“Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.”
Ecclesiastes 9:10 NLT
http://bible.com/116/ecc.9.10.nlt
This is a joyous verse. No work, no 5:30am mornings, no stress from coworkers, deadlines, extra hours, sweat, or toil. Heaven is going to be wonderful. It doesn't mean we slack until the day we arrive on the golden streets. On the contrary, until that day, you need to take advantage of the position God has given you and do it to the best of your ability.
I have one goal in my teaching, helping kids. I teach math but I really could care less about the content, (that sometimes gets me in trouble). I care about building relations with kids. I want them to know I care, I want them to know my sacrificial love, and my dedication to them and their future. It's not about tests, standards, or curriculum. God has honored my time as a teacher. He has blessed me beyond anything I could ask for. I don't have too many years left in the profession, but I will make the best of it. The political wing of education wants this to be about a test score. They want me to put linear equations above anything else. I am confident that I need to teach responsibility, caring, compassion, honesty, work ethic, and countless other character traits over any math topic. I refuse to put imaginary numbers over preparing kids for a future of taking care of a family, loving each other, and serving others.
Praise God for the pleasure of being a teacher. I wouldn't change anything about my 20 plus years in education. I can't remember a single lesson that I taught, but I sure remember the students that crossed my door each day. I could care less about the adults I've met in education. It's the students that make each day worth getting up each morning.
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Recovery
“And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”
Romans 5:5 NLT
http://bible.com/116/rom.5.5.nlt
I have been disappointed in a lot of things lately. There are personal issues weighing me down. I'm not upset about the resolution, just that it had to be resolved at all. But, I'm moving forward and my hope is stronger than ever. It all comes back to God's love for me. The loss inside is being completely filled with the Spirit of the Lord. I'm healing, slowly but surely, I'm healing from the pain.
Our lives are filled with choices. We can choose to wallow in the pain and suffering or we can push out those pains with the Spirit of the Lord. That Spirit fills us with love. That Spirit fills us with peace and joy. God loves us so much he sent his son to die for us. He also sent his Spirit that we might have peace here on this earth even through life's trials and tribulations. Praise God! Praise God! Praise God!
Romans 5:5 NLT
http://bible.com/116/rom.5.5.nlt
I have been disappointed in a lot of things lately. There are personal issues weighing me down. I'm not upset about the resolution, just that it had to be resolved at all. But, I'm moving forward and my hope is stronger than ever. It all comes back to God's love for me. The loss inside is being completely filled with the Spirit of the Lord. I'm healing, slowly but surely, I'm healing from the pain.
Our lives are filled with choices. We can choose to wallow in the pain and suffering or we can push out those pains with the Spirit of the Lord. That Spirit fills us with love. That Spirit fills us with peace and joy. God loves us so much he sent his son to die for us. He also sent his Spirit that we might have peace here on this earth even through life's trials and tribulations. Praise God! Praise God! Praise God!
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
WORLD WAR III IS HERE!
““My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT
http://bible.com/116/isa.55.8-9.nlt
What's going on in your life? Reading the headlines you would swear the world is ending. There is a reason people are predicting the end is near. The division in our country, the hate, the inequities, corruption, lies, deceit, and evil is everywhere. It would be easy to give up, lose hope and forget, God is still sovereign and Jesus is still the savior of the world. We have not been abandoned and we are not alone.
With all the trouble in this world it is easy to feel defeated. But our God is victorious. Yes, it's easy to say "This doesn't feel much like a win!" But, God has meant for this day to be used for his purposes. We could give up or we could be emboldened to preach the gospel. When the world is facing despair they are ready for Jesus. He is the answer and he is the peace they are all looking for. Everyone, even the lost, don't seek turmoil. The protestors in our society all want a better life. They want joy. They don't want hate. I support THAT goal. They are looking for the same rest, peace, and joy we are. But they are not going to find it without Jesus. They seek it in drugs. They seek it in alcohol. They seek it in professional sports, entertainment, causes, and protests. But they will find nothing satisfies until they meet Jesus.
