RELATIONSHIPS
Nine Lies Men Tell Themselves About Women By Julie Ferwerda Contributing Writer
CBN.com – When the article, “Nine Lies Women Tell Themselves about Men,” was originally featured on CBN.com, it was met with zealous reactions. The dozens of women I received feedback from could relate to having fallen for those very lies, while the handful of men I heard back from thought I was “men-bashing.”
I did not write these articles for the many quality and healthy-thinking men and women who are patiently waiting for the right relationship, nor is it my intent to degrade men or women. In fact, I have been my own audience in the past, discovering the truth the hard way. In all reality, Christian men and women out in the dating world today are being met with all sorts of wrong thinking in their relationships. It is my hope to help these individuals identify these lies before it is too late, because they ruin lives and families.
For this men’s article, I employed the help of male friends and loved ones, especially my wonderful husband, Steve.
Lie #1: She’s flirting with me because she thinks I’m great.
While it seems innocent and fun, flirting is not a behavior that women who are trying to attract the right kind of man indulge in. Most women who flirt are looking for attention. Why? Likely she either has a poor self-image and she’s searching for positive strokes, or she is desperately looking for approval that she didn’t receive from her father. The trouble is, flirtatious women often have a hard time leaving that trait behind when they get married, and they inappropriately (and dangerously) continue to search for the approval of men long after “I do”. Also, women who need this type of attention can be high maintenance in relationships, always craving more attention.
Lie #2: She doesn’t realize what her revealing clothes are doing to me.
More likely than not, when she bought those clothes she was thinking about how you (and every other man) would drop his jaw when she walked by. While many women don’t realize the extent of men’s visual stimulation (since it’s quite different than women), most know exactly what they are doing. It’s called putting you under a spell to get what they want from you. Proverbs calls this a “seductress” with clear warning: “a seductress is a narrow well. She also lies in wait as for a victim, and increases the unfaithful among men.” Proverbs 23:27-28
Lie #3: Her lack of faith won’t pull me down.
Solomon, the wisest man and king who ever lived, fell for this lie. Probably thinking he was smarter than God gave him credit for, he stubbornly ignored God’s warning not to marry the pagan women of other nations because they would turn his heart after their gods. Sure enough, that’s exactly what happened—and it cost him greatly. So if the wisest man who ever lived, the one who had been visited by God himself on two different occasions and even built God’s temple, wasn’t strong enough to stay devoted to God while going after unbelieving women, how could you be any different?
Lie #4: She’s a little needy, but I like to be needed. She’ll settle down once we’re married.
According to studies, men thrive on being needed, but it can end up in trouble. Many women are desperate to get married. It’s one thing for her to enjoy being with you and to depend on you occasionally for emotional support, or to help with certain things (like changing her oil or mowing her lawn), but when it comes to emotional neediness, it’s not healthy and it’s not going to get better unless she gets help. She probably has some “holes” that she is expecting you to fill that you never will, no matter how much time, love, or words of encouragement you give her, because you are not the answer to her longings. After the wedding, you will disappoint her because you can’t do or be enough, and she may turn to other things for comfort—food, other men, alcohol, or shopping, to name a few.
Lie #5: If she knew who I really am, she wouldn’t want me.
This fear keeps many men in a cycle of telling women what they want to hear instead of being open and honest about who they really are. This builds the relationship on a lie from the start, and increases the chance of failure later on. It also increases anxiety over exposure and rejection. The woman you are dating needs to know exactly who you are and what kind of person she is agreeing to love. It’s not fair to give her false hope. As an example, going to church with her before you are married with no intention of continuing later is not an honest representation of yourself.
Lie #6: She wouldn’t just date me for financial reasons.
Think again. One of our greatest needs is for security, according to studies. That doesn’t mean that all women are gold diggers, but you have to be aware of motives. There are many financially distraught women thinking that getting married to someone financially stable will solve all of their problems, whether or not the man is right for her. This is unfortunate because the relationship is built on wrong motives, and is likely to be very disappointing.
How can you know for sure? You can’t really. But you can watch for a few factors. Is she a good manager of her own money? Is she stable financially on her own? Does she hint at expensive tastes out of her budget? Does she focus on her lack of finances? Does she focus on your comfortable lifestyle? If you are concerned, be sure to approach this matter privately with a qualified pre-marriage counselor (like her pastor) for some objective help in discerning her motives. This may sound harsh, but you don’t want to risk marrying a woman who only loves you for your money.
Lie #7: When I marry her, my lust problem will be solved.
This is a mistake many men make, especially ones who are waiting to have sex until marriage. They think, “When I’m able to have sex with my wife, I won’t be tempted by pornography or experience consuming lust because I’ll have an outlet for my sexual energy.” I think all honest married men will tell you that marriage did not solve their lust problem. In some cases, it aggravated it. This is due primarily to the fact that lust isn’t a sex problem. It’s a heart problem. And just like a fire, when you begin to feed it, it gets hotter and hungrier, not satisfied. When a man gets married, he may be even more focused on sex and can still feed his fire (lustful thoughts) with images and fantasies.
Another problem is that many men go into marriage expecting their wife to be a sex goddess—ready at their beck and call for a romp in the hay. Relationship problems, low sex-drive, busy schedules, interruptions from kids, and physical problems can all be factors. The best thing is to begin starving the fire of lust and it will die down. Get a rein on your thoughts and the things you allow yourself to look at. Flee, as the Bible says, from sexual temptation.
Lie #8: She nags a little, but what woman doesn’t.
Women who nag more than occasionally have a control problem. If you want to be mothered for the rest of your life, then go ahead and accept the challenge. If not, either make sure she deals with her control problem before marriage, or move on until you meet with a more relaxed woman who doesn’t need to micro-manage your life.
Lie #9: Her past is her past—I don’t need to know.
Wrong! Her past becomes your past. You need to discover during the dating relationship to see if there are any big issues lurking in the deep waters beneath the surface. What was her relationship like with her dad? Has she ever been sexually molested or abused? How have men treated her in past relationships? How has she treated men in the past? All of this you need to know now, or you could be shocked and deeply affected later when huge road blocks and past skeletons emerge in her sexual or emotional intimacy.
Resources to Prepare for Marriage:
The Perfect Fit: Waiting for God’s Best After Failed Relationships, by Julie Ferwerda Finding the Right One for You, by H. Norman Wright Should I Get Married?, by Blaine Smith Every Man’s Battle, by Stephen Arterburn Every Young Man, God’s Man, by Kenny Luck
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Julie Ferwerda is the author of The Perfect Fit: Waiting for God’s Best after Failed Relationships and has written articles for other publications such as Marriage Partnership, Brio & Beyond, HomeLife, Discipleship Journal, and Revolve III Biblezine Project for teen girls (Thomas Nelson, July 2006). To order the book or to find out more go to: www.julieferwerda.com.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
June 29, 2010
Treat Your Spouse Like a Customer
Louis Upkins
I know that most men want to be just as successful at home as they are at work. And initially, you wouldn’t think of calling your wife or children customers. They are so much more than that, right? I mean, you need your work world so you can earn a decent living, but you don’t love your customers and colleagues. You don’t live with them, vacation with them, or sleep with them. Your wife and children are flesh and blood, while your customers are, well, customers. In your hierarchy of importance, your wife and children are at the very top, right?
Sort of.
While it’s true that you love your wife and children but only work with your customers, your behavior often sends signals to your loved ones that your customers matter more than they do. That is why the cry of a woman’s heart is often, “Please, you don’t have to be perfect, but give me the same respect you give your people at work.” And that’s really sad when you stop to think about it, because in a way, she is settling for something less than what she deserves; those you love should expect to be treated better than the way you treat your customers and work colleagues. So really, I’m setting the bar kind of low for you, but I can almost guarantee that if you begin thinking of your loved ones as your customers, they will become your best customers and you will begin to feel like the hero you want to be to them.
Holding on to your most loyal customer
If I ever get too far removed from one of my customers or business colleagues, the worst thing I can do is just ignore the problem and hope they don’t leave for one of my competitors. However, when you get to that place in business, the temptation is to do just that. You’re embarrassed and don’t really want to face your customer, or it just seems like too much work, so you’re tempted to procrastinate or just move on. Instead, I have to swallow my pride a little, get an appointment with that customer, and just put the cards on the table: “Hey, we haven’t been paying enough attention to you lately, and I’m sure it shows in the way we are serving you. I’m here to tell you we’re going to start treating you like a brand new account and get things back on track again.”
And that’s exactly what we need to do when we have lost touch with our families. There’s no perfect way to do this, but the following steps will help you begin to reconnect with your most important customer.
Lean into the problem. The best leaders I know never hesitate to admit they are wrong or that they’ve made a mistake, and they don’t waste any time doing it. Instead of avoiding problems, they lean into them. Surprise your wife and ask her to pick a day when she can meet you for lunch. Then put your cards on the table, so to speak. Thank her for meeting you and tell her you know that you’ve let too many things interfere with your relationship with her and your children. Tell her you want to make some changes but that you want her input. Then invite her to say whatever she wants.
Don’t just listen. It’s one thing to listen to your customers. But if you don’t follow through on what they say, they will take their business elsewhere. If a colleague asks for my input, I’m always impressed when he pulls out a piece of paper and takes notes. It shows me that he values what I have to say. It may seem awkward, but when you ask for your wife’s input on the changes she’d like to see, write them down. If she seems taken aback by that, explain that you’re serious about this and that she’s as important as any client, with whom you would do the same thing.
Be prepared. When a sales rep has to meet with three different customers in a day, he tries to spend a little time before each appointment going over his file on the customer just to make sure he’s prepared. It helps him address the customer’s unique needs and give that customer his full attention. Sometimes the transition from the office to home is clouded with the things that are on your mind from work, causing you to let them creep into your relationships with your family. You wouldn’t think of walking into a business appointment and talking about the meeting you just had with another customer, but that’s often what we do when we walk in the door after a long day at the office. Use your drive home to prepare for what you really want when you get home: an enjoyable experience with the people you love. Reflect on your wife, her needs, hopes, and dreams. Focus on your kids and think of what their day at school was like. Mentally page through your profile about your wife and children to prepare for a great “appointment” with them.
More than a customer
I know this business language might seem inappropriate when thinking about your loved ones, and in a way it is. Time spent with your family is not really an appointment, and all that you know about them is much more than a profile. But it’s the language we use fifty to sixty hours a week, and sometimes our language dictates to us what is most important. If your family doesn’t have a slot in your calendar or a file in your customer database, they might not get the attention they deserve. It’s strange how that works, which is why we should undo all of that by learning how to treat the people we love as if they were our customers.
Taken from Treat Me Like a Customer by Louis Upkins. Copyright © 2009 by Louis Upkins . Used by permission of Zondervan.
Louis Upkins
I know that most men want to be just as successful at home as they are at work. And initially, you wouldn’t think of calling your wife or children customers. They are so much more than that, right? I mean, you need your work world so you can earn a decent living, but you don’t love your customers and colleagues. You don’t live with them, vacation with them, or sleep with them. Your wife and children are flesh and blood, while your customers are, well, customers. In your hierarchy of importance, your wife and children are at the very top, right?
Sort of.
While it’s true that you love your wife and children but only work with your customers, your behavior often sends signals to your loved ones that your customers matter more than they do. That is why the cry of a woman’s heart is often, “Please, you don’t have to be perfect, but give me the same respect you give your people at work.” And that’s really sad when you stop to think about it, because in a way, she is settling for something less than what she deserves; those you love should expect to be treated better than the way you treat your customers and work colleagues. So really, I’m setting the bar kind of low for you, but I can almost guarantee that if you begin thinking of your loved ones as your customers, they will become your best customers and you will begin to feel like the hero you want to be to them.
Holding on to your most loyal customer
If I ever get too far removed from one of my customers or business colleagues, the worst thing I can do is just ignore the problem and hope they don’t leave for one of my competitors. However, when you get to that place in business, the temptation is to do just that. You’re embarrassed and don’t really want to face your customer, or it just seems like too much work, so you’re tempted to procrastinate or just move on. Instead, I have to swallow my pride a little, get an appointment with that customer, and just put the cards on the table: “Hey, we haven’t been paying enough attention to you lately, and I’m sure it shows in the way we are serving you. I’m here to tell you we’re going to start treating you like a brand new account and get things back on track again.”
And that’s exactly what we need to do when we have lost touch with our families. There’s no perfect way to do this, but the following steps will help you begin to reconnect with your most important customer.
Lean into the problem. The best leaders I know never hesitate to admit they are wrong or that they’ve made a mistake, and they don’t waste any time doing it. Instead of avoiding problems, they lean into them. Surprise your wife and ask her to pick a day when she can meet you for lunch. Then put your cards on the table, so to speak. Thank her for meeting you and tell her you know that you’ve let too many things interfere with your relationship with her and your children. Tell her you want to make some changes but that you want her input. Then invite her to say whatever she wants.
