Setting Goals

A year ago, I set a goal to post a blog entry every Monday for the upcoming year. I needed an ongoing challenge and thought the discipline of not missing one week would be a good one. Coming to this ending place, it feels good to have accomplished this small, yet valuable feat. So, now I challenge you to do something this next year which is attainable, worthwhile and consistent. Go for it, you'll be glad you did!

Fishy, but True

In reading Luke 5:1-11, we’re reminded how, as Christians, the two things which remain constant are the Gospel and the need to fish. Paul said he became all things to all men that he might by any means win some. He also used different methods with different types of people. We need to realize that we can’t just kick back in our easy chair and wait for the fish to bite on the lure. We need to put on our waders and get in the pond. We must carry an array of lures and learn of new places and of new ways to cast our lines or to drop our nets. As spiritual fishermen, our job description is to catch “fish.” We’re not to simply read about it or just think about catching fish. We’re actually supposed to catch fish. We’re to be very intentional about pulling people out of the dark, murky depths of life and to bring them into the clear, fresh water of Christ. Like Peter in our scripture, can we boldly say, “Lord, but because you say so, I will let down my net.” Very soon, with whom will you cast your line or “let your net down to” and pray that they will take the bait and be caught?

Two Roads

In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus clearly states, “Wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few will find it.” In today’s world, the broad road can be compared to the interstate highway we travel on. This road is wide open, easy to travel on and is the perfect place to set the cruise control and drive fast. Once we’re rolling, it’s easy to become complacent and relaxed as this road goes on and on with the same predictable scenery, mile after mile, hour after hour. The narrow road, however, requires a driver with a more intense precision to stay on course. Think in your mind of a windy, bumpy back road. This is a road that is unpaved, is covered with gravel, rocks and a variety of natural speed-bumps. It’s narrow and requires an attention to detail and a determination to choose to stay on course. It’s true this narrow road has more curves and bumps, but it also leads to the most beautiful waterfalls. The wide road leads to destruction. The narrow road leads to heaven. Which road will you choose?

Redwoods

Reaching 300 feet in height and with diameters up to 44 feet, redwood trees are a thing of beauty to behold. I’ve recently read of their remarkable root systems which strengthen them and allow them to live up to 2,000 years. Redwoods don’t have individual root systems like other trees. Their roots are completely interconnected, are outgrowths of a single parent tree and grow around the parent in a complete circle called a cathedral. A key to their survival is their ability to hold each other up with these intertwined roots. No known wind can topple them and virtually no disease can kill them. They gain their strength and vitality from each other and are proof that living organisms function better together than apart. Colossians 3:14 reminds us as humans, how love is that underlying root system which will keep all of us strong. “Over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” How might your love for someone today strengthen them and keep them safe, secured and anchored?

One Glimpse

A friend of ours recently ‘changed her address’ and now resides in heaven. She was the wife of a farmer, has loving children and grandchildren and affectionately called her husband, who had died a few years earlier, ‘Dad.’ She seemingly loved everything this life had to offer her, especially her home and her family. She was also blessed to be able to live on the farm until the moment she died. As she was moving in and out of consciousness, her daughter said all of a sudden her eyes widened and she said, “Dad, is this heaven? Is this heaven?!” Quickly followed by, “I want to die! I want to die!” She then received her wish and passed on to her eternal reward. I Corinthians 13:12 says, “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.” It’s powerful to think that all it took for our friend was one glimpse of heaven for her to quickly leave behind everything else she had held so dear for so long. If one brief glimpse of heaven does this for us, imagine what joy and exhilaration comes when we fully reside there on a permanent basis. I can’t wait!

Worthy of Endorsement

I remember the day well as I set out to a favorite hiking spot. As I arrived, the sun was shining, the birds were chirping and the temperature was close to perfect. I’m not really a nature buff, but shortly after I arrived, I began to drink in the beauty around me. Everything from the wild flowers to the waterfalls to the bubbling brook and the swaying trees seemed to be harmonizing in a song of adoration. I was glad to catch the spirit and I joined right in with a song of my own. Needless to say, it was inspiring and invigorating to worship and praise in this unique setting. Psalm 22:26 promises that “those who seek him shall praise the Lord.” Praise in this sense means to laud, honor, and boldly declare something to be "worthy of endorsement." Just as I went out with a purpose and specifically sought after God in nature on my hike, David also recalls a few of the many reasons to honor and praise the Lord. (Read all of Psalm 22). He knows that “those who seek [God] shall praise the Lord.” We could even say that those who truly seek God will not only find God but also feel compelled to praise him! Many things in our world today are marketed, advertised, and endorsed for a variety of reasons. I wonder – where in our lives today can each of us openly declare that God is indeed “worthy of endorsement”?

