Quick to Hear

Good morning! I hope you had a terrific weekend.

James 1:19 (NASB)
19 This you know, my beloved brethren. But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;

As I was growing up, I had many a teacher say to a class: “God gave you 2 ears and 1 mouth, use them in that proportion.” The point of this admonition echoed the teaching of James 1:19 to listen more than you speak.

Good communication is critical to healthy relationships. When we stop listening to one another, the quality of our relationship begins to erode as misunderstanding gains a foot hold. Sadly when this erosion begins to happen, our relationships begin to deteriorate into places hurt, animosity, resentment and deep rooted anger. So many times we only hear, but don’t allow ourselves to truly understand what we are hearing, and by doing so we have opened the doorway to anger. Often times our hearing becomes skewed as it comes through the lens of our perception of what was said, not truly reflecting what was said.

This counsel of the Scripture is practical to everyday life. This truly is a formula for not only resolving conflict, but many times avoiding conflict all together. It is imperative that we learn to truly listen to those around us. Salesmen are taught to clarify their dialogue with prospects by repeating what was said. I think this is a great principle not only for salesmen, but for all of us. When we listen, we need to listen with understanding, going the extra mile to clarify whether or not we have heard correctly what is being said. By doing this we avoid defensive and often hostile reactions that arise because of misunderstanding. By actively listening we are less likely to jump to conclusions, making erroneous assumptions about what has been spoken.

Today you will have many interactions with others. I encourage you to have fun with this. In places where you would normally dominate a conversation, make a choice to listen intently. You’ll be surprised at what you learn about those around you, and others will see you as someone who truly takes an interest in them.

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

Carl

Finding Joy in the Midst of Trials

Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend.

During our lifetimes, we go through many different seasons. Some seasons are times of blessing and abundance. Other seasons are filled with difficulty, pain and intense challenge. These difficult seasons are the places where our character is forged and refined. Some of these seasons of difficulty seem to continue on with no end in sight, stretching us to our limits.

James 1:2-4 (NASB)

2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,

3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

4 And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

So where does the joy come from in these seasons of trial and testing? The joy comes from the knowledge that you are being built up. The word “endurance” is used to describe that process that is at work during these times. The word endurance gives the picture of continual forward progress in spite of great resistance in the opposite direction.

Consider the endurance of a runner. A runner trains by enduring countless miles of running. Each mile requires a new commitment to run the next mile. With each stride the muscles, the lungs, the circulatory system and the mind face resistance. As the days go by, the runner gains speed and increases distance. The distances that once were difficult to achieve are now commonplace and the runner has set their sight on even greater distances.

The same is true of life. During these times of trial the key components of our faith and character get a workout. Our prayer life deepens, our time in the scriptures increases, our reliance on those around us becomes greater and our willingness to trust God expands into new areas of our lives. The end result is new found strength and resolve. We are able to face new situations with confidence, because we can look behind us and see the “insurmountable” challenges that we have overcome, survived and endured. The endurance born out of trial has now become the foundation of our resolve to keep pressing forward in the face of new adversities.

Today you may find yourself dead center in a season of difficulty. Let your foothold of joy be found in the strength of character that is being built within you. When this season of testing comes to an end you will be much stronger, much faster and much better equipped for the challenges that lie ahead of you.

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

Carl

Responsibility for your choices

Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend.

Our daily lives are filled with choices. At each crossroads of decision we evaluate outcomes and make a choice, based on a variety of factors. Some of these factors include: Impulse, training, past experiences, core values, goals, needs and the influence of others. There are times when our decisions are appropriate, and there are also times that we simply make wrong choices.

There are always consequences for the decisions we make, good or bad. Our willingness to accept responsibility for those choices is critical, in spite of our nature that seeks to shift blame.

Genesis 3:9-12 (NASB)
9 Then the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?”
10 And he said, “I heard the sound of Thee in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.”
11 And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?”
12 And the man said, “The woman whom Thou gavest to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate.”

In the Garden of Eden, Adam had been given instruction about which trees he could eat from and at the same time he was forbidden to eat from one particular tree. These directions were given specifically to Adam, thus making Adam completely responsible for any decisions regarding the forbidden tree. Having this knowledge, Adam made a choice to eat from the forbidden tree.