Let's step up our efforts. Let's use every tool, every weapon in the arsenal to bring people to the feet of Jesus. Now more than ever we desperately need the savior of the world. As Christians we need to shout his love from the mountain tops. We need to LIVE HIS LOVE. We need everyone to be comfortable bowing to the messiah and standing against evil. We need the troops to deploy! The battle for the world has begun? World War III, the battle for the soul she of the lost is here. Victory occurs with Jesus leading the charge!
Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT
http://bible.com/116/isa.55.8-9.nlt
What's going on in your life? Reading the headlines you would swear the world is ending. There is a reason people are predicting the end is near. The division in our country, the hate, the inequities, corruption, lies, deceit, and evil is everywhere. It would be easy to give up, lose hope and forget, God is still sovereign and Jesus is still the savior of the world. We have not been abandoned and we are not alone.
With all the trouble in this world it is easy to feel defeated. But our God is victorious. Yes, it's easy to say "This doesn't feel much like a win!" But, God has meant for this day to be used for his purposes. We could give up or we could be emboldened to preach the gospel. When the world is facing despair they are ready for Jesus. He is the answer and he is the peace they are all looking for. Everyone, even the lost, don't seek turmoil. The protestors in our society all want a better life. They want joy. They don't want hate. I support THAT goal. They are looking for the same rest, peace, and joy we are. But they are not going to find it without Jesus. They seek it in drugs. They seek it in alcohol. They seek it in professional sports, entertainment, causes, and protests. But they will find nothing satisfies until they meet Jesus.
Let's step up our efforts. Let's use every tool, every weapon in the arsenal to bring people to the feet of Jesus. Now more than ever we desperately need the savior of the world. As Christians we need to shout his love from the mountain tops. We need to LIVE HIS LOVE. We need everyone to be comfortable bowing to the messiah and standing against evil. We need the troops to deploy! The battle for the world has begun? World War III, the battle for the soul she of the lost is here. Victory occurs with Jesus leading the charge!
Monday, September 25, 2017
Confidence
“So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.”
Hebrews 10:35-36 NLT
http://bible.com/116/heb.10.35-36.nlt
There have been many times in my life that my confidence has been shaken. When people tear you down , en masse, that can happen. Fortunately, I have never lost confidence in the Lord. I know of my own sinfulness and I have plenty of shortcomings. God ignores all of that and cheers me on through every phase of my life. He wants me to endure the criticism. He wants me to be patient, to wait on him and his plans. He wants me to live life with no doubt in the gift of eternity. I can tell you I know I am walking with God on the path he has laid before me. I am confident he is with me and guiding my words, thoughts, and deeds. No, I'm not perfect. God designed everything about me and loves me deeply. He knows my strengths, my weaknesses, and my sins. He knows my heart and he believes in me. In the eyes of the Lord, I am perfect.
Hebrews 10:35-36 NLT
http://bible.com/116/heb.10.35-36.nlt
There have been many times in my life that my confidence has been shaken. When people tear you down , en masse, that can happen. Fortunately, I have never lost confidence in the Lord. I know of my own sinfulness and I have plenty of shortcomings. God ignores all of that and cheers me on through every phase of my life. He wants me to endure the criticism. He wants me to be patient, to wait on him and his plans. He wants me to live life with no doubt in the gift of eternity. I can tell you I know I am walking with God on the path he has laid before me. I am confident he is with me and guiding my words, thoughts, and deeds. No, I'm not perfect. God designed everything about me and loves me deeply. He knows my strengths, my weaknesses, and my sins. He knows my heart and he believes in me. In the eyes of the Lord, I am perfect.
Saturday, September 23, 2017
Hate Defeated........ at least for the day!
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” (The seven lamps represent the eyes of the Lord that search all around the world.)”
Zechariah 4:10 NLT
http://bible.com/116/zec.4.10.nlt
Today we had a wonderful motorcycle event. We rode to prevent Childhood Bullying and Suicide Prevention. The event has been in the works for a few years. Through the dedication of a group of stubborn bikers, it grew!
