"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3
It happens every day. Maybe it's happening right now in your once-happy home: unrealistic expectations, infidelity and broken promises destorying the dream of life-long love and trust. Thankfully, God is the Healer of broken relationships and violated trust. When someone you love is hurting:
(1) Give it time. Healing is a process, not an event. Wounds of the heart heal slowly. Maybe you're thinking, "But I've apologized over and over. How long will it take them to let it go and start trusting me again?" It takes as long as it takes! Demanding the other person to heal on your schedule only delays the process. "But if they really forgave me they wouldn't keep bringing it up." Not so. When your loved one can bring it up without your getting upset, healing will happen faster. (2) Don't expect things to be normal for now. They won't be-and that's normal! Ever notice how you automatically protect an injured limb against knocks and bumps? It's a natural, instinctive reaction. The fact is, the one who caused the pain may be ready for business as usual, but for the wounded, "normal" feels way too vulnerable right now. By lowering your expectations and giving them space, you'll hasten and promote the healing process. (3) Remember, people heal at different rates. God said, "There is a time...to weep...a time to laugh...a time to embrace and a time to refrain" (Ecc 3:4-5). Be sensitive. Let God teach you patience and growth as you give your loved one time to heal.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Cheerful giving or fearful giving?
"God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7
The bible says, "Whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work...You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion" (2Co 9:6-11).
Are you a cheerful giver or a fearful giver? It's not that we're greedy or opposed to supporting God's work, we're just concerned that if we don't look out for our own interests, they might not get looked out for at all. But such fear is irrational! It's like a farmer, who, out of fear of losing his seed, refuses to plant his fields. Don't hoard the seed God intends to be sown, for the harvest He wants you to have. God's promise to you is, "If you sow generously." When you make giving to God your first priority, you don't have to fear. Jesus said "Put God's work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well" (Mt 6:33). When you strive to be a faithful conduit for His kingdom, God promises to "increase your store of seed." And it gets better: "You will be made rich in every way." When you partner with God, He rewards you abundantly for every good deed.
When you view your money from God's perspective, the thing to fear isn't giving away too much, but sowing too little!
The bible says, "Whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work...You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion" (2Co 9:6-11).
Are you a cheerful giver or a fearful giver? It's not that we're greedy or opposed to supporting God's work, we're just concerned that if we don't look out for our own interests, they might not get looked out for at all. But such fear is irrational! It's like a farmer, who, out of fear of losing his seed, refuses to plant his fields. Don't hoard the seed God intends to be sown, for the harvest He wants you to have. God's promise to you is, "If you sow generously." When you make giving to God your first priority, you don't have to fear. Jesus said "Put God's work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well" (Mt 6:33). When you strive to be a faithful conduit for His kingdom, God promises to "increase your store of seed." And it gets better: "You will be made rich in every way." When you partner with God, He rewards you abundantly for every good deed.
When you view your money from God's perspective, the thing to fear isn't giving away too much, but sowing too little!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Billy
"God chose things the world considers foolish." 1 Corinthians 1:27
Writing about his time as a counselor at a teen bible camp, Tony Campolo says, "Teenage boys have a tendency to pick on some unfortunate kid. that summer it was 13 year old Billy, a kid who couldn't walk or talk right. When the kids from his cabin were assigned to lead devotions, they voted Billy in as the speaker. It didn't seem to bother him. He dragged himself up to the pulpit amid sneers and snickers, and it took him a long time to stammer, 'Je-sus loves...me...and...I...love Je-sus.' There was stunned silence, and when I looked around there were boys with tears streaming down their cheeks. We'd done many things to try to reach these boys, but nothing had worked. We'd even brought in famous baseball players whose batting averages had gone up since they started praying, but it had no effect. It wasn't until a special needs kid declared his love for Christ that everything changed. I travel a lot and it's surprising how often I meet people who say, 'You probably don't remember me. I became a Christian at a camp where you were a counselor, and do you know what the turning point was for me? I never have to ask. I always know I'm going to hear-Billy!"
The Bible says, "God choose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise." So when you find yourself focusing on what you can't do, remember His 'power works best in your weakness" (2Co 12:9). Just do what you can, and God will do the rest! He'll crown your efforts with success.
