Our Immediate Environment

You’ve heard the saying, “Garbage in means garbage out.” It rings true on a couple of levels. We are surrounded by SO much negative (and unGodly) minded thinking, that it is very easy to rub off onto us if we’re not mindful. Be aware of whom you spend time with: some very nice, kind people can be spiritually barren as the desert! They may even be true Unbelievers or wrapped up with Pharisaical thinking. (That’s a deeper thought for another blog).

One way to counteract this avalanche of unGodly influence into our psyche is to counterbalance it with positive, Biblical, and hopeful thoughts and images. For example, on my Facebook page, I usually post a “Laugh Out Loud” photograph or quote of some kind about every day or so.  They may or may not be Biblical in influence - they’re just clean, uplifting reasons to chuckle. We need that! The average person typically has a challenge or two every day. All of varying degrees. It’s good quality time invested to take a quick moment to share a laugh.

I read a study that asked a group of 12 people to take pictures over the course of one full weekend. The pictures were designed to capture things that give them hope. (By the way, the group were people ages 65 and above).

Some photographs were what I call universal symbols of hope and encouragement – churches and synagogues of different kinds. Some were pics of family members. There were one or two photographs of beautiful landscapes and sky-scapes. "Universal images of beauty" said the article.

Some of the group members photographed very special images – images that were incredibly personal to them. Those doing the testing reported, "One participant took a picture of her mailbox. She always holds out hope for receiving a card or letter from someone she misses. Another person took a photo of her kitchen table. The table represented warmth, family, and hope to her."

I noted one particular thing from reading about this study. The study focused on the external source of the person’s hope…it focused on their immediate ENVIRONMENT. Our environment is definitely an area we can have some control or influence over. The people we spend most of our time with. What we bring into our homes through the television and/or IPODs. The books we read. Movies we watch. Objects that make up our immediate environment are powerful…they can build hope or destroy it. Much like words!

So, be mindful of what or who is around you. Choose to surround yourself with images or things that support and promote your journey with the Almighty God.

The photograph of the mailbox tugged at my heart. I need to get busy writing my dad a letter, so until next time…

Look UP my friends!

God's Kind of Goodness

Many years ago, Martha Stewart’s tag line, “It’s a good thing,” became known on a world-wide basis. I’ve always liked it. It’s nice to identify and acknowledge good things!

God is good, isn’t He?! That statement alone just makes me happy! Because it is true. He IS good. He IS the giver of all blessings! When God reveals Himself to us, we know that He is good. When life is pleasant and generally going well we’re automatically inclined to think that He is good. Note: Your current status of happiness is not the litmus test to judge God’s goodness. He is sovereign. He is the Holy of holy. He is always good. When things are rocky – when they’re really gloomy and depressing – that is the time to remind yourself of past victories! Times of deliverance. Times of joy. Things He brought you through! It isn’t a time to distance yourself or to question His existence.

What is goodness? Salvation. Salvation and mankind’s ability to go to heaven through the blood of Jesus. It is that goodness that will keep you going! Goodness is to know God personally – as Lord and Savior. Goodness is to experience His love and guidance in our lives. Goodness is knowing that even though the “winds may blow” and the “valleys are hot,” that God won’t forsake you. Goodness is knowing He is with you. Goodness is knowing He forgives you each and every time you ask. Without a grudge! Goodness is being granted peace during life’s storms. It is feeling God wipe away your tears. Goodness is being in a close relationship with Jesus – He is the Christian’s dearest friend.

10 Earthly Things That Are Good:

·         A child’s laugh

·         A hug from a loved one

·         Sunshine

·         Kittens and puppies

·         Ice cream

·         A cold glass of iced tea

·         Receiving an apology

·         Receiving a truth

·         The end of a work day

·         Your favorite dessert

Is God REALLY good? There is no other fitting definition of good but God’s kind of good. HE is the source of everything that is good. But hey, don’t just take my word for it. I encourage you to get to know Him. Go deeper. You’ll see for yourself just how good He truly is!

Look UP my friends!

A Whistle-Blower for God?

I have very fond memories of ‘Friday night football’ from my high school years. Chilly nights - the kind where you see your breath when you speak. Big crowds. Hotdogs, ice-cold Dr. Pepper® and nachos being sold at the concession stands. Screaming parents and students. The high school marching band. Aaahhh…the thrill and excitement was palpable! Even though I was one of the cheerleaders for our team (Go Vikings!) I didn’t know much about football then – I don’t know much about it now either. (Don’t judge me! I had plenty of spirit! Haha)

I did notice one thing, and it stuck with me. The referees received a lot of attention. Mostly negative. Mostly from angry teammates, students, and especially parents. I recall one incident where a dad fell OUT of the bleachers because he was yelling so hard in support for his son, who was playing on the field. He fell hard - about 7 or 8 feet. Jumped up and started yelling again. He didn’t miss a beat. Now that is devotion! I'm pretty sure he was in pain the next few days. (Notice I didn’t say he was so thoroughly engaged at shouting AT the referee that he fell out of the bleachers. I said he was yelling in support of his son. That was a nice and subtle spin, huh? Be careful with words. Words have power!)