I praise God that he continues to use a crusty, rag-tag, group of bikers to speak out against hate. Our world is fueled by hate. Hate knows no boundaries. It is seen across political parties, ethnic and racial lines, economic means, and in every country around the world. Yes, even some of my fellow Christians display hateful rhetoric toward those that they disagree with. The world is darkened and getting darker due to HATE.
But for today, a group of societal misfits (of which I am one), stood up to hate. We rode on a blistering hot day to bring hope. We supported a mom who has endured 20 months of a life long sentence in her suffering due to the loss of her son to suicide. We heard from victims of bullying and we got to pray for hope. God is with us. He wants the love of Jesus Christ to permeate our communities, literally. His perfect love, his grace, his mercy is the only real answer to hate.
What started out small has grown, not by our own power or will, but by the power and will of the creator of the universe. We can't let today's event end! We, all of us, need to lead this world by our example. Hate needs to be defeated! It will no longer be welcome in our homes, in our communities, in our social media, and more importantly, it needs to be defeated in our own hearts. Jesus Christ is the only way to conquer hate! Accept him now, accept his love completely, push the hate out by his presence! Amen!
Zechariah 4:10 NLT
http://bible.com/116/zec.4.10.nlt
Today we had a wonderful motorcycle event. We rode to prevent Childhood Bullying and Suicide Prevention. The event has been in the works for a few years. Through the dedication of a group of stubborn bikers, it grew!
I praise God that he continues to use a crusty, rag-tag, group of bikers to speak out against hate. Our world is fueled by hate. Hate knows no boundaries. It is seen across political parties, ethnic and racial lines, economic means, and in every country around the world. Yes, even some of my fellow Christians display hateful rhetoric toward those that they disagree with. The world is darkened and getting darker due to HATE.
But for today, a group of societal misfits (of which I am one), stood up to hate. We rode on a blistering hot day to bring hope. We supported a mom who has endured 20 months of a life long sentence in her suffering due to the loss of her son to suicide. We heard from victims of bullying and we got to pray for hope. God is with us. He wants the love of Jesus Christ to permeate our communities, literally. His perfect love, his grace, his mercy is the only real answer to hate.
What started out small has grown, not by our own power or will, but by the power and will of the creator of the universe. We can't let today's event end! We, all of us, need to lead this world by our example. Hate needs to be defeated! It will no longer be welcome in our homes, in our communities, in our social media, and more importantly, it needs to be defeated in our own hearts. Jesus Christ is the only way to conquer hate! Accept him now, accept his love completely, push the hate out by his presence! Amen!
Thursday, September 21, 2017
Avoiding the Enemy
“So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:22-25 MSG
http://bible.com/97/heb.10.22-25.msg
Sometimes I don't feel very presentable either inside or out. There are also times I just want to avoid people. I don't think I'm the only one who has these feelings. One thing I know for sure, I can't bring people to know Jesus if I crawl into a corner and hide.
God is coming soon, I feel it. I haven't selected September 23rd like some, but the time, the Big Day, is drawing near. If I truly want to bring others to join me in paradise, I need to stop avoiding my enemies. A life of solitude isn't going to change things. It sounds so simple. For me, it is my constant battle. I admit, I hold a grudge. It's not the get even and wish bad things would happen kind of grudge. It's avoid them like the plague kind of grudge. I just don't want to spend time with people that have persecuted me, or attacked my character, or misunderstood my motives and actions. It's a lot easier to crawl into a hole and hide. I need the power and strength of the Lord to overcome those feelings. Time is short. All Christians need to get out there and spread the good news. We need to overcome our feelings about the enemy and share our love.
Dear Lord, help us. We know you have called us to share the Love of Jesus. But life isn't easy. There are just some people it's difficult to love. I need your help to continue to take the gospel message to everyone. I need your spirit to fill me with hope. I need your words and actions to be my words and actions. Lord help us now and until your coming! We love you! Amen!