Notice in the above passage, how Adam responds to the question of “his” actions. Adam blames Eve for giving him the fruit from the tree, but he also blames God for putting her in the garden. We might paraphrase it this way: “That woman YOU put here with me (I wasn’t looking for her, I might add), she handed me the fruit (so technically she took it first) and gave it to me, and I ate it….but remember, she started it.”

Accountability is not always enjoyable, especially in the face of wrong choices and willful disobedience; however, accountability is what God has modeled even in the Garden of Eden. Notice, God asks Adam: “Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” Like it or not, Adam was personally responsible for his actions.

With accountability comes God’s grace. Yes, there are consequences for our actions, but there is also mercy in those consequences. For Adam and Eve, they were no longer allowed to remain in the Garden of Eden. The Bible also tells us that God provided animal skins to clothe Adam and Eve, covering the nakedness that had now become a source of shame.

Today you will encounter choices. Each choice is an opportunity for righteousness or selfishness. Those choices ride squarely on your shoulders and there is no one else responsible, but you. If you find yourself facing consequences of bad choice, remember in the midst of those consequences God also extends sufficient grace.

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

Carl

Calling in the next play

Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend.

In the game of football each team enters into a “huddle” prior to the beginning of the next play. The huddle is the place where the strategy for the next play is disseminated to the players on the field. The play is actually called by a coach on the sidelines, but is communicated by the quarterback or on field defensive leader. The coach has chosen the play being communicated based of his observations of both his team and the other team’s strategy during the previous plays.

The coaching staff has taken great care in crafting plays for nearly any situation encountered on the field. There are plays for long yardage situations, goal line situations and limited time on the clock. Based on the play that is sent in, each player knows his specific role and duty in the next series of play.

This is a reminder of God’s work in our lives:

John 16:13 (NASB)
13 “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.

God disseminates guidance to us through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit guides us through scripture, circumstances and those who surround us. The Holy Spirit operates only by what He hears from the mouth of God. It is these things that the Holy Spirit then communicates to us. This guidance is to prepare us for what is getting ready to take place in our lives. Because God sees the whole of our lives, we can place complete confidence in all that the Holy Spirit reveals to us.

Today you may find yourself up against difficult challenges and shifting circumstances. Listen close, because God is sending you the play that will guide your steps in the days to come. He has the whole field in view and His strategy is flawless. Once your direction is clear, focus on the flawless execution of what you have received.

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

Carl

Power of the Mind

Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend.

We all have some understanding of the power of the mind. Words like “positive mental attitude” and “stinking thinking” are part of our working vocabulary. Our mind is the center of influence for much of what goes on in our lives. With our thoughts, we can harness great strength that leads us through the most difficult of circumstances. Sadly, we can also latch on to thoughts of negativity and depravity that lead us into dark places and actions that are detrimental to not only ourselves, but also to those around us.

In fact we find that sin has a pattern that starts in the mind. A passing thought becomes a lingering thought. As the mind dwells on that lingering thought, the thought develops into a plan. From the plan the mind develops a method of execution. From that method of execution, the body takes action.

God has given us the formula for harnessing the power of the mind for His purposes in our lives. This formula is a roadmap for bringing about His glory in each of our lives:

Philippians 4:8 (NASB)
8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.

The truth of the matter is simple: “Where your thoughts are, your actions will soon follow.” When we think on these things that are listed for us in Philippians 4; we can also see the outcome. These types of thoughts taking residence in our minds produce truth, honor, righteousness, purity, beauty, integrity, excellence and proper perspective upon God and His role in our lives. These things are transforming in nature and they radiate outward, visible to all who are influenced by our lives.

Today I encourage you to take note of the thoughts that enter your mind. Examine the places your mind seems to dwell. Take captive those thoughts that do not fit the profile of Philippians 4, and give them no dominion in your mind. Flood your mind with the thoughts listed above and watch the radiance of God emanate from your life.

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

Carl

Finding strength in failure

Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend.

