Have you ever felt like your tank was empty? At the bottom of the pile? Nothing left to give? Desperate, you thought of giving up or screaming at the top of your lungs, "HELP ME!"
In a moment of desperation, a woman began asking for a guy named Elisha. When he asked what she had in her possession she said, "A jar of oil." This jar of oil was the most valuable possession she had. But there wasn't an unlimited supply. And Elisha's request seemed whimsical and nonsensical.
Really, what could a jar of oil do to sustain her life and the life of her son?
"Begin pouring this oil into another jar!"
And another, and another!
Elisha convinced her that she would have to give up what was most valuable to her at the time, a jar of oil, to attain something of greater value, life.
And, finally, after filling many jars, she asked for another. "There are no more jars!"
Are you serious? She gathered jars, maybe what seemed to be an adequate amount to provide for her needs, and yet there was more oil to be poured out.
Isn't that just like God, to have an abundance that He wants to give and we aren't quite prepared to receive all that He has for us? Little people with a small vision of what He wants to do!
In every moment of desperation and despair, trust God to provide a way. And never underestimate His power to provide more than enough.
God is calling you to give your most valuable perhaps your last possession; your pride, a relationship, some possession, to find yourself empty of all hope in yourself so that He can show Himself to be more than enough.
Maybe we are most valuable when we are the most vulnerable!
Better yet, when we are in those vulnerable places we will find God to be our most valuable treasure and turn our gaze upon Him!
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Sunday, August 14, 2016
From One Beggar to Another
Have you ever seen a beggar?
Maybe not up close and personal, but from a distance?
Don't they look different than you? Discouraged; like they've missed their chance in life? Desperate; willing to take a chance on any thought of hope passing their way?
Almost immediately we begin to build a caricature of who we think we've seen under a bridge or on a commercial informing us about the issue of poverty. But the truth is, beggars are dressed in all types of array from the richest of the rich to the poorest of the poor.
There are beggars in Hollywood! Haven't you seen them? Their lifestyles are screaming for someone to notice them! To see that they are desperate! Sure, they have money, nice clothes, and plenty of people around them. But they're lonely and destitute hoping someone would prove to them that there's more to life than this.
There are also beggars in your hometown! Be it upper-middle class in the suburbs of big city lights or the working class in small towns all across America. They're everywhere! Working paycheck to paycheck no matter how many digits are showing in their bank account. They're begging for someone's attention!
And here I am; a beggar! No I haven't lived under a bridge, and no, I didn't premiere on a commercial about homelessness. But it's true; I was once a beggar. I was starving for attention. I was desperate for someone to notice me. I was empty and void of feeling like my life had purpose.
And then He found me. I wasn't looking for Him. In fact, I was reasonably sure I could do this without Him. Sure, I had heard about Him. But He seemed to be distant, uninvolved, and unimpressed with my feeble ways.
However, I was wrong. He very much wanted to be a part of my life. He fed me. He comforted me. He gave me purpose. He painted a big picture of what life was really about; a picture that portrayed the great lengths He was willing to endure to provide a way for me to know Him. So I don't have to keep begging or wandering alone through life trying to figure this out on my own.
And now, as part of His forever family, He has given me permission to take this story, my daily bread, and begin feeding it to others. So, here I am, just one beggar trying to tell another beggar where to find bread!
Maybe not up close and personal, but from a distance?
Don't they look different than you? Discouraged; like they've missed their chance in life? Desperate; willing to take a chance on any thought of hope passing their way?
Almost immediately we begin to build a caricature of who we think we've seen under a bridge or on a commercial informing us about the issue of poverty. But the truth is, beggars are dressed in all types of array from the richest of the rich to the poorest of the poor.
There are beggars in Hollywood! Haven't you seen them? Their lifestyles are screaming for someone to notice them! To see that they are desperate! Sure, they have money, nice clothes, and plenty of people around them. But they're lonely and destitute hoping someone would prove to them that there's more to life than this.
There are also beggars in your hometown! Be it upper-middle class in the suburbs of big city lights or the working class in small towns all across America. They're everywhere! Working paycheck to paycheck no matter how many digits are showing in their bank account. They're begging for someone's attention!
And here I am; a beggar! No I haven't lived under a bridge, and no, I didn't premiere on a commercial about homelessness. But it's true; I was once a beggar. I was starving for attention. I was desperate for someone to notice me. I was empty and void of feeling like my life had purpose.
And then He found me. I wasn't looking for Him. In fact, I was reasonably sure I could do this without Him. Sure, I had heard about Him. But He seemed to be distant, uninvolved, and unimpressed with my feeble ways.
However, I was wrong. He very much wanted to be a part of my life. He fed me. He comforted me. He gave me purpose. He painted a big picture of what life was really about; a picture that portrayed the great lengths He was willing to endure to provide a way for me to know Him. So I don't have to keep begging or wandering alone through life trying to figure this out on my own.
And now, as part of His forever family, He has given me permission to take this story, my daily bread, and begin feeding it to others. So, here I am, just one beggar trying to tell another beggar where to find bread!
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Happy and Healthy
I recently listened as a man described his grandson's eating habits as being a "fussy eater."
