Time For Something New

For years, Rob Goodhue watched his wife cut grapes one at a time… laboriously slicing them individually. Some slipping from her fingers and others falling onto the floor. He knew that there had to be another way. Rob was an executive chef for many years at a country club and had developed a method that he now chose to pass along to his beloved. He told her to take a plate and place it onto the plate of grapes she was trying to slice. Then simply slip a knife between the plates and pull it across. Voila! Sliced grapes! No mess, no injury, and very little effort. Rob’s method has since gone viral across the internet leading one commenter to call him “the most genius husband in the universe.”

Maybe not the “most genius” but certainly willing to think differently.

What is it in your life that needs a little different way of looking at it? What hasn’t been working that could with a little thought and prayer? Is there an outdated method in your life? Have you been doing it the same way for so long that you’ve concluded that it’s the only way it can be done? If so, God has a word for you today… It’s found in the book of Isaiah 43:19. God said:

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

I love that passage. Whenever I get discouraged, I turn to that verse and it reminds me that just because I don’t see it… doesn’t mean that it isn’t going to happen. God is working ahead of me, Steph, and our kids. He will make a way… a new way… when the world tries to convince us that things are impossible.

God is the God of new… of growth… of change. He wants us to pursue His ways with everything we have… to see the desert as opportunity and not a burden. Feeling stuck today? Not making any progress? Turn to God who wants to reignite the creativity and passion in your life! Don’t settle for the way things are if they aren’t the best they can be.

Take a minute… grab a plate… and ask the question “What if? What if the way I’ve been doing it isn’t the way God wants it done?” Accept the challenge of God’s “new” over your “routine” Refuse to settle for mediocre and chase magnificent. He has a new thing for your life…a new way of thinking or doing… that if you are bold enough to embrace it will change your forever.

Soon enough you’ll find yourself doing more than just painlessly slicing grapes… you’ll be reaching your God potential.

2017 is coming this weekend... and there's no better time to make changes then the start of a new calendar. I invite you to join us at one of our campuses as we ring in the new year together! Service times and locations can be found on our website:http://potentialchurch.com/locations/

Lack of Worry

When the angels brought the message of Christ’s arrival to Earth, the world was far from peaceful.  There was political tension, people taken prisoner for their faith, famine, border conflicts, and the like.   Yet they talked about peace anyway… why?  

Simply because (as Jesus would later echo) peace and joy come from God.  They are held within the heart… where famine or wars or threats of terrorism can’t affect them.  That message of peace being declared angelically that first Christmas was a harbinger… letting the people know that from that moment forward, the enemy would lose his power over the hearts of the world.  Jesus had come.  And the peace that He brought would be complete.  Love, grace, forgiveness, mercy, and strength would overtake chaos… and the planet would never be the same.  

Today’s world may look like it’s slowly pulling apart at the seams… but the same God who sent His Son that first Christmas day still reigns.  His joy is overwhelming and all-powerful.  The peace He gives is not only all we need but attainable.  

Were the angels naïve, not realizing what this world would become?  No.  They were messengers delivering the new definition of what real peace was… and Who was bringing it.  

The world says peace is a lack of war.  

Jesus says peace is a lack of worry.  

And there’s no need to worry.  God is in control.  He’s still good all the time.  And that peace that was declared over 2000 years ago can and will win out over the chaos that we see in front of us.  The words on the headlines may change, but Jesus’ commitment to be there with us in the storms of life never will.    

Real Competition

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!

After the Rope

After church one Sunday afternoon, a four-year-old boy said, very seriously, "Daddy, will you let me baptize you?" The father laughed it off as a joke but then realized that his son was serious, because he kept asking him, "Daddy, will you let me baptize you?" Finally, not knowing if his son even knew what "baptism" meant, the father said, "Okay son. You can baptize me." The son then came very close to his father, looked intently into his eyes, and said, "You're getting sleepy. You're getting sleepy. . . " 

So many are confused by what baptism is.  The boy in our story thought is was a form of hypnosis…  Others see it as a way to wash off a sinful weekend… still others as a method to get to heaven.  So what is it?   None of these.  

