Do you ever feel bogged down? I know I do…between the demands of church, wife, three kids, 2 dogs and whoever else is wanting a piece of my time and attention I find myself weighted down to point of a standstill.
I have some friends who are marathon runners and they have shared with me some of their training and preparation for these 26 mile road races. One of the things that each of them has shared is some of the ways they cut excess weight. These runners look for the lightest of running shoes, they wear shirts and shorts made of lightweight fabric. All of these things are done in an effort run better, last longer and finish well.
All of us are running in the race of life. Many of us however have allowed ourselves to weighted down by worry, guilt, painful memories, fear and sin. These weights slow us down, they make us work harder and they rob us of our focus. When we are burdened by these weights we easily lose sight of the goal….to finish well.
Today’s encouragement comes from the following passage of scripture:
Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us.
There are a couple of things I want you to see in this passage. First of all God has put a cheering section in place for you. The crowd of witnesses may include your family, your friends, your co-workers and classmates. My oldest son runs in track for his high school. At his races those watching call out his name and spur him on as he runs past them. When he is falling behind they call out with words of encouragement. When he is running well they encourage him to push on. You never know who is in this crowd, and more importantly you never know the influence your life may have upon them. I have been inspired many times by watching the way others have run their race.
The second thing that we see is that we need to strip off every weight that is slowing us down. The sad part about these weights (guilt, worry, etc…) is that most of us choose to pick up those weights in the first place. We have prayed for and received God’s forgiveness and peace, but the weight is familiar and so we become like Linus from the Peanuts cartoon…we always have our security blanket with us. The weights become so familiar that they are no longer akward, because we have adapted to them and we are not even aware that they hinder us. I want you to notice who controls the burden of the hinderance…it is you. You have the option to strip it off and remove it!!!! Each day it is a choice….Am I going to carry this burden and let it weigh me down or will I leave it a the feet of Jesus?
The last point is that we run with endurance. Runners describe different stages of their runs. They talk about hitting the wall. The wall is physical and psychological point in the race where the mind and body scream out for the runner to quit. A good runner knows that this point comes right before the “runner’s high.” The runner’s high is that place where the body releases endorphins and the pain ceases. The runner can then push on to the finish line. God has set a course before you in this life. By finishing well you bring glory and honor to Him and you will inspire those who witness your race.
Today examine your race...consider your running apparel. Are you running with that medicine ball of guilt, how about that dumbbell of anxiety, perhaps it’s the backpack full of remorse. Whatever that weight is you have a choice…drop it right now or continue to carry that weight that you were never meant to bear.
Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl
Monday, April 25, 2005
Monday, April 18, 2005
Monday Morning Encouragement - April 18, 2005
Ok let’s face it…all of us deal with people in our lives who, for lack of a better term, are jerks. Maybe the guy in the cubicle fits this bill or perhaps it’s your boss. It is a fact of life that all of us deal with people who just rub us the wrong way. Many times we find ourselves being unjustly tormented by their words and actions. These people always seem to know when and where to spread their poison. You’ve come to the office having enjoyed a pleasant drive to work…and wham they hit you in the knees and change your outlook for the day. Today I want to give you some encouragement for dealing with the difficult people in your life.
Proverbs 11:17 (NLT)
Your own soul is nourished when you are kind, but you destroy yourself when you are cruel.
So how can you be kind to someone who makes your life so difficult? I want to give you a couple of steps that will help you maintain a right perspective when dealing with those who cause you grief.
First of all start with prayer. Pray for that person. No, asking God to make them something other than a jerk will not work. Instead, praying for that person means praying for their personal well being. Ask God to bless them, bless their work and bless their family. Look at what Jesus instructed along these lines:
Matthew 5:44 (NLT)
But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!
When you pray for your enemies God shifts your focus off of you and the actions that have offended you and instead puts the spotlight on God. As you pray for these people you will find that your heart begins to change. You begin to find them more tolerable and you begin to have compassion upon them.