"He doesn't like vegetables! He doesn't like meat! He doesn't like fruit!"
"So, I just give him a doughnut!"
His logic?
"I want him to be happy!" He described one of the joys and privileges of being a grandparent as wanting his grandchildren being happy while implying that their health was of less concern.
While I did sense some sarcasm toward the lack of concern about his grandchildren's health, he created a valid talking point for his listeners in the happy vs. healthy debate of our lifestyles.
We live in a world that thrives in a fast-paced form of life. A constant state of busyness finds us frantically searching for 'quick fixes' to many of our health concerns.
Loads of caffeine and sugar replace our lack of proper rest. Supplements to enhance our physique. New faces to replace the struggles of working on our current relationships. Podcasts, seminars, and conferences to provide a quick dose of enthusiasm in our career. A coffee mug with a Bible verse to make us feel better about our spirituality.
And while many of these 'fixes' provide a moment of relief, the rush will eventually wear off because they were never meant to maintain an enduring state of good health. Happy isn't found in a quick fix; it's found in the slow baking oven of commitment over time.
It's a dangerous ploy to navigate the deep waters of happiness far away from the shore of good health. Chasing happiness will eventually leave us feeling stranded without a raft. It will cause us to abandon the deep sense of purpose we know we were created for. And it will cause us to neglect those deeply woven friendships meant to extend a hand in a time of troubled waters.
Our happiness is tied to our health! Not just our physical health, but our emotional, mental, social, and spiritual health as well.
So, today, when you feel tempted to take the easy way out in an effort to be more 'happy,' remember, your health is more important than the quick fix of some moment of ecstasy! To be healthy is to be whole and to be whole will lead to your happiness!
"He doesn't like vegetables! He doesn't like meat! He doesn't like fruit!"
"So, I just give him a doughnut!"
His logic?
"I want him to be happy!" He described one of the joys and privileges of being a grandparent as wanting his grandchildren being happy while implying that their health was of less concern.
While I did sense some sarcasm toward the lack of concern about his grandchildren's health, he created a valid talking point for his listeners in the happy vs. healthy debate of our lifestyles.
We live in a world that thrives in a fast-paced form of life. A constant state of busyness finds us frantically searching for 'quick fixes' to many of our health concerns.
Loads of caffeine and sugar replace our lack of proper rest. Supplements to enhance our physique. New faces to replace the struggles of working on our current relationships. Podcasts, seminars, and conferences to provide a quick dose of enthusiasm in our career. A coffee mug with a Bible verse to make us feel better about our spirituality.
And while many of these 'fixes' provide a moment of relief, the rush will eventually wear off because they were never meant to maintain an enduring state of good health. Happy isn't found in a quick fix; it's found in the slow baking oven of commitment over time.
It's a dangerous ploy to navigate the deep waters of happiness far away from the shore of good health. Chasing happiness will eventually leave us feeling stranded without a raft. It will cause us to abandon the deep sense of purpose we know we were created for. And it will cause us to neglect those deeply woven friendships meant to extend a hand in a time of troubled waters.
Our happiness is tied to our health! Not just our physical health, but our emotional, mental, social, and spiritual health as well.
So, today, when you feel tempted to take the easy way out in an effort to be more 'happy,' remember, your health is more important than the quick fix of some moment of ecstasy! To be healthy is to be whole and to be whole will lead to your happiness!
Monday, August 01, 2016
Back to Reality
I'm home now!
A week removed from the villages of Honduras where kids with tattered clothes and worn out shoes walked for what seemed like days through the coffee bean hills for school. Eager to learn basic math facts and parts of speech of their native language, they were intrigued by the truck full of "Americans" passing by their two room schoolhouse.
We parked the vehicles on a recently cleared plot of land and began to dismiss ourselves onto the dusty Honduran road toward the school. As we passed by a shed built with several timbers and an aluminum roof having wooden benches below, someone asked, "What's that?"
"It's the church!"
"Really," I thought to myself. "This is the ONE church in this village! A shed not much fit for keeping animals out of the rain is used to house people for weekly worship services! You can't be serious!" But that it was.
While I love to travel and spend days, even weeks, abroad experiencing diverse cultures, traditions, and languages, I never cease to be amazed and convicted by what I experience when my path crosses the way of Christians in those cultures.
During the week of our trip we were introduced to the work of three men who have given themselves to full time ministry. Pastors, if you will.
Not pastors in three piece suits attending meetings and public speaking engagements that may require using their private jet to get from one location to the next. No, perhaps their responsibilities looked to be more closely associated with Paul's travels in the book of Acts than the former.
From my own experience, we know what must be done yet oftentimes refuse to do so because of our apathetic tendencies. Maybe that's unfair to say. Maybe it's not that we don't care but that our schedules have been bombarded with secondary issues that we've made into an ultimate priority.
To be honest, that sounds pretty accurate for a large majority of our Christian sub-culture.
But how do we provide a more permanent presence in villages like El Ensenal who meet under a shed for their worship services?