Instead, baptism is an outward expression of an inward decision.  It’s what comes after you pray the prayer of salvation.   Steph and I often refer to it as putting on your “God jersey”… showing the world that you are on God’s team.  We do it by immersion (dunking underwater) because that’s what they did in the Bible… and any believer can do it (or do it again).  It doesn’t get you to heaven… it doesn’t wash off a bunch of bad choices… it’s simply a chance to express the decision you’ve already made to follow Christ with your life.  It’s showing the world that you belong to Jesus… in a very public way.

Many ask me if Christening counts….  They want to know if the baptism that happened to them as little babies still holds up.  Yes.  Baptism as an adult by no means negates the Christening that your parents did for you when you were too young to remember.  In fact, it completes it.  When they had you sprinkled as a baby, they were committing to raising you in a way that honored God.  And now, as an adult, you are confirming their intent.   When you enter the waters of baptism by your own decision, you are telling them… yes… you wanted me to follow God in my life… and I have… and now I’m telling the world.  

If you have yet to be baptized, and grabbed the rope over the Christmas weekend…. what are you waiting for?  Jesus Himself did it.  And why?  Because He wanted us to follow in His beautiful footsteps and be baptized as well.  Ready to follow Him in obedience?  Ready to put on your God jersey?  Let me know in the comments below.  

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!

Christmas Celebration

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.   

Walk On

It didn’t matter what the weather was in Detroit… financially-challenged James Robertson did what he did every other day.  He hit the alarm clock and went to work.  But James’ story was a little bit different.   You see, James didn’t have a car.  No problem… take the bus, right?  Nope.  No bus routes were even close.   So Mr. Robertson did the unthinkable…. he walked.  Every single day… regardless of the weather… James Robertson traveled the 21 miles round trip on foot.   For 10 years, James did whatever it took to get him to his job… in fact, he had perfect attendance!

One day, financial executive Blake Pollack had seen enough.  He had passed James every day on his way into the city and made the decision to do something to help him.  He started picking him up and taking him to his job each day.  Pollack shared the story with a friend of his, Evan Leedy… and together they started a GoFundMe page on Robertson’s behalf.  Hoping to raise the $5000 needed for a used car… the result surpassed even their wildest dreams.  They didn’t raise five thousand to help James… they raised $300,000!  Just recently they presented the car of James Robertson’s dreams to him… a 2015 Ford Taurus.   James said he loved that car because it was “plain on the outside and tough on the inside…just like him.”  The rest of the raised money was given to Robertson as a reward for his decade of diligence and great work ethic.  

Total strangers reaching out to reward the faithful diligence of someone they didn’t know.  

Now take a minute today and imagine your situation.  You may feel like James Robertson.  You’ve been working hard… plugging away… staying faithful when those around you have quit.  You spend your weekends serving and your nights making ends meet at a second job.  Your month seems to last longer than your money… your children are draining your patience and your health isn’t what it used to be.  Yet you keep on walking.  You keep getting it done.   You won’t accept not having something as an excuse to not get where you need to get in life.  

If that’s you… keep going.  God’s got you.  Steph and I have been there and know that it’s hard.  But you can do it.  

Keep honoring God with your resources… keep sacrificing temporary comfort for long-term gain.  Keep pouring out love and forgiveness to others when they haven’t earned it or deserve it.  

Keep going.  Regardless of the weather… keep going.  I can promise you this… someone is noticing your efforts.  Someone has been driving by and sees you climbing yet another mountain on your way to your destiny.  Someone has been walking by you and taking notes.  Someone sees the tears of frustration and lifts you up.   Someone you already may know. 

It’s God.

God knows.  He sees you.  He will provide a way.   He will provide reward.  He will make things right.

You just can’t give up.  

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9)

James Robertson walked to work for 10 long years.  That’s 54,600 miles before his situation changed… 

Every day wondering if it was worth it.  Each footstep crying out for him to turn back.  But he kept on.   It’s time for you to keep going too.  You may be facing the blizzard of divorce… or the flood of financial instability…. or the hailstorm of bad relationships… or the blistering heat of loneliness and isolation.   

Keep on.  One foot in front of the other.  

God is sending a driver to pick you up soon.  

His blessings are on the way.  

Breakthrough is coming.  

You just can’t quit.   

