Merry Christmas!

I remember growing up in Arkansas… Christmas morning was an event at our house.  We would get up early and open some presents… and it never failed.  The one toy that I wanted to play with most had to wait because it was missing batteries.  Those three words:  “batteries not included” were so heartbreaking.  We’d dig through the junk drawer and would inevitably come up empty.  The disappointment was very real… after all, a toy with no power is just a piece of plastic.  But put those cells in… and you’ve got a remote controlled car that could race down the driveway!     

As I sit and think about Christmas… and more specifically, Christ as a baby… I wonder how many thought that God’s plan didn’t include batteries.  After all, how could the Savior of the world be so meek… so tiny… so seemingly powerless?  How would this little baby rise up to be king?  How could this small boy from this tiny insignificant city overthrow the Roman government and restore God’s people?  But the people missed it.  God’s Christmas plan… His rescue mission… was powerful beyond measure.  Jesus Christ, the most significant human being to ever walk this planet… was mighty.  Even as a tiny baby, His mere presence changed the course of history.  At the mention of His name, kings kneeled… wise men gathered gifts… and prophecies were fulfilled.   God knew exactly what His earth needed… a Savior… a loving, serving, giving, sustaining, providing, merciful, power source that would allow repentant people to have a relationship with their Creator. 

So spend part of your Christmas season thanking God for the majesty and power of His Son… thank Him for His provision and His presence in your life.    He is all that you need… all you could ever want… all powerful… all-knowing… and everywhere at one time.  He is the Alpha and Omega… the Beginning and the End… He is Almighty Lord and Everlasting Savior.  Jesus is glorious… and His love for you knows no bounds.  You are His masterpiece… and your presence on this planet is purposeful and specific.  Never forget that.  You matter.  How do you know?  Because over two-thousand years ago, God sent His Son… as a baby.    And that baby would one day grow up to sacrifice Himself on a cross and be resurrected three days later…  

For you.   For your eternity.   

Christ did that so you could live power-filled lives… confident that you don’t have to do it all on your own.   Hold your heads up … pray and give thanks… and this Christmas, celebrate the greatest gift this world has ever known.   

Greatness

I read a story of a man who played the violin in the Washington DC subway.   On this particular cold and blustery morning, very few people noticed the man on the platform… playing skillfully on his instrument.  They were scurrying to make their next train… looking over their newspapers… pressing their faces close to their phones while they checked Twitter.  After a little while, a lady stopped and placed a one dollar tip in his violin case.   But the recognitions were few and far between.  After about 45 minutes of playing, the man had made $32.00.   After finishing his last piece, to the deafening silence of no applause, the man placed his violin back in its case and headed home. 

What the people passing didn’t know… this was Joshua Bell.  Violin virtuoso.  One of the most talented players in the world.  In fact, just two days before, Joshua had played to a sold-out concert crowd in Boston… where the average ticket price exceeded $100.  

Sometimes greatness is right in front of us and if we aren’t careful, we’ll miss it.  

For many of us at Christmas, the same thing can happen to us.  We can miss the Greatness that this season is all about.  Busyness, family, and the rush of getting everything done can cause us to be blinded to the real meaning of that special night.   The night where Mary and Joseph walked the streets looking for a place to rest… and the innkeeper turned them away to the caves…   The night when angels prepared to sing, shepherds stared into the starry sky in anticipation, and God smiled knowing that His plan for salvation was about to be unveiled.  It was the night when greatness and perfection lay waiting as a human child in the womb of a young virgin… eager to open His beautiful eyes in a world desperate for His presence.  

Greatness was about to appear to the world.  Yet many would miss it.   To some it was just another night… just another star in the sky… just another young boy.  

To some it was just another birthday.   

This Christmas… don’t miss it.  Don’t allow the busyness to get in the way of the beauty of His birth.   Don’t miss the chance to worship Him… giving your greatest gifts to Him… sharing His story with those that might otherwise walk on by.  He is the greatest single human being ever born… and, at the same time, every bit God.   His knowledge is as vast as the sands on the beach… and His compassion is unequalled.   He IS God.  He is greatness personified.   He is our Savior.   Let’s celebrate knowing that He was born with the ultimate purpose….  saving the world!

Travel Light

In 2007, England’s Queen Elizabeth II decided to make a short 6-day visit to the United States.   While most people would pack a couple of suitcases… the queen travelled much heavier.  In fact, it was estimated that her gear weighed in at two to three tons!    What could she possibly have brought that weighed so much?  The list included clothes, a diamond tiara, her gowns, her crown, gifts, paperwork, and up to 50 pairs of white gloves.  In addition, her personal affects included several framed photos of her family, her favorite tea and teapot, large quantities of favorite brand of water, and special medicines that she required.  Planning and packing took eight months.  

All for a six day visit. 

But not all royalty travels with such fanfare.  Over 2000 years ago, a little child entered the world that would forever change it.  He would grow up, heal the sick, raise the dead, teach the masses about God’s love, serve those He created, allow Himself to be crucified, and resurrect back to glorious life.  All while maintaining very few possessions, keeping a selectively small circle of close confidantes, and having a low profile.   Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, came out of Heaven that Christmas morning…  not weighed down with stuff… but burdened with the sins of the world.   In a couple of days we will celebrate Christ’s royal arrival… and as we observe Christmas.. let us never forget that Jesus travelled light for a reason.   It was so that He could spend His time intentionally… not worried about bringing everything with him… but making sure He didn’t leave without us.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Words

The other day I read that as a pane of glass breaks, the cracks travel faster than three thousand miles per hour down the length of the glass.  Hard to believe anything could cause that much damage so quickly...  As I was thinking about this piece of trivia, one thing came to mind that might be comparable...

