The Telephone

Tony Evans, Pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Texas, spoke of being on an elevator in a high-rise building. He didn’t like riding elevators because he worried that something would go wrong.  One day it did.  The car he was riding in got stuck in between floors.   He noted that some of the people in the car became frantic. They began to beat on the door hoping to get someone’s attention. Others began to yell in the hopes that their voices would get someone on the surrounding floors to come to the aid. But nobody heard their noise or their cries. Then Evans quietly made his way to the front of the car, opened a little door in the wall and pulled out a telephone. Immediately he was connected with someone on the outside. He didn’t need to beat on the wall to get their attention. He didn’t need to speak loudly in the phone to receive their help. He could have whispered and they would have heard him.

Anger and yelling did nothing to get those people out of the elevator.   Instead, patience and self-control solved the problem.  The Bible talks about this very thing...

“Better to be patient than powerful;

    better to have self-control than to conquer a city.”  Proverbs 16:32

In any relationship, anger and lack of self-control hurt the ability to honestly communicate.  When one side is afraid of making the other mad for fear of setting off an emotional volcano...there is an issue...and before long, all meaningful communication stops.   If we are going to have deeper relationships, we must be in control of our temper...not over-reacting to a situation or a remark.  By doing so, we create an environment where both sides are equally heard... honesty and trust thrive... and God-honoring solutions are reached.

Trapped?

The zoo is an interesting place.   Modern zoos have eliminated cages and replaced them with “natural” habitats... where the animals feel as though they are in a familiar place with every creature comfort they could ever want.  Twice daily, zookeepers come in and feed them perfect cuts of meat or high quality grain... their water supply is clean... and they sleep in man-made structures built to resemble nature’s finest.  It’s everything an animal could ever hope for... or is it?  

So often, real freedom is confused with the perception of freedom.  People spend their lives in luxury... all their needs and wants are taken care of... yet they still find themselves trapped.  So how do they get out?  The Bible tells us in John 8:36 that when we live in a relationship with Christ, we are truly free.  No more limitations.  When we give ourselves to Him and let Him take over, we get to experience His power, grace, strength, and provision.  No matter how comfortable we try to make it... a cage is a cage.  Find yourself still missing something?  Seek Christ and unlock the door to a life of  true liberty and purpose.

Impacting Others

Jackie Robinson was the first African-American person to play major league baseball. Breaking baseball’s color barrier, he faced jeering crowds in every stadium. Players would stomp on his feet and kick him. While playing one day in his home stadium in Brooklyn, he made an error. The fans began to ridicule him. He stood at second base, humiliated, while the fans booed. Then, shortstop Pee Wee Reese came over and stood next to him. He put his arm around Jackie Robinson and faced the crowd. The fans grew quiet. Robinson later said that arm around his shoulder saved his career.

Encouragement means so much.  Sometimes it’s verbal... a word of affirmation or a compliment.  Yet other times, it’s not.  It can come in the form of a hand squeeze, a wink, a pat on the back, or in Jackie Robinson’s case, an arm over the shoulder.  Regardless of how it is conveyed, everyone needs to be encouraged.  The Bible talks about it in 1 Thessalonians 5

Vs.  11 “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”

Throughout the course of your life you will talk with many people.  Some will be closer than others... but all will be affected by the conversations.  What kind of impact are you having on them?  Are you building them up?  Helping them see their potential?  Reminding them of their value?   God has called us to do so.   There are enough people in this world trying to boo and jeer those you love.  Refuse to be one of them.  Choose to shine your light on the good things... point them out... lift them up... and encourage those around you to believe in themselves again.  It’s love like that that will change the world. 

Hold Nothing Back

Baseball great Joe DiMaggio was a very unique player.   He just never quit.  When asked why he continually gave it all he had (even when the game was out of reach)... DiMaggio smiled and said “"There is always some kid who may be seeing me for the first or last time, I owe him my best."

So many times we don’t try to be great because we can get away with good.  We ease up, slack off, pull back, or slow down.  Not because we can’t do it... but because we don’t have to.  We settle for a “C” when our potential is an “A”.... If you’ve ever felt like letting the feeling of “good enough” take over... remember today’s verse:

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,”  Colossians 3:23

Joe DiMaggio worked hard consistently because of his inner drive.. his work ethic... and his unwillingness to settle.  He worked for Yankee manager Joe McCarthy.  If you are a Christ-follower... you should work hard, be driven, have a high work ethic, and push the envelope too... but not because you work for a demanding manager.  You work for God.  

