In a contest, the best players and teams have a tendency to coast at points during the regular season. Falling into this trap often leads to disappointing loses and major upsets. At some point you have to respond, by raising your level of competition. If you are dedicated, gifted and talented, when you turn it up success usually follows.
For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay, Habakkuk 2:3.
According to one of the Old Testament prophets, vision requires patience, resolve and timing. If you are impatient, you may quit before seeing and tasting the fruits of your labor. Therefore, when others are on the verge of giving up on a shared dream, remain steadfast by turning up the intensity.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up, Galatians 6:9.
Perhaps the apostle Paul is referencing Habakkuk in the verse above. The notion of delayed gratification is a foreign to this generation. In life you can’t just put a prayer request on a credit card, then wait for it the mail to be delivered. Although some prayers do get answered instantaneously and or quickly, this is not the norm. Rather, in times of doubt, turn up your faith, waiting for a spiritual harvest to arrive.
As a child, my parents chose Thompson Lake, Maine as the spot for our family vacation. Every August for a decade, my father took any where from one to three weeks off to reconnect with family. Before this trip, my mom or dad picked up a large jigsaw puzzle, usually between 5000 and 10000 pieces. These puzzles became a family tradition to complete on cold and rainy days or uneventful evenings. Without a television to distract us, corners were completed first, then the hard part began. Filling in grass, mountains, the sky or water was an endless pursuit of trial and error, trying to see if nearly identical pieces would fit. When this tough stretch was completed, anticipation grew as pieces were put in place fast and furious. Unfortunately, there were a couple of puzzles that any came with 4999 and 9999, missing the final piece to the puzzle. Despite a fervent search of the floor, nothing was uncovered, leaving a bitter taste of disappointment.
“Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?” – Luke 15:8
The idea that puzzles intertwines with life has some traction. Sometimes individuals find themselves faced with a difficult decision, a dilemma or struggling to grasp why something they want has not been granted. The reason behind earthly trials isn’t usually known at the time you go through it, yet time has a way of revealing answers to unsolved mysteries. During these periods of uncertainty, I often feel like a missing piece to a puzzle. The only problem is every time I think I’ve found exactly where I think I fit in life, I discover that my gifts, skill set or talents don’t match, unable to complete the puzzle. At this point, there is a temptation to betray your true identity by asking others, “who do you want me to become?”
All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines, 1 Corinthians 12:11.
The apostle Paul refers to a church as a body with many parts. Similar to a jigsaw puzzle, it takes time to figure who you should connect with and what role best suits your personality. If you take 1 Corinthians 12 literally, local churches are like unfinished jigsaw puzzles waiting for the right individual to come and serve. Unfortunately, a growing mindset of what’s in it for me is preventing couples or families from taking a leap of faith. Anyone burned by past negative experiences are gun shy, afraid of reliving the pain of broken relationships. In the end, each person possesses unique gifts or talents no one else can offer. Yet, free will is designed to allow you to get involved when your ready. Therefore, if this blog finds you struggling to fit in, may the Holy Spirit lead you to complete another church, puzzle or soul.
Last weekend I caught a rerun of the 1992 film School Ties. Starring Brendan Fraser, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and Chris O’Donnell, the storyline places a Jewish quarterback recruited to attend a Catholic boarding school for his senior year. After a jealous benched quarterback played by Matt Damon finds out this secret was hidden from teammates, David Green played by Brendan Fraser is ostracized. When a student drops his crib, cheat sheet after a mid-term examine, Honor is put to the test.
If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them, James 4:17.
The concept of an honor code is introduced and built upon throughout the movie. However, a history teacher refers to this as a living document, something founded by students and evolves over time. While not mentioned, this principle is based upon the words from one of Jesus’ earthly brothers. What the Bible is saying is that sins of action are the same as sins of inaction. Subsequently, honor codes can not survive unless those who witness wrong doing actually confront anyone guilty of breaking a rule.
Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul, Psalm 143:8.
Newly acquired worldviews have provided a loop hole for individuals to justify their actions. This shift has altered the principles many citizens once embraced. Perhaps, this may explain the current culture of exaggeration, lies and untruths that make up most political campaigns. The losers are young children who aren’t seeing godly principles modeled out by today’s leaders. Forced by pressure to succeed, a growing number of people are cutting corners, disregarding honor for end results. May the power of the Holy Spirit reverse this trend by softening hardened hearts with a contrite spirit and heart for repentance. Pray for honor to be restored.