Our words.   What we say can cause widespread destruction in very little time.  A sarcastic response... a jab.. or maybe it’s more directed pain.  Maybe it’s bringing up the past or a hurtful memory... perhaps it’s tearing someone apart just because we seek revenge.  Whatever the circumstance, words can wound deeply.  

Scripture tells us in Ephesians 4 that we shouldn’t let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths.  Any.  Why?  Because as much as we might want to, once words come out... they can’t go back in.  The person is hurt...the relationship over...the damage done.   God-honoring speech is a conscious choice... and no matter what a person’s background, environment, upbringing, or influences are...they can still decide to honor Christ with their words.  This Christmas, make the choice to spread holiday cheer…. one God-honoring conversation at a time.  

Keep Going

Mary Fasano’s parents pulled her out of eighth grade so she could work in a cotton mill in Rhode Island. Fifty-five years later, she made a major decision. She decided that she was going to go back to school to complete her education. At 71, she completed her coursework and received her high school diploma… but she wasn’t done yet! She signed up for Harvard University’s extension program and took one class at a time. Week after week, she drove the twenty miles to the school… and did so for seventeen years! In June of 2003, Mary Fasano graduated from Harvard at the age of 89.

Many called her crazy.

Many would have told her that her dream was impossible.

But what they forgot…? Something is impossible ONLY until it is accomplished.

It’s Christmas, 2015. What have you spent this past year thinking is impossible. A marriage on the rocks? A wayward child? A job situation? An empty bank account? Have you gone from hope to helpless… figuring that it’s just easier to give in and give up than give it over to God?

Mary Fasano lived her life by this truth from Matthew 19:26 “For nothing is impossible with God”

Today you may be facing something that nobody else believes in but you. It’s a mountain that’s never been climbed… and achievement the world’s never seen… a way of doing something that’s never been done. Be bold. Read that verse above over and over until it weaves its way into the fabric of your heart. You have been created for greatness… and your greatest competition is the status quo. The odds of success mean nothing when you have God on your side. He sets the odds. He gets you through. And He will equip you with everything you need to push onward. Seize the day. Take your dreams back from the critics because someday you will be dancing in victory while the doubters stand silent.

Make this holiday season different. Believe again. Believe in the God who loves you more than you can imagine and is working things out behind the scenes with your best interest in mind. Never give up. Don’t quit. Believe in the impossible again. God can and will come through with the best possible solution for your situation.

You can do this. Keep going.

Merry Christmas.

Winning An Argument?

A man from Berlin, Germany was desperate to bring peace to his marriage.   He was quoted as saying “My wife never lets me get a word in edgeways.  So I crank up the siren and let it rip for a few minutes.  It works every time.  Afterwards, it’s real quiet again.”  The siren?  An old air raid siren that he used to stun his wife into submission.  He had it mounted on his roof... and when he felt she was talking too much... he cranked it up.  Before long, the 73 year old man lost his siren.. and so much more...

During my time in ministry, I’ve talked to hundreds of couples... and while none have used air raid sirens to silence the other... people have done many things to win arguments or be heard.  The Bible tells us that they are missing the point.  The goal of a relationship isn’t to have the loudest voice or to keep the other person quiet.  Healthy and Godly couples work diligently at submitting... competing not to win... but to out-serve the other.  Ephesians 5 tells us that we are to do so out of reverence for Christ!   Remember the point isn’t to be right... the point is to be understood.  Want to win?  Make the choice... siren or servant?  It can make all the difference in the world.  

Does God Make Deals?

Old Joe was driving down the street.  He was late for a very important meeting and couldn’t find a place to park his car.  He looked up to Heaven and said, “God, take pity on me.  If you find me a parking space, I will go to church every Sunday for the rest of my life.”  Miraculously, a parking space appeared.  Joe looked up again and said, “Never mind.  I found one!”

You’ve probably seen it before... “God I’ll do this... if you just do that...” We beg, plead, and do our best to make a deal with the Creator of the universe.  When you think about it... God doesn’t need anything that we can offer.  He made it all and He owns it all.  He doesn’t jump at our command... He doesn’t have a price tag... and His favor toward us is because He is good not because we have earned it.  God simply wants our praise.  Not due to Him having a big ego... but because He deserves it.   Tempted to try to strike a deal with God?  Instead... thank Him for what you already have and praise Him for giving you the opportunity to manage it for a while.   

Directions

Former major league baseball player Yogi Berra once said, “You’ve got to be careful if you don’t know where you’re going, because you might not get there.”   I think what he was trying to say was.... have a direction for your life.  Maybe an odd way of saying it... but he’s right. 

If you’ve ever been lost on the highway in a strange city... you know the feeling of wandering around aimlessly.   Some of us know that feeling every morning.... we get up and take on our day with no plan... no destination... and no way of knowing if we’re really going anywhere.  We feel off course and drifting.  I want to remind you that there’s hope.   We might feel lost... but we know someone Who knows the way... In Luke 9:23, Jesus tells us to follow Him.   Christ knows where we need to end up... He knows how to get through what stands in the way... and He knows that we can’t do it alone.   Feeling lost today?  Stop wandering.  Simply take a few minutes and ask Jesus to lead you... you’ll get to where you’re going... and your faith will grow stronger in the process. 

Push On

A student once asked Muhammad Ali for advice.  He wanted to know how to make something of himself in life.  Ali’s answer, “Stay in college, get the knowledge.  And stay there until you’re through.  If they can make penicillin out of moldy bread, they can sure make something out of you!”

As funny (and rhyming) as this is... it’s also very true.  The Bible echoes this idea of not giving up in Galatians 6:9 “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”  So many quit too early...give up on their dream just short of breakthrough.  Want to make something of yourself?  Don’t stop just because life gets hard.  Push on and don’t stop until you reach your destiny.  And when you get there, the view from the top will be worth the climb... guaranteed!

