Monday, June 27, 2005
Reflection
If God is real, why is there so much evil in the world?
The answer is:
WE are too busy sitting on our buts to be Christ's hands and feet going out into the world to defeat those evils. It's a difficult process to get off of our buts. It's a process of surrendering our fears, our own personal agendas, our attachments, and our innate desire to be comfortable.
The answer is:
WE are too busy sitting on our buts to be Christ's hands and feet going out into the world to defeat those evils. It's a difficult process to get off of our buts. It's a process of surrendering our fears, our own personal agendas, our attachments, and our innate desire to be comfortable.
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Keeping Your Priorities
Be very careful, then, how you live. Ephesians 5:15
The purposes of God in your life must be continually revisited - andguarded! What does that mean?
(1) Stay flexible. Conditions constantly change; so do methods of getting things done. So, to fulfil your God-given priorities you must stay flexible.
(2) Plan your time carefully. To be effective, you must be able to plan your day. Only one in three people do. John Maxwell says, "It's a rare day that I get up in the morning wondering what I will be doing that day." Can you say that?
(3) Follow your plan. Most of us don't get to our most important tasks until mid-afternoon. We tend to finish off low-priority tasks first, so that we'll have a sense of accomplishment. That's not wise. Do first things first. If you plan your day but don't follow through, your results will be the same as those who don't plan at all. Goethe said,"Things that matter most must never be at the mercy of things that matter least."
(3) Delegate whenever possible. People fall into two categories:clingers or dumpers. Clingers refuse to let go of anything they think important, whether they're the best person to do it or not. Their goal is perfection. Dumpers, on the other hand, are quick to get rid of tasks, yet give little thought to how well the job will get done. Their goal is to get things off their desk. Proper delegation calls for being wise, secure in who you are before God, and generous toward others. It also means that the job gets done right. And isn't that what you want?
The purposes of God in your life must be continually revisited - andguarded! What does that mean?
(1) Stay flexible. Conditions constantly change; so do methods of getting things done. So, to fulfil your God-given priorities you must stay flexible.
(2) Plan your time carefully. To be effective, you must be able to plan your day. Only one in three people do. John Maxwell says, "It's a rare day that I get up in the morning wondering what I will be doing that day." Can you say that?
(3) Follow your plan. Most of us don't get to our most important tasks until mid-afternoon. We tend to finish off low-priority tasks first, so that we'll have a sense of accomplishment. That's not wise. Do first things first. If you plan your day but don't follow through, your results will be the same as those who don't plan at all. Goethe said,"Things that matter most must never be at the mercy of things that matter least."
(3) Delegate whenever possible. People fall into two categories:clingers or dumpers. Clingers refuse to let go of anything they think important, whether they're the best person to do it or not. Their goal is perfection. Dumpers, on the other hand, are quick to get rid of tasks, yet give little thought to how well the job will get done. Their goal is to get things off their desk. Proper delegation calls for being wise, secure in who you are before God, and generous toward others. It also means that the job gets done right. And isn't that what you want?
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
The Wisdom of William Gates
Life is not fair, get used to it.
Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.
Television is not real life. In real life people actually haveto leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.
Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you find yourself.
If you can't make it good, at least make it look good.
It's fine to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.
Success is a lousy teacher.It seduces smart people into thinking they can't lose.
Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.
Television is not real life. In real life people actually haveto leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.
Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you find yourself.
If you can't make it good, at least make it look good.
It's fine to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.
Success is a lousy teacher.It seduces smart people into thinking they can't lose.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Deepening Your Hunger For God's Word
Crave pure spiritual milk... that... you may grow. 1 Peter 2:2
Have your daily devotions become more duty than desire? God says, "Crave pure spiritual milk...that...you may grow." The word 'crave' means"asking earnestly; longing eagerly; feeling in great need of."
So:
(1) Ask God to meet you in the Scriptures. As you read, expect Him to show up. Remember, your goal is to build a relationship, not turn in abook report! Listen: "The kingdom of heaven is at hand" ( Matthew 4:17).As you read, become aware that Jesus is present. Ask Him to wash your mind - even if the cleanser stings a bit. Expect to be moved by His love for you, convicted of some sin or prompted to make changes in your life.
(2) Read your Bible with a repentant heart. Be vulnerable! What you're after isn't information but transformation. Being unchanged by your Bible is worse than having no Bible at all! Jesus said, "Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you" ( John 15:3).