In life we all encounter times of testing. These times of testing expose not only our strengths, but also our weaknesses. Unfortunately, the weaknesses are often exposed through failure. We all too often view these times of failure as disqualifying events from further usefulness in the Kingdom of God; however, these times of failure take on a whole new purpose in the hands of Jesus. To clarify this point let’s look at the words Jesus had for Simon Peter in Luke 22:

Luke 22:32-33 (NASB)
31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat;
32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers. “

Not only does Jesus tell Peter about Satan’s request to sift his life and the intercession that Jesus is making on Peter’s behalf, but he also reveals something else. I hope you noticed these words: “…and you, when once you have turned again…” Jesus is telling Peter that he is not only going to be put to the test, but that he will actually fail this test for a time. Jesus knew the outcome of Peter’s testing even before the test had begun.

This is a place where God’s grace and sovereignty become so evident. Jesus tells Peter that once he has turned back “strengthen your brothers.” The real message of these words is simple. God does not waste an experience good or bad. Even our greatest failures become victories in the hands of God. He takes our failures and makes them the building blocks of character and strength in our lives and the lives of others. Peter’s story of failure and redemption would become the strengthening agent for the other disciples.

Today you may be in a place where you have let God down in a big way. In your mind, you may feel unworthy to do anything of significance for Him. Let Peter be your example. Jesus knew Peter would fail and yet He also knew Peter would be restored. Peter’s weakness would become strength for others. His failure would be a building block for all who followed after him. Ask God to guide you back and allow you to strengthen others with your own story of failure and redemption.

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

Carl

The Limitations of Testing

Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend.

There are times in our lives when we go through severe adversity. Times of pressure and testing that seem almost too much to bear; times when our faith doesn’t seem substantial enough to see us through the storm. In reality these times of testing are the building blocks of faith that make us stronger in the end.

While most trials are the circumstances of life, common to all of us, there are those unique times when God allows the enemy to put us through the crucible. There are two occasions in Scripture where this is seen:

Job 1:7-12 (NASB)
7 And the LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?” Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.”
8 And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.”
9 Then Satan answered the LORD, “Does Job fear God for nothing?
10 “Hast Thou not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? Thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.
11 “But put forth Thy hand now and touch all that he has; he will surely curse Thee to Thy face.”
12 Then the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him.” So Satan departed from the presence of the LORD.

Luke 22:31 (NASB)
31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat;
32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers. “

In both of these instances Satan has been given permission to put someone through a time of testing. Satan’s intention of course is to steal, kill and destroy things like joy, faith, trust and obedience. In spite of Satan’s intentions, God sets the boundaries. Notice with Job, He defined what Satan could and couldn’t do in his testing of Job. In fact, Satan’s complaint was that Job was faithful to God, because the hand of God was always protecting Job. In the case of Simon Peter, Jesus not only states that he will be tested, but he also indicates the outcome: “…and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Jesus was letting Simon Peter know that he even though he would fail this test; he would also pass this test and return to solid footing, to such a degree that his experience would strengthen others.

If you are currently going through a time of severe testing, this may be an instance where God is permitting the enemy to “sift” you. Know that just as Jesus interceded for Peter’s faith to fail not, He is doing the same for you. Take comfort in the knowledge that God has set the boundary lines, and that limitations have been put on the degree to which you can be tested. Finally realize that you will make it through this time of testing, and even if you fail at times, your experiences will become bedrock of strength that in due time will even strengthen others.

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

Carl

Waiting on God

Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend.

Waiting is one of the most difficult things we are asked to do in our lives. Often we know the promises of God, but we find ourselves wavering in our trust in those promises. This failure in our faith often comes when the pressure of our circumstance overrides our willingness to trust in the Lord and wait fully upon His promise. It is at these times that we begin to look for our own solutions. An example of this scenario is found in 1 Samuel 13:

1 Samuel 13:8-14 (NASB)
8 Now he waited seven days, according to the appointed time set by Samuel, but Samuel did not come to Gilgal; and the people were scattering from him.
9 So Saul said, “Bring to me the burnt offering and the peace offerings.” And he offered the burnt offering.
10 And it came about as soon as he finished offering the burnt offering, that behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him and to greet him.
11 But Samuel said, “What have you done?” And Saul said, “Because I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the appointed days, and that the Philistines were assembling at Michmash,
12 therefore I said, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not asked the favor of the LORD.’ So I forced myself and offered the burnt offering. “
13 And Samuel said to Saul, “You have acted foolishly; you have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God, which He commanded you, for now the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever.
14 “But now your kingdom shall not endure. The LORD has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has appointed him as ruler over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.”

