Perspectives

Who Are You Going to Listen To?

noreply@blogger.com (gatorguy) — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 14:40:00 +0000

My oldest son is an adventurer. He has climbed the 4 highest mountains on 3 different continents. His superb training and conditioning provide the needed edge to endure the harshest environmental elements on earth. He has camped in minus 40 degree temperatures and has endured the worst planet earth could offer.

His most recent adventure was climbing Mt. Everest - 29,029 feet.

While he was on Everest in April and May of 2011, he accomplished something only 3,000 other people have ever accomplished. He summited. While many thousands of climbers try to reach the peak, 99 percent of them fall short of reaching the highest pinnacle in the world.

He told me something I shall never forget. He watched many others begin the ascent but one by one, they decided to quit without ever reaching the summit. Just being on the mountain was enough for them. They began to listen to the voices that told them to quit. The voices said, “You are getting too tired. You might die up here.” He said he actually saw a man die on the trail to the top. When they die, they are left on the mountain, and he said he literally stepped over some bodies frozen into the snow and ice.

Climbing Mt. Everest takes about 60 days. Kyle said it was surprising how many people only wanted to say they had been on the mountain without ever reaching the summit—or even coming close. But he said, “Most quit because either they were not conditioned to even be on the mountain, or they lost the mind battle and started listening to others who were talking negatively and pulled their thought processes down with them. He went on to say, ". . . nobody who started talking negatively ever reached the top."

There are voices competing for your attention right now. How you respond to those voices determines how you will finish. Who are you going to listen to?

There are trials playing out in your lives right now. You might be entertaining the decision to give up and accept defeat. Who are you going to listen to?

Your sense of self-worth and self-esteem has been eroded by a relationship gone badly. You see no good in yourself or anybody else because you have believed the lies about the lack of possibilities. Who are you going to listen to?

The enemy of your soul wants to come between you and your promise. He’s injected thoughts of discouragement and doubt. Who are you going to listen to?

You are beginning to wonder if the dreams you had earlier in your life will ever come to pass. It was God who put those dreams in your heart and it is the enemy who wants you to give up on them. Who are you going to listen to?

The truth is, we condition ourselves to accept the worst in life instead of the best. We talk ourselves out of God’s richest blessings and build a whole theology around second best.

Who are you going to listen to?

What Really Matters Will Not Be Lost

noreply@blogger.com (gatorguy) — Tue, 03 May 2011 13:02:00 +0000

If I were to ask you, "What event comes to mind when I say shipwreck?" Most immediately refer to the sinking of the Titanic while in reality, it's loss of life paled in comparison to the Lusitania (1,924), the Wilhelm Gustloff (9,300), or the Dona Paz (4,386).

One such disaster stands out among the others as truly unique. It is the sinking of the Andrea Doria in July 1956, Italy's finest and most luxurious ocean cruiser ever. Its amenities included state-of-the-art technology and a unique double hull to ensure its unsinkability. It had made the trans-oceanic trip exactly 100 times and was now nearing New York Harbor early the morning of July 26. At the same time, the Swedish-American cruiser, Stockholm, with its bow heavily reinforced for ice breaking, was leaving the harbor. There, in the dense fog off Nantucket Island, a maritime disaster was about to be written into the history books.

Following several critical errors by the boats' captains and crew, the Stockholm slammed into the side of the Andrea Doria. As the two giant vessels sat motionless in the water, the Andrea Doria's fuel tanks filled with 500 tons of sea water. The bow of the Stockholm had slashed through both of her hulls and she began to list sharply to one side. A distress signal was immediately sent out and all but 52 people were saved.

The thing that makes this story incredible was not the relatively low loss of life from both ships, but a unique rescue no one has been able to explain. After the Stockholm had been towed back into New York Harbor, workers began to inspect its damaged bow. There, in the twisted beams of iron and steel, they found a young girl. The interesting thing about this girl was that she had been a passenger on the Andrea Doria. As the two ships collided, she was actually clawed from her sleeping compartment and deposited in the bow of the Stockholm. It took several days to reunite her with her grief-stricken mother. She is Linda Morgan, step-daughter of the famous ABC correspondent Edward P. Morgan. Her younger sister was killed.

There are apparent shipwrecks in marriages, occupations, relationships, and ministries. There are times when you may feel you've already slipped beneath the waves. A catastrophe may have changed the course of your life and you couldn't understand why it came about and how it could ever fit into His plan for your life.

You might even feel like the little girl, Linda Morgan, who was literally clawed from her place of safety on the Andrea Doria and deposited in the midst of massive wreckage in another vessel. Your former feelings of safety and security evaporated in the aftermath of the circumstance that left you feeling shipwrecked and broken.

Let me tell you what the Apostle Paul told those aboard the rapidly sinking ship that was supposed to take him to Rome (Acts 27:1-27). The storm will soon be over and what really matters will not be lost.
Additionally, you are God's chosen vessels--ships that carry the good news through the storms of life bringing hope and healing to those who desperately need to know God cares.

God has not left us, nor will he abandon ship when life sends us a tsunami. Nothing has happened in your life that has not first received his permission. The power of his love will both sustain you and keep you when you think all is lost.

Remember, your storm will soon be over and what really matters will not be lost.

God's Timing Pattern

noreply@blogger.com (gatorguy) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 13:33:00 +0000

One of the most interesting components of football provides a partial understanding of the providence of God. It is called the timing pattern. A wide receiver or tight end breaks from the line of scrimmage--apparently oblivious to what the quarterback is doing in the backfield. As he jukes right or left, he turns and BAM! there's the football. If executed properly, the timing pattern is almost indefensible, but requires BOTH the quarterback and the receiver know the pattern and willingly commit to making the play exactly as it was designed.