Writing about his time as a counselor at a teen bible camp, Tony Campolo says, "Teenage boys have a tendency to pick on some unfortunate kid. that summer it was 13 year old Billy, a kid who couldn't walk or talk right. When the kids from his cabin were assigned to lead devotions, they voted Billy in as the speaker. It didn't seem to bother him. He dragged himself up to the pulpit amid sneers and snickers, and it took him a long time to stammer, 'Je-sus loves...me...and...I...love Je-sus.' There was stunned silence, and when I looked around there were boys with tears streaming down their cheeks. We'd done many things to try to reach these boys, but nothing had worked. We'd even brought in famous baseball players whose batting averages had gone up since they started praying, but it had no effect. It wasn't until a special needs kid declared his love for Christ that everything changed. I travel a lot and it's surprising how often I meet people who say, 'You probably don't remember me. I became a Christian at a camp where you were a counselor, and do you know what the turning point was for me? I never have to ask. I always know I'm going to hear-Billy!"
The Bible says, "God choose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise." So when you find yourself focusing on what you can't do, remember His 'power works best in your weakness" (2Co 12:9). Just do what you can, and God will do the rest! He'll crown your efforts with success.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
When there's no logical explanation!
"God rises across the skies to...help us." Deuteronomy 33:26
When Steve Anderson's mother in law developed cancer, his wife flew out to see her. Steve wanted to go too, but money was tight, so he prayed and his friend Joe offered to fly him in his two-seater Cessna airplane. Approaching their destination, they encountered thick fog, and after contacting the tower they learned that the airport was closed. The controller recommended they turn back, but fuel was low, so Steve prayed again. Finally a voice said, "Okay, we're readying the ground crew. Come in on emergency landing." Then as they descended the controller shouted, "Pull it up! Pull it up!" Through a break in the fog they saw that instead of approaching the airport they were over a busy highway and had a narrowly missed an overpass! The controller continued, "Listen to me and I'll get you down," and calmly issued instructions till they landed safely. Picking up the radio, Joe told the tower, "We'd never have made it without. Thanks, you saved our lives." The controller replied, "What're you talking about? We lost contact with you right after we told you to turn back. In fact, we were stunned when you broke through the clouds over the runway for a perfect landing!"
So, if the controller didn't guide them in, who did? There's no natural explanation, but on the supernatural level, "God...rides across the skies to...help us...he carries us in his arms!" The Psalmist wrote, "God will command his angels to protect you wherever you go" (Ps 91:11). Steve Anderson agrees, "I believe God sent an angel to bring us in safely." And He'll do the same for you!
When Steve Anderson's mother in law developed cancer, his wife flew out to see her. Steve wanted to go too, but money was tight, so he prayed and his friend Joe offered to fly him in his two-seater Cessna airplane. Approaching their destination, they encountered thick fog, and after contacting the tower they learned that the airport was closed. The controller recommended they turn back, but fuel was low, so Steve prayed again. Finally a voice said, "Okay, we're readying the ground crew. Come in on emergency landing." Then as they descended the controller shouted, "Pull it up! Pull it up!" Through a break in the fog they saw that instead of approaching the airport they were over a busy highway and had a narrowly missed an overpass! The controller continued, "Listen to me and I'll get you down," and calmly issued instructions till they landed safely. Picking up the radio, Joe told the tower, "We'd never have made it without. Thanks, you saved our lives." The controller replied, "What're you talking about? We lost contact with you right after we told you to turn back. In fact, we were stunned when you broke through the clouds over the runway for a perfect landing!"
So, if the controller didn't guide them in, who did? There's no natural explanation, but on the supernatural level, "God...rides across the skies to...help us...he carries us in his arms!" The Psalmist wrote, "God will command his angels to protect you wherever you go" (Ps 91:11). Steve Anderson agrees, "I believe God sent an angel to bring us in safely." And He'll do the same for you!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
God never gives up on you!
