management and everything else that goes along with winning football games.
In life we often face Super Bowl sized challenges. Times when every ounce of our being is required to see us through successfully. Fortunately for those times, we have been given a powerful coach. Look at the words of Jesus:
John 14:26 (NLT)
But when the Father sends the Counselor as my representative—and by the Counselor I mean the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I myself have told you.
Superstar athletes do not become that way by themselves. It is the constant feedback and motivation given by their coaches that takes them to the top of their game. In the Christian life we cannot make it in our own strength, but we have been given the Holy Spirit and His power indwells us.
The Holy Spirit constantly reminds us of the basics….”Loving God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength”…”Loving your neighbor as yourself.” In those clutch times He empowers us with strength and abilities that are beyond us. We have the right words to comfort a friend in need. We find a wellspring of peace when we are in the midst of turmoil. We find the strength to press on in spite of personal pain and loss. Instead of calling in a play, the Holy Spirit brings a passage of scripture to mind that is a perfect fit for your situation. At other times He places a song in your heart that changes your perception of the situation at hand. At other times He sends in different personnel to walk along side of you to mentor, encourage and strengthen you.
This morning you may find yourself in the middle of life’s Super Bowl. Take a moment to look at all God has done to prepare you for such a time as this. Look at those who surround you and have made you better. Recognize God’s touch in every part of your circumstances.
Until next Monday may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl
Monday, January 25, 2010
Seventy x Seven
Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend.
Throughout our lives we face times and circumstances in which we feel we have been wronged by someone else. Our natural responses can run the emotional spectrum from resentment to hatred, but for the follower of Jesus, the example of forgiveness has been clearly given. Even as He was being put to death, Jesus cried out for the forgiveness of those putting Him to death.
Forgiveness is never easy, particularly when we have been wounded deeply. Our desire to never be wounded by an individual again, leads to a vast array of defenses being erected in our lives. We simply do not want to give those who have offended us the opportunity to do it again.
Peter was wrestling with the need to extend forgiveness as he posed this question to Jesus:
Matthew 18:21-22 (HCSB)
Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how many times could my brother sin against me and I forgive him? As many as seven times?”
“I tell you, not as many as seven,” Jesus said to him, “but 70 times seven.”
Peter was looking for that justification to hold a grudge. His question was simple, surely there must be a limit to the amount of forgiveness that should have to be offered to someone who has wrong us? Peter gave a number that to him seemed generous. After forgiving someone seven times already, there should be no obligation to forgive again, if they wrong him again. Jesus instead responded that forgiveness needed to offered exponentially more.
This standard of forgiveness is in play in our lives each and every day. What if God placed an arbitrary number on His forgiveness? Suppose God's forgiveness was no longer available to you and I after our 500th offense, even our 1,000th offense. Most of us would have exhausted God's forgiveness before we were even out of primary school. The simple disobedience of childhood and the rebellion of youth would have exhausted that forgiveness supply. God continues to forgive us time and time again, that is the example we have been called to follow even though it is difficult at times.
When we refuse to forgive, we allow unforgiveness to control us. Rarely is the person who has offended us, affected by our resentment. That area of our lives is robbed of the peace that is rightfully ours and that lack of peace reflects in our actions and words.
Today, there may be someone who needs your forgiveness. Their actions may not warrant forgiveness, but true forgiveness is not based on the actions of the other person, true forgiveness is birthed within you, it is your act of mercy and grace towards them. As difficult as this step may be, it will be very freeing for you in the long run. By taking this step, you will be releasing the hold that unforgiveness has on your life.
Until next Monday, may God's richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl
Throughout our lives we face times and circumstances in which we feel we have been wronged by someone else. Our natural responses can run the emotional spectrum from resentment to hatred, but for the follower of Jesus, the example of forgiveness has been clearly given. Even as He was being put to death, Jesus cried out for the forgiveness of those putting Him to death.
Forgiveness is never easy, particularly when we have been wounded deeply. Our desire to never be wounded by an individual again, leads to a vast array of defenses being erected in our lives. We simply do not want to give those who have offended us the opportunity to do it again.
Peter was wrestling with the need to extend forgiveness as he posed this question to Jesus:
Matthew 18:21-22 (HCSB)
Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how many times could my brother sin against me and I forgive him? As many as seven times?”
“I tell you, not as many as seven,” Jesus said to him, “but 70 times seven.”
Peter was looking for that justification to hold a grudge. His question was simple, surely there must be a limit to the amount of forgiveness that should have to be offered to someone who has wrong us? Peter gave a number that to him seemed generous. After forgiving someone seven times already, there should be no obligation to forgive again, if they wrong him again. Jesus instead responded that forgiveness needed to offered exponentially more.
