29 May 2011
The Unexpected
Jun/03/11
More than 20 years ago, stock market underwriter stated, “The threat to this market is not a Japanese earthquake. We know that will happen. The threat comes from the risks we never imagined.” We’ve recently faced both. Japan has been brought to its knees by an earthquake. And bin Laden’s demise reminded us of the tragedy 10 years ago no one imagined. What is known as 9/11 symbolized a disaster no one predicted.
Statisticians run numbers and people ponder: What does the future hold? What should I do about it? Given that we know we won’t live forever, I wonder why so few research their future after they die?
Polls show 51% believe there is an after life and a supreme deity. 18% don’t believe in God and 17% aren’t sure. That’s something to ponder.
Podcast
Statisticians run numbers and people ponder: What does the future hold? What should I do about it? Given that we know we won’t live forever, I wonder why so few research their future after they die?
Polls show 51% believe there is an after life and a supreme deity. 18% don’t believe in God and 17% aren’t sure. That’s something to ponder.
Podcast
How Generous Are We?
Jun/02/11
America is a generous nation. How do we measure up as individuals? Oklahoma deserves our applause. Their average resident donated $1,587 to charity in 2009. While using God’s standard of giving 10%, that average may not be great. But its higher than the rest of the states. I take note of the donation level of our politicians. How much and to whom they donate shows me their character.
Jesus made it clear that where we invest our resources shouts what matters to us. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21
He values caring for those without resources. Whether its showing up with a bucket of paint to freshen a poor widows living space, or caring for an abandoned child in our states children’s welfare program. We’re showing him our heart.
Podcast
Jesus made it clear that where we invest our resources shouts what matters to us. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21
He values caring for those without resources. Whether its showing up with a bucket of paint to freshen a poor widows living space, or caring for an abandoned child in our states children’s welfare program. We’re showing him our heart.
Podcast
Self Made Man
Jun/01/11
I cringe when I hear someone say, “I’m a self made man.” They’re attributing their success to their own intellect, hard work, and initiative. Valuable attributes, yes, but where did your intellect come from? What part did you play in the unique combination of your genes, or having a strong body? What part did you play in the continent on which you were born, the country, county, or address?
Job and David agreed both asking, “What is man,” that God should even notice us. Job 7:17 Psalm 144:3
Does thinking we are self made matter? Absolutely. Human pride is in that equation, and prejudice might be as well. 43 verses in Scripture refer to God’s opinion about the humble person, how He willingly instructs them and looks out for their interests. That trumps being self made.
Podcast
Job and David agreed both asking, “What is man,” that God should even notice us. Job 7:17 Psalm 144:3
Does thinking we are self made matter? Absolutely. Human pride is in that equation, and prejudice might be as well. 43 verses in Scripture refer to God’s opinion about the humble person, how He willingly instructs them and looks out for their interests. That trumps being self made.
Podcast
Graduation
May/31/11
Graduation speeches will drone on this season. Hours of preparation will result in lots of words that are forgotten in weeks, if not in hours. Challenges will focus on being the best you can be, never giving up, remembering old friends, and appreciating the family that got you to this place. I’ve never heard a graduation speech that focused on the best advice anyone could ever hear. It is this
If you wish to be great, serve others.
If you wish to leave a legacy, focus on bringing out the best in those around you.
If you wish to be remembered, elevate the lowly, the poor, the disabled, widows and orphans around you.
If you wish to be rich, invest more in others than you invest in yourself.
Then give credit to the source of these words: Jesus
Podcast
If you wish to be great, serve others.
If you wish to leave a legacy, focus on bringing out the best in those around you.
If you wish to be remembered, elevate the lowly, the poor, the disabled, widows and orphans around you.
If you wish to be rich, invest more in others than you invest in yourself.
Then give credit to the source of these words: Jesus
Podcast
Memorial Day
May/30/11
Is Memorial Day another dreaded holiday? Do memories of how things used to be bring pain. I understand, my friend. Your loss is different from mine, but we know our ideal celebration is not going to happen. You may not buy what you used to buy for the grill. Friends may have moved. My husband is in heaven.
Rather than focus on my void, I have a plan. I’m going to specifically pray for those separated from their families serving our country. Men oversees, women in basic training, children at grandma’s missing daddy or mommy. What do they need? Safety, comfort, knowledge they’re not forgotten, that they fill their loneliness void with good choices, that God reminds them in some specific way that He loves them. These are prayers that God loves to answer. Let’s pray.
Podcast
Rather than focus on my void, I have a plan. I’m going to specifically pray for those separated from their families serving our country. Men oversees, women in basic training, children at grandma’s missing daddy or mommy. What do they need? Safety, comfort, knowledge they’re not forgotten, that they fill their loneliness void with good choices, that God reminds them in some specific way that He loves them. These are prayers that God loves to answer. Let’s pray.
Podcast