The second step is to overwhelm them with kindness. You cannot change the actions of another person. You can only change your own actions and attitudes. It is important to realize that you won’t be much good at step 2 if you haven’t started at step 1. Kindness without serious prayer will be temporal. But when you begin with prayer your kindness will be empowered by God’s strength.
Proverbs 25:21-22 (NLT)
If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. [22] You will heap burning coals on their heads, and the Lord will reward you.
Remember difficult people will help to develop important character qualities such as patience, perseverance and compassion into you.
Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.
Proverbs 11:17 (NLT)
Your own soul is nourished when you are kind, but you destroy yourself when you are cruel.
So how can you be kind to someone who makes your life so difficult? I want to give you a couple of steps that will help you maintain a right perspective when dealing with those who cause you grief.
First of all start with prayer. Pray for that person. No, asking God to make them something other than a jerk will not work. Instead, praying for that person means praying for their personal well being. Ask God to bless them, bless their work and bless their family. Look at what Jesus instructed along these lines:
Matthew 5:44 (NLT)
But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!
When you pray for your enemies God shifts your focus off of you and the actions that have offended you and instead puts the spotlight on God. As you pray for these people you will find that your heart begins to change. You begin to find them more tolerable and you begin to have compassion upon them.
The second step is to overwhelm them with kindness. You cannot change the actions of another person. You can only change your own actions and attitudes. It is important to realize that you won’t be much good at step 2 if you haven’t started at step 1. Kindness without serious prayer will be temporal. But when you begin with prayer your kindness will be empowered by God’s strength.
Proverbs 25:21-22 (NLT)
If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. [22] You will heap burning coals on their heads, and the Lord will reward you.
Remember difficult people will help to develop important character qualities such as patience, perseverance and compassion into you.
Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.
Monday, April 11, 2005
Monday Morning Encouragement - April 11, 2005
I grew up in Kansas & Oklahoma an area affectionately known as “tornado alley.” During my lifetime I have seen numerous tornadoes and have even been left homeless by one.
For those living in the plains this time of year is not just spring, but tornado season. To better protect the public the National Weather Service will often issue a tornado watch. A tornado watch means that developing conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes. When a watch is issued it is expected that you will keep your eye to the sky and be ready to seek shelter at a moments notice.
It is with this thought in mind that I want to speak to the watches and warnings that God sends into your life.
1 Peter 5:8 (NLT)
Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour.
2 Peter 3:17 (NLT)
I am warning you ahead of time, dear friends, so that you can watch out and not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people. I don't want you to lose your own secure footing.
There is always a spiritual battle raging for your life. When we are not careful we are susceptible to getting off course and making decisions that bring hardship and pain into our lives. Just like tornadic thunderstorms, temptation slowly moves into our lives and we become complacent in guarding our hearts. Then all of the sudden…the spriritual tornado appears and begins to ravage the landscape of our lives.
Are you paying attention to the warnings in your life? God warns us of approaching storms through His Word, through others and through the convicting power of His Spirit within us. But just like the people living in tornado alley, you can either heed the warnings or you can simply ignore them and take a gamble.
God has placed His early warning system in your life to protect and sustain you. When the warnings sound…take heed, seek refuge in His Word, surround yourself with the strength of others.
Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be upon you this week.
Carl
For those living in the plains this time of year is not just spring, but tornado season. To better protect the public the National Weather Service will often issue a tornado watch. A tornado watch means that developing conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes. When a watch is issued it is expected that you will keep your eye to the sky and be ready to seek shelter at a moments notice.
It is with this thought in mind that I want to speak to the watches and warnings that God sends into your life.
1 Peter 5:8 (NLT)
Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour.
2 Peter 3:17 (NLT)
I am warning you ahead of time, dear friends, so that you can watch out and not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people. I don't want you to lose your own secure footing.
