Sending GraceSending GraceWe live in a world that is not very gracious. You can be the factor that makes or breaks someone's day. If you would like to experience joy in life by being an encourager, this blog will help you. Articles
Teamwork
2008-05-08 11:22:00 Success in life's endeavors usually involves some dependence on others. Those who try to go it alone soon discover that they don't have all the answers and that the way becomes quite lonely. When God created Adam it wasn't very long before He also created Eve so that they could work together and provide each other with companionship.In our spiritual life we also need others. Just as in athletic competition there is a need for a coach and the fellow team members, so it is true in the race we run as Christians. In Hebrews 12:7 we read, "If you endure chastening, God deals with you as sons..." Any father will admonish and discipline his son in order to motivate him toward success. The same is true with God, our Father. As a matter of fact the scripture goes on to say that if God does not chasten us that we are "illegitimate and not sons." God is like a coach. He leads, motivates, and corrects us so that we can compete in such a way as to secure victory.Team members are also invaluab... More About: Teamwork
Keep Your Batteries Charged
2008-05-07 11:42:00 Life tosses a myriad of challenges, disappointments and energy draining situations at us almost daily. Many become depressed and frustrated. Just keeping above water often seems to be an accomplishment. Various diversions including vacation time becomes necessary in order to stay fresh and up to the daily routine.The believer's challenges are not only similar but also intensified as the enemy Satan does all he can do discourage us and drain all our spiritual energy. If our spirit is the engine that drives our activity, our mind is the battery that keeps the spirit charged up. Scripture admonishes us to "not be weary in well doing." In our Olympic race we are given the key to a fully charged mind. Hebrews 12:2-4 tells us that the example of Jesus is that key. We are to be reminded that He "for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross..., has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."While the life events that faced Jesus were not pleasant, He was able to face them be... More About: Batteries
The Christian's Olympic Game
2008-05-06 11:47:00 The carrying of the Olympic torch has been much in the news lately. In a little over three months the games will begin. For a much longer period of time preparations have been underway by the athletes who will compete. For a long time each one of the participants has kept the Olympic goal in mind as they poured forth every effort to be ready. For each of them the Olympic motto "One World One Dream" has probably translated in their minds as the greatest dream in their world is to have victory at the games.As Christians we are participants in a world Olympic game as well. Our "One World One Dream" is to make an impact for Christ during our lifetime that will have an eternal result. In Hebrews 12:1-2 we are given the basic rules of the game. "...lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith..." The basic rules of the Christian's life are the same as ... More About: Game
A Popeye Mentality
2008-05-05 11:40:00 Years ago one of the early animated features was Popeye the sailor man. I always enjoyed watching Popeye rescue his girlfriend Olive Oil. In so doing he had to defeat Brutus his archenemy. The key to all of Popeye's success was the power he gained from eating spinach. Whenever his strength grew weak he would down a can of spinach and immediately be propelled to victory. He would always say, "I am what I am and that's what I am. I'm Popeye the sailor man."The other day I read in I Corinthians 15:10, "By the grace of God I am what I am." It was the phrase "I am what I am" that reminded me of the Popeye character. While Popeye was nothing more than a fictional character, I saw some parallels. We are in a constant battle with God's archenemy Satan. He constantly tries to conquer us at times of weakness. He puts forth every effort to keep us from ministering to the needs of others whom he has captured. When we oppose him in our own strength we will always fail. But we have a resource...
