Coachability (June 18, 2008) by Jim Crosby
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8
Recently I was the guest speaker at a Prayer Breakfast in the nearby town of Monticello, FL. They get started early in those small towns. I had to be on the road by 6 a.m. to make sure I was on time. In fact, I suggested to them that they consider making it a Prayer Brunch and start about 10 a.m., but they preferred not to break with tradition so we got started at 7 a.m.By getting started I'm talking about soft scrambled eggs just the way I like them, grits, country sausage, biscuits, sawmill gravy, fruit, orange juice and coffee. Good old Southern breakfast. Maybe not totally healthy, but hey, they did serve fruit and everything was great.
In trying to determine what to talk about I thought about how God has given each of us unique talents. Nobody has a personality exactly like you. No one has the exact same talents that you do. This is a universal truth, no matter if you live in a small town, medium sized one or a large city. God is in control and wants the best for you. He longs to see you maximize the special talent he has endowed you with.
I also thought about God's promise─ "Lo, I am with you even until the ends of the earth"─and how universal that is and what it says to each of us. Basically it says that He will be with you in everything you do and He will not call on you to do anything He has not equipped you to do. He won't dump a big project on you, then desert you and leave you totally on your own to figure out how to get the job done. Sometimes it might seem like that is happening, but it is because of other extraneous factors that have crept in.
One of those factors might be "How Coachable are You?" That was the opening sentence in my Prayer Breakfast presentation. Now you might be thinking, as I'm sure that group was, "I don't have to be coachable. I am the coach! Maybe you coach sports, or you are in management, or you're a teacher, or a parent and you're thinking, "Well, my kids need coaching, not me." But, everybody needs coaching. I said this even though the Sheriff was also present. Guess they wanted to make sure I didn't make any false moves. :)
After I had written and delivered this talk, I looked up the word "coachable" and couldn't find it in the dictionary. Oops. Nor could I find the title word in this devotion: "coachability." I think I might have coined a new word in that one. But, the interesting thing I did discover is that the word "coach" can be a noun or a verb. The noun "coach" describes a teacher-director-leader-mentor type of person. And of course to be a coach you must have someone to coach. And as a verb "coach" means to "direct, train, teach, drill, or exercise" your student, pupil, player, person.
For a coach to have a positive effect on someone that person has to be willing to receive and follow coaching, i.e. they need to be coachable. Coaches look for people who have what I term, "coachability" in other words those who are coachable.
So, back to my original question. "How coachable are you?" Are you willing to learn and grow and expand your horizons by being coached? Or are you one of those folks that just think you can do most, if not all things, on your own. Maybe you adhere to the old adage, "God helps them who help themselves"; which is not Biblical by the way.
But that statement is true to the extent that you trust God and seek His help, His wisdom, and His guidance. In other words, the way you can best help yourself is to realize that you need God's help to give and receive as Oswald Chambers would say "your utmost for His highest." You can take the things you do to a higher level by being "coachable."
To be coachable means you become a team player. As you know I make a lot of references to sports in these devotions. After many years of broadcasting sports and observing just about every kind of situation that could occur in a football, baseball, basketball game or a golf or tennis match, I've come to realize there are life lessons that can be learned in sports. One of those is that a team of un-coachable players is not a team really. At least, it is not one that will win the ultimate prize. If everyone is only looking out for him or her self, and concerned about their individual statistics and recognition that is not a team of winners.
Sometimes a coach has to call on a player to do something that is not the preferred thing the player wants to do. Lay down a sacrifice bunt instead of hitting away in baseball. A running play instead of a pass in football. Make the extra pass instead of taking a shot in basketball. These are done for the good of the team. In the end, especially if victory results, what is good for the team as a whole is best for the players individually.
Just as a coach and his staff devise a game plan for a game, so God's coaching team: The Father, Son and Holy Spirit have a master plan for you which is unbeatable if you are coachable. Asking each day to be filled with the Spirit, so you will be guided along the pathway to success is important.
Reading the Word, so that you can follow the example of Jesus as he modeled the right way to live, establish relationships, and show love for your fellow man is another way to prove your coachability.
Finally, relying on the Heavenly Father and lifting up your requests, concerns, praises, doubts, anger and questions and acting on the answers you receive will prove that you are coachable.
In closing, I told the Prayer Breakfast gathering "The Great Coach in the sky has a Game Plan for you that far exceeds any meager plan you may have come up with. Not that you don't have a good plan for yourself. But, when that plan is submitted to the Creator and He coaches you through it, a good plan will become a great one. God has greatness in store for you."
To God be the Glory!
Prayer: Lord help us to remain faithfully coachable so you may take our talents to their fullest potential. We will honor and praise you in all things. Amen!
***Author's note: Have a great week. Look for ways in which the Lord wants to coach you so, by learning and implementing these lessons you will continue to grow and prosper in His Kingdom.
The Envelope Please (February 27, 2008) by Jim Crosby
I waited patiently for the Lord to help me and he turned to me and heard my cry...He has given me a new song...Many will see what he has done and be astounded. Psalm 40: 1,3
Watching the Academy Awards on television the other night brought back that recurring dream I have every year at this time. Sometimes I don't even make it to the first commercial break before it pops into my mind.
I can clearly visualize the scene. I'm sitting there with the Lovely Susette by my side. She looks gorgeous in that floor length black dress with sequins and her hair all done up like it was on our wedding day. I have on my seldom-worn tuxedo. We're not sitting on the front row...Jack Nicholson and his entourage always have that one...but, we are a respectable 10 to 12 rows back considering that my nomination is in the writing category for Best Adapted Screenplay.
So, it comes time for my category. The presenter, Steven Spielberg, reads off the nominees pauses briefly and says "and the Oscar goes to..." as he begins to open the envelope. Am I nervous? No way. Then he says "Jim Crosby."
I smile, calmly kiss the Lovely Susette and boldly walk up the aisle and up the steps to the podium. As Steven hands me the Oscar, I confidently reach into my pocket for my carefully prepared notes, pull them out and start reading..."A gallon of milk, loaf of bread, dozen eggs...oops, sorry it has been awhile since I wore this coat." Placing the Publix Grocery receipt back in my left coat pocket, I reach in the other pocket, sheepishly grin and reel off my thank yous, to the Lord, the Academy, my soulmate the Lovely Susette, prayer warriors Mom and Dorothy, Pastor Betsy, our children Clint, Austin, Missi, Greg and Corey and all those, who, like me, have watched this ceremony for years and could only dream about a night like this.
Too bad the dream always ends with me still sitting in my living room watching someone else grab off my award. Guess I'd better write that book and adapt it into the screenplay for a blockbuster movie if I want to win it. Well, you know what? Dreams do come true...but, that can only happen if you dream them first, then follow up with action...after you've prayed about it.
What is your fondest dream? Is it one you've dreamed often and for so many years that your hope is beginning to dim. Are you still thinking, "Would be nice, but it ain't gonna happen?" That kind of thinking represents the first step in having it not happen.
Maybe your dream is just something that makes you feel good when you think about it. You get a warm, comforting feeling when it crosses your mind. Well, that's okay because it serves a positive purpose in your life. But, how much greater would it be if it really came true?
Then, when you stand of the verge of seeing that dream being actualized the anticipation is raised to the highest level. Back when you first dreamed that dream the anticipation of it coming to pass was way down on the scale of excitement. But, as things start to happen that enhance the chances of it actually coming to pass your anticipation and your anxiety level grows.
Carly Simon sings in her song "Anticipation"...
Anticipation, anticipation
is makin' me late
is keepin' me waitin'
But, if you sit around simply waiting and anticipating, the thing you are actually anticipating will seem like it takes forever to get here. In fact, it may not come about in your lifetime.
In a recent newsletter our Pastor Betsy Ouellette quoted Oswald Chambers; "Dreaming about a thing in order to do it properly is right; but, dreaming about it when we should be doing it is wrong."
When we began planting our new church the Pastor wrote, in introducing our mission and vision for the church "Good Samaritan United Methodist Church wants to be the church of God's dreams." That is a pretty tall order. Obviously God's dreams and plans are much larger than ours. It is obvious those won't get achieved simply by anticipation. They will come about through hard work.
Remember the oft-quoted statement of Thomas Edison..."The reason most people don't recognize opportunity when it knocks is that it comes wearing overalls and is disguised as hard work."
So, instead of simply dreaming those dreams we need to think about them on a deeper level. Try to analyze how we can do the things that will enable God to make them come true. We must work at making them become a reality.
When we consider God's dreams as a larger, more complete version of our personal dreams we will look at them differently. We will, as Colossians 3:23 says:"...work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for men."
Sometimes our dreams are not complete. The Lord still has some blanks to fill in. In addition to the work we do to help them materialize, He has some empty areas to fill in. He will probably use other people, other situations and circumstances, and other schedules to bring about the dream we want to have fulfilled. So, sometimes after we've worked hard a point is reached where we do have to wait. Patience is called for. That's hard. We are anticipating something great happening and as Carly sang this anticipation is making us wait and it is making us feel like we are late. But, that lateness is by our own schedule and that may not fit the one God has for us.
King David had reached a frustration point where he was being called on to wait on God, but his patience was rewarded. He wrote in Psalms 40:1,3 "I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry....He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what He has done and be astounded." The NLT Bible points out "Often blessings cannot be received unless we go through the trial of waiting."
It may seem like a contradiction, our being told to work hard on the one hand and wait patiently on the other. But, it really isn't. There is always work to be done. Maybe while we wait, God wants us to help someone else work on their dream. Or maybe God wants us to work on His dream, as is the case with building our church.
So, it's back to my book outline for me if I want to hear that dreamed about result when the presenter will say, "And the Oscar goes to..."
What are you going to do this week to help God successfully fulfill your dream?
Prayer: Lord show us how we can help you make those dreams come true. Amen!
***Author's note: Dreaming is fun. Working on that dream is more fun. Having that dream come true is even more fun. Have a great week. By the way the presenters don't say "May I have the envelope, please" anymore. They bring them with them to the podium to save time.
The Power of Giving Thanks (March 12, 2008) by Jim Crosby
...Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all He has done. Colossians 2:7
Okay so it isn't even November and today we're going to talk about giving thanks! Isn't the Thanksgiving Holiday the main time that folks remember to give thanks for what they have and for the blessings they are about to receive? Well, yeah...but let me point out some other benefits to giving thanks and why it should be an integral part of our daily routine.
Got the idea from Dr. David Jeremiah in one of his devotions and it made me think "You know that makes sense." I shared the devotion with the Lovely Susette and she said.."That's what I needed to hear." So, now I'm sharing it with you.
Here is why it is so important to give thanks. It is impossible to be thankful and and anxious simultaneously. As Dr. Jeremiah points out, "It's hard to be thankful and negative at the same time. When was the last time you felt thankful and resentful? Thankful and lonely? Thankful and angry? Thankfulness seems to take the edge off our negative or self-centered thoughts and actions. Why? It's because our focus is taken off ourselves and turned toward God."
As I was thinking about this exercise of giving thanks I began looking up various places in the Bible where thanksgiving was demonstrated. You'll find many of those occasions in Psalms and most of those verses that are laden with thanks were written by David. Wonder if that is why it was said that he was a "man after God's heart." Could that be one reason why God loved David, who, frankly, committed some egregious sins?
Looking over Psalm 7 whose theme is: "A request for justice against those who make slanderous comments. God is the perfect judge and will punish those who persecute the innocent." David wrote this Psalm because some people had falsely accused him of trying to kill King Saul and seize the throne. David had been a loyal servant of the King and to be labeled as this kind of a traitor was very hurtful as well as dangerous.
So, what did David do? Did he gather up some troops and go after these liars? No, he put it in God's hands and then thanked Him for being a just God, who could be depended on. "I will thank the Lord because he is just; I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High." Psalm 7:17 NLT.
On that same page (826) I found this very interesting commentary. "God looks deep within the mind and heart. Nothing is hidden from God─this can either be terrifying or comforting. Our thoughts are an open book to Him. Because He knows even our motives, we have no place to hide, no way to pretend we can get away with sin. But that very knowledge also gives us great comfort. We don't have to impress God or put up a false front. Instead, we can trust God to help us work through our weaknesses in order to serve him as He has planned. When we truly follow God, He rewards our efforts."
So, if God knows all that why do we have to stop and thank Him? He already knows we are thankful. Think about it. If you do something that is nice for someone; something that is thoughtful on your part and is very helpful to them you know they appreciate it. But, if they don't even say "thank you" then how do you feel? Even though your action made its mark, accomplished its goal and pleased them they forgot to say so. How much effort would it take to say a simple "Thank you?"
Now think about it in the context of thanking God, who already knows the blessing He gave you was appreciated. Do you still have to thank Him? Will He withdraw future blessings because you didn't thank Him for this one. Yes and no! Yes, you should still thank Him. No, God will continue to bless you no matter if you were thoughtless and verbally unappreciative of this current blessing.
But, giving thanks is a blessing in itself. It benefits you more than God. Sure He welcomes your thanks and frankly if we stopped what we were doing and started thanking Him for all His blessings we would never get anything else done. His blessings are that numerous and so many are taken for granted.
Still it is important to make part of every prayer a time of giving thanks for specific blessings. One thing that does is make you feel good. When you start thanking God for things you can't help but realize in how many ways you have been blessed.
Of course it is easy to thank God when things are going well. When you don't see any major problems on the horizon you are certainly thankful. But, when some of the heavy burdens of life press down on you that is an excellent time to give thanks. It is an escape. It is impossible to be thanking Him and worrying at the same moment in time.
And you, like King David, can thank God that He is just and He rewards those who seek him. When we stop to think of God as being the Creator, the One who is in control of all the big things like making sure the sun comes up, the rains fall, that we have air to breathe and water to drink, well gosh...just the fact that He hears our prayers is amazing. The Master of the Universe takes time to hear your pleas, your requests, and yes, your thanks.
I can't help but think that when we thank Him, it makes Him smile. Giving thanks makes God feel appreciated. It is our way of returning a portion of the love He graciously showers down on us in countless ways.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for life, love and freedom. May we use our free will to choose a posture of thanksgiving that honors you and openly expresses our gratitude for all of your blessings. Amen!
***Author's note: Remember to give thanks this week and watch all those blessings flow in your direction as you find even more reasons to be thankful.