There is always a spiritual battle raging for your life. When we are not careful we are susceptible to getting off course and making decisions that bring hardship and pain into our lives. Just like tornadic thunderstorms, temptation slowly moves into our lives and we become complacent in guarding our hearts. Then all of the sudden…the spriritual tornado appears and begins to ravage the landscape of our lives.
Are you paying attention to the warnings in your life? God warns us of approaching storms through His Word, through others and through the convicting power of His Spirit within us. But just like the people living in tornado alley, you can either heed the warnings or you can simply ignore them and take a gamble.
God has placed His early warning system in your life to protect and sustain you. When the warnings sound…take heed, seek refuge in His Word, surround yourself with the strength of others.
Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be upon you this week.
Carl
Monday, April 04, 2005
Good morning! If you’re like me you are glad to see the sun out shining again. Today is the Pirates opening home game….spring is here (for the most part).
This morning I want to challenge you with the thought of being ready to encounter Jesus throughout your day.
Luke 12:40 (NLT)
You must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected."
As I was driving to the church yesterday morning, I was somewhat amused by the unprepared condition of the road crews for yesterday’s snow storm. The road crews were not expecting a large snowfall and ended up being caught of guard.
In our day to day routine, how many times do we get so busy that we fail to see Jesus working in our lives? Yet, Jesus wants to be a part of each and every day. He is looking for opportunities to drop in and reveal himself in a special way.
Sadly it is even possible to be so busy doing good things, religious activity and acts of service that we crowd Jesus out of the picture. As a pastor, there have been times that I have found myself getting so busy with the work of Jesus, that I miss Jesus completely.
Without having that intimacy with Jesus, our work for him becomes less than what it should be. We meet deep needs in others with shallow words and pointed advice, that while it may be Biblical, lacks the very compassion of Christ.
Today allow Jesus to interrupt your routine. Allow him to drop by for a visit. Spend your lunch hour with Him. Look for Jesus in your day. When this day is done reflect on the places that you’ve felt his touch and experienced his presence throughout this beautiful day.
Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl
This morning I want to challenge you with the thought of being ready to encounter Jesus throughout your day.
Luke 12:40 (NLT)
You must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected."
As I was driving to the church yesterday morning, I was somewhat amused by the unprepared condition of the road crews for yesterday’s snow storm. The road crews were not expecting a large snowfall and ended up being caught of guard.
In our day to day routine, how many times do we get so busy that we fail to see Jesus working in our lives? Yet, Jesus wants to be a part of each and every day. He is looking for opportunities to drop in and reveal himself in a special way.
Sadly it is even possible to be so busy doing good things, religious activity and acts of service that we crowd Jesus out of the picture. As a pastor, there have been times that I have found myself getting so busy with the work of Jesus, that I miss Jesus completely.
Without having that intimacy with Jesus, our work for him becomes less than what it should be. We meet deep needs in others with shallow words and pointed advice, that while it may be Biblical, lacks the very compassion of Christ.
Today allow Jesus to interrupt your routine. Allow him to drop by for a visit. Spend your lunch hour with Him. Look for Jesus in your day. When this day is done reflect on the places that you’ve felt his touch and experienced his presence throughout this beautiful day.
Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl
Monday, March 28, 2005
Monday Morning Encouragement - March 28, 2005
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.
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 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.
Monday, February 28, 2005
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.
Monday, February 21, 2005
Monday Morning Encouragement - February 21, 2005
My middle son Collin is in the first grade this year. Every day when I walk him home from the bus, I generally ask him this question: “So what did you learn in school today?” Lately he has been learning new mathematical processes and advancing his reading abilities. Learning is exciting for him and his eyes light up as he discusses a new skill or achievement.
That brings me to a similar question for you: :”What are you learning in the school of life these days?” Learning is meant to be a lifelong process, but many of us left our desire to learn in the closet with our cap and gown the day we graduated. One of the greatest assets a person can have is a teachable spirit. Every day God provides opportunities to teach you and develop you as a person. Think about those around you…who are you learning from? What are you learning?
Proverbs 9:9 (NLT)
Teach the wise, and they will be wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn more.