Good Decisions

A man was filling out a job application that had only one question... and here it is:  Suppose you’re driving in your car during a violent storm.  You see 3 people at a bus stop waiting for the bus.  The first is an old lady who looks as if she is about to die.  The second, your best friend who once saved your life.  The third?  The perfect woman who you have been dreaming about all of your life.  There is only room for one in your car and you can’t go back to the bus stop once you leave.  What do you do?

While this is a hypothetical situation... we are faced with many very real decisions every day.  So how do we know which way to decide?  God tells us in James 1 that we should ask Him first... seek His wisdom in prayer and from scripture... and He will give it to us!  Every time.  So how did the man answer the question?  He said he’d give his car keys to his best friend to take the old woman to the hospital.. and he’d sit and wait with the woman of his dreams for the bus to come.  He was hired on the spot.   Never forget...good decisions matter... seek God and He will always give you the wisest solution.  

Caring

Richard Wurmbrand was a Romanian Pastor who spent fourteen years in Communist prisons suffering for his faith in Christ.  When he wasn’t in solitary confinement, he endured physical torture and exposure to long periods of hunger and freezing temperatures.  In prison, he was given one slice of bread per week for food. Every tenth week, he would “tithe” his food... giving the entire slice to a weaker prisoner as an act of obedience to God.  

The Bible tells us that caring for those less fortunate is an important part of following Christ.  Psalm 19 says that as we care for others... we are caring for God... and that He will repay us for our generosity.  Many hesitate providing for the poor because they look at what they have and don’t think it’s enough to make a difference.   Let’s choose to follow the example of Pastor Richard... even in unfavorable times... with very little... we should remain generous to others and obedient to God... pouring into the lives of those with even less than we have.  It’s that kind of heart that rises above circumstance and achieves true greatness for the Kingdom.

Ours

There’s a story told of a northern girl during the Civil War.  It’s said as she watched southern general Robert E. Lee ride past her house on his way to Gettysburg she said, “Oh, I wish he were ours.”   Lee’s reputation was so compelling... his behavior so genuine that even the opposing side wanted his influence...

This got me to thinking... how many people watch us during the course of our day?  I would guess there are far more than we might suspect.  I wonder how many of them look at us and want to be more like us because we are in a relationship with Jesus Christ.  How compelling are we living out our faith?  How genuine is our joy?  2 Corinthians 5 calls us “Christ’s ambassadors”... a big responsibility... but a huge opportunity to show others how wonderful Jesus is!   Let’s commit to living our lives in such a way that even those that don’t know us look at us and want the joy, peace, patience, and strength that only Christ can provide.  

The Hall

For every 2000 high school football players... only 44 of them will ever play in college.  Of those, less than 1 percent will ever make the roster of an NFL team.  The 1,696 players currently in the NFL are in a very elite group!  Out of all of veterans of the league... only 4 to 7 per year are inducted to the Hall of Fame.  Quite an impressive accomplishment!

When we visit Canton, Ohio...and the football hall of fame... it’s easy to walk past the statues and be awed.  But the Bible cautions us about having too much admiration for those the world considers great... 2 Corinthians 10 tells us to avoid comparing ourselves with others because it’s unwise.  Instead, we should remember that our value comes from God... and He made each of us on purpose and destined for greatness!  We may never make it in to a hall of fame... but our name is known by the Creator of the universe... we are valuable to Him.. and that’s what truly matters.

Real Winning

Vince Lombardi once said, “Winning isn’t everything... it’s the only thing.”  Only one problem... he discovered how some coaches were using his words...and he didn’t like it.     They were coaching their teams to stop at nothing... and win by any means necessary...  Lombardi said, “I wished....I’d never said it... I meant the effort.  I meant having a goal.  I sure didn’t mean for people to crush human values and morality.”

Win or go home.  Climb over people on your way to the top... the world may define a win that way... but Coach Lombard sure didn’t.  And neither does the Bible.    In 1 Corinthians, Paul says that the goal of life is to “get the prize”.  What does that look like?  Obedience to God...loving others unconditionally... serving with a tender heart... and helping people find Christ and begin a relationship with Him.  Those are real victories.   Want to win at life?  Start with a relentless pursuit of your God potential and don’t quit.   You’ll achieve far more than a trophy... you’ll reach your destiny.

Back of the Card

There's an old baseball saying, "You are the ballplayer it says you are on the back of your baseball card."  Baseball players (like everyone else) tend to make up excuses for bad play.  They exaggerate the truth and sometimes blame it on others.  But no matter what they say... the stats don’t lie.  Hits... runs... errors... all there in black and white.  No matter what the front of the card might look like... the real player and his ability (or lack thereof) is revealed on the reverse.

Many of us are just like those ball players.  We choose poorly and blame our environment.  We become disobedient in our giving and blame the economy.  We stop praying and blame God when we struggle with faith.   The Bible says in Galatians 6, “For we are each responsible for our own conduct”  God says... we ARE the player on the back of the card.  He wants us to admit our faults... learn from them... make the changes we need to... and work toward becoming the all-star that He has created us to be!   

Purpose of Pain

Mark Twain is quoted as saying “We should be careful to get out of an experience only the wisdom that is in it – and stop there; lest we be like the cat that sits down on a hot stove top. She will never sit down on a hot stove top again, and that is well; but also she will never sit down on a cold one anymore.”

Have you ever been burned by an experience?  Ever felt pain from a relationship and were hesitant to get involved in another one?   Have you ever served on a team and been rejected or disillusioned?  Twain’s quote is accurate however tragic.  Every pain has a lesson... every trial a bit of wisdom.  But it is tempting to get hurt and completely withdraw from ever doing anything like it again.  James 1:4-5 tells us that the purpose of pain is perseverance, maturity, and growth.  If you’ve been hurt, resist the urge to never try again.  Pick yourself up... seek the wisdom to learn from it... and get back in there.  You’ll be glad you did.  