While the church is a conglomeration of many people with diverse backgrounds, it is unified by God's singular mission of making Himself known to the world. And the leaders of the church have a responsibility of maintaining that unifying mission for the people who come under the name of Christ and His church.
At least for me, my conviction is planted in this mantra, "Go, send, or disobey!" And what spending a week in Honduras has done for me is help deepen the roots of that mission.
So, I'm back home. Back to reality. And what I will do is spend the next several days, weeks, months fighting back the urge of a self-inflicted drought toward the global mission of God. One that can become easily choked out by the weeds of my own comforts and conveniences. My busy schedule. Being entertained by the propositions of this world.
So I'm choosing to return and view my reality through a different lens. Rather than a lens that seems blurry or dim, I want to remain wide awake to the people and needs around me. One that chooses not to turn a deaf ear or blind eye to others' reality. But one that see others' needs and chooses to embrace and engage!
A week removed from the villages of Honduras where kids with tattered clothes and worn out shoes walked for what seemed like days through the coffee bean hills for school. Eager to learn basic math facts and parts of speech of their native language, they were intrigued by the truck full of "Americans" passing by their two room schoolhouse.
We parked the vehicles on a recently cleared plot of land and began to dismiss ourselves onto the dusty Honduran road toward the school. As we passed by a shed built with several timbers and an aluminum roof having wooden benches below, someone asked, "What's that?"
"It's the church!"
"Really," I thought to myself. "This is the ONE church in this village! A shed not much fit for keeping animals out of the rain is used to house people for weekly worship services! You can't be serious!" But that it was.
While I love to travel and spend days, even weeks, abroad experiencing diverse cultures, traditions, and languages, I never cease to be amazed and convicted by what I experience when my path crosses the way of Christians in those cultures.
During the week of our trip we were introduced to the work of three men who have given themselves to full time ministry. Pastors, if you will.
Not pastors in three piece suits attending meetings and public speaking engagements that may require using their private jet to get from one location to the next. No, perhaps their responsibilities looked to be more closely associated with Paul's travels in the book of Acts than the former.
From my own experience, we know what must be done yet oftentimes refuse to do so because of our apathetic tendencies. Maybe that's unfair to say. Maybe it's not that we don't care but that our schedules have been bombarded with secondary issues that we've made into an ultimate priority.
To be honest, that sounds pretty accurate for a large majority of our Christian sub-culture.
But how do we provide a more permanent presence in villages like El Ensenal who meet under a shed for their worship services?
While the church is a conglomeration of many people with diverse backgrounds, it is unified by God's singular mission of making Himself known to the world. And the leaders of the church have a responsibility of maintaining that unifying mission for the people who come under the name of Christ and His church.
At least for me, my conviction is planted in this mantra, "Go, send, or disobey!" And what spending a week in Honduras has done for me is help deepen the roots of that mission.
So, I'm back home. Back to reality. And what I will do is spend the next several days, weeks, months fighting back the urge of a self-inflicted drought toward the global mission of God. One that can become easily choked out by the weeds of my own comforts and conveniences. My busy schedule. Being entertained by the propositions of this world.
So I'm choosing to return and view my reality through a different lens. Rather than a lens that seems blurry or dim, I want to remain wide awake to the people and needs around me. One that chooses not to turn a deaf ear or blind eye to others' reality. But one that see others' needs and chooses to embrace and engage!
Wednesday, July 06, 2016
This Summer's Mission Adventure
The countdown is on for me to board a plane and travel to foreign soil where my interaction with a new culture, language, and demographic can at times seem somewhat familiar to the landscape in pockets of my community here in the U.S.
One of my best friends grew up as a missionary's kid in Honduras and another close friend has taught me so much about the Hispanic culture as we've spent time growing old together. And while I'm excited to spend a week in Honduras serving both children and adults in various capacities, perhaps my greatest hope is continuing to embrace the diversity of the culture I will come back to when my feet are planted back on familiar soil.
Sometimes we experience fear in sharing the gospel. And other times we have doubts. I don't know; maybe it's because we're afraid of a negative response to our invitation as if they're rejecting us. Or maybe we think we're going to mess up the story and give a blurry picture of the gospel.
The story of Jesus is exactly that; the story of Jesus. While we have the opportunity to become the mouthpiece proclaiming the message, we're not the one who changes others. That's Jesus' job. Whew! That's a relief! That takes all the pressure off you and me.
So, what exactly will I be doing in Honduras? Good question! Essentially whatever they ask me to do. I've learned through my career in education and multiple trips like this one that the key to making this a successful trip is found in one word; flexibility.
While our agenda includes tasks such as helping with eye exams, construction projects, evangelism efforts, and vacation bible school settings, our plans may need to be adjusted according to the needs of the churches and community.
While I'm confident that God has opened this door for me to serve, everyone knows it's not a free ride. And while many of you may be tempted to skim past this section of the letter, I hope you will continue reading.
I want you to pray for my team and me; for our health, for good attitudes, for our obedience. But I also want you to consider supporting me financially. Will I still raise the money apart from your gift? Yes, yes, I will. Arrogant? No. I'm just confident that God is going to provide.