In those days the ref made a lot of judgment calls. There was no instant replay. No looking at television footage. I suppose that’s what referees still do. They are, in essence, paid to pass judgment at sports events. Certain actions require a 3^rd person intervention. (Or do they?) I know I’m stretching a bit here, but I do have a connection. I don’t feel it is too much of a stretch to say that we who follow our Lord, the ‘true North’ Christians, are the referees of society who need to blow the whistle! We need to blow the whistle so that society – our family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers will know the message of the Cross. That the battle isn’t over! Our voices will not be silenced. God will always have His people stirred and doing the work for His kingdom! Is that not part of being “salt” and “light?” Let's be whistle blowers! In a Christ-honoring way.

 We definitely have a referee-filled society today, don’t we? Where someone wants to tell you THEIR opinions. Their thoughts. Make assumptions without seeking clarification. They’ll blow their whistle very loudly! Jack Welch said, "It will drown you out. Their whistles tell us what we should do and how to do it. We cannot step on someone’s toes for fear of permanent damage to the relationship." We live in a culture that does those kinds of things daily. It’s so easy to pass judgment! Oh, be careful, my friend!  I know from personal experience it can be HARD to look at the other person’s perspective, but it is necessary for a healthy conscience. When Christ Jesus said “Judge not that you be not judged” in Matthew, He was saying that we are not to condemn someone. He reserves that role in His omnipotent and final jurisdiction - for He is the final Judge. Alpha. Omega. Holy One. He alone judges eternal value for everyone and everything.

I think Dr. Graham said it well... "Most of society’s spoken attitude is that almost anything goes and is acceptable, so much so that almost everyone is afraid to call anyone’s hand on anything." (and he said that decades ago!) You’ve heard this phrase, right? Come as you are! “A church for people who don’t like church.”  My, my, my…how sad! Be cautious my friend! Don’t get trapped into religiosity and “good works.” (You understand that the Christian needs to “blow their whistle” in the right way, and with the right heart) But we as Christians, as the body of Believers, are supposed to be the “one true North.”  Among other characteristics, we are supposed to be the truth tellers and moral compasses to the unbelieving and skeptical world. A compass is reliable. It points the way home. It tells you where you are and what direction to take, in a manner of speaking! We are to be great, reliable compasses! Faithful whistle-blowers! We don't just represent our favorite team. A much beloved athlete. We represent the King of Kings! The LORD of Lords!

Questions: What direction is your compass? Are you pointing others in the right direction even at awkward times? Are you leading others toward your heavenly home?

Look UP my friends!

When He Knocks

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and make our abode with him -- John 14:23

Our dog barks like a maniac when the doorbell rings or when someone knocks on our door. She is a wonderful watch dog, as most German Shepherds are. I recognize her various communicational barks – she has a playful bark, a hungry for treats bark, a stranger alert bark, and so forth.  She automatically barks and growls every single time there is a knock at the door. She’s never slept through a knock on the door. She’s never acted lackadaisical in her response either. Our poor UPS man has trepidations to come onto our front porch, and I can’t say that I blame him. Her response is intuitive. It is automatic. She responds accordingly – she’s like clockwork.

What about us? What about you? Do we automatically, without hesitation, respond to God’s knock when He comes calling? Sometimes His instruction is soft and subtle. Sometimes He “knocks us on the head” and says, “Hello…Are you listening?” Or, on occasion, He might say, “Peace. Be Still.” But, my point is…God will speak to His children. We must listen and respond accordingly!

One time I came across the same person three different times in the same week. Different times of day. Different locations. All unexpected occurrences.  I hadn’t seen her for about a year. And then suddenly we kept crossing paths. There is a bit of an awkward job history involved, so I wasn’t sure what to do on the THIRD time. I knew God was exposing me to this situation for a reason, but it was unknown to me.  