King Saul knew that he was supposed to wait for Samuel, but Samuel was not on time and Saul’s circumstances were quickly deteriorating. King Saul knew that he would be in trouble without the favor of the Lord, so he took matters into his own hands. The end result was not the securing of God’s favor, but instead King Saul lost God’s favor and his rule over the nation of Israel.

King Saul’s story echoes many of our own. We know the promises of God, but we allow our circumstances to become seeds of doubt in our own minds. With good intentions we try to take matters into our own hands, but in doing so we become disobedient to the Lord’s instruction. When we take matters into our own hands, we are essentially saying to God: “I don’t trust You.” In essence, we are trying to lend God a hand, as foolish as that may sound.

Today you may find yourself in what seem to be impossible circumstances. I encourage you to stay the course and remain faithful, even when the outcomes are uncertain. Ask God to help you in your lack of trust and to strengthen you where you are weak. God will resolve your circumstances in His timing and in His way. If you jump the gun, you will miss out on His best, and the end result may in fact be disastrous.

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

Carl

Who's in your bullpen?

Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend.

Last night I had the opportunity to attend a minor league baseball game. During the game, my daughter asked me what a “relief pitcher” was. I pointed out to her the bullpen and explained that other pitchers warmed up there to come into the game and help when the starting pitcher gets tired, or simply isn’t pitching well.

Today I want to challenge you with the question: Who is in your bullpen?

Exodus 17:9-13 (NASB)
9 So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose men for us, and go out, fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will station myself on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.”
10 And Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought against Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.
11 So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed.
12 But Moses’ hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set.
13 So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

In baseball, the starting pitcher begins the game and takes the team as far as he can get them on the strength of his arm. Once the pitcher gets tired, it is up to the relief pitcher to help protect the starting pitcher’s win or help the team recover from the starting pitcher’s poor showing. It is critical for a team to always have a pitcher warmed up in the bullpen and ready to go, at a moment’s notice.

In the above cited example of Moses, he needed Aaron and Hur to hold his arms high, when he was too tired to do so himself. He needed them to bring out the stone to support his weight, when his legs simply couldn’t do it anymore. It was the “relief” work of Aaron and Hur that allowed Moses to secure the victory for Israel. It is important to note that the real victory occurred in the beginning, when Moses brought Aaron and Hur to the top of the hill with him. Had Moses not brought these men with him, he would have ultimately come to the point that he could no longer hold his arms up and Israel may have been defeated in this battle.

The real issue for you and I is the preparation of others to step in at critical times to help us sustain our victories. All too often we shut others out and try to do everything ourselves. Many organizations are stifled because the key leaders have not adequately trained other leaders to step in and take their place if need be. Even many households have been put at a disadvantage when a spouse has died or become incapacitated, and the other is uninformed as to the nature of the household bills and routines.

Today, I encourage you to identify those who need to be in your bullpen. Who are the people that need to be equipped to provide you some relief when your arms are growing weary? Have you prepared others to step in to your role in a pinch? Take some time this week to give away a part of yourself, so that the victory you’ve worked so hard for is protected even if you are not throwing your best pitches.

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

Carl

The Process of Discipline

Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend.

Yesterday, my youngest son and my daughter continued to have “issues” with one another, which primarily revolved around sharing and kindness. My son didn’t want my daughter in his room, so his solution was to send our friend’s 3 year old daughter to tell my wife that my daughter was being a “brat.” At the same time, I hear my daughter saying: “Please give me another chance and don’t tell mom.” Needless to say the situation was getting ridiculous, so I intervened and with my intervention came disciplinary action.

The discipline took on a form that dealt with the issues being revealed in the actions. For the next two days, my son and daughter have to spend the day in each other’s room together. Monday they are confined to my daughter’s room and Tuesday they are confined to my son’s room. While they are there they have to clean each others room together. Last night they were also required to clean the kitchen and the backyard together.

Job 5:17 (NASB)
“Behold, how happy is the man whom God reproves, So do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.

When I left home as a young man, I assumed that my days of being disciplined had finally come to an end. Over the years I have learned that the process of discipline is life long. Just like my children, my actions often reveal attitudes and character weaknesses that need to be removed or strengthened. It is at these times that my Heavenly Father steps in and lovingly corrects me. He is not out to get me because I “messed up,” but instead He is in the process of building a son. It is important to Him that I be all that He has created me to be.

