Reunited

Good morning! I hope you had an amazing weekend and are entering this week with enthusiasm and energy. This weekend was a great time for me and my oldest son Christopher as we spend the weekend together doing some site seeing here in Corpus Christi.

I am very excited as I write this week’s encouragement. I will be flying back to Pennsylvania in a few short hours to be reunited with the remainder of my family. We have been apart for 3 weeks now and we are ready to bring this chapter of separation to a close.

Today I want to focus on this thought of being reunited. Our lives are filled with constant distractions and temptations that drive a wedge between us and God. None of us ever set out to become isolated from God, but over time we tend to drift. And as we drift we grow farther apart from the closeness and intimacy we once had with God. A few days without prayer, turns into a few weeks and before long we have no prayer life. We miss a few church services and before you know it, we haven’t darkened the doors of a church in years.

So what do you do if you find that you’ve drifted away? Jesus gave the illustration of a son who left home and went his own way (the parable of the prodigal son). In this account the son goes his own way and squanders all of the talents, abilities and resources that his father has given him. Once he arrives at rock bottom, he realizes that being back with his father, even as a servant is better than the life he is now leading.

Many of us reach this point, but find ourselves trapped by fear. We wonder if we have crossed a line of no return with God. Are we now disqualified from his favor because of our choices? I have great news for you today; God always welcomes his children home with open arms.

Luke: 15:19 (HCSB)

So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him.

I’ve always visualized this verse in a unique way. I grew up in Kansas and had many friends who lived on farms. Most of their driveways were anywhere from ¼ to ½ mile from the road to the house. I always visualize this scene as the father standing at the end of that long driveway, looking down that country road for any signs of movement. Then one day he sees something…as he looks closer he sees it is young man. As the figure moves closer he sees his son and the father can’t help but to run. He grabs his son in his loving arms and at that moment the past is forgotten. The slate is wiped clean. Father and son are reunited.

Today you may find yourself separated from the closeness you once experienced with God. If that describes you, I want you to realize that God is standing at the edge of the road awaiting your return. If you will turn around and start back towards Him, I guarantee you will find Him running towards you with arms wide open.

Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.

Carl

The Treasure of Friendship

Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend and that your week is off to a great start.

Last week, I had the privilege of reconnecting with an old friend in Dallas. Even though we had not seen each other in nearly 10 years, we picked up right where we left off. The bond of friendship is an amazing thing; it can endure long absences and even the changing seasons of life.

Consider what the Bible says about friendship:

Proverbs 18:24 (NLT)
There are "friends" who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks
closer than a brother.

One of the greatest gifts God gives us in this life is our friendships. For those who take the time to cultivate strong friendships, the blessings are numerous.

My friend remembered many of our shared experiences that I had forgotten. In the week since he and I reconnected I have continued to chuckle over many of those memories.

Friendships are one of the few things that have the ability to last. Long after the school years are over or the job has ended, the relationships remain.

This week I want to challenge you to be intentional about building new friendships. Take the time to get to know someone…or simply to get to know them better. In the end your life will be enriched simply because they are your friend.

Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.

In Christ,
Carl

How about a New Years Transformation?

Good afternoon! What an exciting week this has been for both me and my
family. After 1700 miles of driving I made it to Corpus Christi safely
with a busted exhaust system as my only casualty. Carol and the kids
finally made it here on Friday night after a hair raising experience
with the airline ticketing system. Last night I accepted the call at
Parkdale Baptist Church and today am starting to get settled in (hence
the reason your Monday Morning Encouragement didn’t arrive this
morning).

Today I want to challenge you with the thought of lasting change.
January is a time of promises as many of us make New Years commitments.
I heard on the radio this week that the 3 most widely made resolutions
are resolutions to:
• Quit smoking
• Go on a diet
• Exercise

The report went onto mention that the average New Years resolution only
lasts about 3-4 weeks before it is abandoned.

Today I want you to consider this idea of transformation.
Transformation is more than an outward change, but instead it is a
complete remodeling or overhaul that comes from within. Look at what
the Bible says about spiritual transformation:

Romans 12:2 (KJV)
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and
acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

The reason we so often fail at our resolutions is because we seek to
accomplish those changes in our own power. Unfortunately, our
strength is not an unlimited resource. At some point we grow weary
and we lose our passion. Transformation on the other hand doesn’t
rely on our strength, but instead draws from the very strength of God.
As we allow God’s strength to take over within us we begin to see the
world through His eyes and not our own. We find the will power, self
control and endurance that physically we lack.

