What’s Coming Out of Your Life?

Whatever a sponge is full of comes out when it is squeezed!  Our lives are like that, also.  Whenever we are put under pressure and life squeezes us, that which is inside us begins to come out.  Some people, when life gets tough and pressures come their way, they completely lose it.  They get bitter, they complain, they blame other people, they strike out and become unbearable to be around.  When life begins to put the squeeze on them–tthey find they have no inner strength, or set of values that will hold them and give them perspective.  Life has a way of testing us and revealing the things that are in our hearts.  

I have seen other people who were undergoing unbelievable stress, difficulty, and tragedy in their lives, yet excuded confidence, a positive attitude, and a contagious optimism.  What was inside them came out when the squeeze was put on.  Life’s pressures and difficulties often reveals the strength, or weakness, of our character.

Jesus gives us a great promise us in His Word, “My grace IS sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9).  It does not matter what we’re going through, or what we’re facing at the present time–He will be present with us and will walk through it with us!  He promises us that His grace and strength will hold us and bring peace to our lives.  I know that life’s pressures and difficulties can be extremely difficult to go through.  I also know that Jesus lives in my life and promises to give me the power to endure and remain confident during tough times.  My prayer is that when life’s pressures put the squeeze on me–love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness will be the qualities that come out of my life!

What’s coming out of your life?

The Crooked Handle Bar

I was reading about a fellow the other day who loved to ride his bike.  It happened that over time the handle bar on his bike had become crooked.  The funny thing is, this fellow became so adjusted to riding the bike with the handle bar crooked, that it just became the natural way of riding it.  In fact, when he finally straightened the handle bar he flew right over the top of it!  I wonder how often we live with crooked things in our lives, and we live with them so long, that it begins to seem natural to us.  It’s like we give in to certain things and begin to live with the belief that “things will never change”, or, “it’s not so bad living with these incongruities in my life.”

There is SOMEONE who can make a difference in our lives–Jesus Christ!  He loves us supremely, values who we are, and wants to help us live the abundant life.  It does not matter what crooked things we might have in our lives, or how crooked our lives have become.  Jesus can straighten those crooked things in our lives by bringing acceptance, forgiveness, grace, and transforming power!  He comes to make us new!  He comes to give us a fresh start, a new beginning, and an optimistic outlook on life. 

Are there things in your life that you have come to accept as normal, but have you all out of sorts?  Are there attitudes, or habits, or relationships that you know are not the best for you but you still continue to cling to them?  Let Jesus come into your life and bring His amazing grace to remake, and reshape you!  There is nothing too difficult for Him!

Great Saturday!

Went to Donut Bank for breakfast.  Yum…yum!

       Ran to the grocery store to pick up some groceries.

               Enjoyed the beautiful weather.

                        Took a drive in the afternoon.

                                    Grilled brauts and hamburgers for dinner.

                                                    Watched college football in the evening.

                                                                   A great time with family!

Unleash Your Greatness

Do you realize there is greatness inside you?  You were created in the image of God!  He has placed His DNA in you.  He has given you personality, gifts, talents, and abilities.  Your life is extremely valuable.  You were created for a purpose.  There is something great that you are to accomplish with your life.  The reason the devil has been fighting you so hard is because he knows there is greatness in your life that is wanting to be expressed.  The devil doesn’t want that greatness to be unleashed.  So he does everything he can to discourage you, depress you, demoralize you, and defeat you.  He will work as hard as he can to smash it, squash it, and smother it.  The devil doesn’t want the world to see the greatness within you!

Are you going through tough times….hang in there and let your greatness be unleashed!  Have you been battling discouragement and despair…remember that “you can do all things through Christ who will give you strength.”  Maybe you’ve been thinking about throwing in the towel….don’t!  There are people who need you!  There are people who need your gifts, talents, and experience.  You are the answer to many people’s prayers.  You are what many people have been waiting for.  Don’t give up on your dreams.  Don’t throw in the towel.  Don’t give in to despair or defeat.  No!  No!  No!  Look to God and put yourself completely in His hands, and let Him unleash the greatness He has placed in your life! 

Tell the devil to take a hike…there is a great purpose in life for you to fulfill!  Tell depression that it cannot have your mind….there is greatness within you that needs to be unleashed.  Tell your broken dreams your life story is not completed….there is greatness that still needs to be expressed in your life.  Tell those naysayers around you, who are constantly criticizing you and demeaning you, that you’re not going to listen to them….you’re going to tune your ears in to God, so that you can fulfill the greatness that He has for your life. 

Let today be the beginning of a fresh start.  Tell God about your struggles, your troubles, and your disappointments.  Commit all your ways to Him.  Let faith lift your spirit.  Let God’s power fill your life.  Let your mind be renewed with confidence and joy as you realize your life is in God’s hands.  Thank Him for the gifts that He has placed in your life.  Thank Him that He is Lord of all your circumstances.  Thank Him that He has a plan for your life.  Thank Him that there is greatness within that wants to be unleashed!