Don’t just listen. It’s one thing to listen to your customers. But if you don’t follow through on what they say, they will take their business elsewhere. If a colleague asks for my input, I’m always impressed when he pulls out a piece of paper and takes notes. It shows me that he values what I have to say. It may seem awkward, but when you ask for your wife’s input on the changes she’d like to see, write them down. If she seems taken aback by that, explain that you’re serious about this and that she’s as important as any client, with whom you would do the same thing.
Be prepared. When a sales rep has to meet with three different customers in a day, he tries to spend a little time before each appointment going over his file on the customer just to make sure he’s prepared. It helps him address the customer’s unique needs and give that customer his full attention. Sometimes the transition from the office to home is clouded with the things that are on your mind from work, causing you to let them creep into your relationships with your family. You wouldn’t think of walking into a business appointment and talking about the meeting you just had with another customer, but that’s often what we do when we walk in the door after a long day at the office. Use your drive home to prepare for what you really want when you get home: an enjoyable experience with the people you love. Reflect on your wife, her needs, hopes, and dreams. Focus on your kids and think of what their day at school was like. Mentally page through your profile about your wife and children to prepare for a great “appointment” with them.
More than a customer
I know this business language might seem inappropriate when thinking about your loved ones, and in a way it is. Time spent with your family is not really an appointment, and all that you know about them is much more than a profile. But it’s the language we use fifty to sixty hours a week, and sometimes our language dictates to us what is most important. If your family doesn’t have a slot in your calendar or a file in your customer database, they might not get the attention they deserve. It’s strange how that works, which is why we should undo all of that by learning how to treat the people we love as if they were our customers.
Taken from Treat Me Like a Customer by Louis Upkins. Copyright © 2009 by Louis Upkins . Used by permission of Zondervan.
Monday, June 28, 2010
June 28, 2010
The following article is located at: http://www.kyria.com/topics/marriagefamily/marriage/helphealing/advicesonswedding.html
"Advice for My Son's Wedding"
Tips on how to navigate a marriage—whether you're an newlywed or an "oldywed."
Jim Killam | posted 6/08/2010
Just a few days from now, our oldest son, Ben, will marry the love of his life, Becky. I haven't been asked for much input on the day's events, which is probably a good thing. I have been told I have no coherent advice on how to plan a wedding. (This after suggesting pant suits for the bridal party, and a wedding cake adorned with cocktail franks.) I do think, based on 24 years' experience, that I can offer my son a few bits of advice on how to navigate a marriage. So in no particular order, here goes.
* Praising your wife in front of other people does wonders for her self-esteem.
* If you give a compliment, mean it.
* Criticizing your wife in front of others, even in jest, is always a bad idea. Always.
* Sometimes, she doesn't want you to solve the problem. She just wants you to listen. I know, I don't understand it either.
* Don't fall for that line of garbage that says marriage is a ball and chain. Think about the people who tell you that. They would give anything to have what you have.
* Sometimes, impractical as it seems, it's better to spend $500 on a trip than $500 on furniture. Provided you have the $500.
* Credit card debt is a monster. Don't fall for it, even for the short term.
* Don't keep financial secrets from each other. They do not remain secret.
* Live on less than you make. In fact, learn to live on one income. Swim against the tide.
* Tithe. Not only does it honor God, it also brings focus to the rest of your money decisions.
* Before attempting even the smallest plumbing job, know where the whole-house water shutoff is located. Just sayin'.
* Finding a recreational activity you love doing together will change your life. Especially if it's cheap or free.
* Laughing together is even better for you than exercising together.
* A cheap, used car gets you to exactly the same places in the same amount of time as a new car does. Except when it breaks down.
* Don't be so afraid of hurting the other's feelings that you never really talk about how you feel. It took five years of marriage before I finally told your mom I didn't like grape jelly, which she'd been putting on my peanut butter sandwiches every day.
* If you're in a store together, be careful about saying you like an item. You are likely to receive it as a gift.
* Bubble gum is not an advisable electrical fastener.
* Wanting a pet is a lot more fun than owning a pet.
* Don't be too embarrassed to talk about sex together.
* Praying together every day might be the most intimate thing you can do. Even more than sex.
* Pray together before any big decision and most small ones. The ultimate decision is far less important than the fact you are praying together about it.
* Be stewards, not consumers.
* Moving every few years is a good way to take stock of how much unnecessary stuff you have.
* Observe a no-TV week once in a while. It'll still be there when you get back … and there still won't be anything worth watching.
* Find regular times of quietness, both together and alone. Watching a Cubs game doesn't count.
* Do not attempt exploratory surgery on a broken dishwasher. You can call the appliance repairman now or later. Save years of humiliation. Call him now.
* Hold your career with a light touch. It's not who you are, it's only what you do.
* Focus outwardly. Together, you two can impact your community and your world. Don't settle for simply entertaining yourselves.
* Find a good church and get involved. Don't just be spectators. Churches have enough of those.
* If you wait until you feel confident and ready to have kids, you will never have kids.
* "Honor your father and mother" applies at all ages. And it's not just for their sake.
* Talk together, often, about your hopes and dreams. Don't laugh at hers.
* When you fight, fight fairly and cleanly. No yelling, no escalating, no pouting.
* Approach each day with a thankful heart. It's a freeing thing to realize that no one owes you anything. First Timothy 6:6 says, "Godliness with contentment is great gain."
* Your wife is an amazing gift from God. Treat her that way.
* No marriage is bulletproof. Guard it with everything you have, and entrust it to God.
Jim Killam teaches journalism at Northern Illinois University and is a freelance writer. He and his wife, Lauren, have been married 25 years.
Copyright © 2010 by the author or Christianity Today International/Kyria.com.
"Advice for My Son's Wedding"
Tips on how to navigate a marriage—whether you're an newlywed or an "oldywed."
Jim Killam | posted 6/08/2010
Just a few days from now, our oldest son, Ben, will marry the love of his life, Becky. I haven't been asked for much input on the day's events, which is probably a good thing. I have been told I have no coherent advice on how to plan a wedding. (This after suggesting pant suits for the bridal party, and a wedding cake adorned with cocktail franks.) I do think, based on 24 years' experience, that I can offer my son a few bits of advice on how to navigate a marriage. So in no particular order, here goes.
* Praising your wife in front of other people does wonders for her self-esteem.
* If you give a compliment, mean it.
* Criticizing your wife in front of others, even in jest, is always a bad idea. Always.
* Sometimes, she doesn't want you to solve the problem. She just wants you to listen. I know, I don't understand it either.
* Don't fall for that line of garbage that says marriage is a ball and chain. Think about the people who tell you that. They would give anything to have what you have.
* Sometimes, impractical as it seems, it's better to spend $500 on a trip than $500 on furniture. Provided you have the $500.
* Credit card debt is a monster. Don't fall for it, even for the short term.
* Don't keep financial secrets from each other. They do not remain secret.
* Live on less than you make. In fact, learn to live on one income. Swim against the tide.
* Tithe. Not only does it honor God, it also brings focus to the rest of your money decisions.
* Before attempting even the smallest plumbing job, know where the whole-house water shutoff is located. Just sayin'.
* Finding a recreational activity you love doing together will change your life. Especially if it's cheap or free.
* Laughing together is even better for you than exercising together.
* A cheap, used car gets you to exactly the same places in the same amount of time as a new car does. Except when it breaks down.
* Don't be so afraid of hurting the other's feelings that you never really talk about how you feel. It took five years of marriage before I finally told your mom I didn't like grape jelly, which she'd been putting on my peanut butter sandwiches every day.
* If you're in a store together, be careful about saying you like an item. You are likely to receive it as a gift.
* Bubble gum is not an advisable electrical fastener.
* Wanting a pet is a lot more fun than owning a pet.
* Don't be too embarrassed to talk about sex together.
* Praying together every day might be the most intimate thing you can do. Even more than sex.
* Pray together before any big decision and most small ones. The ultimate decision is far less important than the fact you are praying together about it.
* Be stewards, not consumers.
* Moving every few years is a good way to take stock of how much unnecessary stuff you have.
* Observe a no-TV week once in a while. It'll still be there when you get back … and there still won't be anything worth watching.
* Find regular times of quietness, both together and alone. Watching a Cubs game doesn't count.
* Do not attempt exploratory surgery on a broken dishwasher. You can call the appliance repairman now or later. Save years of humiliation. Call him now.
* Hold your career with a light touch. It's not who you are, it's only what you do.
* Focus outwardly. Together, you two can impact your community and your world. Don't settle for simply entertaining yourselves.
* Find a good church and get involved. Don't just be spectators. Churches have enough of those.
* If you wait until you feel confident and ready to have kids, you will never have kids.
* "Honor your father and mother" applies at all ages. And it's not just for their sake.
* Talk together, often, about your hopes and dreams. Don't laugh at hers.
* When you fight, fight fairly and cleanly. No yelling, no escalating, no pouting.
* Approach each day with a thankful heart. It's a freeing thing to realize that no one owes you anything. First Timothy 6:6 says, "Godliness with contentment is great gain."
* Your wife is an amazing gift from God. Treat her that way.
* No marriage is bulletproof. Guard it with everything you have, and entrust it to God.
Jim Killam teaches journalism at Northern Illinois University and is a freelance writer. He and his wife, Lauren, have been married 25 years.
Copyright © 2010 by the author or Christianity Today International/Kyria.com.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
June 24, 2010
Stephen Davey
Listening to the Master's Voice
2 Corinthians 12:9
And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
Ignacy Jan Paderewski (1860-1941) was a genius; an intellectual; a statesman par excellence; a linguist who spoke no less than seven languages fluently; a great musician; a patriot; and most of all, a humanitarian who was so generous that every act of kindness to him was always returned manifold.
Through his leadership an army of volunteers of Polish descent was organized in North America to join in the fight for Poland's freedom during World War I. Every day during roll call, when Paderewski's name was called, the entire army answered, "Present."
He signed the Versailles Peace Treaty in 1919, as Poland's Prime Minister, and became its first delegate to the League of Nations.
Substantial contributions for various causes were made by him: construction of a concert hall in Switzerland; rebuilding of a Cathedral in Lausanne; funds for unemployed workers, wartime orphans, Allied Soldier's Hospital, Jewish refugees from Germany, and the American Legion for disabled veterans.
By presidential decree he was buried at Arlington Cemetery in Washington, D.C., laid to rest under the mast of the battleship Maine until his body could be transported to a free Poland for burial after the end of WW II.
This man who was discouraged from becoming a pianist by his teachers traveled all over the world; crossed the Atlantic more than thirty times; gave more than 1500 concerts in the U.S.; appeared in every state; drew the largest crowds in history.
The term long-haired music may have originated because of him—his magnificent physical appearance and long red hair inspired admiration and awe. He was the first to give a solo recital in newly-built Carnegie Hall. Who has not heard his famous Minuet in G—the goal of doting parents of a child taking piano lessons?
It is easy to imagine that this scenario inspired by a poster during World War II could have taken place: Paderewski had organized a meeting for the Polish Relief Fund; the poster included a sketch of him next to a boy at the piano. A story was fabricated around the picture—the small boy had crept on stage and began to play "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." The great musician appeared beside the lad and whispered, "Don't stop—keep playing," as he filled in the bass part with his left hand. The duo accomplished what the soloist could not . . . a mesmerizing performance . . . with the help of the master pianist.
Not one of us is truly accomplished. Not one of us has mastered life. Wrong notes are played no matter how hard we concentrate; our hands grow tired; our minds are distracted; our hearts become discouraged. But in spite of our inexperience, our ignorance, and our weakness, Jesus Christ places His sovereign fingers beside ours and whispers, "Don't stop—keep playing."
Although you may feel as immature and unskilled as a child at times, rely on the power of Christ to strengthen and help you. He has a way of making a simple tune sound like a beautiful melody.
Don't stop . . . just keep playing!
Prayer Point: Thank God for working in your life, giving you power in your weakness, joy in your trials, and mercy in your failures, while making your life into something precious and beautiful.
Extra Refreshment: Read John 16:16-33, wherein Christ encourages His fearful disciples to remain steadfast, and promises that through His Spirit, they will receive power to live.
Listening to the Master's Voice
2 Corinthians 12:9
And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
Ignacy Jan Paderewski (1860-1941) was a genius; an intellectual; a statesman par excellence; a linguist who spoke no less than seven languages fluently; a great musician; a patriot; and most of all, a humanitarian who was so generous that every act of kindness to him was always returned manifold.