I didn’t know what to say. I just opened up with, “I know this may be a bit awkward, but since we keep bumping into each other this week, I felt like I needed to say hello.” She was cordial. At first, a bit standoff-ish.  Sadly, she started crying almost immediately. In spite of our professional differences, she asked me to pray for her son who was extremely ill at the time. She told me the story of her illness and her inability to share her burdens and worries at work, so she was appreciative for someone to talk to. At the end, I asked her if she would mind if we prayed together. She skittishly agreed. So right there beside the laundry detergent and fabric softeners, in the middle of a big box store, we clasped hands, and I lead us in prayer. I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that I almost couldn’t hear myself, because her sobs and tears were so loud. (I wasn’t embarrassed though. We can pray anywhere. At any time!) She truly needed the outlet! She needed to know God cares! She needed a good cry. (I know it wasn’t the power within ME whatsoever. It was the power of GOD speaking to her heart).

I don’t know what happened to her son. I haven’t bumped into her since that particular week, well over a year ago. But I know God was knocking at her heart’s door. He was knocking on mine too.

Don’t miss the sound of His voice! Take note of His subtleties! If He knocks, OPEN the door.

Look UP my friends!

A Virtuous Laugh!

It is good, probably great, to laugh a little every day! Especially during hard days or a difficult situation when we least feel like it. I believe the people at our church know that it is okay to smile and laugh on occasion! I hope your church family does too.  (Life Moment: It’s a blessing to be around someone with a happy spirit – a joyful countenance).  I hope your church family appreciates a virtuous laugh too. {Mindful that we’re not laughing AT someone, but with someone. I’m not referring to poking fun at Bible theology or mockery of any kind.} The Scriptures (Proverbs 17) teaches us that “a merry heart doeth good like a medicine!”

 A good sense of humor is a lovely quality for someone to share! A smile and a chuckle can brighten someone’s day. Let’s be contagious with our ‘heavenly glow!’

One of the church duties that God allows me to do is writing and printing our church bulletin. I love doing it. I always feel a sense of accomplishment and have a happy heart when I see the crisply folded papers, neatly stacked for members and guest to pick up on their way into the sanctuary. I know it sounds silly, but I take additional time to do “pronounced 90-degree angle folding” of the bulletin, because it’s God’s work. No sloppy stuff for God’s house! He deserves the best! Even tiny details like good ink, neat copies, and orderly filing.

So with that said, I found some very funny church bulletin bloopers. (And let me say I will certainly do more thorough proof-reading when I’m done in future bulletins!) I hope you’ll find a chuckle with what I found during my online research below…

Church Bulletin Bloopers

Bertha Belch, a missionary from Africa, will be speaking tonight at Calvary Methodist. Come hear Bertha Belch all the way from Africa.

 

On a church bulletin during the minister’s illness: GOD IS GOOD; Dr. Hargreaves is better.

 

Applications are now being accepted for 2 year-old nursery workers.

 

The pastor will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing, “Break Forth Into Joy.”

 

If you would like to make a donation, fill out a form, enclose a check, and drip in the collection basket.

 

Next Sunday Mrs. Vinson will be soloist for the morning service. The pastor will then speak on “It’s a Terrible Experience.”

 

Don’t miss this Saturday’s exhibit by Christian Martian Arts.

 

We are grateful for the help of those who cleaned up the grounds around the church building and the rector.

 

A worm welcome to all who have come today.

During the absence of our pastor, we enjoyed the rare privilege of hearing a good sermon when J.F. Stubbs supplied our pulpit.

 

Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.

 

The ushers will come forward and take our ties and offerings.

 

The rosebud on the altar this morning is to announce the birth of David Alan Belzer, the sin of Reverend and Mrs. Julius Belzer.

 

The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare’s Hamlet in the church basement on Friday at 7 p.m. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.

 

Don’t let worry kill you off – let the church help.

Enjoy and share these “bloopers” with someone who could use a healthy laugh!

Look UP my friends!

 

Why Do We Need to Pray?

It could be easily said that I’m not always the ‘brightest tool in the shed,’ but when God nudges me in subtle ways, I try and need to pay attention. (When He speaks to you, take note my friend! Listen up!)

My thoughts over the last two days have been about prayer – and the purpose in the prayer of the Christian. This week I’ve been asked the same question by two different people, in two very different situations. The question…”IF GOD ALREADY KNOWS ABOUT IT, WHY DO WE NEED TO PRAY ABOUT IT?”

That’s a great question. I’d first like to start off by asking (a time of self-reflection) as children of God, why do we wait until right before we go to bed to pray to God? To connect with Him? If you’re like me, you’ll often be in the middle of prayer time and you’ll fall asleep, or your mind will drift off to other matters. Not good! My point -- Let’s not wait to pray. Speak now!

I know it sounds impossible to the non-Believer, but our lives are more joyful and peaceful when we keep the connection going all through the day and night! It is what the Apostle Paul teaches us in I Thessalonians, chapter 5. The Scripture tells us to “pray without ceasing.”