Walk on friend.  Walk on.  For someday the journey will shorten but the character built by the trials will last forever.  

Missing 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

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 few 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!

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.

Investing

Below the Federal Reserve Bank in New York City sits five stories of priceless gold.  Locked behind a 90 ton steel door… in a maze of over 100 vaults… the precious metal sits protected and safe.  It is said that each vault can house 100,000 bricks of gold… and the total value of the stash?  Tens of billions of dollars per compartment… several hundred billion overall.

It would seem to most people that this gold is very safe.  After all, who could get down there let alone get anything back up.  But no matter how many steel doors you put on a structure, there is still a chance of something turning up missing or stolen.  The Bible talks about our inability to protect our treasure in Matthew 6:19-20 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”  Truth is… no matter how secure, put away, taken care of, or protected our stuff on this planet is… it’s still isn’t 100% theft-proof.  Want to have eternal treasure?  Something that lasts forever?  Start building a stockpile in Heaven!  Talk to others about Jesus… invest your resources in the local church…. spend time serving others and taking care of those in need.  It is then that you are generating eternal wealth.  And while it may not glimmer like gold… it is far more valuable.  

Waiting For God

I once read a story about a young naval ensign on his first assignment.   He was given the responsibility of preparing the ship for launch… and he was nervous.  Remembering everything he’d learned in training, the young sailor yelled commands and readied the vessel for the voyage.  He accomplished his tasks in record time… and with a proud voice… gave the order to leave the dock.  Soon after they were out into open water, the ensign received a message.  It was from the captain.  It read “My personal congratulations upon completing your underway preparation exercise according to the book and with amazing speed. But next time, you might wait until your captain is aboard before setting off.”

Oops… Ever make that mistake?  Have you ever been so anxious and excited that you forgot to put first things first?  Many do… In fact, many take off and do things in their lives without waiting for God to be a part of it.  Isaiah 40:31 says to do otherwise:  “But they who wait upon the Lord will get new strength. They will rise up with wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not become weak.”   Is it ok to be excited?  Ready?  Prepared to set the direction for our lives?  Yes!  However, if we do so without making sure God is onboard first, we will grow tired and quickly drift off course.   Seek God first.  Wait on Him to answer.  And then proceed… and it will be smooth sailing the whole way.  

Making the Choice

Unpaid bills, children who don’t listen, a boss who doesn’t get it, a grouchy spouse, and that pain that just won’t go away... sometimes it’s hard to remember that we are supposed to live out Psalm 118:24 It says, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Rejoice?  How are we supposed to be overjoyed with so much going wrong?  Easy.  God made today.  Just for you.  He gave you air in your lungs and kept your heart beating so you could experience every second of it.  When trouble comes, He’ll be there.  Feeling alone?  Hurt?  He will never give up on you.  Short of money?  Stay generous...and watch Him provide for every need.  It’s all about perspective and a committed focus on God’s goodness!  You’ve got another 24 hours to change the world... make the choice to rejoice!

Fresh Breath

“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).

One Full Day?

Have you ever tried to go one full way without worrying?  I have and it isn’t easy.  I’d like to tell you that I give it all to God and never take it back.  Or I stay calm under very stressful situations without trying to fix the problem all by myself.  But I can’t.  You know why?  I’m human.  We worry from time to time… or at least most of us do.  As I was studying for a weekend, I ran across this interesting story about a woman with an extremely rare condition…

So rare, in fact, that only 400 cases have been reported worldwide.  It causes her to speak without hesitation… jump when others pull back… boldly face danger… and do it all with a smile.  Her condition?  Urbach-Wiethe syndrome… also known as “no fear” disease.

This woman lives with absolutely no external fears.  No sweaty palms.  No elevated heartbeat.  No worry.  She still logically senses incoming danger…  for example, if a car is heading toward her, she knows to get out of the way.   She is able to face external stresses with no fear.  But the internal ones?

Still there. 

Isn’t it interesting that this condition blocks her from being afraid of what she can see… but still allows the mind to process fear on the inside?   The mind is powerful… and if we let it, it will paralyze us in worry and strife.  It causes us to fear externally and internally… spending our days stuck in neutral waiting for things to change.  But did you also know that you don’t need a rare condition to numb you to worry and stress.  In fact, God has already given you the plan.