Through his leadership an army of volunteers of Polish descent was organized in North America to join in the fight for Poland's freedom during World War I. Every day during roll call, when Paderewski's name was called, the entire army answered, "Present."
He signed the Versailles Peace Treaty in 1919, as Poland's Prime Minister, and became its first delegate to the League of Nations.
Substantial contributions for various causes were made by him: construction of a concert hall in Switzerland; rebuilding of a Cathedral in Lausanne; funds for unemployed workers, wartime orphans, Allied Soldier's Hospital, Jewish refugees from Germany, and the American Legion for disabled veterans.
By presidential decree he was buried at Arlington Cemetery in Washington, D.C., laid to rest under the mast of the battleship Maine until his body could be transported to a free Poland for burial after the end of WW II.
This man who was discouraged from becoming a pianist by his teachers traveled all over the world; crossed the Atlantic more than thirty times; gave more than 1500 concerts in the U.S.; appeared in every state; drew the largest crowds in history.
The term long-haired music may have originated because of him—his magnificent physical appearance and long red hair inspired admiration and awe. He was the first to give a solo recital in newly-built Carnegie Hall. Who has not heard his famous Minuet in G—the goal of doting parents of a child taking piano lessons?
It is easy to imagine that this scenario inspired by a poster during World War II could have taken place: Paderewski had organized a meeting for the Polish Relief Fund; the poster included a sketch of him next to a boy at the piano. A story was fabricated around the picture—the small boy had crept on stage and began to play "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." The great musician appeared beside the lad and whispered, "Don't stop—keep playing," as he filled in the bass part with his left hand. The duo accomplished what the soloist could not . . . a mesmerizing performance . . . with the help of the master pianist.
Not one of us is truly accomplished. Not one of us has mastered life. Wrong notes are played no matter how hard we concentrate; our hands grow tired; our minds are distracted; our hearts become discouraged. But in spite of our inexperience, our ignorance, and our weakness, Jesus Christ places His sovereign fingers beside ours and whispers, "Don't stop—keep playing."
Although you may feel as immature and unskilled as a child at times, rely on the power of Christ to strengthen and help you. He has a way of making a simple tune sound like a beautiful melody.
Don't stop . . . just keep playing!
Prayer Point: Thank God for working in your life, giving you power in your weakness, joy in your trials, and mercy in your failures, while making your life into something precious and beautiful.
Extra Refreshment: Read John 16:16-33, wherein Christ encourages His fearful disciples to remain steadfast, and promises that through His Spirit, they will receive power to live.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
June 23, 2010
Tozer daily devotional
June: Worship
The whole import and substance of the Bible teaches us that the God who does not need any thing nevertheless desires the adoration and worship of His created children.
Whatever Happened to Worship?, 37.
________________________________
June 23
Worship: Busy, Busy, Busy
For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart--these, O God, You will not despise.
--Psalm 51:16-17
There is all around us, however, a very evident and continuing substitute for worship. I speak of the compelling temptation among Christian believers to be constantly engaged, during every waking hour, in religious activity.
We cannot deny that it is definitely a churchly idea of service.
Many of our sermons and much of our contemporary ecclesiastical teaching lean toward the idea that it is surely God's plan for us to be busy, busy, busy--because it is the best cause in the world in which we are involved.
But if there is any honesty left in us, it persuades us in our quieter moments that true spiritual worship is at a discouragingly low ebb among professing Christians.
Do we dare ask how we have reached this state?...
How can our approach to worship be any more vital than it is when so many who lead us, both in the pulpit and in the pew, give little indication that the fellowship of God is delightful beyond telling? Whatever Happened to Worship?, 26-27.
"Oh Lord, forgive me for so often falling into the 'busy, busy, busy' trap. I pray indeed that the people with whom I come into contact today might see that for me 'the fellowship of God is delightful beyond telling.' Amen."
June: Worship
The whole import and substance of the Bible teaches us that the God who does not need any thing nevertheless desires the adoration and worship of His created children.
Whatever Happened to Worship?, 37.
________________________________
June 23
Worship: Busy, Busy, Busy
For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart--these, O God, You will not despise.
--Psalm 51:16-17
There is all around us, however, a very evident and continuing substitute for worship. I speak of the compelling temptation among Christian believers to be constantly engaged, during every waking hour, in religious activity.
We cannot deny that it is definitely a churchly idea of service.
Many of our sermons and much of our contemporary ecclesiastical teaching lean toward the idea that it is surely God's plan for us to be busy, busy, busy--because it is the best cause in the world in which we are involved.
But if there is any honesty left in us, it persuades us in our quieter moments that true spiritual worship is at a discouragingly low ebb among professing Christians.
Do we dare ask how we have reached this state?...
How can our approach to worship be any more vital than it is when so many who lead us, both in the pulpit and in the pew, give little indication that the fellowship of God is delightful beyond telling? Whatever Happened to Worship?, 26-27.
"Oh Lord, forgive me for so often falling into the 'busy, busy, busy' trap. I pray indeed that the people with whom I come into contact today might see that for me 'the fellowship of God is delightful beyond telling.' Amen."
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
June 22, 2010
God Do Something!
Tuesday 05 May, 2009 by Anabel Gillham
Oh, that You would burst forth from the skies and come down! How the mountains would quake in Your presence! The consuming fire of Your glory would burn down the forests and boil the ocean dry!
Isaiah 64:1 (Taylor's Living Paraphrase)
Judah was in trouble and in the scripture above is begging God for help. "Do something, God! Your magnificent power would stupefy everyone and Your glory would be spread throughout the world! Do something!"
I've been there begging' have you? And it seems that what we are "begging" for would be such an easy thing for God to do! "God! Split the heavens and come down! Manifest Yourself some way! Do what only You can do!"
God didn't "split the heavens and come down" as His only Son was tortured horribly, whipped unmercifully, crucified, and gasped futilely for air. And He saw. He was watching everything that happened. Why, oh why, did He not burst forth from Heaven and consume with fire those who were mocking Jesus?
"But if He had intervened that day, think of what would have happened! Everyone on that forsaken hill would have fallen to their knees and the story would have been told over and over and over again! He would have received great glory!" Oh, but God had much greater things in mind. Those few Palestinians on the hill would have seen, but God had the "world" in mind'He had you and me in mind!
Why does He wait and wait and wait when we so desperately are begging Him to "do something?" Why? Because God is omniscient. He knows everything. He has His plans all drawn up and we cannot grasp His ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:9 NAS). We didn't know what God had in mind that dark day on Calvary's hill. He was fulfilling the plan that had been set in motion before the foundation of the earth. He was redeeming mankind. He was making a way for us to regain our fellowship with Him. He was opening Heaven's doors for His children. Reconciled at last!
And we can say, "I see that was necessary for His plan to be carried out! But why war, why tragedies, why suffering?" Because He is fulfilling the plan that was set in motion for you and me before the foundation of the world. God has a plan for my life as surely as He had a plan for Jesus.
"But that was Jesus! He was the unblemished sacrifice necessary for redemption. That isn't true of the men and women dying in the war. That isn't true of the thousands of people who are suffering unbearably even as you write."
And you are saying, "We are all so insignificant. I am insignificant-no one is depending on me to bring about such amazing results." No, but God has a plan for you and for me and He is busily completing His plan in our lives. We dream such noble dreams of being used in a mighty way-dying would be less fearful if we knew that great and mighty things were going to result-like with Jesus. But perhaps our definition of "great and mighty" things isn't the same as God's definition? Perhaps what He has planned for us is very important-great and mighty-in His mind?
Trusting God when we are hurting, when we are grieving, when we see havoc all around us-that isn't easy to do. But that is all part of His plan for us. Would we have realized our need for Him unless we had suffered? No. Suffering is part of His plan. He knows that when we have exhausted all other avenues for comfort and have no other comfort than His, we find His comfort is sufficient. Only when we are engulfed in grief and have no other recourse but to turn to Him we find that as we turn to Him, our grief ebbs. And this is all a vital part of redemption's amazing story. Redemption from death and hell is unfathomable grace, yes, but redemption from the hell on earth is also unfathomable grace. This is His dream for all of His children. Great things. Mighty things. We are a part of God's redemptive plan!
I had a difficult time when our #2 son was born with Hurler's Syndrome and according to the doctor's research would be "incurably ill and hopelessly retarded". How could God possibly use Mason's limited life? Yes, it brought us closer to the Lord as we lived with that precious child, but "great and mighty things?" Yes. Great and mighty things! Mason has touched so many people with his little life that we can only shake our heads in wonder. God had a plan for Mace and we watched that plan begin to unfold when he was twelve years old and returned to the God who had sent him.
Remember, your days were all written down in God's journal before there was even one day of your life lived (Psalm 139:16)! Remember, too, that we choose either to be a part of the great and mighty things He has planned for us or we choose to shake our head, say no to His plan and go with our own plan, aborting the incredible plans He has made.
Yes. God knows. God has plans for you and who knows but what you were born for such a time as this (Esther 4:14)? How significant is that?
© Lifetime Guarantee Ministries. Content on Lifetime.org is written for your encouragement and spiritual growth. Copying, printing, and distributing to others are encouraged. Thank you for crediting Lifetime Guarantee Ministries and our website (www.lifetime.org) as the source.
Tuesday 05 May, 2009 by Anabel Gillham
Oh, that You would burst forth from the skies and come down! How the mountains would quake in Your presence! The consuming fire of Your glory would burn down the forests and boil the ocean dry!
Isaiah 64:1 (Taylor's Living Paraphrase)
Judah was in trouble and in the scripture above is begging God for help. "Do something, God! Your magnificent power would stupefy everyone and Your glory would be spread throughout the world! Do something!"
I've been there begging' have you? And it seems that what we are "begging" for would be such an easy thing for God to do! "God! Split the heavens and come down! Manifest Yourself some way! Do what only You can do!"
God didn't "split the heavens and come down" as His only Son was tortured horribly, whipped unmercifully, crucified, and gasped futilely for air. And He saw. He was watching everything that happened. Why, oh why, did He not burst forth from Heaven and consume with fire those who were mocking Jesus?
"But if He had intervened that day, think of what would have happened! Everyone on that forsaken hill would have fallen to their knees and the story would have been told over and over and over again! He would have received great glory!" Oh, but God had much greater things in mind. Those few Palestinians on the hill would have seen, but God had the "world" in mind'He had you and me in mind!
Why does He wait and wait and wait when we so desperately are begging Him to "do something?" Why? Because God is omniscient. He knows everything. He has His plans all drawn up and we cannot grasp His ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:9 NAS). We didn't know what God had in mind that dark day on Calvary's hill. He was fulfilling the plan that had been set in motion before the foundation of the earth. He was redeeming mankind. He was making a way for us to regain our fellowship with Him. He was opening Heaven's doors for His children. Reconciled at last!
And we can say, "I see that was necessary for His plan to be carried out! But why war, why tragedies, why suffering?" Because He is fulfilling the plan that was set in motion for you and me before the foundation of the world. God has a plan for my life as surely as He had a plan for Jesus.
"But that was Jesus! He was the unblemished sacrifice necessary for redemption. That isn't true of the men and women dying in the war. That isn't true of the thousands of people who are suffering unbearably even as you write."
And you are saying, "We are all so insignificant. I am insignificant-no one is depending on me to bring about such amazing results." No, but God has a plan for you and for me and He is busily completing His plan in our lives. We dream such noble dreams of being used in a mighty way-dying would be less fearful if we knew that great and mighty things were going to result-like with Jesus. But perhaps our definition of "great and mighty" things isn't the same as God's definition? Perhaps what He has planned for us is very important-great and mighty-in His mind?
Trusting God when we are hurting, when we are grieving, when we see havoc all around us-that isn't easy to do. But that is all part of His plan for us. Would we have realized our need for Him unless we had suffered? No. Suffering is part of His plan. He knows that when we have exhausted all other avenues for comfort and have no other comfort than His, we find His comfort is sufficient. Only when we are engulfed in grief and have no other recourse but to turn to Him we find that as we turn to Him, our grief ebbs. And this is all a vital part of redemption's amazing story. Redemption from death and hell is unfathomable grace, yes, but redemption from the hell on earth is also unfathomable grace. This is His dream for all of His children. Great things. Mighty things. We are a part of God's redemptive plan!
I had a difficult time when our #2 son was born with Hurler's Syndrome and according to the doctor's research would be "incurably ill and hopelessly retarded". How could God possibly use Mason's limited life? Yes, it brought us closer to the Lord as we lived with that precious child, but "great and mighty things?" Yes. Great and mighty things! Mason has touched so many people with his little life that we can only shake our heads in wonder. God had a plan for Mace and we watched that plan begin to unfold when he was twelve years old and returned to the God who had sent him.