Pick and Choose (June 11, 2008) by Jim Crosby
The strength of a horse does not impress Him; how puny in his sight is the strength of a man. Rather the Lord's delight is in those who honor him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love. Psalm 147:10-11 (NLT)
One Sunday morning in a worship service at our church, Tracie while leading the Call to Worship, admitted that she was guilty, at times of holding some things back from God. Despite the fact that she wants to turn everything over to him, she found there were some things she just held back. Sometimes she did this without even thinking about it. Now, before you say, "shame on you Tracie," take a look at your life and I would be willing to bet that you do the same thing. We all do!
Some of the roughest times we go through often occur because we have gotten out of sync with God's will. We are out there working on our own plan, following our own agenda, rushing from thing to thing and it ain't working.
Oh, it's not like we hold everything back. It isn't as if we don't want to turn things over to God and make sure we are working within His will. Obviously we want to please God. That's a no-brainer. It's just that we pick and choose.
We pick out some things that we are dead certain are within His plan and we determine that we will follow him in these. We choose to do these so we are faithful to pray about them. We turn them over to him. Then we look for that God Nod, or some kind of a sign because we know what we are looking for. It doesn't take much of a confirmation for us to plow ahead. God is taking us exactly where we want to go. Good for God. Isn't He perceptive?
But, what if there is a scintilla of doubt about whether God would approve of something we really want to do? Maybe we can justify, in our minds, that it is not really wrong. So, we go ahead and do it. We choose not to submit it for approval because that would only slow us down. It'll all work out, we think. God will come around to our way of thinking on this. Well, maybe we don't exactly express it that way, but our actions would indicate that kind of a prevailing attitude.
What this really boils down to is a trust issue. Do we trust God to lead us the right way...in what is best for us in all things or not? You say, "Wait a minute, that's pretty harsh, Jim. Of course I trust God. It would be foolish to say I don't." Well, we say that but sometimes our actions belie our words. The thing is that God lets us go ahead and make these mistakes. It's part of the journey, part of learning how to grow closer to Him. But, when we pick and choose we are taking a difficult route.
As mentioned in a recent Devotion, the Lovely Susette and are re-doing the 40 Days of Purpose by going through The Purpose Driven Life book. This time we are really concentrating on trying to come up with honest answers to the "Question to Consider" at the end of each chapter. These are a little challenging and it is easy to slough them off and say, "Oh well, we've already learned enough in this chapter." But, it is important to accept the challenge.
Recently the QTC was "Since God knows what is best, in what areas of my life do I need to trust Him most? Hmmm? Let me think about that. Probably nobody could convince you that you don't trust God, unless you stop to think about what's going on in your life. How many things have you picked out, knowingly or unknowingly, and chosen to just go ahead and do them without consulting with the Master Consultant.
Maybe you can accomplish some impressive feats without pausing for help. God ain't impressed. Here's what the NLT Bible says, "We may spend a lot of effort trying to sharpen our skills or become physically fit. There is nothing wrong with doing so and, in fact, our gifts can be used to glorify God. But, when we use our gifts with no regard for God, they are indeed worth little. It is our honor and trust that God desires. When he has those, then he will use our gifts and strengths in way far greater than we can imagine."
You want to know the kind of trust that impresses God? There was a guy named Noah. PDL points out that the Bible says in Genesis 6 "By faith, Noah build a ship in the middle of dry land. He was warned about something he couldn't see and acted on what he was told....As a result Noah became intimate with God."
Now there were some issues that could have undermined Noah's trust. First of all, God told Noah it was going to rain. But, Noah had never seen rain. Before the flood God irrigated the land from earth up, instead of sending rain from the skies down. Second, Noah lived hundreds of miles from the Ocean, so how would he ever get a boat there, especially one that God had him keep on building and building until it was the length of one and a half football fields and as high as a four story building? Third, he had to round up a bunch of animals and care for them. And get this. It took 120 years to build it. Obviously people lived longer back then in the early days of Creation. Now, is that complete trust or what? So, let's ask the QTC again. "What areas are we holding back and refusing to completely trust God."
It sounds like a no-brainer on paper. Just trust God and it will all work out. But, it isn't always that easy. Maybe one way to bring your trust of God and an understanding of how He wants to work out some issues in your life, is to do as our Pastor Betsy Ouellette suggested in a sermon. When a little discouraged and confused about an issue she just started giving thanks for all kinds of circumstances that had come about in her life, good ones and difficult ones. Doing that changes your mindset and enables you to see the current situation in a brighter light. By freeing your thinking in this manner, it can enable God to help you see more clearly where things are headed.
Then, when situations arise and you pick and choose, as we humans are want to do, your choices will be wise ones because they will be the ones that were divinely inspired. Being on the same page with the Creator is a surefire formula for success.
Prayer: Forgive us when we pick and choose Lord and show us your way. You are the Way, the Truth and the Light and we know that you reward our trust like you did with Noah. Amen!
** * Author's note: Picking and choosing is good when we trust God and bring Him into the picture before we act.
A Big Breakfast (March 5, 2008) by Jim Crosby
The other disciples followed in the boat towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. John 21:8-9
You just can't beat a big breakfast! Scrambled eggs, cheese grits, sausage or bacon, fruit, biscuits or toast, sweet rolls, orange juice and coffee. Substitute your own preferences. Maybe you would want Sunnyside up eggs or an omelet. You may like pancakes or waffles or French toast. Perhaps you care for hash brown potatoes. Doesn't matter what you load that plate up with it is hard to top a great breakfast!
Before proceeding further let me add that I seldom have a big breakfast. Most mornings it's a bowl of cereal and cup of coffee. Maybe yogurt or a piece of toast. If I ate a big breakfast everyday I'd weigh 900 pounds. But, the fact that an occasional Saturday morning or a holiday is about the only time I indulge in the consumption of copious amounts of breakfast food, doesn't diminish the enjoyment of the ones I do get.
The Lovely Susette and I are not early risers on Saturday. Every other day, yes, but not Saturday. So, sometimes after we do get up on the weekend we just enjoy driving up to the Golf Course Restaurant (about a mile and a half away) and ordering a large breakfast. It's really fun to sit there, near the fire, even if it is a gas-logs fireplace not the real-wood, crackling-fire kind, and enjoy breakfast while looking out on the beautiful Southwood Golf Course. Don't play golf anymore, either, since I sold my clubs in a garage sale. Still, it is a great setting for enjoying breakfast.
Of course breakfast in the mountains is nice. When we go up to Amicalola Falls we have breakfast everyday. In the lodge there they always have a breakfast buffet. Those are dangerous. There is no way you can avoid piling your plate high with food. But, then you have an opportunity to go hiking around those mountains and work off some of those calories you've just loaded up on. Or you could just go back to bed since you're on vacation anyway.
It's also hard to top breakfast on the beach. If you can sit at a table on a patio or a porch and look out at the ocean or the gulf...just watching those waves roll in...that's living. The food tastes even better in that special setting.
If you feel overworked or you haven't had a good night's sleep then breakfast really tastes good. It can pick you up and get you going again. That was the case with the disciples who had been fishing at night. But, they caught nothing. Must have been frustrating, but that's the way it is with fishing. You have good and bad days. The disciples were having a bad day.
They probably were just fishing to unwind anyway. Jesus had appeared to them after his resurrection and did some "miraculous signs" in their presence. Once more they had a lot to think about. All of the things Jesus had told them, but they didn't understand before his crucifixion, were now coming to pass.
So, while they were waiting to see him again they did the logical thing...they went fishing. But, they might as well have gone to bed and got a good night's sleep because they didn't catch a single fish, until...
Well, here's the breakfast part of this story. Tired and frustrated they headed back to shore. It was getting light and they looked in to the shore and saw a man standing there. He looked familiar.
"He called out to them, ‘Friends, haven't you any fish?' "
"No, they answered."
"He said, ‘Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some."
They did this. Had no reason not to do it. When they did they were unable to haul the net into the boat because it was so full of fish it would have ripped if they tried to pull it up.
That's when it dawned on them who had yelled out this advice. John said to Peter. It is the Lord. Whereupon Peter dove into the water and swam ashore to meet Jesus. The rest of the disciples came along dragging their net-full of fish alongside the boat.
In addition to the joy they felt in seeing Jesus again they discovered he was cooking breakfast for them. He had a charcoal fire and was fixing broiled fish and bread. Not being a fishy person myself, I probably don't appreciate that breakfast as much as the disciples did. Of course, if we had lived back then our tastes might have been cultivated differently and that probably would have been a great tasting breakfast, especially for people who had been up all night fishing.
But, before they ate breakfast He had them count the fish. They had quite a haul──153 fish in all. That's in one casting of the net as instructed by the Lord after being left to their own devices all evening. Imagine how many times they had changed positions with those nets, on their own, to no avail.
In one moment of following the advice of the Lord they were highly successful. It's a great example for us. We can be frustrated time after time when we are trying to do things of our own accord. What we need to succeed is some good solid instruction.
Often we don't stop long enough to seek the divine guidance that could set everything right and get us headed in the right direction. However, as we see from this story, Jesus not only can provide the resources and instruction we need to do our work, but He will make sure we enjoy a big breakfast as well.
Prayer: Lord thank you for each brand new day you give us and we especially thank you for the enjoyment of a big breakfast to get the day underway. Amen!
***Author's note: Be sure to get up early and enjoy a big breakfast at least once this week. It will get your day off to a great start.
Hope So-(February 20, 2008) by Jim Crosby
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Hebrews 6:19
"Everything is going to work out fine."
"Hope so."
Have you ever been on either end of that kind of a verbal exchange? On the surface it seems that of the two people talking one of them is trying to encourage the other with some positive talk. He or she doesn't offer any reason why they think this will be the case, but they just feel certain it's going to work out okay.
The other person may appreciate the support and the encouragement, but seems to think it's a little bit iffy. Could go either way, but they hope their friend's analysis is correct.
Now maybe I'm reading a lot into such a brief exchange, but I do so in order to place an emphasis on the word "hope." Hope is a wonderful thing. It is what keeps us going. When we lose hope we are doomed to failure in big things or small things.
But, no matter what kind of problem you're facing it is always good to have someone on your side. Whenever I'm feeling discouraged I can always talk to the Lovely Susette and she has a remarkable facility for rekindling hope. She makes the bad things seem, well, not so bad.
In a recent Leadership Journal article John Ortberg said that a person with this "kind of vital optimism" is a person who radiates a sense that we can do this thing together. He or she provides hope that...yes, it can be done. This kind of person seems to redirect our thinking and helps us not to waste our energy wondering about "if" but to redirect our focus on going after "how."
Ortberg points out that the church is in the "hope business." He says, "We of all people ought to be known most for our hope; because our hope is founded on something deeper than human ability or wishful thinking." So our hope is based on something substantial. It is enduring because as Ortberg says "hope endures when hype fades."
Writing about President Franklin D. Roosevelt in her book "No Ordinary Time" Doris Kearns Goodwin said that when someone came away from an interview with FDR they felt better, "not because he had solved any problems...but because he had made them feel more cheerful, stronger, more determined." In other words the President lifted their spirits. He gave them hope.
I can remember as a child when my Mom would tell me everything was going to be okay and I replied, "I hope so." She would come back with: "I know so." Now, how could she be so confident? She couldn't really know what I was going through and how it was affecting me. Well, maybe she didn't, but what she did know was that she loved me. That's why she knew it was going to be okay, because no problem I could face would be stronger than that love.
That's what Jesus provides for us. He gives us hope. He was here. His time is recorded in the Bible. He showed us how to care for people and help them through the tough times.
But, as Ortberg says, even though we as church members are in the hope business, that ministry can sometimes be hope-draining. It can wear you out. Sometimes even in the church you'll find cynicism, resistance, and pessimism. Think Jesus ever encountered people like that or did he just come in contact with people who were easy to love even though they were troubled?
I'm sure He met all kinds of people. He was confronted with doubters, pessimists, negative thinkers as well as pie-in-the-sky, cockeyed optimists who were getting set up for a fall. But, to all kinds he provided hope. He still does. As he said then and it still stands, "I am the way, the truth, and the light."
Like the person who went in to talk with FDR, anyone in the presence of Jesus came away feeling better. He gave them hope.
Martin Luther King used to point out the distinction between hope and optimism. Quoting Reinhold Niehbuhr he would say, "Optimism believes in progress; that circumstances will get better. Hope, however is built on the convitction that another reality, another Kingdom, already exists."
Hope looks ahead. It doesn't get bogged down in daily battle therefore it keeps us going. Neither does hope let us dwell on the past in a negative manner. The disappointments that are destined to reoccur if we can' let go of them or they just keep on beating us down in present.
The writer in Hebrews talks about what a great reason we have to be hopeful and how our faith and trust in God justifies this hope. Talking about how God does business he referred to the promise He made to Abraham, to make a great nation of him, and how he backed it up. "When God wanted to guarantee His promises, He gave His word, a rock-solid guarantee---God can't break His word. And because His word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable. We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It's an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God, where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post as high priest...(The Message).
That pretty much sums up why we have hope and how it gets us through difficult times. Then, it changes "hope so" to "know so!"
Prayer: Lord thank you for never letting our hope get extinguished in the flames of misfortune, disappointment or frustration. For we know our hope is in You. Amen!
***Author's note: I think it's going to be a good week for you. In fact, I don't hope so, I know so. :)
The Designated Hitter (February 13, 2008) by Jim Crosby
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
In 1973, after baseball had been around for 100 plus years, the sport underwent a major rules change. No longer did a pitcher have to bat. Each team could have a 10th player in the starting lineup, who would only bat. He would not play in the field and he would be called the designated hitter. The change was quickly accepted and implemented at every level and in all baseball leagues with the exception of the National League. The designated hitter was a specialist whose only role was to produce some offense in the game. He would be called on to produce base hits and drive in runs.
Recently Coach Mike Martin, a certain Hall of Famer, was our Sunday morning designated hitter at church. Being a young church that is still forming our team we were looking for advice from a proven team-builder. We needed someone to make some hits and score some runs for us. Since Coach Martin is approaching 1,500 wins at Florida State University in baseball, we figured he could contribute some words of wisdom for Good Samaritan Church on building a championship team. In addition to that he is a strong Christian and provides a good role model for the young men he coaches.
The coach wasted no time in pointingout things that make a winner. He said there are six things he looks for in determining if a player fits the mold required to build a championship team. First of all his players need to "think right thoughts." He said he doesn't want a bunch of negative thinkers in the dugout. That's not the way to build a winner. He wants them thinking positively and dwelling on how to make things happen instead of dwelling on the negative possibilities and the bad things that could occur.