In all honesty, discipline is never enjoyable; however, in due time we look back and see the love and care that were at work in the discipline process. We become thankful that God loves us enough to guide us back on course when we need it. In due time my children will reflect back on the time they had to spend two days with each other in one another’s room…they will laugh at the foolishness of the actions that put them there and they will embrace the building of character that took place within them.

Today you may find yourself facing a time of discipline. Perhaps it is hardship that resulted from poor choices or a relationship under strain due to selfishness. Embrace the discipline of the circumstance and ask God to strengthen your character through it.

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

Carl

Pastor Carl Willis; Founder of Simplicity Church Network, Joins Us Today On: Embracing God's Best!

Pastor Carl Willis; Founder of Simplicity Church Network, Joins Us Today On: Embracing Gods Best!

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A Perfect Fit

Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend.

Any shade tree mechanic or do it yourself repair man knows the importance of having the right tool in hand. A slotted screwdriver just won’t do, when the task calls for a Phillips head. Needle nose pliers are just no substitute for a socket wrench. Without the right tools for the job, the job is likely to be done poorly or not at all.

The issue is purpose. The assorted tools in the toolbox were designed for specific purposes. They were not meant to function in all situations, but instead were meant to work in conjunction with the other tools in the toolbox. Being uniquely formed is not just limited to tools:

Ephesians 2:10 (NASB)
10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Your life is a masterpiece! God created you with uniqueness to fulfill a specific purpose. It is towards this specific purpose that He continues to mold and shape your life. When we look back, we can see how the steps interlock with one another and the shaping process becomes much more visible.

What is even more exciting is the understanding that our purpose was determined even before we were born. God needed to fulfill a great purpose, and your life was the only life perfectly suited to that purpose. From the day you were born, He has been guiding you towards the fulfillment of that greater purpose. It is this purpose that brings great meaning to your life and great joy to the Master Craftsman who has guided you every step of the way.

Today you may feel very disorganized and unsure of where life is taking you. Take comfort, God is molding you to fulfill a purpose that can only be fulfilled by you, because it was designed for you.

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

Carl

Tunnel Vision

Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend.

During times of intense circumstance one of the natural reactions of the human body is a syndrome known as “tunnel vision.” During an instance of tunnel vision a person becomes focused in on a very narrow field of vision or object. During this time, peripheral vision becomes almost non-existent. Police officers are trained to be aware of tunnel vision during confrontations and emergency driving. A lack of peripheral vision in these circumstances could have deadly consequences.

Tunnel vision occurs in the day to day issues of physical and spiritual lives as well. We tend to get so focused in on the crisis of the moment that we miss the greater picture of what God is doing around us. The latest problem at work, problem relationship or problem at home becomes so all consuming that we miss seeing our life in a complete and total perspective. Choices made rashly during an episode of tunnel vision can become very costly in the days that follow.

So how do we deal with the tunnel vision we find occurring in our lives? The following passage of scripture may give us some guidance:

2 Kings 6:15-17 (NASB)
15 Now when the attendant of the man of God had risen early and gone out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was circling the city. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?”
16 So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
17 Then Elisha prayed and said, “O LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Elisha and his servant were encircled by an adversary out to cause them harm. Elisha could see the complete picture, but his servant could not. It was only after Elisha had prayed for the servant’s eyes to be open, that he could see the true circumstance around him. The first step any of us should take when we find that we cannot get our eyes off of a singular point or problem is to pray. Just as Elisha prayed, we need to ask God to open our eyes and let us see clearly and completely what is around us.

The second thing we need to do is force ourselves to look around. Police officers are taught to deal with tunnel vision by simply moving their eyes back and forth. This conscious sweeping of the eyes forces them to look beyond the tunnel, bringing the complete picture back into view. Elisha’s servant also looked around and found new strength in the defending army that had come to rescue him.

Today you may find yourself fixated on a problem, person or situation that is taking away your ability to see the complete picture of what God is doing in your life. Take time today and ask the Lord for open eyes and new sight. Look around you and see what else is going on in the complete picture.
Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.

Carl

Weighing the Evidence

Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend.

