New Beginnings Transcripts

Topsy turvy world 2

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 13:45:06 -0500

A tiny explosive filled boat attempted to cripple a huge oil bearing tanker recently. One extreme group gleefully took responsibility for that scare as well as other bombings that have killed hundreds of people in recent years.
Bragging about bombing? Bragging about killing? I fear with the daily barrage of this news, we’ll become immune to God’s gentle proddings for us to be kind, reach out, live with optimism and faith in our topsy turvy world.
Scripture confirms in Psalm 73 that the craziness of this world only makes sense when we are in God presence. Psalm 94 assures us that God will not abandon us.
We could easily succumb to hopelessness were it not for the continual truths and encouragement from Scripture. So if your world seems crazy, pick up the Book that keeps us sane.

Topsy turvy world

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 13:45:13 -0500

Is your world just not making sense today? You do the right thing and still bad things happen? You’ve survived 2 crisis and a third hits you? Scripture reminds us that in this world we’ll have hard times. Of course, I don’t like hearing that!

Consider what happened to this young bank teller.

A would be robber pushed a back pack across his counter and demanded money. The 30 year old teller threw the bag on the floor, the burglar bolted, the teller chased him down and held him until the police came.

Result, the teller was fired for taking an unnecessary risk and no charges were filed against the repeat offender, would be robber.

Reminder: John 16:33 “in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble”
Thanks, Lord, I needed those words today.

Hard boundaries

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 13:45:16 -0500

Parents who are single again usually have a new and unexpected problem. They face new boundary issues with children. Whether divorce or death, whether you are Mom or Dad, you become vulnerable to pressures from your children to fix their problems, help them (sometimes thats enabling). And you are ALONE. Allison Bottke provides and easy to remember helpful tool called ‘Sanity.’ Her 6 step acronym is found in her book, Setting Boundaries with your Adult Children. They apply for younger children as well.

Stop enabling, stop blaming, stop the flow of money

Assemble a support group

Nip excuses in the bud

Implement rules and boundaries

Trust your instincts

Yield everything to God.

I know starting over is hard, my friend, you miss your spouse. But we are not our children’s solution to their problems. God is.

Unsung heros

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 13:45:09 -0500

We admire Harold Abrahams, jewish sprinter whose story is told in Chariots of Fire. His faith was tested through his God-given gift--running. He struggled between running or missions, saying to his sister. “When I run, I feel His pleasure.” His race was not the only one seemingly God blessed.
Godfrey Rampling, won Olympic Gold for his team in 1936 for the 400 x 4 relay. The first leg runner was suffering from a stomach bug. Second leg runner, Ramping in last place ran the race of his life in 46.6 seconds, handing a five yard lead to the third lapper. The fourth runner kept the lead earning Britain olympic gold.
Abrahams description of Rampling. “the most gloriously heaven-sent quarter mile I have ever seen.” God watches and delights in our running.

Good coaches.

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 13:45:18 -0500

Do you find yourself wishing for a quality you see in someone else instead of developing what you have?
Consider good coaches. They aren’t looking for the one size fits all athlete. They are looking for specific abilities that make winners in one sport.
Britain’s legendary athlete, George Wallace, spotted Godfrey Rampling for his olympic relay team. He recognized the mix of speed and stamina best-suited for one fast lap on the track. Result? Rampling was responsible for Britain’s gold medal in 1936. Victory started with a good coach. My friend, you may miss the opportunity to win one fast lap, that one thing God has for YOU to do, if you are envying the all round athlete.
Eyes off others, focusing on the One who made us, the first step to winning life’s race.