Passing of Time

While driving today I noticed the maple trees on the mountains starting to turn. There are reds and oranges mixing in with the greens. Another notice, in addition to the coolness of the evenings, that heralds the coming of fall. That notice brings the realization that summer is over.

You look at the calendar and know that it is. But somehow it just doesn't sink in. You need other signs that yell, "Summer is over!" I suppose it is the human reaction to theassing of time. We know time passes, but we sometimes don't keep track of the accumulation. I mean, we know that days seem to go by quickly. But suddenly we realize that the month is gone. We remark how quickly time passes.

It is that passing of time that takes us by surprise. It's seems that our children grow into adults overnight. It seems the time between the holidays keeps shrinking. We realize our mortality; the "marching" of time seems to become the "running" of time.

So, what do we do? We enjoy every day. Don't get so caught up in the trivial, in the non-essentials. Focus on things of enduring quality. Hug your kids because they grow up fast. Those you love...TELL them. Those important people in your life, those who have impacted you in some way, let them know. Too often we miss the opportunity to tell people how we feel. That often leads to regrets when they are no longer part of our lives. Don't let that happen. Find them. Hold them. Tell them.

 

 

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Staying In Touch

I recently caught up with friends I had not seen in a while. We reminisced about years gone by, old friends and how things we once believed had changed. In the midst of this discussion, I realized how life changes as time marches on.

Often from our perspective the change is imperceptible. We sometimes do not notice it until we see someone we have not seen for a while. Then we realize that each of us are no longer kids (as we remember) but that we have kids...AND grandkids. That life, and time, has not stood still.

As we talked, I realized how life has a way of quickly bringing people together but just as quickly tearing them apart. I was told of friends who had divorced and others who we just lost track of. And of one who met an untimely death. Funny, it seemed, albeit a lifetime ago, that we would never be apart.

As I tried to digest the changes that had taken place among "our group" it dawned on me that we had allowed the vicissitudes of life to call the shots. And while life make take us in different directions, there is NO excuse in the modern world for not staying connected. And to that end I have promised that I will not allow friends to drift totally out of my life.

My challenge to you is to do the same. I understand that jobs take us away and people move every day. But everyone has a cell phone these days. (Including some youngsters who shouldn't) The Internet reaches just about everywhere. Most of us are accessible 24/7...well at least 18/7. Don't let time chip away at your friendships. Reacquaint if you must.

To my reacquainted friends, I am glad you're back in my life. You know who you are. We'll be in touch.

 

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Realize Where You Are

I was on a shuttle from the long-term parking lot at the Pittsburgh airport recently. We approached a stop and the door opened. A lady burdened with baggage asked the driver, "Where are you going?" The driver courteously answered, "To the departure terminal."

I thought that was a strange question to ask. Actually, I am not sure I would have been so polite. I thought of many answers: "We are lost. Do you know the way to San Jose?" "We are hungry and making a border run." "All the planes have been grounded and we are driving to Timbuktu."

As we drove to the terminal, I wondered how one stands in a parking lot at the airport and honestly asks where the shuttle is going? But as I thought, I realized that often people are surrounded by the answer and fail to realize it. Sometimes we are so overcome by circumstances, we are so focused on our little world, that we are unaware of what is going on around us.

So, what is the solution? First, slow down. Life passes fast enough without us making it faster. Take time to enjoy. Second, pay attention to what is happening around you. You may be missing your kids growing up or an opportunity to influence someone's life. You may just be missing the beauty of the world around us. Third, enjoy life. Don't let life happen without you.

 

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The Uncertainty of Life

I awoke this morning, as did you, to the news of the shooting at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those killed and injured in this horrific event. Seeing the video, hearing the discussions, one thing came to mind, and in fact, was emphasized in President Obama's statement: life is uncertain. The President talked about hugging our kids and spending time with our loved ones. These are important things but often are neglected or pushed aside due to the busyness of our schedules. I want to encourage you today to TAKE TIME.

James wrote these words: "Why you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while then vanishes." James 4:14, NIV

We do not know what the next moment holds. We are not guaranteed our next breath. Too many times the focus of life is about accomplishments, upon attaining financial goals or public accolades. The most important thing in life is relationship--relationship with our family and relationship with God. Take this day to reflect upon your mortality and the . Pick up the phone and call your family. Hug your spouse and kids. Invest in those relationships. And most importantly, talk to your Creator. Invest in that relationship. For you and I do not know when we will move from this life into eternity.

 

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I've Been Really Busy

Recently, I was having lunch alone and a young man sitting nearby was having a conversation on his cell phone. His statement: "I know you have been waiting for me to do that, but I have been really busy." This young man went on tell of how much pressure he was under. But he then said that was not their (the person on the other end of the conversation) problem. After a circular argument, the young man, rather apologetically, said that he would get it done by the end of the week.