You have laid your hand upon me." Psalm 139:5
A London bus driver was assigned to shuttle passengers to special crusade services with Billy Graham at Wembly Stadium. When one of them invited him to listen he declined. The following year he moved to New York, and when Billy was speaking at Madison Square Garden the man's job again was shuttling people to the meetings. As he got off the bus a lady asked if he'd like to join them. Once more he politely declined. He married an Australian lady and eventually ended up working in Sydney, where surprisingly, he was again assigned to drive people to the stadium where Billy was preaching. This time when he was invited he figured there was no escape, so he gave in. Looking back he says, "No matter where I went I was confronted with Billy Graham, so I went to hear him and committed my life to Christ. It was the best decision I ever made."
The Psalmist said, "You hem me in...you have laid your hand upon me...where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there...in the depths, you are there...on the far side of the sea...your hand will...hold me fast" (Ps 139: 5-10). Isn't grace amazing? Peter said, "God is patient...he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost" (2Pe 3:9). God will follow you to the ends of the earth to give you another opportunity to surrender your life to Him. How many opportunities has He already given you? Isn't it time you stopped running and surrendered your life to Him?
A London bus driver was assigned to shuttle passengers to special crusade services with Billy Graham at Wembly Stadium. When one of them invited him to listen he declined. The following year he moved to New York, and when Billy was speaking at Madison Square Garden the man's job again was shuttling people to the meetings. As he got off the bus a lady asked if he'd like to join them. Once more he politely declined. He married an Australian lady and eventually ended up working in Sydney, where surprisingly, he was again assigned to drive people to the stadium where Billy was preaching. This time when he was invited he figured there was no escape, so he gave in. Looking back he says, "No matter where I went I was confronted with Billy Graham, so I went to hear him and committed my life to Christ. It was the best decision I ever made."
The Psalmist said, "You hem me in...you have laid your hand upon me...where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there...in the depths, you are there...on the far side of the sea...your hand will...hold me fast" (Ps 139: 5-10). Isn't grace amazing? Peter said, "God is patient...he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost" (2Pe 3:9). God will follow you to the ends of the earth to give you another opportunity to surrender your life to Him. How many opportunities has He already given you? Isn't it time you stopped running and surrendered your life to Him?
Monday, September 15, 2008
Letter of Invitation for Fall Bible Study
Dear Women of LifePointe,
I am humbled that God has sought me out to lead the next women’s Bible study this fall. When Jen Engstrom contacted me to begin to pray about coordinating the fall study, Satan quickly moved in to discourage me from doing so. He left nothing sacred…he used all his resources to convince me I was not the person for this job. I couldn’t possibly be the one who could lead the women. I had tried before and always fell short of any victory or goal, so why try.
So many times before I have had a passion for the women in the Body of Christ. For them to know and experience the real loving Savior I had come to know. To have Him pour His truths into them and for them to realize they are born beautiful princesses and have been given the attributes of God Himself; the gift of creation, love and passion for life…just to name a few. It seems my passion for Him has not always been revealed, because it is me who chose to drive the bus. My successes in revealing Christ to others have been just that, my success…not His. So I too have to learn to allow God to really drive the bus. To allow Him to show each of us His Life changing Word.
This being said, I prayed that God would stir the hearts of women to come into fellowship together. That we will spend time laughing, praying, praising, repenting and honoring God. Allowing Him to transform our very lives into the image of Christ. God has anointed us, all of us with all the power of Jesus Christ the day we asked Him into our lives. I pray we will draw upon that power and allow it to really transform us…to be changed by it.
All of the studies we offer to the women of LifePointe have a tremendous opportunity for spiritual growth and change. This study is no different. I pray and believe that God will ignite a passion within each of us to seek Him in all His glory. To really be hungry for His Word and to allow it to bear witness to others how it will and does transform you.
We have heard your requests for studies that need commitment, but with our busy schedules as women…that they would be shorter in length to participate in. We have prayed for God to direct us to one that He has chosen to fulfill this request. He has lead us to Anointed, Transformed & Redeemed: A Study of David, by Priscilla Shirer, Beth Moore & Kay Arthur. These three women are great leaders of women and God has gifted them with the tools to teach His beautiful Word.
It will take 7 weeks to complete this study. We will begin on Tuesday, October 7th at 7p.m. at the LifePointe facility. The study will be completed before the Thanksgiving Holidays. There is a weekly commitment of your time to complete the daily lessons in the workbooks that prepares you for the large/small group sessions each week. If you could hear my voice right now…the rewards from this study will be your “ROCKY MOMENTS!” (Some of you who know me from our running group will understand that phrase) You will be blessed beyond anything you have ever experienced.