Whatever you do... you work for God.  Plumber to pizza maker to politician.... Your boss came to Earth over 2000 years ago and died so that you could be a world-changer.  Defeat the feeling of “good-enough”... push yourself to try harder, work with joy, and represent Christ in everything you do.   Jesus gave all He had.  He held nothing back.  

Why shouldn’t we do the same... all day... everyday.  

More Blessed

There’s an old Chinese proverb that says: “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap.  If you want happiness for a day, go fishing.  If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune.  If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.”

If you’ve ever come to the aid of someone in need you know the truth in that statement.  There’s something about being there for a person that gives us a sense of fulfillment… a feeling of greater purpose.  This shouldn’t be surprising if you are a Christ-follower.  Scripture tells us in Acts 20:35 that “It is more blessed to give than to receive”  In Proverbs 11:25 we read “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”  Loving others…serving them… is something that God Himself has instructed us to do.  And when we stay obedient in this, the Bible tells us time and time again that we will be blessed. 

Easily Understood

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.

Five Things

Good Housekeeping magazine once asked people to list the five things they first noticed when entering someone’s home.  First, they said they spotted piles of mail laying around... second, dust and cobwebs.  Next, a messy bathroom.  Fourth, dishes in the sink... and lastly, full and overflowing trash cans.  

This got me wondering what people notice when they first look into our lives.  Is it the smile on our face? The style of our clothing?  Or is it something else?  How does our heart look?  What words are we sharing?  Galatians 5:22-23 talk about the fruits of the spirit:  goodness, self-control, patience, peace, etc.  Are those the first things people notice about us?  Jesus tells us in Matthew 7 that people will recognize us by our fruit... so lets be sure that our first impression (and every impression thereafter) reflects Christ who lives within us. 

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. 

Sacrifice, Generosity, and Commitment

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%.  

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.”  

I Have a Question(?)

As a Pastor, I am asked a lot of questions.   Some I can answer right away with an encouraging verse of scripture, a bit of advice, or some insight I’ve been given from a similar experience in my own life.  But sometimes there is no way of knowing the answer.  Questions like “Why did God....?”  or “When will I....?”  Only God knows those things.  

My response is always the same... there are some things that we won’t know this side of Heaven.  But it’s important to note that God has answered many of the important questions already!  We know He loves us, He has a destiny for our lives, and that through every pain there is a purpose.  The other answers will have to wait.  1 Corinthians 13 tells us that someday we will see everything with perfect clarity and know things completely.  In the meantime, it just comes down to faith.  While we may not understand the reason or timing of things in life, we can be assured that God does... and someday the questions we have will either be answered or will simply fade away in the presence of Christ Himself.

Ten and Two

When I was first starting to learn how to drive, I was nervous.  Hands at 10 and 2 o’clock… feet on the brakes… mirrors adjusted to the right position.  I studied the handbook and knew the proper following distances and sign shapes.  Yes… I was ready… but one thing kept me uneasy… the speed limit.  After all, how was I supposed to look down at the speedometer and up at the traffic at the same time?  What if I wasn’t looking down and started to go too fast… and got pulled over for speeding… or I was looking down to check my speed and rammed into the car in front of me?  I couldn’t keep my eyes on BOTH places at the same time… so what was I to do?

So many times in our walk with Christ we get nervous for the same reason.  I want to keep my eyes on Him… but what if something needs my attention in life?  What if I’m looking to Him for guidance and bump right into a crisis?  The Bible tells us that our eyes are to be in one position only:  Hebrews 12:2 says, “"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith ..."  Unlike driving,  we only have to look in one place to stay safe… and that’s facing God.   Life swerving?  Look and pray to God.  A bad diagnosis?  High tax bill?  Failing in school?  Look up.  Marriage trouble?  Losing your authority over your kids?  Don’t stare at the dashboard of your life trying to figure out your speed… look to the One that knows how to steer through the danger!   It’s when we take our eyes off of Christ and put them on our troubles… that the real trouble begins.   

Train Up

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. 

Advice From a Tree

Nature enthusiast, Ilan Shamir wrote a wonderful passage called “Advice from a Tree.”