An interesting quality of the timing pattern also requires the thrown ball be almost to the receiver before he turns, finds the ball and makes the catch. Here's another interesting side note. The quarterback did not throw the ball to the player but rather to a place on the field. If the receiver does not execute his pass route properly, he is not there when the ball arrives.

God designed life to be a timing pattern. We can know what God wants us to do and where he wants us to be if we listen carefully to his daily instructions detailing the "plays" and routes necessary for being in the center of his will. We huddle with the Father and listen intently as he lays out the plan--not in some generic and general sense, but in a specific and deliberate manner that always produces eternal results.

The problem most encounter is simply a misunderstanding of who's calling the plays and what their specific function is to be. Can you imagine what would happen if a quarterback called a certain timing pattern and the receiver decided his own route was better? He would not be at the place on the field when the ball arrives and the defenders easily move in for the interception. Good play gone bad!

We find ourselves in timing patterns of life that demand our complete trust. Will God's provision be there when I need it? Does he know where I am right now? Does he know the struggle I go through to be obedient to his play-calling?

The weak link is never with God. He is faithful to execute the plays he's called in the lives of his obedient children. He has already thrown the ball--his provision--and it's up to us to be where it will arrive.

Following a Fixed Point

noreply@blogger.com (gatorguy) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 01:18:00 +0000

My brother, Jon, recently posted some thoughts about the moral compass of our conscience . . .

"It’s a moral compass that’s aligned with the true north of God’s own standards for right and wrong."

I couldn't help remembering a unique practice I adopted a several years ago. As I spend many hours in board meetings and committees, I decided that I needed a reminder of an eternal value.

I never will forget the first time I used this unique reminder. I arrived at a board meeting at about the usual time. Others were preparing their places at the table with an assortment of folders, computers and other gadgets. After I had my folders in place and ready for the meeting, I reached into my brief case and retrieved a small compass which I promptly laid on the table directly in front of where I sat.

After a short moment, I discovered an uneasy feeling at having to eventually explain my choice of "gadgets." I was sure that someone would say something, but the morning went by and nobody said a word. I remember the relief I felt at not having to explain. My practice continued for several years without a single inquiry. Finally, someone asked me, "Jim, why do you always have a compass on the table?" I had forgotten the uneasiness of my first few meetings when I was just sure someone would want an explanation. "Are you lost?" they asked, trying to bring some levity to their curiosity.

I looked across the table and started my explanation. The room was filling with board members following a needed break in the meeting. As we returned to our chairs, I could tell another board member was also curious but would never venture into the potential "gotcha" waters. Then another member tuned his ears to hear the explanation. "It is only a reminder that there is always a fixed point in the decision-making process. This little compass always points north--wherever it is--always north. We have a fixed point in Jesus Christ. He is always the same--never changes. We can always depend on Him to give us direction when we are lost. We deal with a lot of issues here and, I don't know about you guys, but I need to know there is a fixed point to which we can keep coming back."

That was all I said. Nobody laughed or inquired further. The meeting started again as I sat staring at the compass, evaluating my explanation.

We need to know there is a fixed point in life. People easily lose their way as hope disappears from their once confident life. Jesus Christ is that fixed point and He will never point us in the wrong direction. We can depend on His unfailing love and guidance.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

The Stretching and Blessing Principle

noreply@blogger.com (gatorguy) — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 14:47:00 +0000

There are times when we simply need to know that God still speaks in ways we can understand. It is not always in a bolt of lightening or in a mighty whirlwind (or in our case in Florida, a hurricane), but He always finds a way to speak to the heart intent on hearing from him.

As I sat quietly reading from Acts 10 recently, I felt myself being drawn into a familiar portion of Scripture--you know, the one where Peter had a dream and a large sheet with animals of all kinds was lowered from heaven. Then he heard a voice which said, "Kill and eat." Peter hesitated because Jewish dietary law did not permit eating the kinds of animals contained in the sheet. But the voice continued, "Do not call unclean what I have called clean."

Across town at the same time, a man named Cornelius--a non-Jew, had a dream instructing him to cross town to where Simon the tanner of hides lived and retrieve a man named Peter. Peter would tell them about the Messiah and the hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ--at least that's what the voice indicated.

The rest is history. Cornelius found Peter at Simon's place. I can just imagine the conversation between the two as Peter eyed the Gentile (probably unclean) standing before him asking him to come and talk to a group of more Gentiles. He is probably thinking, "Boy, first a strange dream telling me I can eat unclean foods, and now this Gentile asking me to come and fellowship with more of his ilk."

The bottom line was that God wanted to stretch Peter's belief system so he could bless a whole class of forgotten souls--the Gentiles. But . . . that's not the way we've always done things! Wrong! God's plan must include everyone or it is just another exclusive club with its social barriers preventing His message of rescue from being heard by everyone.

Peter was stretched and responded appropriately to God's purpose for his life. Cornelius (and a host of Gentiles) were blessed and received the message of hope gratefully. End of story? Not yet . . .

The challenge to me came so abruptly it almost knocked me off my chair. I realized that, like Peter, I considered certain people beyond God's desire to reach. You know . . . . that element of society which lives on the extreme edge of radicalism and adopts belief and behavior so far beyond our scope of correctness that we've written them off.

Wow. I had to take a deep breath and gather my best theological thoughts. Then I realized, we are usually unwilling to be stretched so others can be blessed. I had just prayed for a revelation from God's Word and here it was--non-theological in its import but resoundingly clear in its effect on me.

I realized He was teaching me a new principle--at least new to me. It is the stretching and blessing principle. He stretches one so another can be blessed. Good plan and no waste. Ok, Father . . . I'm starting to get it . . .