Left in Port

U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Grace Hopper once said, “A ship in port is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.”                                                                    

One of the single greatest tragedies in the world today is unused talent.  God-given ability sitting in port doing nothing.  Wasting away beneath the excuses of “no time”, and “no opportunity”.  This is especially true in the church.  Many don’t get involved because they feel that their skill set doesn’t match the needs of the family of God. Not so.  Paul addresses this in Romans 12.  He tells us to get out and use what we’ve been given!  Pull up anchor and get involved!   Take what we know how to do and help others find Christ!  No matter what our profession.. God wants us to use the gifts He gave us for His Kingdom!   We were built to change the world for Christ... but it won’t come to us.  Let’s leave safe harbor and do what we’ve been called to do...with every talent we have.

Hearing

Did you know that your ear is using thousands of moving parts to make hearing happen?  Scientists tell us that certain parts vibrate more than twenty thousand times per second and can distinguish over two thousand different pitches and tones!  So why do so many struggle hearing God?  With such a precision instrument in our possession... why is hearing His voice so difficult?  

Maybe we truly do hear it... just not in our ears.  While I’ve never heard the audible voice of God... I do know that He communicates with me through His Word, the Bible... Every syllable intentional... every page written to impact my life.  Let’s take today and block out distraction... get in a quiet place... open His word... and listen.  There’s a lot He wants to share! 

Simplest

According to the Global Language Monitor... as of January 1st of 2012, there were over 1 million words in the English language.   In fact, a new word is created every 98 minutes!   Out of all of those words, well over a hundred thousand are rarely used because they are technical and/or scientific.  

Isn’t it amazing that when we read the Bible... the most important and life-changing part of it is perhaps the simplest?  In Acts 16:31, Paul and Silas are in jail talking to their captor.  During that conversation, the jailor asks “What must I do to be saved?”... and here was their simple...non-scientific...non-complicated answer... “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.”  10 words.  No fluff.  Nothing extra or tough to understand.  We have a million word options when sharing our faith... but no need to complicate what’s meant to be easily understood. Trust Christ with your life... spend eternity with Him.  Simple word choice... infinite impact. 

Mosquito

I once heard it said “If you think something small cannot make a difference, try going to sleep with a mosquito in the room!”   Have you ever felt small?  Of no consequence?  God wants to remind you... you aren’t.  You matter.  You were created to make a Godly impact on the world!

Many of us remain inactive because we don’t think we have the time, talent, resources, or influence that we need.  We see ourselves as small and unimportant in the grand scheme of things.  You woke up this morning to hear these next two words:  You matter.  God has created you with a purpose... given you a heartbeat and a destiny to fulfill.  You aren’t an accident... you are a solution.  You aren’t a mistake... you are a world changer.  You aren’t too small to matter... you are too important not to.  Get out there and make a difference for Christ!

His Loving Heart

In an issue of Leadership magazine, Ben Patterson is quoted as saying “Not only does God command us to pray, he permits us to pray.  Prayer is both a “must” and a “may”, an obligation and a gift.”

Have you ever thought about prayer like that?  God not only wants us to talk to Him... He allows us to!  The Creator of every star in the sky and every cell in our body wants us to take a few minutes out of our day and chat with Him.  Tell Him how we’re feeling... what hurts... and what we need help with.  And on top of that... God listens!  He specifically hears each individual voice calling out to Him.  Hebrews 4:16 tells us that we are to approach His throne with confidence... Knowing that what we lift up to Him matters to Him too.  In our prayers today... let’s thank God for not only saying we should pray... but for being gracious enough to allow our simple voices to reach His loving heart.

Thanksgiving

I once read a story about an eight-year old girl who was bravely fighting cancer of the nervous system.  When asked what she wanted for her 9th birthday she thought about it and said, ‘Well, I have two sticker books and a cabbage patch doll. I guess I have everything!’ 

To a young girl... just a doll and a couple of books meant the world to her.  What is that for you?  Do you have everything you need?  So many do, yet feel incomplete... like somehow if they added that one more thing they would finally be satisfied.  Problem is... once that one thing is in place... they want one more.  The Bible tells us in 1 Timothy 6:8 to think differently.  It says... “So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.”  Good advice.  We must remember that a fulfilling life starts with us being thankful for what we have... counting on God for what we need... and staying grateful in the process. 

Simple Words

It has been said that famed children’s author, Dr. Seuss, loved challenges.  In 1959, the co-founder of his publishing company bet him that he couldn’t write an actual book... with a good story... using 50 words or less.  The result?  The beloved book, “Green Eggs and Ham”  To date, it has sold over 200 million copies... using only 49 words in its entirety.  It was an actual story... but told simply for easy comprehension.    

This got me to thinking about the way Jesus communicated with people when He walked the earth.  Easy to understand messages... object lessons... relatable illustrations... all meant to be simply stated but life changing.  If we want to impact the world with the life-saving news of the Gospel, we must stay focused on keeping it understandable...    The world is searching for hope... let’s commit to not overcomplicating what Jesus meant to be easily grasped... Commit to Christ... Love God... Love others... Serve... Give... Be blessed.  Just a few words...but they make an eternal impact.  

The Remedy

In December of 2005, a team of Australian scientists confirmed what many long suspected.  There is a direct connection between emotional stress and the body’s ability to fight illness.  They discovered that when someone is dealing with anxiety, it releases a hormone that battles against the natural immune system.  In other words... worry can make us sick.