Hebrews 10:22-25 MSG
http://bible.com/97/heb.10.22-25.msg
Sometimes I don't feel very presentable either inside or out. There are also times I just want to avoid people. I don't think I'm the only one who has these feelings. One thing I know for sure, I can't bring people to know Jesus if I crawl into a corner and hide.
God is coming soon, I feel it. I haven't selected September 23rd like some, but the time, the Big Day, is drawing near. If I truly want to bring others to join me in paradise, I need to stop avoiding my enemies. A life of solitude isn't going to change things. It sounds so simple. For me, it is my constant battle. I admit, I hold a grudge. It's not the get even and wish bad things would happen kind of grudge. It's avoid them like the plague kind of grudge. I just don't want to spend time with people that have persecuted me, or attacked my character, or misunderstood my motives and actions. It's a lot easier to crawl into a hole and hide. I need the power and strength of the Lord to overcome those feelings. Time is short. All Christians need to get out there and spread the good news. We need to overcome our feelings about the enemy and share our love.
Dear Lord, help us. We know you have called us to share the Love of Jesus. But life isn't easy. There are just some people it's difficult to love. I need your help to continue to take the gospel message to everyone. I need your spirit to fill me with hope. I need your words and actions to be my words and actions. Lord help us now and until your coming! We love you! Amen!
Monday, September 18, 2017
My Encore Career?
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.””
Matthew 28:18-20 NIV
http://bible.com/111/mat.28.18-20.niv
I really have to apologize to my pastor. My mind was drifting today in the morning worship. No it's not that I was hungry and thinking of lunch. No, I wasn't contemplating my football teams game or the work week ahead of me. It's not that the sermon wasn't enlightening, it really was. As a matter of fact, it is the reason I was drifting into deep thought. I have heard these verses, "The Great Commission" hundreds, maybe thousands of times before. But today, the spirit of the Lord, placed a deep thought to take action on those verses, like never before.
For the past several months, since the end of May, I have really been contemplating retirement. Yes, I'm still at least three years away, but the Lord has been pushing me mentally in preparation of that day. Up until May, I really hadn't thought too much about retiring. I joked about it but I never really thought about it. I love working each day with my students. They are not the issue. But, for the past 4 months the Lord has been speaking to me to start looking at my ENCORE career, that career after retirement. The sermon today pushed me even further in that process.
I am starting to pursue the possibility of earning a masters in ministry. It's really early, but I have heard the call more than once in my life. Now it is undeniable and I need to seriously pursue this possibility. Only the Lord knows where this might end. Praise God for his mysterious, marvelous plan for my life.
Matthew 28:18-20 NIV
http://bible.com/111/mat.28.18-20.niv
I really have to apologize to my pastor. My mind was drifting today in the morning worship. No it's not that I was hungry and thinking of lunch. No, I wasn't contemplating my football teams game or the work week ahead of me. It's not that the sermon wasn't enlightening, it really was. As a matter of fact, it is the reason I was drifting into deep thought. I have heard these verses, "The Great Commission" hundreds, maybe thousands of times before. But today, the spirit of the Lord, placed a deep thought to take action on those verses, like never before.
For the past several months, since the end of May, I have really been contemplating retirement. Yes, I'm still at least three years away, but the Lord has been pushing me mentally in preparation of that day. Up until May, I really hadn't thought too much about retiring. I joked about it but I never really thought about it. I love working each day with my students. They are not the issue. But, for the past 4 months the Lord has been speaking to me to start looking at my ENCORE career, that career after retirement. The sermon today pushed me even further in that process.
I am starting to pursue the possibility of earning a masters in ministry. It's really early, but I have heard the call more than once in my life. Now it is undeniable and I need to seriously pursue this possibility. Only the Lord knows where this might end. Praise God for his mysterious, marvelous plan for my life.
