I often find myself struggling with myself. Its as if I know what it takes for me to have success today, right now, but there is some other part of me that always wants to put if off. I see myself being successful today, right now, but there is some other part of me that always wants to put it off. Tomorrow functions as a safety-net of sorts, and so I keep battling to stay out of the safety net and jump into my destiny today, right now!
The conversation that Paul has about these warring factions in our nature: "So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?" Romans 7:21-24
It helps me when I recognize that I am not alone in my struggles. I have an advocate with the father: His son Jesus Christ. And even though I am constantly being accused by Satan and berated with guilt and a feeling of unworthiness for my failures, I am encouraged because Revelations tells me that the accuser has been defeated, and his time is short. So all I have to do is walk in the victory already provided!
I feel good about that...no matter what comes my way today, I have complete and total victory!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Does one size really fit all?
I got my first lesson in pressure when I owned a Ford Ranger. It needed a new hose, so I had one of my "shade tree mechanic" friends replace it for me. We did not pay attention to any SPECS for the Ford, we just attached the new hose. A few days later, I noticed that my truck would periodically stall, and it never seemed to ride as smooth as it had in the past. Some time later, I was getting ready to get on the road, and I brought my truck in for a tuneup...you know, I didn't want to be stranded on the side of the road. When the mechanic came to me to give me the run-down on my services, I remember him telling me that the pressure was off in one of my hoses, and it had led to some other issues, but everything was fine now. Immediately, I reflected on that hose I had a friend replace because I wanted to save some money on repairs. That was my first lesson in pressure.
When I had that hose installed, my friend didn't have any gauges to check the pressure, he just knew how to replace my damaged hose. I guess neither one of us took any thought about the pressure differences, so it never was taken into consideration. All these memories came rushing back to me when I was having a discussion with my wife. She and I have different pressure points, and it would be ludicrous of me to attempt to apply my pressure standards to hers. Romans 12:3 reminds us that, "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." One of the most pivotal things you can do in any relationship is not confuse pressure points. That doesn't mean that one person is stronger or weaker, just that they are different, and this diffence must be accounted for when we talk to one another. Just like my truck began to run rough when the pressure was off, our relationships can become rough and rocky when we make assumptions about the pressure gauges in someone else's life. If we are not careful, our lack of sensitivity in one area can lead to other problems, and we will find ourselves throwing up our hands in frustration.
Remember, my first error was that I did not check with the SPECS, prior to hooking up the hose. Who better to consult when life is in need of repair than our heavenly father? Psalm 139, reminds us of how God knows us completely and will always be with us. Prior to your next conversation with a spouse or loved one, remember to consult life's spec sheet, and find out what the Lord says about it. This has helped me thru the years. Remember, we all have a measure of grace, there is no one size fits all...
When I had that hose installed, my friend didn't have any gauges to check the pressure, he just knew how to replace my damaged hose. I guess neither one of us took any thought about the pressure differences, so it never was taken into consideration. All these memories came rushing back to me when I was having a discussion with my wife. She and I have different pressure points, and it would be ludicrous of me to attempt to apply my pressure standards to hers. Romans 12:3 reminds us that, "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." One of the most pivotal things you can do in any relationship is not confuse pressure points. That doesn't mean that one person is stronger or weaker, just that they are different, and this diffence must be accounted for when we talk to one another. Just like my truck began to run rough when the pressure was off, our relationships can become rough and rocky when we make assumptions about the pressure gauges in someone else's life. If we are not careful, our lack of sensitivity in one area can lead to other problems, and we will find ourselves throwing up our hands in frustration.
Remember, my first error was that I did not check with the SPECS, prior to hooking up the hose. Who better to consult when life is in need of repair than our heavenly father? Psalm 139, reminds us of how God knows us completely and will always be with us. Prior to your next conversation with a spouse or loved one, remember to consult life's spec sheet, and find out what the Lord says about it. This has helped me thru the years. Remember, we all have a measure of grace, there is no one size fits all...
Friday, September 3, 2010
What to do...
Direction in life seems at times to be such a mystery. Have you ever prayed for answers only to find yourself running after everything that appears to be a "sign"? It's as if we ask God for a job, and the first person or opportunity that comes our way we jump at it as though this must be what God has for me. I don't know how many times I've done that, only to find that I have been a victim of my own desires...looking so hard for answers that I begin to force SQUARE happenings into ROUND answers, if that makes any sense.