Low Tide in Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (gatorguy) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 03:07:00 +0000

As we crossed the Tampa Bay bridge on our way to the airport, I noticed that the tide was out and the water had receded several hundred feet from the shore. Hundreds of birds flocked to the extended shore line as a veritable feast of creatures lay flip-flopping in the sunlight, trying to get to the water and escape their hungry pursuers. Everything has a purpose, I thought, as we continued our drive to the airport.

The scene was one I'd seen hundreds of times--low tide meant feeding time for sea gulls, herons and other birds intent upon keeping the balance of nature on an even keel. I'd never given it a second thought, except to simply note its periodic and predictable occurrence.

As I drove, my mind would not let loose of the familiar scene. Then it occurred to me that God has chosen the simple things--even in nature--to demonstrate his ability to guide us through life. For instance, the tide is caused by the moon's gravitational pull upon the earth. As the earth rotates, tides shift around the world, and millions of creatures either get fed or get fed upon.

The low tide demonstrates how an eternal force can have an effect upon our world. While it may be one way in which God shows his care for an infinite number of aquatic creatures, it represents only a tiny percentage of his involvement in his creation.

We all experience low-tide periods in our lives. The safety of the shoreline suddenly gets displaced by something outside of our control and we simply flip-flop in the newly inflicted discomfort trying to regain our familiar and safe surroundings. Life's low tide actually provides a balance only God can orchestrate into a time of growth and purpose.

High tide follows low tide. Up times follow down times. Victory follows adversity. Perhaps something outside your immediate sphere of influence proves to be detrimental to the order of your neat and predictable life. Whatever you are going through at this particular time is not permanent--it's just God allowing times in which your character is tested and your resolve to follow through is solidified. Tough times produce tough people.

God loves us too much to allow comfort and security to rob us of the opportunity for growth. The secret is to understand the purpose of the low tides.
Nature's tide responds to the pull of the moon; ours--the SON!!

Got Guilt?

noreply@blogger.com (gatorguy) — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 12:50:00 +0000

“I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. (24) Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 7:21-23, 25)

The interesting thing about the “resident evil” Paul speaks about in vv. 21-23 is that it not only produces awareness of the sinful nature still at work within us which tries to disconnect us from the Father’s love, but it also produces debilitating guilt. In my experience, the guilt issue does more damage to our confidence in Christ’s love than anything else.

That the sin nature will always be at work within us is a given and we will always struggle with its vacillating frequency of expression. Yet, the guilt issue is the deal breaker for most Christians who cannot understand why they still have sinful urgings and occasionally lapse into carnality. Subsequently, the question of heaven-readiness makes a person feel like a boat anchor stuck on the bottom of the lake. We fear getting left behind and wonder if we will ever truly rise above the grip of the old nature.

The only thing God wants us to take away from this portion of scripture is the provision of 7:25—Jesus Christ. Paul simply states the answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. God made everything about us and he delights in our fellowship. Yet the old nature still levies explosive salvos into our thinking via outside stimuli and watches our reaction to the thought bombs. The fact that our sinful nature can still come out of hiding and raise its ugly head once in a while is reason enough to be sober about the possibilities and effects of yielding to its occasional lure. We cannot let our guard down nor can we grant the enemy diplomatic immunity.

Some may choose to live in guilt because they feel they deserve its oppressive presence as penance for their misdeeds. But, God has provided an answer. That answer is Jesus Christ—his full presence in our lives and his strength at work against the lies of the enemy.

What’s the issue? The sin we commit or the guilt we allow?

Remember, guilt comes from the enemy but grace comes to the repentent heart from a loving Father.

The Seed of a Dream

noreply@blogger.com (gatorguy) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:16:00 +0000

A young student stood before his teacher's opened and extended hand. "What do yo see in my hand?" asked the teacher.

After a brief moment the student replied, "I see garden seeds."

The teacher paused, waiting for the student to amend his brief reply.

Then he said, "Look again. What do you see?"

The student's eyes lifted to meet the penetrating gaze of the teacher. "Seeds. Just some seeds," he finally said. "Nothing more or less . . . just some seeds." The teacher's eyes never lost contact with those of his young prodigy.

"And what would happen if I planted them?" he quizzed, attempting to draw out more than the student initially gave him.

After only a brief moment, a grin appeared on the student's face. "Then that's where you'd really have something! That's when the seeds could become what they were intended to become," he replied, his grin widening. "You have to plant them for them to be useful. Otherwise, they will always just be seeds."

Every dream begins as a seed. Anyone can take something already developed and manage it. It takes a visionary to take the small thing and see what it can become with God’s help.

God delights to give us a small measure of something and watch us learn to trust him for the wisdom and insight to grow it into something of significance.

When we realize that the small thing we have has potential and opportunity for God to demonstrate how big he really is, only then do we understand the process of God’s development of his children.

He gives us things that have potential—seeds that can be grown into mighty oak trees—and expects us to be stewards over that potential. Every child of God receives the same opportunity to envision the possibilities and watch God demonstrate his awesome power.

We must have confidence, not only that he will allow the dreams he's placed in our heart to come to fruition, but that the pursuit of those dreams belongs to us as stewards.

Dare to dream big. After all, it is God who placed those dreams in our heart for a purpose. His design for our life manifests itself in the growing of those small seeds into something that pleases him and brings significance to our lives.

The Masterpiece of the Broken

noreply@blogger.com (gatorguy) — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 13:08:00 +0000

"What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they're doing? Do they think they can build the wall in a single day by just offering a few sacrifices? Do they actually think they can make something of stones from a rubbish heap--and charred stones at that?" Nehemiah 4:2

God always seems to see the big picture. I am reminded of the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah. Some of the rubble stones were even charred from fire and lay in a heap with the other stones.

The workers who rebuilt the wall used everything, put the broken pieces back in place, and did not apologize for the way things looked. Obviously, it drew sarcastic comments from the detractors who were actually squatters and did not want the wall rebuilt.