The sign up lists will be on the table in the back of our auditorium each Sunday until our study begins in October. Our workbooks are $20 each. If there is someone who needs assistance with the book please let me know, we don’t want anyone to turn away from the study because of a financial burden. Childcare will be provided please contact Ashley Rush if you are interested in serving or you will need to utilize the childcare program during the study.
I am praying that God will do great things within the body of women in our church and our community. Get registered, invite a friend, mark the date on your calendar and let us know you are coming.
We will be holding an evening of prayer for our fall study. This is an important time to honor God for all He gives to us. If we are to see success during the 7 weeks of study, we must seek His will and direction for the leaders and women of the study. On September 16th at 7p.m. we will meet at the LifePointe building for an evening of prayer.
Tuesday, September 30th we will hold Leadership/Co-Leadership Training at 7p.m. We want to equip our leadership with all the tools that God gives us to be successful leaders of His Word.
So come – Get on the bus with me! Let’s allow our awesome Lord and Savior to drive the bus! He wants to lead us through His Word. God wants to transform our minds, hearts & bodies into Hope filled lives to His Glory. Get signed up!
Barb Welch
I am humbled that God has sought me out to lead the next women’s Bible study this fall. When Jen Engstrom contacted me to begin to pray about coordinating the fall study, Satan quickly moved in to discourage me from doing so. He left nothing sacred…he used all his resources to convince me I was not the person for this job. I couldn’t possibly be the one who could lead the women. I had tried before and always fell short of any victory or goal, so why try.
So many times before I have had a passion for the women in the Body of Christ. For them to know and experience the real loving Savior I had come to know. To have Him pour His truths into them and for them to realize they are born beautiful princesses and have been given the attributes of God Himself; the gift of creation, love and passion for life…just to name a few. It seems my passion for Him has not always been revealed, because it is me who chose to drive the bus. My successes in revealing Christ to others have been just that, my success…not His. So I too have to learn to allow God to really drive the bus. To allow Him to show each of us His Life changing Word.
This being said, I prayed that God would stir the hearts of women to come into fellowship together. That we will spend time laughing, praying, praising, repenting and honoring God. Allowing Him to transform our very lives into the image of Christ. God has anointed us, all of us with all the power of Jesus Christ the day we asked Him into our lives. I pray we will draw upon that power and allow it to really transform us…to be changed by it.
All of the studies we offer to the women of LifePointe have a tremendous opportunity for spiritual growth and change. This study is no different. I pray and believe that God will ignite a passion within each of us to seek Him in all His glory. To really be hungry for His Word and to allow it to bear witness to others how it will and does transform you.
We have heard your requests for studies that need commitment, but with our busy schedules as women…that they would be shorter in length to participate in. We have prayed for God to direct us to one that He has chosen to fulfill this request. He has lead us to Anointed, Transformed & Redeemed: A Study of David, by Priscilla Shirer, Beth Moore & Kay Arthur. These three women are great leaders of women and God has gifted them with the tools to teach His beautiful Word.
It will take 7 weeks to complete this study. We will begin on Tuesday, October 7th at 7p.m. at the LifePointe facility. The study will be completed before the Thanksgiving Holidays. There is a weekly commitment of your time to complete the daily lessons in the workbooks that prepares you for the large/small group sessions each week. If you could hear my voice right now…the rewards from this study will be your “ROCKY MOMENTS!” (Some of you who know me from our running group will understand that phrase) You will be blessed beyond anything you have ever experienced.
The sign up lists will be on the table in the back of our auditorium each Sunday until our study begins in October. Our workbooks are $20 each. If there is someone who needs assistance with the book please let me know, we don’t want anyone to turn away from the study because of a financial burden. Childcare will be provided please contact Ashley Rush if you are interested in serving or you will need to utilize the childcare program during the study.
I am praying that God will do great things within the body of women in our church and our community. Get registered, invite a friend, mark the date on your calendar and let us know you are coming.