This standard of forgiveness is in play in our lives each and every day. What if God placed an arbitrary number on His forgiveness? Suppose God's forgiveness was no longer available to you and I after our 500th offense, even our 1,000th offense. Most of us would have exhausted God's forgiveness before we were even out of primary school. The simple disobedience of childhood and the rebellion of youth would have exhausted that forgiveness supply. God continues to forgive us time and time again, that is the example we have been called to follow even though it is difficult at times.
When we refuse to forgive, we allow unforgiveness to control us. Rarely is the person who has offended us, affected by our resentment. That area of our lives is robbed of the peace that is rightfully ours and that lack of peace reflects in our actions and words.
Today, there may be someone who needs your forgiveness. Their actions may not warrant forgiveness, but true forgiveness is not based on the actions of the other person, true forgiveness is birthed within you, it is your act of mercy and grace towards them. As difficult as this step may be, it will be very freeing for you in the long run. By taking this step, you will be releasing the hold that unforgiveness has on your life.
Until next Monday, may God's richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl
Monday, January 18, 2010
Living in Community
Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend.
One of the things seen in the early church was a living example of Christian community. Acts chapter 2 describes this community life very vividly:
Acts 2:44-47 (NASB)
44 And all those who had believed were together, and had all things in common;
45 and they began selling their property and possessions, and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.
46 And day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,
47 praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
44 And all those who had believed were together, and had all things in common;
45 and they began selling their property and possessions, and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.
46 And day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,
47 praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Today in America this idea seems very foreign to us. We have moved from deep interactive personal relationships to a very surface level interaction with others. We have made our ideal a setting in which we push a button to open our garage door as we leave in the morning and we push that same button again as we pull back into our garage at night. We now are able to spend years in a neighborhood without ever truly getting to know our neighbors. As time has gone on, we have begun to see the erosion of this spirit of community. There are times that we see glimpses of it, especially in the wake of disaster.
Today I want to give you a simple formula found in the above passage that will help you establish community in your own life and sphere of influence. The first thing visible is the idea expressed in Jesus' command to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Take a look at the needs of those closest to you. Does your neighbor need their yard mowed? Have you seen them under the hood of the car this week? Has your neighbor lost their job? These are all opportunities for you to show love and kindness to those around you. These may also be opportunities to be God's source of provision during a time of need, as He enables you.
Secondarily, the community of the early church worshiped together. They shared the commonality of their faith. Not everyone will hold to the same beliefs as you, but there are many who do. Find those individuals and begin to walk out your faith journey with them. Worship together, study together and pray together.
Lastly, the community broke bread together. The dining room table is the place of greatest relational contact within your home. It is the place where our deeper conversations take place. That is why a business person takes their client to lunch or dinner. It is a place where extended conversation can occur. This week I would encourage you to invite someone into your home to share a meal. You will find that your life is enriched by their presence.
This week I hope that you will seek to build community in the places that God has placed you.
Until next Monday, may God's richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl
Monday, January 11, 2010
Is your plate too full?
Good morning. I hope you had a great weekend.
Do you ever find yourself overwhelmed? During this time of year, my friends who are tax preparers and accountants begin feeling that way. We all face demanding circumstances in our lives. The expectations put upon us by ourselves and others can quickly leave us out of gas and ineffective.
In the Old Testament book of Exodus, we find a great bit of advice, that all of us can put into practice. Moses was listening to the disputes of the people from sun up to sun down, making judgments in these contested matters. Moses’ father-in-law Jethro observed this and realized that Moses’ was not only hurting himself, but it would ultimately hurt the people too. To put it simple, Moses’ had too much on his plate. Take a look at the advice Jethro gives his son-in-law:
Exodus 18:17-23 (NASB)
17 And Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing that you are doing is not good.
18 “You will surely wear out, both yourself and these people who are with you, for the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone.
19 “Now listen to me: I shall give you counsel, and God be with you. You be the people’s representative before God, and you bring the disputes to God,
20 then teach them the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they are to walk, and the work they are to do.
21 “Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them, as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens.
22 “And let them judge the people at all times; and let it be that every major dispute they will bring to you, but every minor dispute they themselves will judge. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you.
23 “If you do this thing and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people also will go to their place in peace.”
There are two key pieces of instruction that Jethro gives. The first is that Moses should equip the people. Give them the knowledge to make good decisions. In this case it was through the teaching of God’s statures and laws, plus the application of those statutes and laws.
Secondarily, Moses needed to choose men of good character and delegate the responsibility of hearing disputes to them. Moses needed to give away this part of his workload to those who were capable of carrying it for him. Moses’ true responsibility was to be the representative of the people before God.
As you begin this new year, I encourage you to examine some ways you can apply Jethro’s advice to your own life and circumstances. Are there tasks around the home that your children need to be trained in? Is there a task in the workplace that could be delegated to another capable individual. Ask God to guide you in these questions of equipping and delegating. In the long run you will be better off for taking this step.
Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl
Do you ever find yourself overwhelmed? During this time of year, my friends who are tax preparers and accountants begin feeling that way. We all face demanding circumstances in our lives. The expectations put upon us by ourselves and others can quickly leave us out of gas and ineffective.
In the Old Testament book of Exodus, we find a great bit of advice, that all of us can put into practice. Moses was listening to the disputes of the people from sun up to sun down, making judgments in these contested matters. Moses’ father-in-law Jethro observed this and realized that Moses’ was not only hurting himself, but it would ultimately hurt the people too. To put it simple, Moses’ had too much on his plate. Take a look at the advice Jethro gives his son-in-law:
Exodus 18:17-23 (NASB)
17 And Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing that you are doing is not good.
18 “You will surely wear out, both yourself and these people who are with you, for the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone.
19 “Now listen to me: I shall give you counsel, and God be with you. You be the people’s representative before God, and you bring the disputes to God,
20 then teach them the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they are to walk, and the work they are to do.
21 “Furthermore, you shall select out of all the people able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; and you shall place these over them, as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens.
22 “And let them judge the people at all times; and let it be that every major dispute they will bring to you, but every minor dispute they themselves will judge. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you.
23 “If you do this thing and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people also will go to their place in peace.”
There are two key pieces of instruction that Jethro gives. The first is that Moses should equip the people. Give them the knowledge to make good decisions. In this case it was through the teaching of God’s statures and laws, plus the application of those statutes and laws.
Secondarily, Moses needed to choose men of good character and delegate the responsibility of hearing disputes to them. Moses needed to give away this part of his workload to those who were capable of carrying it for him. Moses’ true responsibility was to be the representative of the people before God.
As you begin this new year, I encourage you to examine some ways you can apply Jethro’s advice to your own life and circumstances. Are there tasks around the home that your children need to be trained in? Is there a task in the workplace that could be delegated to another capable individual. Ask God to guide you in these questions of equipping and delegating. In the long run you will be better off for taking this step.
Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl
Monday, December 28, 2009
Allowing God to Direct Your Steps
Good morning. I hope you had a great Christmas weekend.
2 Chronicles 27:6 (NASB)
So Jotham became mighty because he ordered his ways before the LORD his God.
Traditionally for me, the week between Christmas and New Years Day is a time of reflection, a time of prayer, a time of course plotting and a time for setting goals. During this week, I spend a great deal of time alone with God, allowing Him to guide my thoughts.
It is during these times that the Lord shows me all that I have to be thankful for from the current year. He shows me places where He strengthened me, guided me and sustained me. He also uses this as a time to show me where I got off course and reminds me of how He guided me back to the right path.
From there I begin to seek the Lord’s heart for the coming year. This is a time of asking Him, what He would like to accomplish through me? I find that I often come away with major themes or points of emphasis for my life in the coming year. It is during these times that I clarify what the Lord is revealing to me, and I ask Him to determine the work of my hands. It is from this dialogue with the Lord that I set my goals for the coming year.
This week, I hope you will take a cue from Jotham, and order your ways before the LORD your God. He sees the greater picture, and His goals will always be in your best interest.
Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl
Monday, December 14, 2009
Wait on it
Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend.
One of the most difficult aspects of life for me is waiting. I’m not talking about the kind of waiting that comes from long lines of Christmas shoppers either. What I am referring to is the waiting for the promises of God in my life.
The Bible is filled with promises for our lives. The promises that a loving Father makes to His children. These are the promises that we encourage one another with, when life gets challenging. We also have those deeply personal promises that come to us in our time alone with God. These are the glimpses of things to come…the words that set our eyes to a certain direction.
The difficult thing in experiencing these glorious promises is the wait. All too often we lose hope, lose courage or just plain lose sight of all that God has promised to us. The vision of tomorrow get’s lost in the static snow of today, and all too often we give up and abandon the vision.
This past week, I was struggling with some of those visionary promises from the Lord, and found myself being led back to a familiar passage. In the book of Habakkuk we see a back and forth dialogue between Habakkuk and the Lord. In the second chapter of this Old Testament book, we read these words:
Habakkuk 2:3 (KJV)
3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
The real issue is not the validity or reliability of God’s promises, but instead it is an issue of timing. Habakkuk reminds us that God’s plan is for a specific time, known only to God. He points out that in our sense of time, the fulfillment of this promise may even seem delayed. His instruction for us is wise…”wait for it; because it will surely come…”
Our faith is based in the sovereignty of God. If we truly believe that God is sovereign, then we must recognize that He knows what is best for us. His timing is perfect, because He sees our circumstances not just in the present, but down the road in the future.
Today, I want to encourage you to hold tight to the vision God has given you. What may seem to be a delay, is actually God’s perfect timing at work in your life. Determine in your heart to wait upon the vision He has given you. I assure you it will be worth the wait.
Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl
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