Fortunately, God has already remedied this condition... Proverbs 4 tells us that if we listen carefully to what He says... and let His promises penetrate our heart... we will experience healing and life.  So what is the antidote to stress?  God’s word.  Throughout the Bible we are told to depend on, focus on, rely on, count on, and lean on God when times get tough.  When we really start to believe that He is enough... our blood pressure goes down and we move forward to walk in His strength.   Next time you’re feeling sick... spend some time reading the Bible and claiming God’s promises... they are sure to cure!

Course of Action

I read a national survey where they asked spiritual people... “how does your faith affected your ability to make decisions?”   31% said that they made choices based on what “feels right and is comfortable.”  18% said they make choices based on whatever is best for them at the time. 14% said they choose whatever causes the least conflict with others... 16% said they choose based on God’s Word.  

Out of all that were asked... less than 2 in 10 said that they followed the Bible’s guidance over their own.  In Luke 6:46, God addresses this... He says “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”   Jesus gives us instruction through scripture and the Holy Spirit nudges us... yet lots of people ignore both when deciding a course of action.  It seems that many appreciate the wisdom between the covers of the Bible, but fail to follow and apply it because it’s difficult or unpopular.  Today... be different.  Make choices based on God’s truth... not feelings... and watch your life be blessed as a result.  

Unspoken Words

A Hebrew poet once said, “As long as a word remains unspoken, you are its master; once you utter it, you are its slave.”  So true.  Words are powerful.... they can change the course of a relationship...or ignite a revolution.  But once they escape our lips... we are responsible for their affect on the world.  

Scripture tells us in Proverbs 21:23 “"Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble"   Studies have shown that the average person speaks around 13,000 words per day... that’s a lot of opportunity to make mistakes!  But it’s also a tremendous chance to share love, grace, encouragement, and, most of all, the Gospel.  Today as you have conversations... choose to be verbally intentional. Think through each syllable... weigh out each phrase.... And remember, you can’t take words back... but you can make them count for Christ.  

Do Something Good

It has been said that “ "The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing."  We hear statements like that and nod our head in agreement.  We know that there is evil in the world... we condemn it on Twitter... we get into spirited discussions about it over dinner... but how many of us are doing anything to change things?  

The Bible tells us that we don’t have the option to stay indifferent.  In Romans 12:21 it says, “Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”  We serve a big God... and He’s stronger than anything bad the enemy could throw at us. It’s our responsibility to remember that... and be bold enough to stand up to those that want to do harm to others.   It may not be easy for us... but through God’s power and our willingness to be brave... good will ultimately win.  

Copy

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”  Romans 12:2

A story is told about a couple of guests visiting the White House during the presidency of Calvin Coolidge.  As they sat at the dinner table, they watched the president pour coffee onto a saucer.  Thinking that was odd, the guests didn’t want to be rude so they copied him.  He then added coffee and cream to the mixture... the guests did the same.  Finally, without hesitation, the president of the United States bent over and put his saucer on the floor for the cat.  The guests sat there shocked... 

Many of us act the same way... We do things without knowing why or where they will lead us.  The Bible tells us to be careful of this... in Romans 12, Paul tells us not to copy the behaviors and customs of the world... but to let God steer our thoughts.  When Christ is guiding us... we end up in the center of His will for our lives.  Not pouring coffee for the cat... but making the impact we were created for!

Winning and Losing

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So l et it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”  James 1:2-4

When I went to college, I played a lot of basketball... and believe it or not, our team didn’t win every game.  As you would imagine, those losses hurt... but I remember an important truth that our coach shared with us.  He said that the wins were better for our reputation but the losses were better for our game.  Why?  Because we discovered what we needed to work on to become even better!

Sometimes in life, we have losses.  Setbacks.  Challenges that appear pointless.   Many of us look to Heaven... asking God that age old question... why?  The answer is simple...If we won all the time...if everything always worked...many would think they didn’t need God.  Failure reminds us that we can’t do it without Him... it teaches us lessons that develop our character... and as James 1 reminds us... it allows our faith and endurance to grow!  I challenge you... the next time you face a setback... see it as an opportunity to get stronger and better equipped for future success.

Not Moving

A story was told about two couples in the 1950s... A husband and wife, married for many years, were driving down the road behind a young couple in the car ahead of them.  The young couple had a car with front bench seats and the girl was sitting right next to the young man who was driving and had her head on his shoulder. The woman in the car behind sighed and said to her husband, “Do you remember how we used to be like that?  Her husband who was driving looked across the front seat and said, “I didn’t move!”

Sometimes we feel like that with God.  Why did God stop drawing close?  What happened to the way it used to be?   The truth...God didn’t move.  Whenever we feel distant from God, it isn’t Him that does the moving... it’s us.  Problem is, emotions cloud things...  When we’re happy... we feel that God is right there.  When we’re sad... we think He’s moved away.  Fact is... God is always there.  He remains vigilant and steadfast.  Find peace in that truth... walk confidently... knowing that every step you take will have two sets of footprints!

Bankruptcy

Psalm 46:10a

“Be still, and know that I am God!”

It has been reported that the average American gets 1 hour and 6 minutes less sleep than the 8 hours that they need each night.  When you add that up, that’s a 338 hour shortage... two full weeks!  Scientists have called this “sleep bankruptcy”... people walking around overtired and unaware of the risks to their health that lack of sleep poses.  

This definitely hurts our physical well-being... but there’s something that affects us far more profoundly:  A lack of spiritual rest.  So many exhaust themselves... wondering if God will come through.  Hours of time are lost to self-doubt, lack of faith, panic, and an overwhelming sense that worrying can help a situation.  God has other plans... He tells us in Psalm 46 to be still.  Rest.  Let Him be God.   When we do so, and we allow our minds and hearts to trust Him, we find ourselves refreshed and ready to enjoy the blessings that He has for us each day.