But the images I keep thinking about are the charred stones.
Imagine what the wall must have looked like—charred stones intermingled with the clean ones, producing a speckled effect from a distance. In the end, it did not matter whether or not the stones carried a layer of soot produced by a destructive fire. It only mattered that they had not been discarded and were being used in equal amounts with the other stones.

It must have looked like a patchwork of odds and ends, yet produced strength enough to accomplish the enormous objective of providing safety for those within its boundaries.

God uses the discarded, burnt-out remnants of humanity to achieve his masterpieces in the lives of those who call him Father. He uses the unlikely, the wounded, and the rejects to do what only he can do—produce a masterpiece whose ingredients are as unalike as possible—just to show he can.

It's the Masterpiece of the Broken.

The Shadow of Discouragement

noreply@blogger.com (gatorguy) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:05:00 +0000

It comes silently and lurks just outside of our awareness. It waits patiently for the precise time, knowing it will come.

It cherishes its mission and is master of instilling doubts and fear in a healthy heart.

Its effectiveness is especially lethal during times of illness or fatigue as dropped defenses ensure easy prey.

It speaks to the heart of one who falters, insinuating God’s broken promises and disregard for one’s condition.

It lines the heart with doubt and infects the soul with poisonous lies.

It seeks to dim the awareness of God’s radiance and blocks out the rays of optimism and hope.

It boasts of futility and questions the resolve to finish at all—let alone the determination to finish strong.

It is a well-worn tool, used for centuries to pry into a man’s heart and deflate good intentions.

It clouds the purpose of a life and injures perspective. It blurs focus and inflicts double vision.

It is an overwhelming and ever-increasing weight hiding in the back-pack of responsibility.

Its price tag is easy credit with compounding interest.

It is the sound of a single note played at a deafening pitch, blocking out life’s melodies of joy.

It feeds on fruitless activities and misplaced priorities.

It convinces of the need to change venue without realizing the vision.

Its credentials boast countless successes in human failure.

It feeds on despair and punctuates disappointment.

It suggests the abandonment of goals and argues the validity of work ethic while dousing the heart with ice water.

It seeks to annihilate one’s future with promises of doom and disappointment.

It scoffs at the resolve to shake free and reinforces its hold on the hapless heart. It robs courage and peddles fear—replacing hope with the gloom of uncertainty.

It pastes itself like a poster in one’s heart and mind as a constant reminder of its presence.

It knows when to leave dormancy and sap existing life.

It is ever resourceful—constantly changing to blend with our lives and avoid detection.

Discouragement is the enemy’s “main drain” in the lives of those who are determined to go the distance but lack the stamina.

God knows all about the enemy’s strategy. He knows all about our weariness and disappointments. His strength sustains us through trials and fears. His great love compels us to receive His promises as relief from the assaults of the enemy. We have borne the yoke of discouragement far too long.

Psalm 55:22 tells us;

Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

Receive a promise—His promise—that will never be affected by the power of discouragement nor will it give way to an enemy who knows no mercy.

That Sinking Feeling

noreply@blogger.com (gatorguy) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 02:26:00 +0000

The western banks of the Hudson River in New York used to be the anchorage point for dozens of WW II battle ships. For decades their shells bobbed lifelessly as they awaited the inevitable time when they would be dragged out to sea and used for target practice or simply sunk.

These ships once sailed the wartime oceans filled with fuel, munitions, and supplies that would launch an army into the heart of the Axis empire. But, for the last several decades, they have simply been a shadow of their former usage.

About ten years ago I talked with a man I considered influential to my work ethic. He was on my short list of people I allowed to speak into my life. I looked forward to hearing his inspiration as we exchanged greetings and began our impromptu discussion. But as we talked he shared his disappointments in not receiving credit for things he’d accomplished. I noted the far-away look in his eyes as he recounted the things he did—mostly for others, and all for the Kingdom of God. Others had been honored—he had not. In his senior years he became a cynical man. I was shocked at the bitterness that seeped from deep within his soul.

I realized he was like those ships—once useful, now overlooked in his contribution to the lives of countless others. He appeared to be waiting for the time when he could be taken to sea and sunk. The passion was gone from his voice—the glint from his eye.

Yet, I knew him as a man full of passion—full of purpose. He was the type of individual who inspired others to reach for greatness. He never accepted excuses—a no nonsense kind of guy. He affected the lives of all who dared to risk the inevitable challenges they knew came from simply being in his presence. He made people want to try harder—to excel at life and ministry. Now, he visibly mirrored a passionless heart.

I couldn’t help but wonder if his perspective would have been different if he knew the real impact he had on so many younger men who emulated his style and drive.

I remember mostly the pace of his life and the things he accomplished. I remember his excellent Bible studies—the kind that makes a person say, “Wow! I never saw that before!” But I also remember watching him look down, shake his head in apparent futility, and walk away muttering something to himself as if trying come to grips with his disappointment.

If you haven’t guessed by now, I believe that how we end up is more important than how we start out. My dear friend lost something along the way that he never recovered. In his final years he lived without the acclaim he rightly should have enjoyed, yet he finished his race just ahead of the dark cloud that had nearly engulfed him earlier.

I feel inspired anew just thinking of how I wanted to please him and gain his approval. Yet, through his foray into despair, he taught me not to look to men for the approval that can only come from God . . . . . I think he knows that now.

Hot Wings 'N Things

noreply@blogger.com (gatorguy) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 22:53:00 +0000

Once a week, my wife visits her mother in another city in the Tampa Bay area. She’s usually gone overnight and returns the afternoon of the next day. Her absence used to set the stage for an indulgence in one of my favorite foods—spicy hot wings—lots of them!

I like hot wings. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. In fact, I can have a tail-gating party with myself right in my own living room during one of my favorite team’s football games. (I usually do not invite guests because that cuts down on the wing supply.) But that’s ok . . . I can cheer in stereo and make up for the low tailgater numbers.