The Fear of Change
2008-05-02 11:49:00 Today marks my last day on the job as a teacher. Due to low enrollment our Christian school may not even open in the fall. Monday is my first day of training for a brand new job. Most of us are creatures of habit. We don't look forward to changes. They challenge our sense of security. I have never been one who liked changes. I came across a saying by Irene Peter who said, "Just because everything is different doesn't mean anything has changed." There are two elements of truth to that statement that encourage me as I face change.First, human nature and behavior is much the same no matter where we might go. Whether I face students at school or adults in another workplace the same relational aspects exist. In both cases there is a desire for acceptance and recognition. In both cases there are those who do as little as possible and yet expect much in return. I know that the secret to success is to remember the biblical advice of Luke 6:31, "Do unto others as you would have them do to ... More About: Change , Fear
You Can Depend On It
2008-05-01 12:23:00 "I'll get that done right away." "The check is in the mail." "Consider it done." These are all statements people have made to us expressing assurance that we need not be concerned about the issue at hand. Often, however, there is cause for our concern.On one occasion I made a purchase and later learned that by following a certain procedure I could save over $200 on that purchase. I returned to the store and submitted the required paperwork for the savings and the secretary promised to have the bookkeeper call to confirm the transaction the next day. Two days went by with no call. I called the store again and was promised that one of the four office workers would call right back. There was no call. Finally, at the end of the day I called once more and spoke with the person who "had my paperwork in hand" and was processing the request. He said he would call back as soon as he finished. He didn't. At least the savings was finally approved some time later.Experiences like that tend to...
What's In a Name?
2008-04-30 11:24:00 There's probably nothing people like to hear more than the mention of their own name. But just what is in a name? The other day one of my students came from his history class. They had been studying Presidents and their famous sayings. The history teacher had assigned each student to come up with his own saying. This student's saying was "The name your given isn't as important as the name your livin'" He wondered if he would be famous for his saying.As I thought about this student's saying, the biblical character Saul came to mind. After he met Jesus on the road to Damascus in Acts 9 he received a new name. In Acts 13:9 we read, "Then Saul, who also is called Paul..." It was a Roman name that means "humble." Paul was not only given a new name but he lived the name he was given. It was Paul who in Philippians 4:11 said, "I have learned in whatever state I am to be content." His life was one of humble service to the Lord.I also thought about a new name each of us was given when w...
Follow the Signs
2008-04-29 11:32:00 Many of today's drivers are an accident looking for a place to happen. As I drive around town I notice drivers talking on the cell phone, trying to eat their lunch and tending to their children. As a result they roll through stop signs, run red lights and turn at intersections where no turn is permitted. As a result they endanger their own lives and the lives of innocent people around them.The spiritual highway is very similar. We can get so involved in distractions that we miss the signs God has for us. He tells us as Christians that we are to STOP certain things. He admonishes us to YIELD to Him in our daily decisions. We are commanded to GO to others and share our faith and encouragement. The directions are for our protection and spiritual success.Today we can experience God's direction and have peace or ignore it and face confusion and disaster. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledg... More About: Signs
How to be a Millionaire
2008-04-28 11:50:00 One fascinating dream that most people have from time to time is that of becoming a millionaire. At one time there was a TV show called The Millionaire . In each episode a multimillionaire Michael Anthony gave some unsuspecting person a million dollar check. The story line explored the affects of such a large sum of money on the person who received it. Most of the time the outcome was not the best. Perhaps that's why God hasn't allowed most of us to be millionaires.However, I read an article once in a Sunday School take home paper that suggested becoming a millionaire was really quite easy. Simply save a dollar a day for a million days. Of course, if you do the math that is about 2,740 years! On a more serious note the article suggested four steps that would be necessary to become a millionaire. While most of us still will not see that happen we can apply the same steps to becoming whatever God sets before us as our goal. The steps are DECIDE, DEDICATE, DETERMINE, and DISCRIMINATE....
