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.

Meaning

The Bible tells us in Matthew 16:26 “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?”  

Great questions!    But if we are told that what we gain here doesn’t matter as much as our relationship with Christ... why are so many after the applause of men?   Why do people pursue trinkets and trophies... when God has an infinitely better plan for their lives?  Comedian Jim Carrey once said, “I think everyone should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it's not the answer.”  So what do we do?  

Keep in mind that meaning doesn’t come from anything that man creates.  God has designed us to be connected to Him... and when we remember that and pursue Him passionately,  we gain what really matters.  

Yourself

A former chaplain of the US Senate, Richard Halverson once said... "Want to be a winner? Compete against yourself, not somebody else. Outrunning your rival doesn’t mean you ran your best race. You can win over another and still not fulfill your potential. It’s true in all of life. To be your best, you must compete with yourself. It’s life’s biggest contest.”

In Galatians 6, the Bible says, "If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions.".   One of the biggest barriers to personal success is the comparison of ourselves to others.  You are the only one qualified to be you... and that’s what God made you to do!    Are you ready to move forward and improve?  Stay in your lane, check your own motives, work on improving yourself, and remember... your only real competition is the you of yesterday.  Keep moving forward!

An Ordinary Friday

Do you feel ordinary today?   Plain?   

Good.  

You are exactly the type of person God uses to change the world.  Joseph was a prisoner... Gideon was a farmer... David was a shepherd... Mary was a teenager... Luke was a doctor... Matthew collected taxes... and Peter caught fish long before he was called a “fisher of men”.   

When we read that list, we think “God’s all-stars”  But they didn’t think of themselves that way.  In their minds, they were just regular people doing what God had asked them to do... and changing the world in the process.  

Fact is, every person He creates is knitted together with a purpose.  A destiny.   That includes you.  You may have opened your eyes this morning feeling plain but you aren’t.  God had a plan for those He used in the Bible... and He has one for you.  He specializes in doing extraordinary things through ordinary people who are committed to fulfilling His purpose in their lives.  There’s nothing common about that!

Athletes

“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9

Researchers have discovered that athletes have a higher pain tolerance than non-athletes. It seems both men and women who play team sports can stand more pain than those involved in other less intense activities.  Their recommendation?  If you deal with a lot of everyday pain... get active... you’ll feel healthier and more resistant to discomfort.  

Great advice!  But when it comes to the pains of life... many of us do the opposite.  When it hurts...we retreat... we become afraid.  Timid.  Unsure of what God can do or if the pain will ever end.  Scripture tells us in Joshua 1:9 to be strong!  Be courageous when it hurts because God is with us!   When life gets challenging, don’t shrink back or  just stand there in pain... step boldly forward... stay active and connected to God...  and soon you’ll find yourself stronger and more tolerant to what used to hurt you.  

Caught

Billy Graham once said... “Children will talk, eat, walk, think, respond, and act like their parents. Give them a target to shoot at. Give them a goal to work toward. Give them a pattern which they can see clearly, and you give them something that gold and silver cannot buy.”  

Parenting is caught not taught.  No matter how we much tell our children to behave, be kind, share, tell the truth, and mind their manners... they will struggle if they don’t see it lived out in our own lives.  God tells us in Proverbs 22 that we should train up our children in a way that honors God... and once we do so, it will stick with them forever.  How do we do this?  Demonstrate integrity... be true to our word... give second chances.. love them like Christ does... and face challenges with courage not complaints.  Telling our kids about Christ is important.   Living out His values in front of them is equally so.  

Sleepless?

In August of 2010, Ron S. of Brewester, Massachusetts had a problem.  Doctors discovered an “ominous dark spot” on one of his lungs. They feared the worst.  Multiple tests were run but all came back inconclusive.  There was only one thing left to do... surgery.  The mass was removed and sent to the labs.  After a couple of days it was concluded that it wasn’t cancer at all... it was a pea that had somehow worked its way into his windpipe and then his lung.  The moist environment of the lung had caused it to sprout.  

How much time do we spend dreading those “ominous dark spots” in our lives.  We work ourselves up... preparing ourselves for doom and gloom... only to find that what we dread isn’t what comes to pass.  Over 90% of what we worry about never happens.  9 out of 10 sleepless nights are pointless.   We allow the unknown to grow in the dark damp environment of our minds..holding us prisoner to fear and worry.  Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God has plans for us... He knows what’s coming... and He’s already ahead of us preparing the way.  No need to doubt, dread, or waste time wondering where the next “dark spot” may come.  Take time to trust!   When we do so, life gets easier and our faith grows stronger!