The Right Perspective

In Scripture, Peter is infamous for his impulsive reactions and his small-picture thinking. In Mark 8:31-32, Jesus is sharing things Peter doesn’t want to hear, so Peter lets loose and has the audacity to even rebuke Jesus. In verse 33, Jesus quickly reminds Peter that his focus is in the wrong place by stating, “You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”
When Peter acts like this, we tend to roll our eyes and grin smugly—only to be reminded how we too, often act the exact same way. In life, no matter what comes our way, we know that it’s much easier to focus on the one sickly tree than it is to observe the bigger, beautiful forest surrounding it. Our frustrating circumstances often cause us to become unsettled and impatient. Today, let’s remember that just because we don’t always understand God’s ways, doesn’t mean God is wrong. Most likely, we’re simply being impatient. As we persevere, the right perspective will eventually bring God’s plan into focus. Let’s hang in there; God knows our destiny and is in control!

The Great Balloon Chase

A few years back, my wife and I went with friends to a hot air balloon launch. It was their idea and for me, quite frankly, my expectations were pretty low. However, when we got there and saw the huge pink pig and the big pepsi can (among others), my perspective began to change. Things really kicked in when we decided to become amateur balloon chasers. We picked one out and as it drifted south, we were on a quest to see where it would land. What a blast! Through our laughter and frustrations, we had to deal with traffic lights, back roads and a few tall trees on the horizon. The key was to never let it get out of view. As we persevered, we were finally there as it landed in a farmer’s field some 20 miles away.

In the midst of the laughter and frustrations in all of life, scripture encourages us to, “…run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” This happens best when we, “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:1-2) The key is to never let Him get out of view. If we simply focus on the Father, the finish line will be found.

The Bug Letter

A well-known businessman stayed at a hotel and complained to the management about the high amount of bugs he had in his room. Later, he received a letter from the corporate headquarters which lamented their sorrow and regret that a person of such fame, social standing, honor, respect and brilliance had to endure these conditions. By mistake however, a small piece of paper was accidentally included in the formal letter which read, “Send him the bug letter.” Their “sorrow and regret” were from their heads, not their hearts. 2 Corinthians 7:10 tells us how, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret…” In other words, it brings about a conviction and a life change. A person with Godly sorrow has such a sense of their sin that their heart is broken enough to allow God entrance into it. When was the last time you felt that deep, internal agony and sorrow for your sins? To the point that it actually changed your behavior?

Risky Business?

A story is told of a man who over a span of several months was mentored by a pastor friend and became a Christian. He was married to a loving wife, had several children and became active in the leadership of the church. After several years the pastor was called to another church. A year later he returned to his old church and discovered this same man had left the church, divorced his wife and was living with another woman. When questioned about his behavior, he said he knew he was doing wrong but that God would accept him back whenever he decided to repent. In effect, he was saying to God, “I’m coming to the banquet, just not right now…but please save me a seat.” Read Luke 14:15-24. Would you be willing to take this risk?

Complaining 101

Author Jon Gordon shares these facts about complaining:
*Gallup poll – Negativity and complaining costs the U.S. economy between $250-$300 billion every year in lost productivity.
*Center for Disease Control and Prevention – 90% of doctor visits are stress-related.
*Truejobs.com – #1 cause of office stress is co-workers and their complaining.
*In general, a complaining lifestyle leads to: a decreased life span; increased risk of a heart attack; less energy; more pain and fewer friends.

Scripture has a lot to say about what our attitudes, behavior and speech should be like. And whether we’re at work, school, church or at home, Ephesians 4:29 is a good place to start. Usually we tear others down, so we can be lifted up. However, this verse says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Today, does your speech build others up, according to their needs? Does it benefit those who listen to you?

Guarding Against Greed

A while back I observed the results of a poll of Americans and was startled by its findings to say the least. The question was: What would you do for $10,000,000?

-25% would abandon their entire family
-25% would leave their church
-23% would become a prostitute for a week
-16% would leave their spouse
-10% would withhold testimony and let a murderer go free
-7% would kill a stranger
-3% would put their children up for adoption
-(I wonder, what would I do? – What would you do?)

Greed is a very destructive sin and has been defined as, “The result of the belief that there is no life after death.” In other words, it means we grab what we can, while we can, however we can and hold onto it as hard and as long as we can. This pertains to material things, as well as our selfish attitudes and agendas. Little wonder Jesus says, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15)

Potluck Casseroles

Charles Spurgeon was a well-known preacher in England and around the world. He also smoked a pipe. One day he passed a tobacco store and read the advertisement, “Smoke the brand that Spurgeon smokes.” When he saw this he was convicted and became aware that his behavior might prove to be an unhealthy hindrance to others and thus reportedly, never smoked again. So, what’s the point? Is it wrong to smoke tobacco? On the other hand, is it right to live on a diet of double cheeseburgers, ice cream and church potluck casseroles? Which is worse for our bodies? Someone once said that smoking won’t keep you out of hell, but it may get you to heaven quicker! Is smoking spiritually wrong or simply physically unhealthy? Think of all the powerful sermons Spurgeon wrote while smoking his pipe in his study.

I think Spurgeon changed his behavior because he understood what Paul meant in Romans 14:19 when he said, “Let us make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” In other words, he realized that his behavior may cause someone else to stumble, so he changed it. (Verses 20-21 are pertinent here as well.) The point is that I am to be so considerate of you that there are times when I must limit my own freedom so that I won't potentially hinder you.