Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Posted on July 11, 2011 - by admin
Open doors & closed doors
“Open doors, closing doors” are biblical phrases used by its’ writers to refer to divine guidance. Those sincerely seeking Gods will for their life accept the “open door/close door” experience peacefully. (Isaiah 45:1,2, Acts 14:27, I Corinthians 16:9, II Corinthians 2:12, Colossians 4:3, Revelation 3:8). We use the term in the secular world to ask questions. “How did you close the door”? What we mean is, how did the conversation, relationship, or deal conclude.
I believe “how one closes the doors in their life has a lot to do with how God opens the doors for their life”. Just something I’ve observed after 30 yrs.
If it’s within our control, we should close doors of work, relationships and situations as gently and Christ-like as possible. First, because it honors God. That alone should be reason enough. But for those wanting a “WIIFM”, (What’s in it for me?), it means putting ourselves in a position for God to open the door in front of us because we’ve been Christ-like in the way we’ve closed the doors behind us.
Sometimes closing doors behind us mean forgiving, learning from, becoming wiser, & knowing we can walk back in those environments with integrity.
I served 3 other churches in my past. In each there were great experiences that shaped my life and difficult days that tested me. In every departure, I thanked the pastor privately before leaving for the privilege he entrusted to me while on his team and was provided a “farewell” experience from the church where, like Paul (Acts 20:25-38) I thanked the people also.
In the secular world, I’d resigned from 3 different work environments as a student. In each case, leaving was hard because the experiences were enjoyable. From 2 of those I worked the last 2 weeks notice without pay as a “thanks” for the privilege. Six months after leaving one of them, the owner died in an accident. Even though they had many employees, I was asked to be a pallbearer because his wife said he respected the way I departed. I never realize then how important that was until years later.
I’m convinced the way we close the doors in our life (which is our choice and reflection of our character) has so much to do with the way God opens the doors for our future.
So here’s the advice. If you’re moving on, do it wisely, honorably. If you’re closing a chapter in your life, make it the best exit you possibly can.
One reason I write this is because of I’ve seen the experiences of both lately. I recently watched a young lady in early 20’s leave a doctors office job and erase all of the data on the computer, leave on a Friday without notice, and then boast about how she injured them. I could see bitterness beginning to grow in her. What she didn’t know was that she was revealing her true character in her actions, and that she’ll reap what she’s sown ahead. And then a few weeks ago I listened to an older retired man describe to me his experiences in traveling the world and all he’d learned. He’d worked in dozens of interesting places and various fields. What struck me was when he leaned back, smiled widely and said, “I never left a single job without thanking God and thanking my boss”. I couldn’t help but notice how at peace he was with his past and how secure he was in the present. As I reflected on the amazing doors God had opened for him in his lifetime, I sensed it was time to write these thoughts for you today. The incredible doors my friend had been through in life, probably were opened because of the character in which he displayed in closing the doors of his past.
Posted on April 13, 2011 - by admin
Crossroads
After listening to several different people sharing their life journey with me this week, some older, some in their thirties, & one in college, it occurred to me that all of them made crucial life defining choices many times over at several stages of their lives. In each life they would come to a “crossroad” at some point, either in relationships, work habits, educational goals, deciding priorities, financial matters, health & lifestyle, and in their spiritual pursuits. At times they made the easy choice. While convienent at that moment, they all had regrets afterwards. The one thing that kept surfacing was that when they made the “hard” choice, the path of discipline or standing alone, or relentlessly devoting themselves to a worthy goal, they had no regrets. I conclude that it was in the “crossroad moments” that their character was weakened or strengthened. It was in that stage that they gripped the steering wheel of their life, kept their foot on the gas pedal and set out to reach their destination or they looked for an exit, gradually slowed up and pulled over with their life. One man told me of when he wouldn’t speak up about his faith at work, with friends or in public. In time he wouldn’t speak up about anything else he should have. When his wife of 20 years left him, her shocking words were, “Your not a man. I felt unprotected in our marriage, I have no respect for you”. Looking back he says, “I caved in to peer pressure early on…I paid for it too”. The young college boy described how he set and lived his values on a college campus and for 3 years it was lonely. Now he’s a respected leader by his peers because they saw his example. All of us come to a crossroad many times in our lives. What we choose, the price we’re willing to pay, the resolve we are devoted to live out brings the life of no regrets. We don’t know the names of the many who walked away from Jesus. We know the names of those who were steadfast. Peter, James, John… If you’re at the crossroad today take hope. It’s an opportunity. Sure it will cost you something, but focus your eyes on the prize. Speak up when you should, stand up when you should, do good when you should, take risk when opportunity comes, love deeply while you can, give generously when you have it, encourage because it’s a gift others need at times, & look for the crossroads in every decision and in life. It’s in that crossroad moment that God gives you a chance to steer toward your highest potential.