Second, he wants players to "say good words." In other words, when something bad happens instead of complaining and criticizing Martin wants players who do what he calls MTA (make the adjustment). Everything is not going to always go right in baseball or in life. But, the longer we complain and get bogged down in the disappointments the less likely we are to move forward and get things done. If a pitcher is still steaming because one of his fielders made an error, he won't properly concentrate on the next batter and the next pitch, and could give up a home run thereby compounding the problem.
Third, the coach says, "choose real friends." Real friends challenge us to get better. They want us to succeed. They don't accept less that our best.
The coach's fourth point was to "handle your hurts." Obviously there are going to be disappointments in life. We need to work our way through these and get back on track as soon as we can. Some of these take longer than others to get over. Just like a player who is hurting and focuses on the hurt more than the job he has to do will not have success, so it is with us. When these hurts occur we need to pursue the quickest way to heal and move forward. It may require solitude. Or we may need to call on a close friend. Prayer is always a starting point. For a baseball player 3 hits in 10 at bats, i.e. a .300 batting average, is considered good. But, still that player has to get over failing 7 times. Dwelling on the outs he has made often leads to making more outs instead of getting base hits.
Fifth, Coach Martin stressed "live the faith." No matter what besets us we need to keep in mind, as Christians, who we represent. If we don't live out our faith because we act in a way that is not representative of who we are and what we believe we are not acting as a positive, faith-contributing team member.
His final point was "never give up." Once his team was trailing an arch-rival (Miami) by four runs with only one out left in the game and no one on base. Instead of packing up the bats they started a rally. About 1:30 in the morning, because they never gave up, FSU pulled off a history-making, record-setting, 17-inning victory. No matter how dark things look never give up. Through Jesus Christ there is always hope.
John Ortberg tells the story of David Rabin, who was a professor of Medicine at Vanderbilt University. While in medical school David studied a frightening disease we call Lou Gehrig's Disease...actual name is amyotrophic lateral schelrosis. ALS attacks the nervous system and the patient eventually loses control of every part of his body. The first ALS patient he met could no longer communicate and the neurologist said he would probably be dead in six months.
Then at age 47 Rabin was diagnosed with ALS himself. As he began to lose control of his legs, then his arms, then his upper body he determined there was one thing he would not give up He would not surrender his spirit.
He heard about a computer that could be operated by a single switch and anyone, no matter how severely handicapped, could operate it. By now David Rabin had only enough strength in one part of his body...his eyebrow muscle. With his eyebrow he could operate the computer and speak to his family and tell jokes to his friends and write papers and review manuscripts.
Over the next four years Rabin carried on a medical consulting practice, taught med students, published a comprehensive textbook on endocrinology and received a prestigious award. David Rabin said: "Sickness may challenge your body...(but) your will is always under your own control. David Rabin never gave up.
After a designated hitter bats he will have to wait another two or three innings to bat again. Could take as long as an hour before he gets another at bat. If he strikes out he can grouse about that and think about it until the next at bat. Or he can closely observe the pitcher and establish in his mind a strategy for his next time up. He can think positive thoughts and get himself ready to succeed on his next at bat.
In life, we are God's designated hitter in some particular role he has for us to play. It is a unique task that only we can do. When we trust him and don't lean simply on our own understanding and when we acknowledge that we can't do it alone, that we need His help and determine not to give up, then He will make our paths straight. Just like the designated hitter who delivers the game-winning hit when his opportunity comes along, when we stay ready God will fashion us into a winner. Accomplishing something we have been hand- picked by God to do is a great feeling.
Prayer: Lord help us to stay patient, trust you and be ready when it is our turn to be your designated hitter. Amen!
***Have a great week. Trust the Lord and He will show you the plan for success He has designated you to achieve.
Don’t Go There (February 6, 2008) by Jim Crosby
For what I do is not the good I want to do; no the evil I do not want to do---this I keep doing. Romans 7:19
Golfer Billy Casper once gave this piece of advice to anyone who wants to be agood shotmaker in Golf. "Try to think where you want to put the ball, not where you don't want it to go." Good advice for a lot of situations. It seems that whenever we start focusing on the negative, the exact thing that we don't want to happen then is what actually does happen. Some people call this a self-fulfilling prophecy. It is almost as if the worst wouldn't happen if we didn't think it into existence.I'm not sure if that is really the case, but I do believe there is power in thinking positively. Hey, sounds like a good idea for a book doesn't it? Too bad somebody was way ahead of me on that one. But, yes it is so doggone frustrating when the exact thing you don't want to occur does happen. There may be several different outcomes that, while less than the optimum, would still be acceptable. But, the exact one you don't want to happen is the one that does.
You know it is just a lot more fun to have a positive outlook on life, but it seems every time you determine to do that some kind of problem crops up and spoils your attitude. Your best of intentions go awry.
You're feeling good. You're thinking positively and along comes Mr. Down-in-the-Mouth. Got a scowl on his face. Starts spouting off the negatives. If you say it's a nice day isn't it, he'll say it is a little too warm for his tastes. You know that kind of person he can just wear you out in a heartbeat.
He thinks you are Mr. or Mrs. Pie-in-the-sky and that you are unrealistic because nothing is as good as you are making it out to be. You may be sky-high, but you are setting yourself up for a fall. Well, we do have to be realistic about things, but you can look on the bright side or the dark side. A few minutes of looking on the latter just makes you feel bad. Being positive even if you do get knocked out of the saddle is better. You can always get up, dust yourself off and get back into that positive frame of mind.
But, if you are always negative and just like you thought, the worst happens, where do you go from there? I guess you can just wallow in that self-pity. But, what fun is that? I think it will take a toll on your health eventually...mental and physical health. You can determine that you are going to think about positive things and block out the things that you don't want to do and still mess up. Like Billy Casper said think about where you want the golf shot to go, not where you don't want it to.
The fact is even if you are thinking about where you want that shot to go you still might mis-hit the darn thing and send it into the rough. Visualizing the right place to send it is a start, but your body has to follow your mind.
The Apostle Paul found this very frustrating. Of course, he never played golf. It's too time consuming and he wouldn't have enough time left to go on those missionary journeys if he did. But, what aggravated him was as he says in Romans 7:15: "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do; but what I hate, I do.
In other words Paul knew the right things to do in life. And that was what he wanted to do. But, in spite of his determination to do right, he did wrong sometimes. He actually would, on occasion, do the thing he hated. And he hated the fact that he did the wrong thing instead of the right thing.
We are the same way aren't we? Don't we sometimes, instead of our best intentions, do the exact thing we don't want to do? It's like a moth attracted to a flame. The light is appealing, but once he flies into it...goodbye. No more moth.
Sometimes we emulate that self-destructive behavior. We think about where we want to go and still we go in the wrong direction. It's like there is a force out there that is sabotaging our best intentions. The Quest Study Bible says that even if you are a spirit-filled Christian you can sometimes go awry. The wrong spirit can gain control of our actions if we are not careful. It is like you moving to another part of the world, but not taking part in their customs or changing to reflect their patterns or ways. You can be a believer, but sometimes if you are not on-guard you can be persuaded to make an unwise choice. Looking at it later you'll probably say. "Now why in the world did I do that? It is the opposite of what I intended to do."
Paul was very frustrated when this happened. Listen to how The Message, using Paul's words and thoughts puts it: "What I don't understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So, if I can't be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God's command is necessary."
"But, I need something more! For if I know the law but still can't keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don't have what it takes, I can will it, but I can't do it. I decide to do good, but I don't really do it. I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions such as they are; don't result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time. "
Then Paul says, "I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question?"
Fortunately Paul found the answer: "The answer thank God, is that Jesus can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different. With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ's being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death."
There you have it. With Christ in control you don't have to do the wrong thing when you want to do the right one. And if you slip up and do wrong you can be forgiven.
Prayer: Lord help us to do the things we really want to do...the good things...the right things, not those we despise and don't want to do. Strengthen our minds to block out the way we don't want to go and concentrate on the way we desire to go. Amen!
*** Author's note: Hope all your good intentions come to pass this week and with God's help you are able to do the things you like, not the ones you dislike.
Super Signs (January 30, 2008) by Jim Crosby
You know the saying, ‘Red sky at night means fair weather tomorrow, red sky in the morning means foul weather all day.' You are are good at reading the weather signs in the sky, but you can't read the obvious signs of the times. Matthew 16:2-3
Super Sunday is coming up. The day on which we celebrate the sports world's biggest holiday. That's when the Super Bowl will be played. This year it takes place on February 3, 2008, in Glendale, Arizona and features the New England Patriots and the New York Giants. The fact that over 93 million people worldwide will be watching on television and sponsors will pay a minimum of $2.6million for a 30-second commercial is a sign that people are football-crazy. At least for one game they are.
Sure, some people don't really give a rip about football, but they will watch it because the Super Bowl dominates the news and they don't want to get left out. Watching the Super Bowl is the "in-thing" to do. Some will watch because they just like to "party" and Super Bowl parties have lots of good food, drinks and socializing. Some folks even say you can predict the ups and downs of the stock market according to who wins this game. Whether the American or the National Football conference wins is a sign that will foretell the direction the market will take. Huh?
And then there will be some real signs at the game. These are the ones that the most creative fans (you have to be creative to even get a ticket to this game) will make and hold up in the stands, hoping to get on television that way.
You've seen these signs. For example, it must have been a Giants fan holding up the sign during the playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys. It read: "End of the Romo Empire." For those who don't know, Tony Romo is the Cowboys Quarterback and the Giants knocked them out of the playoffs on the way to the Super Bowl.
One of the fan favorites is to make a sign that utilizes the call letters of the Network televising the game. That job gets a little more challenging this year because the game is on FOX network. Coming up with football-related words containing an X is a little more difficult than say: ABC, CBS, NBC or even ESPN.
Being a wordsmith myself I really appreciate an imaginative, well-thought out sign. When searching the internet for stand-out signs for various occasions here are some of the ones I liked best: "There will be a $5 fine for Whining." Ok, Ok, they get better. How about: "Frog parking only. All others will be Toad." Do I hear some groaning out there? Then, how about this one? "You're only young once, But you can be immature forever." All right, one more. Here's one that speaks of a never-give-up-attitude. "If at first you don't succeed...redefine success." I like it!
Anyway, signs go back to the beginning of time. We read in Genesis 1:14: "And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years.' "
God uses signs all the time. Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary says: "A sign is something that points to, or represents something larger or more important than itself. By far the most important use of the word is in reference to the acts of God." Sometimes I just wonder if we are really looking for a sign or if we see one and don't recognize it is signaling something.
The Pharisees and Sadduccees were continually trying to trip up Jesus. So, one day they asked Him to show them a miraculous sign from heaven. In reply, Jesus basically told them they wouldn't even recognize one if he did call it up.
He said they were fine with reading those warning signs in the sky about the weather. They knew the significance of a really red-looking sky. If it was seen in the evening if forecast fair weather for the next day. If it occurred in the morning it was a predictor of bad weather. But, they wouldn't recognize any other sign of significance even if He called one up for them because of their biased thinking.
Further, Jesus told them the only sign he could give them was the sign of Jonah. I'm sure that one confused the heck out of them. But, what he was saying was that just as Jonah was given up for dead when the whale swallowed him and was in there for three days, so Jesus would return in three days after he was crucified.
One of the most famous "sign" references we recall from the scriptures is the one referred to by the angels who appeared to the shepherds on that first Christmas evening: "Today, in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you. You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
The disciple John who wrote the last of the four gospels kind of summed things up in Chapter 20 verse 30 when he said: "Jesus' disciples saw him do many other miraculous signs besides the ones recorded in this book. But, these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God and that by believing in Him you will have life."
While he was here the ministry of Jesus was filled with signs and wonders and miracles. Nelson's Dictionary points this out and elaborates: "Throughout the Bible the true significance of a sign is understood only through faith." That's still true today. We are being provided signs all the time, but it is only through our faith that we can understand and appreciate these.
On Sunday we will see some Super Signs at the Super Bowl. They'll be a lot of fun and will contain messages beyond the playing of the ultimate football game. But, every day, if we are alert, we will see something better. Supernatural signs from the Heavenly Father that extend beyond the daily game we are involved in. Be on the lookout for these.
Monday Prayer: Lord help us to recognize the signs you send to guide us, so we may follow your Master Plan for us. Amen!
***Author's note: Hope you enjoy Super Sunday and all its accompanying signs.
Breaking Ground, Breaking Bread (January 23, 2008) by Jim Crosby
"Do not come any closer," God told him. "Take off your sandals for you are standing on holy ground." Exodus 3:5
Last week our young church had a ground breaking and a cross raising ceremony. The local newspaper wrote a wonderful article about the church and the ground breaking event.The first thing that caught your eye when you turned to the Faith Section of the newspaper on that Groundbreaking Saturday was a large picture of our pastor, Betsy Ouellette, dressed in her priestly robe and holding two halves of bread high above her head. This was the bread, broken in half to symbolize the crucifixion of Christ. At the Last Supper, when Jesus served the bread to His disciples He said; "This is my body broken for you." (Luke 22:19) So, on this Saturday of breaking ground it was entirely appropriate that the newspaper would depict broken bread.
For the past year, as our new church met to worship each Sunday in a high school cafeteria, we looked for markers or as I like to call them God Nods along the way that we were moving ahead according to His plan. The Groundbreaking was a major acknowledgement that things were proceeding along according to a heavenly rather than a human agenda.
I was honored to be selected to represent the church laity and to shovel, along with a representative of church administration, those first shovelfuls of dirt. These supposedly would pave the way for the workers to now lay the foundation for the first of three buildings to be built on that property.
I hope they have it easier than we did. Unfortunately we chose the hardest area of ground containing the most onerous root structure, to try to break the ground. But, it was symbolic anyway...symbolizing that the ground was now broken and ready for construction to begin. But, I will say the Groundbreaking Liturgy that Pastor Betsy read was one of the longest I have heard. Or maybe it just seemed that way because we continued to shovel through roots and leaves and hard clay all the way through the liturgy reading.
Then came the cross raising, which we had to figure out how to do, since none of us had ever done that before. But, Pastor Betsy and a layman picked up the fairly tall cross which had been laying on the ground and carried it to a pre-dug hole (in softer ground) and to the cheers of the assembled crowd the cross was raised and now is a visible symbol on the church property of what Good Samaritan Church stands for. It actually transformed the ordinary red-clay ground into hallowed (holy) ground. That ground is no longer just a beautiful piece of property in North Florida. It is a special place consecrated to the worship of the one true God.