In the ESPN 30 for 30 entitled, the Gospel According to Mac, former University of Colorado football coach Bill McCarthy recounts his quest to bring the Buffalo’s a national championship. One of the overriding themes involves learning how to motivate each player who respond differently to criticism, failure and mistakes. During the second hour of this 2 hour documentary, the founding of Promise Keepers is covered through a series of clips from old speeches. One excerpt includes a quote on attitudes, claiming a person’s attitude is four times more important as their overall talent.
Do all things without grumbling or questioning, Philippians 2:14.
Attitude is one of those qualities which usually remains hidden until adversity arrives. However, in the heat of the moment, pose is tested. Attitudes are directly proportional to feelings expressed through body language and words. Depending upon the individual, stored up emotion can explode, unleashed in the form of complaints, gossip or pessimism. According to the apostle Paul, this is nothing new as attitudes can impact a group, family or an entire neighborhood. Like a vulnerable forest in seasons of extreme drought, any spark can trigger devastating fires.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, Philippians 2:5.
To overcome this potential threat, the apostle Paul believes the cure to this condition lies in the obtaining a specific mindset. Despite being the son of God, Jesus became humble taking the nature of a servant. Jesus set the model for what attitude should resemble. However, this isn’t something you can do on your own. Rather, transformation begins with faith by grace. When you place your trust in Jesus, the Holy Spirit serves as a counselor to fashion and mold your attitude. The end goal is to acquire a Christ like mindset. This may take a life time to achieve, but an attitude’s impact can alter lives for eternity.
In this day and age, people will do almost anything to receive recognition. This pursuit often causes individuals to cross the line between right and wrong. In an attempt to please their bosses, employees at Wells Fargo opened 2 million fake bank accounts over a five year span. It’s one thing to develop a sense of worth through working, but sometimes chasing fantasies perverts reality. These acts are lost in translation, hidden by pressure to excel.
Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense, Proverbs 12:11 – NIV.
The Bible was written in 3 languages: Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic. Since the entire Old Testament is Hebrew, there are words or verses that don’t translate well. Subsequently, the verse above is confusing until you examine a more accurate version below. The Hebrew language similar to Greek is a much more descriptive. At first glance above, it appears Solomon is against chasing after fantasies, a waste of time and effort. Unfortunately, the context refers to people attempting to cut corners and expecting the same productivity.
He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread; but he that followeth the worthless is void of understanding, Proverbs 12:11 – Darby Translation.
If you have ever attended a Christmas or company party, it can be a great time or an awkward experience. This is where men tend to gather, tell others their occupation and brag about their sense of worth. The most successful typically dominant the conversation while the humble and less important see their self-esteem slowly disappear when compared to everyone else. When this evening is over, you have 3 logical choices. First, stop wasting time and start doing what you love. Second, become defensive and begin to gossip or re-evaluate where you are, set some goals and begin to incrementally chase after these fantasies. May these words inspire you to press on, reach high and fulfill God’s plan in life.
If you have ever tried to climb a tree, it doesn’t take make to lose your grip. Any type of misstep, re-positioning or weak branch can start an unexpected descent. During a recent adventure of trying to dislodge an arrant Frisbee from a tree, I found myself in a free fall reaching out for anything that would break my fall.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing,” John 15:5.
In the spiritual realm, I’ve faced myself in similar downward spirals where in moments of weakness I have tried to cling to the Vine. According to one of his disciples, Jesus is compared to a vine, the life source to which branches are attached. However, once broken or cut off, these limbs are worthless, unable to protect you from spiritual harm.
If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned, John 15:6.
Subtle signs, also known as acts of the flesh, Galatians 5:19-21 often rear their ugly heads when individuals try to live apart from the Vine. Acts, behavior and character gradually declines, transforming decent human being into completely different people. Before this sinister force takes roots, its essential to become reconnected to Jesus. Bible Study, prayer and worship are daily avenues to reunite you with the Lord. If you feel like your faith is wavering, don’t let it continue. Rather, cling to the Vine and connect with like minded followers who seek to fulfill the great commission, Mark 16:15.
When the facts don’t paint a pretty picture of a beloved figure, an ideology or movement, members of the media may be tempted to hide, suppress or redirect the public’s attention to a matter of less importance, serving as a diversion. This practice often involves bottling, concealing, snuffing out or withholding essential information. Subsequently, the majority can be silenced, kept in the dark about what is really happening in the world.
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord,” Romans 12:19.