Stand up tall and proud.  Sink your roots into the earth.

Be content with your natural beauty.  Go out on a limb.

Drink plenty of water. Remember your roots.

Enjoy the view!

Looking through these words, I can’t help but see the Biblical parallels.  God has called each of us to live confident lives.. to stand tall in Him.  And as we read His word and begin to grow deeper roots in the truth... we begin to see ourselves in a new light.  We are masterpieces already...right now... the best God can do.  We’ve been created intentionally...to live confidently...to see life as a series of learning experiences even in times of trial and failure.  He is the Living Water... and when we drink in the magnitude of His perfection...and accept His sacrifice on our behalf... our eternity is secure.  We were put here to give glory to Him.  To honor Him.  And when we accomplish what we’ve been sent here for... we’ll prayerfully hear the words from the One who sent us... “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”  

I don’t know what you are going through as you read this... but I know God does.   He cares.  And He’s never going to leave your side through a second of it.  Stay strong as an oak, as flexible as a palm, and know that your best days are just ahead.  I’m praying for you..  

Loving Care

One day a young boy was eating potato chips and had made a terrible mess on the floor.  His father entered the room, noticed the mess, and told his son that he would clean it up for him.  The boy quickly replied... “No dad, I’ll do it!”  The dad thought a second and said, “No, if I let you do it, you’re going to make a bigger mess.”  The boy protested... “No I won’t!”  So the father relented and let his son clean up the chips.

The result?  As expected, the boy made a bigger mess.   

When we hear this story, we can be too quick to dismiss it as something only a child would do.  But take a second and think about it... don’t we do the same thing with God?  Time after time in scripture He tells us that He will take care of things for us... revenge, provision, fulfillment, peace.. and so much more.   Yet, we tell God all the time... “I’ve got it!”  And the result, a bigger mess.  Proverbs 21:2 says “A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart”   God knows best... and when we try to help Him handle our lives, we typically just make things more complicated.  Make the commitment today to take God at His word... Let Him do what He says He wants to do for us... and praise Him when you experience the blessing of His loving care.

Counting Spaces

George Douglas found himself out of work.  But unlike many who suffer this setback, he decided that his attitude during the challenge would not be dictated by his circumstances.  So he did a little experiment.   He kept a small notebook in his car... and on the first page of it, he drew two columns... one yes and one no.  Every time he pulled into a parking lot, if there was a space by the front door, he’d put a check in the yes column.   When the only spot was far away, the “no” column would receive the mark.   After seven years and thousands of parking lots... George made an interesting and unexpected discovery.  67% of the time, there was a spot up front.  

What’s the point?  Many times we go through life thinking that the worst will happen.  Things won’t turn out right... we’ll have to park far away... people are out to get us... We passively slip into pessimism without realizing it.    But the reality is... things are not as bad as we sometimes think they are.  God provides.  In fact, Romans 8 tells us that God works for the good of those who love Him.  From something as simple as a close parking space to something as significant as needs and blessings... He is there.  Find yourself wanting to see the glass half-empty?  Don’t.  Instead choose an attitude of gratitude and intentionally look for all the ways God takes care of you each day.  

Take Time

Leonardo da Vinci spent hours in deep meditation and prayer as he worked on his famous painting of the Last Supper.  It has been said that he spent hours just reading God’s Word or days on his knees with hands lifted skyward in between his moments of genius with paint and canvas.  He spent so much time away from the project, at one point, the monks that lived in his community became concerned.  They asked him, “Why do you spend so much time with us in prayer when you have come here to work?”  His answer was simple:

“When I pause the longest, I make the most telling strokes with my brush.”

Today we’re are going to have a lot going on.  Deadlines, appointments, sandwiches to pack in lunch boxes, and tests to take.   If we’re not careful, busyness, fatigue, and worry will try to rob us of the joy that Jesus wants us to have.  How can we counter the frantic pace?  By following Jesus’ example (just as da Vinci did)... and take time out to pray.  Purposefully get by ourselves for a few minutes and talk with our heavenly Father.   These aren’t just moments of rest... but a time to reset.  To remember our priorities... think through our decisions... bring our troubles to the feet of the One who gave us our own.  And when we do, at the end of the day, we will look back and see the last twenty- four hours of our life as the work of art that it was designed by the Lord to be.  

Very Little

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.

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.  