So why should you give? Because I believe the Bible speaks to going and sending. And since I'm going, His church should be sending. Sending involves praying and giving. "What's in it for me," you ask? Less money in your pocket, for one. But there is a principle of sowing and reaping that while I can't fully explain it, I've seen others experience it time and time again.
Please let me know if you have any questions or want to know more about my trip. I'd also like to know that you'll be praying for our team. Thank you in advance for your willingness to invest in spreading the gospel for the sake of building His kingdom!
One of my best friends grew up as a missionary's kid in Honduras and another close friend has taught me so much about the Hispanic culture as we've spent time growing old together. And while I'm excited to spend a week in Honduras serving both children and adults in various capacities, perhaps my greatest hope is continuing to embrace the diversity of the culture I will come back to when my feet are planted back on familiar soil.
Sometimes we experience fear in sharing the gospel. And other times we have doubts. I don't know; maybe it's because we're afraid of a negative response to our invitation as if they're rejecting us. Or maybe we think we're going to mess up the story and give a blurry picture of the gospel.
The story of Jesus is exactly that; the story of Jesus. While we have the opportunity to become the mouthpiece proclaiming the message, we're not the one who changes others. That's Jesus' job. Whew! That's a relief! That takes all the pressure off you and me.
So, what exactly will I be doing in Honduras? Good question! Essentially whatever they ask me to do. I've learned through my career in education and multiple trips like this one that the key to making this a successful trip is found in one word; flexibility.
While our agenda includes tasks such as helping with eye exams, construction projects, evangelism efforts, and vacation bible school settings, our plans may need to be adjusted according to the needs of the churches and community.
While I'm confident that God has opened this door for me to serve, everyone knows it's not a free ride. And while many of you may be tempted to skim past this section of the letter, I hope you will continue reading.
I want you to pray for my team and me; for our health, for good attitudes, for our obedience. But I also want you to consider supporting me financially. Will I still raise the money apart from your gift? Yes, yes, I will. Arrogant? No. I'm just confident that God is going to provide.
So why should you give? Because I believe the Bible speaks to going and sending. And since I'm going, His church should be sending. Sending involves praying and giving. "What's in it for me," you ask? Less money in your pocket, for one. But there is a principle of sowing and reaping that while I can't fully explain it, I've seen others experience it time and time again.
Please let me know if you have any questions or want to know more about my trip. I'd also like to know that you'll be praying for our team. Thank you in advance for your willingness to invest in spreading the gospel for the sake of building His kingdom!
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Idol Factories
"For many of us, our hearts have been idol factories where we punch our time card more often than we care to admit."
That word, idol. It just sounds so outdated.
In a world where religion and spirituality is viewed as an archaic junk drawer this idea of idolatry holds a less than appealing luster.
And really the only place we find it permissible to use the word worship is in the traditional religious settings scattered amidst the broad landscape of secular appeal.
Let's think about this for a moment. There's a small remnant of religious affiliates that herald the idea and intent of worship and discredit the term idolatry. But I would suggest that the sacred and secular actually are closer on this spectrum than they may care to imagine.
By defining the word worship as "giving attention to or having an affection" for some object then we can begin to more practically and with greater plausibility see that we are naturally inclined to cherish what we consider to be of significant worth or value.
Allow me for a moment to assume that the God of the Bible is a supreme being worthy of worship and that all else is inferior to Him and to worship anything besides Him is idolatry. If this be the case then I believe it's safe to say that there really are idols that are constantly vying for our attention and affection.
Relationship Idols
He goes to the gym and she buys a new dress to become more physically appealing. They each make promises hoping the other keeps their end of the deal. It's that Jerry Maguire "you complete me" vortex that so many in our culture find so intriguing. We look to relationships to fill a void and provide a sense of self-worth. In an effort to belong and feel loved we substitute human relationships into a God-shaped hole that only He can fulfill.
Work Idols
He wants to be known as a man's man, making the deal, living luxuriously, as a testament to the 70-80 hour work week he's constantly putting in for his family. He's taken the notion of providing for his family to the extreme. But the problem is he's absent. And frustrated. And tired. Sure, his wife will enjoy the new car and the kids will enjoy the new trinkets and toys. For a minute. But working religiously to appease someone else will never be a satisfying substitute to the security found in belonging and resting in your relationship with God.
Entertainment Idols
Cinemas, stadiums, and recreational sites have become sanctuaries that make big screens, soccer nets, end zones, jet skis, and golf clubs our altars where we pledge our allegiance, make sacrifices, and sing worship tunes to the gods of the entertainment industry. Seriously! Our attitude, how we treat our spouses and kids, and in some cases even our bank accounts are all riding on whether a 19 year old catches a pass in the end zone. Entertainment should never become the substitute for the passion and commitment God designed for us to have with Him
Is it any wonder why God had to tell His people to have no other gods before Him nor to make any graven images so as to become an idolater? We dress up our idols so they're more fashionable than stone or wooden images but the truth is, we all have idol issues.
We must fight the urge to punch our time card at the idol factory as often as we do. Maybe it's time to admit that your idol factory needs to close its doors. When we come under new management we should be manufacturing a new product; Christ-likeness.
That word, idol. It just sounds so outdated.