Remember, your days were all written down in God's journal before there was even one day of your life lived (Psalm 139:16)! Remember, too, that we choose either to be a part of the great and mighty things He has planned for us or we choose to shake our head, say no to His plan and go with our own plan, aborting the incredible plans He has made.
Yes. God knows. God has plans for you and who knows but what you were born for such a time as this (Esther 4:14)? How significant is that?
© Lifetime Guarantee Ministries. Content on Lifetime.org is written for your encouragement and spiritual growth. Copying, printing, and distributing to others are encouraged. Thank you for crediting Lifetime Guarantee Ministries and our website (www.lifetime.org) as the source.
Monday, June 21, 2010
June 21, 2010
Paul's Disagreement with the Prophet
By Os Hillman
June 21
"Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, "The Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles'" (Acts 21:10,11).
In Acts 21, we find an interesting scene involving Paul, the disciples and a prophet named Agabus. Agabus tied Paul's hands and feet in a prophetic act to dramatize the word of prophecy he was going to give Paul that he would be bound and persecuted in Jerusalem. The leaders concluded from this that Paul was not to go to Jerusalem. However, Paul disagreed.
"When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, 'Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus'" (Acts 21:4-14).
Was Paul acting in disobedience to the counsel of others and even the Holy Spirit's confirmation by other believers? If so, does that mean that Paul was not to go? By his response, Paul seemed to know something the others didn't. He didn't disagree with the prophecy, he disagreed with the interpretation.
It is always the individual's responsibility to interpret the meaning and action required from counsel from others. This is not the role of the prophetic gifts of others. He is the messenger, the recipient needs to determine the action required from the message.
There is no reason to think that Paul went to Jerusalem in violation of the will of God. The prophetic forecasts were not prohibitions from the Holy Spirit but forewarnings of what lay ahead. Paul's friends tried to dissuade him from risking his life; but the apostle remained steadfast in accomplishing his mission that he believed was from God in spite of personal danger.
The important lesson for us is to understand that doing the will of God does not always have a positive outcome. If it did, we would make decisions based only on perceived outcome. This is not a biblical way of making decisions. Jesus was obedient to the cross.
By Os Hillman
June 21
"Coming over to us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, "The Holy Spirit says, 'In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles'" (Acts 21:10,11).
In Acts 21, we find an interesting scene involving Paul, the disciples and a prophet named Agabus. Agabus tied Paul's hands and feet in a prophetic act to dramatize the word of prophecy he was going to give Paul that he would be bound and persecuted in Jerusalem. The leaders concluded from this that Paul was not to go to Jerusalem. However, Paul disagreed.
"When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, 'Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus'" (Acts 21:4-14).
Was Paul acting in disobedience to the counsel of others and even the Holy Spirit's confirmation by other believers? If so, does that mean that Paul was not to go? By his response, Paul seemed to know something the others didn't. He didn't disagree with the prophecy, he disagreed with the interpretation.
It is always the individual's responsibility to interpret the meaning and action required from counsel from others. This is not the role of the prophetic gifts of others. He is the messenger, the recipient needs to determine the action required from the message.
There is no reason to think that Paul went to Jerusalem in violation of the will of God. The prophetic forecasts were not prohibitions from the Holy Spirit but forewarnings of what lay ahead. Paul's friends tried to dissuade him from risking his life; but the apostle remained steadfast in accomplishing his mission that he believed was from God in spite of personal danger.
The important lesson for us is to understand that doing the will of God does not always have a positive outcome. If it did, we would make decisions based only on perceived outcome. This is not a biblical way of making decisions. Jesus was obedient to the cross.
Friday, June 18, 2010
June 18, 2010 - Happy Fathers Day!
Surprise Your Spouse!
8 creative ways to treat him on Father's Day
Melodie Wright | posted 5/01/2001
One June evening a few years ago, as I looked over our calendar at upcoming activities, I wondered why the third Sunday was circled in red. Then I remembered with dismay—it's Father's Day! Since the birth of our son, Luke, three years before, I was perennially stumped on how to make this day as special for my husband, Roger, as he makes Mother's Day for me. After all, how do you buy a gift for a guy who insists he's satisfied with a card and a tie?
It's taken me years, but I've finally discovered 8 great ways to put that card/tie routine to shame.
1 Kidnap him from work and play hooky. When our son, Luke, was born, Roger attended school and worked full-time. We rarely got to see him. So the Friday before his first Father's Day, Luke and I kidnapped him from work. The surprise on his face when I announced his boss had given him the rest of the day off was priceless!
If your budget's limited, plan a low-cost outing: Go to an amusement park, or pack a picnic lunch.
2 Hand him cash to spend that he didn't earn. One Father's Day, my parents gave my husband a gift certificate to his favorite store. Roger immediately went out and loaded up on jeans! He'd needed some work pants for months, but had put off that purchase in favor of our family's needs. When I saw Roger's delight at being able to get through a whole week without rotating his jeans, I realized how many of his sacrifices went unnoticed.
I make a small income that usually goes straight into the bank, but on Father's Day, I make an exception. Spending someone else's money is always more fun than spending your own!
3 Send him to a men's retreat. Jamie set aside a weekend for her husband, Scott, to go to their church's upcoming men's retreat. "I look at it as an investment in his relationship with Christ," she says. When Scott returned refreshed and renewed, their whole family benefited.
4 Surprise him with a sparkling clean car and an oil change. My husband does all our automobile maintenance, so when I take our car in for an oil change or an unexpected car wash, he's thrilled and relieved. Getting into a clean car to go to work is always better than putting up with a filthy one!
5 Give him a day alone to do what he wants. Like most men, my husband tends to pursue his hobbies alone. He loves to tinker in the garage, disappear for a morning to fish, or lie prone on the couch for hours watching football. But those times are few and far between, because each Saturday I present him with a "honey-do" list of projects.
Once I realized how little free time Roger actually had, Father's Day seemed the perfect time to remedy that. I give him an entire day to do what he wants. It's my way of saying, Go ahead and take off. I promise not to resent the time away. I'll hold down the fort until you get back.
6 Save up for that expensive gift he wants. One family I know encourages their kids to pool their money in the months between Christmas and Father's Day. When Mom matches their funds, it's possible for the kids to surprise Dad with that gift they know he's wanted for years.
My husband longs for an expensive tool for his workshop. I can't wait to see the look in Roger's eyes when I eventually buy it for him!
7 Let him plan an evening out—on you! Admit it, we wives do the planning when it comes to a night on the town. We want the nice restaurant followed by a romantic play or movie.
Roger's always acceded gracefully to my expectations, so I decided one night would be his. So what if we ate at an all-you-could-eat barbecue, then went fishing? He enjoyed himself—and I enjoyed watching him.
8 Surprise him with an evening in. My friend Patricia is the mother of four children, all spaced close together in age. It's not surprising her energies are sapped by the end of the day, and her husband, Marc, gets the short end of the stick. When she asked him one year what he wanted for Father's Day, his answer was simple: "You." That Sunday night, Marc had a meeting at church and Patricia took that time to prepare. The kids were in bed, the lights were low, and Patricia was waiting for him in a negligee.
"It's easy to get caught up in parenting," said Patricia. "But I didn't want either of us to forget what fun we had becoming parents!"
There are as many ways to celebrate Father's Day as there are men who are fathers. The guy you married is your friend, your lover, your provider, your partner in parenting the bundle(s) of joy God's given you both. The time you spend planning any event in his honor is well worth the effort. And who knows? You may just top Mother's Day!
Melodie Wright, a freelance writer, lives with her family in Minnesota.
Copyright © 2001 by the author or Christianity Today, Inc./Today's Christian Woman magazine.
8 creative ways to treat him on Father's Day
Melodie Wright | posted 5/01/2001
One June evening a few years ago, as I looked over our calendar at upcoming activities, I wondered why the third Sunday was circled in red. Then I remembered with dismay—it's Father's Day! Since the birth of our son, Luke, three years before, I was perennially stumped on how to make this day as special for my husband, Roger, as he makes Mother's Day for me. After all, how do you buy a gift for a guy who insists he's satisfied with a card and a tie?
It's taken me years, but I've finally discovered 8 great ways to put that card/tie routine to shame.
1 Kidnap him from work and play hooky. When our son, Luke, was born, Roger attended school and worked full-time. We rarely got to see him. So the Friday before his first Father's Day, Luke and I kidnapped him from work. The surprise on his face when I announced his boss had given him the rest of the day off was priceless!
If your budget's limited, plan a low-cost outing: Go to an amusement park, or pack a picnic lunch.
2 Hand him cash to spend that he didn't earn. One Father's Day, my parents gave my husband a gift certificate to his favorite store. Roger immediately went out and loaded up on jeans! He'd needed some work pants for months, but had put off that purchase in favor of our family's needs. When I saw Roger's delight at being able to get through a whole week without rotating his jeans, I realized how many of his sacrifices went unnoticed.
I make a small income that usually goes straight into the bank, but on Father's Day, I make an exception. Spending someone else's money is always more fun than spending your own!
3 Send him to a men's retreat. Jamie set aside a weekend for her husband, Scott, to go to their church's upcoming men's retreat. "I look at it as an investment in his relationship with Christ," she says. When Scott returned refreshed and renewed, their whole family benefited.
4 Surprise him with a sparkling clean car and an oil change. My husband does all our automobile maintenance, so when I take our car in for an oil change or an unexpected car wash, he's thrilled and relieved. Getting into a clean car to go to work is always better than putting up with a filthy one!
5 Give him a day alone to do what he wants. Like most men, my husband tends to pursue his hobbies alone. He loves to tinker in the garage, disappear for a morning to fish, or lie prone on the couch for hours watching football. But those times are few and far between, because each Saturday I present him with a "honey-do" list of projects.
Once I realized how little free time Roger actually had, Father's Day seemed the perfect time to remedy that. I give him an entire day to do what he wants. It's my way of saying, Go ahead and take off. I promise not to resent the time away. I'll hold down the fort until you get back.
6 Save up for that expensive gift he wants. One family I know encourages their kids to pool their money in the months between Christmas and Father's Day. When Mom matches their funds, it's possible for the kids to surprise Dad with that gift they know he's wanted for years.
My husband longs for an expensive tool for his workshop. I can't wait to see the look in Roger's eyes when I eventually buy it for him!
7 Let him plan an evening out—on you! Admit it, we wives do the planning when it comes to a night on the town. We want the nice restaurant followed by a romantic play or movie.
Roger's always acceded gracefully to my expectations, so I decided one night would be his. So what if we ate at an all-you-could-eat barbecue, then went fishing? He enjoyed himself—and I enjoyed watching him.
8 Surprise him with an evening in. My friend Patricia is the mother of four children, all spaced close together in age. It's not surprising her energies are sapped by the end of the day, and her husband, Marc, gets the short end of the stick. When she asked him one year what he wanted for Father's Day, his answer was simple: "You." That Sunday night, Marc had a meeting at church and Patricia took that time to prepare. The kids were in bed, the lights were low, and Patricia was waiting for him in a negligee.
"It's easy to get caught up in parenting," said Patricia. "But I didn't want either of us to forget what fun we had becoming parents!"
There are as many ways to celebrate Father's Day as there are men who are fathers. The guy you married is your friend, your lover, your provider, your partner in parenting the bundle(s) of joy God's given you both. The time you spend planning any event in his honor is well worth the effort. And who knows? You may just top Mother's Day!
Melodie Wright, a freelance writer, lives with her family in Minnesota.
Copyright © 2001 by the author or Christianity Today, Inc./Today's Christian Woman magazine.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
June 17, 2010
Moving Ahead of God
By Os Hillman
June 17
"The LORD has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her" (Gen 16:2).
Have you ever felt that you were supposed to receive something from God but it just hasn't materialized? You wait and wait until finally you decide that maybe God wants you to help out the situation. This is exactly what happened in the case of Abraham and Sarah.
God had promised them a son, but as years passed by they were still without a child. They took their eyes off the One who had made the promise and decided to take matters into their own hands. So, Abraham lay with Sarah's maidservant, Hagar, and she bore a son, Ishmael (see Genesis 16). The son of promise, Isaac, came later through Sarah, just like God had promised. However, the modern day conflict between the Arabs and Israelis is the fruit of this act of disobedience that occurred centuries ago.
I recall a time when I launched a business enterprise only to fall on my face. It had all the hallmarks of a Godly venture, but I was premature and guilty of presumption instead of faith. The resulting financial losses are lasting reminders of a decision that was based on a horizontal choice instead of a vertical dependence that required patience until God said, "Go."
The way to avoid making "Ishmael" decisions is to seek God fully on the matter in prayer, be in an accountable relationship with your spouse and close associates who know you well, and gain agreement through two or more people. The Bible says, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?"(Jer 17:9).