All Things New
2008-04-25 12:04:00 We are in one of the most exciting times of the year. The spring rains have done their job and blossoms are bursting open everywhere. Our dogwood tree is displaying its white flowers with their cross-shaped markings. Our lilac bush has produced is wonderfully scented flowers. My wife has a bouquet of them on the kitchen counter. The tulips have spilled color all around us. And, our six foot azalea bush is about to explode with thousands of bright pink blossoms. All of that new activity in the physical world breathes excitement and a positive feeling into the atmosphere.As I think about all that is new with the coming of spring, the new things that accompany spiritual rebirth come to mind as well. In Hebrews 10:19-25 we read of those new things. The writer speaks of the new confidence we have giving "boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus." What a privilege it is to be able to speak in prayer directly to Him. Then we read that this Jesus is our new commander, our High Pr... More About: Things
The True You
2008-04-24 11:35:00 I have always enjoyed science fiction. I read Tom Swift books as a boy and watched just about every Star Trek episode on TV. One of my favorite Star Trek shows featured the shape shifters. They were a species that could change themselves from one thing to another at will. I always thought how neat that ability would be.We actually do have that ability. According to Walter Anderson in his Confidence Course "You and I are not what we eat; we are what we think." More important than his opinion is the teaching of scripture. There we read "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he!" and "According to your faith, so be it unto thee." Obviously it is extremely important for our thinking to be right so that we can be right.The path to right thinking begins with a heart change. Scripture tells us that the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked. By our nature we don't think right. So our nature must be changed. We must become a new creation in Christ Jesus. Then we are told are told to let... More About: True
Cell Phone Syndrome
2008-04-23 11:38:00 There is an obvious malady that has taken over the world. I call it "cell phone syndrome." Everywhere you look people are on their cell phones. On breaks at work, in the car coming and going, at the table in the restaurant and even jogging down the street it seems that everyone is talking, talking, talking. What is the driving force behind all this need to talk? Are our lives so full of events and exciting developments that we are forced to be on the phone non-stop to share it all? I don't think that is the reason. I think the problem is the same one that causes people to constantly need to have the TV or radio going. We are a lonely people.A story is told of a young man traveling on a bus to rural Georgia. A fellow traveler asked him about his trip. The young man said, "I am on the way to the countryside because I am lonely." When asked where he was from he replied, "New York City." Amidst all the millions of the city this young man was still lonely. We are much like him. We know ... More About: Phone , Cell Phone , Cell , Syndrome , Cell-phone
Fitness for Life
2008-04-22 11:26:00 Great emphasis is being placed on fitness these days. The value of life dictates that we exercise regularly, control our diets, avoid harmful chemicals, eat organic and sleep properly. Quite frequently discussions arise in the news about living to be 100 years old or older. We all feel better physically and emotionally when everything is in order to maintain fitness.According to I Timothy 4:8 "bodily exercise profits little: but godliness is profitable to all things." We need to put equal if not greater emphasis on spiritual fitness. In Acts 18:24-28 we come across a believer who appears to be very spiritually fit. Verse 28 states that "he vigorously showed from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ." In the preceding verses we note three qualities that contributed to his spiritual fitness. First he was declared to be a man who was "mighty in Scriptures" having been "instructed in the way of the Lord." Apollos knew God's Word and it made him fit to defend his faith. As a result w... More About: Life , Fitness
Life in the Fault Zone
2008-04-21 11:10:00 Last Friday brought folks in our region face to face with the biblical truth found in James 4:13-14 which says, "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit'; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." The instrument of that confrontation was an earthquake.While the quake that occurred about 40 miles from us wasn't one of the California variety, it was enough to get our attention. At 5.4 on the Richter scale with tremblors lasting 45 seconds the event literally shook many of us out of bed. My first thoughts were that something was terribly wrong with the furnace. Visions of an exploding house passed through my mind. It didn't take long to realize that it was an earthquake but in that brief time I was reminded of just how uncertain life is.The stuff we hang on to in our lives could easily be... More About: Life , Fault , Zone
Bury the Hatchet
2008-04-18 11:44:00 In life there are always disagreements and conflicts. In haste we say or do things that we wish we could undo later. Sometimes when we resolve the conflict or at least agree to set it aside we say, "Let's bury the hatchet. Let's just forget about this confrontation." However, many times we don't really mean what we say and we leave the hatchet handle sticking out so that we can easily retrieve it later.Thankfully, God doesn't work that way. When God says that he forgets our sins we can rest assured that He will never bring them up again and He will not hold them against us. Our enemy may bring them to mind in order to hold us in a prison of guilt, but as far as God is concerned the hatchet, handle and all, has been buried.We would do well to pattern our forgiveness of others after God's forgiveness of us. As Matthew 5:7 says, "Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy." While we can't erase something totally from our memory, we can choose to set it aside. I can reme...