This week I have been summoned for jury duty. Over the years I have been called as a witness for the prosecution on many occasions, but this will be possibly be my first time to fill the role of a juror. I was thinking this afternoon about the burden of proof required in criminal and civil cases. In a criminal case, the prosecution must prove “beyond a reasonable doubt,” that the defendant committed the crime they have been accused of. In a civil case the plaintiff must demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant is responsible for a particular issue of litigation.

This got me thinking about a question that I have heard ministers ask over the years: “If you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?”

Acts 4:13-16 (NASB)
13 Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John, and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were marveling, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.
14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in reply.
15 But when they had ordered them to go aside out of the Council, they began to confer with one another,
16 saying, “What shall we do with these men? For the fact that a noteworthy miracle has taken place through them is apparent to all who live in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.

In the 4th chapter of Acts, Peter and John have been brought before a council of religious leaders to face questioning over a miraculous healing. In this healing, Peter had used the name of Jesus. During this time of questioning, a few things stood out to the religious council:
• The boldness with which Peter and John spoke
• The influence of Jesus upon their lives
• The once crippled man standing near them, completely healed

In the face of examination the words and actions of these two men bore out the faith in Jesus that they claimed. The harmony between their convictions and their actions left the religious council no place to go.

Every day people are examining the evidence and testimony of your life. When the evidence is weighed, what conclusions will be made about your life? Can it be said with certainty that you have been with Jesus? Is there evidence to corroborate your testimony of faith?

This week, I encourage you to go through a process of personal “discovery.” Evaluate the evidence that you are leaving day by day and ask yourself: Is there enough evidence to convict me of a vibrant, growing walk with Jesus?”

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

Carl

One Step at a Time

Good morning! I hope you had a wonderful weekend.

“How do you eat an elephant?” “One bite at a time,” the answer goes. This question and answer is often used when discussing an overwhelming challenge that looms larger than life in front of another. It is a reminder not to focus on the totality of the challenge, but instead to conquer it one step at a time.

In life, we face many challenges that are so much bigger than we are. Circumstances that seem insurmountable bring to the surface a host of fears, doubts and worries that we never knew were lurking deep within us. Often we find ourselves unsure whether we should charge, flee or just remain frozen in a catatonic state of indecision. Looking back at the workings of God in the lives of His people can give us great insight into what our own responses should be.

Joshua 3:13-17 (NASB)
13 “And it shall come about when the soles of the feet of the priests who carry the ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off, and the waters which are flowing down from above shall stand in one heap.”
14 So it came about when the people set out from their tents to cross the Jordan with the priests carrying the ark of the covenant before the people,
15 and when those who carried the ark came into the Jordan, and the feet of the priests carrying the ark were dipped in the edge of the water (for the Jordan overflows all its banks all the days of harvest),
16 that the waters which were flowing down from above stood and rose up in one heap, a great distance away at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan; and those which were flowing down toward the sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. So the people crossed opposite Jericho.
17 And the priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan while all Israel crossed on dry ground, until all the nation had finished crossing the Jordan.

The plan seemed simple enough. The people of Israel would break camp with the Ark of the Covenant out front. They would cross at the Jordan River and enter into the Promised Land. Sounds simple enough doesn’t it? It is the details that bring the “elephant” of the situation into view. For the Israelites, the point of crossing would not be visible until the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant stepped into the water. Scripture also reveals that the Jordan River was at flood stage.

It is at these places in our lives, that we have to rely on faith for the confidence to take the next step. The priests had to trust that they would be able to stand once they stepped into the water and they would have to remain in that place until dry land was before them. This brings out an important point for our lives. The miracle of the Jordan River parting began as soon as the priests stepped into the water, but the miracle was not visible until the water had piled up at Adam and been cut off in the direction of the Sea of Arabah.

Today you may find yourself staring at a challenge that is frighteningly large from your perspective. You are now at the place where you must walk by faith and not with sight. Take confidence that the steps God has led you to take up to this point are the beginnings of greater things to come. It is your obedience and trust in taking the next steps, which will allow you to see the challenge dissipate before your very eyes as God intervenes in ways that you cannot even begin to understand.

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

Carl

The Endorsement of Your Life

Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend.

Over the weekend, the most famous pitchman in America passed away. Billy Mays was the king of infomercials, having made a name for himself by passionately extolling the virtues of numerous household products. Before any of us knew Billy’s name we knew him by the products he represented. We would often refer to him as the Oxi-Clean guy or the Mighty Putty guy. We knew Billy, not for who he was, but instead what he represented. Billy knew not only how to talk about, but demonstrate before our eyes the value of his products.