(3) Meditate on a brief passage or a word. This may mean adjusting your attitude from "getting through the Bible," to hearing God speak to you.Success isn't in the number of pages you read; God doesn't have a big behaviour modification chart on His refrigerator and each time you read another chapter you get a gold star. Your goal is not to get through the Scriptures; it's to get the Scriptures through you! If you're serious about deepening your hunger for God's Word, take a moment and reread today's devotion.
Have your daily devotions become more duty than desire? God says, "Crave pure spiritual milk...that...you may grow." The word 'crave' means"asking earnestly; longing eagerly; feeling in great need of."
So:
(1) Ask God to meet you in the Scriptures. As you read, expect Him to show up. Remember, your goal is to build a relationship, not turn in abook report! Listen: "The kingdom of heaven is at hand" ( Matthew 4:17).As you read, become aware that Jesus is present. Ask Him to wash your mind - even if the cleanser stings a bit. Expect to be moved by His love for you, convicted of some sin or prompted to make changes in your life.
(2) Read your Bible with a repentant heart. Be vulnerable! What you're after isn't information but transformation. Being unchanged by your Bible is worse than having no Bible at all! Jesus said, "Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you" ( John 15:3).
(3) Meditate on a brief passage or a word. This may mean adjusting your attitude from "getting through the Bible," to hearing God speak to you.Success isn't in the number of pages you read; God doesn't have a big behaviour modification chart on His refrigerator and each time you read another chapter you get a gold star. Your goal is not to get through the Scriptures; it's to get the Scriptures through you! If you're serious about deepening your hunger for God's Word, take a moment and reread today's devotion.
Taking Responsibility For Your Attitude
Be joyful always. 1 Thessalonians 5:16
Some of us complain about everything. The weather's too hot; the job's too hard; the pay's too low; the holiday's too short. And what we think about our mother-in-law isn't fit to print.
In an old Peanuts comic strip, Lucy announces, "Boy, do I feel crabby."Her little brother, Linus, always anxious to relieve tension, responds,"Maybe I can be of help. Why don't you just take my place in front of the TV and I'll go fix you a nice snack? Sometimes we all need a little pampering to make us feel better." Then Linus brings her a sandwich, a few chocolate chip cookies and some milk. "Now, is there anything else I can get you? Is there anything I haven't thought of?" he asks. "Yes,there's one thing you haven't thought of," Lucy answers. Then she shouts, "I don't want to feel better!"
Face it, some people don't want to feel better - they just want attention!
Know anybody like that? It takes uncommon honesty to ask,"How much of what I say focuses on complaining about the situation rather than improving it? Have I built my life around people who feel the same way, and would probably be upset if I decided to grow and change for the better?
Am I living in the past, nursing old wounds,refusing to forgive others and myself?"
Time doesn't heal - insight does! Jesus said that "knowing the truth will set us free" ( John 8:32).
Once you're willing to face the truth about your attitude and do something about it, your life will begin to rapidly improve.
Some of us complain about everything. The weather's too hot; the job's too hard; the pay's too low; the holiday's too short. And what we think about our mother-in-law isn't fit to print.
In an old Peanuts comic strip, Lucy announces, "Boy, do I feel crabby."Her little brother, Linus, always anxious to relieve tension, responds,"Maybe I can be of help. Why don't you just take my place in front of the TV and I'll go fix you a nice snack? Sometimes we all need a little pampering to make us feel better." Then Linus brings her a sandwich, a few chocolate chip cookies and some milk. "Now, is there anything else I can get you? Is there anything I haven't thought of?" he asks. "Yes,there's one thing you haven't thought of," Lucy answers. Then she shouts, "I don't want to feel better!"
Face it, some people don't want to feel better - they just want attention!
Know anybody like that? It takes uncommon honesty to ask,"How much of what I say focuses on complaining about the situation rather than improving it? Have I built my life around people who feel the same way, and would probably be upset if I decided to grow and change for the better?
Am I living in the past, nursing old wounds,refusing to forgive others and myself?"
Time doesn't heal - insight does! Jesus said that "knowing the truth will set us free" ( John 8:32).
Once you're willing to face the truth about your attitude and do something about it, your life will begin to rapidly improve.
Forgive And Let It Go!