Posted on January 26, 2011 - by admin
Be A Champion
The BCS National Championship game was on January 10th of this year. Auburn and Oregon were the two teams battling it out, with Auburn emerging as champion. My son B.J. is a 2005 Auburn graduate so he and his wife went to the game with two of our church members. To say this was a good game would be an understatement. It went right down to the wire.
Regardless of whether you pull for either of these teams one thing is certain, they both worked hard throughout the season to win each game.
In a few weeks, another championship game will be played. It will be the Super Bowl featuring the Packers and the Steelers. Yet again you will see two groups of players who have worked hard all season to become champions.
Although it’s fun to watch our favorite teams compete, champions aren’t only reserved for football players. You and I can have a championship season in our own lives. 2011 is a year for you to start fresh! God already has great plans for you this year. He says in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
The question is, do you believe it’s going to be a championship year for you? As you hit the ground running in 2011, plan for the best. Like all of these teams you should work as hard as you can with everything you’ve got. It may not be without challenges, but that’s ok because champions fight all the way to the end. I want to encourage you to set your sights high and keep pressing on. With the right determination you can be a champion in 2011!
I wish you all the best this year in your spiritual and personal life!
Posted on December 9, 2010 - by admin
The Christmas ADVENTure
With Christmas Day right around the corner, there’s a lot to be excited about! I remember when my boys were little they would wake up each morning in December and move a little mouse one day forward on the Advent Calendar Debbie had hanging in the kitchen. For them it was a reminder that Santa Claus would be visiting soon, but its true meaning goes much deeper than that.
Advent means coming or arrival. It does not actually signify the coming of Santa Claus, obviously, but the arrival of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Let’s take a look at the truths of Advent together. It’s my hope that you will decide to celebrate the coming of the Messiah each day between now and Christmas. Reflect on these truths in your home and create traditions that will make Christmas more meaningful.
The celebration of Advent Season focuses on two things…
1. The birth of Jesus, which is his first Advent
2. The anticipation of His return as King, which will be the second Advent
There are many ways to celebrate the season as well as to give you and your family daily reminders that the coming of the Lord, Christmas Day, is near.
You are most likely already familiar with The Songs of Advent. Oh Little Town of Bethlehem, Oh Holy Night, The First Noel, Silent Night, What Child Is This?, Joy To The World, and Oh Come All Ye Faithful. I love that this is the one time of year that the world is singing our songs…songs about Jesus, the hope of the world, and yet many don’t even realize that is what they’re singing about. Make these songs of Advent part of your life during the Christmas season. You can catch them anywhere…most cities have radio stations that devote the entire month to playing nothing but Christmas music. Tune in and let the songs and prayers of the season reign in your thoughts.
There are also different Symbols of Advent. One symbol I’m sure many of you have seen at the grocery store is the Advent Calendar, which is a great way to build anticipation. Twenty-four numbered windows or doors act as a count-down clock to Christmas Eve. Often times these doors or windows unwrap a small gift for children each day, like candy, chocolate or Bible verses. This is a wonderful way to teach your children what the Christmas season is truly all about. Having them open up a Bible verse from the Christmas story in the Bible, or even and Old Testament prophesy speaking of the birth of the Messiah is a great idea!
Another symbol is the Advent Wreath. It’s a circular evergreen wreath with five candles, four around the wreath and one in the center. The wreath itself is actually full of symbolism. Each week a candle is lit, counting down the weeks until Jesus’ arrival, and a different aspect of Christmas is explained. The shape of the wreath, a circle, is to remind us of God. His eternal nature has no beginning or ending. The green of the wreath reflects newness and renewal. The candles symbolize Jesus as the light of the world, and also that we are called to be a light to the world. The outer candles represent the period of waiting during four Sundays of advent and symbolize the four centuries of waiting between the prophet Malachi and the birth of Christ. The colors of the candles are also for a reason. There are three purple or blue candles, one pink or rose candle, and one white candle. There is a specific order and meaning for the lighting of each candle.