In our scripture lesson Moses was out tending his father-in-law's flocks. Little did he know that God had a job in mind for him...a big job. Sometimes when God has a big job for us to do he won't bother with a God Nod. He will cut to the chase. He'll get our attention in a dramatic way. That was what he did with Moses on this particular day.
He appeared to Moses in a burning bush. Moses saw the bush burning while he was sitting there watching the sheep graze. But, as he sat there he began to notice that even though it was a blazing fire the bush was not being consumed.
When the Lord saw that he now had Moses' attention he called out to him from the bush. "Moses, Moses. Don't come any closer and take off your sandals because you are standing on holy ground."
I once heard FSU football coach Bobby Bowden give a talk in which he said, "If you are waiting for God to speak to you from a burning bush, it ain't gonna happen. He has already used that one." But, God can use an equally dramatic way of getting your attention if He wants to.
The NLT Bible (pg 98) speaks of God's methods: "God spoke to Moses from an unexpected source; a burning bush. When Moses saw it, he went to investigate. God may use unexpected sources when communicating to us too, whether people, thoughts, or experiences. Be willing to investigate, and be open to God's surprises
This hallowed place where Moses was at the time was on Mt. Sinai. That is where God would eventually give the people His revealed law (the 10 commandments)──on Mt. Sinai. It is also what God promised Moses as He reveals the monumental task He has for Moses to do. First, He shocks Moses by telling him to go back to Egypt, appear before Pharaoh, then lead his people out of slavery.
In Exodus 3:12 God confirms that Moses will be successful and will return to this very spot. "I will be with you. And this will serve as proof that I have sent you. When you have brought the Israelites out of Egypt, you will return here to worship God at this very mountain."
So, at God's command Moses took off his sandals. It was an act of reverence showing his unworthiness to even be in God's presence. NLT says, "God is our friend, but He is also sovereign. To approach Him frivolously shows a lack of respect and sincerity. When you come to God in worship, do you approach Him casually, or do you come as though you were an invited guest before a king? If necessary adjust your attitude so it is suitable for approaching a holy God."
Our church approached God in a respectful praise-worthy way and honored His work through the groundbreaking/cross-raising ceremony. We seriously praised Him through scripture, testimony, and song, but it was also a festive time of celebration and thanksgiving for His goodness and how far along He had brought this church.
So, the ground was broken, the construction begins, and lots of bread will be broken in those buildings that are being built. I'm just thankful that He didn't ask us to take off our shoes as the ground was being broken and that acreage was transformed into holy ground. Red clay on bare feet on a damp, chilly day wouldn't feel too good. To God be the glory!
Prayer: Lord help us to be alert when you are trying to get our attention no matter if it is through a God Nod or a burning bush experience. Amen!
***Author's Note: It's always nice when you see signs in your life that God is bringing you along on a journey to success despite the pitfalls and roadblocks along the way.
Old Mo (January 16, 2008)- by Jim Crosby
What a stack of blessing you have piled up for those who worship you, Ready and waiting for all who run to you to escape an unkind world. You hide them safely away from the opposition. As you slam the door on those oily, mocking faces you silence the poisonous gossip. Psalm 31:19-20 (The Message)
Recently I was talking with Pastor Betsy about all the positive things we have going on at Good Samaritan Church and I said, "Looks like we have Old Mo on our side now." Betsy said, "What?"
Then I explained to her just who Old Mo is. Mo is "momentum." It's good to have Mo in your corner. I guess this made-up name is heard mostly in sports. When a team who is trailing in a close game in football scores a touchdown they have the momentum. Old Mo has switched sides and now favors them.
Of course, this doesn't just apply in sports. In any walk of life or any endeavor it is great to have momentum going for you. Say you are having business woes and then you nab a big account. Old Mo has joined your team. You've been trying to figure out how to get a girl's attention who doesn't know you exist and you find yourself in line behind her at the grocery story. You strike up a conversation and agree to meet for lunch. Old Mo is smiling on that new relationship. Any time your fortunes start taking a turn for the better Mo is at work.
But, Mo can be fickle. He doesn't always stay where he has moved to. Sometimes he changes direction. Maybe your radio station has been on the top of the Arbitron ratings and this quarter Mo joins another station. They leapfrog over you in the ratings. Then you have to figure out how to get Mo back. Or perhaps you have all of your bills under control at home and are patting yourself on the back for not using your credit card this month...you and Mo are riding high. Then you have car problems and have to replace the generator or some other expensive part. Goodbye Mo! Hello Mastercard!
The dictionary says momentum is "strength or force that keeps growing." You want that momentum to keep going and growing in the right direction. But your opponent in sports and in life wants to do the opposite. The forces of evil in the world don't want you to be happy. They are out to take Old Mo captive. They'll creep in during the dark of night and ferret him away.
You have to be vigilant, which the dictionary points out is "staying watchful and alert to danger or trouble." Keep monitoring, daily, how your life is going. Are there threats creeping in a certain area?. What changes have you noticed or been so busy that you didn't notice? Has your thinking changed about some things? If so, why? Just being alert and protective of the things of value in your life are the keys to preserving the happiness that comes from having momentum.
It's easy for a bad attitude to creep in. Without vigilance danger can sweep Old Mo away. Then, your life can change and it could be a struggle to return to normalcy. Fortunately we have a relationship with the One who can change momentum in a heartbeat. God can put Old Mo on stilts causing him to step over any roadblocks we encounter and propel us in the right direction.
I chose today's scripture from Psalms, I guess, because I like pancakes. When I read about the "stack of blessing" that God has for us I started thinking about different things we stack up and pancakes was one of the first to come to mind. Seldom do we eat just one pancake. Usually it's a stack of them, cooked golden brown and totally covered with butter and syrup (low fat and sugar free of course).
But, the neat thing about this scripture is it addresses the kind of momentum that God provides. When we trust Him and are obedient to His commands he stacks those blessings on us. He puts Old Mo on our side and after we get going in the right direction he just piles those blessings on.
And when the evil one tries to snatch Mo from our midst by using his sleazy techniques he hides us away and "slams the door on those oily, mocking faces." In this 31st Psalm attributed to King David, "He pictures God as the administrator of an inexhaustible storehouse of goodness treasured up for His believing people. To all who seek shelter in Him He waits to pour out these treasures abundantly in the presence of the sons of men." (Believer's Bible Commentary pg. 593)
God has this stack of blessings waiting for us and he has more in the oven waiting to be cooked up. When forces try to usurp what is ours, He will protect them for us. It is up to us to stay in contact through prayer, worship and the Word so we may be not only vigilant in making sure Old Mo doesn't switch sides, but diligent in taking actions that move the momentum forward quickly and efficiently.
Throughout the Old Testament we read how God provided momentum for his chosen people. He brought them out of slavery. He took them into the Promised Land, eventually after they regained the momentum they had let slip away through disobedience and doubts.
In the New Testament he sent Jesus to provide momentum through His love and teachings. He set the standard for how to conduct lives that maximize God's momentum. Even the momentum that Jesus had built up was momentarily snatched away during his false arrest, mockery of a trial and crucifixion. But, momentum was regained through the resurrection and return to heaven.
His life provided the ultimate example of how momentum can be gained, lost and permanently regained. So, when bad things happen we can be comforted in knowing that even though momentum seems to have switched sides by trusting the Lord and taking the right approach, Old Mo will be back on our side where he belongs.
Prayer: Lord grant us recognition of momentum changing events when they occur and through our diligence and trust in you to welcome Old Mo back to our side. Amen!
Author's note: Old Mo is out there waiting to choose a side. Get ready to welcome him to your team. Have a great week!
What’s Ahead? (January 9, 2008) by Jim Crosby
For I know the plans I have for you.. said the Lord Plans to prosper you not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Early in our marriage the Lovely Susette and I started a New Year's Day exercise that has become a tradition with us. We write each other a letter about our year, put it in a sealed envelope and bring them out on the next New Year's day and read them out loud to each other. I read the letter she wrote to me and she reads the letter I wrote to her.
But, what is different about these letters is that we write about what is going to happen in the coming year just as if it has already happened. So, this year on January 1, 2008 we opened and read the letters that we wrote last year on January 1, 2007. Next, we wrote about what happened in 2008 which, of course, hasn't taken place yet. Then, sealed up those new letters.. On January 1, 2009 we plan to open those envelopes and read about our "projected" year of 2008 to see if we were on target.
We write about our hopes and expectations. We put on paper our desires and dreams as individuals, a couple and a family. We write the things that, in our dreams, we hope will come true. Can't remember writing anything negative down, which I guess is a flaw in our little exercise, since not all things that happen in our lives are positive.
Basically we write about what‘s ahead for us, as far as we can see, using our limited vision. We find, in looking back at these, that they are mostly based on what we hope will happen. But, the good thing is that it puts us in a positive frame of mind. It is as good as writing out New Year's resolutions because it focuses on the things we must do to achieve growth and happiness in our lives as we stand on the horizon of a brand new 365 days.
It's all based on "hope!" We write down the things we hope will happen. Hope is a wonderful thing. It keeps us going. That's what I love about today's scripture in Jeremiah, Chapter 29, verse 11. This scripture was first pointed out to me by Florida State University Women's basketball coach Sue Semrau several years ago. I have referred back to it time after time and it never fails to lift my spirits because it gives me "hope."
Jeremiah was called by the Lord to be "a prophet to nations" when he was only a teenager. Imagine how ill-prepared and afraid Jeremiah must have felt. In Jeremiah 1:7-8. he writes, "But the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, Do not say, I am only a child. You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the Lord.
So Jeremiah was given the task of prophesying doom as well as restoration He prophesied the 70-year captivity, in Babylon, of his people and confronted them with their wrong-doing. But, he also accurately prophesied their eventual return from exile.
After they had indeed between captured and taken to Babylon, Jeremiah wrote a letter from Jerusalem to the exiles there. His instructions were to "move ahead with their lives and to pray for the pagan nation that enslaved them. The NLT Bible says, "Life cannot grind to a halt during troubled times. In an unpleasant or distressing situation, we must adjust and keep moving." (pg. 1156)
Then, Jeremiah went on to explain how we are able to do that as he quoted what the Lord told him about His not deserting the people and giving them hope and a future. NLT says, "We're all encouraged by a leader who stirs us to move ahead, someone who believes we can do the task he has given and who will be with us all the way. God is that kind of leader. He knows the future, and his plans for us are good and full of hope. As long as God, who knows the future, provides our agenda and goes with us as we fulfill His mission, we can have boundless hope. This does not mean that we will be spared pain, suffering or hardship, but that God will see us through to a glorious conclusion."
Further we read in vs. 12-14 that "God did not forget his people, even though they were captives in Babylon. He planned to give them a new beginning with a new purpose─to turn them into new people. In times of dire circumstances, it may appear as though God has forgotten you. But, God may be preparing you as he did the people of Judah, for a new beginning with Him at the center."
So, what's ahead for you? Probably even better things than you could hope for. Now, at the beginning of this brand new year, you might want to do what Susette and I do. Take a few moments to write down those "hoped-fors" and write them in a style that states them as actually occurring. "In 2008, I finished writing a book and a major publisher agreed to publish, market and distribute it." or "In 2008 I doubled my business." or "In 2008, I made the dean's list." or "In 2008 I stuck to my diet and lost X-number of pounds and I feel great." or "Our church completed building two new buildings and our membership doubled." Whatever your fondest dreams are put them down on paper. Things just seem more authentic if they are written or typed on a sheet of paper.
What this will do is get your mind, especially your sub-conscious, zeroed in on the things that really matter to you. As you go about your daily business you will find that your efforts become more directed toward those goals that you really want to achieve because, by writing them down, you have clarified them. Your hopes are now more than just "pie-in-sky-pipe-dreams" they are realistic desires that can be achieved.
But, be prepared. God may be setting you up for a new beginning altogether. The things that you write down may be the start of something big...bigger than you imagined because with God you have hope and a bright future. What's ahead is looking good.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for the hope and future you have prepared for us. Guide us along the pathways that lead to the destination you have in mind for us as you prepare our minds and hearts for what's ahead. Amen!
Author's note: Plan on having a great New Year. With God's help it will happen.
Contentment (January 2, 2008) by Jim Crosby
...for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need. Philippians 4:11-13(NLT)
I came across a cute little story this week from Dr. David Jeremiah. He said, "Two teardrops were floating down the river of life. One teardrop asked the other, ‘Who are you?' The second teardrop replied, ‘I am from a girl who loved a man and lost him. But, who are you?' The first teardrop replied, ‘I am a teardrop from the girl who got him."
Dr. Jeremiah remarks, "That's the way life goes, isn't it? We cry over what we don't have, not realizing we might have cried twice as hard had we gotten it." Although contentment is what we seek, it rarely if ever happens.
Contentment has its good points and a negative side as well. The dictionary says that contentment means being satisfied. But, it also points out it is a state of having or showing no desire for something more or different. So right there we see the good and bad parts of contentment. Certainly it is good to have a feeling of satisfaction. There are many things in life that can bring about that feeling of contentment.
But, if we get too content we stagnate. We don't grow and move forward and achieve even greater things in life. It's like a team winning a big game. It's fine to feel good about this. You worked hard. You played together as a team. You won! But, if that feeling of contentment lasts too long and you don't prepare for the next game you will lose and will feel depressed instead of content.
Still, I believe that feelings of contentment outweigh most of the negatives that could accompany them. Just look at the synonyms for contentment. There's satisfaction, gratification, contentedness, happiness, and gladness. All of those are good things.
Sometimes we have to look really hard to find feelings of contentment. But, the apostle Paul, in his letter to the church at Philippi gave some instruction along these lines.
He was certainly qualified to pass out this advice on being contented because he was unjustly imprisoned in Rome at the time. I like the way The Message paraphrases Paul's words. "I am glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess...I don't have a sense of needing anything personally. I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am."
Wow, maybe some of those little setbacks we've had aren't so bad after all. Perhaps, we can search for and find contentment even in those. Like when the kids are being pills (yes that applies to the grown kids as well as the tots); or when a business transaction goes awry; or when someone doesn't live up to the expectations you have for them or in a certain situation. The list is endless. The potential for disappointment is large.
But, wait a minute! What if we do what Paul did? What if we look for the silver lining and in so doing grasp contentment even if it is for a fleeting moment? Do that enough times and maybe the warmth of contentment will melt away the freeze of dismay. Maybe contentment will become the rule instead of the exception in your life.