Acts 4:33 (NASB)
And with great power the apostles were giving witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all.

The life of the Christian is also a demonstration. It is the demonstration and revelation of God’s transforming power upon the life of a person. The good news of Jesus has always been God’s ability to transform a life marked by sin, pain, guilt, etc…into a life of love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, kindness and self control. A life that once seemed incomplete and weak is now a life marked by divine power.

The early apostles were known for one thing…Jesus. They talked about Jesus, they performed miracles in Jesus’ name and they cared for widows and orphans in Jesus’ name. Everything they did centered upon the transforming message of Jesus Christ. Their testimony was not just a testimony of words, but it was also supported by the demonstration of transformation in their own lives. Peter was a fisherman who denied Jesus in fear, but the power of God transformed him into a fearless spokesman for Jesus. Paul set out to arrest and even put to death followers of Jesus, but his encounter with God transformed him into the greatest missionary for the cause of Christ.

So the question for you today is this: Who are you representing? More importantly, does anyone around you know who you are representing? You have been given the power and authority to boldly represent Jesus at all times and in all places. So go out and demonstrate the changes in your life with confidence and passion, because you are representing the One who cleans lives and leaves them without stain or blemish.

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

Carl

Get Your Praise On

Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend.

This morning as my wife and I were out for our morning walk, we found ourselves talking about praise. Praise is such a critical component in our relationship to God, because it acknowledges who He is. For example:

Revelation 4:8 (NASB)
And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, is THE LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME.”

In fact, scripture tells us that God dwells among the praises of His people:

Psalm 22:3 (NASB)
Yet Thou art holy, O Thou who art enthroned upon the praises of Israel.

Unfortunately, all too often we substitute “thanksgiving” for “praise.” Many times when I ask for people to give praise to God, I hear something like this: “I’m thankful because the Lord did _____ for me this week.” Now this statement does bring honor to God, but it is based on His actions toward the person. Praise on the other hand has nothing to do with the actions of God, but simply deals with the “person” of God.

Notice how Jesus taught us to pray in the model prayer we know as “The Lord’s Prayer:”

Matthew 6:9 (NASB)
“Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name.

There is a significant reason for this statement of praise in the beginning of the prayer. Those first words give us proper perspective for prayer. If God is not who He is, then prayer would be powerless. The power of prayer is not based in the person praying, but in the One to whom the petition of prayer is given. When we take the time to praise we willingly humble ourselves and acknowledge God’s proper place in our lives. We also acknowledge that He is both capable and able to establish, forgive, provide and deliver. The time we spend in praise takes our eyes off of our own lives and puts them squarely upon the One who gives life. It is at this point that we are now ready to seek Him for our needs, because we have our focus in the right place.

Today, I encourage you to spend some time in praise. Keep actions out of this time of communicating with God and instead focus on His attributes. If you need help use verses like Revelation 4:8 to help you.

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

Carl

The Value of Understanding

Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend.

A few weeks back I had the opportunity to visit the Kitale Museum in Kitale, Kenya. The Kitale Museum has exhibits that teach about the cultural heritage and natural eco-system of this region of Kenya. The true blessing of this visit to the museum came from the instruction of my tour guide, Andrew. Andrew allowed me not just to see the exhibits and learn, but he provided me with understanding as well.

For example as we toured the mud tribal huts, he explained why I had to stoop down so low as I entered each one. The huts were built with low entrances, so that an attacker had to stoop to enter into the hut, while the resident of the hut was upright on the inside to defend their home. Without Andrew at my side, I would have only had the knowledge that this round domicile made of mud was a hut. Andrew opened my understanding the function…the “how” and “why” of the hut.

Proverbs 3:13 (NASB)
How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding.

Too many of us settle for being informed, but not enlightened. I often laugh that I am the king of worthless trivia. I can spout many useless facts about a great variety of subjects, but it is those things in which I have garnered understanding that I truly am an expert.

In this information age, a person’s ability to take the knowledge available and truly apply it is unique indeed. When you take the time to gain understanding you will be a real asset in this world of information overload. A person of understanding brings proper perspective to those who are suffering from information overload.