The first candle is purple and called The Candle of Hope. Micah 5:2 says, “But you, Bethlehem, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel…” It’s a reminder that a savior is promised. It’s to be lit the first Sunday of Advent and every night thereafter until Christmas.
The second candle is also purple and is The Candle of Peace. Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. It’s a reminder of the peace only God can provide for the soul. It is lit the second Sunday of Advent and every night until Christmas.
The third candle is rose colored and called The Candle of Joy. Luke 2:10-11, “But the angel said to them, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” It reminds us of the joy the shepherds and Magi felt at hearing about the birth of Christ. It’s lit the third Sunday of Advent and every night thereafter until Christmas.
The fourth candle is purple and known as The Candle of Love. John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” It represents the love God displayed by giving His Son to die for our sins. It’s to be lit the fourth Sunday of Advent.
The fifth candle is white and is The Christ Candle. It’s white reflecting the purity of the sinless Christ. It’s placed in the center to reflect where Christ should be in our life and is lit on Christmas Eve.
Advent is marked by a spirit of expectation and anticipation. Just as the prophets, the people, the magi, Zacharias, Mary, and others long in excitement for the birth of Jesus, the Bible tells us we should feel that same excitement for His return one day. Philippians 3:20, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
You see, there is so much more to celebrate this month than the singular day of Christ’s birth. Start your Advent celebration today! Emmanuel is coming and we have so much to joyously celebrate!
Posted on November 22, 2010 - by admin
Happy Thanksgiving!
Can you believe it’s that time already? Thanksgiving is right around the corner. It’s time to put away those running shoes and break out the silverware. There won’t be any lifting of weights, only plates. At least that’s my plan anyway. I’ve already told my trainer that all dieting is on hold for now.
While most of us look forward to eating turkey and pies, Thanksgiving is about so much more. It is a day to reflect on all of the blessings we have. We are privileged to live in a great country that allows us freedom. We are free to worship a God who loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die for our sins. If everything else in our life looked gloomy, this would be reason enough to smile. Christ has come to give us eternal life and that alone should bring thankfulness.
On a personal note, this year I have many things I’m thankful for. Besides having a Savior who loves me, I’ve been blessed with a great family. This year in particular, we were blessed with two new additions and one on the way. Becoming a grandparent for the first time has been a joyful experience that exceeded my expectations. I never imagined this new role could be as incredible as it has been. I love these two children more than words could express and can’t wait to have a whole house full of them.
I’m thankful to God for giving me a loving wife. Debbie is the most Godly and kind-spirited person I’ve ever known. She is my best friend and soul mate. Nothing I’ve ever accomplished would have been possible without her in my life.
I’m thankful for my three sons. I couldn’t have searched the world over and found three better boys. They have always made me proud to be their father.
I’m also thankful for our church. It has been an honor to be the pastor of Cascade Hills. I honestly don’t believe there is a better group of people in the world. The thousands of souls that have been reached for Christ could not have happened without our church family’s prayers and support. Their willingness to spread the gospel no matter what has been the difference. For that, I am forever grateful.
As Thanksgiving approaches, think for a moment about your own life. What has God blessed you with? Despite negative circumstances, each of us has something we can give thanks for. What’s yours?
Posted on September 3, 2010 - by admin
The Benefits of Balance
We hear the word alot. “Balance” statements, sheets, balance bars, balanced meals,there’s even “balance” shoes, and on and on. You get the picture. Have you ever asked yourself what a balanced life looks like? Balance holds the secret to both advancement and contentment. Sometimes those two don’t travel together. I want to challenge you to take the time to write out what a balanced life for you would look like. Create a “pie” drawing for your life and list your priorities around the circle. You know, family time, finances, health, work, personal time & spiritual growth. Now evaluate how much time you spend in each area. Off the circle or under it, get specific about each area and write out what you need to do to get a “win” in each one. Making the goal of your life balanced will give you tremendous benefits. You see the secret to your success is not being a giant in one area and a midget in the rest. We’ve all seen that one. We’ve seen the financial king fail at marriage or parenting. Or the Spiritual saint mismanage their health or money. When a person has an unbalanced life, their level of stress is high. The secret to real success is in growing consistently and in increments in every area. You don’t have to go “over the top” in one area to the neglect of the rest. Give each area of your life consistent incremental attention. As they all rise together, balance occurs and when your life is in balance there’s harmony, achievement and contentment. “Sneak up on it” is a term one of my friends says. You’ll look around one day and glad you did. A balanced life has real benefits. Give it a try.