Today you may see changes in your life that are necessary. I encourage
you to initiate change by placing those items in God’s hand. Ask Him
to change you from within and admit that on your own you cannot do it.
You will be amazed at how change begins to take place with an inner
strength and perseverance that you did not know was possible.

Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.

Carl

2006 in the rearview mirror

Happy New Year!!! This morning 2006 is in the rear view mirror and we are headed down the highway of 2007.

For me, this New Year’s Day brings more than a change of the calendar year. Tomorrow I will fill my pickup truck with my clothes, most of my personal library, my old dog “Ginger” and with my car in tow (sounds like a bad country song doesn’t it?) I will start a 3 day trek to Corpus Christi, TX. For me this New Year brings about a new chapter in my personal and professional journey as I begin serving a new church family.

Over these next few days of driving I will spend a lot of time in reflection reflecting on where the journey has taken me to this point. This will be a time of celebrating the victories, appreciating the many people that God has placed into my life and evaluating the life lessons learned.

Experience is the classroom in which God shapes our lives. Our experiences, whether good or bad, shape us into the people we are today. Sadly, many people fail to fully recognize and appreciate all that the lessons of life have taught them.

Psalm 77:11 (NLT)

I recall all you have done, O Lord;

I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago.

This week I want to challenge you to take some time and reflect on the journey of 2006. Reflect on all of the places that your journey took you. What were the new experiences? Where did you find the unexpected blessings? What were the places of difficulty? Reflect on the people who were a part of the journey. Who had a lasting influence upon you? Who helped carry you through the difficult times? Reflect your achievements. What were your greatest victories? What were your greatest defeats? What things remain unaccomplished?

Once you’ve identified these things. Spend a few moments in prayer thanking God for the journey. Ask for His guidance in the year to come. As you look out the windshield at the highway of 2007 that is before you, open your eyes and anticipate the journey ahead.

Until next Monday may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.

Carl

The Greatest Gifts of Christmas

Merry Christmas!

Today your Savior was born in the town of David. He is Christ, the Lord.

Luke 2:11 (NCV)

This morning I have spent time with my wife and children as we have celebrated Christmas together. I was blessed as I listened to my 9 year old read the Biblical account of Jesus’ birth and filled with joy as I watched my children’s eyes light up as we exchanged gifts with one another.

Some of my favorite memories of childhood took place in front of the Christmas tree. In my family we always read the account of Jesus’ birth from the gospel of Luke from our large family Bible. After prayer we would open our gifts, with my Dad being the official package presenter.

I remember some of the gifts…a red fire truck, a train set and countless action figures. Most of all, I remember the times with family and the heritage of faith. It is those two things that have outlasted the many toys, shirts, sweaters and socks I have received over the years.

This year I hope you have made some lasting Christmas memories. Let Christ fill your Christmas this year with His presence and where possible, pass on the real gifts of faith and family.

Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.

Carl

Known by your love?

Good morning! I hope you’ve had a great weekend and that you have hit the ground running this morning.

This past week my wife and I traveled to Corpus Christi, TX to meet with the staff and search committee of a church that has been considering me to be their pastor. We found the people that we met with to be very
warm loving and kind. Even though we did not know one another on a deep personal level we were none the less bound together by our bond of faith.

Jesus spoke to us about the bond of Christian faith when He said:

John 13:35 (NLT)
Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my
disciples."

I have had the opportunity to meet Christians around the world and each time I am taken back by this profound evidence of Christ’s presence. Even when there are cultural, personality and even language differences the presence of Christ still shines brightly. The joy of Jesus radiates in the countenance of each and every disciple of Christ.

One of the things that the world desperately seeks is love and acceptance. The theme song to the 80’s comedy “Cheers” lamented that “sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you came….” People look in a variety of directions looking for true love, but what they find is often shallow and
pretentious.

Today I want to challenge you to examine your love for one another. Is the glory of Jesus evident in your personal relationships? Do you allow His joy to overflow your life and spill over into the lives of those around you?

Your life may be the only glimpse of Jesus that anyone sees during this time of year. So let His love radiate through you.

Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.

Carl

Are you open to change?