Teaching doesn’t just occur in the classrooms of learning institutions. When we allow ourselves to be teachable it is amazing what we can learn from those God has placed around us. In the last year I have learned new mechanical skills, taken up new hobbies and pushed the limits of my own abilities….just by allowing myself to be a student of others. Each of these lessons has opened new doors in relationships, personal achievement and even job performance.
As you go through this week look for opportunities to expand your horizons. Make it a point to learn at least one new thing each day. Then like Collin, you can beam with excitement over learning something new.
Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.
That brings me to a similar question for you: :”What are you learning in the school of life these days?” Learning is meant to be a lifelong process, but many of us left our desire to learn in the closet with our cap and gown the day we graduated. One of the greatest assets a person can have is a teachable spirit. Every day God provides opportunities to teach you and develop you as a person. Think about those around you…who are you learning from? What are you learning?
Proverbs 9:9 (NLT)
Teach the wise, and they will be wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn more.
Teaching doesn’t just occur in the classrooms of learning institutions. When we allow ourselves to be teachable it is amazing what we can learn from those God has placed around us. In the last year I have learned new mechanical skills, taken up new hobbies and pushed the limits of my own abilities….just by allowing myself to be a student of others. Each of these lessons has opened new doors in relationships, personal achievement and even job performance.
As you go through this week look for opportunities to expand your horizons. Make it a point to learn at least one new thing each day. Then like Collin, you can beam with excitement over learning something new.
Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.
Monday, February 14, 2005
Monday Morning Encouragement - February 14th
Today is Valentine’s Day and for many it will be a day of cards, candy, flowers and romance. The theme of the day is love, but what exactly is love. Love can take on many meanings, depending on how it is expressed.
Did you know that there are actually three words in the Greek language that translate into our English word “love?” Each of these words conveys a different meaning, level of affection and level of commitment.
The Greek word “phileo” is where we get the word “Philadelphia” from. This word describes a brotherly love. This would be the kind of love two friends have for each other.
The Greek word “eros” is where we get the word “erotic” from. This word describes a sexual love. This tends to be the definition of love that we are bombarded with in our culture.
The final Greek word is “agape” and it describes sacrificial love. In the Greek texts of the Bible the word agape is used to describe God’s love for us.
True love is all about sacrifice. Love doesn’t look inwardly, but instead places greater value on the life of another. Look at what the Bible has to say about love:
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NLT)
[4] Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud [5] or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. [6] It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. [7] Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
John 15:12-13 (NLT)
I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you. [13] And here is how to measure it—the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends.
Today is a day in which tokens of our love are given, but I encourage you to think of every day as Valentine’s Day. Every day is an opportunity to put the needs of someone else before your own needs and desires. Every day is a day to show kindness, patience, mercy and grace.
Consider today some ways that you can lay down your life for the benefit of someone else. Here are some ideas:
Let someone else have that parking space
Carry someone’s groceries
Have a friend over for dinner
Visit someone in nursing home
Visit someone in the hospital
Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.
Did you know that there are actually three words in the Greek language that translate into our English word “love?” Each of these words conveys a different meaning, level of affection and level of commitment.
The Greek word “phileo” is where we get the word “Philadelphia” from. This word describes a brotherly love. This would be the kind of love two friends have for each other.
The Greek word “eros” is where we get the word “erotic” from. This word describes a sexual love. This tends to be the definition of love that we are bombarded with in our culture.
The final Greek word is “agape” and it describes sacrificial love. In the Greek texts of the Bible the word agape is used to describe God’s love for us.
True love is all about sacrifice. Love doesn’t look inwardly, but instead places greater value on the life of another. Look at what the Bible has to say about love:
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NLT)
[4] Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud [5] or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. [6] It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. [7] Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
John 15:12-13 (NLT)
I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you. [13] And here is how to measure it—the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends.