In a world where religion and spirituality is viewed as an archaic junk drawer this idea of idolatry holds a less than appealing luster.
And really the only place we find it permissible to use the word worship is in the traditional religious settings scattered amidst the broad landscape of secular appeal.
Let's think about this for a moment. There's a small remnant of religious affiliates that herald the idea and intent of worship and discredit the term idolatry. But I would suggest that the sacred and secular actually are closer on this spectrum than they may care to imagine.
By defining the word worship as "giving attention to or having an affection" for some object then we can begin to more practically and with greater plausibility see that we are naturally inclined to cherish what we consider to be of significant worth or value.
Allow me for a moment to assume that the God of the Bible is a supreme being worthy of worship and that all else is inferior to Him and to worship anything besides Him is idolatry. If this be the case then I believe it's safe to say that there really are idols that are constantly vying for our attention and affection.
Relationship Idols
He goes to the gym and she buys a new dress to become more physically appealing. They each make promises hoping the other keeps their end of the deal. It's that Jerry Maguire "you complete me" vortex that so many in our culture find so intriguing. We look to relationships to fill a void and provide a sense of self-worth. In an effort to belong and feel loved we substitute human relationships into a God-shaped hole that only He can fulfill.
Work Idols
He wants to be known as a man's man, making the deal, living luxuriously, as a testament to the 70-80 hour work week he's constantly putting in for his family. He's taken the notion of providing for his family to the extreme. But the problem is he's absent. And frustrated. And tired. Sure, his wife will enjoy the new car and the kids will enjoy the new trinkets and toys. For a minute. But working religiously to appease someone else will never be a satisfying substitute to the security found in belonging and resting in your relationship with God.
Entertainment Idols
Cinemas, stadiums, and recreational sites have become sanctuaries that make big screens, soccer nets, end zones, jet skis, and golf clubs our altars where we pledge our allegiance, make sacrifices, and sing worship tunes to the gods of the entertainment industry. Seriously! Our attitude, how we treat our spouses and kids, and in some cases even our bank accounts are all riding on whether a 19 year old catches a pass in the end zone. Entertainment should never become the substitute for the passion and commitment God designed for us to have with Him
Is it any wonder why God had to tell His people to have no other gods before Him nor to make any graven images so as to become an idolater? We dress up our idols so they're more fashionable than stone or wooden images but the truth is, we all have idol issues.
We must fight the urge to punch our time card at the idol factory as often as we do. Maybe it's time to admit that your idol factory needs to close its doors. When we come under new management we should be manufacturing a new product; Christ-likeness.
Sunday, June 05, 2016
Taking the Day Off
I had perfect attendance through grade school!
No joke! I really did.
In a world where little Johnny has the sniffles and Susie's parents want to take her shopping for her 10th birthday perfect attendance is becoming somewhat of an anomaly.
Not me. Every morning when the lights came on, I was up and ready to go.
What if it was my turn to be the line leader? What if our class had PE all day? What if the cafeteria was serving McDonald's Happy Meals for the entire school? What if my girlfriend got a love note that read "check yes or no" from under her desk three rows across the room?
I had to be there.
I was so eager to get to school the next day that sometimes I would sleep on an already made up bed in my school clothes. I can see my mom now just rolling her eyes asking, "What are you doing?"
Actually, I don't know if that was my eager side or lazy streak! It just didn't make any sense to take a day off.
Have you ever taken a day off?
I don't mean a day off from work. Or a day off from going to the gym. Or even a day off from fixing the kids dinner and having to make a last minute pizza run.
Have you ever just taken the day off from making good, sensible decisions? One of those days where you look back and wonder, "What was I thinking?"
I believe the majority of us live most of our lives making sensible decisions. Not perfect but acceptable. Choices, looking back, maybe we could have tweaked or thought through a little better but not necessarily things we regret or keep hidden in shame.
Take for instance a guy many people know by the name of Samson. Here's the big picture of his story; a strong guy with long hair who had a crush on a gal named Delilah.
In spite of some of his severely off track behavior he "led Israel for twenty years in the days of the Philistines." Contrary to popular belief he really did exercise moments of faithfulness.
But watch what happens next. He "went to Gaza, where he saw a prostitute, and he went in to spend the night with her." Talk about a senseless moment! He was most definitely taking the day off!
Before we're too hard on him, let's be honest. Haven't we had similar lapses in judgment? Maybe not sleeping with a prostitute. But maybe anger, addiction, gossip, greed, lying, lust, porn, or pride has become the motive for us taking a day off.
Just before his death, some of Samson's last words were "God, remember me" and "strengthen me." There wasn't much he could do to correct his bad behavior. It was going to be difficult to right all the wrongs from the days he took off. But, nevertheless, he decided it was time to have a conversation with God that I'm sure was long overdue.
Perhaps you and I still have several days left to recover from the days we've taken off. And if so, maybe we need to use the same language as Samson and ask God to remember us and to strengthen us. No more senseless decisions. No more lapses in judgment. No more days off!
No joke! I really did.
In a world where little Johnny has the sniffles and Susie's parents want to take her shopping for her 10th birthday perfect attendance is becoming somewhat of an anomaly.