A plan for you, the worrier.  A hope for you, the stressed.  A peace for you, the burdened.  His plan?  He wants you to get up everyday and internalize these two verses:

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33

“So do not fear, for I am with you;

    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  Isaiah 41:10

No fear.  No wringing  your hands over an empty bank account.  No more late night crying sessions over children that have lost their way.  No more feeling the dread of upcoming evaluations… or examinations… or loss.  You weren’t sent here to fear.  You weren’t designed to live in denial.  You weren’t meant to spend every day grasping for control of situations that you can’t possibly bend to your will.  

You were meant to trust.  

You don’t need more faith.  You need to live out the faith that you already have.  Even if all the faith you’ve got left is the size of a pebble… God can move mountains with it.  Take the two verses from today’s devotional and write them down on index cards.  Keep those cards with you everywhere you go… purse, wallet, dashboard, vanity, mirror, etc.   And when the enemy tries to take you down by buckling your knees,  stand strong in the power of these truths from our Heavenly Father.  

Life’s coming at you… and because of these verses, I can assure you that you’ll be ready… not in your own strength, but through the One who walks with you in the valley of uncertainty and challenge.   He’s more than enough and He’ll never let you go.  

Other Side

John 21:6 “Then he said, ‘Throw out your net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll get some!’ So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.”

The disciples had fished all night with no luck.  They’d thrown out their nets and been unsuccessful in catching even the tiniest brim.  But why?  These were some experienced men of the sea… they were used to pulling in thousands.  What could have possibly caused this lack of success?  

It was pretty simple.  The net was on the wrong side.

Sometimes we fish for things with our nets on the wrong side, too.  

Some are fishing for the right mate in a sea filled with wrong people.  Some are seeking God’s blessing in a life filled with disobedience.  Others confess that they want to share their faith, but only hang around other Christians.  

Sometimes it requires moving the boat.   Most of the time, it’s simply a matter of putting your net on the right side… on the side Jesus instructs us to put it on. 

Want a Godly relationship?  Cast your net among those that honor God with their lives.  Christ tells us in His word that bad company corrupts good character (1 Cor. 15:33).  Too many are looking for deep-water fish in canals.  

Want God’s blessings?  Cast your net into the river of generosity and servanthood.  When we give of our time, talent, and resources… God blesses our efforts.  Too many are asking God to give His stamp of approval on life plans He had no part in creating.

Want others to know about Christ?  Cast your net right where you are.  There are plenty excuses to stay silent… dare to be bold… tell others (starting with those that share your last name).  You may not have all the answers… and you may not be a Bible expert… but God has done something big in your life.  Share it.  And if the nets come back empty the first time…don’t quit.  Keep casting them out on the right side… and big things will happen.  

Ready to go fishing?  Cast away!

Not Just a Feeling

An Ethiopian folk tale tells of a wife’s determination to save her marriage.  The story goes that a couple was having relationship trouble... so the wife goes to a judge and says she needs help.  The judge tells her that he has a magic medicine that will solve her problem.  However, the main ingredient is a hair from a lion’s tail.  Loving her husband, the desperate woman agrees and goes out to acquire the hair.  Day after day she stalks a lion waiting for her opportunity.  Finally, one day she snatches the hair and races back to the judge...eager for the tonic that will save her marriage.  The judge tells her... “that was a very brave thing you did... it took determination, patience, resolve, and courage.  There is no magical potion.  Instead of looking for the quick fix... demonstrate those same things in your relationship... and I promise it will get better.”

Marriage is wonderful.  But I have yet to see one that hasn’t required hard work, compromise, understanding, forgiveness, and honesty to thrive.  If you’re having trouble... don’t scour the bookstore or the internet for a shortcut.  Reinvest your time in what built your bond from the start.  As 1st Corinthians 13 tells us, love isn’t just a feeling... it’s a commitment.  And when energy is spent on reinforcing that commitment rather than regretting it... great things can happen. 

Gain the World?