Whenever we want something strongly, it is a dangerous place because we no longer look at the matter objectively with a willingness to change our viewpoint. We have to approach a matter as being "dead" to the issue in order to fully see God's perspective.
By Os Hillman
June 17
"The LORD has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her" (Gen 16:2).
Have you ever felt that you were supposed to receive something from God but it just hasn't materialized? You wait and wait until finally you decide that maybe God wants you to help out the situation. This is exactly what happened in the case of Abraham and Sarah.
God had promised them a son, but as years passed by they were still without a child. They took their eyes off the One who had made the promise and decided to take matters into their own hands. So, Abraham lay with Sarah's maidservant, Hagar, and she bore a son, Ishmael (see Genesis 16). The son of promise, Isaac, came later through Sarah, just like God had promised. However, the modern day conflict between the Arabs and Israelis is the fruit of this act of disobedience that occurred centuries ago.
I recall a time when I launched a business enterprise only to fall on my face. It had all the hallmarks of a Godly venture, but I was premature and guilty of presumption instead of faith. The resulting financial losses are lasting reminders of a decision that was based on a horizontal choice instead of a vertical dependence that required patience until God said, "Go."
The way to avoid making "Ishmael" decisions is to seek God fully on the matter in prayer, be in an accountable relationship with your spouse and close associates who know you well, and gain agreement through two or more people. The Bible says, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?"(Jer 17:9).
Whenever we want something strongly, it is a dangerous place because we no longer look at the matter objectively with a willingness to change our viewpoint. We have to approach a matter as being "dead" to the issue in order to fully see God's perspective.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
June 16, 2010
Fueled to Run
My husband's words produced a change within me.
Kim Neessen | posted 5/26/2010
Running has always been, if not a passion, a deeply felt need of my husband's. Along with keeping in shape, it is his way to unwind, de-stress, and get alone with God. He had explained his joy of running very clearly to me, several times, but all I could hear was some form of gobbledygook. Really. It was beyond my ability to fathom that anyone not being chased by a starving lion would choose to run. For pleasure.
But I loved him, so I was resigned to the fact that he would disappear from our home a few evenings a week, only to return panting, dripping in sweat, and wearing a contented look on his face. I didn't get it. Not only did I fail to enjoy running, I just couldn't run. Sure, I could hold my own in a game of chase with my youngest boys. But they're ages five and two.
So no one was more surprised than I was when, one day during a vacation stay with my parents, my husband jokingly asked if I wanted to go running with him. And I said, "Sure, why not?"
Maybe it was just a brain lapse, or an opportunity for us to sneak off without the kids, who knows? But I couldn't believe I was actually raiding my mom's closet for sneakers and sweats to borrow.
Once my bemused husband saw that I was dressed and honestly intended to at least step out the door with him, he stopped his snickering and became my coach. He assured me that we were going to start out very slowly—good news to my ears.
Our "speed" was so slow, I'm sure it looked like I was running in slow motion while the rest of the world clipped along at a normal pace. But before we had gone even one block, my body objected. Right away my heart and lungs were pounding, screaming, and angrily demanding, Where's the fire?! Where's the starving lion?
But then just when I thought a collapse was coming, my ears were distracted by the voice of my husband. Somehow, miraculously, this guy beside me had enough extra oxygen to actually talk while running. He started sharing everything he knew about running: how to swing your arms, maintain your pace, breathe. The distraction was good for me mentally, and I hoped he'd ramble on the whole time. But soon he wasn't just informing me; he started to encourage me.
With each "You're doing great!" and "Keep going!" my pessimism toward running grew weaker. Of course, my lungs were still screaming ugly things at me, but my mind wasn't listening to them anymore. My husband's sweaty face turned and beamed at me. I didn't have the energy to smile back, but my heart was moved. Just hearing him say, "You're going farther than I thought you would!" and "I'm proud of you, honey!" made me pump my legs another stretch of road.
Although his encouraging words didn't transform my body, they did transform my will. Had I been running by myself, I would have given up after that first block—but his praise pushed me on. Miracle of miracles, I was making myself run. And no one was chasing me!
What happened to me?
The surprise of my first run lingered well after we finished. The praise lavished on me by my stunned husband was worth the sore legs. And you know what? The next day I asked him if he wanted to run with me. (I know, beam me up now, Mothership.) As I stretched aching muscles that second day, I quietly marveled over what I'd accomplished. Yet I wasn't amazed at my own new sportin' bad self so much as I was amazed at the fuel of my husband's words. They'd gotten me to do something I'd previously loathed and thought impossible.
The real test came once we returned home from our vacation. The reality of young children at home meant my husband and I would not have the opportunity to run together. I'd have to leave my own personal coach behind and go by myself. It would have been easy to come up with an excuse to no longer run. Kids, busy schedules, suppertime, global warming—I could have used anything. Further, the magic of our vacation was gone. We were smack back in the middle of life.
But I knew I had to try it again. I had learned that my body could actually participate in (and survive) this mystery known as "jogging." Most of all, experiencing the feeling of accomplishment and praise from my husband washing over me afterwards was something I didn't want to let go. So I ran.
I hadn't gone far by myself when I started to understand why running was a type of "quiet time" for my spouse. At first it was a spiritual experience for me just because of the Help me, Lord! Help me, Lord! mantra I silently repeated with each step. But as I went on, I was able to form other prayers, and more importantly, I began to listen to God. With my body and breathing fully occupied, he had my complete attention—and it had been a long time since that had happened.
Then I realized God and I weren't completely alone. Although I couldn't see my husband's sweaty face, his words were right there with me. I could so clearly hear his praise and admonition racing through my brain. As I ran that first time by myself, I realized again the power of words, of praise, of encouraging another soul to go the distance, whatever the race may be.
"This, Lord," I realized as I prayed, "this must be why in your word I read encourage so often. This is why it is so important to you that we strengthen each other with our words. You've got me now, Lord. Tell me how you want me to encourage my husband, my family, and others." As I made it back home, I realized I had learned something more than just how to run. And I realized that my husband had given me one of my best presents ever. His gift came in the form of words. Encouragement. Life-changing, you-can-do-the-impossible, I'll-be-right-here-with-you encouragement.
Kim Neessen lives in Iowa with her husband and sons. She teaches and directs a preschool, which also keeps her running.
Copyright © 2010 by the author or Christianity Today International/Kyria.com.
My husband's words produced a change within me.
Kim Neessen | posted 5/26/2010
Running has always been, if not a passion, a deeply felt need of my husband's. Along with keeping in shape, it is his way to unwind, de-stress, and get alone with God. He had explained his joy of running very clearly to me, several times, but all I could hear was some form of gobbledygook. Really. It was beyond my ability to fathom that anyone not being chased by a starving lion would choose to run. For pleasure.
But I loved him, so I was resigned to the fact that he would disappear from our home a few evenings a week, only to return panting, dripping in sweat, and wearing a contented look on his face. I didn't get it. Not only did I fail to enjoy running, I just couldn't run. Sure, I could hold my own in a game of chase with my youngest boys. But they're ages five and two.
So no one was more surprised than I was when, one day during a vacation stay with my parents, my husband jokingly asked if I wanted to go running with him. And I said, "Sure, why not?"
Maybe it was just a brain lapse, or an opportunity for us to sneak off without the kids, who knows? But I couldn't believe I was actually raiding my mom's closet for sneakers and sweats to borrow.
Once my bemused husband saw that I was dressed and honestly intended to at least step out the door with him, he stopped his snickering and became my coach. He assured me that we were going to start out very slowly—good news to my ears.
Our "speed" was so slow, I'm sure it looked like I was running in slow motion while the rest of the world clipped along at a normal pace. But before we had gone even one block, my body objected. Right away my heart and lungs were pounding, screaming, and angrily demanding, Where's the fire?! Where's the starving lion?
But then just when I thought a collapse was coming, my ears were distracted by the voice of my husband. Somehow, miraculously, this guy beside me had enough extra oxygen to actually talk while running. He started sharing everything he knew about running: how to swing your arms, maintain your pace, breathe. The distraction was good for me mentally, and I hoped he'd ramble on the whole time. But soon he wasn't just informing me; he started to encourage me.
With each "You're doing great!" and "Keep going!" my pessimism toward running grew weaker. Of course, my lungs were still screaming ugly things at me, but my mind wasn't listening to them anymore. My husband's sweaty face turned and beamed at me. I didn't have the energy to smile back, but my heart was moved. Just hearing him say, "You're going farther than I thought you would!" and "I'm proud of you, honey!" made me pump my legs another stretch of road.
Although his encouraging words didn't transform my body, they did transform my will. Had I been running by myself, I would have given up after that first block—but his praise pushed me on. Miracle of miracles, I was making myself run. And no one was chasing me!
What happened to me?
The surprise of my first run lingered well after we finished. The praise lavished on me by my stunned husband was worth the sore legs. And you know what? The next day I asked him if he wanted to run with me. (I know, beam me up now, Mothership.) As I stretched aching muscles that second day, I quietly marveled over what I'd accomplished. Yet I wasn't amazed at my own new sportin' bad self so much as I was amazed at the fuel of my husband's words. They'd gotten me to do something I'd previously loathed and thought impossible.
The real test came once we returned home from our vacation. The reality of young children at home meant my husband and I would not have the opportunity to run together. I'd have to leave my own personal coach behind and go by myself. It would have been easy to come up with an excuse to no longer run. Kids, busy schedules, suppertime, global warming—I could have used anything. Further, the magic of our vacation was gone. We were smack back in the middle of life.
But I knew I had to try it again. I had learned that my body could actually participate in (and survive) this mystery known as "jogging." Most of all, experiencing the feeling of accomplishment and praise from my husband washing over me afterwards was something I didn't want to let go. So I ran.
I hadn't gone far by myself when I started to understand why running was a type of "quiet time" for my spouse. At first it was a spiritual experience for me just because of the Help me, Lord! Help me, Lord! mantra I silently repeated with each step. But as I went on, I was able to form other prayers, and more importantly, I began to listen to God. With my body and breathing fully occupied, he had my complete attention—and it had been a long time since that had happened.
Then I realized God and I weren't completely alone. Although I couldn't see my husband's sweaty face, his words were right there with me. I could so clearly hear his praise and admonition racing through my brain. As I ran that first time by myself, I realized again the power of words, of praise, of encouraging another soul to go the distance, whatever the race may be.
"This, Lord," I realized as I prayed, "this must be why in your word I read encourage so often. This is why it is so important to you that we strengthen each other with our words. You've got me now, Lord. Tell me how you want me to encourage my husband, my family, and others." As I made it back home, I realized I had learned something more than just how to run. And I realized that my husband had given me one of my best presents ever. His gift came in the form of words. Encouragement. Life-changing, you-can-do-the-impossible, I'll-be-right-here-with-you encouragement.
Kim Neessen lives in Iowa with her husband and sons. She teaches and directs a preschool, which also keeps her running.
Copyright © 2010 by the author or Christianity Today International/Kyria.com.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
June 15, 2010
New For You
There are times when something that has grown old and outdated needs to be made new and fresh again. You have likely seen old shopping areas or aging and abandoned downtown districts given a facelift that brings them back to life. We call this "revitalization."
Revitalization leads to renewed excitement, usefulness and opportunities. What was in decline begins to incline. What was written off and rejected becomes attractive. What was ugly and blighted becomes beautiful. What was avoided is transformed into a sought out destination. What people thought was dead is resurrected. Many times the revitalization of an area is more desirable than building something brand new.
When such areas are aesthetically updated in a tasteful way, they possess a sense of character that cannot be replicated in something new. There is a richness to revitalization - asense of old wrapped in new - that produces something very positive. One of the things we learn about God in the Bible is that He specializes in revitalization. He is the "master restorer."
He gladly and enthusiastically takes old things and makes them new again. He takes what has been written off as outdated, irrelevant and unattractive and breathes freshness into it.
Whether it is a life that has grown stale and purposeless, a marriage that has fallen into disrepair, a church that has slipped into decline, or a friendship that has been damaged by emotional blows and neglect, God delights in revitalization projects.
He is ready to take them on and amaze us with what He can do, turning old to new. In the Old Testament book of Ezekiel God poses an interesting question that He immediately proceeds to answer.
Both the question and the answer point us to the promise of revitalization: "The Lord took hold of me, and I was carried away by the Spirit of the Lord to a valley filled with bones. He led me all around among the bones that covered the valley floor. They were scattered everywhere across the ground and were completely dried out. Then he asked me, 'Son of man, can these bones become living people again?' 'O Sovereign Lord,'I replied, 'you alone know the answer to that.' " - Ezekiel 37:1-3(NLT)
The prophet Ezekiel was given the vision of a valley filled with dead, dry bones. God's question to him was straight forward, "Can these bones live again? Is there any hope for their revitalization?"