Good morning! I hope you had a terrific weekend and that your week is off to a great start.

Have you ever noticed that people are creatures of habit? Most of us have our “routines” that bring a sense of normalcy to our lives. We tend to get dressed the same way, take the same route to the office and we sit in the same seats week after week at church. In a life that is filled with the consistent and familiar, one of the greatest sources of discomfort is change.

Today I want to challenge you with the idea of adapting to change.

Proverbs 18:15 (NLT)

Intelligent people are always open to new ideas. In fact, they look for them.

For some of us change is second nature. We have an adventurous spirit and look forward to the thrill and challenge of change. The majority of people however are not comfortable with change. We all know that change is inevitable. Think for a few moments with me about the changes that have taken place in our world. 30 years ago your changed channels on your television with a knob, your rolled your car windows down with a handle and no one even had ever heard of email.

Where do these changes come from? They begin with an idea. Someone sees a place for innovation and they begin to brainstorm. From that brainstorming comes an idea. From the idea comes invention and from invention comes the new technologies and methodologies of today.

In life one of the deadliest statements that is ever made is this: “That’s the way we’ve always done it.” Can you imagine if we as a society had taken this stance. We would travel by horse and buggy, light our homes with candles, preserve our food with salt and perform dentistry without anesthesia. Fortunately for us somebody was open to a new idea and took a risk to make it a reality. Their good idea has made your life more efficient, comfortable or productive.

Today I want to challenge you to listen for some new ideas. Allow God to expand your horizons. Be open to trying new things or new methods. Spend an afternoon brainstorming. You might be surprised. That new idea could turn into something that changes the course of your life for years to come.

Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.

Carl

Be Still

Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend and are starting off this new week refreshed and energized.

This past week was the first week of deer hunting season here in Pennsylvania. The woods have been filled with hundreds of thousands of hunters seeking “the big one.” The men in my church are avid hunters and over the past few years they have taught me the finer points of deer hunting.

The greatest key to success for the hunter is to find a place of good vision and to be still. I have been amazed over the past few years as I have watched many dear literally walk up to me as I have sat motionless in the woods. Now for a guy like me, with ADD, sitting still is not easy task, but it is none the less critical if I am to have chance of even seeing any deer.

It is with this though of being still that I share with you this morning’s encouragement.

Psalm 37:7a (NLT)

Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.

We live in a fast food, 24 hour, “get it now” kind of world. Instant gratification is not just a desire but a way of life. With the growth of the internet, anything you could ever want is only a mouse click away. In light of this instant gratification society, we find our greatest source of frustration in waiting. The bank, the DMV, the doctor’s office, the check out line at the local Wal-Mart…just the thought makes our blood pressure go up 10 points.

In all our constant movement I think we often miss out on what God is really trying to do in our lives. God has always spoken through His still, small voice. If you are not sitting still with your eyes and ears open, you could easily miss all that God is trying to say to you.

This past weekend, I went out into the woods and only after 5 hours of sitting still did the deer begin to walk up to me. As I sat motionless they not only walked up near me but even bedded down 15 feet behind me. Had I moved around or made noise, I would have never had the opportunity to see the beautiful creatures up close.

If you are having difficulty getting a grasp on God’s movement in your life right now, I encourage you to be still. Take some time out this week and go to a quiet place. Open your eyes, ears and heart and wait patiently for God to reveal Himself to you. You won’t be disappointed when He does. Notice I didn’t say “if He does.” The question is not a question of “if”, but only “when.” When the time is right, you will see the fullness of God’s presence in your life and circumstances.

Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.

Carl

Facing a setback?

Good morning! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and were able to share the time with family friends. This week will be filled with many creative recipes for turkey, stuffing and mashed potato leftovers.

Have you ever been through a time where you were so certain that something was going to happen in your life and then it all fell apart right in front of your eyes? I think all of us have experienced this at one point or another in our lives. Bill Gothard refers to this as the “death of a dream.” Today I want us to focus is in on God’s plans for your life.

I was recently reading a book when I came across this simple but profound statement:

“Setbacks are often setups for God to act.” Chazown,Craig Groeschel. Sometimes God doesn’t give us what we think is best for us, because He has something better in mind. God often has to get our own plans, hopes, dreams, aspirations and pre-conceived notions out of the way, so that we can fully know and appreciate His perfect plan.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

Our perspective of life is so narrow. We can only see the past and the immediate future, but God sees eternity. He sees the beginning, the present and what lies ahead for all of eternity. We can trust in God’s directions for our life to be consistent with His perspective. When we come to the point of trusting God’s choices in our lives, then we can take comfort in the fact that even when our dreams fall apart…His best is yet to come.