Blocking Pain

Isaac Brown looks like any other five year old boy.   He’s learning to read, do basic math, and all of the other things a boy his age would do.  But all is not what it seems…  because Isaac lacks what so many of us take for granted… the ability to feel pain.  He can unflinchingly touch a hot stove, break a bone without knowing it, or step on broken glass.  He knows that when he sees blood, it’s not a good thing… and he needs to seek help.   This extremely rare genetic condition, if not kept under watchful eye, could lead to accidental death or disfigurement due to the lack of a built-in survival mechanism.

Ironically, many in the world envy his circumstances…. they would love to go 24 hours without a single bit of pain.  And not just physical pain… people want to block out emotional and relational hurt as well.  What they fail to realize is that pain is useful.  When we touch a hot stove, the nerve endings signal the brain to remove the hand… thus preserving the skin and our health.  That pain has a purpose.   And no matter how badly you hurt today… yours does too.  Maybe you find yourself going through some other type of pain… a breakup… a loss… a memory of someone who used to abuse you… I want to challenge you to think of that pain differently today. James tells us in Chapter 1, verse 2, that our pain should be a source of joy.  Joy?  We should be happy when things hurt?  Why?  Because we know three things:  God will walk with us through that pain, we will grow as a result of hurting, and that our experience will help others in similar situations in the future.  So today, don’t just wish for the pain to subside… ask God to help you leverage it for growth… knowing that it is through our deepest hurts that our greatest and most life-changing lessons are learned.  

Slow to Speak

Have you ever thought about how much time we spend listening?   Whether it be in a business meeting, a relationship, or even with God?  There are many people today that hear every word... quickly respond... and then have to apologize and repair damage because they didn’t think through the possible consequences of their answer.  Active listening is something we have to choose to do...but did you know it something God wants us to do as well?  In the book of James, Chapter 1 and verse 19 it says this:  

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,”

Proverbs 18:13 puts it another more direct way...

“Spouting off before listening to the facts

    is both shameful and foolish.”

It’s much better to spend your time thinking through an answer than mending a fence or repairing relationship damage.  Sometimes you only have one chance to choose the right response in a situation... Be courageous!  Choose to think it through first and answer second... you’ll always be glad you did.  Remember,  two people talking just create noise... one person talking while the other listens creates deeper understanding and connection.  

Wash Your Hands

A curator had a difficult time keeping guest’s hands off of the precious furniture and art in his museum so he made a sign:  “Please don’t touch”.   Only problem was that guests ignored it.   Now stressed and desperate, the creative curator had an idea.  The next morning when guests arrived, a new sign sat boldly on a pedestal.  It read:  “Caution: Wash Hands After Touching!”

Fear is quite the motivating factor.   When we think something will hurt us, we are far more likely to heed the warning than if we are just told to stop.  So is the case with sin... and until we understand the complete destruction that sin can cause in our lives, we will be tempted to continue in it.  Deuteronomy 6:24 tells us that we should follow God’s leading (and avoid as much sin as possible) as a matter of survival.  Put yourself in a position to live the best and most God-honoring life you can... understand what uncontrolled sin can do in your life and work hard to keep your heart and hands away from what the enemy means to bring you down.

In the Shadows?

Do you remember playing hide and go seek?  I do.  My brothers and I would play it when we were little… and I was pretty good.  I remember being hidden and hearing their voices as they’d get closer… the butterflies in my stomach as I got nervous they’d find me… the sound of their feet getting louder against the wood floor… all part of the game.  Sometimes they’d discover me, but many times they wouldn’t.  I was good at hiding from them and enjoyed knowing that I could fool them at will.

Many feel that way about God.  Over time, they become quite good at hiding from Him.  Or, if not physically, they hide things about themselves from Him.  I guess they figure that if they don’t say it out loud.. He doesn’t know.  Maybe if they avoid accountability, God never finds them or discovers what they’ve done.   The Bible sets it straight in Psalm 139.  In it, David says that no matter where he goes… God is there.  He is all-knowing… all-powerful… and everywhere at one time.  It may be tempting to hide… but there are far greater results when we step out into the light and reveal what God already knows.  When we talk to Him and tell Him what’s inside us… He can begin the healing process in our hearts.  Find yourself in the shadows today?  Spend some time talking with the One who already knows what put you there and wants to guide you back into the sunlight.