I hope you can detect the over-emphasis on my love for hot wings, but everybody has a weakness, right? After all, aren’t we all entitled to some indulgence to keep our eyes from crossing? Wouldn’t want to end up like that!

Actually, self-indulgence is a killer. (THAT was sure a change of pace!!) True . . . self-indulgence is a killer whose prey includes those whose appetites rule their lives. I’m not just talking about food. Anything that indulges the mind or body fits into the category of lethal choices. We make lots of them because they’re subtle and usually do not carry an immediate consequence. Rather, they offer sensory satisfaction that fuels our drive to indulge and de-sensitize our good judgment.

While my love for hot wings is epic, I also know that I cannot allow myself to let that appetite over-ride my balance in decision-making. (But, you must admit, that’s easier said than done.) Additionally, I am no longer a young man and my body cannot deal with the constant bombardment of spice and lard like it could at a younger age. My body’s metabolism has changed and so must my choices in food. When I was younger, I could eat as much of anything I wanted—and often did. My problem was not drinking or smoking or drug use. It was food—even though I did not consider it a problem until the consequences started emerging.

So, then . . . is the issue to make right choices about things we once took for granted, or must we begin to gain a wider perspective about the choices we make earlier in life? I think “earlier in life” gets the vote. The sooner a person engages in constructive decision-making, the sooner he or she puts to rest the things that tend to cause problems later in life. You can see the consequences of poor choices all around you every day.

My wife had to watch her weight early in our marriage, but I didn’t have a thing to worry about because my metabolism allowed me to pig out on anything I wanted. She began making the right choices then, and today enjoys a svelte and fit figure. Now, I’m the one who has to really watch the caloric count. It could have been easier if I’d started when she did earlier in life. Funny how that rings of poetic justice!

I contend that if a person began to make choices based upon an understanding of the future consequences or benefits of those choices, more decisions would be made that produce a richer, fuller life.

My goal is to grow old with the wife of my youth. To do that, I must continue to make better choices about the appetites I once allowed to rule my life. It’s all a matter of perspective—getting things into the right focus. It’s about making right choices and being able to live with the satisfaction those choices produce.

The Empty Stall Stigma

noreply@blogger.com (gatorguy) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 01:20:00 +0000

The whole issue of productivity can be boiled down to what is used and what is not. Busyness for busyness sake is not productivity. Neither does the hand of the idle nor the belly of the sluggard compliment a job well done or an enterprise fully accomplished. Yet, these two diametrically opposed sides of the coin have much more in common than the initial inspection would reveal.

It is true that the empty stall gathers no mess. It is also true that a rolling stone gathers no moss and that a parked car saves wear and tear on the tires while increasing gas mileage. An un-watered lawn saves water and an un-vacuumed room stirs no dust.

This train of thought leads only to abuse through non-use. More is at stake here than is easily observable because it is hidden behind the perception that ‘safe’ is alright. After all, nothing will be lost if nothing is placed at risk—right?

The gifts, talents, and abilities that God has given to us were given for a reason. He wants to accomplish two things—the development of His resources and the deployment of His servants. Neither can take place in a venue of safety. Man’s propensity for safety stalls everything that God seeks to do in the life of a believer that—somewhere along the line—told God that they are His and that they will go wherever He wants them to go and do whatever He wants. But, they settle into a predictable lifestyle that yields neither fruit nor adventure.
That’s right, I said ‘adventure.’ God wants us on the edge of our seats just waiting for what He reveals—just ahead—around the corner. He wants us dependent upon Him for directions through the things that will shape us into vessels He can use—in His way, in His time. No predictability here!

Proverbs 14:4 says, "An empty stall stays clean," but the second half of the verse says, “but no income comes from an empty stall.”

The question I face is this—“What will I do with my stall?” Will I keep it clean and safe and predictable or will I invite people and events that will change its pristine décor and, perhaps, leave a mess. Will my stall show signs of use and be a friendly place for those who need God’s touch or will it resemble one of those museum displays of a room where so-and-so used to sit and reflect on who knows what?

What will be the epitaph when all is said and done? Will more be said than done?

Ah, yes. An ode to the odorless stall.

Leadership at the End of the Limb

noreply@blogger.com (gatorguy) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:17:00 +0000

It is easy to talk about faith in generic terms. That is safe and even predictable. If we all agree in general terms but do not allow ourselves to get too far out on the limb, we only maintain a theoretical substitute for the real thing. Many—even most—have settled for the operation of faith within the context of their own ability. That is called management—not faith.

Faith drives vision. Vision builds the bridge to one’s preferred future. It is at this point that leaders must realize they were called by God to do more than just preside over the status-quo.

It is at this juncture of understanding and conviction that leaders must become familiar with the end of the limb. It is not a place of comfort. Nor is it a place of irresponsibility. It is the place they get to see first-hand just what God can really do if given the chance.

Anyone who has been around me for very long has discovered that I don’t like getting bogged down in details. I’m not ashamed to admit my focus problem. Don’t get me wrong, it’s just not in my nature to haggle over minor issues when there is a bigger issue—at least in my thinking—on the table. Haggling over minor issues keeps true leadership from engaging and bringing change or growth to an organization.

Leaders must always provide an example of fruitfulness in their own lives and ministries. They can never be effective if they only offer theory but have never led a model of health.

There are a few thoughts about fruitfulness that bring the whole imperative for visionary leadership into focus. It’s simple and I am sure I am not the only one to have received this epiphany, but it is relevant to justifying our existence.