Friday, September 15, 2017
Sin is Sin
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV
http://bible.com/1/pro.3.5-6.kjv
I do trust in the Lord and yes there are many things in my life I do not understand. I try every day to acknowledge him because I have seen miraculous signs that he is at work in my life. Right now is no different.
My heart is changing. I am changing. An example:
I have gone to the "Boogie" for years. The Boogie is a secular motorcycle Rally in southern Indiana. It is one huge party. Nearly every form of sin takes place at this event. Drugs, alcohol, sex, are celebrated and the group collectively thumbs their nose, and worse, at God. They are searching for fun and a care free life that has no boundaries. As a CMAer, I have been called to serve this group of sinners. In my early years of attending this event, I considered myself as BETTER than them. I served but I did so from some "Crystal Palace" of righteousness. I was proud of who I was and appalled by what I saw around me. As I have attended and worked this event, my heart has changed. I have seen this group of "sinners" through the eyes of my Heavenly Father. My eyes are no longer shocked by what I see. It's not that I am dulled by the repetition of the sins. My eyes see these wonderful children of God through a deep sadness. I am saddened for them. They are trying so hard to fill their life with joy. But, they just can't seem to find it. They are blind to the love surrounding them. They are missing out and my heart is saddened they can't see the great joy in front of them.
I see them just like my Heavenly Father sees me. You see, I'm not much different than the Boogie Faithful. I might not sin like they do, but I have thumbed my nose at the creator of the universe plenty of times. I have been a slave to my sin. Yes, my father has seen me through his own eyes of sadness. The Lord does not see the difference between my sin and the sin of this group of bikers. He is greatly saddened when I separate myself from him. He deeply loves me and wants, desires a relationship with me. When I reject him, in any way, he is saddened. I'm sorry Lord.
I humbly bow before my savior. I beg his forgiveness for my sin and for rejecting him in so many ways throughout my life. I pledge to serve him and pursue his plan for my life. I do not need to know everything. I only need to be open to the path he has set before me. I only need to take the next step along his road as he joins me in everything I do.Praise God he is with me!
Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV
http://bible.com/1/pro.3.5-6.kjv
I do trust in the Lord and yes there are many things in my life I do not understand. I try every day to acknowledge him because I have seen miraculous signs that he is at work in my life. Right now is no different.
My heart is changing. I am changing. An example:
I have gone to the "Boogie" for years. The Boogie is a secular motorcycle Rally in southern Indiana. It is one huge party. Nearly every form of sin takes place at this event. Drugs, alcohol, sex, are celebrated and the group collectively thumbs their nose, and worse, at God. They are searching for fun and a care free life that has no boundaries. As a CMAer, I have been called to serve this group of sinners. In my early years of attending this event, I considered myself as BETTER than them. I served but I did so from some "Crystal Palace" of righteousness. I was proud of who I was and appalled by what I saw around me. As I have attended and worked this event, my heart has changed. I have seen this group of "sinners" through the eyes of my Heavenly Father. My eyes are no longer shocked by what I see. It's not that I am dulled by the repetition of the sins. My eyes see these wonderful children of God through a deep sadness. I am saddened for them. They are trying so hard to fill their life with joy. But, they just can't seem to find it. They are blind to the love surrounding them. They are missing out and my heart is saddened they can't see the great joy in front of them.
I see them just like my Heavenly Father sees me. You see, I'm not much different than the Boogie Faithful. I might not sin like they do, but I have thumbed my nose at the creator of the universe plenty of times. I have been a slave to my sin. Yes, my father has seen me through his own eyes of sadness. The Lord does not see the difference between my sin and the sin of this group of bikers. He is greatly saddened when I separate myself from him. He deeply loves me and wants, desires a relationship with me. When I reject him, in any way, he is saddened. I'm sorry Lord.
I humbly bow before my savior. I beg his forgiveness for my sin and for rejecting him in so many ways throughout my life. I pledge to serve him and pursue his plan for my life. I do not need to know everything. I only need to be open to the path he has set before me. I only need to take the next step along his road as he joins me in everything I do.Praise God he is with me!