Forgive whatever grievances you...have against one another...as the Lord
forgave you. Colossians 3:13
A group of doctors was asked which emotions cause the most physical illness. Their answer was "anger and unforgiveness," because over time they release deadly toxins into your body. That's why Paul says, "Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry" ( Ephesians 4:26). So,when you've been treated unfairly what should you do? Take these 4 steps:
Confront.
There's a right time, place and way to do this. Before you do,pray and ask God to guide your thoughts and your words. Then say what's in your heart in a low-key, non-judgmental way. After that, leave the rest to God; He'll do a better job of changing things than you will.
Release it.
Not only does God require us to forgive each other, He gives us the grace to do it. You may let someone off your hook but that doesn't mean they're off God's! He'll deal with them the right way and bring about the right result - something you can't do.
Remember how often God forgives you.
Paul says, "Forgive...as the Lord forgave you." When you're tempted to lick your wounds or lash out,recall the price Jesus paid to take away your sins. Looking through those eye glasses will help you to forgive anybody.
Pray for the offender.
Forgiveness means refusing to let the wrongdoer keep on hurting you. God said, "Pray for those who hurt you" ( Matthew5:44 ). Without showing mercy, life becomes an endless cycle of resentment and retaliation. But as you walk in love, you experience freedom.
forgave you. Colossians 3:13
A group of doctors was asked which emotions cause the most physical illness. Their answer was "anger and unforgiveness," because over time they release deadly toxins into your body. That's why Paul says, "Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry" ( Ephesians 4:26). So,when you've been treated unfairly what should you do? Take these 4 steps:
Confront.
There's a right time, place and way to do this. Before you do,pray and ask God to guide your thoughts and your words. Then say what's in your heart in a low-key, non-judgmental way. After that, leave the rest to God; He'll do a better job of changing things than you will.
Release it.
Not only does God require us to forgive each other, He gives us the grace to do it. You may let someone off your hook but that doesn't mean they're off God's! He'll deal with them the right way and bring about the right result - something you can't do.
Remember how often God forgives you.
Paul says, "Forgive...as the Lord forgave you." When you're tempted to lick your wounds or lash out,recall the price Jesus paid to take away your sins. Looking through those eye glasses will help you to forgive anybody.
Pray for the offender.
Forgiveness means refusing to let the wrongdoer keep on hurting you. God said, "Pray for those who hurt you" ( Matthew5:44 ). Without showing mercy, life becomes an endless cycle of resentment and retaliation. But as you walk in love, you experience freedom.
Money Matters
The borrower becomes the lender's slave. Proverbs 22:7
Buying stuff you don't need, with money you don't have, to impress people you don't know, is no way to live!
Here are 2 simple truths about your money that you need to keep in mind:
(1) Money won't make you happy! Now most of us agree, yet we act like it will. We're better paid, better fed and better educated than ever. Yet the divorce rate has doubled, the teen suicide rate has tripled, and depression has soared in the last 30 years. Two thousand years ago Seneca wrote, "Money, of itself, has yet to make anyone rich." Why?Because you are what you are - no matter how much or how little you have.
(2) Debt will make you unhappy! Samuel Butler, who satirised Victorian life in England, wrote, "All progress seems based upon a universal desire...to live beyond one's income." That's why Solomon wrote, "The borrower becomes the lender's slave." Do you want to be a slave? If not,work toward getting out of debt!
Now purchasing a home, buying a car, improving your education or investing in a business are good things - as long as you manage them well. But too many of us incur debt for frivolous stuff. When you'restill paying for something you didn't need, no longer use or even have,you're not being wise.
To reduce your debt:
(a) honour God with your giving;
(b) live on a budget;
(c) don't expect instant miracles;
(d)seek professional help.
Don't let your possessions possess you. If you're a slave to debt, find a way to free yourself!
Buying stuff you don't need, with money you don't have, to impress people you don't know, is no way to live!
Here are 2 simple truths about your money that you need to keep in mind:
(1) Money won't make you happy! Now most of us agree, yet we act like it will. We're better paid, better fed and better educated than ever. Yet the divorce rate has doubled, the teen suicide rate has tripled, and depression has soared in the last 30 years. Two thousand years ago Seneca wrote, "Money, of itself, has yet to make anyone rich." Why?Because you are what you are - no matter how much or how little you have.
(2) Debt will make you unhappy! Samuel Butler, who satirised Victorian life in England, wrote, "All progress seems based upon a universal desire...to live beyond one's income." That's why Solomon wrote, "The borrower becomes the lender's slave." Do you want to be a slave? If not,work toward getting out of debt!