Not me. Every morning when the lights came on, I was up and ready to go.
What if it was my turn to be the line leader? What if our class had PE all day? What if the cafeteria was serving McDonald's Happy Meals for the entire school? What if my girlfriend got a love note that read "check yes or no" from under her desk three rows across the room?
I had to be there.
I was so eager to get to school the next day that sometimes I would sleep on an already made up bed in my school clothes. I can see my mom now just rolling her eyes asking, "What are you doing?"
Actually, I don't know if that was my eager side or lazy streak! It just didn't make any sense to take a day off.
Have you ever taken a day off?
I don't mean a day off from work. Or a day off from going to the gym. Or even a day off from fixing the kids dinner and having to make a last minute pizza run.
Have you ever just taken the day off from making good, sensible decisions? One of those days where you look back and wonder, "What was I thinking?"
I believe the majority of us live most of our lives making sensible decisions. Not perfect but acceptable. Choices, looking back, maybe we could have tweaked or thought through a little better but not necessarily things we regret or keep hidden in shame.
Take for instance a guy many people know by the name of Samson. Here's the big picture of his story; a strong guy with long hair who had a crush on a gal named Delilah.
In spite of some of his severely off track behavior he "led Israel for twenty years in the days of the Philistines." Contrary to popular belief he really did exercise moments of faithfulness.
But watch what happens next. He "went to Gaza, where he saw a prostitute, and he went in to spend the night with her." Talk about a senseless moment! He was most definitely taking the day off!
Before we're too hard on him, let's be honest. Haven't we had similar lapses in judgment? Maybe not sleeping with a prostitute. But maybe anger, addiction, gossip, greed, lying, lust, porn, or pride has become the motive for us taking a day off.
Just before his death, some of Samson's last words were "God, remember me" and "strengthen me." There wasn't much he could do to correct his bad behavior. It was going to be difficult to right all the wrongs from the days he took off. But, nevertheless, he decided it was time to have a conversation with God that I'm sure was long overdue.
Perhaps you and I still have several days left to recover from the days we've taken off. And if so, maybe we need to use the same language as Samson and ask God to remember us and to strengthen us. No more senseless decisions. No more lapses in judgment. No more days off!
Monday, May 30, 2016
Not Everyone Gets a Trophy
We live in a world where we make up names of awards so no one feels left out. Where everyone's a winner. Everyone is excelling at something.
And, unfortunately, we minimize the adverse effects of defeat, 2nd place, and the need to try again. Instead, we elevate others' opinions, practices, or decision to walk away when their preferences aren't embraced.
What kind of culture are we creating? To believe that someone's self-esteem, the need for tolerance of their attitudes and behavior, or re-creating the rules for their unique circumstances should be the motivating factor for excellence and success.
Not everyone gets a trophy!
Commitment, discipline, endurance. It's developing those traits along with the right attitude and physical ability that will lead to a successful path of some intended end.
Half-hearted commitment that sways with the winds of criticism and personal comfort will not lead to success. Lack of discipline that will not put in the work required to develop those skills will not result in success. Short-sightedness that easily gives up when the work becomes difficult will not lead to ultimate success.
But really, when you think about today, Memorial Day, there's a greater prize to be embraced. Our trophy, our freedom is being held in honor today. But not everyone gets to hold that trophy.
Why?
Because they're commitment, discipline, and endurance was put on display that you and I could hold the trophy high today. We owe so much to them for the fight they had to never give up, to put our preferences ahead of their own, to see the mission through to the end even though it cost them their very lives; what a great sacrifice.
But there's also another One who paid the ultimate sacrifice. The trophy of real freedom is on display in the form of an empty cross and empty tomb. While on earth He was never privileged to hold high above His head a trophy. If anything, He accepted last place by holding a towel and bowl of water.
And to see what we've gained by these people, by that One person willing to negate ever holding a trophy; life and freedom! So, today, may we be grateful for the enduring sacrifice of these brave men and women offering their lives for our freedom.
Perhaps a fitting remark for today would be the words of John F. Kennedy, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." And today, given the ultimate sacrifice of God's Son Jesus on the cross, it would also be fitting to say, "Since Jesus took up His cross for me, how now may I take up my cross and follow Him??!!"
While many of us are trying to conjure up a way to win our next trophy, our next prize, maybe we should stop to see that we all have the most amazing trophy we could ever hope to attain in the sacrifice of those who have gone before; life and freedom!
And, unfortunately, we minimize the adverse effects of defeat, 2nd place, and the need to try again. Instead, we elevate others' opinions, practices, or decision to walk away when their preferences aren't embraced.
What kind of culture are we creating? To believe that someone's self-esteem, the need for tolerance of their attitudes and behavior, or re-creating the rules for their unique circumstances should be the motivating factor for excellence and success.
Not everyone gets a trophy!
Commitment, discipline, endurance. It's developing those traits along with the right attitude and physical ability that will lead to a successful path of some intended end.
Half-hearted commitment that sways with the winds of criticism and personal comfort will not lead to success. Lack of discipline that will not put in the work required to develop those skills will not result in success. Short-sightedness that easily gives up when the work becomes difficult will not lead to ultimate success.