Time and time again, I have watched God use some of the greatest setbacks in my life to set me up for some of the greatest victories I’ve ever experienced. But my dreams and aspirations had to die first. My agendas would have gotten in the way of God’s perfect plan. I would have settled for good, when what God really wanted to give me was the best.

Today you may be facing the death of a dream. I encourage you not to see this as a defeat, but instead look at your situation as preparation for things to come.

Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.

Carl

Giving Thanks

Good morning! This weekend was a special weekend for me as I had the privilege of ordaining one of the men in my church into the pastoral ministry. This was one of the greatest highlights of my ministry to date.

This week we will be celebrating Thanksgiving. Families will come together and celebrate over a feast of turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. Football games will be watched and many a nap will occur in recliners all over the country.

Today, I want to challenge you on this idea of thankfulness.

Psalm 95:2 (NLT)

Let us come before him with thanksgiving.

Let us sing him psalms of praise.

Praise for the Lord begins with a thankful heart. We often allow our busy lives to crowd out time to just say “thank you” and to rejoice. All of us will agree we have so much to be thankful for, but do we really take the time to reflect and rejoice?

This week I want to challenge you to look for opportunities for thankfulness. Whether it is a sunrise, a beautiful bird, the fall colors or the hug of a loved one that brings joy to your heart, stop for a moment and say “thank you.” As you enter into the Thanksgiving holiday, I encourage you to take some time out and make a list of things you are thankful for. Share that list with those who are with you and let your Thanksgiving become a festival of praise.

Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.

Carl

You Could Use A Good Laugh

Good morning! This weekend was a time to honor our military veterans and say thank you. I hope you took a few minutes to reflect, remember and give thanks for the freedoms you enjoy and for the men and women who have put their lives on the line for that freedom.

Sunday evening I had the opportunity to get together with friends from church to watch the Steelers game. During our time together the laughter was continuous and joy filled the house. Today I want to challenge you with laughter.

Job 8:21 (NLT)

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.

I am one who loves to laugh and looks for the humor in life. Sadly, life is filled with so many circumstances that rob us of our joy. Each day the enemy comes to “steal, kill and destroy,” but Jesus has promised us a life that is “abundant.” One of the greatest sources of rejuvenation comes from laughter. Laughter changes the way we see life and gives us a place of retreat during difficult times. I find that so many times my day is turned around by a good joke, a funny show or the quick wit of a friend.

Today I challenge you to look for the humor in life. Studies tell us that laughter can even be beneficial to your health. Laughter is thought to:

• Protect the heart
• Improve brain function
• Boost immunity
• Lower blood pressure

Look for those humorous moments that randomly occur throughout your day and thank God for filing your mouth with laughter.

Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.

Carl

Keep on Truthing

Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend and have started your week refreshed and energized.

This week is mid-term election week. The weekend football games were simply bookends for the political advertisements. With all of the political rhetoric it is often difficult to distinguish truth from a lie.

Our society is permeated with mistruths, stretched truth, fabrications and outright lies. In my care group this week one of our ladies made the comment that even when others are lying we should continue “truthing.” It is with this thought today that I want to urge you to “keep on truthing.”

Proverbs 11:3 (NLT)

Good people are guided by their honesty; treacherous people are destroyed by their dishonesty.

Honesty is a quality we all expect from others, but sadly we are willing to settle for situational truth. Unfortunately when honesty is not the priority the aftermath can be devastating. Deception fosters an environment of animosity, resentment and hostility.

One of the greatest ways to stand apart from the crowd is to simply practice honesty in everything you do. In a world where integrity is rarely seen, people take notice when the tongue in your mouth and the tongue in your shoes are moving in the same direction. People will go great distances for those they trust and have full confidence in.

Ultimately, your integrity is a reflection of your faith. When you make honesty a priority, others see the glory of Christ reflected in your life. When honesty is not your priority, you betray the testimony of your faith, rendering it powerless and void.