Now purchasing a home, buying a car, improving your education or investing in a business are good things - as long as you manage them well. But too many of us incur debt for frivolous stuff. When you'restill paying for something you didn't need, no longer use or even have,you're not being wise.
To reduce your debt:
(a) honour God with your giving;
(b) live on a budget;
(c) don't expect instant miracles;
(d)seek professional help.
Don't let your possessions possess you. If you're a slave to debt, find a way to free yourself!
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Pass A Smile Along
Smiling is infectious,
you catch it like the flu.
When someone
smiled at me today,
I started smiling too.
I passed around the corner,
and someone saw my grin...
When he smiled I realized,
I'd passed it on to him.
I thought about that smile,
then I realized its worth,
A single smile, just like mine,
could travel round the earth.
So, if you feel a smile begin,
don't leave it undetected...
Let's start an epidemic quick
and get the world Smile Infected!
you catch it like the flu.
When someone
smiled at me today,
I started smiling too.
I passed around the corner,
and someone saw my grin...
When he smiled I realized,
I'd passed it on to him.
I thought about that smile,
then I realized its worth,
A single smile, just like mine,
could travel round the earth.
So, if you feel a smile begin,
don't leave it undetected...
Let's start an epidemic quick
and get the world Smile Infected!
I know who holds my hand
I don't know about tomorrow
I just live from day to day
I don't borrow from its sunshine
For its skies may turn to grey
I don't worry o'er the future
For I know what Jesus said
And today I'll walk beside Him
For He knows what is ahead
Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know Who holds tomorrow
And I know Who holds my hand
Ev'ry step is getting brighter
On the golden stairs I climb
Ev'ry burden's getting lighter
Ev'ry cloud is silver-lined
There the sun is always shining
There no tear will dim the eyes
At the ending of the rainbow
Where the mountains touch the sky
Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know Who holds tomorrow
And I know Who holds my hand
I don't know about tomorrow
It may bring me poverty
But the One Who feeds the sparrow
Is the One Who stands by me
And the path that be my portion
May be through the flame or flood
But His presence goes before me
And I'm covered with His blood
Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know Who holds tomorrow
And I know Who holds my hand
I just live from day to day
I don't borrow from its sunshine
For its skies may turn to grey
I don't worry o'er the future
For I know what Jesus said
And today I'll walk beside Him
For He knows what is ahead
Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know Who holds tomorrow
And I know Who holds my hand
Ev'ry step is getting brighter
On the golden stairs I climb
Ev'ry burden's getting lighter
Ev'ry cloud is silver-lined
There the sun is always shining
There no tear will dim the eyes
At the ending of the rainbow
Where the mountains touch the sky
Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know Who holds tomorrow
And I know Who holds my hand
I don't know about tomorrow
It may bring me poverty
But the One Who feeds the sparrow
Is the One Who stands by me
And the path that be my portion
May be through the flame or flood
But His presence goes before me
And I'm covered with His blood
Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know Who holds tomorrow
And I know Who holds my hand
Two are better off than one
Ecclesiastes 4:
9 Two are better off than one, because together they can work more effectively.
10 If one of them falls down, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone and falls, it's just too bad, because there is no one to help him.
11 If it is cold, two can sleep together and stay warm, but how can you keep warm by yourself?
12 Two people can resist an attack that would defeat one person alone. A rope made of three cords is hard to break.
9 Two are better off than one, because together they can work more effectively.
10 If one of them falls down, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone and falls, it's just too bad, because there is no one to help him.
11 If it is cold, two can sleep together and stay warm, but how can you keep warm by yourself?
12 Two people can resist an attack that would defeat one person alone. A rope made of three cords is hard to break.
Never Gonna Let Go
You are My beloved child
Forever in My heart
After the fall and after it all
You're safe within My arms
I'm never gonna let go
My love for you is always true
I'm never gonna lose heart'
Cause I'm holding on tight to you
Should the cruel wind chill your soul
When the world seems out of control
I'm never gonna let go of you
Forever in My heart
After the fall and after it all
You're safe within My arms
I'm never gonna let go
My love for you is always true
I'm never gonna lose heart'
Cause I'm holding on tight to you
Should the cruel wind chill your soul
When the world seems out of control
I'm never gonna let go of you
Monday, June 13, 2005
Holding Hand
A little girl and her father were crossing a bridge.