Posted on July 10, 2010 - by admin
Decisions That Direct My Life
I believe in the power of decisions. I’m thankful for free will and choice God has given us to make decisions. When I personally discovered the power of decisions years ago, life for me improved dramatically. I read this statement, “where we are right now in life are in large part a result of the decisions we made last year. The level of life we have a year from now will in large part be determined by the decisions we make today.” I made a decision that day to intentionally and carefully chose my choices. It worked too. So let me give you the decisions I chose in hopes that it inspires you to do something similar if you need to.
(1) I decided that the thoughts I think would be positive. No more negative thoughts. No allowance of anything that made me feel angry, bitter, resentful, revengeful, or poisoned my soul. “As a man thinks in his heart, so he is” says the wisest man. I recall how liberating that decision was. More than any other choice I’d ever made before, this one gave me instant freedom and power.
(2) I decided I’d speak positive things. Remember the words of the wise, “If you can’t say something nice, say nothing at all”. This is a power that radically changes your results in life. Ever notice how happy people attract happy people, successful people attract successful people, to the contrary, negative people attract negative people, complainers associate with complainers, jealous with the jealous, and so on. It’s clear that the words of our mouth advertise the product of our heart. In no time my friends changed. Suddenly, positive, happy, goal-oriented people began to flood into my life. Negative ones ran for the exit. That little change made a big difference.
(3) I decided to create a clear vision of where I wanted to be and work toward that end. It involved several areas such as family vision and goals, work vision and goals, financial vision and goals, health vision and goals, travel vision and goals, and so on. I’d heard John Maxwell say, “Most people plan more specifically for a week long vacation than they do their life” and I knew that to be true. Debbie and I wrote out our goals and like the movie, “The Bucket List” we got up every day and still do and attempt to go after them. While we are reading one book, we are discussing the next one we need to read. While we are on a vacation, we are calling and planning our next one, and so on. It keeps you moving forward.
(4) I decided not to waste time. Time is more important than money. Time is one of your greatest tools for a life of joy. Plan to use it wisely. Don’t waste time. Don’t waste it with people who don’t add value to your life. Don’t waste it with things that don’t matter. Don’t waste it with distractions, unproductive ventures. Look at time as something that you love and that you have in front of you to do the things you really want to accomplish.
(5) I decided that family and my faith would be of high importance to me. No leftovers here. No half-hearted devotion to either. The best friends I have in life are my married sons and their families. We laugh way too much together be considered “normal”. I can’t tell you the times we have to leave the room or pull over in a car because we are crying with laughter. That’s the way it should be. Family times should be a perpetual party. Our Jewish friends have taught us that. Faith is crucial. If my faith is not growing, I’m slowing down and minor things call for too much attention. Faith is an adventure. It’s the discovery of the God who created all and knows us personally. It’s a relationship that cannot be understood by an outsider. Only those who’ve tasted it can truly understand it.
So those were some choices, decisions I’ve made that made an impact on me. Take the time to evaluate your decisions. Create some principles to live by, to guide your life by and enjoy the outcome of those choices.
Posted on May 20, 2010 - by admin
Too Transparent
We hear the word “transparent” used a lot these days. In conversation with close friends last evening, it was brought to my attention that “being transparent” has not been my problem, yet it has been my problem. Let me explain. Being forthright and saying what I thought was necessary has never been difficult for me. Receiving the same is welcomed also. However, as I have grown in years and in faith, I realize now that my greatest strength was always my greatest weakness. Several years ago after a life changing experience in finances, relationships, & ministry, I spent several weeks fasting and praying for answers. Through that experience many things changed in me. For the better I might add. I discovered that Jesus refused to “disclose everything to people because he knew what was in their hearts”. I saw that discernment, knowing what to comment on, who to reveal personal things and private matters with was to be done with thought and wisdom. You see, my problem was not that I didn’t “open up”. My problem was that I was open to everyone about everything without exercising restraint. I created most of the “problems” with people. I freely gave them access to my personal life in ways that was foolish. Today it’s different and what a difference my life has taken on because of it. My relationships with a handful of others is at a level of depth that I never knew existed. My relationships with crowds and friends are in their proper place now. My personal life is full of enjoyment and peace. So here’s my takeaway from this; For some people transparency is a struggle and they should be more open. For others, it’s so natural that it should be guarded with wisdom because it provides fuel and fertilizer for deceitful people. May God give you wisdom to discern the level of and span of your transparency.