Instead of obsessing about the health of an elderly loved one give thanks and find contentment in having him or her for another day. When a friend disappoints you find contentment in still having a friend, however imperfect he or she might be. After all everybody can't be nearly perfect like we are, right" :)
Contentment can be yours, even though it might come only after a struggle. Maybe it takes a little mind clearing. Perhaps a little anger-venting first (in private) where you have it out with yourself. You could have to just step aside and look over at the situation as if you weren't involved. "Let's see, if this was somebody else this was happening to, not me, how should they respond."
Eventually you can come to terms with even the greatest disappointments. Sometimes it takes months, maybe even years, hopefully not a lifetime. Some people experience a disappointment so great in life that they never get over it. They don't go all out to find the peace that comes from dealing with it and ultimately being contented.
But, as pointed out earlier, there could be a negative side to contentment. That only occurs when it gives you a false sense of security. It happens when you think this is the greatest thing that could ever happen to you. Nothing could top it. Or maybe you believe you could never experience anything worse, more disheartening, or a bigger bummer.
As Yogi says, "It ain't over ‘til it's over." We are still on this journey called "Life." There will be ups and downs. Sometimes the highs will be extreme. Elation reigns and you think "It can't get any better than this." Then, the Lord fools you. He sends along an even greater blessing.
On the opposite end of the spectrum things happen that are very depressing. These circumstances can deflate even the most positive outlook. Okay, it's easy to say "get over it," but not so easy to do. When these things happen it may take some time. That's all right. Mourning, lamenting, feeling sad in life are natural feelings you will have. But, they don't have to defeat you. Remember Paul and his message to be content in whatever circumstance you find yourself in.
But, never, never, let life's circumstances bring you down. As you begin a brand New Year trust in the One who gives you strength. In doing this you will find contentment.
Monday Prayer: Lord, thank you for the contentment we find in life through putting our trust in you! Amen!
***Author's note: Hope your New Year gets off to a great start and gets even better as time passes. May God's abundant blessings be yours in 2008.
The Purposeful Life (May 28, 2008) by Jim Crosby
"...From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." Luke 12:48
"That's Life, that's what all the people say.
You're riding high in April,
Shot down in May
But I know I'm gonna change that tune,
When I'm back on top, back on top in June."
"That's Life"-Frank Sinatra
Ever notice as you get older somehow the months seem to pass faster and faster? Have you ever said "Is it 8 o'clock already?" or "Gosh tomorrow is June 1st, where does the time go?" or "Oh no is the weekend over already?"
Well, here we are at the end of May. One more month and we'll be saying "Wow where did the first half of this year go?" If you take a look at the first verse of Sinatra's,"That's Life" song, you see that he had a good April, May was bad and he was optimistic that he would rebound in June.
While no month is all bad and none is perfect either, some swing directly to one side or the other when we remember them. Ever said, "Well that was the worst moment, day, week or month of my life." or "That was the best day, month, summer of my life." Well...that's life.
But, as you tear months off of the calendar, somewhere down the line you have to stop and think? Man, what is the purpose of all this? Did I get anything of lasting value accomplished?
Several years ago, for our morning devotion, the Lovely Susette and I spent 40-consecutive days, sharing the lessons in Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life. Apparently a lot of other folks have done that too since the book has sold 11 million copies.
It's a book that makes you think about your life. Where you've been and where you're headed. Actually it makes you think about your purpose for being here. That's nice because it fits with the book's title. :)
At the end of each chapter there is a "Point to Ponder" (PTP) and a "Question to Consider." (QTC) For example one of the early PTPs is: "Life is a test and a trust." The QTC that goes along with that one is: "What has happened to me recently that I now realize was a test from God? What are the greatest matters God has entrusted to me?" Okay, so that's two questions, but Rick Warren has seldom been accused of being brief. But, they are a couple of questions that bare thinking about.
It is when you make these kinds of self-examinations that you are able to start separating the wheat from the chaff...the things with lasting meaning from the insignificant ones.
Neither Susette nor I can remember the answers we gave to each of these questions, three or four years ago and that is not the point anyway. I feel like this time around we are giving more thoughtful consideration to each one. Thoughtfully considering what it is that God has on His mind is a good thing.
You see most of the time it's all about what we have on our mind, what we want to see happen. I know that I am one of the worst offenders in this. But, when you really stop to think about the purpose in some action or event. Why it happened. What God could have had in mind. You come up with some good answers and a different perspective on things.
So, here's a question to ask yourself. "Am I leading a purposeful life?" Think about some of the things that have happened in your life recently? Do you feel like a victim or a conqueror. Is it like, "Why do these things always happen to me" or is it "Yeah, I'm bad. That was great." Winner or loser?
Rick Warren says, "The way you see your life, shapes your life." Sometimes the viewpoint you take, the perspective in which you consider a circumstance really determines what the outcome is. Did you have a purpose that led you to do this.? What shaped that purpose and why?
You may have trouble deciphering what the actual purpose was in some cases. To that Warren says, "Focusing on ourselves will never reveal our life's purpose." He says that we were planned for God's pleasure. But, the key there I think is the term planned. God had a plan for you and for me from the beginning. So, there was a purpose for our having been born. This is what will give meaning to our lives...when we discover the purpose in our being here. It's not something that happens overnight. It's a process; a journey. We are continually discovering purpose in the things we do when we consult God and ask him to help us.
There are certain things in life that drive us as individuals. An honest appraisal of these things leads to a greater understanding of our purpose. Warren points out that the things that usually drive a person are: resentment and anger; materialism and/or need for approval.
If you honestly seek your purpose in life you'll find that finding this purpose will: 1) Give meaning to your life 2) Simplify your life 3) Focus your life 4) Motivate your life and finally 5) Prepare your life for eternity. Once you were born you were in this thing for the long haul. As Warren mentions; "to create an earthly legacy is a short sighted goal." What will be your eternal legacy?
It may seem in this devotion that I have thrown around a lot of generalities. Maybe some of it seems like "book learning" not real life. But, my purpose was to get you to think about your purpose. Getting up each day and thinking about the things you have on your agenda and how they fit in with a purposeful life will give you new meaning and direction. Now you will have a purpose with depth behind the things you do and your life here and hereafter will be enriched.
Monday Prayer: Thank you Lord for putting us here with a purpose in mind. Help us to stay determined to fulfill it and to lead purposeful lives. Amen!
***Author's note: Whether this concept of purpose in your life is new or old, thinking about it can produce positive outcomes in the way you do things. Have a great week!
Seeing Red (May 21, 2008) by Jim Crosby
...I saw a large red dragon with seven heads and ten horns, with seven crowns on his heads. His tail dragged down one-third of the stars, which he threw to earth. Revelation 12:3-4
Have you ever been really angry, so mad that you were "seeing red?" Most of us have. That's a tough situation to have to deal with. But there are advantages to seeing red because that doesn't always mean we are angry. Seeing red can be inspiring and uplifting as well.
In the earlier days of television you could see lots of red. There was a comedian Red Buttons. Before television Buttons had been all set to get his first big break. He had a leading role in a Broadway play called The Admiral Had a Wife. It was a farce set in Pearl Harbor and was set to open on December 8, 1941. Of course on December 7 the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and the show was cancelled before it began.. Later Buttons would say the Japanese only attacked Pearl Harbor to keep him off Broadway. In 1952 he became a star when he broke into television with The Red Buttons Show.
Danny Kaye was another red-headed performer who had his own show on television and also appeared in movies for 51 years.Perhaps the two most famous red-headed entertainers were Lucille Ball and Red Skelton. Ball was a comedienne in movies and on television for 67 years. Her "Lucy" TV series ran for 26 years. While Skelton entertained in movies and on radio and television for 44 years getting lots of mileage out of his characters, "Freddy the Freeloader," "Clem Kadiddlehopper" and "Deadeye the Western Cowboy."
Where am I going with all this? Well, I want to tell you about one of the nicest and most rewarding experiences I've had that involved seeing Red. It is one that God has multiplied many times over.
Back when I was taking courses to get out of banking and into radio─a move certainly designed to emphasize fame more than fortune─I had an assignment to interview a famous person. This would be my first ever really big interview. Naturally my thinking gravitated toward the sports world. I was living in Ft. Lauderdale at the time. Every morning I listened to WIOD radio (Miami) a station with a great array of talent, including a legendary sportscaster by the name of "Red" Barber. The "Old Redhead" as he was called was semi-retired after broadcasting Major League Baseball for over four decades. Being a legend he didn't even have to come into the radio station. He did his sports report from his home on Key Biscayne.
I wondered if Red would consent to do an interview with me to complete my assignment. Amazingly, I found his number in the telephone directory, called and he answered the phone. When I told him I was a broadcast student seeking an interview he invited me to come to his home on a Saturday morning to record the interview.
I have never met a more gracious person. We did the 20 minute interview then spent the rest of the morning talking sports. What fun! Then, I noticed a book on his book shelf called: "Walk in the Spirit." authored by Red Barber.
I asked him about it and discovered he was a Lay Reader in the Lutheran Church and he was just as comfortable talking about his faith as he was baseball or football. Perhaps, that inspired me more than anything that day. I came away thinking more about the goodness, humility and faith of this man than I did the sports stories we shared.
Years later he moved to Tallahassee to re-retire, but he was still doing a weekly report from his home for National Public Radio. I was a sports anchor on television by this time and contacted him to see if I could come to his home and to interview and videotape him, in action, doing his radio show. He consented and once again there I was with the legend Red Barber, drinking coffee that his dear wife Lylah had made, interviewing him and taping his show. The man had a phenomenal memory and even remembered that little old interview we had done way back when he lived in Miami.
Still later, when I was back in radio and hosting a call-in show Red was gracious enough to come on the show as a guest several times. Seeing Red had an influence that has lasted throughout my broadcasting career.
So, seeing red can be a good thing. If you're seeing red, as in anger, that ain't so good. There is also a vivid example of seeing red in Revelation. The vision of heaven and also the end times that John shared included a scene in Revelation 12:3-4 "Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on his heads. His tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to earth."
The commentary on this scripture says this red dragon symbolizes Satan. The fact that he is red symbolizes violence. His seven heads means he is clever. Seven horns symbolize strength. And the seven crowns speak to his way of controlling things. The stars he swept out of heaven are considered to fallen angels who now spend their time on earth as members of his evil forces. This is a quick and easy explanation that I learned from the Quest Study Bible and the New Living Translation Life Application Study Bible.
My point is that being so mad you are seeing red can mean that an evil force is guiding your thinking and your action at the moment. It is at such a time that we can make a major mistake in our lives. The antidote is to back off and say a prayer turning the situation over to the One who swept the red dragon out of heaven and will some day conquer him for good.
When I walked into our church worship service on Pentecost Sunday I was immediately seeing red as my vision was filled with vivid red cloths and flowers. It was Mother's Day so the women received a red rose as well.
But, there is no doubt about it. Seeing red gets your attention. It is not a bland or neutral color. It can't be ignored. For me seeing red was a life-changing experience when I visited Red Barber. Seeing red could be a positive experience for you as well. Who knows maybe seeing red will also change your life.
Monday Prayer: Lord thank you for the color red. It's brightness and the way it enlivens our atmosphere, adjusts our attitude and colors our thinking. Amen!
***Author's note: I hope each day will be a red-letter day for you and yours.
Relationships (May 14, 2008) by Jim Crosby
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you in order to bring praise to God. Romans 15:7
"A relationship is a specific connection between objects, entities or concepts." Man,that sounds awfully formal doesn't it? We hear, so frequently, about the importance of building relationships. To me that always conjures up a picture of friendship, warmth and caring. In other words, there's more to a relationship than this dictionary definition implies.
Relationships exist in many different areas and on a lot of different levels for all of us. Sometimes we are affected directly and often indirectly by the relationships that we have or don't have. Am I sounding like a Psychologist yet? No way! I'm just trying to stimulate your thinking about the relationships in your life, their importance and why caretaking is necessary.
First of all, there is no such thing as an easy, effortless relationship. It's true that some solid relationships don't require great effort to maintain them. These are great. They fulfill a purpose in our lives. Actually, I view this kind as a direct gift from God.
I'm sure you know the type of relationship being referenced here. A friend who, you may not see that often, maybe only a card at Christmas, an occasional phone call, or a stray email here or there. But, you know beyond any shadow of doubt that if you were in need that friend would be there for you. Solid gold relationships. That's what these are.
Basically when you "shuck it on down to the cob" to use one of motivational speaker John Riley's expressions, the main way that a relationship develops is by having common ground with another person. You have a mutual interest, association, need or some other way in which your paths cross. Sometimes this occurs unexpectedly and at other times it is planned.
On Pentecost Sunday (May 11) our Pastor Betsy Ouellette talked about the Holy Spirit's descending to earth as described in Acts 2: 1-4. There were 15 different nations there, speaking in different languages. The common ground they shared was the Passover Celebration of the Harvest in Jerusalem. It was 50 days after Easter. But, many of these could not communicate with each other because of the language barrier.
Yet when the Holy Spirit came upon them with "a mighty rushing wind and tongues of fire" suddenly they could all understand each other. They now became "followers of the Way." 3,000 became believers that day. Now, they had a common ground─Christianity. Relationships were formed. These relationships created communities and because of their shared beliefs, they cared for each other and individual lives were changed.
In our churches today we find these kinds of relationships. Whenever I'm out in the community or anywhere else and I run into another member of Good Samaritan Church there is an instant connection we experience. We have a shared, common ground. A bond! Based on that we have a relationship.
Now, that's a good thing. But, just because we have a relationship and share the same beliefs does that mean we agree on everything and this relationship always runs smoothly? No way! Think about the relationship with your spouse, your children, your parents, or any other relationship you have. Does it always go the way you would like for it to? No, but that is not the object of any relationship you have. Strong, meaningful relationships transcend petty differences because they are more important than the disagreement.
The QSB (pg 1569) in commenting on today's scripture─ "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." asks the question: "Can Christians agree on everything?" It says, "No! But, the goal is not to think alike or avoid all disagreements. The goal is to glorify God. We can strive for a unity in Christ that supersedes our different preferences and personalities. Our differences need not divide us─in fact, our diversity can enable us to multiply our praise and service for God. Various gifts can combine for greater glory to God."
Is that a great observation or what? Our differences can make our relationships even stronger. If we have a common goal, but differ in ways to achieve it, this means we are exploring different ideas. We are considering different ways to look at the situation. When we consider all the options, then subvert our own selfish desires to the good of the overall achievement of the goal, everyone benefits. The relationship is strengthened. You just feel better about it.