Fruit grows at the end of the branch, not up close to the trunk;
The trunk represents management; the end of the branches represents vision fueled by faith;
Growth takes place at the end of the branches;
A tree gets most of its sunlight at the branch’s end—not close to the trunk;
Sunlight represents revelation and occurs where the fruit grows;

Here’s my pitch line: we need to spend more time at the end of the branch. That’s the area that represents faith and that’s the area where fruitfulness will occur.

We have all heard the phrase, “going out on a limb.” We usually infer that to do so is irresponsible and reckless, when in fact, it is where we will experience fruitfulness—both in our lives and ministries.

One final thought – offered by Craig Van Gelder in his book, Ministry of the Missional Church. He points out that when organizational loyalty is lost, one of the available options is to heighten compliance with rules and procedures. That option also accompanies down-sizing and the management of organizational entropy (gradual death).

My question is this: Are we experiencing faith at the end of the limb or are we hugging the trunk? Leadership that provides impetus is leadership that is willing to go out on a limb.

"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." John 15:5

Life Got You Up a Ladder?

noreply@blogger.com (gatorguy) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 22:24:00 +0000

The beginning of a new year always produces a myriad of half-hearted resolutions usually to give the illusion of determination and self-betterment. Believe me, I’ve heard the same promises made year after year—usually to lose weight, get in shape, or enact some kind of self-discipline not previously adhered to for more than two or three weeks. By February it is business (and life) as usual. The desire to be better people doesn’t come from the heart. It comes from a socially reinforced plan of action that resembles a fitness center’s advertisement for new business. Doing the right thing for the right reasons is a matter of the human heart.

Steven Covey’s book, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, discusses the dilemma of people who work all their lives to climb the social or corporate ladder and then find out their ladder was against the wrong building all along. His point underscores the need to maintain priorities—the right priorities—if we are to make an impact on our world. Right priorities produce effective people. Ladder climbers are after reportable statistics, not lasting results.

People change by keeping the right priorities and become successful—not by climbing a ladder, but by learning to serve others. Anything else will leave us high up a ladder with no way to get down except to fail at the thing to which we’ve devoted so much time and energy. Realization that a lifetime had been spent up the wrong ladder always produces a sense of regret and remorse at having given one’s life doing what was expected instead of what God really designed for life to be.

Where’s your ladder? Is what you are doing motivated by our Father or by a sense of dutiful endeavor that demands all you have, who’s insatiable appetite keeps pulling you into its black hole, and produces nothing eternal? Does your life or ministry resemble a ladder climb with no end in sight? That is not what God demands of you. His plan is to lead you into a life of adventure, not push you into harm’s way or up some rickety ladder. He doesn’t want your productivity. He wants your clean heart. That’s all—just your clean heart. It’s there He can speak to you and guide the actions that come from having spent time with him.

Jim Beaird

Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Psalm 51:10-12

Integrity's Irony

noreply@blogger.com (gatorguy) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:59:00 +0000

The pace of the rush hour traffic slowed to a crawl and then to a dead stop. Horns began playing their usual obnoxious symphony and nerves strained to stay contained. Jockeying for lanes quickly became a test of nerves and courtesy as the morning’s complement of type A’s made their presence felt.

One such Type A honked at a middle-aged man trying to merge right. Then, he made an obscene gesture reinforced with unnecessary profanity. The man could only watch as the younger man inserted himself into the spot. Fortunately, the driver right behind the young man slowed, letting him merge.

Ten minutes later, the older gentleman entered the parking garage, found his designated spot, and approached the elevator. As the doors opened, he was surprised to see the elevator nearly full. Suddenly, from behind him, the same young man pushed past him and took the remaining spot. As the doors closed, he thought, “That is the young man who flipped me off this morning.” He smiled silently to himself and hoped the irony would play out to his favor.

Once inside his office, his secretary handed him a folder and said, “A young man is here to interview for the opening." After pouring himself a fresh cup of hot coffee and taking his place behind his desk, the secretary ushered the young man into his office. You guessed it—the rude young man from the traffic jam and elevator. The interview began with an introduction and a handshake. He motioned for the young man to sit in the chair in front of his large wooden desk. He smiled to himself as he watched the young man shift nervously in his seat.

He asked the young man several questions—all of which were answered to his satisfaction. He had graduated in the top three of his class, had impeccable credentials, seemed to be bright—but still had not been able to land a job nearly a year after school.

Finally, the man looked at the young applicant and asked, “Why do you want a job here? With your credentials and grades, I would have thought you’d apply at a larger firm.”

The younger man sat silently for a brief moment and then said, “It’s been much more difficult than I had suspected it would be. Most of my friends—even those who graduated below me—now have jobs they enjoy. But, I . . .” His eyes fell to the floor and his demeanor conveyed the impression that he had endured many disappointing interviews—with nothing to show for his efforts. He continued, “But I seem to always make the short list and then . . .”

“And then you don’t get hired, right?” He paused to let his words sink in and then pressed his point. “This morning in traffic, I was the person in the blue car you flipped off. Do you remember? Then again at the elevator in the garage, you pushed past me—even after I had already been waiting.” His words fell hard and the young man knew this would be one time he would not even make the short list. “That’s not the kind of person I want to represent my company.”

After a long moment, the young man lifted his eyes and looked directly into the man’s face. “You are right. . . I’m sorry. . . I thought I was going to be late. I let the traffic get to me . . . I sincerely apologize,” he said as he reached down to retrieve his case. “I won’t take any more of your time. Thank you for taking the time to see me.” He stood to leave, but the man said, “The interview is not over until I say it’s over. Please sit,” he said, motioning to the chair.

As the young man took his seat, the older man said, “I have more to say.” As the two sat for a moment, he began, “You were rude and arrogant. That might be prerequisites for some jobs, but I stress building relationships with clients by living and working with integrity—putting the needs of others before my own—and giving an honest effort to making my little corner of the world a better place. I am interested in someone working here who represents the interests of this company and conducts himself in a manner that engenders my trust. Above all else, he must possess the integrity that demonstrates his desire to grow into a productive and useful part of this team”

The words seemed almost canned, except that the young man’s attention was riveted to each word. Why is he taking this time with me? Didn’t I already kill this deal in traffic?