Sent Out 5 More Resumes

For those of you that have ever been in a time of transition between assignments, you’ll appreciate knowing how big this was for me to send out five more resumes today.  This summer has been a very slow time trying to find open churches looking for pastoral leadership.  (At times, I have wondered if there were even any churches looking for a pastor.)  This time has been a stretch for my faith as I have tried to patiently wait on the Lord for direction, while also diligently working to get my name out and network with my friends.

I wish I could tell you that I always have “victory” in my spirit, and just sing and rejoice every day over everything that happens.  The truth is, I have had my times of doubt, discouragement, and frustration.  Something that has helped me tremendously is staying in the Word daily.  I have also been walking 2-3 miles every day and that time has been good for me to pray and commit my thoughts and feelings to the Lord.  In these walks I have found great encouragement for my soul.  My family has also been a great support to me.

I know that God is faithful and He is working out His perfect purpose for my life.  That fact alone, gives me renewed confidence every day to keep my head up and believe for the best.  I would appreciate so much the prayers of those who read my blog every day.  I know that God has an assignment for me…I want to be ready when He calls!

Are You Preparing Yourself?

This last Sunday Tom Brady, MVP quarterback for the New England Patriots, was injured during their opening game of the season.  Tragically for the Patriots, Tom Brady experienced a damaging blow to his knee and will have to have season-ending surgery on it.  For the Patriots who went undefeated last year during the regular season, this injury is a devastating blow to their hopes to win their division.

This reason I’m blogging about this injury to Tom Brady, however, is not to call attention to the heartbreaking end to his season–but to call attention to the fantastic opportunity that came to Matt Cassel, the back-up quarterback for the Patriots.  No one ever wants to see a player injured, or a team member put of action, but life has taught all of us that those things do happen.  The critical question for each of us:  “If adverse circumstances of some kind happened, would I be able to step up to the plate and give leadership if called upon?”  I’m sure that as the season began Matt Cassel probably saw himself standing along the sidelines again watching Tom Brady direct the Patriots team.  There was no way he could ever have imagined that his number would be called to step out on the field and lead the team.

What we’ve learned about Matt Cassel is that he worked hard every week!  He accepted his role as back-up quarterback for the team and prepared hard every day to be ready if called upon.  He made sure that He would be ready if needed.  We never know when events in life will change and we will be called upon to step onto a new stage and give leadership.  Will we be ready?  Are we preparing ourselves for the next level?  Are we working hard to better ourselves, hone our skills, and be ready if needed for some special assignment?

It will be interesting to keep an eye on Matt Cassel and see how he responds to this huge challenge.  I hope he does well and I encourage each of us to work hard in our field of expertise and prepare well for that next big assignment that will be calling us!  We never know when our number will be called!

Remembering September 11

Everyone today is remembering, in their own way, what September 11, 2001 meant for them.  Who could have ever dreamed when we began that day…the awful tragedy and shock that awaited us at 9:00 a.m.!  The images of airplanes plowing full-steam into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center would be fixed in our memories for weeks as the video clips of these horrific acts would be shown over and over again.  It is hard to describe the horror, shock, grief, and bewilderment that we felt as we experienced our country under attack.  Would this be all to the attack?  Would there be other terrorist attacks?  Were more terrorists ready to strike somewhere else in the country?  Would there be attacks with dirty bombs, or even nuclear bombs?  There were so many questions and uncertainties that filled our hearts that day!

I do remember not only feeling shock and grief, but also a profound sense of faith that day–remembering that God still reigns in love and holds all things in His hands.  I remember hearing people say, “Where is God?  Why would He let something like this happen?  If God is love, why so much death and destruction?  If He is all-powerful, why would He just stand-by and let this happen?”  Questions like these often come to us in times of distress and tragedy.  It is not unnatural for us to think, or feel this way.  In my heart, I know that even though evil sometimes has it’s way in our world, God is still in control and can never be defeated!  We may not always understand why evil is allowed to strike and rear it’s ugly head, but we can know that God cares for us deeply and loves us supremely because of the cross of Jesus Christ!  In the midst of deep sorrow and tragedy, we can know without a shadow of doubt, that God loves and values us more than anything else in the world!  We need not doubt His heart, or His grace!    

While it is true that there are those who choose to do evil, ugly, violent things in our world, it is also true that there are those who give their lives loving others, showing compassion, extending mercy, and caring for the needy.  The Bible is very clear that there is a Kingdom of Darkness and the Kingdom of God.  These two Kingdoms are in constant conflict all throughout the world.  While there are times that evil seems to prevail and get the upperhand, I know as a follower of Jesus Christ that what is right, and true, and just, and holy will ultimately triumph!  September 11th was a tragic day for each of us, but also a “wake up call” to us who follow Christ that the time IS NOW to show God’s love and mercy to others.  We must be more urgent about sharing the Good News of Jesus with others.  The terrorists misjudged our country–they believed that tearing down buildings would demoralize our spirits.  They were wrong!  While our buildings did fall, our courage began to rise!  True, they could shake our buildings with their ”planes of death”, but they could not shake our faith, or resolve to be a free people!  