We will be holding an evening of prayer for our fall study. This is an important time to honor God for all He gives to us. If we are to see success during the 7 weeks of study, we must seek His will and direction for the leaders and women of the study. On September 16th at 7p.m. we will meet at the LifePointe building for an evening of prayer.
Tuesday, September 30th we will hold Leadership/Co-Leadership Training at 7p.m. We want to equip our leadership with all the tools that God gives us to be successful leaders of His Word.
So come – Get on the bus with me! Let’s allow our awesome Lord and Savior to drive the bus! He wants to lead us through His Word. God wants to transform our minds, hearts & bodies into Hope filled lives to His Glory. Get signed up!
Barb Welch
Friday, September 12, 2008
Stay in formation
"Let us not give up meeting together." Hebrews 10:25
Ever wonder why geese in the fall fly in a "v" formation and not just randomly? Remember that old United Airlines ad, "Fly the friendly skies of United"? Geese know that to complete the long trip south, they have to fly united. Scientists tell us that flying in formation increases their flight range by 71 percent. Air waves created each time a bird flaps its wings provide an uplift for the next one in formation, supporting it, decreasing its work load and conserving its energy. A solo goose could never complete the trip, but in formation the youngest, the oldest, and even the weakest get there. In other words, they do collectively what they could never do alone.
When God said, "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another," He was saying, "Stay in formation children! Enjoy the uplift!" You weren't designed to fly solo no matter what your rank, calling, gifting or maturity level. You're a part of the body of Christ, created to function in concert with all the other parts. "The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I don't need you!' And the head cannot say to the feet, 'I don't need you!" (1Co. 12:21). Occassionally a goose, disoriented or overconfident, goes on autopilot and finds itself adrift. Soon, however, its wings resistance, and it pulls it weakened body back into formation alongside its feathered fellow pilgrims. Jesus said, "Look at the birds" (Mt 6:26). So get back in formation (and fellowship) and stay there!
Ever wonder why geese in the fall fly in a "v" formation and not just randomly? Remember that old United Airlines ad, "Fly the friendly skies of United"? Geese know that to complete the long trip south, they have to fly united. Scientists tell us that flying in formation increases their flight range by 71 percent. Air waves created each time a bird flaps its wings provide an uplift for the next one in formation, supporting it, decreasing its work load and conserving its energy. A solo goose could never complete the trip, but in formation the youngest, the oldest, and even the weakest get there. In other words, they do collectively what they could never do alone.
When God said, "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another," He was saying, "Stay in formation children! Enjoy the uplift!" You weren't designed to fly solo no matter what your rank, calling, gifting or maturity level. You're a part of the body of Christ, created to function in concert with all the other parts. "The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I don't need you!' And the head cannot say to the feet, 'I don't need you!" (1Co. 12:21). Occassionally a goose, disoriented or overconfident, goes on autopilot and finds itself adrift. Soon, however, its wings resistance, and it pulls it weakened body back into formation alongside its feathered fellow pilgrims. Jesus said, "Look at the birds" (Mt 6:26). So get back in formation (and fellowship) and stay there!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Keep practicing (Part 2)
"In a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize...run...as to get the prize." 1 Corinthians 9:24
In a Peanuts cartoon, Charlie Brown laments to his friend Linus, "Life is just too much for me. I've been confused from the day I was born. I think the trouble is, we're thrown into life too fast. We're not really prepared." What do you want," Linus asks, "a chance to warm up first?" You may not get a chance to warm up before entering life, but you can warm up by practicing what's important to you once life has begun. It's during these warm-ups that you grow. If you commit yourself to pratice you discover: (1) Your performance can always be improved. Author Harvey Mackay says, "A good leader understands that almost anything that has been done in a particular way for a given amount of time, can be done better. Every single performance can be improved." (2) The sharpening process is better in the right environment. Improvement always requires some degree of risk and failure. So find a place where growth and experimentation are encouraged. (3) You must be willing to start with small things. When you first start to practice your gains will be small. But they will grow. In the Olympics, the difference between the gold medalist and other contestants is often just hundredths of a second. (4) There's a price to pay to reach the next level. Sidney Howard remarked, "One half of knowing what you want, is knowing what you must give up before you get it." Too many of us regard practice as an essentially negative experience, but it doesn't have to be if you think of it in terms of discovery and development. So, keep practicing.
