Zip it!

Gossip is so big in our society that we have created an entire industry around it. The sole purpose of gossip magazines, newspapers and television shows is to air out people’s dirty laundry. Let’s face it—we love to be ‘in the know.’

Most of the things reported in those publications and television shows are about the negative things in people’s lives. The problem with the negativity we encounter, though, is that it stains other areas of our lives as well. It will show up in everything we do. We develop pessimistic views of life, and it infiltrates our thoughts. We begin to tear down others with our words instead of lifting them up. And we stop believing in the possibility of the impossible.

Too many of us have the stain of negativity on our lives. We need to come clean. But unlike a dirty shirt, stains of negativity can’t easily be removed with Tide in a cold rinse. It takes the cleansing power of the Word of God. We will be faced with negative things in this society, but we don’t have to focus on them. Be optimistic on purpose. Turn away from negativity and allow the power of Jesus Christ to come in and cleanse your life.

How different would our world look if we would only zip it!

Are You Green?

Green is a pretty cool thing to be these days. “Going green” means that you are conscious about the environment and that you’ve made some eco-friendly modifications to your life. You may drive a hybrid car, use special light bulbs or use recycled products. However, green isn’t always such a positive thing. We relate that color with being nauseated—even worse—being filled with envy.

"And I saw that all labor and all achievement spring from man's envy of his neighbor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind." Ecclesiastes 4:4

The word that is used in the Bible for envy translates literally to, “having an evil eye.” Envy is evil. It demands us to be sad at someone else’s success and a fan of their failures. God calls us to be thankful for the success of others. But when we allow envy to come into our lives, we flash those green phantom fangs of envy to those around us.

Envy causes us to forget the blessings that God has given us because we are too focused on the blessings of others. Don’t let those fangs of envy ruin what God has done in your life. Take some time out today and remember the blessings that God has given to you.

Are you green?

Gone Fishing!

Jesus’ life had a specific purpose—it was all about fishing. I’m not talking about fishing for fins and scales. His goal was to make each of us fishers for the hearts of others. Christ’s purpose for us is very simple. It is very powerful. Jesus told us to fish. Jesus did not tell us to be catchers of men—he told us to be fishers of men. He will do the catching.

"Come, follow me,” Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men.”
Matthew 4:19

Being a fisher of men is an active endeavor, one that takes work and discipline. You have to talk and communicate and share your faith with people. The greatest thing about sharing your faith is that you are not alone. You are in a partnership with God. When you accept Christ’s purpose to share your heart with others, know that he is going to be there with you.

Take some time this week to think of the people in your life who don’t know Christ. Ask those people to come to church with you. Cast God’s Word and love out to them. Don’t worry about catching them—leave that up to Jesus. All you have to do is fish.

Going fishing?

What legacy will you leave behind?

We can become known for a multitude of things. And it is amazing how far we can carry a reputation. The girl who dropped her lunch tray in the third grade can carry that reputation all the way through high school. The high school jock can carry that reputation into his career. The career-driven executive can carry that reputation in her relationships. And the list goes on and on. Check out this verse: "I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war." Revelation 19:11

In the verse above, Jesus (the rider) is known as “faithful and true.” That is an incredible reputation. Jesus proved himself faithful as he lived a sinless life, despite facing the same temptations you and I face. Jesus was faithful to God’s call on His life, even as He endured the cross for our sins. And He has remained faithful to all who called on His name for salvation.

Jesus is true. He proved it while He walked the earth as He demonstrated the reality that He truly is God. And He demonstrates His truthfulness as His promises for life are fulfilled in the lives of believers.

Jesus’ reputation is one of faithfulness and truth. What are you known for? Remember, the decisions you make will determine your reputation and legacy. And it’s a reputation you will carry with you for the rest of your life and a legacy you will leave behind long after you are gone.

You aren’t known for what you would like to have done. You are not known for how you should have acted. Don’t miss the opportunities to follow Jesus’ lead and be known as "faithful and true".

What do you think of when you hear, "Jack Daniels"? Exactly! You don't think of the man Jack Daniels. Everyone thinks of the whiskey. But look at the legacy Jack left behind.

What legacy will you leave behind?

Open Your Eyes

Most of us don’t like to admit this, but we are all living under layers and layers of lies. Maybe it’s not that we don’t want to admit it. Maybe we don’t even realize it. But lies can even be so common that we color them with semantics and justifications.

“It was just a little white lie.”

“He only lied to protect someone.”

“It’s not going to do any real harm.”

We may pad a resume, drop names of people we barely know, or claim accomplishments we never actually fulfilled.

But who are we fooling? God is taking account of everything we do. He knows every thought, every word and every action. And it is his Holy Spirit within us that peels back the layers of lies and reveals to us the truth. And it is only in truth that we can freely live.

"Oh Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord." Psalm 139:1-4

When ugly issues are revealed in our heart, we should not justify ourselves by hiding them under layers of lies. Instead, shine the light of God’s truth on the issue and eliminate it. Make it right by exposing the situation and asking God for forgiveness. Remember, he already knows what has been done. And he will give you the courage and words to say to set the record straight.