Honesty is not always easy, but in the long run your honesty will stand out in a world of compromise. This week I want to challenge you to make honesty your personal police of practice. When given the opportunity to choose between truth and lie, I encourage you to make choice to “keep on truthin.”

Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.

Carl

Heard from an old friend

Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend and that your week is off to a great start.

This past week I found myself riding the roller coaster of “what if” worry and “what now” doubts. I have always been one who expects the best, but plans for the worst. Unfortunately at times I get overly focused on the planning for the worst.

I am so thankful that God doesn’t allow me to wallow in these times of shaken confidence and rattled faith. During my greatest time of doubt this week I was blessed by a phone call from a friend. The Bible has many thoughts on friendship and today I wanted to share this with you:

Proverbs 17:17 (NLT)

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.

My friend Don is a fellow pastor from Kansas. He called me out of the blue to let me know I had been on his mind. We talked, laughed and caught up on what was going on in both of our lives. Even though Don gave me no advice, just our time of connecting boosted my spirits and refocused my perspective for the day.

Over the years I have seen this same scenario play out on a couple of occasions. I consider the friendships that God has allowed me to form over the years to be some of the greatest riches that God has given me in this life. I am blessed to know that I can send out an email or make a few phone calls and immediately tap into the prayers and counsel of men and women who care deeply for me and my family.

Today I encourage you to give thanks for your friends. I also want to challenge you to be the kind of friend who is by nature a blessing to others. You never know how God may use you to refresh, renew and encourage a brother or sister in need.

Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.

Carl

You've Got a Great Guide

Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend and that your week is off to a great start.

Have you ever wondered where you are going? My family and I are currently in the midst of a transition where the future destination is not clear yet. There are times when I find myself questioning the path and direction. It is with this thought of direction that I want to speak to you this morning.

I am a firm believer that life is not a series of random circumstances, but instead a divinely crafted and planned journey. When I look back at the course my life has taken I see where the dots connect. Steps that didn’t make sense at the time are now perfectly clear in meaning and importance. Each experience fits perfectly into place with the others. The Bible speaks to this divine design:

Psalm 32:8 (NLT)

The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.

I will advise you and watch over you.

I once went through a retreat that dealt with discovering your purpose and mission in life. One of the keys that we looked at in our lives was “destiny pointers.” Destiny pointers are events in our lives that point towards God’s divine purpose. As I reflect I see many destiny pointers in my life. Throughout my life I have seen God’s hand pointing in the direction that my life has taken.

It is the assurance of God’s guidance and care that give me peace during times of ambiguity. I know that God has carefully laid out the course of my life and that He will reveal the next steps when the timing is right.

Today you may find yourself in a time of uncertainty. I encourage you to take comfort in the fact that your course is already known and your Father in heaven sees every twist, turn, hill and valley. Trust His leadership and enjoy the journey.

Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.

Carl

Who's Speaking Into Your Life?

Good morning! I hope your weekend was restful and that your week is off to a dynamic start. Today I want to speak with you about the issue of accountability.

In today’s world very few people really choose to make themselves accountable to anyone. They go through life haphazardly not really giving much thought to how their words, attitudes and actions affect others. They never really have incentive to change course until a situation gets out of control or the damage inflicted becomes catastrophic.

One of the things I have maintained for many years is a group of people who hold me accountable for the way I conduct my life and the way I lead my ministry. These men and women are given the task of speaking to actions and attitudes in my life that are detrimental to either my ministry or the ministry of the church.

The Bible speaks to this type of relationship in the book of Proverbs:

Proverbs 27:6 (KJV)

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

This past week I had to face the wounds of a friend. I had allowed careless words and actions to cause pain and harm to others around me. Fortunately, I have this group of leaders surrounding me and they were faithful to the task. They spoke the truth in love and through them God opened my eyes to the reality of what was going on within me.

Now I will be the first to tell you it is no fun to be held accountable or to have to seek the forgiveness of those you offend, but there is healing and cleansing in both.

Imagine if you doctor didn’t tell you that he/she had found cancer in your body, because they didn’t want to hurt your feelings. They would be considered negligent. You would want the bad news, because at least you could work towards a solution. To ignore the problem could lead to greater complications and even death.

Too many times we don’t give people permission to be honest with us about what they see in our lives, but we should. The objectivity of another often reveals things about ourselves and our actions that we never even realized were present.