Ephesians 4:13 speaks of preparing God's people for works of service so the body of Christ may be built up." So, we are seeking unity. Does this mean unanimity in these relationships within a body of believers.? No! The QSB says, "Christ's work on the cross is the basis for spiritual unity. Christians are united over the essentials of the faith (such as the authority of scripture, human sinfulness and need for a Savior, the deity of Christ, his death and resurrection, his promised return and so on.) But, on less crucial matters Christians don't always agree. Believers can differ over non-essentials without being spiritually divided."
So, actually the most important thing in a relationship when differences occur is the relationship. After all the common ground you shared that caused the relationship to be formed in the first place is what counts. It was important enough to create a relationship and it is important enough to preserve the relationship, even when outside forces cause it to become strained.
Relationships are a wonderful thing. Be thankful for them and work hard to maintain them.
Prayer: Lord it is apparent the things that strain our good relationships are caused by outside forces. When these differences occur, help us to come to you and return us to the things that helped us establish these relationships in the first place. We thank and praise you for the relationships we have. Amen!
Author's note: What would our world be like without relationships? Not all of them are of our own choosing. Some are not good. Others are great! But, all of them are important.
The Difference Maker (May 7, 2008) by Jim Crosby
Be merciful to those who doubt. Snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear--- hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. Jude 22-23
Is there someone who has been a difference maker in your life? How is your life different now than it was before that person made a difference? Did you embrace this change or go kicking and screaming into this new attitude or way of thinking and acting?It is good, from time to time to stop and reflect on these things.
By doing this you may deepen your understanding of just how important this change was. You may not have even realized that something new and different was taking place in your life at the time. Now you know. So, how has this changed you?
Maybe there have been many difference makers in your life. These have come in for a season and for a reason that caused you to change and moved you on along a different path on life's journey. See how many of these you can recall. Some probably wrought big changes and some caused minor ones to occur. But, the sum of all of these have resulted in your becoming the person that you are today.
Recently I attended a three-day Small Groups church conference in Norcoss, GA (basically Atlanta) conducted by Saddleback Church of Lake Forest, California. The Senior Pastor of Saddleback is Rick Warren author of the book The Purpose Driven Life, which in the last accounting had sold 11 million copies.
One of the conference speakers was Bishop Sherwood Cauthen, Senior Pastor of Bayside Church, Sacramento, CA. Bishop Cauthen referred to Jude 20-23 in his talk called, "Responding as a Difference Maker." Cauthen said God has given you the power to be a difference maker. He said, "God has stamped his approval on you already." As proof of this he referred to Zechariah 4:6 "Not by might nor by power, but by my spirit says the Lord Almighty." Then he shouted, "Do I have a witness out there?" That was his way of keeping the audience on its toes and tuned in to what he was saying. If they didn't respond in the proper manner he would say, "Don't make me open up a can of Preach, now.!" :)
Cauthen said, "Unless the Lord builds the house you build in vein." So, whatever kind of life we are building will come to naught unless we are constructing it in a God-approved way. In this process of building a life there will come a defining moment. The Bishop said this is "an occurrence that typifies or defines the events that follow."
To borrow some of Bishop Cauthen's vivid imagery I will say that one of the major defining moments in my life, perhaps only second to when I became a Christian at an early age, was when I enrolled in LSU? No, that is not Lousiana State University, it's something better. I know, I know, they are the national champions in football.
But, about five years ago I enrolled in LSU, the Lovely Susette University. My meeting, proposing and marrying her was a defining moment in my life. It's one of the few times in a university that I received straight A's for my choices. Now, like the Bishop said about his enrollment...I've been on probation a few times, but it's all good. This defining moment changed my life and all the things that have come and will occur thereafter will be viewed through a different lens. They will be different. In the long run they'll be better.
After you have a defining moment the Lord has you set up to be a difference maker. When you become a difference maker, you just think differently. Bishop Cauthen pointed out that history is being made in America because for the first time a woman and a black man are candidates for President. He said to vote for whoever you want to and support whichever party you like. But, he cautioned that no matter what party you support it is important to remember that you are not a Democrat or a Republican who happens to be a Christian. You are a Christian who happens to be a Democrat or a Republican.
As Christians and as difference makers we are charged with lifting others up, not being them down. There are three things that difference makers never say: 1) They don't say they don't have enough time because God doesn't work on a time schedule. 2) They don't say they don't think it can happen. Cauthen says it is extremely important for difference makers to remember this verse of scripture: Ephesians 3:20 "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us." 3) They don't say they don't think it is possible. All things are possible through God who empowers us to be difference makers.
In 1979 Rick Warren and his wife Kay arrived in Saddleback Valley in California. He was fresh out of seminary and everything they owned was in the back of their UHaul. They had dreams of planting a church to reach the un-churched in an area that, frankly, already had a lot of churches. Two weeks after arriving they started a small group Bible study in their cramped condo. One other family showed up.
Warren never said, perhaps never even thought that it couldn't happen or was an impossible dream. Instead he set out to be the difference maker that God intended for him to be. His plan was to continue to build a church through these small group of faithful believers. Today, Saddleback Church has four different campuses: Lake Forest; San Clemente; Irvine; and Corona. 26,780 people are participating in Saddleback small groups. There goal is to have 10 campuses and 10,000 small groups by the end of 2010. I certainly would not want to be one to say that this is impossible. That it can't happen.
The reason it probably will happen is that Rick Warren and his staff, which now numbers 300 employees, have built a church full of difference makers. Each member wants to make a difference in someone else's life. They are doing this one person and one small group at a time. Thus, they deliberately set out to grow larger and smaller at the same time.
If you take the time, think it can happen and won't entertain thoughts that the task God is asking you to do is impossible, you can become The Difference Maker for someone else.
Prayer: Lord we want to become difference makers. We are making ourselves available and we are trusting you. Please show us the way and use our talents to make a difference in someone's life.
***Author's note: Becoming a difference maker will be one of the most rewarding things you will ever do.
Special Order (April 30, 2008) by Jim Crosby
The priests and the Levites stood to bless the people, and God heard them for their prayers reached Heaven, His holy dwelling place. 2 Chronicles 30:27
David Jeremiah tells about a store manager who heard his clerk tell a customer, "No, ma'am, we haven't had any for a while, it doesn't look as if we'll be getting any soon." Horrified, the manager came running over to the customer and said, "Of course we'll have some soon. We placed an order last week." Then the manger drew the clerk aside, "Never," he snarled "never say we're out of anything─say we've got it on order and it's coming. Now what was it she wanted?" The clerk replied, "Rain."
It would be nice if we could special order rain or sunshine. Just send an order form by mail or over the internet. Look at the choices: ___rain ___cloudy ____fog___sunshine ___ snow. Check the appropriate box. Indicate the area in which this special order is being placed. Then indicate the duration of the condition that you are special ordering.
We do have a little order form for such things that doesn't even have to be filled out. It is called prayer. In a drought we can pray for rain. In the rainy season we can pray for a sunny day. In times of trouble we can put in a special order for help. And in good times...all the time, really...we can lift up a special prayer of thanksgiving.
I practically grew up in a men's clothing store. My dad was the manager of a Schwobilt Clothes store. He put in a lot of long hours, but he was really good at what he did. Since we were a one-car family, and my mother worked as well, also in retail with Sears Roebuck (now called simply Sears), I had to hang around my Dad's store after school until they closed. Don't know how many times I was sitting around after closing time because my Dad was still waiting on a customer. He never rushed them. Always sought their satisfaction and that's why he got so much repeat business.
If a customer didn't find what he liked on the rack Pop would special order it for them. Since the Schwob Manufacturing Co. had their own factory as well as about 40 stores throughout the southern United States (their motto was Schwobilit Suits the South) he could sometimes find the exact suit in the right size a customer wanted and order it from another store. That way he could get the suit within a few days and the customer didn't have to pay shipping or anything extra. Got it for the same price as if they bought it right off the rack.
Then there were the very particular customers. They had special needs. Maybe they wore a 47 Regular which the company didn't make. A 46 or 48 just didn't work. Too tight or too baggy. Or maybe they were just downright particular and wanted some special features on their suit like different pockets or lapels or perhaps they wanted a perfect fit. Then, my Dad offered tailor made services. He would show them some swatches of cloth. They would pick it out and he would get to measuring. Then he would special order a tailor made suit. These cost more.
I asked my favorite Interior Designer, the Lovely Susette, about special ordering for her clients. She does that when the situation warrants it. The two things that she pointed out were that special ordering delays the completion of the job for a few days and that these items usually cost more. But, she is very familiar with the local market and can often find the desired product or something very similar, but equally striking for less right here in town.
For the most part special ordering costs more. The product is often more expensive and shipping costs run it up as well. But, sometimes the client feels like it is worth it and is willing to absorb the additional expense. If it pleases them, then special ordering is a good thing.
In Old Testament times Passover was combined with the Feast of the Unleavened Bread and lasted for seven days. Did they know how to party or what? But, there were certain purification requirements before you could enter the temple and partake of the bread. According to the Archaeological Study Bible (pg. 166) "The Lord prescribed regular purification rituals through which uncleanness was removed, the threat of judgment lifted, and entry into the Lord's Presence once again permitted."
When Hezekiah first became King he went to great lengths to purify the Temple to make it consecrated to God. After he had removed all defilement, then they were ready to celebrate Passover. But, there was such a crush of people that many of those who ate the Passover bread especially those coming from out of town, like Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar and Zebulon had not purified themselves "contrary to what was written." All of Hezekiah's efforts in purifying the temple were in danger of being undone, except for a loving God who accepts special orders (requests). But He prayed for forgiveness for these folks which God granted because they eagerly sought Him. So the celebration continued with prayers of Thanksgiving and 2 Chronicles 30 says their prayers reached Heaven.
The QSB describes what causes prayers to reach God (pg 618). The commentary points out that human language is often inadequate for explaining the supernatural. Thus, when God who hears and knows everything, seemingly ignores some prayers for certain reasons. Human language might say that he doesn't hear those prayers. He hears all prayers, but answers them or delays an answer according to His will. "These prayers were effective because those who prayed had submitted to God and were dependent upon Him. Their earnest requests were squared with God's will and purpose. Selfish or doubting prayers are exercises in futility."
So, keep lifting up those requests to God. But, remember the best way to get that special order filled is to be willing to pay extra. Like the Israelites who had to be consecrated to enter the temple and partake of the food, our hearts need to be right to receive spiritual food. That way when we pray, believing that God hears and answers our prayers and we ask according to His will, those special orders will be filled.
Prayer: Lord we praise you for the abundance of your blessings. Help us to remain committed and faithful, so we may call on you for special orders to be filled with the assurance that these requests are received. Amen!
Author's note: Each request you offer up is, in a way, a special order because it is heard and processed by your Creator. Amen!
Now, Top This (April 23, 2008) by Jim Crosby
There is no God like you in all of heaven or earth. You keep your promises and show unfailing love to all who obey you and are eager to do your will. 1 Kings 8:23
Last week, the new church we are building in Tallahassee had a topping off luncheon. It was an exciting time for a church that is currently meeting in a high school cafeteria.According to Boston University professor, Peter Wood, "Somewhere between groundbreaking and ribbon cutting comes a little ceremony in the construction of many modern buildings called "topping off." It occurs when the highest structural element is about to be swung into place. Flagpoles, spires and ornaments don't count." Wood went on to explain that even though the ceremony can vary on a lot of job sites. the workers will sign the last beam that is being put into place and attach a small pine tree to it."
The significance of the tree is to signify a job well done, safely negotiated and to indicate new growth as well. European Christians first associated this tree with the Gospels promise of new life.
In the case of our church I think the "new life" aspect is especially appropriate. It not only calls attention to the new life a Christian receives by being reborn through his or her faith in Christ, but in the case of Good Samaritan Church in Tallahassee, it could also symbolize the birth of a newly forming church. Even though the congregation has been growing for over a year, the actual building process only started in January 2008. So this topping off ceremony is a celebration of a dream that is unfolding day-by-day for a group of committed Christians who felt God's call to build a church in a new and growing community.
Topping off the first church building is important because it says that despite the fact that a lot of work remains to be done, we've made it through the challenging hard part. The world can see that it's happening. It is no longer just talk or hopeful speculation, now there is physical proof.
In looking for a Biblical connection, which I do with almost every occurrence in my life, I went back to the building of the temple by King Solomon. As you recall Solomon's father David wanted to be the one to build the temple. But, God said "no."
In 2 Samuel 7:12-13. "I will raise up one of your descendants and I will make his kingdom strong. He is the one who will build a house─a temple─for my name."
But, God had a reason for that. He always does. "I chose you to lead my people Israel when you were just a shepherd boy, tending your sheep out in the pasture. I have been with you wherever you have gone and I have destroyed all your enemies. Now, I will make your name famous throughout the earth." (2 Samuel 7: 8-9). God had something much bigger in mind for David than building the temple. A descendant from his ancestral line would be the Savior of the world. "For unto you is born this day, in Bethlehem, the city of David, a Savior. He is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11)
So David had his heart set on doing something he thought was big...building a temple in which to worship God and to get that Ark of the Covenant out of the tents it had been traveling in. But, God had a larger purpose for David's life. His deeds would be memorialized in scripture and forever after people would read that Jesus came from the line of David.
There is a special message here for all believers. We have all had disappointments in life, just like David had, when he thought he was proposing a big and unselfish act in building the temple, but his idea was rejected. You, like me, I'm sure have prayed for things that you just felt were so right. Just thinking about them was so rewarding that this had to be what God wanted. But, it seemed that your prayers were not answered. Then, somewhere down the line something entirely different than what you had envisioned happened. God had a better plan for you.
Maybe it is a situation in which you feel like nothing has happened or maybe something worse has happened in your life. As you continue to pray, maybe you should also stop and just analyze what is going on in your life. God may have already answered the prayer in a different way and because you were so focused on the way you wanted it to happen you didn't realize it. Or maybe something good happened and you accepted it, but went on your way without considering that it came from God, in answer to prayer, and you didn't stop to give Him thanks.
If you cannot see that anything has happened at all in regards to your request, maybe there are unseen issues that God needs to have resolved before he can accommo-date you in what you are hoping for. These could be things that need to get straightened out in your life first. Or they could be things in someone else's life that need to be resolved before he, she or their relatives, or their business, or something you know nothing about, can be used by the Lord to affect your situation and answer your prayer.
There's no doubt about it. The Creator of the entire Universe is a big God. He juggles lots of balls, keeping lots and lots of things going just to keep this world functioning. As I turned to King Solomon's "topping off" prayer, well it was more like a dedication of the completed building, I read "But will God really live on earth? Why, even the highest heavens cannot contain You. How much less this temple I have built."(1 Kings 8:27). Solomon was feeling a little insecure. Now that the job was finished he wondered if it was good enough for such a mighty God.