Be Bold

A student studies hard...gets her degree... graduates at the top of her class...and people call her a genius.  An athlete trains every morning without fail... climbs to the top of his game... and people call him a champion.  A person accepts Christ, studies their Bible, shares their testimony,  stands boldly for Christ, cries for the hurting, gives to the poor, and regularly attends church, they are called... religious fanatics or Jesus freaks.   

Something’s not right.  

If you’ve ever stood up for Christ and were ridiculed... you are in good company...  Matthew 5:11-12 says "God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way"   

Be bold... stand up for Christ... don’t allow people with labels to stick one on you... you may not hear much applause for your efforts down here... but I can assure you, Heaven celebrates your boldness and God will reward and bless you for your commitment to Him!

Upside and Cost

The other day, I read an article about the diet soft drink, “Coke Zero”... it talked about how pleasantly surprised people were to discover how close to real coke it actually tasted.  The story said that many loved that they could have the benefits and great taste of a refreshing coke without the guilt of the calories.  

I was thinking about this when I ran across this scripture from Mark 8:34 - Jesus said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me"  A challenging verse...but Jesus makes it very clear what He requires to be a disciple.   I meet many who are Christ followers... some want God’s blessings and provision but don’t want the obedience and sacrifice He requires.  They want the taste without the calories... the upside without the cost.  If we are going to walk with Him... we can’t leave our cross laying on the ground.  Let’s commit today to pick it up, and follow Him with our whole heart...  When we do... life gets so much sweeter.  

The Plate

Maybe you’ve heard the name:  Babe Ruth... one of the all-time greatest home run hitters in the history of baseball.  714 to be exact.  What many don’t know is that he had 1330 career strikeouts when he retired.   That’s nearly twice as many failures at the plate!  When asked for the secret of his success, the Babe said “I just keep on swingin’ at ‘em!”  

That’s my challenge for you today... step up to the plate.   You’ll miss a few... but you’re destined to hit your share over the wall.  Galatians 6:9 tells us “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”   Don’t quit.  Don’t give up.  Your home runs are coming... Step boldly out of the dugout, shrug off the strike-outs, and listen to your Coach... He created you for greatness!

Only One Way

Most people think of Thomas Edison as an immediate success.  However, what many don’t realize is that some of his experiments didn’t work... in fact they failed hundreds of times.  As he struggled to perfect the storage battery... a friend sympathized with him over his failures. Edison said, 'But I haven't failed. I've found 10 thousand ways that don't work!”

10,000 may seem like an incredibly large number of attempts... but so many do the exact same thing with their eternity.  They try to be good people... and that doesn’t work.  They give money... and that’s not it.  They make deals with God... and that doesn’t do it.  They follow rules... and that doesn’t get them there.  So how can someone get to Heaven?  Jesus made it clear in John 14:6 “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”   Why waste your life trying 10,000 ways that won’t work... Follow the One Way that does... Allow Christ into your heart as Lord and Savior... it’s the most important decision you’ll ever make.  

First

James 3:13-16 “If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.”

I once heard the story of two men describing a third... “Let me describe him for you,” one of them said... “He’s the kind of guy who follows you into a revolving door and comes out ahead of you... that’s selfish ambition!”

Ever met someone who’s selfish?   A person who lives with a “me first” attitude all the time?    In James 3, the Bible tells us that where there is selfish ambition, there is disorder and evil.   Self-serving people have the wrong priorities... they put themselves above others and disregard Christ’s call to be a servant.  And the evil that the passage describes?  It’s pride.  Self-centeredness.  And scripture tells us that God sets Himself against those that possess that trait.   The antidote to the poison of selfishness?  Generosity, humility, and servanthood... Let’s get out there today and show the world the love of Christ by not living “me first” but “you first”...  Selflessness like that could change the world!

Missing

I once read a quote from a 6 year old girl named Emma.  She said, “Love is when you’re missing some of your teeth but you’re not afraid to smile because your friends will still love you even though some of you is missing.”  That quote made me think of a passage of scripture I read in Romans 5... “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  

So many of us feel like something’s missing... we don’t measure up...we’ve blown it... we don’t feel worthy of Jesus’ love... But this passage assures us that Jesus doesn’t love us because we’re perfect... He loves us because He chooses to.  He loves us so much that He died for us while we were still broken, hurting, and incomplete.  Now, that’s a reason to smile!

Lying Hurts

I ran across an interesting study in USA Today connecting lying and health. Each week for 10 weeks, 110 people (aged 18-71) took a lie detector test. The test asked how many lies they had told that week. Right after, the same group took mental and physical tests to see how healthy they were. The conclusion? The more lies a person told during the week... the poorer health they were in compared to the week before. Shocking? It shouldn’t be.

The Bible tells us in Proverbs 19:9 “...whoever pours out lies will perish.” Make no mistake, lying hurts us. It complicates things... forces us to remember which lies go with which situation... and eventually, as the Bible states, causes our health to decline. Is it worth it? When we are honest, both with ourselves and others, life gets easier. In fact, scripture tells us in Proverbs 3 that when we run from things like lying, our condition improves! Make the decision today to be a truth-teller... you’ll be healthier in mind and body!

In the Stands

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.”  Ephesians 6:4

Michael Jordan is one of the most beloved sports figures of the modern era.  Many consider him the greatest basketball player to ever play the game. What many don’t know is that before each game, he’d scan the stands in search of his dad.  When asked why, Michael said,  “When he’s there, I know I have at least one fan.”  It didn’t matter if his son scored 50 points... or fouled out early... James Jordan cheered for his son.  