In my reading, I came across the writings of "Pastor Greg". He explained it in such a way as to make me examine my relationship with God. How do I see Him? Is He here as some sort of cosmic Genie, to grant wishes to me, or am I here for Him seeking His will for my life?
As you examine your own prayer life and relationship with God, ask yourself, "Am I willing to submit to God's will for my life, or do I just worship God so that He will give me what I want?"
While you are enjoying your Labor Day Weekend, reflect on how you can better reverence God's will for your life and receive instruction that provides more clarity in your life and enables you to joyfully embrace God's perfect will for you. "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2
In my reading, I came across the writings of "Pastor Greg". He explained it in such a way as to make me examine my relationship with God. How do I see Him? Is He here as some sort of cosmic Genie, to grant wishes to me, or am I here for Him seeking His will for my life?
As you examine your own prayer life and relationship with God, ask yourself, "Am I willing to submit to God's will for my life, or do I just worship God so that He will give me what I want?"
While you are enjoying your Labor Day Weekend, reflect on how you can better reverence God's will for your life and receive instruction that provides more clarity in your life and enables you to joyfully embrace God's perfect will for you. "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Distractions...
Some of you may know that I am involved in an MLM, and have been a top producer in my opportunity for quite some time. Due to my success, I have often been approached by other MLMs asking if I will share their information with my network of independent marketers. Interestingly enough, they always start by explaining to me how easy it is, or how new it is and how we need to jump on this thing quick. When I woke up this morning, it hit me that the draw is not unlike any other distraction that appears in life.
Luke 10:38-42 details one such distraction: "Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
I want to highlight two points. First, there were many things going on, and Luke identifies these things as distractions, not that they were bad, only that they took the focus off of Jesus. Second, when Martha was distracted, her desire was to have Mary lose her laser-like focus and join her in her distraction. How many times have we seen this happen? I recall countless situations where one person became so entangled in other endeavors that they lost sight of the main thing. For you, the main thing could be your spouse, your children, the "why" for why you are involved in a particular venture, or your relationship with Jesus.
Look at your life today and begin to prioritize your energies. Put first things first, and then maintain a laser-like focus until you reach your goals. Remember, your path to greatness will be lined with temptation, but as you stay focused and avoid distractions, you will eventually reach your goals and see yourself living a life of abundance.
Luke 10:38-42 details one such distraction: "Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
I want to highlight two points. First, there were many things going on, and Luke identifies these things as distractions, not that they were bad, only that they took the focus off of Jesus. Second, when Martha was distracted, her desire was to have Mary lose her laser-like focus and join her in her distraction. How many times have we seen this happen? I recall countless situations where one person became so entangled in other endeavors that they lost sight of the main thing. For you, the main thing could be your spouse, your children, the "why" for why you are involved in a particular venture, or your relationship with Jesus.
Look at your life today and begin to prioritize your energies. Put first things first, and then maintain a laser-like focus until you reach your goals. Remember, your path to greatness will be lined with temptation, but as you stay focused and avoid distractions, you will eventually reach your goals and see yourself living a life of abundance.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Practice being calm...
Every weekend, I have the opportunity to hear a word of encouragement that I believe will get me started on the right track. Yet each week, it never fails, something comes up that attempts to shake all the enthusiasm out of me, as if I were being held up by my ankles, and shaken until all my precious belongings fell from my pockets onto the ground. Maybe we aren't hanging by our angles, but many times, we allow life's challenges to shake us nonetheless, and there we are with our confidence, our joy, our self-control emptied all over the ground. Even though we know that worrying about any situation brings no relief, we still employ that emotion as our first response. What if over time you would begin to employ a different first response.
Jonah Lehrer, a writer for the LA Times, discussed the calm nature of pilots. "This is where flight simulators enter the picture. The advantage of these realistic simulators, which have been in widespread use since the early 1980s, is that they allow pilots to practice extreme flight scenarios... The training provides pilots with important technical skills -- they can practice flying crippled planes -- but it also teaches them something more important: ... They learn how to ignore their fear when fear isn't useful and how to make quick, complicated decisions in the most fraught situations. Flight crews don't panic because they've practiced staying calm."