I would love to think that 100 years from now, as people look back on this time in our history, they will say, “The greatest period of revival and missionary activity by the Church BEGAN in the early part of the 21st Century as believers in Jesus Christ became more passionate and surrendered to God’s will and purposes because of the evil and darkness that threatened to engulf our world.”

Tune In to the Positive!

I was reading the other day about a particular species of bats who live in the jungle and feed on tiny frogs.  If you were to look at the pond where these tiny frogs live you would see thousands of these tiny, little critters.  All of these thousands of tiny frogs make a shrill sound as they communicate with one another.  Only some of these frogs are edible.  You see, many of the frogs are poisonous for these bats to eat.  So how do the bats know which frogs to eat for dinner? 

A unique feature of these bats is that they are able tune in to the particular shrill sound that the edible frogs make.  If they just dive after any sound they hear, and any frog in the pond, the bats are liable to eat a poisonous frog and eat up dead!  Because these bats are able to tune in to the right sound, they are able to survive and stay healthy.

Each of us have to learn every day that it is just as important to us to tune in to those things that are positive!  Everyday we hear things that are “poisonous”, critical, pessimistic, negative, and demeaning.  We must learn not to let those thoughts/words linger in our minds, but fill our minds with those things that build us up, encourage us, take us to the next level, and help us mature.  The apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 12:2 that we are transformed as our minds are being renewed.  Friend, don’t let your mind dwell on negative things, ugly things, hurtful things, depressing things–instead tune in to those things that will keep your heart clean, that will build your faith, and help you be an overcomer!  

“Think on those things that are pure, noble, honorable and right…”    Philippians 4:8

My Strength in Difficult Times

                     

                      “The Lord is my light and my salvation — so why should I be afraid?

                       The Lord protects me from danger — so why should I tremble?

                       When evil people come to destroy me, when my enemies and foes attack me,

                       They will stumble and fall.  Though a mighty army surrounds me,

                       My heart will know no fear.  

                       I will hold my head high, above my enemies who surround me.

                       At His tabernacle I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy,

                       Singing and praising the Lord with music.”

                                                                                                        Psalm 27:1-3, 6

An Internal Artesian Well!

My father-in-law grew up on a farm in central Missouri.  He likes to tell the story about the great heat wave and drought of the 1930s.  It was a time of great distress for many families.  Everything green was dying and crops were burning up.  On one corner of the farm, however, there was a natural, underground spring.  Wow!  Even when the temperature would get up near 120 degrees, there was this place in the ground that would bubble up cold, pure, spring-fed water every day!  Hundreds of thousands of gallons of water every day!  My father-in-law said that farmers from all over the region would bring their cattle to his farm so that they could drink, and keep their cattle alive.

I want you to keep that picure in your mind.  Think of that bubbling, pure water gushing forth from that natural spring: every day, hour by hour, day by day, month by month, and never running dry!  Now, think of these words of Jesus found in John 7:37-39, ”If anyone  thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.  Rivers of living water will brim and spill out of the depths of anyone who believes in Me this way.  (He said this in regard to the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were about to receive.)”   

Have you received Jesus Christ into your life?  Have you believed that He is the Son of God, that He died on a cross for your sins, and that He rose again from the dead to give you eternal life?  Well, my friend, when you trust Jesus and allow Him to come into your life, the Bible says that He sends His Spirit into your heart to bring you a new quality of life.  He bings freedom, forgiveness, meaning, purpose and hope.  And this new quality of life is compared to an artesian well “springing up in your soul” and bringing new life! 

Are you thirsty for God?  Thirsty for a new quality of life?  Thirsty for meaning and purpose?  Do you need forgiveness in your life?  Do you have hope for the future?  Friend, Jesus accepts you as you are!  He loves you.  He values you.  He believes in you.  He’s for you.  He died for you.  He wants you to trust HIM!  He wants to bring “rivers of living waters to flow within your spirit”.  He wants to bring renewal, refreshment, and invigoration to your life.  When life gets tough, when life has you in hard places, and you’re going through the fires–His Spirit within you, like an artesian well, will continue to bring refreshment and sustenance to you.  Following Jesus does not always mean that He takes away our problems, or delivers us from all of the difficult places in life–but it does mean that we will always have a FRIEND who is with us, and the STRENGTH to bear whatever comes our way!

If you’ve never trusted Jesus as your friend and Savior, I would invite you right now to open your heart to Him and let those cooling, refreshing waters of a new quality of life ”spring up” within you!