Last night, our grandson, Justin, played in a baseball tournament for consolation champs in their little league. In the last inning, he stepped up to the plate and hit a home run, the only home run of the game.
Fortunately, I caught the whole thing on video. (It’s on my Facebook page, in case you want to watch it.) Everyone stood. There was cheering. There were high-fives everywhere. Anyway, in watching the video afterwards, what struck me was how everyone was saying Justin’s name: the fans, the coach, his teammates. Over and over your heard: “Justin, Justin, Justin!”
It made me think of what it’s going to be like at the bottom of the final inning when we celebrate Jesus’ home run. I think we’ll all be standing up and celebrating, cheering, giving high-fives. But I believe we will all (fans, coaches, players) be saying the name over and over and over: “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!!”
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Is your personal ife in chaos?
f your business life is too complicated.
If your personal life is in chaos.
If you're so busy being busy—realize the great achievements come in the simplest forms.
Learn to slow down long enough to see through all the clutter.
Get rid of the hurry sickness that prevails in our culture, even our Christian culture.
While it may be a sin to be lazy, it's also a disservice to burn ourselves out with too much on our plates.
Jesus invites us to take a day off each week. He invites us to learn the unforced rhythms of God's grace.
The Psalmist invited us to be still and know that He is God. And may I add; He's God...and we are not!
If your personal life is in chaos.
If you're so busy being busy—realize the great achievements come in the simplest forms.
Learn to slow down long enough to see through all the clutter.
Get rid of the hurry sickness that prevails in our culture, even our Christian culture.
While it may be a sin to be lazy, it's also a disservice to burn ourselves out with too much on our plates.
Jesus invites us to take a day off each week. He invites us to learn the unforced rhythms of God's grace.
The Psalmist invited us to be still and know that He is God. And may I add; He's God...and we are not!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Why am I so down?
Why do I get depressed?
Is it when I’ve been pushing hard for 3 months and suddenly try to put the breaks on my work pace?
Is it when we arrive at our 2nd home, I”m overwhelmed with all the things that need to be done around the place?
Is it that when I’m weary of making decisions, that there are still decisions to make about social plans?
Is it that while I’m trying to kick-back, I’m still getting phone calls about difficult situations at work?
Is it those social events where the music is too loud, tables are too crowded, everyone shouting to be heard and still you can’t hear more than half the conversation?
Is it the nagging heaviness of the job that keeps popping into my brain when I’m trying not to think of work?
Is it the guilt I feel when I’m not Mr. Happy around spouse, grandkids and friends?
Why do I feel this heaviness? Why am I in this black hole? Why do I walk under this cloud? Why can’t I just snap out of it?
Why do I get so depressed when I should be happy?
The Psalmist must have felt this way. He asked the same question?
“Why am I cast down, O my soul? Why so disquieted within me?”
His writings are full of discouragement, depression, defeatism?
Do you think Jesus in His humanity felt alone and depressed when we withdrew to a lonely place to pray all night? When he said to his followers “Couldn’t you even stay up with me for one hour in my time of need?”
I don’t want to medicate my way to happiness and balance. I’d like to exercise my way to joy. I’d like to feel those endorphins giving me back my mojo. I’d like to take a 20 hour nap that would restore my personality and energy.
How much of this would be better if I were closer to God? My life verse is Psalm 16:11. “In your presence there is fullness of joy.” So could I have more joy if I sought God’s presence more fully?
Is this a spiritual problem, a DNA issue, a fatigue factor, an inherent emotional weakness? I don’t know. I only know I don’t like it.
Maybe I’m down because i’m putting too much faith in myself, not enough on God. My feelings, sadly, go up and down. But He is constant. The same yesterday, today, tomorrow.
So as I seek to be more godly, perhaps I need to seek His constancy, His stability. Maybe I need to let the one who promised to make the rough places plain to exalt the valleys and and lower every big mountain.
I’ve discussed this with my wife. She says I haven’t been myself, whatever that is. Hopefully I’ll wake up in the morning and things will look brighter. I won’t be annoyed by every little thing. I’ll be in my groove again. I’ll feel right with the world. I’ll feel close to God again. Maybe I’ll be a better husband, father, friend.
Back to David: Psalm 42:11 from the Message:
Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God— soon I'll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He's my God.
Maybe if I fix my eyes on God, I’ll be smiling again.
Is it when I’ve been pushing hard for 3 months and suddenly try to put the breaks on my work pace?
Is it when we arrive at our 2nd home, I”m overwhelmed with all the things that need to be done around the place?
Is it that when I’m weary of making decisions, that there are still decisions to make about social plans?
Is it that while I’m trying to kick-back, I’m still getting phone calls about difficult situations at work?
Is it those social events where the music is too loud, tables are too crowded, everyone shouting to be heard and still you can’t hear more than half the conversation?
Is it the nagging heaviness of the job that keeps popping into my brain when I’m trying not to think of work?
Is it the guilt I feel when I’m not Mr. Happy around spouse, grandkids and friends?
Why do I feel this heaviness? Why am I in this black hole? Why do I walk under this cloud? Why can’t I just snap out of it?
Why do I get so depressed when I should be happy?
The Psalmist must have felt this way. He asked the same question?
“Why am I cast down, O my soul? Why so disquieted within me?”
His writings are full of discouragement, depression, defeatism?
Do you think Jesus in His humanity felt alone and depressed when we withdrew to a lonely place to pray all night? When he said to his followers “Couldn’t you even stay up with me for one hour in my time of need?”
I don’t want to medicate my way to happiness and balance. I’d like to exercise my way to joy. I’d like to feel those endorphins giving me back my mojo. I’d like to take a 20 hour nap that would restore my personality and energy.