I read of a man in England who spent seven years on a 5000 piece jigsaw puzzle.  Eighty-six year old retiree Jack Harris started the five foot tall puzzle just after Christmas of 2002 and for many years meticulously worked at putting it together.  Sadly, at the end of his journey... after 4999 pieces were placed in their exact spots... the puzzle could not be completed.  The tiny hole in the middle of the puzzle revealed that a piece was missing.

This brought a powerful scripture to mind... Mark 8:36 “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?”  So many people live their whole life building wealth... putting together success... acquiring possessions... and come to the end of it without the most important piece:  a relationship with Jesus Christ.  Their picture is incomplete... and as a result they spend eternity separated from Him.   Maybe you know someone who’s working on their puzzle and needs that missing part... be bold!  Share the amazing news of salvation with them... and turn what could be tragic into something triumphant.  

Experience

It has been said, “The only thing more painful than learning from experience is not learning from experience.”  A very true statement.  In fact, what we gain from our past is vital to future success.  The Bible calls this wisdom... and it’s not as hard to attain as one might think.  It’s simply a matter of intentionality.  In Proverbs 3, it says: ““Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.”  

Want more wisdom?  Want to make better decisions?  Rather than just “getting past”  your challenges, briefly go back and look for the lesson in them.  Once you find one... store it away.  You never know when what seems meaningless now will become priceless in a future situation.  Once applied, these bits of wisdom help others and at the same time put meaning and perspective to our trials.  

Leading Them Back

It may seem hard to believe, but the United States average high-school dropout rate is 25%.  1 in 4 students decide to leave before they finish.   The question is… what is happening to stop this trend?  What are schools doing to pursue those that want to call it quits?

The church faces a similar situation.  People coming to the end of their faith and deciding that they just want to walk away from a God who seemingly doesn’t care.  So what’s being done?  What is the family of God supposed to do when one of their own drifts away?  Pursue.  Lovingly… and with great passion… go after those that have lost their way.  Scripture tells us in Matthew 18:12 "What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?”  We are to go after the lost…the disillusioned…the confused…the broken…and the hurt.  They may be looking to drop out… and it’s that very time that God commands us to step in.  Sometimes all someone needs is the reassurance that things will get better…and that God still cares.  Know someone who’s walked away?  Today…without hesitation…start the process of leading them back.   Both of you will be better for it. 

Sweetness

The other day I read an interesting fact about honey.  Did you know that germs cannot live in honey because it’s too sweet?   It’s true.  The sugar in the honey causes the water part of the bacteria to evaporate… thus killing the bad germ.  Similarly, that’s why jellies can be put into jars and kept indefinitely without fear of contamination. It’s the sugar… the sweetness.. that makes all the difference.  

As we think about our world today,  many would tell you that the way to deal with the corruption and evil is to seek revenge.  After all, if we are wronged… they have it coming.  We hurt… they should hurt.  However, scripture tells us differently.  In fact, we are told in Luke 6 that we should “return good for evil”  and in Proverbs 16:24… that it is gracious words (like a honeycomb) that brings “healing to the bones”.  God says when the world wants to sour us… reply with kindness.  Turn the other cheek.  Extend the olive branch.  Allow God’s sweetness in our heart to drive out the bitterness of what the flesh might want us to do.   It may not be our first reaction…. but the more often we choose it… the closer to Christ we will be.

Driving

I was talking with Steph a few days ago about my driving.  She says it’s… how should I say this…not my greatest strength.  I’m not that bad!  My hands may not be at 10 and 2 all the time  but I keep the car on the road and get us where we need to go safely!  It’s funny how things work.  Just after we finished chatting about my driving, I ran across this story about a woman and her unusual driving choices… 

On a dark Friday evening, Prionda Hill made a choice.  She decided that she was going to release the wheel of her car and let God steer.  Literally.  She completely removed her hands from ten and two and told God to guide her vehicle through traffic.  The outcome was less than ideal.   A motorcyclist by the name of Anthony Oliveri was the unfortunate victim of Prionda’s decision.  He later told police that when he saw the car coming directly toward him, the only thing he thought was  “This is the day I die.”   Fortunately, he didn’t.  While his injuries were serious, Anthony survived that crash… and Prionda is now facing several serious charges.  