Today I encourage you to hold yourself accountable to someone. This could be something as simple as accountability for a diet or exercise, time with your kids or even deeper spiritual accountability. The transparency may be a little uncomfortable at first, but in the long run you will be a much better person because of it.

Until next Monday may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.

Carl

If At First You Don't Succeed....

Good morning! I hope you had a restful weekend and have hit the ground running this morning. I spent a good chunk of my weekend working on my house. As fall settles in my opportunities to wrap up my house painting project are fading quickly.

Today I want to speak to you about the issue of persistence. It is said that Thomas Edison did not successfully invent the light bulb until he had made 10,000 unsuccessful attempts. Studies also show that some of the most successful business people in our nation have had at least one business fail prior to their success. Had these individuals given up at the first sign of failure we might not be beneficiaries of their persistence.

Now I realize you may not be looking to start a new company or invent the next technological miracle, but the concept of persistence is just as important for you. Maybe your issue is getting a date, getting a promotion or making a job change. You may have been seeking resolution for some time now, but the answer continues to be “no” or “not now.” Today I want to encourage you with these words from Jesus:

Matthew 7:7 (NLT)

"Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened.

If you find you are losing hope over the seemingly endless stream of “no” answers, I want to encourage you that your “yes” is coming. With each no, not now or later you are another step closer to a yes.

When Thomas Edison was asked about his failed attempts at creating the light bulb he replied: “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.” The challenge for us is the similar, to find the lessons of our wait. I have found that when God tells me no, He always has a better plan for my life than whatever situation I am pursuing. I have seen this happen in both professional and personal situations.

Today if you seem to keep hitting walls everywhere you turn, take heart. Your “yes” is near and God has something much better in mind. Keep seeking, keep knocking, keep asking…when the time is right your answers will be clear.

Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.

Carl

Postcards from God

Good morning! I hope your weekend was restful and that you have hit the ground running this morning.

This past week was a difficult week for me spiritually, mentally and physically. As I arrived home from India a week and a half ago my family was getting over head colds. So as I finished off the jet lag I found myself coming down with the same head cold. Unfortunately for me I have asthma so most colds don’t stay in my head long, but instead go straight for my chest and this one has been no different. Emotionally I was simply drained by the pressures of my current transition in ministry and the uncertainties of my professional future. Spiritually I had hit a low point and wondered if I was truly strong enough to see things through.

I’m sure you’ve had times like this as well. Times like these are often lonely times for me when my normal avenues of strength and encouragement just aren’t available to me.

It is precisely at these times that God shows some of His greatest care for us. For me this past week it was a passage of scripture that I want to share with you this morning:

“I am the Lord your God, who holds your right hand, and I tell you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I will help you.’

Isaiah 41:13 (NCV)

A friend of mine calls these “postcards from God,” those times when God reminds you of His closeness during your times of pain, fear and uncertainty. This verse was special to me, because it reminded me of my own children.

There are times when we go to busy, bustling places or places that are unfamiliar to my children. When we make such journeys my youngest daughter and son (the 16 year old is a little past this now) generally will take my wife or I by the hand to guide them through. The grasp of our hand is a reassuring sign of safety for these young children. They may not know where we are going, but they have confidence that when they are hand in hand with us no harm will come to them.

As I looked at my own situation this past week, I found myself speaking to my Heavenly Father. I admitted that I was a little scared and uncertain, but I extended my right hand with confidence, knowing that God, being faithful to His word would hold on tightly. In the following days after I received this “postcard from God,” I began to see my situation in a different light. Answers that had not been apparent in the beginning were now clearly visible. Walking hand in hand with my Heavenly Father, I now had confidence that I would make it through these current hardships safely.

If you are going through a time of great difficulty I hope you find comfort in the postcard that I received. Reach out your hand, because the hand of God is reaching for you.

Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be upon you this week.

Carl

Contagious Attitudes

Good morning! I hope you had a wonderful weekend and that you have hit the ground running this morning.

While I was away the past couple of weeks my family came down with a cold. One by one each of them got the sniffles, the runny nose, the cough and the sore throat. Over the weekend they shared that with me. So this morning I sit here with Kleenex close by dealing with the affects of a head cold.

It is amazing how quickly a cold can spread even when you have taken appropriate precautions. No matter how much you wash your hands, avoid close contact and up your vitamin intake you are still likely to get sick.