But, then he remembered how faithful God is and how he can be trusted and depended on. (1 Kings 7:23) "...there is not a God like you in all of heaven or earth. You keep your promises and show unfailing love to all who obey you and are eager to do your will." He was remembering a promise God made David that his son would fulfill the request David had made, and would build the temple.
But only God could top that! His topping off statement, in answer to Solomon's prayer was: "I have heard your prayer and your request. I have set apart this Temple...I will always watch over it and care for it." (1 Kings 9:3)
That's the kind of promise that a newly forming church or any church for that matter can call on. It's the reason for a topping off ceremony. It's a promise that can't be topped.
Prayer: To top off a church or an experience or a journey is exciting Lord. We thank you for these topping off events that occur at different stages in our lives. Amen!
***Author's note: Hope your experiences this week top all others and you can see clearly how the Lord is working in your life.
A Loose Connection (April 16, 2008) by Jim Crosby
For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities─His eternal power and divine nature─have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made so men are without excuse. Romans 1:20
Herbert Jackson, had been called to the mission field. He was certain it was God's calling and so he was faithful to the call. When he arrived on his assignment, as a new missionary, he was given a car. But, as you can imagine, in the mission field this car that he was provided was not a Rolls-Royce, Mercedes or some fancy sports car. In fact, the car would not start without a push. So, for two years Herbert always made sure he parked on a hill or else he just left the car running when he went somewhere.
When he finished the assignment, he left the car for his replacement. Now, this new missionary was curious as to why the car wouldn't start normally, so he raised the hood, noticed a loose connection, twisted the wire and the car roared to life.
Dr. David Jeremiah, commenting on this story (Turning Points, page 82.)said: "Failing to take advantage of a car's power for two years is bad enough, but not nearly as bad as living a lifetime without God's power.
How many times in life have we experienced a situation in which a loose connection stymied us? And when these circumstances arise, how often do we rush to a hasty and erroneous decision. Maybe a lamp goes out and we run to change the bulb and it still doesn't work. Thankfully, we then notice that it came unplugged, before we take the lamp to a repair shop or worst still, throw it away. The connection could have been loosened after being bumped during vacuuming the floor and finally disconnected.
Sometimes at work we don't make the connection concerning how a new system or a new product can increase our efficiency and our productivity. After all we got along fine without it all these years. Then maybe we see how a competitor or a similar business is using it and we become a convert. We no longer have a loose connection in that area.
Parents can tell their children the way, based on their personal experience, a situation should be handled or a problem solved. Obviously the youngsters...this is especially true in the teenage years (not knocking teenagers, just remembering how I was in that stage of life)...will think that a parent's solution is old fashioned. We haven't gotten with the program. The world is changing. You know what! Sometimes they are right! But, most of the time they aren't and the parent can see where this scenario is headed because they have... "been there, done that!"
In Romans 1:20 Paul talks about something that most of us don't always take advantage of. We're too busy trying to do things our way to stop and consider an awesome resource we have─God's power and His creativity.
Doesn't it just figure that we seek this divine connection when we make decisions in our lives. As the Quest Study Bible says, "The intricate beauty and complex design of the creation─from subatomic particles and molecular building blocks of life to galaxies and the expanses of the universe─demonstrate that a (grand) Designer planned it all."
I'm always amazed when the Lovely Susette draws up an interior design plan for a person's home or the lobby, offices and other areas of a business. Then, she picks out the furniture, lights, carpet, paint or wallpaper and other things too numerous for me to mention in a short devotion. Usually she shops for these items for her client and gets them the best deals while staying within the budget. Then, when the design all comes together and the furniture is set in place, carpet, cabinets, desks, etc are there and the lights are turned on...wow, it looks great. This creation that at one time was just a bunch of lines and drawings on a sheet of paper has life. It's ready to be enjoyed.
All this comes about because the clients trust her judgment. They also know that they have the final say as to whether they make the connection or not. Still, some people live with loose connections. They don't like it, but they do. They feel stuck with furniture they hate or an office setup that is not arranged for maximum efficiency. They feel like that first missionary did. It's like they are always parking on a hill or leaving the car running just to accomplish the tasks they need to and feel good about them. And often it's just a matter of someone helping them to take care of the loose connection.
When potential clients come to the Lovely Susette they want to see evidence that she can do what they need her to do. These folks want to see examples of her work. They want to know about her experience. What qualifies her to do this? Who will give her a reference? Although, many times the people who seek her out have already gotten a referral from someone who was pleased with previous work she did.
Now, if we want to go to the Grand Designer for help there is certainly a lot of evidence to show that we would be making the right decision. We have only to look at nature to see this. The NLT Bible (pg 1768) says: "Nature shows us a God of might, intelligence and intricate detail; a God of order and beauty' a God who controls powerful forces. That is general revelation. Through special revelation (the Bible and the coming of Jesus) we learn about God's love and forgiveness and the promise of eternal life. God has graciously given us many sources that we might come to believe in Him."
As Dr. Jeremiah says, "Don't let a loose connection with God leave you powerless in this life."
Prayer: Lord, we ask that you help us stay connected with you and your plan in all the situations that arise. Thank you for being available, accessible and for caring about our lives. Amen!
Biscuits (April 9, 2008) by Jim Crosby
To him who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give him some of the hidden manna Revelation 2:17
I love biscuits. I firmly believe that biscuits are one of God's special gifts to the world of cooking and especially to eating. When I was growing up I used to watch my Mom make biscuits. She would take some flour, baking powder, Crisco, and salt, then pour in some milk.
Next came the fascinating part for a kid watching. She would stick her hands down in that goo and mix it all together. After she had it firmly mixed, then she would make a bunch of patty-like constructions and place them on a baking pan. Usually there would be about a dozen of these. Next the soon-to-be-biscuits would be put in the oven, which had been pre-heated to 400 degrees and cook them for about 20 minutes. Result: Perfect, golden brown, fluffy, delicious biscuits every time. Yum!
When we would visit my grandmother or aunt they would make biscuits too. This was usually on a Sunday afternoon. Fried chicken and biscuits were a staple at these gatherings.
But, there was a difference. When Nanny Crosby made biscuits each one of them was a whopper. One of her biscuits took up about a quarter, maybe even a third of a plate. Might be a little exaggeration there...It's been a long time. But, compared to Aunt Mary's biscuits my Grandmother's were huge. For some reason Aunt Mary made these tiny, little, biscuits. Two bites and you were done with one of my aunt's biscuits.
Now, Mom's biscuits were medium-sized and fell somewhere in between Nannie and Mary's creations. But, the thing was they all, regardless of the size, tasted great and added a lot to the meal.
Biscuit-making at home is a little different these days. The Lovely Susette has a good biscuit-making system. First she puts the car key into the ignition, then she drives up to the grocery store, goes over to the freezers and picks out a pack of pre-made biscuits. Pillsbury has already done all the work for her. Now all she has to do is the same thing that Mom, my grandmother and Aunt did to finalize the process, without all the work. She drives home pre-heats the oven to 400 degrees and bakes them for 20-minutes. And you know what? They taste just as good as the ones my relatives used to slave over. Susette says, "If they didn't I wouldn't get them." Who says corporations can't learn a lot from the wives, moms, grand-moms, and aunts of this world?
I believe biscuits go all the way back to Old Testament times. Their forerunner was manna. Let me refresh your memory about manna. Where did it come from? Well, it came from heaven...same place biscuits come from.
The Israelites had escaped slavery. But, now after getting out of Egypt they were wandering in the desert and they were hungry. They started complaining to Moses that he had led them out of slavery to starve to death. "If only we had died by the Lord's hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into the desert to starve this entire assembly to death." Exodus 16:3
So, the Lord "rained down bread from heaven" each day. This bread was called manna. Nelson's Bible Dictionary says it was a "small round substance as fine as frost. Manna looked like white coriander seeds (which are actually grayish seeds used to flavor food that grew on an annual herb---2 to 3 feet tall). It tasted like wafers made with honey....It could be baked, boiled, ground, beaten, cooked in pans and made into cakes." Sounds like they had to do as much work as Mom did to make biscuits.
Every day God was faithful to send a new supply of manna except on Saturday. Then, He sent two days supply because their religious laws did not permit them to work, i.e. gather up food on the Sabbath.
There was one caveat. The Lord instructed them to only collect the fresh manna that fell that day and not to keep it to the next morning. They were only to gather what would be needed for one day. The surplus would breed tiny worms and be spoiled.
Exodus 16:16 points out that each family was instructed to only gather an omer. Some gathered a lot and some picked up a little. But, when they measured it by the omer no one had too much or too little. What's an omer? You don't want to know! Okay, it's one-tenth of an ephah which is one-tenth of a homer which is 6 ¼ bushels, the equivalent of the normal load a donkey could carry.
Some were lazy. Some didn't listen to instructions. Some didn't care. Those people discovered that there were maggots in the leftover manna. So they had nothing to eat that day.
Here's the point of all this. God provides all we need everyday. We need to trust Him, pray for His instructions and read His Word to gain necessary guidance. Can we miss a day on any of that and survive? Yes, but we might miss out on some real blessings, great opportunities and sound guidance. We might experience a maggot-filled day instead of gathering up all the blessings God has for us that day. Trusting Him enough to take the time to communicate with Him is the key.
Manna saved the Israelites from starvation and became a "visible reminder to the Hebrews of God's providential care for his people." They had manna for 40 years until they finally entered the Promised Land. They even put manna in a pot in the Ark of the Covenant for future generations to see and understand how important it was.
In Revelation we read of "hidden manna." This signifies "the spiritual nourishment that faithful believers will receive...Jesus as the bread of life provides spiritual nourishment that satisfies our deepest hunger." (NLT pg 2042)
Along the way the Lord will continue to furnish those biscuits, chicken and even throw in a little gravy to satisfy our physical needs. And the spiritual fulfillment He gives us everyday will direct the use of that physical strength in a productive, Kingdom-building way. So, pass the biscuits and the Bible, please!
Prayer: Lord we pray that you will continue to fill us spiritually along with providing those good things, such as biscuits, to eat, as well. Amen!
***Author's note: Don't forget to precede "Pass the biscuits please"---with a prayer of thanksgiving for spiritual food, as well. Have a great week.
Faith-It’s a Wonderful Thing (April 2, 2008) by Jim Crosby
The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith." Luke 17:5
One day, back in the 70's, I was sitting in my office at the radio station and heard some activity taking place in the hallway near the control room. Stopping what I was doing at the time to find out what was going on, I was told that a guest for the Morning Show had just arrived. Somebody by the name of Rosalyn Carter. "Rosalyn who?" I asked, searching my mind for which Country Music star that could be. I knew June Carter, who would become June Carter Cash after marrying the famous Johnny Cash. But, Rosalyn Carter? I was stumped.
Okay, the jokes on me. How was I to know that this would be the future First Lady of the entire nation? She was married to some guy named Jimmy. If he was serious about becoming President what was his wife doing here in the Panhandle of Florida this early in the Presidential campaign?
But, they were serious and this former peanut farmer set up National Campaign headquarters in a tiny Railroad Depot in the very tiny town of Plains, GA. He started going to town after town, like Tallahassee, shaking hands and greeting people with the now-famous line "Hi, I'm Jimmy Carter and I'm running for President."
Inevitably, the now-even-more-famous-reply would be "Jimmy who? Running for what?" Well, I guess enough people soon found out because he got elected. Jimmy Carter became living proof that you can get somewhere in life even from as small a place as Plains, if you have enough faith.
Yes, faith is a wonderful thing, if you use it. In his best selling book Living Faith President Carter wrote: "Unfortunately, the assurance my Christian faith promises to me is a treasure I don't always tap. Sometimes I go a long way down the road in a quandary, suffering inside, before finally I ask myself, ‘Why don't I talk to God about it' ?"
Carter said, "If I present all these issues to God, and then make the best possible decisions I can, things often work out well...putting the problem in God's hands gives me a degree of peace that lets me live with the outcome, whatever it may be."
Faith and prayer go hand in hand. Since the beginning days of our new church in Tallahassee, a group of us including our pastor and assistant pastor, have met weekly at a set time to pray for the church. We have consistently and continually prayed for wisdom, guidance and that the decisions in growing the church be made according to God's agenda rather than ours. Our hope was the two would coincide. We have discovered that through this expression of faith that many of the decisions we were led to make were ones we had hoped for.
God has rewarded sincere faith by fulfilling the needs we expressed. Sometimes a person came forward at the exact time and volunteered for a task. Often a timely financial contribution was made. A great idea might be proposed at just the right moment.
In our scripture lesson from Luke the disciples were considering some of the weightier matters such as sin and duty in conjunction with faith and they asked Jesus to "increase their faith."
The Quest Study Bible asks the question: "How much faith do we need?" (pg 1449) The answer posited by Luke 17:6 is: "Not much, according to Jesus." In that verse he has replied to the disciples request to increase their faith so they can perform their duty as followers by saying ""If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea, ‘and it will obey you.' "
Of course as QSB continues, "This is an example of hyperbole, a figure of speech not restricted to its literal meaning. Rather than give His disciples a formula for increasing their faith he pictured faith as a seed. Plant a seed and it grows. Use a little faith and it will grow too. We don't need to pray that God will increase our faith; we need to ask him to help us use the faith we have."
We take a lot of things on faith in life. When we start to sit down in a chair we have faith that it will hold us up. When we are sitting at a red light in our car and the light changes, we have faith that when we drive forward the other cars at the intersection, who now have the red, will stop and not drive into us. Those are simple matters of faith.
But, it only takes a little faith to accomplish something just like the example of a single seed being planted and growing into a bush or a tree or a flower. Whenever we apply our faith to a situation and experience positive results our faith grows. We don't use it up and have to say, "Thanks God for that faith you supplied me. It worked, but I've used it up so please give me some more. Or please increase my supply of faith, so I can make sure I have enough for the next crisis."
If you have faith, you have enough. Now, how deep does that faith go? Is it unshakeable? Yes, if you call on Him and believe that He will answer your prayer it is firmly rooted. You have plenty. You are well-positioned to succeed. Just remember to use your faith.
In the Breakfast with God devotional book the story is told of Deputy George Burgin, who like the rest of the sheriff's deputies were required to re-qualify each year on the firing range by firing off 12 shots in 18 seconds. This time though the test was toughen up as the target was moved from 15 yards to 25. Complicating matters for Burgin was the fact that he had just been fitted with his first pair of trifocals the day before.