Today I want to challenge you to explore something at a deeper level. Maybe today you need to look at a passage from the Bible and move past the surface, or perhaps you need to probe deeper into a conversation with a friend. Ask the Lord for understanding and enjoy seeing things through a new lens of perspective.

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

Carl

In Hot Pursuit

Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend.

In our home we have 2 cats, “Max and Smokey” and a German Shepherd named “Seth.” One of the daily happenings in our house revolves around these 3 animals. At least once every day we will observe Seth chasing one of the two cats around the house. Seth pursues them from room to room until he finally gets them cornered. Once he has them cornered he sniffs, licks and playfully nips at them, but truly he isn’t sure why he chased them in the first place and he eventually walks away. Unfortunately for Seth, there is no lasting satisfaction in this pursuit, but he is still compelled daily to undertake this pursuit once again.

Today I want to bring forth a diagnostic question for your life: “What are you pursuing?” Whether we realize it or not, each of us is pursuing something in this life. At every crossroads of choice, we are making decisions based on the path of those things we are in pursuit of. Unfortunately, like Seth too many of us are chasing things that bring no lasting satisfaction. Once we’ve obtained them, we are still unfulfilled, but because we’ve convinced ourselves that true peace and happiness are found in these things, we will continue to pursue them day after day.

I want to challenge you this morning from a letter written by the Apostle Paul to his young protégé’ Timothy:

1 Timothy 6:10-11 (NASB)
10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many a pang.
11 But flee from these things, you man of God; and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.

I want us to focus on two words that Paul uses in his admonition to Timothy. Those words are “flee” and “pursue.” Flee means to run away from and has the connotation of escaping danger. Fleeing brings with it an understanding of running as fast as you can as far as you can in the opposite direction of the things that bring you harm. In this case Paul was talking about “the love of money.” This verse is one of the most misquoted verses in the Bible. Paul is not saying that money in itself is bad, in fact money is a great tool when used wisely; however, Paul is saying that a love of money leads to all manner of calamity and that Timothy should flee the things associated with this type of misplaced love. Paul understood that a love of money is similar to Seth’s love of our two cats…once you’ve obtained the object of your desire, you still find it unsatisfying.

The word pursue, on the other hand, means following with the intention of overtaking. When Seth chases our cats, he goes wherever they go. Whatever turn they take, he takes. What ever furniture they go under, he goes under. Seth does not stop until he has overtaken and “captured” the object of his desire. In the Apostle Paul’s instruction to Timothy, he lists 6 things that should be the objects of desire in our daily pursuits. These things are: righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. There is a lasting quality with each of these things. Once obtained, they bring an ongoing fulfillment and satisfaction.

Today you may find yourself in a fruitless pattern. Like Seth you’ve been chasing things that look good, but leave you unfulfilled and empty. I invite you to look for a new object of desire, something that is eternal and lasting. Once you’ve identified those things, pursue them with all passion, energy and fervor.

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

Carl

Get Out of the Penalty Box

Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend.

The past two evenings I watched the first two games of the Stanley Cup finals. One of the unique features of ice hockey is the power play. A power play occurs when the member of one team commits a penalty. When a penalty is committed, the officials levy a 2 minute or 5 minute penalty against the offending team. During this time, the penalized team is required to play with fewer players on the ice than their opponent.
During the power play, the penalized team finds itself playing at a disadvantage, unable to play at a maximum level of potential.

In our lives, God has surrounded us with people who are necessary for us to operate at a peak level. Unfortunately many go through life without realizing this truth and penalize themselves and those unnecessarily. The reasons we penalize ourselves can vary. Perhaps it is feelings of unworthiness, guilt or anger that sideline us.

1 Corinthians 12:20-21 (NASB)
20 But now there are many members, but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”

When we don’t recognize the importance of the roles that each of us plays in the lives of others, we can very easily hinder the potential of ourselves and others. When you don’t do your part, someone else is required to take up the slack. This creates extra burden upon them and may even take them away from their greatest strengths. Additionally, the group misses out on the gifts and strengths that you bring. This lack of people operating in their respective roles creates a loss of synergy within the group.

This week you may be sitting on the sidelines watching the action. I encourage you to get out of the box and back on the ice. Your team needs your skill, talent and giftedness if they are to operate at full strength once again.

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

Carl