Sensing he had made his point, the man leaned forward and said, “Young man, do you believe you have it in you to do that?”

Stunned at the sudden shift in the older man’s composure, he now sensed something he had not sensed before, but he couldn’t put his finger on just what it was. “Do you?” the older man pressed.

A glimmer of hope appeared out of nowhere as the man awaited his answer. “Sir, I don’t know if I possess those qualities right now, but I’d like the opportunity to work under someone who does—if that makes sense . . I feel I have a lot to learn, and . . . I also feel I have a lot to offer,” he said as his voice trailed off.

“Young man, thank you for your honesty. See, you do have the makings of the kind of person I’m looking for. You could have given me the answer I wanted to hear, but instead, you were truthful, you showed integrity,” he said as he rose from his seat and extended his hand.

Thinking the interview was over and that he had just sealed his own fate, the young man rose and took the extended hand. The two shook hands and then the younger turned to leave.

“Oh, I have one more question for you,” he said as the young man neared the office’s door. “Can you start on Monday?”

In the Safety of the Hollow

noreply@blogger.com (gatorguy) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 01:34:00 +0000

Arrows filled the air around them as they struggled from their dead horses in search of safety. It would soon be sundown and their tormentors would honor the cover of darkness. Yet, for now, an all-out attack made the prospect of life seem remote. The two cowboys found themselves stumbling over rocks and dead wood in a dried creek bank as they fled from the certain death of the Crow raiding party. With painful certainty an arrow found its mark in the chest of the younger of the two as he turned to match force with force. The older, wiser man knew from experience that his only hope for survival lay in finding a hiding place where he could clear his head and rest his weary body.

Grabbing his partner’s canteen and scurrying toward a thicket for momentary cover, he silently rejoiced in his discovery of a hollow in the side of the creek bank just beyond the brush. There, at least for now, he could enjoy the cool and concealed safety he desperately sought. From his place of refuge he could see the body of his partner who was a gambler and accustomed to facing and playing the odds. This time the odds were against him as he paid the ante with his life.

It was a western mini-series on network TV. I watched spellbound as I found myself captivated by a story of the lives and times of men on a cattle drive through hostile Indian territory. There were no guarantees of safety - only the dreaded uncertainty of facing life moment by moment and being ready to fight to maintain the delicate right to live.

Safety for the survivor lay in a cool concealment where his attackers could not get to him without being exposed to the deadly aim of a western Sharpshooter in the steady hand of a seasoned veteran. For now he was safe. For now he rested.

This scenario describes much of life today as we find ourselves running for cover from the demands and pressures inherent in our activities. Many meet an untimely demise as they try to match force with force. The certainty of life’s pursuit set in the context of the uncertainty of its demands claims many a hapless victim who has not discovered the safety of the hollow.

There is a spiritual truth here that we cannot ignore. There is a time to fight and a time to seek refuge. A time to use force and a time to retreat.

Contrary to the ethics of Christian service and commitment which, in the minds of many are driven by a sense of duty and guilt, there is no sin in having to leave the fight to seek refuge. Those who have discovered the sabbatical rest that comes from dwelling under the shadow of the Almighty will attest to its life-giving qualities.

During a bout with pastoral burnout a couple decades ago, God tucked me away in a safe place where the enemy could not finish me off. It was there I discovered that periodic rest and retreat are not sinful. It was there that God let me experience wholeness without warfare and safety without guilt. It was in that secret place where God became my refuge and protector. It was there that I first uttered, the Lord is my refuge and fortress. In Him I will trust.

He who dwells in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.
Psalm 91:1-2

The Heart of the Matter

noreply@blogger.com (gatorguy) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:52:00 +0000

Symptoms are often a window to something more dangerous. We can gamble with the odds or we can find out what the symptoms might reveal. A few years ago I had an important decision to make. Prompted by a tightness in my chest and motivated by a family history of heart disease, I decided to pay the doctor a visit. After several tests, it was determined that there was a slight abnormality that required an angiogram—just to be sure.

The day came for the procedure. I was amazed at the elaborate procedure for looking into a man’s heart—cameras and everything. As I lay there on the table, I could see the real-time video of what was taking place inside my heart. The doctors performed with precision and expertise. I had to trust them implicitly and place my life in their hands. All this because I listened to a few symptoms and decided to have it checked out.

Of course, you know what’s coming. You’re wondering when I intend to make this less of a vignette of my life and more of a spiritually charged insight. I admit, while laying there for the several hours the procedure and recovery required, my mind was drawn to several life parallels and relevant perspectives. I wondered what would have happened if I had ignored the signs of possible trouble and not made myself accountable to my wife, my doctor, and now, you.

I came away with a reinforcement of what I teach and believe about life and ministry. There are certain times when we have to allow God to look into our heart and reveal things that might be blocking His will. Then we have to allow Him to perform the necessary surgery on our souls if we intend to finish strong. Denial is a deadly form of pride that keeps us from enjoying the mercy, favor and care of our Father. Only a fool lives in denial, but a wise man takes action before it is too late.

Our lives and ministries demand that we live pro-actively—ahead of circumstances that could negatively affect us and others. We must allow those tests which not only reveal character, but shape our destiny. That is the real heart of the matter.

"The Cutting Edge"

noreply@blogger.com (gatorguy) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 02:36:00 +0000

There is an old saying. It asks, "Why work hard when you can work smart?" We do not generally experience a loss of things to do. Appointments, schedules, tasks, commitments, etc. demand our attention and often drain our energy away from serving the Lord with all our heart.