A camera without context can be dangerous in today’s society, unable to magnify the big picture or provide an accurate description of what has occurred. Back in the mid to late 1990’s, I attended the first Promise Keepers’ event held at Soldier Field. Bill McCartney packed the house Friday night as close to 65,000 men filled the home of the Chicago Bears. Unfortunately, the headlines in the Chicago papers and television read, woman protest this sexist group. New flash: there were 3 protesters Friday night and 1 on Saturday. This is just another example of how a liberal media have suppressed the majority.
What the wicked dreads will come upon him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted, Proverbs 10:24.
Not much has changed over the past 20 years except cell phones and tablets have turned average citizens into newscasters. Yet, depending on what you have caught on film can either be used to demonize an unpopular individual or stir up raw emotions within viewers. As much as some people like being in control, no one can play God. Whatever motives the medias possesses either bad or good will eventually be exposed. Therefore, while the majority may be suppressed temporary, God will reward the righteous for staying the course in the end.
For students and workers, every weekend provides opportunities for hope. Anticipation, confidence and expectation await hoping to maximize your free time. Yet, sometimes in an attempt to reach your goals, people place their trust in the wrong things.
Hopes placed in mortals die with them; all the promise of their power comes to nothing, Proverbs 11:7.
In the days of King Solomon, hero worship was a major problem. Instead of thanking the God who created these heroes, individuals placed their hope in mortal human beings. This decision will always lead to disappointment, especially after athletes, celebrities and stars past their prime or pass away.
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer, Romans 12:12.
The apostle Paul provides useful advice for anyone who has made the mistake of placing your hope in the wrong things. Rather, hope should be a source of joy. While you wait, endure the trials and tribulations that confront you. Finally, remain diligent in prayer, leaning on the Lord to guide your steps in the future.
During every election season, campaigns vie for votes, trying to convince cities, counties, states and nations that their candidate is most qualified for the job. In this jousting of ideas, some politicians don’t have a record to run on. Thus, victory is achieved through mudslinging, convincing potential voters through a series of exaggerations and lies that their opponent can’t be trusted. When individuals don’t do their own research, nations can begin to crumble as those who get elected aren’t able to implement what they promised.
For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers, Proverbs 11:14.
As King of Israel, Solomon understood what qualities were necessary to become a godly ruler. Whether through wisdom passed down by his father David or through trial and error, leadership is essential to keep God’s promised nation in step with God. However, no one can do this alone as its vital to surround yourself with advisors, counselors and elders. Unfortunately, this is a lesson that his son Rehoboam failed to accept, leading to a divided nation during his reign.
Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens, Exodus 18:21.
If you are one of those individuals classified as undecided, then the verse above will give you a measuring stick to narrow down your choice before November 8th. Although many consider the Bible to be out dated, 3 qualities are recognized in honorable candidates. First, individuals should fear God, then be trustworthy and finally refrain from and detest those trying to bribe you. While there are other traits are important as well, may God guide you over the next month before you cast your vote on election day.
According to the site Crazy Hot Seeds, the top 3 hottest peppers in the world for 2016 are the Carolina Reaper, the hottest, the Trinidad Moruga Scorpion ranking second and the third is 7 Pot Douglah. In recent years, restaurants are offering daring individuals a free meal or shirt for eating spicy dishes or peppers. Some even offer a wall of fame with victorious eaters having their pictures and or names engraved on plaques hanging on restaurant walls. Unfortunately, the losers are left with mouths on fire or a worst case scenario for a cook from London, losing his hearing after eating the world’s spiciest noodles.
With their mouths the godless destroy their neighbors, but through knowledge the righteous escape, Proverbs 11:9.
King Solomon refers to a different kind of mouths on fire in the Bible. Whether Solomon engaged in people watching or received this revelation from God, individuals who like to talk a lot can ruin the lives of their neighbors. Like a snake, tongues can spit venom upon those whom they dislike, lashing out with words instead of fangs. While the childhood saying, “sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never hurt me” seems nice, but its untrue. Deep inside human souls, scars and wounds remain long after words have been spoken.
The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell, James 3:6.
Jesus’ younger brother also recognized that words are like a mouth set on fire. When accompanied by anger, words can be like daggers, stabbing friends in the back in the form of gossip. Before you reach this point, its vital to find the knowledge to escape the temptation to hurt those you love with a poor choice of vocabulary. Although you can’t escape mouths of fire, you can control what comes out of your own mouth. May the words of the Bible give you direction, insight and wisdom to tame mouths of fire.