Is that how God operates?  Does He tell us to completely remove our hands from the wheels of our lives?  Is He apt to recommend that we just “let it go?”  Many would say yes.  We say “Jesus… you do it!”  or “God… he/she’s all yours…”  But is that Biblical?  Does God tell us to release total control and let Him do it?  Is “Let Go and Let God” legit?  

No.  In fact the Bible says just the opposite.   2 Timothy 2:3 tells us to “Endure hardship…”  Ephesians 6:11 tells us to “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand…” Finally, 1 Peter 1:7 says that our trials reveal our level of faith.   

Our challenges strengthen us.  They burn away what doesn’t belong and reveal our toughness.  What we see as pain… God is using for our eventual good.  We read many times in scripture that Jesus promises to never leave us in our struggles… that He wants us to persevere through them… and why?  Because they are the very things that will cause us to build faith muscle that we will need later in life.  So the next time you feel like just letting God do it… don’t. Keep both hands on the wheel… and God will put His nail-scarred hands on top of yours… and help guide you through the traffic to your destination.

Shadow

As you read this today... you might be worried about something.  It’s kept you awake... taken over your thoughts... and made prayer time with God seemingly impossible to get through without distraction.  In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul tells us how to deal with these types of burdens:  “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Is worry casting a huge shadow over your life?  Pray and don’t stop until you have an answer.  Be honest... blunt... straightforward with your requests.  Pray specifically and unceasingly... and when God comes through (and He will in His own perfect way and time)... give thanks for what He does.  Worry is destructive and never works.  Give your burdens to God... leave them there... and experience a peace like never before.

Extraordinary

Feeling ordinary?  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!

Playing God

History was made as the mini-series “The Bible” was aired to record numbers of viewers.  Soon after, the actor who portrayed Jesus was invited to speak to a group of Christian leaders at the National Religious Broadcaster Convention.   They asked him how he felt to play such an important role.  His answer?  “How can you play the Son of God?  You can’t.  What I had the privilege of playing was simply the words of Christ and taking the journey of the Scriptures.”

It was a very humble answer from an actor who understands that he is just that... an actor.   Nobody can properly play Jesus.  So why do so many try in their own lives?  They worry... stress... try to control things... and in so many other ways attempt to be Lord.  Deuteronomy 4:35 tells us that “the Lord is God and there is no other.”   Find yourself trying to be God over your own life?  I’ve got good news.  You don’t have to be.  In fact, you can’t be.  Let God be God... and spend all of that energy praising Him for Who He is and what He does daily for you.

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! 

God's Lens

An anonymous writer once penned, “Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the apples in a seed.”  

Often we see life just like this simple statement.  We perceive what’s right in front of us: the pile of bills, the deadlines, the obligations, and the challenges.  It’s pretty easy to count what we have stacked up against us.   But God has a different field of vision.  Where we see trouble, He sees opportunity for growth.  When we feel pain, He provides  healing and breakthrough.  God’s view of our lives is much different than our own.  He watches our time on earth unfold from the finish line instead of the starting gate.  And it’s because of this that we can trust Him.   

God loves you.  He believes in you.  He has placed air in your lungs and started your heart beating for a reason!  If you ever feel the urge to count troubles... resist.  It’s an easy thing to do and causes more heartache than you were meant to bear.  Instead, stop and remember that God saw those same obstacles and created you anyway... because He knows that you have potential for greatness.  He put it there.  It’s simply a matter of remembering to view your life through God’s lens and not the world’s.

The Clock

Longevity runs in my family.  The Gramlings have traditionally been blessed with long lives.  I never thought that our family was above average until I was researching for one of my past weekend teachings.  I discovered that, on average, people live about 75 years.  And while that seems like a long time… let’s break that down.   That’s around 3900 weeks… 27,000 days… or about 648,000 hours.  Now let’s remove the time we spend sleeping (about 1/3 of that if we’re doing it right…).  That leaves us with about 112 hours a week that we are awake.  Now back in the day, the human race spent 70 of those 112 hours per week productively working.  Today is quite different.  In fact, due to some productivity improvements through technology, the average work week is 30 hours.  

And what do we do with all of that remaining time?  The 82 hours that we are awake and active?  Would you believe that the biggest part of that time is squandered in front of a flat screen?  It’s true. According to statistics, the majority of people passively watch television 4-5 hours per day… and spend many more hours staring at tablets, smartphones, and laptop screens.  YouTube logs in billions of views a day… in fact, the average person watches 15 hours of YouTube videos per week.  