How much of this would be better if I were closer to God? My life verse is Psalm 16:11. “In your presence there is fullness of joy.” So could I have more joy if I sought God’s presence more fully?
Is this a spiritual problem, a DNA issue, a fatigue factor, an inherent emotional weakness? I don’t know. I only know I don’t like it.
Maybe I’m down because i’m putting too much faith in myself, not enough on God. My feelings, sadly, go up and down. But He is constant. The same yesterday, today, tomorrow.
So as I seek to be more godly, perhaps I need to seek His constancy, His stability. Maybe I need to let the one who promised to make the rough places plain to exalt the valleys and and lower every big mountain.
I’ve discussed this with my wife. She says I haven’t been myself, whatever that is. Hopefully I’ll wake up in the morning and things will look brighter. I won’t be annoyed by every little thing. I’ll be in my groove again. I’ll feel right with the world. I’ll feel close to God again. Maybe I’ll be a better husband, father, friend.
Back to David: Psalm 42:11 from the Message:
Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God— soon I'll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He's my God.
Maybe if I fix my eyes on God, I’ll be smiling again.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
The best leaders can weather any storm.
Justin Menkes, writing in Harvard Business Review writes these abilities come from relentless and realistic optimism, single minded focus combined with looking at a complex problem with clarity.
He recommended taking a deep breath, relaxing face muscles and to speak slowly and at a lower pitch.
I have another recommendation. Pray. Cast all your cares on the Lord. He said that all things are possible to him who believes.
So take a deep breath, slow down, and pray. Great leaders in times of crisis turn to the sustainer of the universe.
He promises that the peace of God which passes all understanding will keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
Try it.
He recommended taking a deep breath, relaxing face muscles and to speak slowly and at a lower pitch.
I have another recommendation. Pray. Cast all your cares on the Lord. He said that all things are possible to him who believes.
So take a deep breath, slow down, and pray. Great leaders in times of crisis turn to the sustainer of the universe.
He promises that the peace of God which passes all understanding will keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
Try it.
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
How can you be so stupid?
Bill George, author of TRUE NORTH, says: "Too many people reach the top only to lose their moral compasses." We've seen that in recent days when a promising congressman torpedos his political career with foolish indiscretions. We've seen prominent pastors who lose family, reputation and ministry for momentary and risky behavior. Too often, successful, talented people feel they're invulnerable to getting caught. They pursue their narcissistic pleasures to the ruin of their moral reputation.
How can a leader avoid such traps from the dark side? Start by having a group of men whol hold you accountable and who call you on stupid behavior. God's word says: "Above all, guard your heart for out of it come the big issues of life. "
How can a leader avoid such traps from the dark side? Start by having a group of men whol hold you accountable and who call you on stupid behavior. God's word says: "Above all, guard your heart for out of it come the big issues of life. "
Monday, June 06, 2011
When will things be normal again?
People keep asking: “When are things in the economy going to return to normal?”
Well, if the economic news last week is any indication, we won’t be returning to “normal” anytime soon. Housing issues, unemployment, sagging stock market, federal deficit all point to the fact that we’d better get used to the “new normal”.
We’re temped to ask: Will I have a job next year? Will my house sell? Will social security and medicare be there when I need it? What about my 401K?
Then we might ask: “Can I afford to give my resources to ministries?”
Amidst all the bad stuff coming out of the media, this morning I read these reassuring words from Jesus in Luke 12
"So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life — whether you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. For life consists of far more than food and clothing. Look at the ravens. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not! 26 And if worry can't do little things like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?
"Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! And don't worry about food — what to eat and drink. Don't worry whether God will provide it for you. These things dominate the thoughts of most people, but your Father already knows your needs. He will give you all you need from day to day if you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
32 "So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
Luke 12:22-32 NLT
Okay, Jesus. I can live with that!!
Well, if the economic news last week is any indication, we won’t be returning to “normal” anytime soon. Housing issues, unemployment, sagging stock market, federal deficit all point to the fact that we’d better get used to the “new normal”.
We’re temped to ask: Will I have a job next year? Will my house sell? Will social security and medicare be there when I need it? What about my 401K?
Then we might ask: “Can I afford to give my resources to ministries?”
Amidst all the bad stuff coming out of the media, this morning I read these reassuring words from Jesus in Luke 12
"So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life — whether you have enough food to eat or clothes to wear. For life consists of far more than food and clothing. Look at the ravens. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not! 26 And if worry can't do little things like that, what's the use of worrying over bigger things?
"Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! And don't worry about food — what to eat and drink. Don't worry whether God will provide it for you. These things dominate the thoughts of most people, but your Father already knows your needs. He will give you all you need from day to day if you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
32 "So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.
Luke 12:22-32 NLT
Okay, Jesus. I can live with that!!
Friday, June 03, 2011
How do you make decisions?
How do you make decisions? Flip a coin? Procrastinate?
I like how they did it in the First Century church. The book of Acts records that the leadership team was seeking direction on an important strategic decision. Which way to go? Who should decide?
Then, Acts 15:28 records: “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us…”
So, they allowed the Spirit of God to lead their decision making. They put the matter before the Lord. And they listened to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit for the answer.
But it seems they also sought consensus from the group. And, they felt affirmed by God and by one another.
Next time your team is making a decision, pray that it would seem good to the Holy Spirit and to us as we decide and move forward.
I like how they did it in the First Century church. The book of Acts records that the leadership team was seeking direction on an important strategic decision. Which way to go? Who should decide?
Then, Acts 15:28 records: “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us…”
So, they allowed the Spirit of God to lead their decision making. They put the matter before the Lord. And they listened to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit for the answer.
But it seems they also sought consensus from the group. And, they felt affirmed by God and by one another.
Next time your team is making a decision, pray that it would seem good to the Holy Spirit and to us as we decide and move forward.
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