The father was kind of scared so he asked his little daughter,
"Sweetheart, please hold my hand so that you don't fall into the river."
The little girl said, "No, Dad. You please hold my hand."
"What's the difference, darling?", asked the puzzled father.
The little girl replied, "Dad, if I hold your hand and something happens to me, I may let your hand go. But if you hold my hand, no matter what happens, you will never let my hand go."
In any relationship, the essence of trust is not in its bind, but in its bond. So hold the hand of the person whom you love rather than expecting them to hold yours.
holding hand
Fixing God's Word In Your Heart
Fix these words of mine in your hearts.
Deuteronomy 11:18
God wants you to fix His Word in your heart.
That happens by:
(1) Turning knowledge into action!
Your Bible knowledge may be 10 times greater than someone else's, but if you're not 10 times more loving,patient and joyful, what good is it? The right doctrine with the wrong spirit will turn people away from Christ every time.
(2) Taking one thought with you through the day!
David says that the way to prosper is through meditating on Scripture "day and night" ( Psalm1:2). But you can't meditate fast! There are no education courses inspeed meditating: "I can meditate 700 words-a-minute with a 90 percent comprehension rate." The Bible likens meditating to a cow chewing cud,or to roots drawing up moisture from deep well-springs. When God impresses a thought on you, live with it all day. Make it your first thought in the morning and your last thought at night. Try that for 365 days and see what happens. You'll love the results!
(3) Allowing it to wash you daily! Listen: "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your word" ( Psalm 119:9 NIV). His fellow monks used to ask Martin Luther why he spent so much time in the confessional. After all, he lived in a monastery, what could he have to confess? Chanting off-key? No, Luther was aware of his own cleverness at self-justification. God's Word is the only detergent strong enough to get down into the deepest levels of our thought, imagination and motives and cleanse us.
Deuteronomy 11:18
God wants you to fix His Word in your heart.
That happens by:
(1) Turning knowledge into action!
Your Bible knowledge may be 10 times greater than someone else's, but if you're not 10 times more loving,patient and joyful, what good is it? The right doctrine with the wrong spirit will turn people away from Christ every time.
(2) Taking one thought with you through the day!
David says that the way to prosper is through meditating on Scripture "day and night" ( Psalm1:2). But you can't meditate fast! There are no education courses inspeed meditating: "I can meditate 700 words-a-minute with a 90 percent comprehension rate." The Bible likens meditating to a cow chewing cud,or to roots drawing up moisture from deep well-springs. When God impresses a thought on you, live with it all day. Make it your first thought in the morning and your last thought at night. Try that for 365 days and see what happens. You'll love the results!
(3) Allowing it to wash you daily! Listen: "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your word" ( Psalm 119:9 NIV). His fellow monks used to ask Martin Luther why he spent so much time in the confessional. After all, he lived in a monastery, what could he have to confess? Chanting off-key? No, Luther was aware of his own cleverness at self-justification. God's Word is the only detergent strong enough to get down into the deepest levels of our thought, imagination and motives and cleanse us.
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Commitment (2)
I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. 1 Corinthians 9:26
Anytime you make a commitment to something, your commitment will be tested in 3 ways:
(1) Experiencing failure.
The greatest challenge to commitment isfailure. Olympic gold medallist Mary Lou Retton says, "Achieving that goal is a good feeling, but to get there you have to get through the failures. You've got to be able to pick yourself up and continue."
(2) Having to stand alone.
When you want to accomplish something people will try to distract you, challenge you or get you to settle for less.It may be unintentional, or it may be because they're worried that if you grow and succeed they'll feel left behind. In those moments you must ask: "Who am I trying to please - God or man? When I stand before God what will I be glad I did now?"
(3) Facing deep disappointment.
When things go wrong, when life gets tough, when the enemy begins to attack, will you be able to carry on?That depends. "On what?" you ask. It depends on your willingness to renew your commitment each day. To keep yourself on track, make a copy of these words by William H. Murray and carry them with you wherever you go:
"The moment one definitely commits one's self, then [Divine]Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issue from the decision, raising in one's favour all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would come his way."
Thought of the Day
Jesus doesn't need lawyers.He needs witnesses.
Commitment (3)
Before you commit to something count the cost, otherwise you won't stick with it (See Luke 14:28).