How much different would our lives look if we were to open our eyes to the truth of God's Word?

Are You Trustworthy?

Can you be trusted? I think the first response for all of us is, “Of course I can!” And there are probably plenty of times when that is true. Most of us can be trusted when we make a promise, or when there are serious consequences at stake. But that is only part of being trustworthy.

Can you be trusted in the little things? That is where it really counts. When you tell someone you will call them, do you? When you say you will meet a friend at a certain time, do you show up 15… 30… 60 minutes late?

"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." Luke 16:10

Real trust is proven when we follow through with the little things, not just the big ones. Because the little things could be opportunities God uses to prepare you for something more.

When a friend asks you to help with something small, remember that the little things matter. Be trustworthy with them. And discover how it can lead you to being “trusted with much.”

Let's face it. Who doesn't want to be trusted?

The Truth!

Jesus said that the greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, mind and soul. He said the second greatest is to love your neighbor as yourself. And a huge part of loving someone is being honest with them, which is the ninth commandment.

But the truth isn’t always pretty, because it can be painful. So is it right to share the truth even when it could hurt someone? Or should we conceal the truth in order to spare their feelings? Those are important questions you need to ask.

To find the answers, first look at your motives. Many truths have been told out of selfish ambition, or in the midst of conflict. They may have been harshly communicated just to prove a point. And many relationships have been divided, not necessarily because of the truth that was shared, but because of the way in which it was delivered. To communicate honesty in the right spirit to those around us, we must package it with love.

If confronted with a situation that needs the light of truth, take a moment to pray for the right words, a humble attitude and a loving spirit so you can communicate lovingly and honestly. Because as you do that, you’ll discover that honesty in every situation can help restore and strengthen relationships, and provide you with opportunities for great personal growth.

Sowing and Reaping! (Part 2)

This world puts a lot of emphasis on how important it is to look out for number one. We seem to be born with a natural fear of not having enough – for ourselves. So we hoard whatever we can just in case our perceived disaster ever strikes. But this isn’t the kind of life God intends for those who are a part of his family.

God wants us to live a generous life, full of both receiving and giving. But if we don’t give freely and joyfully, we miss out on the supernatural blessings that come from a life of generosity.

Living a life of generosity requires trust and a big commitment. But we must trust and be committed to the right things, the things of God. And as we follow that trust with faith in God, he will always provide us with exactly what we need.

Don’t let the fear of doing without rob you of trusting in God’s provisions for what you need. Remember, God doesn’t need us to give to others. It is us who needs to experience the act of giving so that we can live a truly blessed and abundant life.

Man's Best Friend!

Is this cool or what?

Sowing and Reaping!

Providing for people in need is a way of giving thanks for what we have been given. It’s like silently saying, "God has blessed me and He has asked me to share that with you."

If we are generous, God will return the favor. When we sow, we scatter God’s blessings for growth. When we reap, we harvest those blessings. Reaping and sowing are a unified, continuous process that requires a diligent and ongoing obedience to God.

When you are obedient and share what you have with others, you will be provided with all you need, every time you need it. When you give cheerfully and unselfishly, you are demonstrating your faith. And the hearts of those you touch, even with the smallest of gestures, will be blessed as they give thanks to God for your obedience.

Are you lacking in any specific area of your life? Check out this verse:

"Remember this - a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop." 2 Corinthians 9:6

Have you ever seen God smile?

Is that cool or what? Tell me what you think!

Want to be a catalyst?

Strangers or not, all christians are brothers and sisters. And as family, we’re called by our Father to help each other.

"Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God." 3 John 1:5-8

Has there been a time when a perfect stranger helped you out of a situation? A time when you thought to yourself, “Wow, if they hadn’t done that for me, I don’t know what I would have done.”

Now take that memory and think back to all the people you told that story to. Whether you knew it or not, by sharing, you were spreading the message of God. Someone heard your cry, you were given grace and your prayers were answered.

You can never tell when going the extra mile will allow you to extend your faith and touch someone’s life in a way you could have never imagined. Find a creative way to fill the need of someone you don’t know.

What would happen if we went beyond the traditional and did something extraordinary?

The Need For a New Year!

Well...Happy New Year! It is 2009 and hard to believe. We need a New Year every year because we need another chance to start again. We need to know that all things change yet God is forever unchanging. We need to be reminded of the opportunites that are awaiting those who chase their dreams like a child chases the ice cream truck.

Where does the passion for life and living go? Anywhere? It doesn't go anywhere, but sometimes throughout the year, we lay our passions down for fear of failure...fear of success...fear of the unknown...doubt...and the list goes on.

Where do we go when life gets monotenonous and drury? Nowhere! It is where you are that you are being challenged to be your best.

We need a New Year every year but we can find fulfillment in Christ at anytime on any day!

Again, I say, "HAPPY NEW YEAR!"