It is with this thought in mind that I want to talk to your about infectious attitudes. Have you ever noticed that we are people who often allow our attitudes to be shaped by consensus? When those around us are negative we often follow them straight into the path of negativity. When those around us are discouraged we often reach the depths of despair ourselves. When those around us are filled with joy we can’t help but feel our spirits rise.

The Bible gives warning to those with a root of bitterness in their lives:

See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and by it, defiling many.

Hebrews 12:15 (HCSB)

The danger of the bitter seed is its potential to harm others. It is so critical that we always examine the “health” of our attitudes. Our attitudes rub off on those we come into contact with, no matter how well hidden we think they may be. If you are struggling with negativity, bitterness or despair I encourage you to surrender those negative thoughts before God this morning. Ask Him to give you a healthy attitude so that your influence might also be healthy.

Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.

Carl

Preparing for the Journey

Good morning! I hope you are enjoying your extended Labor Day weekend.

This is an exciting week for me as I will be traveling to India later in the week to work with another pastor for 9 days. A trip like this is not planned and undertaken in a matter of days. I have been diligently working towards this week for over 9 months now. Planning for health issues, day to day needs, cultural differences and climate differences have been a part of this planning. It is with this thought of making preparation that I write you this morning’s encouragement.

All of us are preparing for a journey too. For us the journey is life. Each day is a new adventure with unforeseen twists and turns. At times the journey is sweet and at other times the journey is hard. The journey leaves you satisfied and other times the journey leaves you wanting more. There are three main needs all of us have: Food, clothing and shelter.

Let’s look at each of these for a moment. Your body needs regular nourishment and your soul is no different. Many of us unfortunately allow our souls to go malnourished. We don’t take regular time to refresh our inner being. So how do we get nourished? Look at the words of Jesus:

⁴But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.

Matthew 4:4 (AKJV)

We need to daily take time out for God’s word. You would be surprised just how much nourishment a verse or two a day of Scripture will bring you.

Secondarily we all need clothing to protect our bodies. Spiritually we are no different we need to cover our lives to protect us from the attacks that come our way. Look at the following passages pertaining to our attire:

¹¹Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹²For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. ¹³Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. ¹⁴Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; ¹⁶above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. ¹⁷And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God

Ephesians 6:11-17 (WEB)

Lastly we need to prepare for shelter from those stormy times in our lives. Where do you go when life begins to rain upon you? Where do you go when the hurricanes of circumstances come ashore? Again look at the sanctuary that is offered to you in God’s presence:

¹⁹Oh how great is your goodness,
Which you have laid up for those who fear you,
Which you have worked for those who take refuge in you,
Before the sons of men!

²⁰In the shelter of your presence you will hide them from the plotting of man.
You will keep them secretly in a dwelling away from the strife of tongues.

Psalm 31:19-20 (WEB)

Today as you consider the journey you are undertaking, take inventory of your preparations. Have you properly nourished your soul? Have you packed the appropriate attire for the journey? Have you identified safe shelter for the storms?

Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.

Carl

Back to School

Good morning! I hope your weekend was relaxing and that you have hit the ground running this morning.

Did you hear it this morning? Listen closely! Did you hear it? If you are like me you heard the groans of children officially telling summer goodbye as they return to the schoolhouse. I remember those days of “forced” schooling. I thought they would never end and often times I wondered how in the world what I was learning would ever be of value to my life.

But looking back I am thankful for everything I learned. School taught me more than reading, writing and arithmetic. Maybe even more importantly, school taught me how to deal with life, with people, with success and even failure.

Sadly many of us turn our backs on learning when we graduate from high school or college. Consider the words of Proverbs:

Proverbs 23:12 (NLT)

Commit yourself to instruction; attune your ears to hear words of knowledge.

I find that when I think I’ve arrived in my areas of knowledge that there is always more to learn. There is always someone who has a little more insight, experience or skill than I do. As an adult I have found that I have to continue to be a learner or I fall behind.

With each new area of learning I broaden my horizons. Many of my favorite hobbies these days are things which I have learned over the past few years. It required me to once again become a student. To listen to those who had experience and knowledge. Sometimes it required me to get my hands dirty so I could learn a new skill set.

This week I want to challenge you to take out your spiral notebook and your #2 pencil. Sign up for the school of life and choose some electives to broaden your horizon. Seek out a mentor to teach and coach. Most of all enjoy the journey.

Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.

Carl