After the Nazis obtained France's surrender,they were certain that victory was at hand. But they underestimated the commitment of Winston Churchill and the British people. Churchill knew what was at stake, as evidenced by his remarks at the time. "The Battle of Britain is about to begin. Upon this battle depends the survival of Christian civilisation ...Hitler knows that he will have to break us in this island or lose the war. If we can stand up to him, all Europe maybe free...but if we fail, then the whole world, including the United States, including all that we have known and cared for, will sink into the abyss of a new dark age...let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that, if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say 'This was their finest hour.'"Did victory come easily or without a cost? No, Britain suffered terrible bloodshed and bombing by the Nazis. But they stood. And because they stood, the allies won the war. Their resolve was strong not only because they knew what was at stake - but because they had decided in advance the price they were willing to pay. Understand this: it's virtually impossible to stand by a commitment naively or thoughtlessly made.Commitment only works when you count the cost and agree in advance to pay the price. So, how committed are you?
Anytime you make a commitment to something, your commitment will be tested in 3 ways:
(1) Experiencing failure.
The greatest challenge to commitment isfailure. Olympic gold medallist Mary Lou Retton says, "Achieving that goal is a good feeling, but to get there you have to get through the failures. You've got to be able to pick yourself up and continue."
(2) Having to stand alone.
When you want to accomplish something people will try to distract you, challenge you or get you to settle for less.It may be unintentional, or it may be because they're worried that if you grow and succeed they'll feel left behind. In those moments you must ask: "Who am I trying to please - God or man? When I stand before God what will I be glad I did now?"
(3) Facing deep disappointment.
When things go wrong, when life gets tough, when the enemy begins to attack, will you be able to carry on?That depends. "On what?" you ask. It depends on your willingness to renew your commitment each day. To keep yourself on track, make a copy of these words by William H. Murray and carry them with you wherever you go:
"The moment one definitely commits one's self, then [Divine]Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issue from the decision, raising in one's favour all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would come his way."
Thought of the Day
Jesus doesn't need lawyers.He needs witnesses.
Commitment (3)
Before you commit to something count the cost, otherwise you won't stick with it (See Luke 14:28).
After the Nazis obtained France's surrender,they were certain that victory was at hand. But they underestimated the commitment of Winston Churchill and the British people. Churchill knew what was at stake, as evidenced by his remarks at the time. "The Battle of Britain is about to begin. Upon this battle depends the survival of Christian civilisation ...Hitler knows that he will have to break us in this island or lose the war. If we can stand up to him, all Europe maybe free...but if we fail, then the whole world, including the United States, including all that we have known and cared for, will sink into the abyss of a new dark age...let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that, if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say 'This was their finest hour.'"Did victory come easily or without a cost? No, Britain suffered terrible bloodshed and bombing by the Nazis. But they stood. And because they stood, the allies won the war. Their resolve was strong not only because they knew what was at stake - but because they had decided in advance the price they were willing to pay. Understand this: it's virtually impossible to stand by a commitment naively or thoughtlessly made.Commitment only works when you count the cost and agree in advance to pay the price. So, how committed are you?
Friday, June 10, 2005
Commitment
I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step.
1 Corinthians 9:26
To become the person God intends you to be, you'll need commitment.
Why?
Because:
(1) Commitment can change your life!
Frederic F. Flach writes: "Most people can look back and identify a time and place at which their lives changed significantly. Whether by accident or design, these are the moments when because of a readiness within us and a collaboration of events around us, we are forced to seriously reappraise ourselves and the conditions under which we live, and to make choices that will affect the rest of our lives."
(2) Your commitment will be tested - daily.
Too many of us see commitment as an event, like saying, "I do" in a wedding ceremony or shaking hands to close a business deal. In January we buy a treadmill to get in shape, by February we quit because it calls for too much discipline. Any time you make a commitment to something, you'll betested - daily.
(3) Commitment helps you overcome life's obstacles.
Maltbie Babcock said, "One of the most common mistakes and one of the most costly, is thinking that success is due to some genius, some magic something or other which we do not possess. No, success is generally due to holding on, and unwillingness to let go. You 'decide' to learn a language, study music, take a course in reading, train yourself physically, etc. Will it be a success or failure? That depends upon how much pluck and perseverance that word 'decide' contains. It's the decision that nothing will over rule and the grip that nothing can break that bring success."
1 Corinthians 9:26
To become the person God intends you to be, you'll need commitment.