Heavier

A psychologist walked around a room while teaching stress management to an audience. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they'd be asked the "half empty or half full" question. Instead, with a smile on her face, she asked: "How heavy is this glass of water?"  Some guessed 8 ounces... others 20 ounces... She replied, "The weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my arm. If I hold it for a day, my arm will feel numb and paralyzed. In each case, the weight of the glass doesn't change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."

Stress is the same way.  Hold it for a little while...no problem.  A little while longer...a little more weight.  All day?  A week?  It quickly becomes unbearable.  So how can we control the pressure on our lives?  Take Jesus up on what He offers in 1 Peter chapter 5  verse 7:  “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”  God wants us to turn to Him when times get tough... We weren’t created to carry the weight of the world... so today, let’s choose to trust in His strength and not our own.  

Strong Enough

Nothing is impossible through Christ.  Nothing.  

That marriage that seems like there’s no hope.  Recovery is possible.  The low bank balance.  Replenishment is possible.  An uncontrollable teenager… a demanding boss… a medical setback?   All solvable.  All doable.  All possible through the One who promises that He will never leave nor forsake us.  (Deut. 31:8)

When we have no more stamina… He carries us.

When we are out of answers… He assures us that He has all that we’ll need. 

When the world tells us we’re nothing… He reminds us that we are more than just something.   We’re a masterpiece.   

His arms are strong enough for our heaviest burdens.

In 1 Peter 5, we read about God’s “mighty” hand!    No matter where we find ourselves today... God’s hand will be big enough.  He’ll cradle us with it when it hurts. He’ll provide for our needs with it.  We can grab it when we’re nervous and it will be there to protect us.  

Today, don’t live limited by what you can carry in your own hand... give it to Him... He is more than strong enough. 

100%

John 15:12-13 says, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”  

Liza was suffering from a rare and serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her five-year-old brother. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. He hesitated for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, ‘Yes, I’ll do it if it will save Liza.’  As the transfusion progressed, he lay in a bed next to his sister and smiled, seeing the color returning to her cheeks. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, ‘Will I start to die right away?’  Being young, the boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give her all of his blood.  He was willing to lose everything to save the one he loved.

Sacrifice, selfless generosity, full commitment... these are the things of love.  Real love.  The love that Christ showed on the cross for mankind... and the type of love He asks us to demonstrate to those we call family or friend.   

Are we ready and willing to love those that have the most invested in us?  Are we willing to look past the past and move on even when people have hurt us so badly?  Do we really love those we say we do… or are they just supposed to understand when we give them just a portion of our hearts.  

Christ-like love is 100%.  It’s sacrificial.  It’s generous.  It’s top shelf love… not back of the fridge leftovers.  It’s forgiveness… even when that forgiveness has not been earned, asked for, or deserved.   When we love others like God loves us it is not self-serving, “what’s in it for me” kind of devotion… it’s totally unselfish and completely unconditional.  

Christ loves you 100% because you’re you.  That’s it.  

Is it possible to love another human being like that?  Yes.  

And that person may call you daddy, mommy, brother, sister, boss, friend, or colleague.  They may annoy you, call you out when you blow it, and frustrate you to the point of breaking sometimes.  But the reality is, if we all want to live like Christ did… and that’s the whole point of our walk with Him… we have to learn to love with all of our hearts.  

Are you willing to give it all for someone else?

Are you willing to serve another like you were caring for yourself?

Are you willing to love without holding back, give without reservation, and trust God with the outcome?

If so, God is going to do big things in and through your life.  

If not, what’s holding you back?

What is it that prevents you from loving at this level?  Is it fear, past hurt, lack of trust, risk, not feeling appreciated… what is it that keeps you loving at 90% or lower?  I can promise you this… one day when this life nears its end, you and I will look back not at what we accomplished, but on who we loved.  Who had our hearts?  Who did we hold dearest?  Who got our 100%?  

Was there someone who saw us as uncaring, cold, distant, or aloof?

Was there someone who we said we loved but never trusted?

Was there someone who we should have sacrificed for but held something back from?

Was there someone who deserved all of us… but only got a fragment?  

I don’t want to ask those questions of myself.  And I know you probably don’t either.  

The great part is… if you’re reading this today, you aren’t dead.  This means that you still have time to learn to love, give, and serve those around you at the “all-in” level.  Resist the urge to say this is impossible.  Push back the temptation to say “but I…” or “I can’t…”  or “she doesn’t…” or “but they…”.  Decide today that you are going to work toward giving people the whole you.  The you that loves wholeheartedly and without reservation.  The you that puts others first…  

The you that would give all of their blood for the survival of another.  

That’s the kind of total love Christ was talking about.  Remember what Jesus said were the two most important commandments… Love God and love others.  And the only way to really love both?  

Give 100%.