But really, when you think about today, Memorial Day, there's a greater prize to be embraced. Our trophy, our freedom is being held in honor today. But not everyone gets to hold that trophy.
Why?
Because they're commitment, discipline, and endurance was put on display that you and I could hold the trophy high today. We owe so much to them for the fight they had to never give up, to put our preferences ahead of their own, to see the mission through to the end even though it cost them their very lives; what a great sacrifice.
But there's also another One who paid the ultimate sacrifice. The trophy of real freedom is on display in the form of an empty cross and empty tomb. While on earth He was never privileged to hold high above His head a trophy. If anything, He accepted last place by holding a towel and bowl of water.
And to see what we've gained by these people, by that One person willing to negate ever holding a trophy; life and freedom! So, today, may we be grateful for the enduring sacrifice of these brave men and women offering their lives for our freedom.
Perhaps a fitting remark for today would be the words of John F. Kennedy, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." And today, given the ultimate sacrifice of God's Son Jesus on the cross, it would also be fitting to say, "Since Jesus took up His cross for me, how now may I take up my cross and follow Him??!!"
While many of us are trying to conjure up a way to win our next trophy, our next prize, maybe we should stop to see that we all have the most amazing trophy we could ever hope to attain in the sacrifice of those who have gone before; life and freedom!
Friday, May 27, 2016
Pull Over
Have you ever been pulled over? Me too. And it was no fun--at all.
Hearing the tone of disappointment and receiving a citation with freshly written ink demanding my appearance and cash just above his signature. He was in no way going to excuse my absent-minded decision to press the pedal so sternly with my witty style of manipulating jargon.
Not only do we find ourselves pulling over because of self-inflicted acts such as speeding and reckless driving, but there are other moments that find us heading to the shoulder of the road as well.
Not too long ago I felt the weight of my truck shifting hard left. Strange to me, I decided maybe I should ease off the road to survey the ensuing problem. Flat tire!
How did that happen? I have my oil changed, brakes checked, and tires rotated like clock work and here I sit on the side of a busy highway wondering how am I going to make it on time to my next venture. Spoiler alert; I was late! Very late!
Sometimes it happens that things beyond our control, like a flat tire, get in the way of us moving seamlessly from one place to the next free of pain or worry. But pulling over instead of ignoring the tug and pull that life puts on us is the best thing we can do.
I'll never forget driving on the dusty roads of Africa admiring the beautiful landscape as we passed by countless acacia trees and creatures of the wild such as zebras, lions, giraffes, and rhinos that can only be found in their natural habitat or zoos around the world.
And as our group admired the beautiful yet rugged terrain we couldn't help but pull over, pause, and stare with amazement. There was something about that moment that captured our attention, captured our affections--our heart--that we would have most certainly missed had we not pulled over.
There are instances in life when the best thing we can do is pull over. Whether it be friends flashing their blue lights of accountability, the natural warning signs of our own life's version of a flat tire, or simply the beautiful design of relationships or God's creation; often our best option is to simply put it in park. Pull over.
I don't know how fast you're racing down life's highway but let me encourage you; don't ignore the warning signs leading to a disastrous and dangerous off road course and don't ignore the beauty of these little moments that can only be enjoyed when you hit the pause button in your life.
Life is happening fast; one selfie at a time! Instead of turning up the music with your windows down, speeding through life, scrolling through everyone's latest post and picture upload; take time to simply stop and enjoy the small moments that are telling a much bigger story than that one song, that one video, that one photo. Pull over!
Hearing the tone of disappointment and receiving a citation with freshly written ink demanding my appearance and cash just above his signature. He was in no way going to excuse my absent-minded decision to press the pedal so sternly with my witty style of manipulating jargon.
Not only do we find ourselves pulling over because of self-inflicted acts such as speeding and reckless driving, but there are other moments that find us heading to the shoulder of the road as well.
Not too long ago I felt the weight of my truck shifting hard left. Strange to me, I decided maybe I should ease off the road to survey the ensuing problem. Flat tire!
How did that happen? I have my oil changed, brakes checked, and tires rotated like clock work and here I sit on the side of a busy highway wondering how am I going to make it on time to my next venture. Spoiler alert; I was late! Very late!
Sometimes it happens that things beyond our control, like a flat tire, get in the way of us moving seamlessly from one place to the next free of pain or worry. But pulling over instead of ignoring the tug and pull that life puts on us is the best thing we can do.
I'll never forget driving on the dusty roads of Africa admiring the beautiful landscape as we passed by countless acacia trees and creatures of the wild such as zebras, lions, giraffes, and rhinos that can only be found in their natural habitat or zoos around the world.
And as our group admired the beautiful yet rugged terrain we couldn't help but pull over, pause, and stare with amazement. There was something about that moment that captured our attention, captured our affections--our heart--that we would have most certainly missed had we not pulled over.
There are instances in life when the best thing we can do is pull over. Whether it be friends flashing their blue lights of accountability, the natural warning signs of our own life's version of a flat tire, or simply the beautiful design of relationships or God's creation; often our best option is to simply put it in park. Pull over.