That afternoon was spent in reflection. At what point did our word become meaningless? What transpired that deadlines mean nothing? I don't blame this young man. I believe he is a product of a society which has disallowed personal responsibility. It was not his fault that he had not started his client's (or his boss'?) project. It was the stress he was under; or the other projects; or the weather; or the dog ate his paperwork.

Stepping down from my soapbox, let me challenge you. If you tell someone you are going to do something, DO IT. If you give them a timeframe, be ON TIME. If something happens that will prevent you from keeping your word, call them and ask for an extension. IMMEDIATELY. Be a man (or woman) of your word. Be a person of integrity.

 

Change of Heart

You cannot legislate morality. It has been tried by governments and churches. All to no avail. The reason is simple: morality is a heart issue, not a behavioral issue. Laws address behavior; but behavior is a symptom. The cause of the behavior is found in the heart.

A wise man once said, "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flows the springs of life" (Proverbs 4:23, ESV). Whatever is in the heart will eventually come out. Just like a sponge, whenever pressure is applied, all that is on the inside comes gushing forth.

It has been said that the definition of insanity is "doing the same thing over and over but expecting different results." If you are seeking different results, if you are seeking a change in behavior, check your heart. Maybe you are treating the symptoms and ignoring the cause. A change of heart brings a change in life. No change of heart brings no change in life. Where is your life headed?

Father's Day

A day to celebrate the man in our life who made us what we are. The gave us physical life. They provided for us. They taught us the rules of baseball and football. They taught us the value of work. They taught us the value of love. They taught us leadership by living it. They taught us integrity by showing it. They taught us that there is strength in emotions. They showed us love by loving us...ALL the time; even when we disappointed them.

I know that some of you did not have a father that lived up to these things. Some of you were abandoned, some abused. I am truly sorry that you did not have that opportunity to experience what a REAL man, a REAL father is. But I can tell you this: God wants to show you.

You see, God is all of the things I mentioned above. He gave me life. He is my provision, providing daily for my needs. He has taught me the rules; He has listed the, in His Word. He has taught me the value of work through His creative acts. He taught me the value of love by sending His Son. He taught me leadership by living it; really, it doesn't get any better than that! Integrity? Do I really have to explain that one? Strength in emotions; the "emotions" of God have brought us Mercy, Grace. And, lastly, God's unconditional love toward us. Where would we be without it?

Today I take time to say: Thank you to my earthly dad for always being there. Thank you to my heavenly dad for always being there.

What to Read

Last week, I asked the question on my FaceBook page: If you could have only one book, besides Scripture, what would it be? By no means was this a scientific poll, and the responses were no where large enough to draw broad conclusions, it was interesting to read the responses.

While answers varied, the most frequent response was "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers. This is one of my favorite devotionals. It is not full of platitudes or feel-good verbiage. It is hard-hitting and provokes one to think. A good choice.

A close family friend listed "Of Whom the World Was Not Worthy" by Marie Chapian. If you have not read this book, you NEED to. With the exception of Scripture, there are few books that I read cover-to-cover more than once. But this book is on that short list. It describes events in the Kingdom of Yugoslavia during World War II. It is a powerful tale of faith. Put it on your list.

Most of the remaining books were what is known in the Christian Retail Industry as "Christian Living". These were books by Joyce Meyers, John and/or Lisa Bevere, etc. These books typically focus on applying Biblical principles. They are practical but can be challenging.

Finally, I was asked what my book would be. I purposely did not wade into that discussion because I knew I would do so here. Having read thousands of books, it can be difficult to pick just one. Many people assumed I would pick some obtuse theological treatise. Something like a Systematic Theology by Hodge, Chafer or Miley. Of course, I said 'book' singular. These works are multi-volume, three, ten and two respectively. Then some thought I might take an history book. Anderson's "Crucible of War", Eckert's "Wilderness Empire" or Warren's "The Making of the Constitution" would make fine reading. There are great biographies such as "Einstein" by Issacson, or "George Washington" by Lodge; works of literature such as Shakespeare, Tolstoy, Dickens. So what would I take with me as my only companion in addition to Scripture? The answer is straightforward.

The book I would choose is Strong's "Exhaustive Concordance". This single edition gives me the entire Bible at my fingertips. It also includes Hebrew and Greek dictionaries so that I wouldn't be without the original languages. The works I have read would be accessible in my brain...somewhat. But Strong's would allow me to continue to unlock the Word of God. If your library does not contain a copy, you need to make that your next your next purchase.