In a Peanuts cartoon, Charlie Brown laments to his friend Linus, "Life is just too much for me. I've been confused from the day I was born. I think the trouble is, we're thrown into life too fast. We're not really prepared." What do you want," Linus asks, "a chance to warm up first?" You may not get a chance to warm up before entering life, but you can warm up by practicing what's important to you once life has begun. It's during these warm-ups that you grow. If you commit yourself to pratice you discover: (1) Your performance can always be improved. Author Harvey Mackay says, "A good leader understands that almost anything that has been done in a particular way for a given amount of time, can be done better. Every single performance can be improved." (2) The sharpening process is better in the right environment. Improvement always requires some degree of risk and failure. So find a place where growth and experimentation are encouraged. (3) You must be willing to start with small things. When you first start to practice your gains will be small. But they will grow. In the Olympics, the difference between the gold medalist and other contestants is often just hundredths of a second. (4) There's a price to pay to reach the next level. Sidney Howard remarked, "One half of knowing what you want, is knowing what you must give up before you get it." Too many of us regard practice as an essentially negative experience, but it doesn't have to be if you think of it in terms of discovery and development. So, keep practicing.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Keep practicing (Part 1)
"Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them." 1 Timothy 4:15
King Saul was attacked by evil spirits that tormented and immoblized him. So he sent for David to come and play his harp. As David played, "Relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him" (1Sa 16:23). This story teaches us two things: the power of praise, and the power of practice. David didn't suddenly discover his talent when he arrived at Saul's palace. No, he developed it through years of practice on lonely hillsides while tending his father's sheep.
When it comes to practice, the two most difficult challenges you face are (a) having the desire to do it, and (b) having the discipline to keep at it. Paul tells Timothy, "Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life...closely. Persevere" (1Ti 4:15-16). There is no easy way to become a disciplined person. It has nothing to do with talent or ability. It is not a matter of conditions, but of choice. But once the choice is made and practice becomes a habit, 2 things become obvious. The first is a clear difference between the person who practices and the one who doesn't. Cyclist Lance Armstrong said, "Success comes from training harder and digging deeper than others." And he should know; he won a record 7 Tour de France championships. The second thing that emerges is a winning spirit. The harder you work, the harder it becomes to surrender to things like fatigue, complacency, discouragement, criticism, and all the other stuff that tries to break your stride.
King Saul was attacked by evil spirits that tormented and immoblized him. So he sent for David to come and play his harp. As David played, "Relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him" (1Sa 16:23). This story teaches us two things: the power of praise, and the power of practice. David didn't suddenly discover his talent when he arrived at Saul's palace. No, he developed it through years of practice on lonely hillsides while tending his father's sheep.
When it comes to practice, the two most difficult challenges you face are (a) having the desire to do it, and (b) having the discipline to keep at it. Paul tells Timothy, "Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life...closely. Persevere" (1Ti 4:15-16). There is no easy way to become a disciplined person. It has nothing to do with talent or ability. It is not a matter of conditions, but of choice. But once the choice is made and practice becomes a habit, 2 things become obvious. The first is a clear difference between the person who practices and the one who doesn't. Cyclist Lance Armstrong said, "Success comes from training harder and digging deeper than others." And he should know; he won a record 7 Tour de France championships. The second thing that emerges is a winning spirit. The harder you work, the harder it becomes to surrender to things like fatigue, complacency, discouragement, criticism, and all the other stuff that tries to break your stride.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Great Expectations!
"This day the Lord will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down." 1 Samuel 17:46
It's not the size of the dog in the fight; it's the size of the fight in the dog. David didn't have the rank, equipment or training, but he had the winning attitude. So great was his level of expectation that he "ran quickly toward the battle line to meet Goliath" (1Sa 17:48). While Saul and his soliders were hiding, David was running to meet the challenge. How's that for great expectations? Now we're not talking about faith in our own ability, but in "him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (Eph 3:20).