Dealing With Detours
2008-04-17 11:27:00 Sometimes it seems impossible to get from one point to another. Perhaps the streets don't run continuously through and suddenly you must detour to get to another section of the same street. Often a river or railroad track separate parts of the city so that you must go way out of your way to get to your destination. In desperation you might declare that you can't get there from here.In life we may feel the same way. We have a desire to please God and bring grace to others but it seems as if there are numerous "road blocks" in our path. We want to know God's will but it seems to be hidden from us. In Romans 12:1,2 God gives us a guideline for knowing his will that also may be applied to bring direction for many situations in life. Basically, the instruction is to give yourself to God, refuse to be distracted by the world, and to think God's way. The promise is that we will then be able to prove (discover) the will of God.If there is a situation in life that you cannot seem to reso...
Walk in My Shoes
2008-04-16 11:32:00 When I go shopping I like to go in the store, pick up the item I want and get out quickly. I guess that's a man thing. There are some times when that technique just doesn't work. When buying shoes or clothes there is a time-consuming process of trying things on to make sure they fit. Failing to go through the process results in the extra bother of having to return and exchange items.Sometimes we want relationships to work the same way. We think that unless a person instantly matches our expectations something is wrong with them. Often the problem is that we simply haven't been in their shoes. We haven't experienced their circumstances. A story is told of a King of a country who wanted to identify with his people. So he dressed up in old clothes and spent time down in the coal mines where many of them worked. As a pastor I sometimes could not understand why people would not come to some of the church services. Then I worked in the secular world and discovered what they were exper... More About: Shoes , Walk
What Are You Worth?
2008-04-15 11:21:00 There are various expressions for the value of a person. I've heard people describe others as "not worth a plugged nickel." On the other hand, some have been described as "worth their weight in gold." Science tells us that the elements of our body are worth about $4.50. Actually, our value depends on how much we value others beginning with God himself.Jesus told his disciples that the first would be last and the last would be first. He was speaking about being poor in spirit. That doesn't mean that we are poor spirited or poor in estate but rather that we are humble. The Bible also tells us in Romans 12:3 to "not consider ourselves more highly than we ought" and in Romans 12:10 to "in honor prefer one another." One sales marketer stated that when we value others we become valuable to them. I believe this applies to all our relationships.When we put others first then our own sense of usefulness and value increases. When we put God first He is able to use us and bring value to our e... More About: Worth
Preparation for Giant Slaying
2008-04-14 11:29:00 We all encounter giants in our lives. They are not the fictitious monsters of our imagination. They are the obstacles that seem unconquerable. They may be financial, physical or emotional in nature. They stand before us as and intimidate us into submission. They are similar to the giant that David faced in I Samuel 17:1-50. We cannot defeat these giants unless we have the same preparation that David had.Actually, David passed six tests that led to his victory. We must do the same. In the test of dependence David learned to lean on the Lord. He experienced this training as a shepherd out alone except for God caring for the sheep. Then having been kept at home from war, David's father required his obedience as he was sent out with food in service to his brothers. When David sized up the situation and offered to face the giant he was bombarded with human reasoning that questioned his ability to face the enemy and ridicule at his boldness and faith. Finally, David passed the test of hu... More About: Giant , Preparation
An Inexaustable Resource
2008-04-11 11:35:00 When something great happens in our life we usually want to tell others all about it. We buy a new car and we can't wait to show it to our friends. We get a great new job and we are excited to tell others. We or one of our family members reaches a new milestone in life and we want to announce it to all. However, none of these shared experiences become the experience of the person with whom we are sharing. And eventually when we have shared them with everyone we can think of they become old news and we don't even bother to talk about them anymore.There is something that never runs out no matter how often we share it with others. That is joy. What is joy? Some children were asked that question with interesting results. One child responded that joy is what Mom uses to do the dishes. Another said that Joy is his brother's girlfriend. But real joy is the result of an ongoing relationship. Other kinds of joy may be caused by temporary successes, events and circumstances, but they have ... More About: Resource
Watching Your P's & Q's