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Topsy-turvy
“This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it.”
Isaiah 30:15 NLT
http://bible.com/116/isa.30.15.nlt
Our country is in turmoil. Recently, the turmoil is the result of back to back natural disasters. Prior to that you can add racial unrest, political division, and terrorism to the list of tumultous issues we are facing as a nation. I truly believe the only way to make our way through these crisis points is the amazing power of Jesus.
This world is turned upside down. I really mean that literally. Men wanting to be women. Women wanting to be men. Hate has replaced love. We legally kill millions of babies. We pay our sports heroes more than our military heroes. We want our government to fix all our problems yet hate to pay taxes. We want to save the planet but care little about saving each other. We preach tolerance unless we disagree. Yes, our planet is a wreck, it's a topsy-turvy life we lead.
God has given us the solution to our problems. But, we won't listen. We refuse to turn to him. We refuse to lift our eyes to him. Even through the turmoil and persecution of his followers, the love of Jesus stands strong. He will not give up on you. The storms of life do not keep him from desiring you. They do not keep him from standing up for you in your time of need. In my own life, the storms have been completely silenced by the power of Jesus. He is my ever present help in times of trouble. Praise a God for his Love, power, and strength. Amen!
Isaiah 30:15 NLT
http://bible.com/116/isa.30.15.nlt
Our country is in turmoil. Recently, the turmoil is the result of back to back natural disasters. Prior to that you can add racial unrest, political division, and terrorism to the list of tumultous issues we are facing as a nation. I truly believe the only way to make our way through these crisis points is the amazing power of Jesus.
This world is turned upside down. I really mean that literally. Men wanting to be women. Women wanting to be men. Hate has replaced love. We legally kill millions of babies. We pay our sports heroes more than our military heroes. We want our government to fix all our problems yet hate to pay taxes. We want to save the planet but care little about saving each other. We preach tolerance unless we disagree. Yes, our planet is a wreck, it's a topsy-turvy life we lead.
God has given us the solution to our problems. But, we won't listen. We refuse to turn to him. We refuse to lift our eyes to him. Even through the turmoil and persecution of his followers, the love of Jesus stands strong. He will not give up on you. The storms of life do not keep him from desiring you. They do not keep him from standing up for you in your time of need. In my own life, the storms have been completely silenced by the power of Jesus. He is my ever present help in times of trouble. Praise a God for his Love, power, and strength. Amen!
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
Amazing Hope
“So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.”
Hebrews 6:18 NLT
http://bible.com/116/heb.6.18.
I had a wonderful weekend. Nearly 500 of my CMA family got together to celebrate our ministry and 30 years of State Rallys. It was a time of celebration, it was a time of worship, and it was a time of great fellowship. CMA Indiana is a force for the kingdom and I am motivated to step up my commitment to bring the lost to know the Lord. I was inspired by what my fellow CMAers are doing and what God is doing across our state.
This annual weekend event always reminds me of the glorious promises of our Lord. I trust in the Lord always. I trust in him for his amazing hope. That even in the midst of uncertainty, we rest on his promises. He is with us. He will protect us and he will give us a vision of the hope that lies before us. Praise God !
Hebrews 6:18 NLT
http://bible.com/116/heb.6.18.
I had a wonderful weekend. Nearly 500 of my CMA family got together to celebrate our ministry and 30 years of State Rallys. It was a time of celebration, it was a time of worship, and it was a time of great fellowship. CMA Indiana is a force for the kingdom and I am motivated to step up my commitment to bring the lost to know the Lord. I was inspired by what my fellow CMAers are doing and what God is doing across our state.
This annual weekend event always reminds me of the glorious promises of our Lord. I trust in the Lord always. I trust in him for his amazing hope. That even in the midst of uncertainty, we rest on his promises. He is with us. He will protect us and he will give us a vision of the hope that lies before us. Praise God !
Thursday, September 7, 2017
Get off the SUPER-HIGHWAY of Life!