Why?
Because:
(1) Commitment can change your life!
Frederic F. Flach writes: "Most people can look back and identify a time and place at which their lives changed significantly. Whether by accident or design, these are the moments when because of a readiness within us and a collaboration of events around us, we are forced to seriously reappraise ourselves and the conditions under which we live, and to make choices that will affect the rest of our lives."
(2) Your commitment will be tested - daily.
Too many of us see commitment as an event, like saying, "I do" in a wedding ceremony or shaking hands to close a business deal. In January we buy a treadmill to get in shape, by February we quit because it calls for too much discipline. Any time you make a commitment to something, you'll betested - daily.
(3) Commitment helps you overcome life's obstacles.
Maltbie Babcock said, "One of the most common mistakes and one of the most costly, is thinking that success is due to some genius, some magic something or other which we do not possess. No, success is generally due to holding on, and unwillingness to let go. You 'decide' to learn a language, study music, take a course in reading, train yourself physically, etc. Will it be a success or failure? That depends upon how much pluck and perseverance that word 'decide' contains. It's the decision that nothing will over rule and the grip that nothing can break that bring success."
When I
When I am hungry, give me some one that I can feed.
And when I am thirsty, give me someone who needs a drink.
When I'm cold, give me someone to keep warm.
And when I grieve, give me someone to console.
~Mother Teresa~
And when I am thirsty, give me someone who needs a drink.
When I'm cold, give me someone to keep warm.
And when I grieve, give me someone to console.
~Mother Teresa~
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Maintaining A Good Attitude
Seven times a day I will praise You. Psalm 119:164
Each morning you have to tell yourself,
"Today I'll make whatever adjustment is necessary to keep my attitude right." Here are some guidelines:
(1) Realise that your attitude needs daily adjustment.
Anything you don't maintain deteriorates. The stronger your natural inclination to be negative or doubtful, the more you'll have to work at it. So begin each day with an attitude check. And watch for red flags throughout the day, signalling that you're not doing well.
(2) Ask God to help you.
Someone sent us this humorous prayer:
"Dear Lord, so far today I haven't gossiped, lost my temper, been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish or self-indulgent. But in a few minutes I'm going to have to get out of bed, then I'll need all the help I can get."
The truth is, you'll need God's help to maintain a good attitude, so seek it!
(3) Always look for what's good.
Mother Teresa had only two requirements for those working with her in Calcutta:
a desire to work and a joyful attitude.
Think: if somebody could be joyful amongst the dying and the poorest of the poor, surely you can too!
(4) Seek out faith-filled people.
They're everywhere. You'll find them soaring above the doubters like eagles. If you're having a hard day, get close and "draft" behind them the way racers do. And if they're having difficulty, you be the one to get out front and make things easier.
To maintain a good attitude the Psalmist said, "Seven times a day I praise You"
- try it!
Each morning you have to tell yourself,
"Today I'll make whatever adjustment is necessary to keep my attitude right." Here are some guidelines:
(1) Realise that your attitude needs daily adjustment.
Anything you don't maintain deteriorates. The stronger your natural inclination to be negative or doubtful, the more you'll have to work at it. So begin each day with an attitude check. And watch for red flags throughout the day, signalling that you're not doing well.
(2) Ask God to help you.
Someone sent us this humorous prayer:
"Dear Lord, so far today I haven't gossiped, lost my temper, been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish or self-indulgent. But in a few minutes I'm going to have to get out of bed, then I'll need all the help I can get."
The truth is, you'll need God's help to maintain a good attitude, so seek it!
(3) Always look for what's good.
Mother Teresa had only two requirements for those working with her in Calcutta:
a desire to work and a joyful attitude.
Think: if somebody could be joyful amongst the dying and the poorest of the poor, surely you can too!
(4) Seek out faith-filled people.
They're everywhere. You'll find them soaring above the doubters like eagles. If you're having a hard day, get close and "draft" behind them the way racers do. And if they're having difficulty, you be the one to get out front and make things easier.
To maintain a good attitude the Psalmist said, "Seven times a day I praise You"
- try it!
Monday, June 06, 2005
Sunday, June 05, 2005
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Prayer
God Grant me
Serenity To accept the things I cannot change,
Courage To change the things I can, and
Wisdom To know the difference
Serenity To accept the things I cannot change,
Courage To change the things I can, and
Wisdom To know the difference
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