Ezekiel wiselyanswered, "God, only you know the answer to this question!" Ezekiel understood that God was the only One capable of such a feat. God then answered His own question: "Then he said to me, 'Speak a prophetic message to these bones and say, 'Dry bones, listen to the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Look! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again! I will put flesh and muscles on you and cover you with skin. I will put breath into you, and you will come to life. Then youwill know that I am the Lord. '" - Ezekiel 37:4-6 (NLT)
When you read the rest of the story in Ezekiel 37, you discover that God did what He promised. The dead bones came to life. A massive, miraculous revitalization project was completed by the grace and power of God. His people lived again! Are you in need of this kind of miracle in some part of your life? What God did with these bones, He can do for you. Revitalization means that God can and will do something new for you!
Pastor Dale
There are times when something that has grown old and outdated needs to be made new and fresh again. You have likely seen old shopping areas or aging and abandoned downtown districts given a facelift that brings them back to life. We call this "revitalization."
Revitalization leads to renewed excitement, usefulness and opportunities. What was in decline begins to incline. What was written off and rejected becomes attractive. What was ugly and blighted becomes beautiful. What was avoided is transformed into a sought out destination. What people thought was dead is resurrected. Many times the revitalization of an area is more desirable than building something brand new.
When such areas are aesthetically updated in a tasteful way, they possess a sense of character that cannot be replicated in something new. There is a richness to revitalization - asense of old wrapped in new - that produces something very positive. One of the things we learn about God in the Bible is that He specializes in revitalization. He is the "master restorer."
He gladly and enthusiastically takes old things and makes them new again. He takes what has been written off as outdated, irrelevant and unattractive and breathes freshness into it.
Whether it is a life that has grown stale and purposeless, a marriage that has fallen into disrepair, a church that has slipped into decline, or a friendship that has been damaged by emotional blows and neglect, God delights in revitalization projects.
He is ready to take them on and amaze us with what He can do, turning old to new. In the Old Testament book of Ezekiel God poses an interesting question that He immediately proceeds to answer.
Both the question and the answer point us to the promise of revitalization: "The Lord took hold of me, and I was carried away by the Spirit of the Lord to a valley filled with bones. He led me all around among the bones that covered the valley floor. They were scattered everywhere across the ground and were completely dried out. Then he asked me, 'Son of man, can these bones become living people again?' 'O Sovereign Lord,'I replied, 'you alone know the answer to that.' " - Ezekiel 37:1-3(NLT)
The prophet Ezekiel was given the vision of a valley filled with dead, dry bones. God's question to him was straight forward, "Can these bones live again? Is there any hope for their revitalization?"
Ezekiel wiselyanswered, "God, only you know the answer to this question!" Ezekiel understood that God was the only One capable of such a feat. God then answered His own question: "Then he said to me, 'Speak a prophetic message to these bones and say, 'Dry bones, listen to the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Look! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again! I will put flesh and muscles on you and cover you with skin. I will put breath into you, and you will come to life. Then youwill know that I am the Lord. '" - Ezekiel 37:4-6 (NLT)
When you read the rest of the story in Ezekiel 37, you discover that God did what He promised. The dead bones came to life. A massive, miraculous revitalization project was completed by the grace and power of God. His people lived again! Are you in need of this kind of miracle in some part of your life? What God did with these bones, He can do for you. Revitalization means that God can and will do something new for you!
Pastor Dale
Monday, June 14, 2010
June 14, 2010
Bend or Break?
How flexible are you?
To be "flexible" is to be capable of stretching, bending and changing without breaking. According to the dictionary, it is "the ability to be easily modified to respond to altered circumstances or conditions; ready and able to change; willing or disposed to yield."
The opposite of being flexible is to be rigid, brittle, unyielding, unbending and stiff. An inflexible person lacks pliability and elasticity. Flexibility is a wonderful personal quality. Flexible people are able to adjust to changes and adapt to transitions. They do not entrench themselves in restrictive, reactive attitudes and opinions. They arequick to embrace important and necessary adjustments. They don't feel the need to fight, resist, contend or rebel. They respond to change positively and enthusiastically.
Flexible people are a joy to work with and a blessing to be around. They are more productive, happier, and more helpful than rigid people. They are team players. They have a genuine "whatever it takes" attitude. Under pressure, rigid people break rather than bend. When a test comes or changes are required, inflexible people become self-focused, comfort-motivated and fear-controlled.
The result is resistance rather than responsiveness. One of the keys to being effectively used by God over the long-haul is flexibility.
Entrenched attitudes, rigidity of spirit and resistance to God-ordained change has shrunk the effectiveness, soured the souls and permanently sidelined many potentially great people.
We all have the tendency to become rigid. Our natural orientation is to hold on to the comfortable rather than embrace growth and change. We must work consciously and diligently to avoid this common trap. The Lord promises to help us with this, if we will ask Him. Take a look at His wonderful words to us about a tender, pliable, flexible heart: "And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart." - Ezekiel 36:26 (NLT)
What a promise! Are you struggling with rigidity of spirit? Has inflexibility infected you? Don't let this hinder or destroy your usefulness to God. Ask the Lord to give you a pliable, tender, bendable heart. Seek Him for a yielded will. It's yours for the asking. Bend, don't break!
Pastor Dale
How flexible are you?
To be "flexible" is to be capable of stretching, bending and changing without breaking. According to the dictionary, it is "the ability to be easily modified to respond to altered circumstances or conditions; ready and able to change; willing or disposed to yield."
The opposite of being flexible is to be rigid, brittle, unyielding, unbending and stiff. An inflexible person lacks pliability and elasticity. Flexibility is a wonderful personal quality. Flexible people are able to adjust to changes and adapt to transitions. They do not entrench themselves in restrictive, reactive attitudes and opinions. They arequick to embrace important and necessary adjustments. They don't feel the need to fight, resist, contend or rebel. They respond to change positively and enthusiastically.
Flexible people are a joy to work with and a blessing to be around. They are more productive, happier, and more helpful than rigid people. They are team players. They have a genuine "whatever it takes" attitude. Under pressure, rigid people break rather than bend. When a test comes or changes are required, inflexible people become self-focused, comfort-motivated and fear-controlled.
The result is resistance rather than responsiveness. One of the keys to being effectively used by God over the long-haul is flexibility.
Entrenched attitudes, rigidity of spirit and resistance to God-ordained change has shrunk the effectiveness, soured the souls and permanently sidelined many potentially great people.
We all have the tendency to become rigid. Our natural orientation is to hold on to the comfortable rather than embrace growth and change. We must work consciously and diligently to avoid this common trap. The Lord promises to help us with this, if we will ask Him. Take a look at His wonderful words to us about a tender, pliable, flexible heart: "And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart." - Ezekiel 36:26 (NLT)
What a promise! Are you struggling with rigidity of spirit? Has inflexibility infected you? Don't let this hinder or destroy your usefulness to God. Ask the Lord to give you a pliable, tender, bendable heart. Seek Him for a yielded will. It's yours for the asking. Bend, don't break!
Pastor Dale
Sunday, June 13, 2010
June 11, 2010
Don't Waste Your Wilderness!
All through the Bible we find references to wilderness places and experiences. "Wilderness" is an important biblical concept. The word is also translated in the Bible as "desert" or "barren place."
It is impossible to be a growing Christian believer without getting acquainted with the idea of wilderness/desert experiences. There are many examples of people in the Bible who went through such experiences; people like Joseph, Moses, David, Jeremiah, Jesus, the apostles Paul and John.
We experience them too. While some of our wildernesses are caused by our own foolishness and disobedience, many wilderness experiences are designed by God for our good. Wildernesses come in the form of:
* A disruption to our comfort zone.
* A delay of our timetable.
* A death of our dream.
* A challenge to our character.
* A season of heat, pain, dryness, disappointment or pressure in our lives.
We all go through things like these. What we do in and with our wilderness experiences is critical to our future. We can waste them or benefit from them.
How do we make the most of a wilderness? This weekend at Church of the Redeemer I will be sharing a special message answering this question.
I hope you will join us for this important teaching. For campus information, service times and directions, visit COR'swebsite.
Don't miss church this weekend. I look forward to seeing you!
Pastor Dale
All through the Bible we find references to wilderness places and experiences. "Wilderness" is an important biblical concept. The word is also translated in the Bible as "desert" or "barren place."
It is impossible to be a growing Christian believer without getting acquainted with the idea of wilderness/desert experiences. There are many examples of people in the Bible who went through such experiences; people like Joseph, Moses, David, Jeremiah, Jesus, the apostles Paul and John.
We experience them too. While some of our wildernesses are caused by our own foolishness and disobedience, many wilderness experiences are designed by God for our good. Wildernesses come in the form of:
* A disruption to our comfort zone.
* A delay of our timetable.
* A death of our dream.
* A challenge to our character.
* A season of heat, pain, dryness, disappointment or pressure in our lives.
We all go through things like these. What we do in and with our wilderness experiences is critical to our future. We can waste them or benefit from them.
How do we make the most of a wilderness? This weekend at Church of the Redeemer
I hope you will join us for this important teaching. For campus information, service times and directions, visit COR'swebsite
Don't miss church this weekend. I look forward to seeing you!
Pastor Dale
June 9, 2010
Clean or Dirty?
"Is this clean or dirty?" This question seeks to determine the current physical or moral condition of something. We ask it about dishes in the kitchen, a towel in a bathroom, a joke someone is about to tell, and a variety of other things. Why are we so concerned about the cleanness of things?
Because we understand the potential consequences of dirt, filth and contamination. We know that exposure to uncleanness is dangerous to our health; physically and morally. Instinctively we understand a basic truth, clean is better than dirty!
If clean is better to us, we should also realize that it is better to God too. It is something He wants us to be, for two primary reasons:
* When we are contaminated by moral and spiritual filth, we run the risk of being destroyed by spiritual diseases. Dirt in our soul makes us vulnerable to all kinds of spiritual viruses and infections. It robs our spiritual health.
* When we are contaminated by moral and spiritual filth, God cannot use us to help and bless others. Dirty dishes are not used forserving. They are set aside until they are cleansed and made ready forservice again. When it comes to cleanness of heart and life, God's first concern is our spiritual health. His second concern is our spiritual service.
Because cleanness is such a priority to God, getting and staying spiritually clean should become a priority to us. It should direct ourdaily choices; where we go, what we look at and listen to, the people weassociate with, the thoughts we think and the words we speak. It shouldalso affect the prayers we pray.The psalmist understood the connection of prayer and spiritualcleanness. He prayed:
"Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean ... " - Psalm 51:7 (NLT)
"Create in me a clean heart, O God ... " - Psalm 51:10 (NLT)
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart bepleasing to you ... " - Psalm 19:14 (NLT)
The Apostle Paul reminded us of the power and importance of a clean life too:
"If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil forhonorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for theMaster to use you for every good work." - 2 Timothy 2:21 (NLT)
Clean or dirty? Go for clean! You'll be healthier, and more useful and pleasing to God!
Pastor Dale
"Is this clean or dirty?" This question seeks to determine the current physical or moral condition of something. We ask it about dishes in the kitchen, a towel in a bathroom, a joke someone is about to tell, and a variety of other things. Why are we so concerned about the cleanness of things?
Because we understand the potential consequences of dirt, filth and contamination. We know that exposure to uncleanness is dangerous to our health; physically and morally. Instinctively we understand a basic truth, clean is better than dirty!
If clean is better to us, we should also realize that it is better to God too. It is something He wants us to be, for two primary reasons:
* When we are contaminated by moral and spiritual filth, we run the risk of being destroyed by spiritual diseases. Dirt in our soul makes us vulnerable to all kinds of spiritual viruses and infections. It robs our spiritual health.
* When we are contaminated by moral and spiritual filth, God cannot use us to help and bless others. Dirty dishes are not used forserving. They are set aside until they are cleansed and made ready forservice again. When it comes to cleanness of heart and life, God's first concern is our spiritual health. His second concern is our spiritual service.
Because cleanness is such a priority to God, getting and staying spiritually clean should become a priority to us. It should direct ourdaily choices; where we go, what we look at and listen to, the people weassociate with, the thoughts we think and the words we speak. It shouldalso affect the prayers we pray.The psalmist understood the connection of prayer and spiritualcleanness. He prayed:
"Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean ... " - Psalm 51:7 (NLT)
"Create in me a clean heart, O God ... " - Psalm 51:10 (NLT)
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart bepleasing to you ... " - Psalm 19:14 (NLT)
The Apostle Paul reminded us of the power and importance of a clean life too:
"If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil forhonorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for theMaster to use you for every good work." - 2 Timothy 2:21 (NLT)
Clean or dirty? Go for clean! You'll be healthier, and more useful and pleasing to God!