“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Matthew 11:28-29 NLT
http://bible.com/116/mat.11.28-29.nlt
Stephanie and I have been camping nearly every weekend. Camping is an escape. It helps us remove all the clutter in our lives and enjoy some peace. We don't take a tv with us and "device" time is limited. We actually take time to be with each other and there is a lot of downtime. It's awesome!
God wants us to slow down. He wants our lives to include ample amounts of rest. He wants to remove our burdens, even for a short time so we can be strong in our faith and our witness. The most common theme I hear from students, coworkers, and ministry partners is I AM TIRED. I know I am a hypocrit when I say this.
Matthew 11:28-29 NLT
http://bible.com/116/mat.11.28-29.nlt
Stephanie and I have been camping nearly every weekend. Camping is an escape. It helps us remove all the clutter in our lives and enjoy some peace. We don't take a tv with us and "device" time is limited. We actually take time to be with each other and there is a lot of downtime. It's awesome!
God wants us to slow down. He wants our lives to include ample amounts of rest. He wants to remove our burdens, even for a short time so we can be strong in our faith and our witness. The most common theme I hear from students, coworkers, and ministry partners is I AM TIRED. I know I am a hypocrit when I say this.
WE ALL NEED TO FIND SOME TIME TO SLOW DOWN AND RELAX!
God wants us to rest. We just have to accept it from him. So many times WE refuse to accept the rest he is giving us. We miss the opportunities and we miss the blessings that come from just finding some time to relax and SLOW DOWN. Our souls can not function with our rest just like our minds and bodies need rest. It might not be camping. It might be riding your motorcycle. (I took a long quiet, ME ONLY, ride this past Saturday before returning to the campground) It might be reading a good book, studying the Bible or listening to some fantastic Christian music (Try Third Day!) BUT find some way to step back, relax, and get off the superhighway of life. Your family, friends, and coworkers will certainly appreciate it.
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
I'm not going back!
“To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory.”
Isaiah 61:3 NLT
http://bible.com/116/isa.61.3.nlt
I have been in mourning over the past 3 months. No it's not the death of a loved one, it's not the typical loss. But, I have been in mourning over a situation. Slowly I am healing. I have not gained back what I lost but I have been able to move forward. I'm not going back. I don't want to obsess over things not of God. My thoughts, my outlook has changed. I am now focused on the future and the mighty plans God has for Stephanie and I. I know it sounds weird to some, but I believe it has all been part of Gods plan. Yes, I needed to go through this loss, this pain, so I would look at the future through a different lens. We are three years away from retirement and plans need to be put in place to transition to our "Encore Careers".
God is preparing us for a new life and our minds will take time to make that shift. God knows it and he knows we probably wouldn't even think about it unless prompted. I just love how God uses our normal, regular, daily happenings to guide our thoughts and actions. I love how he uses people, even our enemies to fulfill his plan for me. People wish me ill, want my destruction, get thrill out of my failures, but God uses all of that for his glory. He is such a force in my life. I just don't understand how people survive without the power of Jesus and the filling of the Holy Spirit. The clarity of purpose, the plan, can only be explained by Jesus.
If you are unsure about life. If things don't make sense. If you don't have purpose or clear direction in your life. Turn to Jesus. His wisdom is perfect and when you ask him in to your life, he will fill you with that exact wisdom. I know this from my very own, personal life experiences. This is not just some made up 2000 year old religion. I know because my life can not be explained any other way. Don't look back. Look straight ahead, see your future and the amazing adventure God has in store for you!
Isaiah 61:3 NLT
http://bible.com/116/isa.61.3.nlt
I have been in mourning over the past 3 months. No it's not the death of a loved one, it's not the typical loss. But, I have been in mourning over a situation. Slowly I am healing. I have not gained back what I lost but I have been able to move forward. I'm not going back. I don't want to obsess over things not of God. My thoughts, my outlook has changed. I am now focused on the future and the mighty plans God has for Stephanie and I. I know it sounds weird to some, but I believe it has all been part of Gods plan. Yes, I needed to go through this loss, this pain, so I would look at the future through a different lens. We are three years away from retirement and plans need to be put in place to transition to our "Encore Careers".