What are you doing with your life?  All of those hours… those ticks of the clock… are you leveraging them to change the world?  Or using them to change the channel?  

Did you know that Einstein, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Abraham Lincoln, and your hard-working great-grandparents all had the same 24 hours per day… they all had time management issues… and they all had to decide what they were going to do with their time awake.  

Some make a difference… other make excuses…all have the same amount of hours per day.  

The Bible addresses this issue of time in the parable of the talents.  Three servants are given some money by their master to manage for him.  Two make more money… while one buries it to keep it safe.  Here’s the master’s reply to the one that squandered his chance: 

“But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it'" (Matthew 25:26-27, NLT).  

The Bible is clear that we are to maximize our time… to see our lives as something given to us by our Creator to invest in His Kingdom and others.  To serve the world… to love those that can do nothing for us in return… to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ… and to enjoy those that God has put around us as friends and family.  

Maybe it’s time to take a technology fast.  Live in the now.  Maybe it’s time to stop seeing the world as photo ops for instagram and maximize your minutes for Christ.   We’ve got one chance on this side of Heaven to change the world for God.  Let’s take today seriously.  There will never be another today.  Ever.  And there will never be another you.  Ever.  Get out there and seize the chance to shine God’s light into a world that is blanketed with darkness.  You’ve got 24 hours… let’s go make a difference. 

By Yourself?

Chuck Swindoll tells a story about a Kansas newspaper where someone took out a one-line ad targeted at lonely people.  The ad read, “I will listen to you talk for 30 minutes, without comment, for $5.00”  Before long, the person was receiving 10 to 20 calls per day.  

Loneliness is a pain that many endure...and most will do nearly anything to make it stop.  Maybe you’ve experienced it.  Maybe you’re going through it right now.  Deafening silence... alone with thoughts that seem to have you feeling hopeless and helpless.  God wants you to know something... He’s there.  Deuteronomy 31:6 tells us that “the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”  God understands when you don’t have words to express your feelings.  He stands by your side when others run out.  He is there to double your joy and take away your grief... and He promises that it will always be that way.   Feeling lonely?  Write down today’s verse and keep it with you.  And when the enemy tries to convince you that you’re by yourself... remind him that he’s a liar.   You are never alone.  God is with you.  And you are loved more than you will ever know.  

Requirements

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.  

Easy to Understand

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 Rest

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.

In 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.  

Image

It has been said that one of the greatest evidences of God is His breathtaking creation.  A sunset over the deep blue waters of the ocean... the smell of a colorful spring flower.... the way the earth glistens after an afternoon rain... All beautiful and all on purpose.  We serve a God who values magnificence.  “The beauty of the cosmos,” one writer penned, “is God’s signature.  He could have made an ugly world and a loathsome universe.  But He is a God of beauty, and we must worship Him in the beauty of His holiness.”

Maybe while you are reading this, you are in front of a mirror.  If not, take a second and find one to stare into.  Stare into the image you see.   You know what?  That face is beautiful.  Exquisite.  Those eyes... hand made and color tinted by God.  The hair... each strand placed (and counted) by the Lord Himself.  Ephesians 2 tells us that the image you are looking at right now is the best work God can do.  He says it Himself...You are His masterpiece...you are loved... and you are more stunning than the brightest star in His sky.  God made you beautifully (and he knows and values beauty!).  Today, if the world tries to make you feel less than exquisite, remember what you see now... and keep in mind that God’s words to describe you are far more accurate than those of your peers.

Fully Engaged

An insurance company studied 65,000 fatal crashes over a two-year period.  The results?  One in ten wrecks were the result of distracted driving.   Before you quickly blame texting or talking on the phone… 62% of those accidents where someone died came as the result of…

Daydreaming.  

Staring blankly into space… letting the mind wander… just letting go and mentally coasting.   It was daydreaming that killed 6 out of 10 in those crashes.   Psychologists tell us that when we are in a daydreaming state… our conscious “wanders off” and we let our sub-conscious take the wheel.  Has that ever happened to you?  Have you ever stopped at an intersection and wondered how you got there?  Asked yourself… “did I stop at that stop sign back there?”  Or the ever-popular “Where am I?”