Pastor Dale
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
June 8, 2010
Weak and Weary?
There are times in life when we come face to face with our weakness.There are moments and seasons when weariness can wear us down to thepoint of deep exhaustion. In times like these, we need strength: Strength to keep going when we are spiritually, emotionally andphysically tired. Strength to keep a good attitude when life is tough.
Strength to complete an assignment that is difficult and challenging. Strength to respond the right way to an unexpected situation.
Strength to forgive someone who has deeply hurt us. Strength to resist temptations that have trapped us in the past.
Strength to wait for God's promises to be fulfilled. Strength to keep trusting that a pressing need will eventually be met.
Strength to deal with a loss that rocked our personal world. Strength to live for Jesus Christ around people who make fun of ourfaith.
While I don't have any quick fixes for weakness and weariness, I canpoint you to the pathway that leads to supernatural strength. Here are two passages to hold on to when weakness and weariness threaten to take you down and wipe you out:
"He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will giveup. But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." - Isaiah 40:29-31 (NLT)
"Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But hesaid to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." -2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (NIV)
"Dear Lord, help us today to draw on the strength that comes from your grace. Help us to put our hope in you and to wait on you. Fill us with supernatural strength. Thank you for the things in life that remind us of our weakness and of our desperate need for you. Thank you that whenwe turn to you for strength, you supply what we lack. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Pastor Dale
There are times in life when we come face to face with our weakness.There are moments and seasons when weariness can wear us down to thepoint of deep exhaustion. In times like these, we need strength: Strength to keep going when we are spiritually, emotionally andphysically tired. Strength to keep a good attitude when life is tough.
Strength to complete an assignment that is difficult and challenging. Strength to respond the right way to an unexpected situation.
Strength to forgive someone who has deeply hurt us. Strength to resist temptations that have trapped us in the past.
Strength to wait for God's promises to be fulfilled. Strength to keep trusting that a pressing need will eventually be met.
Strength to deal with a loss that rocked our personal world. Strength to live for Jesus Christ around people who make fun of ourfaith.
While I don't have any quick fixes for weakness and weariness, I canpoint you to the pathway that leads to supernatural strength. Here are two passages to hold on to when weakness and weariness threaten to take you down and wipe you out:
"He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will giveup. But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." - Isaiah 40:29-31 (NLT)
"Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But hesaid to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." -2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (NIV)
"Dear Lord, help us today to draw on the strength that comes from your grace. Help us to put our hope in you and to wait on you. Fill us with supernatural strength. Thank you for the things in life that remind us of our weakness and of our desperate need for you. Thank you that whenwe turn to you for strength, you supply what we lack. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Pastor Dale
Monday, June 7, 2010
June 7, 2010
Why You Need a Double Standard
Expecting more of yourself and less of your mate can do wonders for your marriage
Gary Thomas | posted 9/12/2008
"You brought them home hungry?" Lisa asked.
I stared at my wife, dumbfounded.
"It's 7:45, and you brought them home hungry?" she asked again.
I tried to come up with a good excuse. "Well, I, uh, you see . …" I gave up. "Yeah, I guess I did."
I thought I had done Lisa a favor. I took the kids for the evening so she could have a night off. I wanted her to eat dinner while reading a magazine and rediscover that, in some corners of the world, there still remains a phenomenon called "silence."
Now I was back home, and all the self-righteous defenses came rushing to my mind. "Here I try to give you an evening off, and you get upset just because the kids want a little snack! You know our kids—they need to eat every seven minutes!"
Instead of voicing that, however, I took a walk and did some praying. "Okay, God, what are we going to talk about tonight?"
A clear thought came into my mind: How can you love your wife better? God was pushing me to come up with ways I could make Lisa's life easier. And it wasn't anything as simple as buying another piece of lingerie ("Gary, this is for her, not for you"). Instead, they were eminently practical changes: I could make the kids' lunches. I could take them out one evening a week and bring them home with full stomachs. I could get them ready for bed at least three nights a week.
I felt the Lord teaching me that the happiest husband is the one who lives with a double standard—he's tough on himself and easy on his wife.
Meeting the Standard
I spent the first few days of our marriage adding up the pluses and minuses of our various personality traits. The problem was, I spent too much time on my pluses and Lisa's minuses. Then I read a passage written by John Owen, one of the great Puritan scholars: "The person who understands the evil in his own heart is the only person who is useful, fruitful and solid in his beliefs and obedience. Others only delude themselves and thus upset families, churches and all other relationships. In their self-pride and judgment of others, they show great inconsistency."
I realized I was deluded by my sense of self-righteousness. Rather than focusing on what Lisa could improve, I should have been on my knees, begging God to change me. This thought was magnified one morning when I was praying through Scripture. All of a sudden, a question startled me: "Does Lisa see Jesus in me?"
Scripture reminds us, again and again, that our goal as Christians is to become more like Christ. In Ephesians 5:1 we read, "Be imitators of God." Elsewhere, Paul wrote, "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son" (Rom. 8:29). As I grow in relationship to Christ, my wife should be able to notice at least some family resemblance. God was showing me that I had fallen short of improving myself for my wife's sake.
"But wait!" the selfish me wanted to cry out. "What about her? " But then I remembered a passage written by William Law, an eighteenth-century Anglican: "No one is of the Spirit of Christ but he that has the utmost compassion for sinners. Nor is there any greater sign of your own perfection than you find yourself all love and compassion toward them that are very weak and defective. And on the other hand, you have never less reason to be pleased with yourself than when you find yourself most angry and offended at the behavior of others."
That was the holy double standard I needed. As I become more unyielding and aggressive in attacking my own sins and weaknesses, I must extend more and more grace and gentleness toward others in theirs.
Back at the Home Office
When I became self-employed and decided to work out of our home, the double standard turned into more than just a good idea. We live, with our three children, in a townhouse—which meant our bedroom would have to double as my office. When people find out what we're doing, they're amazed. "And you still like each other?" they ask.
In fact, working at home has done wonders for our marriage. For the first time, I could see what it was like to spend an entire day being Lisa. Oh, I used to watch her in action every weekend. But what makes her life difficult isn't an occasional 48-hour stretch. It's the day-in and day-out responsibility of raising three kids. It's the pressure of getting the homeschooling lessons done, while lunches need to be made and clothes need to be washed and kids need to be chauffeured to ballet and soccer practice.
At the same time, Lisa saw what it was like for me to sit for hours in front of a computer, writing articles and speeches, and keeping up with all the paperwork involved in my business. Some days I was tired or sick. Sometimes the weather outside was beautiful, but always I stayed in my chair. She saw my determination and the pressure of meeting deadlines and taking on assignments I wasn't sure I could handle, but I was really sure we needed the paycheck.
Lisa and I began to develop an empathy for each other, and it improved our exercise of the double standard. As I understand the challenges Lisa faces, I'm more likely to "go easy" on her. I'm learning to make excuses for my wife the way I so easily make them for myself: "Look, I just finished a really intense assignment; I need to veg out." Now I prod myself: "She's had a tough day, Gary. Get the kids out of the house and give her some time to herself."
Looking Out for Number Two
Here's what I found out: Applying a double standard often leads to receiving a double standard. As I have become more generous toward Lisa, I've noticed that she has become more generous toward me. I recently returned from a trip feeling as if I'd walked every one of the 400 miles I had just driven. I had spoken six times in four days and driven through four states. I pulled into our driveway thinking, "I'm so tired. All I want to do is watch a late football game."
But as I came through the door, I knew Lisa was thinking, "Good, he's home. I've had the kids to myself all weekend and they're driving me crazy." This is the stuff colossal marriage fights are made of.
But then I discovered Lisa and I had both changed. I pulled out the flavored popcorn I'd brought home for the kids, and we talked at the kitchen table as they ate. I noticed Lisa was being incredibly sensitive toward me.
"You've got to be exhausted," she said. "Let me take care of the kids tonight."
But hearing her say that made me want to care for the kids. She was being hard on herself and easy on me, which made me want to be hard on myself and easy on her. That's when I realized: "This double standard business really does build stronger marriages."
If each of us assumes our spouse has it the hardest and that we miss the mark most frequently—and act accordingly—we'll find a mix that's just about right. When we adopt this double standard, we find that encouragement replaces accusation, appreciation replaces resentfulness and understanding replaces judgment. And isn't that the type of marriage we're all looking for?
Gary Thomas is a writer and speaker. He is bestselling author of Sacred Marriage.
Copyright © 1997 by Christianity Today International/Marriage Partnership Magazine.
Expecting more of yourself and less of your mate can do wonders for your marriage
Gary Thomas | posted 9/12/2008
"You brought them home hungry?" Lisa asked.
I stared at my wife, dumbfounded.
"It's 7:45, and you brought them home hungry?" she asked again.
I tried to come up with a good excuse. "Well, I, uh, you see . …" I gave up. "Yeah, I guess I did."
I thought I had done Lisa a favor. I took the kids for the evening so she could have a night off. I wanted her to eat dinner while reading a magazine and rediscover that, in some corners of the world, there still remains a phenomenon called "silence."
Now I was back home, and all the self-righteous defenses came rushing to my mind. "Here I try to give you an evening off, and you get upset just because the kids want a little snack! You know our kids—they need to eat every seven minutes!"
Instead of voicing that, however, I took a walk and did some praying. "Okay, God, what are we going to talk about tonight?"
A clear thought came into my mind: How can you love your wife better? God was pushing me to come up with ways I could make Lisa's life easier. And it wasn't anything as simple as buying another piece of lingerie ("Gary, this is for her, not for you"). Instead, they were eminently practical changes: I could make the kids' lunches. I could take them out one evening a week and bring them home with full stomachs. I could get them ready for bed at least three nights a week.
I felt the Lord teaching me that the happiest husband is the one who lives with a double standard—he's tough on himself and easy on his wife.
Meeting the Standard
I spent the first few days of our marriage adding up the pluses and minuses of our various personality traits. The problem was, I spent too much time on my pluses and Lisa's minuses. Then I read a passage written by John Owen, one of the great Puritan scholars: "The person who understands the evil in his own heart is the only person who is useful, fruitful and solid in his beliefs and obedience. Others only delude themselves and thus upset families, churches and all other relationships. In their self-pride and judgment of others, they show great inconsistency."
I realized I was deluded by my sense of self-righteousness. Rather than focusing on what Lisa could improve, I should have been on my knees, begging God to change me. This thought was magnified one morning when I was praying through Scripture. All of a sudden, a question startled me: "Does Lisa see Jesus in me?"
Scripture reminds us, again and again, that our goal as Christians is to become more like Christ. In Ephesians 5:1 we read, "Be imitators of God." Elsewhere, Paul wrote, "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son" (Rom. 8:29). As I grow in relationship to Christ, my wife should be able to notice at least some family resemblance. God was showing me that I had fallen short of improving myself for my wife's sake.
"But wait!" the selfish me wanted to cry out. "What about her? " But then I remembered a passage written by William Law, an eighteenth-century Anglican: "No one is of the Spirit of Christ but he that has the utmost compassion for sinners. Nor is there any greater sign of your own perfection than you find yourself all love and compassion toward them that are very weak and defective. And on the other hand, you have never less reason to be pleased with yourself than when you find yourself most angry and offended at the behavior of others."
That was the holy double standard I needed. As I become more unyielding and aggressive in attacking my own sins and weaknesses, I must extend more and more grace and gentleness toward others in theirs.
Back at the Home Office
When I became self-employed and decided to work out of our home, the double standard turned into more than just a good idea. We live, with our three children, in a townhouse—which meant our bedroom would have to double as my office. When people find out what we're doing, they're amazed. "And you still like each other?" they ask.
In fact, working at home has done wonders for our marriage. For the first time, I could see what it was like to spend an entire day being Lisa. Oh, I used to watch her in action every weekend. But what makes her life difficult isn't an occasional 48-hour stretch. It's the day-in and day-out responsibility of raising three kids. It's the pressure of getting the homeschooling lessons done, while lunches need to be made and clothes need to be washed and kids need to be chauffeured to ballet and soccer practice.
At the same time, Lisa saw what it was like for me to sit for hours in front of a computer, writing articles and speeches, and keeping up with all the paperwork involved in my business. Some days I was tired or sick. Sometimes the weather outside was beautiful, but always I stayed in my chair. She saw my determination and the pressure of meeting deadlines and taking on assignments I wasn't sure I could handle, but I was really sure we needed the paycheck.