2008-04-10 11:28:00 We have all heard or used the expression "Watch your p's & q's." It comes from an old printer's axiom. Back in the early days of printing presses, each line of text had to be set up one letter at a time. Since the letters in the press were reversed (so they'd print forward), the print-maker (or typographer) needed to be careful not to confuse one letter for the other. Reminding someone to "watch his p's and q's" means to pay attention to the details.Paul could have used that expression in Ephesians 5:3-17. In the Christian walk it is easy to wander from the path God has laid out before us. Our enemy is constantly providing side paths to attract our attention. We must really focus to stay within God's will. Paul suggests three areas that need our attention. First he admonishes us to maintain purity in expression by avoiding the unclean and unfitting practices that so strongly draw us. Then we are counseled to practice propriety in our relationships, making sure we don't b... More About: Watching
Becoming Richer
2008-04-09 11:11:00 "Without love, what are we worth? Eighty-nine cents! Eighty-nine cents worth of chemicals walking around lonely." So said Hawkeye (Laurence Marks) on M*A*S*H. No one enjoys being a pauper. We struggle for a better job so we can have a better income. We think we need the better income in order to have better 'stuff'. However, we usually discover that our lives still are not richer as a result. True riches are not found in the things we have but in the kind of person we are.In Ephesians 5:1-2 we are enjoined to be "imitators of God" and to "walk in love." Later in the chapter we find that men are to love their wives as Christ loved the church. In what way did Christ love the church? He invested himself in it. We always have greater affection for something in which we have an investment. Our investment in others needs to be patterned after Christ's investment in us. In our text we find that Christ "has loved us and given himself for us." In Hebrews 12:2 the Bible says that Jesus "... More About: Richer
A Wilfull Walk
2008-04-08 11:16:00 Most good things don't come easily. We must be single-minded to realize the life-walk that God has designed for us. Being single-minded means to focus entirely on the goal. Each spring at home on the farm I had the job of helping to plow the fields in preparation for planting. My dad always told me to look straight ahead at something on the other end of the field rather than looking behind the tractor to see how straight my furrow was. Of course I had to try it both ways. Whenever I looked back and tried to plow a straight furrow it ended up really crooked. However, when I locked my sight on a post or tree at the other end of the field the furrow turned out straight and formed the guide for plowing the rest of the field.In our spiritual lives we need to discipline our will to focus on God's ways. In Ephesians 4:17-32 we are encouraged to incorporate several guiding principles. First in verse 23 we are challenged to "be renewed in the spirit of our mind." A right attitude or spirit... More About: Walk
A Worthy Walk
2008-04-07 11:42:00 A sure sign of spring are the various fundraiser 'walks' that take place in our community. Some are in support of cures for cancer or other diseases. Others are to assist efforts in providing youth activities. Each gives people of the community an opportunity to share in meeting needs. Each is for a worthy cause.In Ephesians 4:1-3 a 'worthy walk' is described for the cause of of Christ. It is a walk that is to be in line with the call of God to the Christian life. Paul gives three aspects of the Christian walk that must be visible if we are walking in a worthy fashion. First, we are to walk "with all lowliness and gentleness,..." In one word we are to be humble. Humility always considers the needs of others and motivates us to meet those needs. Then we are to walk "with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,..." Patience is the key word here. Often we are so consumed with our own goals that we run roughly over the needs of others. The worthy walk is not a hurried one, ... More About: Worthy , Walk
The Nose Knows
2008-04-04 11:17:00 No, this is not an article about how your nose functions. However, smell does play an important role in our lives. There are even products on the market that are part of an aromatherapy concept. Last night my wife's foot was aching and she massaged it with some peppermint foot rub. She commented on how good it felt. Now I don't believe that foot rub has any medicinal qualities but the strong peppermint aroma and the massaging action combined to give a pleasant feeling.We are told in scripture that "we are the aroma of Christ" (II Corinthians 2:15). Our presence around others should result in their attraction to us and to God. Unfortunately, we sometimes repel people just as if we had body odor. I have a really good rapport with one of my junior high students. The other day he came up to me smiling and said, "I'll smell you later." You have to understand the junior high mind to appreciate that statement. I knew it came from someone who liked me and enjoyed being around me. I had b... More About: Nose
Wisdom From Above