I don't know how fast you're racing down life's highway but let me encourage you; don't ignore the warning signs leading to a disastrous and dangerous off road course and don't ignore the beauty of these little moments that can only be enjoyed when you hit the pause button in your life.
Life is happening fast; one selfie at a time! Instead of turning up the music with your windows down, speeding through life, scrolling through everyone's latest post and picture upload; take time to simply stop and enjoy the small moments that are telling a much bigger story than that one song, that one video, that one photo. Pull over!
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Soap Dispensers
Is there anything more disappointing than walking up to an empty soap dispenser?
Standing in the buffet line, walking up to the teacher's desk, leaving someone's side in a hospital room. Expecting, anticipating, hoping that the hand sanitizing station is going to fill your germ-covered hands with its liquid cleanser.
And then...Nothing!
No liquid, no foam, not even one drop!
You feel so dirty! Like you should hang a sign around your neck that screams, "Unclean!"
So you begin an all out search for someone somewhere that has Germ-X strapped to their fanny packs for such occasions. These faulty mechanisms attached to the walls of public facilities have only provided false hope for clean hands.
Oh the joy of the tingling sensation of 99.9% of the world's germs falling to their deaths on your newly sanitized hands!
Seriously though! Do we really think that there's an endless supply of liquid goodness being dispensed from that small bottle of sanitizing therapeutic lather?
Neglecting its use or even over-extending its purpose can create a faulty mechanism that develops cracks and malfunctions. We have to quit abusing and ignoring its intended design.
Have you ever thought of yourself as a soap dispenser? Of course not! That's ridiculous!
But have you ever thought of yourself as a love dispenser?
I don't mean the sappy kind of love where romance novels bode. That's probably more like lust.
We each have an ability to dispense love in such a way that others feel its effects and it creates an affinity, a pureness, a cleanliness, an acceptance that causes them to crave it even more.
But the problem with many of us is that we let love rest in our bodies like Germ-X in a bottle and we are constantly saturating and lathering ourselves with self-love. And when we become consumed with ourselves we begin neglecting others and cracks begin to develop in our relationships with those that actually mean the most to us.
On the other hand, we can become so generous in pumping out our love for others that our love meter becomes broken and we are simply running on empty with no sign of re-filling in sight. And when this happens those closest to us will likewise suffer the results of our misused bottles of affection.
The reason I'm so passionate about soap dispensers is that I've been on the receiving end of a sanitizing station malfunction. And it's disappointing!
And the reason I'm so passionate about being a better love dispenser is because I've been on both the giving and receiving end of a love dispensing malfunction. And it's heartbreaking!
Our lives require a constant, mutual filling and dispensing of love and affection. We have been created with an innate desire to belong and feel loved. And when we learn to find a healthy balance of giving and receiving love toward others we will begin to recognize that we are fulfilling our God-given design.
Standing in the buffet line, walking up to the teacher's desk, leaving someone's side in a hospital room. Expecting, anticipating, hoping that the hand sanitizing station is going to fill your germ-covered hands with its liquid cleanser.
And then...Nothing!
No liquid, no foam, not even one drop!
You feel so dirty! Like you should hang a sign around your neck that screams, "Unclean!"
So you begin an all out search for someone somewhere that has Germ-X strapped to their fanny packs for such occasions. These faulty mechanisms attached to the walls of public facilities have only provided false hope for clean hands.
Oh the joy of the tingling sensation of 99.9% of the world's germs falling to their deaths on your newly sanitized hands!
Seriously though! Do we really think that there's an endless supply of liquid goodness being dispensed from that small bottle of sanitizing therapeutic lather?
Neglecting its use or even over-extending its purpose can create a faulty mechanism that develops cracks and malfunctions. We have to quit abusing and ignoring its intended design.
Have you ever thought of yourself as a soap dispenser? Of course not! That's ridiculous!
But have you ever thought of yourself as a love dispenser?
I don't mean the sappy kind of love where romance novels bode. That's probably more like lust.
We each have an ability to dispense love in such a way that others feel its effects and it creates an affinity, a pureness, a cleanliness, an acceptance that causes them to crave it even more.
But the problem with many of us is that we let love rest in our bodies like Germ-X in a bottle and we are constantly saturating and lathering ourselves with self-love. And when we become consumed with ourselves we begin neglecting others and cracks begin to develop in our relationships with those that actually mean the most to us.
On the other hand, we can become so generous in pumping out our love for others that our love meter becomes broken and we are simply running on empty with no sign of re-filling in sight. And when this happens those closest to us will likewise suffer the results of our misused bottles of affection.
The reason I'm so passionate about soap dispensers is that I've been on the receiving end of a sanitizing station malfunction. And it's disappointing!
And the reason I'm so passionate about being a better love dispenser is because I've been on both the giving and receiving end of a love dispensing malfunction. And it's heartbreaking!
Our lives require a constant, mutual filling and dispensing of love and affection. We have been created with an innate desire to belong and feel loved. And when we learn to find a healthy balance of giving and receiving love toward others we will begin to recognize that we are fulfilling our God-given design.
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