It happens… but it shouldn’t.  Scripture tells us to be alert at all times.  Not just in traffic… but in other things.  Do we let our mind wander as we stare at a co-worker of the opposite sex?  Do we allow our brains to drift as we spend time in church?  Are we completely focused at our job?  In the classroom?  In conversations with our spouse or kids?  But who cares, right?  After all… daydreaming in those situations won’t cause a fatality…   

Well maybe not a physical death… but not focusing can cause a marriage to crumble…grades to fall… faith to be shaken…job loss…and so much more.  Scripture tells us in 1 Peter 5:8 that we should be “sober-minded” and “watchful.”  Why?  Because the enemy is simply pacing back and forth waiting for us to let our guard down… then he pounces like a roaring lion on our lives.   Take a few minutes today and evaluate your ability to pay attention to what’s important.  Pray that God would remove distractions, remind you of why concentrating is in your best interests, and give you the strength to overcome the pull towards lethargy.   You’ll live a safer life… and you’ll get to enjoy the benefits of being fully engaged in every moment of it.

Instructions

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.  

Clean

A story is told of a man whose children each won a goldfish from a carnival.  Not having anything to put them in... the man went to a local pet store for a tank.  As he walked past the expensive aquariums, a sale tag caught his eye.  Five dollars for a used fish tank.  Perfect.  He bought the obviously used and dirty tank and took it home for a good cleaning.  The fish looked beautiful swimming through the now clean glass.  Then they started dying.  One fish was gone by morning... one the next day... and the third?  It held on for two full days.  The man was confused... what had caused these fish to perish?  Then he remembered... when he cleaned the tank he had used soap.  A definite no-no.  Good intentions... bad way of carrying them out. 

Many times we treat our own lives the same way.  Things get dirty... polluted... difficult.. and instead of running to God’s Word to get things clean... we use far more abrasive and toxic methods.  We condemn ourselves and choose to become self-critical.  Before long, we start to believe that what we did defines who we will always be.  We see our stains as permanent and our errors as unforgivable...  And soon after, that dream inside our heart begins to die.   God has another way.  A safer way.  We need to allow Him to define us.  We call ourselves messed-up... God calls us masterpiece.  We say we’re cursed... God calls us blessed.  Ready to do some cleaning?  Don’t be harsh on yourself and abuse what Christ died for... allow His loving words about you to wipe away the smudges on your heart.  

What Now?

I'm writing this before the final tally.  I don't know who won the election yet... and my thoughts today aren’t shaded blue or red.  

Yesterday many of us went to polling places and cast our votes for the person we believed could best lead our nation.

Last night we stayed up late and watched election results come in.

Today we have a president-elect.

I want to encourage you to remember to do three things:

1. Pray for our president.  Even if you don’t agree with their politics... agree to pray for wisdom and strength as they lead our nation.
2. Pray for our nation.  Elections reveal division.  It’s time to heal as best as we can.
3. Remember that regardless of who sits in the White House...

God is not a democrat.

God is not a republican.

He is the King of Kings.

He will be on His throne in 2016 just as He was in 1016.

He was not voted into power and He won’t be voted out.

Choosing to follow Him will always be the right choice.

His ways are greater.

His love is complete.

Every knee shall bow.

Every tongue will confess.

In every election...regardless of result...

God reigns.  

"Make your motions and cast your votes,

    but God has the final say."  Proverbs 16:33 (MSG)

Temporary

C.S. Lewis once wrote "If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."

We often forget that we are temporary residents here on Earth... and for the brief time we are here, we have a purpose and a goal:  to share the great news of Christ with the world!   But ultimately, God has created us for much longer than that!  Ecclesiastes 3 tells us that God has set “eternity in the hearts of men.”  If you are a Christ-follower, you will live forever... and all the stresses, strains, and sadness you may be feeling as a part    this planet will eventually give way to everlasting peace.   Until we return home, let’s commit to living every day as effectively as we can... to change this world for Christ so that many more will spend their forever in the presence of the One that created them for greatness.  

Grateful

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.