For people of faith, the question should be flashing in the back of your mind like a neon sign...HAVE I PRACTICED BEING CALM? Well, I was reflecting on a favorite passage of mine, the 23 Psalms, and in it reads this verse, "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures," As our pastor ministered on yesterday, Have we practiced lying down in the green pastures our heavenly father has provided for us, or are we still struggling in our own strength? We want to fix things, and in our fragile state, we do not have the power to fix all that ails us. We must trust that our heavenly father is still in control, no matter what it looks like. Our initial response is usually to frantically grab the wheel of life when we appear to be careening out of control, but our heavenly father wants us to mature to the point when all can follow Matthew 6:25 and say, "...take no thought for your life." In short, it doesn't mean not to prepare, only that we should practice being calm.
Jonah Lehrer, a writer for the LA Times, discussed the calm nature of pilots. "This is where flight simulators enter the picture. The advantage of these realistic simulators, which have been in widespread use since the early 1980s, is that they allow pilots to practice extreme flight scenarios... The training provides pilots with important technical skills -- they can practice flying crippled planes -- but it also teaches them something more important: ... They learn how to ignore their fear when fear isn't useful and how to make quick, complicated decisions in the most fraught situations. Flight crews don't panic because they've practiced staying calm."
For people of faith, the question should be flashing in the back of your mind like a neon sign...HAVE I PRACTICED BEING CALM? Well, I was reflecting on a favorite passage of mine, the 23 Psalms, and in it reads this verse, "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures," As our pastor ministered on yesterday, Have we practiced lying down in the green pastures our heavenly father has provided for us, or are we still struggling in our own strength? We want to fix things, and in our fragile state, we do not have the power to fix all that ails us. We must trust that our heavenly father is still in control, no matter what it looks like. Our initial response is usually to frantically grab the wheel of life when we appear to be careening out of control, but our heavenly father wants us to mature to the point when all can follow Matthew 6:25 and say, "...take no thought for your life." In short, it doesn't mean not to prepare, only that we should practice being calm.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Lets get it...!
Good Morning to you! I woke up excited today, not because I was just excited, but because when my eyes opened and I was awake, I started to reflect on the comments of yesterday and how we often clothe ourselves in garments with our first thoughts, intentional or unintentional, and I decided to be INTENTIONAL. I recall waking up today and thinking, "Lord, today is another day that you have blessed me to live. I am excited about the potential in this day. I commit this day to you and your purpose, and I ask that you lay out my garments this morning. Clothe me with what I need to accomplish the purpose that you have for my life in this day, and help me to learn from the lessons of this day. In Jesus' name...AMEN."
Now, I trust you are ready for whatever! Have a great weekend, and till the next time...Let's get it!
Now, I trust you are ready for whatever! Have a great weekend, and till the next time...Let's get it!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Is it just fashion...?
Have you ever noticed that the first thoughts and actions that you think and perform in the morning set the tone for the rest of your day. Sometimes, I wake up in the morning and just pop right out of bed. I start walking thru the house, checking on everyone else, and then I go into the closet and set something out to wear...the entire time my mind is running and I am excited about getting started. I can't wait to get out there and make it happen. I feel as if I am on top of the world, and they are not going to be ready for me today!
THEN, there are those days when I have to convince myself to get up. I start making little deals with my body. "I'll get up in another 10 min." Or worse, "It doesn't take me that long to get ready, I can just lay here another 30 minutes, then I'll get dressed really fast." These are the days that usually start with me rushing around the house, only to feel rushed for the rest of the day, always one step behind.
I see these two different days just like two different wardrobes: One day I am clothed in excitement, expectation, and victory, and the other day I am clothed in doubt, procrastination, and fear. I finally had to realize that regardless as to how my day began, I chose the garments. I woke up and put something on that covered me that entire day. So ask yourself, what garments are you wearing today?
THEN, there are those days when I have to convince myself to get up. I start making little deals with my body. "I'll get up in another 10 min." Or worse, "It doesn't take me that long to get ready, I can just lay here another 30 minutes, then I'll get dressed really fast." These are the days that usually start with me rushing around the house, only to feel rushed for the rest of the day, always one step behind.
I see these two different days just like two different wardrobes: One day I am clothed in excitement, expectation, and victory, and the other day I am clothed in doubt, procrastination, and fear. I finally had to realize that regardless as to how my day began, I chose the garments. I woke up and put something on that covered me that entire day. So ask yourself, what garments are you wearing today?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)