Our children need us in the stands.  They need to know that there is always going to be at least one person that supports them...even when they make a mistake.  The Bible tells us in Ephesians 6 that we are to encourage our children...not constantly ridicule them.  Of course, occasional discipline is necessary...but just knowing that you support them unconditionally will help them have confidence and succeed.  The world may try to boo your child... cheer louder.  They’ll be listening for it.  

Popcorn

“Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said,

“I will never fail you.
    I will never abandon you.”  Hebrews 13:5 

How many of you like popcorn at the movies?  Most of us, right?  A study of moviegoers in Philadelphia found that people will eat more popcorn if it is in a bigger box.  We see it so we eat it... even when our stomachs tell us we’re full.      

This got me to thinking about contentment.  How many of us live our lives with our eyes instead of our stomachs. We see more so we want more... even when we know we have enough.  The Bible tells us in Hebrews 13:5 that we should be content with what we have... not spend our time trying to have all of our wants satisfied.  Look around you today... are all of your needs met?  Stop reaching into the box.  Instead, focus on giving thanks for the blessings!

God Knows Why

Sometimes things happen that don’t make much sense to us... we can’t explain why they’re going on... and we struggle with not having every detail.  It’s in those times that we must live lives of faith. The reason?  

Because God does know why.  In Jeremiah 29:11, the Bible tells us that God has a great plan for our lives... we simply need to trust Him and allow Him to lead us.  Fact is, He sees the finish line when all we might be able to see are the hurdles ahead.  But we have to keep running... knowing that He will use it to grow us, strengthen our faith, and help us reach our God potential.  

A philosopher once said, “ "Life can only be understood backwards: but it must be lived forwards."  I think he was right... we can only understand some things in hindsight... but we must press on, in faith, because we can trust the One who knows what’s best for us.  

Out-Serve

A group called the Worldwide Marriage Encounter has certified that Wilbur and Teresa Faiss of Las Vegas, married in April 1933, are America’s longest married couple.  As they celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary, the couple was asked the secret to a lasting union. 

What do you think it was?  Love?  Admiration?  Trust?  While all of these are essential in a relationship... they actually said: "It's very simple. It's give and take and compromise."  The Bible tells us in Romans 12:10 to “prefer one another in love.”  To put the other person first... out-serve them... and most of all, be willing to give a little ground so that both sides win.   Remember, relationships are not about being right... they’re about being honoring... and when we seek Godly unity over victory, we’re on track for a long and fulfilling time together.  

Tools

A man once took a tour of Henry Ford’s automobile plants.  Afterward he met with Mr. Ford and told him, “It seems impossible that a man who started with nothing could accomplish all this.”  Ford thought for a moment and replied, “You say that I started with nothing, but you are wrong.  I started with all that I needed.”

So many feel under-equipped to reach their destiny.  They think they’re too young... too old... they feel their bank balance is too low or their contact list is too empty.  Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we were created by God to do good works, “which God prepared in advance for us to do.”   Don’t let what you see in front of you discourage you from going after what you’ve been created for.  You already have everything you need to be what God made you to be.  He wouldn’t put a dream in your heart without giving you the tools to make it happen!   All it takes is the willingness to trust Him and believe (not hope) that it can be accomplished.

Already Famous

“Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.”  Ephesians 1:4

Andy Roddick is a well-known name in the world of tennis...but it wasn’t always that way.  He started playing when he was three and a half years old.  As he got a little older, he never put down his racquet and played tennis in the garage for hours against imaginary opponents.  When he was seven, he was so certain of his future success, he gave his entire family autographed tennis balls for Christmas.  

Andy knew he’d make it in tennis... but so many think they “know” only to find themselves feeling unworthy and unsuccessful.  If that’s you today, I have good news... YOU are already a success where it matters.  In Ephesians 1, Paul tells us that even before He made the world... God loved us.  You are loved by God.  You are His child and He has a plan for your life.   No need to wonder if you’re important... you are.  You may never sign an autograph, but your name is written on God’s heart... and it’s for that reason that you should hold your head up and keep moving forward as the masterpiece you were created to be!

Forgiveness

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.”  Ephesians 4:31

A 23 year old man in Boca Raton, Florida is trying to snag a 2.5 million dollar mansion for free.  He has moved into the home and has filed an “adverse possession claim.”  In other words... he’s a squatter.  Someone who moves in like he owns the place and won’t leave.  As upset as the neighbors are at this... they can’t seem to get him out and claim that his being there will ruin the neighborhood.

Unforgiveness is a lot like that squatter.  When we’ve been wronged and choose not to pardon someone, it takes up residence in our hearts and refuses to move.  And it doesn’t come alone.  It invites bitterness, resentment, and anger to live upstairs as well.  The Bible tells us in Ephesians to get rid of all of these if we want to get past our past.  The other person may not deserve it (or even ask for it)... but when we forgive, we begin to move forward and our heart can start to heal.   Ready to evict what doesn’t belong?  I’ll be praying for you as you take that brave first step.

I Will Rise Again

In the 1800s, A printer decided to earn some money by printing lithographs of a young and beardless president Lincoln.  It took awhile to print them and before he had the chance to sell the first one... it was revealed that Lincoln had grown a beard.  This printer had a stack of beautiful photos that no longer looked like the president.  What did  he do?  Instead of letting his failure define him, he went a completely different direction to earn money.. he invented a game... Checkers.  You may recognize this young printer’s name... Milton Bradley.  He went on to become a huge success as the father of board games worldwide.

Failure does one of two things... it either defeats us or it makes us more determined.  In the Bible, Micah gives his reaction to failure in chapter 7  “Do not gloat over me, my enemies! For though I fall, I will rise again.”  Is that you today?  Have you been hit with a failure?  Change course, stay focused on God, and never give up!   And you, just like Micah, will rise up and enjoy future success!

Feeling Small

“You have made them a little lower than the angels

    and crowned them with glory and honor.