Secondly, as one pastor said, "It is important to really understand that prayer is NOT an instrument or technique for getting what we want. It is not a tool to be used for selfish gain or desires through a Holy and righteous God."  Prayer is communication. It is conversation with our Heavenly Father on a daily basis – hopefully multiple times per day. You’re right. He already knows the desires of our heart. He knows our dreams and our hurts. But prayer offers an opportunity to enter into His presence. It is an opportunity to simply converse with our Heavenly Father!

When we pray we’re opening our hearts and our minds to God. Allow me to re-state, we enter into HIS presence when we humbly bow and invest in this conversation of praise and thankfulness.

And finally, I think it Max Lucado who said, "When we pray it is an opportunity to set aside our ego and any self-centeredness." (It’s not unusual to think our problems are big problems; maybe the biggest on the planet at given times!)  "It is important to focus our thoughts and hearts on what we should desire.  God meets our needs. He promises this. Needs and wants are totally different." Yet, He wants us to express what we are feeling and to express our dependency upon Him.

So, pray when you don’t need anything. Pray to say, “Thank you, Father!”  Pray if you do have a need. (God SHALL supply all our needs according to His riches in glory! Philippians 4:19) Pray if you’re sad or downhearted about a situation. Pray if you’re happy and excited about a circumstance. Pray if you’re concerned and grieved over something. Just pray! Talk with HIM. It’s never a wasted effort. God knows you better than YOU know you.

By the way, He loves the sound of your voice. Amazing, huh?

Look UP my friends!

A Simple Prayer ~~ Heavenly Father, Thank you for hearing me; for listening to my thoughts and my heart. Thank you for sending your only Son to die for me. I know Your ways are not my ways. Your thoughts are higher than mine. I just want to thank you for knowing the sound of my voice. Help me to hear Yours every day. I desire to commune with You throughout the day and night. Thank you for supplying ALL my needs. In the precious name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

9 Life Changing Short Stories

 

I very rarely post work written by other people, but I could not help but share the following short stories shared on the Make Me Think online community. There are many more postings, all noteworthy and relatable, but these in-particular captured what I wanted to share today, about "today." The essence of time. How important and elusive it can be. But God has given us NOW, today!      T-O-D-A-Y. Take a moment...really enjoy and absorb the 9 short stories below.

Today, after a 72 hour shift at the fire station, a woman ran up to me at the grocery store and gave me a hug.  When I tensed up, she realized I didn’t recognize her.  She let go with tears of joy in her eyes and the most sincere smile and said, “On 9-11-2001, you carried me out of the World Trade Center.” 

Today, my mom is a healthy 54 year old who successfully owns and operates a popular bakery downtown – a goal she had all her life.  15 years ago she was diagnosed with cancer.  In the face of death, she quit her store clerk job, opened the bakery, started chemo therapy, and succeeded on all fronts. 

Today, after I watched my dog get run over by a car, I sat on the side of the road holding him and crying.  And just before he died, he licked the tears off my face. 

Today, as a young ‘up and coming’ lawyer, everyone in the firm was congratulating me for winning my first big case this morning.  And all day long all I could think about is how I used a technicality in the law to help a murderer walk away a free man. 

Today, on our 50th wedding anniversary, she smiled at me and said, “I only wish I had met you sooner.” 

Today, after 2 years of separation, my ex-wife and I resolved our differences and met for dinner.  We laughed and chatted for almost 4 hours.  Then just before she left, she handed me a large envelope.  In it were 20 love letters she wrote me over the last 2 years.  There was a post-it note on the envelope that said, “Letters I was too stubborn to send.” 

Today, when I slipped on the wet tile floor a boy in a wheelchair caught me before I slammed my head on the ground.  He said, “Believe it or not, that’s almost exactly how I injured my back 3 years ago.” 

Today, someone else’s tragedy provided the miracle my family had prayed for.  Thanks to this stranger, my dad will have a heart.  It’s so odd to think that an accidental death just saved his life. 

Today, I was the maid of honor in her wedding.  Four years ago she was declared cancer free.  Eight years ago, during our senior year of college, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and told she had eighteen months to live. 

Wow! Today is VERY important, isn’t it? I hope I've given you something deeper to think about.  How precious today is! What a gift we’ve been given – this gift of time. Time is so important – the Apostle Paul taught us not to make GOOD use of time, but to make the BEST use of our time. James reminded us that our life is little more than a vapor. Simply stated, life is short!

I’ll say it again…Be careful who and what you invest your time in. You only have ONE today. Redeem the time!

Look UP my friends!