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.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Thursday, June 21, 2012
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?
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?
Sunday, June 17, 2012
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
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.
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.
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