Lisa and I began to develop an empathy for each other, and it improved our exercise of the double standard. As I understand the challenges Lisa faces, I'm more likely to "go easy" on her. I'm learning to make excuses for my wife the way I so easily make them for myself: "Look, I just finished a really intense assignment; I need to veg out." Now I prod myself: "She's had a tough day, Gary. Get the kids out of the house and give her some time to herself."
Looking Out for Number Two
Here's what I found out: Applying a double standard often leads to receiving a double standard. As I have become more generous toward Lisa, I've noticed that she has become more generous toward me. I recently returned from a trip feeling as if I'd walked every one of the 400 miles I had just driven. I had spoken six times in four days and driven through four states. I pulled into our driveway thinking, "I'm so tired. All I want to do is watch a late football game."
But as I came through the door, I knew Lisa was thinking, "Good, he's home. I've had the kids to myself all weekend and they're driving me crazy." This is the stuff colossal marriage fights are made of.
But then I discovered Lisa and I had both changed. I pulled out the flavored popcorn I'd brought home for the kids, and we talked at the kitchen table as they ate. I noticed Lisa was being incredibly sensitive toward me.
"You've got to be exhausted," she said. "Let me take care of the kids tonight."
But hearing her say that made me want to care for the kids. She was being hard on herself and easy on me, which made me want to be hard on myself and easy on her. That's when I realized: "This double standard business really does build stronger marriages."
If each of us assumes our spouse has it the hardest and that we miss the mark most frequently—and act accordingly—we'll find a mix that's just about right. When we adopt this double standard, we find that encouragement replaces accusation, appreciation replaces resentfulness and understanding replaces judgment. And isn't that the type of marriage we're all looking for?
Gary Thomas is a writer and speaker. He is bestselling author of Sacred Marriage.
Copyright © 1997 by Christianity Today International/Marriage Partnership Magazine.
Friday, June 4, 2010
June 4, 2010
It’s Going To Be O.K., If …
When you’re going through a tough time, one of the most encouraging things that can happen is to hear these words from a loyal, trusted friend; “Everything is going to be fine. You’re going to make it through. God’s going to help you!”
In Jeremiah 39 we find a similar promise given to a man by the prophet Jeremiah. After King Nebuchadnezzar seized Jerusalem, many people in the city were executed. Fear was in the air, as everyone in Jerusalem wondered if they were going to live or die.
During this time, Jeremiah gave a prophecy to an Ethiopian man who lived in Jerusalem. This man had helped save Jeremiah’s life a few years earlier. Through the prophet Jeremiah, the Lord spoke this message to him:
” … I will rescue you from those you fear so much. Because you trusted me, I will give you your life as a reward. I will rescue you and keep you safe. I, the Lord, have spoken!” – Jeremiah 39:17, 18 (NLT)
Jeremiah’s life had been threatened, this man stepped up as a loyal friend and risked his own life to protect the prophet. In the face of fear then, he demonstrated trust in God and love for Jeremiah. And now, as he faced the threat of losing his own life, God promised that He would step in and save him! What this man had done for Jeremiah, God would now do for him!
What’s the lesson for us? It pays to trust and faithfully serve God! When we live a life of trust and obedience, we put ourselves under God’s covering and in His care.
Just as God had a message for this man in Jeremiah’s day, He has a message for you today, “If you will trust Me, I will rescue you!” Obey God’s Word and rest in God’s promise. Everything is going to be O.K.!
Pastor Dale
When you’re going through a tough time, one of the most encouraging things that can happen is to hear these words from a loyal, trusted friend; “Everything is going to be fine. You’re going to make it through. God’s going to help you!”
In Jeremiah 39 we find a similar promise given to a man by the prophet Jeremiah. After King Nebuchadnezzar seized Jerusalem, many people in the city were executed. Fear was in the air, as everyone in Jerusalem wondered if they were going to live or die.
During this time, Jeremiah gave a prophecy to an Ethiopian man who lived in Jerusalem. This man had helped save Jeremiah’s life a few years earlier. Through the prophet Jeremiah, the Lord spoke this message to him:
” … I will rescue you from those you fear so much. Because you trusted me, I will give you your life as a reward. I will rescue you and keep you safe. I, the Lord, have spoken!” – Jeremiah 39:17, 18 (NLT)
Jeremiah’s life had been threatened, this man stepped up as a loyal friend and risked his own life to protect the prophet. In the face of fear then, he demonstrated trust in God and love for Jeremiah. And now, as he faced the threat of losing his own life, God promised that He would step in and save him! What this man had done for Jeremiah, God would now do for him!
What’s the lesson for us? It pays to trust and faithfully serve God! When we live a life of trust and obedience, we put ourselves under God’s covering and in His care.
Just as God had a message for this man in Jeremiah’s day, He has a message for you today, “If you will trust Me, I will rescue you!” Obey God’s Word and rest in God’s promise. Everything is going to be O.K.!
Pastor Dale
Thursday, June 3, 2010
June 3, 2010
Getting Rid of Idols
Do you have any idols in your life?
Throughout the Bible one of the things God consistently warned His people about, and one of the things that most quickly incited His judgment, was idolatry. The idolatry of God’s people in the Old Testament resulted in great pain and heartache for them, and eventually led to seventy years of exile in Babylon.
Take a look at God’s plea to His people about their idols, and the warning He added to it:
“‘Do not provoke my anger by worshiping idols you made with your own hands. Then I will not harm you. But you would not listen to me,’ says the Lord. ‘You made me furious by worshiping idols you made with your own hands, bringing on yourselves all the disasters you now suffer.’”– Jeremiah 25:6, 7 (NLT)
Idolatry is not only an Old Testament issue, it is frequently addressed in the New Testament also. As an aged and wise spiritual leader, the Apostle John left us this caution:
“Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.” — 1 John 5:21 (NIV)
As we can see, idolatry is a serious offense against God!
What is idolatry?
An idol is anything we put before God. It is anything that replaces our worship of God, or our obedience and submission to the Word and will of God. It is anything we hold on to that God wants us to let go of. It is anything that has a controlling grip in our lives. It is anything from which we get our validation and affirmation, other than God Himself.
Even good things can become idols, if we allow them to take the wrong place of priority in our hearts. A relationship, a job, a possession, a person, a position, a pursuit — all of these represent potential points of idolatry.
Do you have any idols in your life? The only solution to idolatry is repentance — letting go, giving up whatever you have exalted above God in your life and unconditionally surrendering yourself to Him again!
Pastor Dale
Do you have any idols in your life?
Throughout the Bible one of the things God consistently warned His people about, and one of the things that most quickly incited His judgment, was idolatry. The idolatry of God’s people in the Old Testament resulted in great pain and heartache for them, and eventually led to seventy years of exile in Babylon.
Take a look at God’s plea to His people about their idols, and the warning He added to it:
“‘Do not provoke my anger by worshiping idols you made with your own hands. Then I will not harm you. But you would not listen to me,’ says the Lord. ‘You made me furious by worshiping idols you made with your own hands, bringing on yourselves all the disasters you now suffer.’”– Jeremiah 25:6, 7 (NLT)
Idolatry is not only an Old Testament issue, it is frequently addressed in the New Testament also. As an aged and wise spiritual leader, the Apostle John left us this caution:
“Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.” — 1 John 5:21 (NIV)
As we can see, idolatry is a serious offense against God!
What is idolatry?
An idol is anything we put before God. It is anything that replaces our worship of God, or our obedience and submission to the Word and will of God. It is anything we hold on to that God wants us to let go of. It is anything that has a controlling grip in our lives. It is anything from which we get our validation and affirmation, other than God Himself.
Even good things can become idols, if we allow them to take the wrong place of priority in our hearts. A relationship, a job, a possession, a person, a position, a pursuit — all of these represent potential points of idolatry.
Do you have any idols in your life? The only solution to idolatry is repentance — letting go, giving up whatever you have exalted above God in your life and unconditionally surrendering yourself to Him again!
Pastor Dale
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
June 2, 2010
Respect and Honor
A number of important character traits seem to be falling by the wayside in our current culture. Two of such qualities are respect and honor. In many ways our world is becoming more disrespectful and dishonoring of those deserving of our esteem, valuing and appreciation.
Throughout the Bible we are taught and commanded to respect and honor certain people. We are instructed to honor and respect God, our parents, our spouse, our elders, our spiritual and civil leaders, all those who serve us in some way, and one another in the body of Christ. Actually, we should give every person we come in contact with the gift of respect and honor.
Take a look at what the Apostle Paul wrote about this in one of his letters:
“Give everyone what you owe him … if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” — Romans 13:7 (NIV)
Paul reminded us that there are people we owe respect and honor. To fail to give them our respect and honor is to leave a debt unpaid! It is to selfishly take for granted what they have done and are doing for us. It is a sign of ingratitude and short-sightedness. It is a mark of undeveloped and immature character. It is to fail to understand that our advantages come from others’ hard work and sacrifices.
What we need is a revival of these important qualities. You and I can be the starting place for renewing a culture of respect and honor. Make a decision to become a respectful and honoring person. Not only will it encourage others, it will bless you!
Pastor Dale
A number of important character traits seem to be falling by the wayside in our current culture. Two of such qualities are respect and honor. In many ways our world is becoming more disrespectful and dishonoring of those deserving of our esteem, valuing and appreciation.
Throughout the Bible we are taught and commanded to respect and honor certain people. We are instructed to honor and respect God, our parents, our spouse, our elders, our spiritual and civil leaders, all those who serve us in some way, and one another in the body of Christ. Actually, we should give every person we come in contact with the gift of respect and honor.
Take a look at what the Apostle Paul wrote about this in one of his letters:
“Give everyone what you owe him … if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” — Romans 13:7 (NIV)
Paul reminded us that there are people we owe respect and honor. To fail to give them our respect and honor is to leave a debt unpaid! It is to selfishly take for granted what they have done and are doing for us. It is a sign of ingratitude and short-sightedness. It is a mark of undeveloped and immature character. It is to fail to understand that our advantages come from others’ hard work and sacrifices.
What we need is a revival of these important qualities. You and I can be the starting place for renewing a culture of respect and honor. Make a decision to become a respectful and honoring person. Not only will it encourage others, it will bless you!
Pastor Dale
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
June 1, 2010
Who Cares?
What is your first reaction to the problems and pain of other people?
When we see or hear about difficulties in people’s lives we normally feel a bit of pity for them. For a moment or two, our hearts are touched with their trouble and pain. But sadly, all too often this is where our care stops.
As believers in Jesus Christ, we have the opportunity to step up our helping role in the lives of those who are going through tough times. And one of the ways we can help is though prayer.
We have an example of this in Paul’s life. After a horrible shipwreck, Paul and his traveling companions found themselves washed ashore on the island of Malta. The chief government official on the island took in and cared for the survivors.
While Paul was staying at this man’s home, recuperating from his own trauma at sea, Paul learned that the island official’s father was very sick. Paul’s response was more than pity or a brief moment of compassion. He did something:
” … Paul went in and prayed for him … ” — Acts 28:8
The Lord answered Paul’s prayer and the man was healed. As a result of this man’s healing, a great testimony of Christ was raised in that community. In the presence of human pain, Paul took advantage of the opportunity to minister in prayer. His prayers made a great impact in this man’s life and for the advance of the Kingdom of God.
The next time you are exposed to the problems and pain of other people, take a moment to pray. You may be able to pray with the person, or perhaps you can offer up personal prayer on their behalf. Don’t let these opportunities pass you by. Show your care though prayer!
Pastor Dale
What is your first reaction to the problems and pain of other people?
When we see or hear about difficulties in people’s lives we normally feel a bit of pity for them. For a moment or two, our hearts are touched with their trouble and pain. But sadly, all too often this is where our care stops.
As believers in Jesus Christ, we have the opportunity to step up our helping role in the lives of those who are going through tough times. And one of the ways we can help is though prayer.
We have an example of this in Paul’s life. After a horrible shipwreck, Paul and his traveling companions found themselves washed ashore on the island of Malta. The chief government official on the island took in and cared for the survivors.
While Paul was staying at this man’s home, recuperating from his own trauma at sea, Paul learned that the island official’s father was very sick. Paul’s response was more than pity or a brief moment of compassion. He did something:
” … Paul went in and prayed for him … ” — Acts 28:8
The Lord answered Paul’s prayer and the man was healed. As a result of this man’s healing, a great testimony of Christ was raised in that community. In the presence of human pain, Paul took advantage of the opportunity to minister in prayer. His prayers made a great impact in this man’s life and for the advance of the Kingdom of God.
The next time you are exposed to the problems and pain of other people, take a moment to pray. You may be able to pray with the person, or perhaps you can offer up personal prayer on their behalf. Don’t let these opportunities pass you by. Show your care though prayer!
Pastor Dale
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