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.

The Running of Roy Regals

On New Years Day, 1929, Georgia Tech was playing California. Late in the second quarter, Roy Regals recovered a fumble for California. In his excitement, he became confused and began running in the wrong direction. After racing 65 yards he was finally tackled by his own player at the California 2 yard line. California attempted to punt from deep in their own end zone, but the kick was blocked and Georgia Tech scored a safety. In the locker room at half time, Roy Regals sat in the corner with his face buried in his hands, crying. The room was silent. The Coach didn’t make his usual halftime speech, but shortly before the team was to take the field for the second half, he said, “The starting team is going back onto the field to begin the second half.” The entire team left the locker room except for Regals, who remained in the corner with his face in his hands. “I can’t do it Coach,” he said. “I can’t play. I ruined the team.” The Coach said, “Get up Regals. The game is only half over. You belong on the field.”

Our spiritual opponent doesn’t want us to know this, but, our game isn’t over yet either. Philippians 3:13-14 reminds us that regardless of the mistakes made in the past, we still have the rest of the game to play. God is willing to forgive the mistakes of the first half…and He expects us to do the same with ourselves and with others.

Water Well Witness

We must be willing to share the peace we have with Christ with others in loving and creative ways. I listened to an Indonesian pastor tell of the time when his church was unjustly shut down by the local Muslim officials. This would now cause a huge problem as the only water well in that small community was located on the church property. What would their response be? If they would withhold water from the other villagers, chaos would erupt. It would be tough but they decided that even though they were unjustly shut down, they would continue to let the local Muslims freely use their water supply. After eight months, the Muslim officials peacefully let them reopen their church. I’m coming to realize more and more that peacemaking is not merely a concept or a doctrine, it’s an activity. It’s not passive, it’s active. It’s not so much something we are, it’s something we do…in our homes, in our work, in all of life. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9)

Third Grade Kickball

I still remember today what recess felt like when I was in the third grade. That year the game was kickball. More pointedly, I remember the awesome red ball we used. It was the kind of ball which was somewhat solid, yet spongy enough that when it hit that sweet spot on your foot, it seemed to soar in the air for a mile. I also vividly remember the classmate who never thought he was out. The play didn’t even have to be close, but regardless, he would dispute the call if he was out. After weeks of this behavior, another classmate and I decided that it was time for us to become the teachers, so we made up our own lesson plan. Thus, 'table-top' technique was applied. This was done very quickly, succinctly and successfully. I engaged the whiner in a conversation while my buddy slowly walked behind him and proceeded to get down on all fours. Once he was in place, I gave a quick shove and watched as he tumbled backwards over my accomplice’s back and onto the ground. We had a good laugh…until he started writhing around on the ground in pain. His cries and groans caught the attention of the teacher on duty and our laughs quickly turned to concern and to that dreaded 'oh, no' feeling. As we weren’t able to go out to recess for a while after this, we realized very quickly that our reactive, aggressive behavior certainly didn’t solve the problem. A peaceful solution wasn’t tried and things only got worse. Remember, "If it's possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (Romans 12:18)

Big Macs

A 54 year-old Wisconsin man says his obsessive-compulsive disorder drove him to eat 23,000 Big Macs in 36 years. Don Gorske, who has kept every receipt in a box, says this pleasurable obsession began the day he got his first car. The only day he skipped a Big Mac was the day his mother died, only to respect her wishes. He said he doesn’t care if people think he’s crazy because he’s in love with the burgers, which are the highlights of his days. Makes you wonder what consequences this decision will have on his physical body and how soon it will be until we read his obituary! Whether physically or spiritually, let’s remember that “…our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit…therefore let’s honor God with it.” (I Cor. 6:19-20)

Dog Food

A dog food company’s newest product wasn’t selling like expected so the president called in his management staff and asked, “How’s our advertising?” “It’s going great sir! We’re on track to win the industry’s top awards.” “All right,” he continued. “How about our product design?” “Great boss! Every marketing test we’ve ran has scored high.” “Ok, well, how’s our sales staff? Are they doing their job?” “Sir, you hired them and we all know you’re a great evaluator of talent. You know they’re the best!” “Well then, we’ve got great advertising, great packaging and a top-notch sales force, yet we’re coming in dead last in the dog food market. Does anyone have an idea what’s going on here?” Everyone looked at each other until finally one brave soul spoke up and said, “It’s those stupid dogs sir. They just won’t touch the stuff.”

Titus 2:7 encourages us, “In everything set an example by doing what is good.” What example do we give as we live? In other words, spiritually speaking, “Are people buying what we’re selling?”

Two Ways of Thinking

Is the proverbial glass half full (or) half empty? Do we hate doing the dishes (or) are we glad to have food to eat? Do you despise your job (or) are you glad to provide for your family? Do we hate changing diapers (or) are we blessed with healthy children? Am I worthless because I’ve made some bad decisions (or) could my story help others? Do I get irritated because people always want something from me (or) am I in a position to help people? It’s true that our way of thinking really sets the tone for our way of living. *How we think is often what we become. *Where we keep our minds will determine our level of spiritual growth. *What we do is a result of what we think. How do you choose to think about things? Are you hopeful or hopeless?

The Carpenter

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. His boss was sorry to see him go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart wasn’t into it. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used cheap materials. It was an unfortunate way to end his career. When the carpenter was finished, his boss handed the front-door key to him and said, "This is your house. It’s my gift to you." What a shock! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently. So it is with us. We build our lives in a distracted way, then with a shock we look at the situation we have created and find that we are now living in the house we’ve built. Think of yourself as the carpenter. Think about your house. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. Build wisely. It’s the only life you will ever build.

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2:6-7)