February 2, 2016

Holding It Together

Some days I don’t feel like I hold it together very well.  Schedules seem too full with important meetings needing important decisions. Praying for wisdom is constant.

Then I read the sweet Truth: “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” –Colossians 1:17 NIV.

I heard a sermon once  about this verse, but the busy-ness of life had caused me to file the profound message away. The pastor, Louie Giglio in Atlanta, was preaching about the Glory of God and the human body. One day he met a molecular biologist who told him about “laminin.” The scientist asked him to look up laminin on the internet. Pastor Giglio Googled the word. He had never heard of the word. I certainly had not either.

What Pastor Louie found made his jaw drop. Laminin is the basic protein network foundation of most of our cells and organs. It’s what holds us all together. Then Pastor Louie saw the image of laminin under the microscope…. Laminin is shaped like a CROSS!

You are a masterpiece creating by the Master of the Universe, wonderfully and fearfully made with laminin! You are made by Jesus, for Jesus. Jesus is our divine glue holding us together. What a relief!

Be encouraged today with this message and by watching Pastor Louie Giglio’s video called “How Great is Our God” below.

laminin 

Reflect:

–How are you holding it together today?  Please comment.

–How does your perspective change knowing about laminin?

Renew:

–“For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body.” –Psalm 139:13-15

–“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” –Matthew 11:28 NIV

Resource:

Louie Giglio’s “How Great is Our God” short sermon version

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0-NPPIeeRk

January 26, 2016

The Need for Severe Perseverance

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That low voice rears its ugly head at the worst times.  You’re minding your own business, doing what you think is right. What happens? The critic appears, speaking with that nagging monotone….

“You aren’t a good writer.”

“You are not my Timothy (my mentee).”

“You don’t know how to do _______.”

Friend, those opinions of critics tend to wear us down, wear us out, wear our patience thin.

As I write this message for myself, may I encourage you with this one word. Perseverance. Perseverance. Perseverance. Persevere in what God calls you to do.

Remember, there will always be critics in life. In fact, one dear friend and leader says to always account for a two percent “Jerk Factor.” Realize that two percent of your audience won’t like you or what you’re doing for God’s Kingdom.

Opinions are like noses; everyone has one. Opinions and truth are often two different things.

“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” –Romans 5:3-4.

Keep going. Please don’t give up because you hear some negative criticism. Smile and thank the critics. Also pray for them. Their criticism will make you stronger.

These days I’ve learned that I don’t want to give my opinion. It’s more beneficial to point people back to the Bible, back to God’s Word, back to the Voice of Truth. This is the True Voice that drowns out nagging opinions of criticism.

“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.” –Hebrews 11:35-36.

Amen. Go get ’em! Today is your day!

Reflect:

What is the nagging monotone critic’s voice that you hear and how will you respond differently today? Please comment.

What does perseverance look like to you? Please comment.

Renew:

“Because you know that the testing of faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” –James 1:3-4.

Recharge:

To watch one of my favorite motivating movie clips on perseverance, please watch this poignant, quick football scene from the awesome Christian movie “Facing the Giants.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 19, 2016

Drops of Encouragement

Who was the last person who encouraged you? Who have you encouraged?

Would you believe a cough drop is the inspiration behind me asking those two questions for us to ponder?

Recently I bought an economy-sized bag of Hall’s cough drops and found a pleasant surprise. As I was about to throw away my Hall’s wrapper, I noticed the words “A Pep Talk in Every Drop” and the following:

  • “Don’t waste a precious minute.”
  • “You’ve survived tougher.”
  • “Don’t give up on yourself.”
  • “The show must go on.”

I smiled. What brilliant marketing! What wonderful encouragement! I’m so proud of Hall’s.  I will buy Hall’s cough drops just for this reason.

If a simple cough drop wrapper can make me smile and encourage me, imagine what encouragement precious you can offer someone, even to a stranger.

Encouragement is such a gift. It is even considered to be a “spiritual gift.” See below from Romans 12. A man in the Bible named Barnabas had a knack for encouraging people. In fact, his name means “Son of Encouragement.” (Acts 4:36).

Have you considered  smiling at the Target cashier and asking how she is?

Have you thanked your mom and dad for raising you and sacrificing so much for you?

How about complimenting the lady in the  Chick-Fil-A with the well-behaved children?

Or what about telling the adorable, little, elderly lady in the elevator how beautiful her scarf  is?

It might be the only positive reinforcement or encouragement he/she may get today. Today is our day to encourage, to be a Barnabas. Be encouraged, friend.

Hall's cough drop

Reflect:

–What is a recent example of someone who encouraged you or who you encouraged? Please comment below.

–How did that encouragement make you feel? Please comment below.

Renew:

–“We have different gifts, according to the grace given us…if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others; let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him to it cheerfully. “ –Romans 12: 6-8 NIV

–“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” –Romans 15:5NIV.

–“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” –1 Thessalonians 5:11NIV

PS. Happy, Shiny New 2016! Today is also a great day to print out my “Creating Your Personal Mission Statement Template,” which is free by simply adding your email address and subscribing to my weekly blog.  My personal mission statement is “Shine,” based on Matthew 5:16.

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