It seems that when our personal ax gets dull we lose our efficiency and effectiveness. A sharp cutting-edge offensive yields to a maintenance existence that often robs us of creativity and growth. We spend time applying bandages rather than good judgment. A subtle relationship with the mistress of "second-best" robs us of our first love and clouds our perspective.

A personal inventory should reveal the condition of the ax's edge. From time to time we must inspect the cutting edge of our lives. If the edge is dull, we can continue to work at what we're doing, but with less efficiency and much more effort. While dealing with the topic of ministry effectiveness, Evangelist Benny Hinn once said, “Dull edges produce blistered hands, sore backs and bruised trees.” A natural application to this insight is that we can grow weary in well-doing and that we can hurt those to whom we minister.

Where is the fine line that divides a strong and healthy work ethic from a diseased and misapplied concept of productivity? If the truth were known, can we live with the demands we place upon ourselves?

The secret is in the cutting edge. It must be sharp and free of debris. It must be checked often for nicks and gouges. A rough file must often be used to smooth out a damaged area. Then the same surface must be exposed to the smooth, honing stone to restore its razored leading edge.

Frequent inspection of our life's cutting edge insures more effectiveness and less "down-time". The lack of joy in one's life generally characterizes the impact of allowing their cutting edge to dull. They use more strength to accomplish what was once easy. The joy has gone out of their service to the Lord.

My point of application is simply to be honest enough to submit to a personal inventory under the loving guidance of the Holy Spirit. Perhaps you can learn to "work smart instead of working so hard."

"If the axe is dull, and one does not sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but wisdom brings success." Ecclesiastes 10:10

When a Plan Comes Together

noreply@blogger.com (gatorguy) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 16:24:00 +0000

It is hard to believe we are already at the end of a decade. Time has a way of getting by without a chance for hitting the “pause” button and slowing things down a bit.

Hannibal Hayes, leader of TV’s famous “A-Team” in the 1980’s, immortalized the phrase, “I like it when a plan comes together.” His rag-tag team was short on respect but long on ingenuity. They could improvise, adapt, and overcome in any situation forced upon them by the writers of the sit-com. They always triumphed the cause of the under dog.

Thirty years of pastoring often made me feel like the under dog. Weariness and discouragement became familiar visitors to my world of duty and responsibility. I often wondered if God really knew about my times of weakness and despair. Surely, He would step in any moment and rescue me from my own myopic perspective.

Looking back, I know for certain that God keeps good books. He has seen every tear and heard every cry of every heart that has ever wondered if one’s present lot held any significance. He knows only too well that we will get to the end of ourselves and then cry out to Him. Our crying out may be motivated by pain or just plain ignorance of the master plan. You know what? He understands.

I’ve adopted a phrase that was inspired by Hayes' famous line from the 80’s. I like it when God’s plan comes together. Along the way there will be times when we question His moves and motives. We may even second-guess some of God’s “provisions.” He is never late, nor will He ruin His perfect record on us. Much of His plan remains hidden from our understanding until we truly need to know just what He is bringing together.

Here’s the kicker. Everything that has happened in our life and ministry has happened to bring us to this very point in history. Either we trust Him to bring about the perfect plan or we do not. There’s not much room to wiggle here. This is where our faith is revealed and where it transitions from theory to reality.

I fully believe that God has brought each of us to this pivotal place in history. We may or may not have a great heritage and a noble past. But, we have a future to seize and ground to take back from the enemy. We have decisions to make and visions to cast. As we look back on this time in our history five or ten years from now, my fervent prayer is that we have heard the Father and trusted Him to bring His plan together.

The Montu Epiphany

noreply@blogger.com (gatorguy) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 02:31:00 +0000

I recently spent a day at Tampa’s Busch Gardens with a group of Master’s Commission students and local pastors. I learned a great lesson that day that may well serve me the rest of my life. It’s all about cutting edge and adventure—you know—the kind that pushes the envelope!

My previous experience with Busch Gardens came in December when our three sons and their wives came to visit for Christmas. They are roller coaster freaks! No ride is too scary for them. I decided to bite the bullet and ride the ultimate thrill in roller coaster rides, the Montu—a suspended, upside-down ride that promises to flash your life before your eyes.

I do not like roller coasters—never have. They were all designed by sadistic people who like to make other people sick. Yet, there I was—in line to ride the contraption. I chose to ride back in the middle where it would be safe and all I would be able to see was the back of the seats in front of me—if I even chose to open my eyes at all.

As the ride started I tried in vain to recollect just why I was even on the ride in the first place, and why I felt this primal urge to impress my sons. Moments later, the ride was over and I was safe but woozy—oh so very woozy! That was my first impression of a cheap thrill and I was just glad to be on the ground again, vowing never again to leave my comfort zone.

Five months passed and I again found myself in line at the Montu. (The first ride must have damaged my memory.) A pastor friend told me the way to ride the Montu was in the front seats. “It would be like flying through the air,” he told me. So that’s just what I did. I had to wait extra long to get in the front seat, but the wait was worth the revelation that followed. I was a changed man! The front seat ride made the experience completely different than before. It was the same ride but I gained a different perspective. I was alive with a new sense of pushing the edge of adventure and couldn’t wait to do it again. This time, I didn’t just endure the ride, I actually enjoyed it!

I couldn’t help but think we treat life and ministry that way—safely situated somewhere in the middle where challenge is minimized. We opt for predictability and conformity with our particular comfort zone—insulated and isolated from opportunities that make us grow and gain new perspective. We endure more than we enjoy.

I determined to live life and ministry to the fullest. No more “middle-of-the-ride” seating for me! I want to sit where I have an unobstructed view of what the Father has in store for me and I want to enjoy life and ministry the way He intended—from the front seat.

Rider's View of the Montu (Video does not do this ride justice. NO, that's NOT me screaming!)