You made them rulers over the works of your hands;

    you put everything under their feet:

all flocks and herds,

    and the animals of the wild,

the birds in the sky,

    and the fish in the sea,

    all that swim the paths of the seas.”  Psalm 8:5-8 (NIV)

In one of Charles Schultz’s “Peanuts” cartoons, Charlie Brown and Lucy are gazing up at the universe in the night sky.   After a couple of minutes of this, Charlie tells Lucy, “Let’s go inside and watch television.  I’m beginning to feel insignificant.”  

Have you ever felt that way?  Most of us do from time to time.  We see ourselves as unimportant in the grand scheme of things.  This couldn’t be further from the truth.  In fact, Psalm 8:5-8 tells us that God put us in charge of all of His creation!  We are trusted, protected, valued, and given an important assignment while here on Earth!  Next time you feel small...remember how big God is... and how much you matter to Him.  

As They Are

“Get all the advice and instruction you can,

    so you will be wise the rest of your life.”  Proverbs 19:20

When someone holds out a tin of breath mints to you... what’s the first thing that comes to mind?  If you’re like most people,  you think... “Is my breath that bad?”  In the book, Life’s Little Instruction Book author H. Jackson Brown Jr. says this:  “If someone offers you a breath mint, accept it.”  But why? Why is this such good advice?

Because often we don’t realize what we need.  Sometimes we don’t see things as they are, but as we think they should be.  That’s why Proverbs 19:20 is so important.  It tells us to listen to advice and instruction... because if we do, we’ll become wise.  Surround yourself with people you trust and hear them out (even if you disagree at first).  You’ll find yourself making fewer mistakes (and have much better breath in the process).

Who's Steering?

Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart;

    do not depend on your own understanding.

Seek his will in all you do,

    and he will show you which path to take.”

The head of the Nevada Highway Patrol once said, “‘At 100 mph you’re not driving a car, you’re aiming it.’" So true.  At that speed, you aren’t really in control... You don’t feel the rocks under your tires or see any of the passing scenery.  It’s just an exercise in staying between the lines and avoiding major obstacles.

Sound like your life?  Fast?  Out of control?  If you’re in a season like that, Proverbs 3:5-6 has some advice.  Trust God.  The verse says to count on Him completely... and He’ll direct your path.  He will get you to where you need to go regardless of life’s pace or what comes your way.  You may not get to pick the speed of your day... but you do get to choose Who does the high-speed driving through the challenges.  

Homecoming

I read a post on Facebook from a man who’s wife had just passed away after a long battle with cancer.  Here’s what he said: “When people say she lost a battle with cancer, I disagree... My wife didn’t lose a battle with cancer, cancer lost the battle with my wife.  When the body dies, cancer can’t live anymore... but my wife had the greatest victory of all and that’s to walk with the Lord... Cancer died...my wife lived.”

The book of 1 Corinthians tells us that death has no power over those that know Jesus as Lord.   No matter what a Christian may face, battle through, or deal with... the end result will be spending eternity in Heaven with God.  I want to encourage you today... if someone you love has passed and they knew Jesus as Savior... they won.  Death was not the end for them.  They are eternally living... and will spend their forever in the arms of the One who created them and loves them deeply.  Death is painful to those that remain... but to those Christ followers headed to Heaven... it’s a victorious and healthy homecoming.

Tethered

If you’ve ever gone to the circus, you know the size of the mighty elephant.  But did you know that when they are behind the scenes, they are kept in place by tying a tiny rope from their leg to a small stake in the ground?  How does this work?  Simple.  When they were baby elephants, that same small rope used to hold them securely.  Sure, they could easily break it now... but because it used to be strong enough, they’ve become conditioned to believe it always will be. 

Many of us are the same way.  A mistake early in our life ties us to the post of failure.  We think... why bother trying to break free?  We’re just like that elephant that stops trying to tug on what used to hold them in place.  Fact is, you aren’t bound by your past to a lifetime of defeat... If you know Christ as Savior, you have His strength to break free.  In Philippians 3, Paul tells us that he has forgotten the past and is focused on the future.  Do the same!  Pull against that tiny rope of your past mistakes and watch it release you.  It’s time to be the person God tells you that you are!

In Stock?

I was shopping in the mall last week and saw a shirt in the window that I was interested in.  I went inside to talk to the clerk and told her that I would like that particular shirt in my size.  Her reply?  We don’t have it in stock.  I checked the shirt in the window... and sure enough, it was my size!  I told her, “I’ll just take this one!”  She quickly told me that it wasn’t for sale... that the shirts in the window were for “display only”.

That got me thinking about Romans chapter 2... “And this is the message I proclaim—that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s secret life.”  What in my life...or your life... is “for display only”?  Are we being genuine, real, authentic... or is there something we are trying to keep a secret from those around us?  Take a few minutes today and look at your life... at your “store window.”  Is what you’re showing others really “in stock” or just “display only”  Let’s do our very best to be the people we tell others we are.  

Out of the Bucket

Fisherman know that when they go out to sea to catch different types of crabs, they don’t need to put a lid on their capture bucket.   Why?  Because once they’re caught... crabs never try to escape.  Not because they are unable to.. but because when one tries, the others drag him back down.  It’s what is called the “crab mentality.”  If we all can’t escape... nobody can.  

Sadly, some people are the same way.  They just can’t stand to see others happy.  If they can’t be filled with joy... neither can you.  If they can’t succeed... they’re keeping you down there with them.  The Bible tells us in Philippians 2:3 to do nothing selfishly... but consider other people as better than ourselves.  Want a cure for the “crab mentality?”   Resist the urge to keep them in the bucket... instead encourage their growth, cheer them on when they win, and help them over the hurdles of life.  God will bless your selflessness.