Just as he drew a bead on the target he began to perspire and his glasses completely fogged over. All he could see was a fog. But, instead of panicking he remembered the advice of a Navy instructor: "If you ever lose sight of the target just remember your position." So he held his position and with less than 18 seconds remaining fired off 12 rounds. When he took off his glasses and wiped them he discovered he had hit the bulls-eye every time. Having faith in his position paid off.
There is an eager optimism, born of faith that says, "Yes, you are in a great position, no matter what the problem is...keep the faith."
Faith wins in the end. Faith...it's a wonderful thing.
Prayer: Lord we value our faith above all the gifts you have so graciously given us. Help us to maintain this living faith that keeps us correctly positioned in life. Amen!
***Author's note: Keep the faith this week and you'll have a great week!
So, Now We Know (March 24, 2008) by Jim Crosby
At first His disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him John 12: 16
"Man, look at that crowd! It's huge."
"They are really pumped. This city probably hasn't seen the likes of a crowd this since back in King David's day."
In current language that's probably how the slack-jawed, openly surprised disciples of Jesus probably would have expressed their amazement at the crowd that greeted His entry into the city riding on a donkey. The wild celebration included the populace waiving palm branches and throwing them along with their cloaks in his path to cover the mud and the potholes.
As the Disciples continued to analyze this wild celebration it dawned on them. "Gosh the prophet Zechariah prophesied about this over 500 years ago. "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion. Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem. See, your King comes to you righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey." (Zechariah 9:9)
A couple of Sundays ago we celebrated Palm Sunday followed the next Sunday by Easter. The week in between is called Holy Week. It was a time of celebration, followed by a time of grieving (the crucifixion) followed by a time of celebration. You see, that's what the Bible tells us. It's kind like our life cycles. We may go through periods of grief in our life, but as Christians we know that these will eventually end in celebration because of what transpired on Easter Sunday.
The reason I revisit this topic today is because of a portion of scripture from John concerning the Triumphant Entry that may have escaped notice in the excitement of that big parade. The reaction of the Disciples. Should they have been surprised? Hadn't they been listening all along to what Jesus was telling them? Hadn't they seen all the miracles he had performed...healing the lame, the paralyzed, the lepers? Restoring sight to the blind! Turning a few loaves of bread and some fish into a feast for more than 5,000! Turning water into fine wine! Maybe they were just enjoying the ride and had not stopped to consider how and when it would end.
So, in John 12:16 we read; "At first His disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about Him and that they had done these things to Him." After all these things had transpired they could say, "Now we know!"
How often in life does that happen to us? After trials and mis-trials, after trying all sorts of things and suffering frustration in an endeavor─ just as we begin to feel defeated and confused...that perhaps this really is hopeless. Then a celebration, in our minds, our hearts, and our spirit breaks out as we finally see the light. "Aha, now I know," we say. We had been missing something along the way. And now that a key piece of information had been provided, or a key action had been taken, or a special person had come into our lives...we finally understood.
The NLT comments on the disciples' sudden understanding on pg 1650. "After Jesus' resurrection, the disciples understood for the first time many of the prophecies they had missed along the way. Jesus' words and actions took on a new meaning and made more sense. In retrospect, the disciples saw how Jesus had led them into a deeper and better understanding of his truth."
Ah yes, the old phrase..."in retrospect." Gets you every time doesn't it? How many times have you thought or said--- in retrospect, "If I only knew then what I know now..." Alas, that's how it is on life's journey. God reveals things to us as we are able to handle them. Then, you wonder, "Gosh, how come the heavenly Father didn't show me this a lot sooner and save me a lot of trouble?"
Well, God has a habit of doing things His way. And you know what? It's a good thing for us that He does. Left to our own devices, with no constraints, no instructions, no divine guidance we could make an even bigger mess of things than we have. But, thankfully, He allows our foolishness to educate us and brings us around to a fulfilling solution in due time. Sometimes it takes longer than we would like. Some things stay with us for most of our lives. But, God forgives, forgets our misdeeds, and lovingly provides a solution when the time is right.
Further the NLT commentary says; "Stop now and think about the events in your life leading up to where you are now. How has God led you to this point? As you grow older, you will look back and see God's involvement more clearly than you do now." And you know what? The more we stop and watch the parade and try to come to grips with events in our lives the greater opportunity we have to experience God's wisdom.
Our pastor Betsy Ouellette has spoken about "Centering Prayer" on several occasions. It is a form of prayer in which you try to get in a quiet place where you won't be disturbed and just focus on God. The idea is to block out everything else...all the distractions, noise, static, random thoughts and think about God. Ask Him to be with you and to reveal to you whatever He wants to. Obviously the Evil One doesn't want us to communicate with God. He especially doesn't want God to communicate with us. So, whenever we attempt this kind of prayer we will be bombarded with every stray, cockamamie thought we could ever imagine. But, we should pick out a word or a phrase and come back to it each time a passing thought knocks us off track. Pastor Betsy chose "Jesus" as her word. I selected "Holy Spirit."
So, whenever I would settle down to pray then, bam, I'd find myself thinking things like, "Wonder what the Lovely Susette is fixing for dinner?" Then, I would re-focus on "Holy Spirit" to get back on track. I'd still be hungry, but I would be back in a meditative mode. Guess what? Weeks after learning about Centering Prayer, I'm still spending an awful lot of time having to bounce back from all those distracting thoughts to my key term. But, that means I'm spending more time with the "Holy Spirit" and that's a good thing.
So, now I know and as I become more proficient in reaching the Lord through Centering Prayer, then I will know even more.
Prayer: Lord through our obedience and trust grant us more occasions to be able to say, "Now we know." Amen!
Author's note: Being able to say "Now I know" is very rewarding. It means you persevered...you didn't give up. You are ready for the next challenge.
Easter (March 19, 2008) by Jim Crosby
Don't be alarmed, he said. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. Mark 16:6
Gosh Easter is here already! Yes it came early this year. Easter 2008 occurs on March 23. So what's up with that? Well, it is pretty unusual. According to my friend Stan Culley, who has researched this, the last time Easter came this early was in 1913. Actually that year it came on March 22 which is the earliest it could ever occur. So, I don't think anyone reading this devotion remembers that one. You'd have to be 95 years old and would have been a baby so you wouldn't remember it anyway.
But, don't count on seeing the next Easter to occur that early because it won't happen again until 2285. So you'll have to take real good care of yourself if you want to live another 277 years to experience it. Maybe you want to shoot for the next time Easter is on March 23 again. That will only be 220 years from now in 2228.
Lets review how all this happens. Easter comes the 1st Sunday after the 1st full moon after the Spring Equinox, which occurs every year on March 20. According to Wikipedia "An equinox in astronomy is that moment in time when the center of the Sun can be observed to be directly above the Earth's equator occurring between March 20 and September 23 (Fall Equinox). On this Spring Equinox day "the center of the Sun will spend a nearly equal amount of time above and below the horizon at every location on earth and night and day will be of nearly the same length."
Okay, so there you have it. But, why did we have to move our clocks ahead an hour so early (March 9th) this year? No, No, I'm not even going to go there. It has nothing to do with Easter.
So who will be celebrating Easter? Well, about a third of the world will. Recently Good Samaritan Church embarked on a 6-week study of Christianity and the World Religions. This study was put together by Pastor Adam Hamilton, Church of the Resurrection, Kansas City. We briefly studied Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism and Christianity.
Hamilton said that there are approximately 6-billion people in the World. Of this number 2-billion or approximately one-third are Christians. 2nd largest group are the Muslims who account for 1.3 billion (one-fifth) of the world's population. Then come the Hindus with 900 million followers (one-seventh) followed by Buddhists with 360 million or 5% of the total, then Judaism with 14 million. So about one third of the world's population will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday.
Somewhere along the line eggs became associated with Easter and great Easter Egg hunts began. I remember as a child I wasn't great at finding those eggs that the Easter Bunny hid for the kids. But, there was always one particular egg I made a special effort to locate. It was the one with the Phantom on it. I didn't care if I didn't find any other eggs just so I found the Phantom. Don't ask me why. Who knows how kids come up with these strange ideas anyway?
Some claims were made that Easter eggs were originally pagan symbols. I don't put much stock in that supposition. Easter is all about Jesus and the Resurrection and pagans don't worship Jesus.
But the way Easter eggs may...I say may...have evolved as a Christian myth is as a symbol of new life. Just as a chick might hatch from the egg. Jesus gives new life to all those who believe in him and they break out of the shell─the old life they were trapped in.
Here's another mythical tradition I find interesting. The History Channel had a documentary on Mary Magdalene. In it the claim was made...it was called an extra-Biblical story whatever that is. Anyway, the story says that Mary Magdalene, following the Ascension of Christ, went to Rome to meet with the Emperor Tiberius. In that meeting she told the Emperor about the resurrection of Jesus. In her hand she held an egg, a symbol of life waiting to be released. The Emperor's response to this message was, "The possibility that Jesus was resurrected is about as likely as that egg you are holding turning red." At that point the egg in her hand promptly turned red. Even though it is a spurious story, I like it. I'm sure Dan Brown (The DaVinci Code) could craft it into a book/movie. Anyway, evolving from that story is an Orthodox tradition of red colored eggs being given to friends while exchanging Easter greetings.
Of course the real deal about Easter is this. It is THE DAY that provides hope for the world because with His resurrection Jesus gained victory over death and has promised that those who believe in Him can do the same.
Imagine the day that Mary Magdalene experienced on that first Easter. The gloom and sadness lingered on because of the cruel crucifixion. Just 24 hours earlier she and Mary, the mother of Joseph "saw where he was laid." Mark 15:47
"So when the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Salome and Mary the mother of James went out and purchased burial spices to put on Jesus body." This was a time of mourning. They were prepared to anoint the body and weep over Him. Instead their weeping turned to wonder then unparalleled joy. They had been wondering how they could roll away the heavy stone that closed the tomb. But, they found it open, the grave cloths lying within and an angel (a messenger from God) there instead.
The angel explained: "Don't be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene who was crucified. He has risen He is not here."
Now that's the real reason Easter is celebrated, no matter if it comes early or late.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for the hope and assurance that is ours because of the Resurrection that is the basis for our celebration of Easter. Amen!
***Author's note: Happy Easter!
The Yada Factor (June 25, 2008) by Jim Crosby
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Mention the Yada Factor to someone and chances are good they are going to start talking about Seinfeld, the very popular TV program that ran for nine years through 1998 and has been around as reruns ever since.
There was one particular episode, #152 in case you want to watch the whole thing, that was called "The Yada, Yada." In one particular scene Jerry (Seinfeld) was talking to George, one of the regulars, and George's new girlfriend Marcy. The conversation went something like this
Marcy: You know a friend of mine thought she got Legionnaires disease.
George: Really, what happened?
Marcy: Oh yada, yada, yada. Just some bad egg salad (goes to the kitchen)
Jerry: I notice she's big on the phrase yada, yada.
George: Is yada, yada bad?
Jerry: No, yada, yada is good. She's very succinct.
George: She is succinct.
Jerry: Yeah, it's like you are dating USA Today.
After that scintillating bit of repartee yada, yada, yada came to be a conversational short cut you could take if you didn't want to bother with dispensing all the information. You could just yada the other person and leave it up to him or her to fill in the blanks.
Not exactly what I had in mind when I came up the devotional title of The Yada Factor. This is not a "seen one yada, you've seen ‘em all" kind of a discourse. There is a real reason for researching the yada factor and it (the reason) gets its beginning in Proverbs 3: 5-6.
But, first a story. Recently we participated in a 40th Wedding Anniversary Celebration. Now there's something to celebrated. One of the first presents that our friends Anne and Preston opened was a picture of Florida State University baseball coach Mike Martin, autographed by the college coaching legend himself. In congratulating them the Coach finished with the scripture referred to above. Naturally, Preston asked me what that scripture said.
There were two reasons he did this. First, I was standing right next to him. Second, he was in my Football and The Bible study last fall and we went over a lot of scriptures. Guess Preston thought I had them all memorized. Sorry. But, truthfully this is one I should have remembered and when I looked it up I was embarrassed that I hadn't been able to call it up that evening.
Then, a couple of days later, in going through my files, I came across something I had written several years ago about Seminole baseball. It started off by saying "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight." After it I had written this is one of Coach Martin's favorite scriptures and the one he uses when signing autographs. Duh, I should have remembered it.
So, what's that got to do with the Yada Factor. Well, here's what. Did you notice that little, well, not so little word "acknowledge" in the scripture. According to a great little book that my friends the Harrells gave me ("Blessing: Your Spirit) Yada is the Hebrew word that is translated "acknowledge." So we know what yada really means, now if we just knew what acknowledge meant we would be set. The book says that it means "to perceive, understand, distinguish, acquire knowledge, but also to be familiar with, to be aware of in the closest since, to know at the most intimate level. Get the picture? If we acknowledge or yada God in all our ways we try to get to know Him, His ways, in the most intimate sense. That way since He loves us and wants the best for us we will do the right thing because the closeness of our relationship with the Father will give us that inside knowledge.
Does this mean that we don't think for ourselves anymore and everything is going to be laid out for us. No, not really. The QSB Study Bible says: "God's wisdom is not at war with common sense. But, often common sense alone isn't enough to give the needed direction for a particular decision. That's why filling our minds with the perfect Word of God is so important.
Psalm 18:30 says, "As for God, His way is perfect. All the Lord's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection." Non believers might say that to believe in God shows weakness. They think we use him as a crutch because we can't make it on our own.
Actually, the opposite is true. By trusting him and turning over the decisions to Him we become strong, not weak. God doesn't want us to fail, so when we yada (acknowledge) him he gives us the strength and the wisdom to succeed. Still he doesn't desert us after he has strengthened us because as NLT says, "He continues to work with us because the strongest person on earth is infinitely weaker than God and needs His help."
So, the next time you are having a really tough time with a particular problem just remember. Yada. Yada. Yada. That will remind you to acknowledge the one who can truly help you and the Yada Factor will kick in.
Monday Prayer: Lord thank you for the Yada Factor which is backed by the scriptures that assure us when we acknowledge you, then you will take us along the straight path that leads to success. Amen!
***Author's note: Next time you hear someone say yada, yada, yada to avoid giving out meaningless information you can smile. You know something about yada that they don't. Might be a good time to share Proverbs 3:5-6 with them like Mike Martin does.
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