Posted on April 7, 2010 - by admin
Seeing Jesus
I heard recently of a little boy whose father didn’t go to church but he sent his son each week. He’d put a quarter in the boys hand and say, “When you get to church, give this to Jesus”. This went on for weeks when one day the father was in the boys room and noticed a handful of quarters on the dresser. “Did you give those quarters to Jesus like I told you” he asked his son. The boy quickly defended himself saying, “I tried to Daddy, but I never saw Jesus at Church” There’s a measure of truth in many ways in that. When people look at our lives or attend church they are looking to see Christlikeness. It’s found in our attitude and the way we live. A Christian is one in whom Christ is in. They’re not looking for perfection, no one but Christ was perfect, but they are looking for authenticity. I just had a conversation with a friend who doesn’t attend any church. For years we’ve been connected. He told me of an encounter he had with a “church planter” trying to make a hard sell for him to come to his church. He sized him up quickly. “All he wants is my money and financial support” he said. Fortunately, my friend wasn’t turned completely off to Christ. And then he opened the door wide. “Bill” he said, “you’re my friend. If you asked me for any amount I could afford, I’d gladly give it, but not this huckster, yet you’ve never asked me for a cent”. “You’re right” I said, “we are friends and I never will”. He smiled and said, “I think I’ll come to your church on Easter”. Knowing him as I do, this was big! Let me urge you to remember, to do what you do for the right reasons and with the right motives and when people come to church, they’ll gladly give their quarters, their attendance, their skills to help the mission…They just need to see Jesus.
Posted on March 16, 2010 - by admin
Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide??
I was brought up hearing those words from well-meaning teachers, friends, and others. It sounded good at the time. As I grew older I learned that relying solely on a personal conscience as the measurement for “right & wrong” is absurd. It’s bias toward us and harsh toward those unlike us. In Old Testament words, “We become right in our own eyes”. I remember a scene in the movie, “Rainmaker” with Matt Damon playing the part of a lawyer and questioning Jon Voight, playing the part of another lawyer. Damon says, “I bet you don’t even remember do you“? to which Voight replied, “Remember what“? Damon paused and said carefully, “Remember the first time you stepped over that line, way back then“. He was speaking of his conscience. That’s the problem with conscience. You can cross the line so much, so often, that you become numb to any alarm of wrongdoing. There’s an Indian parable about conscience that goes like this. “In the heart of a man is an arrowhead laying in a spot created for it. It has three sharp corners. When we do wrong it starts to turn and cuts the heart. However, if we do wrong long enough the continual cutting reshapes the arrowhead design and now it turns freely without causing any pain”. The Bible teaches that there are different types of consciences in people. (1) Good conscience-sensitive (2) Pure conscience-innocent, uncontaminated. (3) Evil conscience-plotting and scheming to harm (4) Seared conscience-”crossed the line so much doesn’t feel a thing”. And there are many others described in scripture. The point is, your conscience is only a reflector of your character, not a creator of it. It doesn’t develop character, it just displays it. This is why some people can lie without shame, gossip without guilt, lust without restraint, manipulate without wincing, high step smiling over the line of ethics, & even do things that leave others in shock. So what can we do or teach our children in this area? (1) Understand that your conscience is only as good as what goes in it. Children enter this world with a blank slate and we parents get to write on it. Our guidelines will remain intact for life unless we fail to live them ourselves, and our example causes them to revolt.(Read that back again carefully). (2) Be intentional with what you put in their conscience. Some parents “overkill” and create children with paranoia issues & guilt-ridden for laughing. Other parents model or teach nothing and then blame their children for unruly behavior. (3) Teach and live the PRINCIPLES of the Bible. This is the “light” the psalmist refers to that gives guidance to the soul. Let Gods Word Be Your Guide, not your conscience. (4) Strive for a pure & balanced conscience. Do what Gods Word says with the right motive. Not to be more “spiritual” in the eyes of others or to get an upgrade in halo’s, but from with a pure heart. And concerning balance, I mean, give grace to others. If your conscience is guided by authentic love for God it will reflect it in giving grace to others. A properly developed conscience is like a spiritual nerve, it alarms us when something is wrong. Oh, another type of conscience the Bible describes is a “Clear Conscience”. This means we’ve made wrongs right so we don’t experience shipwreck down the road. Hope this helps. It’s all my conscience will let me write at this time on this matter.