2008-04-03 11:13:00 Advice is offered today from everyone. Books are written to provide "how to" information. TV promotions regarding every area of life are beamed into our living rooms. Our friends freely share the plan of action they think we should take on whatever issue is before us. Likewise, people turn to us for advice as they face different circumstances. How can we sort out all that is presented and how can we make sure we give the right advice to others?In Acts 6:1-6 the church was in distress. There was murmuring about how people's needs were being met. They needed helpers who would be wise in their actions. So they chose a number of men to serve. Their qualifications give us some insight into what needs to be true of both the source of advice we receive and our own life as we try to assist others. These chosen men were to be "of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom." One of the chosen men was Steven who was described as a "man full of faith and the Holy Spirit." Later in Act... More About: Wisdom
A Picture of Vitality
2008-04-02 11:18:00 Everyone has an idea of what real life is. For some it may be monetary prosperity. For other a secure job is what counts. Many view the good life as days filled with merriment and activity. However, all of these things are transient. We can loose them as fast as we gain them. Even in the absence of all those things the Christian can claim real life.In Acts 2:40-46 God give a picture of a healthy church. The same principles that make a church healthy are true of the individuals who make up the church. This real life begins with a proper foundation. The scripture indicates that the foundation consisted of "gladly receiving his word" and "continuing steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine." God's truth is our mooring when tough times come. If it is in place in our lives the Holy Spirit can use it to give us stability no matter what may come. Next we read that regarding the focus of the church that "fear came upon every soul." This is not a cowering fear of things that might happen but ... More About: Picture
Promises, Promises
2008-04-01 11:04:00 We all make and receive promises. Jim Rohn has said, "For every promise, there is price to pay." Perhaps that is the reason so many of them are broken. We should consider the price to be paid before we make the promise. In the case of God's promises to us the price was considered and paid before they were made. The price for all of the promises of God was the sacrifice of his Son on the cross.One of the great promises of God that resulted from the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus is found in Acts 1:8, "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you." Jesus had risen, walked with the disciples and then promised that upon his ascension God would send the Spirit to be our Comforter and Guide. We need not fear that God's promise will fail. However there are some things we are expected to do in order to benefit from the promise. First, we must do like the disciples had to do. We must wait. It is difficult to wait but to be Spirit-powered we must hold back from ou... More About: Promises
All Love Is Not Equal
2008-03-31 10:50:00 In our day the concept of love has lost most of its significance. We use the word in such mundane ways. We might say, "I love chocolate" or "I love that TV show" and not really include any commitment at all. William Shakespeare said, "Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds." When our love is so easily transferred from one object to another and diluted by whatever circumstances may come up it is not really love.Following the breakfast served by Jesus in John 21:9-13 a conversation ensued between Peter and Jesus about love. Peter must have been surprised that Jesus would question his love, but three times Jesus asked him, "Do you love Me?" Three times Peter answered, "Lord, you know that I love You." The problem lies in the form of the word love used by Peter compared with the form used by Jesus. The first two times Jesus spoke of a self-sacrificing love (agape in Greek). Each time Peter affirmed a friendship love (phileo in Greek). Peter was stunned when the third ti... More About: Equal
Fishing Lessons
More articles from this author:2008-03-28 11:47:00 I have never been much of an outdoors person. Having never gone fishing in my life, I was still assigned to be the fishing instructor at a children's camp one summer. I had to depend on a book on fish with pictures to be able to identify the fish that the kids caught. Later as a young adult I only remember one occasion when I went fishing. My brother-in-law and I left early in the morning and dragged our boat from the roadside through a little creek into the lake. There we sat for hours and I caught nothing. At that point I guess I could identify with Peter and some of the disciples who had chosen to go fishing after Jesus' resurrection.According to John 21:3 "that night they caught nothing." How discouraged they must have been. And then, to add embarrassment to their failure as fisherman Jesus came along and said, "Children, have you any food?" How often we experience the same feelings when Jesus questions us about our efforts. The problem is that we fail to realize that we need ... More About: Fishing , Lessons 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
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