Today is a day in which tokens of our love are given, but I encourage you to think of every day as Valentine’s Day. Every day is an opportunity to put the needs of someone else before your own needs and desires. Every day is a day to show kindness, patience, mercy and grace.
Consider today some ways that you can lay down your life for the benefit of someone else. Here are some ideas:
Let someone else have that parking space
Carry someone’s groceries
Have a friend over for dinner
Visit someone in nursing home
Visit someone in the hospital
Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.
Friday, February 11, 2005
The ups and downs of raising a teenager
I just got my final cell phone bill from my former cell phone provider. I'm looking at the bill and I see over $6 in charges for AOL instant messenger in one day. I quit using that cell phone in mid December and gave it to my son until he got his new cell phone for Christmas. When I asked Christopher about the charges, he said he had let one of his buddies play with the phone....of course I came unglued. Now bear in mind I just shelled out an extra $50, because Christopher used up his 400 minute allotment in 10 days by playing the video games on his phone.
Now...my parents assure me that I used to do alot of dumb stuff when I was his age too...althought I have no memory of it...but it sure does seem like he can't do something goofy without it costing money these days. I sure am glad he is wanting to get a job, because he's going to need it just to keep up with the expenses of his poor decisions.
In spite of it all, I am enjoying being his dad more now than I ever did. Christopher if you're reading this...I love you!!!
Now...my parents assure me that I used to do alot of dumb stuff when I was his age too...althought I have no memory of it...but it sure does seem like he can't do something goofy without it costing money these days. I sure am glad he is wanting to get a job, because he's going to need it just to keep up with the expenses of his poor decisions.
In spite of it all, I am enjoying being his dad more now than I ever did. Christopher if you're reading this...I love you!!!
Monday Morning Encouragement from Feb. 7
Last night, like many of you, I watched the New England Patriots win their 3rd Super Bowl in 4 years. One of the main factors in the Patriots success on the football field has been their deep rooted team philosophy. In recent weeks I have heard many sports analysts talk about the high value of teamwork that is esteemed by the coaching staff and players in the Patriots organization.
The concept of teamwork isn’t just critical on the football field, but is also vital to life. Too many of us are trying to make it through life with a Lone Ranger mindset, and yet we forget that even the Lone Ranger had Tonto by his side. Consider these reflections from the Bible:
Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT)
A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
God never intended for you to go it alone. He has placed key people in your life who can help to strength you as you run the race of life. Unfortunately many times we ignore or altogether reject the help that God has placed around us. When trials come we get beaten up heavily, because there is no one at our back and no one by our side. When we get weary there is no one going shoulder to shoulder with us to help carry us through.
Today think about the people that God has placed around you. Who are your team mates? Identify those who can mentor you and look for opportunities to mentor others. In this game of life God has surrounded you with people who can help you to finish well. Go Team!!!
The concept of teamwork isn’t just critical on the football field, but is also vital to life. Too many of us are trying to make it through life with a Lone Ranger mindset, and yet we forget that even the Lone Ranger had Tonto by his side. Consider these reflections from the Bible:
Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT)
A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
God never intended for you to go it alone. He has placed key people in your life who can help to strength you as you run the race of life. Unfortunately many times we ignore or altogether reject the help that God has placed around us. When trials come we get beaten up heavily, because there is no one at our back and no one by our side. When we get weary there is no one going shoulder to shoulder with us to help carry us through.
Today think about the people that God has placed around you. Who are your team mates? Identify those who can mentor you and look for opportunities to mentor others. In this game of life God has surrounded you with people who can help you to finish well. Go Team!!!
I finally got around to doing this!!!
I've been intrigued by the idea of blogging for quite sometime. I've published two books of which I've sold only one copy and given away about 300. So since I'm way too charitable to be a best "selling" author, I figure why not use the net to spread deep thoughts, humor and some good cheer.
I will be adding my Monday Morning Encouragment each week that I send out to the folks from my church.
I look forward to your feedback.
I will be adding my Monday Morning Encouragment each week that I send out to the folks from my church.
I look forward to your feedback.
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