God is preparing us for a new life and our minds will take time to make that shift. God knows it and he knows we probably wouldn't even think about it unless prompted. I just love how God uses our normal, regular, daily happenings to guide our thoughts and actions. I love how he uses people, even our enemies to fulfill his plan for me. People wish me ill, want my destruction, get thrill out of my failures, but God uses all of that for his glory. He is such a force in my life. I just don't understand how people survive without the power of Jesus and the filling of the Holy Spirit. The clarity of purpose, the plan, can only be explained by Jesus.
If you are unsure about life. If things don't make sense. If you don't have purpose or clear direction in your life. Turn to Jesus. His wisdom is perfect and when you ask him in to your life, he will fill you with that exact wisdom. I know this from my very own, personal life experiences. This is not just some made up 2000 year old religion. I know because my life can not be explained any other way. Don't look back. Look straight ahead, see your future and the amazing adventure God has in store for you!
Friday, September 1, 2017
Mutual destruction Of my enemy.
“David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.”
1 Samuel 17:45 NLT
http://bible.com/116/1sa.17.45.nlt
I have never confronted a giant or someone that wants to kill me. I do have enemies and I do have people bent on destroying me, my reputation, and my message. I am not afraid of my enemies, but I sure don't have the confidence of David.
My normal response is not to shrink back in fear, but to back off in disgust, in sadness, or in reflection. When I am unjustly persecuted and I realize there is no hope of reconciliation, I just let it go. I don't defend myself and I don't recoil in attack. I'm not always sure that's the best approach. Sometimes I just want to attack, to lash out, to punish those that persecute me. That is also not a good idea either. My biggest concern is how will my "lashing out" affect my witness and my ability to serve others. If my attacks in any way destroy Gods plan for my life, if it grows into hate, I need to stop and just let it go. David was led by the Lord to defend his people. I honor that and if called to do so, I will not shrink in fear. I will use the spear and the sword, or maybe the sling and the stone. But I think too often people attack their enemy and that attack is NOT in the Lords plan.
Out of anything I've learned in my life, it's to let go and move on. I could attack and reap mutual destruction of my enemies. It doesn't help me and certainly doesn't help my enemy. I can "turn the other cheek." What I can do is to continue to serve the Lord, to do what he has called me to do and to keep my eyes fixed on him. His love sustains me. His love defends me and in the end I know I win because I get to live in eternity.
1 Samuel 17:45 NLT
http://bible.com/116/1sa.17.45.nlt
I have never confronted a giant or someone that wants to kill me. I do have enemies and I do have people bent on destroying me, my reputation, and my message. I am not afraid of my enemies, but I sure don't have the confidence of David.
My normal response is not to shrink back in fear, but to back off in disgust, in sadness, or in reflection. When I am unjustly persecuted and I realize there is no hope of reconciliation, I just let it go. I don't defend myself and I don't recoil in attack. I'm not always sure that's the best approach. Sometimes I just want to attack, to lash out, to punish those that persecute me. That is also not a good idea either. My biggest concern is how will my "lashing out" affect my witness and my ability to serve others. If my attacks in any way destroy Gods plan for my life, if it grows into hate, I need to stop and just let it go. David was led by the Lord to defend his people. I honor that and if called to do so, I will not shrink in fear. I will use the spear and the sword, or maybe the sling and the stone. But I think too often people attack their enemy and that attack is NOT in the Lords plan.
Out of anything I've learned in my life, it's to let go and move on. I could attack and reap mutual destruction of my enemies. It doesn't help me and certainly doesn't help my enemy. I can "turn the other cheek." What I can do is to continue to serve the Lord, to do what he has called me to do and to keep my eyes fixed on him. His love sustains me. His love defends me and in the end I know I win because I get to live in eternity.
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