Take Time to Encourage

Recently, I watched a documentary about Johnny Carson. It was hard to believe that such a successful person received little encouragement from his mother. Arguably his comedic timing was unparalleled. Most every successful comedian today owes their start to Johnny Carson and The Tonight Show. However, this man never heard an encouraging word from his mother.

As the documentary unfolded, the story was told how Johnny's mother once watched his monologue. At the end, she arose from her seat and was heard to say "that want funny" as she left the room. It is beyond me how a parent could be so callous toward a child.

The story grew sadder when it was discovered at new death that Carson's mother had a box containing EVERY newspaper article in which Johnny had been mentioned. It was the complete path of his career. How could she have kept the pride in her son a secret? How could she not verbalize it even once? Apparently starved for the affection of his mother, Johnny kept the box of clippings in his closet until his death.

The Bible says that "the power of life and death are in the tongue." There are plenty of negative things being said. Take time to say something positive. Take time to tell your kids you are proud of them. Take time to tell your spouse they are important in your life. Make a difference. Take time to encourage.

Hope For The Future

 

Recently as my mind was wandering, I came face to face with my mortality. I realized that I am a short 11 years away from turning 60. Now I am not saying that 60 is old; but when we think of impacting the world, most people impact the world at a younger age. However, the loving Father that He is, God reminded me of how just in the past few years my life has changed, my influence has grown far beyond what I could ever have imagined.

See, since 2009 I have had the opportunity to: teach at a Bible school in Mexico twice; pray with and encourage pastors in Mexico; pour into and pray with pastors in Kenya; see hundreds come to Jesus in evangelistic out reaches in Kenya; build a school in one of the poorest towns in Kenya.

For some reason, it is easy to forget things we have accomplished for the Kingdom. I suppose it is because our focus is on Him and not on our glory. As it should be. But God wasn't through with me. About two hours later, He brought a single sentence out of a devotional I read. It said,

I give you hope--hope that the best part of, your life is not behind you.

A slap in the face! I get it, God. We are not through until YOU say we are through. While the world may say my best days are behind, YOU say my best days are ahead. YOU say there is Hope For The Future!

 

Trusting in the Negative

 I am currently reading @MarkBatterson 's book The Circle Maker. Even having not finished it, I heartily recommend it.  

Tonight I read the following line:  If you can trust God when the answer is no, you're likely to give Him praise when the answer is yes.

That is a powerful statement.  But it is often hard to practice.  We approach God expecting Him to answer in the affirmative.  Before you start yelling, I understand faith. I teach on it frequently.  But there are times when we misunderstand what God desires to do in our lives.  It is then, when God has plainly said "NO!", that we must trust that He knows best.

And why would we not trust Him? The One Who created the universe. The One Who spoke and atoms formed, molecules coalesced, the electro-magnetic spectrum sprang into existence.  The One Who sent His Son to die for humanity.  Why should not we trust Him? 

But when our prayers go unanswered, at least in our thinking, our trust becomes shaken.  But it is then we must press in.  It is then we must listen for that still small voice.  For negatively answered prayers are the real indication of our Father's love for us.  If we always got our way, we would be most ungrateful.  But having heard our Father say "NO!", when He says "YES!", we are truly grateful.

So relax and REALLY trust God.  Listen for the "NO!"  For it brings forth the fruit of gracefulness in our lives.

What Are You Giving?

And a lame man from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple.

Acts 3:2 ESV

In Acts 3:1-10, we find the story of the lame man sitting at the Beautiful Gate.  This was the gate that was the entrance to the Temple. It separated the Court of the Gentiles from the Temple proper.  If you were on your way to the Temple to worship, you passed through this area.  

It was here that this man sat for years. He was 40 when he experienced the healing power of God (Acts 4:22).  Since a boy entered manhood around 12 or 13, this man probably had been sitting at the gate for 27 years. Think of it...twenty-seven years of begging for enough money to buy something for each day.  Every day he was there. In the rain, sunshine, heat and cold.  Watching the people move about. Hoping they would take pity on him as they made their way into the Temple to worship.

He sat and watched as the priests entered the Temple to serve.  He watched the scribes on their way to the Court of Israel.  He watched as the Pharisees pompously walked past him, probably on the other side for fear he was unclean.  He watched as the religious entered to worship, some giving to him and others ignoring him. None bringing him what he truly needed or desired--healing.

What about us? What are we doing with knowledge with have.  What are we doing with our relationship with Jesus?  Are we so focused on "going to the temple" that we ignore those in need around us? Do we give out "token" bits knowledge or even money when they need something much more?

Purpose today to NOT be like the religious who passed this man by.  Purpose today to be like Peter and John:  "what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus..."  They didn't give him a temporary fix. They gave him Jesus.