Martin Seligman, Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, did some research on a major life insurance company and found that sales people who expected to succeed sold twice as much as those who didn't. Researchers have discovered that there's a greater correlation between self-confidence and achievement than there is between IQ and achievement. Know what? The God who lives within you is limited by one thing only: your inability or unwillingness to believe in yourself. The more you believe in yourself, the more you'll be able to accomplish. And if you keep believing and expecting, you'll someday find yourself doing what you once considered impossible. Why? Because "with God all things are possible" (Mt 19:26). It's said that if Michelangelo had consulted his doubts or his critics, he'd have painted the floor of the Sistine Chapel instead of the ceiling, and his work wouldn't be around for us to admire. The truth is, great results begin with great expectations.
It's not the size of the dog in the fight; it's the size of the fight in the dog. David didn't have the rank, equipment or training, but he had the winning attitude. So great was his level of expectation that he "ran quickly toward the battle line to meet Goliath" (1Sa 17:48). While Saul and his soliders were hiding, David was running to meet the challenge. How's that for great expectations? Now we're not talking about faith in our own ability, but in "him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (Eph 3:20).
Martin Seligman, Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, did some research on a major life insurance company and found that sales people who expected to succeed sold twice as much as those who didn't. Researchers have discovered that there's a greater correlation between self-confidence and achievement than there is between IQ and achievement. Know what? The God who lives within you is limited by one thing only: your inability or unwillingness to believe in yourself. The more you believe in yourself, the more you'll be able to accomplish. And if you keep believing and expecting, you'll someday find yourself doing what you once considered impossible. Why? Because "with God all things are possible" (Mt 19:26). It's said that if Michelangelo had consulted his doubts or his critics, he'd have painted the floor of the Sistine Chapel instead of the ceiling, and his work wouldn't be around for us to admire. The truth is, great results begin with great expectations.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Do you want to change?
"Let God transform you." Romans 12:2
Change only takes place when you: (1) Decide to change. The Daily Mail newspaper once invited readers to answer the question, "What's wrong with the world?" G.K. Chesterton supposedly sent the following reply: "Dear Sir, I am." Face it, if you could kick the person responsible for most of your troubles, you wouldn't be able to sit down for a week. Discipleship-the process of becoming like Christ-begins with a decision. Jesus calls to us, and we respond. "Follow me and be my disciple," Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him" (Mt 9:9). And notice, he took his pen with him! That's all you need to get started: a decision! (2) Change the way you think. "Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you feel, and the way you feel influences the way you act. So wash your mind, feed your mind, and program your mind with God's Word. (3) Take a small step every day. Most of us want overnight change. No, change comes slowly. To be successful we must start with small things and do them every day. St. Francis de Sales said, "Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly start remedying them-every day begin the task anew." You say, "But I fall so far short." We all do. Don't be discouraged: "God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task within you is finally finished" (Php 1:6).
Change only takes place when you: (1) Decide to change. The Daily Mail newspaper once invited readers to answer the question, "What's wrong with the world?" G.K. Chesterton supposedly sent the following reply: "Dear Sir, I am." Face it, if you could kick the person responsible for most of your troubles, you wouldn't be able to sit down for a week. Discipleship-the process of becoming like Christ-begins with a decision. Jesus calls to us, and we respond. "Follow me and be my disciple," Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him" (Mt 9:9). And notice, he took his pen with him! That's all you need to get started: a decision! (2) Change the way you think. "Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you feel, and the way you feel influences the way you act. So wash your mind, feed your mind, and program your mind with God's Word. (3) Take a small step every day. Most of us want overnight change. No, change comes slowly. To be successful we must start with small things and do them every day. St. Francis de Sales said, "Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly start remedying them-every day begin the task anew." You say, "But I fall so far short." We all do. Don't be discouraged: "God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task within you is finally finished" (Php 1:6).
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Equipping people to serve!
"He...gave gifts...to equip God's people...and build up...the church." Ephesians 4:8-12
As a leader you must keep before you at all times the philosophy, plan and purpose behind what you're called to accomplish, and make it clear to the people who work with you. Three of the most common problems in any organization, including the church, are: (1) putting someone in the wrong slot and leaving them there because there's no one else to do the job; (2) not understanding someone's gifting and not providing adequate training, direction and information to promote teamwork; (3) leaders who don't know how to communicate their vision clearly. When any of of these areas is out of whack, we spend our time and energy troubleshooting, putting out fires and running in 40 directions. As a result, leaders get discouraged and workers quit.
But the church doesn't have to be like that. Paul outlined the Master Plan for church growth by reminding us that God "gave these gifts to the church: apostles, prophets, evangelists and paster and teachers...to eqiup God's people to do his work and build up the church." Why did God assign leaders? To equip people. Why do people need to be equipped? To serve. Why is service so important? To build up the Body of Christ. That's it! And it's essential to developing a strong, healthy church whose mission is to feed God's sheep and reach the lost with the Gospel. That's why as a leader, everything you do should be directly related to equipping people to serve. Do that, and you'll be less frustrated, your people more fulfilled and your church more fruitful!
As a leader you must keep before you at all times the philosophy, plan and purpose behind what you're called to accomplish, and make it clear to the people who work with you. Three of the most common problems in any organization, including the church, are: (1) putting someone in the wrong slot and leaving them there because there's no one else to do the job; (2) not understanding someone's gifting and not providing adequate training, direction and information to promote teamwork; (3) leaders who don't know how to communicate their vision clearly. When any of of these areas is out of whack, we spend our time and energy troubleshooting, putting out fires and running in 40 directions. As a result, leaders get discouraged and workers quit.
But the church doesn't have to be like that. Paul outlined the Master Plan for church growth by reminding us that God "gave these gifts to the church: apostles, prophets, evangelists and paster and teachers...to eqiup God's people to do his work and build up the church." Why did God assign leaders? To equip people. Why do people need to be equipped? To serve. Why is service so important? To build up the Body of Christ. That's it! And it's essential to developing a strong, healthy church whose mission is to feed God's sheep and reach the lost with the Gospel. That's why as a leader, everything you do should be directly related to equipping people to serve. Do that, and you'll be less frustrated, your people more fulfilled and your church more fruitful!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Great Relationships
"There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24
Building great relationships takes time and energy. And you only discover how valuable such relationships are when they're tested. One auther writes: "Contouring your heart to beat with another requires extensive whittling, to trim away self-centerdness. It's like riding the bus; if you're going to have company you must be willing to scoot over to accommodate other people and the baggage they bring. Your actions in doing this express the importance of the other person. One relationship becomes more valuable than others because of its ability to survive and endure realignments."
The qualities we value most in a friend are two-fold: (1) The assurance that they won't bail out when the road gets rocky. (2) The knowledge that our imperfections and scars won't change their leve of commitment. Solomon said, "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother." It's about quality, not quantity. That's why heart connections can be so much stronger than blood connections. Don't be too quick to discount someone's good qualities because they make a mistake, disappointed you or did something without thinking. You wouldn't haul your car to the junkyard because it had a faulty battery or a flat tire! Love means risk, but the payoffs outweigh the investment. Behind every success story you'll find people who once felt so discouraged they wanted to quit, who fell and needed lifting when someone stepped in, picked them up and helped them to keep going. Life is not built on acquisitions and accomplishments, it's built on relationships. So keep yours in good shape!
Building great relationships takes time and energy. And you only discover how valuable such relationships are when they're tested. One auther writes: "Contouring your heart to beat with another requires extensive whittling, to trim away self-centerdness. It's like riding the bus; if you're going to have company you must be willing to scoot over to accommodate other people and the baggage they bring. Your actions in doing this express the importance of the other person. One relationship becomes more valuable than others because of its ability to survive and endure realignments."
The qualities we value most in a friend are two-fold: (1) The assurance that they won't bail out when the road gets rocky. (2) The knowledge that our imperfections and scars won't change their leve of commitment. Solomon said, "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother." It's about quality, not quantity. That's why heart connections can be so much stronger than blood connections. Don't be too quick to discount someone's good qualities because they make a mistake, disappointed you or did something without thinking. You wouldn't haul your car to the junkyard because it had a faulty battery or a flat tire! Love means risk, but the payoffs outweigh the investment. Behind every success story you'll find people who once felt so discouraged they wanted to quit, who fell and needed lifting when someone stepped in, picked them up and helped them to keep going. Life is not built on acquisitions and accomplishments, it's built on relationships. So keep yours in good shape!
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