Day 60
How do you really feel about wealth? If you dig down real deep and ask yourself if you can possibly live a life of joy, satisfaction and contentment without wealth and possessions, what would your answer REALLY be? Let’s be honest. Okay, I struggled with this one. I’ve been broke and I’ve had money and to be honest, having money was much better. Let’s see, there is less stress. I can fulfill my obligations without the embarrassment of an unpaid bill. I can take vacations and go out to eat dinner any time I want. I can give more to my church and help others in need. But when it comes down to it, I don’t want to be the one in need. I would rather be the giver than the receiver. Is it because I’m so generous? As I think about it, I have to admit the answer is no. I am generous but I would rather be the giver because of pride. I don’t want to have to ask for help.
Ouch! That was painful, but oh so true. Well, I won’t get into my deep psyche any further at this point, maybe more another day. But wealth has its purpose. It is there to provide for our needs and the needs of others but it is not to be the source of peace and contentment. I believe this recession has taught that lesson to many of us, including myself. What I have relied upon and worked for can vanish in an instant and I’ve spoken to many people who have experienced the loss of all their possessions.
Solomon, in the book of Ecclesiastes talks at great length about wealth and more importantly, what it is not. As one of the wealthiest men in history, he found no happiness in all his things. But as I read this, I think to myself that it’s easy for him to say, he had it. What about the people that don’t have it? I know this, as Lanny and I have faced an economic time in history that we haven’t experienced before, we have had to consider what’s important to us. And I can tell you, it wasn’t our things. Yes, we wanted to honor our commitments and fulfill our obligations but if it had come down to it, our relationship with the Lord, with each other and our health came first. Yet, these are the very things that are sacrificed first for wealth. Working and being productive and successful is good so how do we balance it with joy and contentment or does it go hand in hand? I’m rambling a little but what do you think?
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
100 Days with Jesus -- The People of Haiti
Day 59
As I write this morning, the world is watching the tragedy of the earthquake in Haiti unfold. Thousands of people have died and bodies are piled high. There are many more, yet to be discovered, beneath the rubble. Some will never be found. It’s incomprehensible. And then the speculation begins. Why did this happen? Is God punishing these people because of their history of devil worship and voodoo? It doesn’t take long for the infamous statements from the TV evangelists that these people asked for it because of their pact with Satan. Good grief! That’s not what these poor people need to hear right now.
We forget when these tragedies occur, that we are a fallen society. Bad things are going to happen and every bad thing is not the wrath of God. We have a God that loves us and desires for us to reach out to Him. When life is good, the budgets are not tight and all is well, we tend to forget how much we need Him to guide us and sometimes carry us through this life. As I watch the pain and suffering of these poor people in Haiti, it breaks my heart. Yes, there are people there that worship evil out of fear. But there are also people there that love the Lord, probably more so than those of us sitting in nice comfortable pews on Sunday morning. They love Him more because they risk their lives to love Him and we don’t have to. I pray that during this time of tragedy, we’ll all pray for these people of Haiti and find ways to reach out to them, both physically and spiritually. It’s not the time to condemn their lifestyle. Their spirits are broken and their hearts are tender. There will never be a better time to let them know that the Lord loves them and will carry them through. Psalm 22:24 – ‘For He has neither despised nor abhorred the afflictions of the afflicted; neither has He hid His face from them; but when he cried to Him, He heard.’
As I write this morning, the world is watching the tragedy of the earthquake in Haiti unfold. Thousands of people have died and bodies are piled high. There are many more, yet to be discovered, beneath the rubble. Some will never be found. It’s incomprehensible. And then the speculation begins. Why did this happen? Is God punishing these people because of their history of devil worship and voodoo? It doesn’t take long for the infamous statements from the TV evangelists that these people asked for it because of their pact with Satan. Good grief! That’s not what these poor people need to hear right now.
We forget when these tragedies occur, that we are a fallen society. Bad things are going to happen and every bad thing is not the wrath of God. We have a God that loves us and desires for us to reach out to Him. When life is good, the budgets are not tight and all is well, we tend to forget how much we need Him to guide us and sometimes carry us through this life. As I watch the pain and suffering of these poor people in Haiti, it breaks my heart. Yes, there are people there that worship evil out of fear. But there are also people there that love the Lord, probably more so than those of us sitting in nice comfortable pews on Sunday morning. They love Him more because they risk their lives to love Him and we don’t have to. I pray that during this time of tragedy, we’ll all pray for these people of Haiti and find ways to reach out to them, both physically and spiritually. It’s not the time to condemn their lifestyle. Their spirits are broken and their hearts are tender. There will never be a better time to let them know that the Lord loves them and will carry them through. Psalm 22:24 – ‘For He has neither despised nor abhorred the afflictions of the afflicted; neither has He hid His face from them; but when he cried to Him, He heard.’
Friday, January 15, 2010
100 Days with Jesus -- Are You a Spirit Quencher?
Day 58
Are you a spirit quencher or are you surrounded by spirit quenchers? I have been surrounded by spirit quenchers in times past, both in my personal life and in my business life. Sometimes it sneaks up on you and you don’t even realize it until you step away from it all. It’s a slow, subtle death of your enthusiasm, confidence and hope. As I get older, I’ve become more in tune to it and when I find myself surrounded by quenchers, I get away quickly. I used to think that I could ‘fix’ them so I would invest my time and energy trying. Before I knew it, I would begin to see my enthusiasm diminish and my optimism would wane. I always try to encourage but if it meets with rejection, I’m out of here!
I once had an employee that was always complaining. She was never grateful for the customers that chose to do business with us or for the wages she could earn to help support her family. Everything was a pure inconvenience. But worst of all she had no confidence in the company, the industry or me and after a long period of time, I began to question it myself. How did I combat this negativity? I prayed and asked God where did He want me to be? Was it time to move on to other things? But He gave me clear direction that I was to stay put and see it through. I’m so glad I listened because many times I venture out on my own. And now, that employee is gone, having missed the greatest opportunities in the business in several years. I am surrounded by some of the most uplifting and encouraging people that I’ve ever known. We’re working as a team and are excited about our futures. The negativity had to move out to make room for the optimism. It’s like light and dark. Negativity and optimism cannot exist together in the same space. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 says ‘Do not quench the Spirit’. I pray that I will never quench anyone’s spirit or the Holy Spirit working in their lives.
Are you a spirit quencher or are you surrounded by spirit quenchers? I have been surrounded by spirit quenchers in times past, both in my personal life and in my business life. Sometimes it sneaks up on you and you don’t even realize it until you step away from it all. It’s a slow, subtle death of your enthusiasm, confidence and hope. As I get older, I’ve become more in tune to it and when I find myself surrounded by quenchers, I get away quickly. I used to think that I could ‘fix’ them so I would invest my time and energy trying. Before I knew it, I would begin to see my enthusiasm diminish and my optimism would wane. I always try to encourage but if it meets with rejection, I’m out of here!
I once had an employee that was always complaining. She was never grateful for the customers that chose to do business with us or for the wages she could earn to help support her family. Everything was a pure inconvenience. But worst of all she had no confidence in the company, the industry or me and after a long period of time, I began to question it myself. How did I combat this negativity? I prayed and asked God where did He want me to be? Was it time to move on to other things? But He gave me clear direction that I was to stay put and see it through. I’m so glad I listened because many times I venture out on my own. And now, that employee is gone, having missed the greatest opportunities in the business in several years. I am surrounded by some of the most uplifting and encouraging people that I’ve ever known. We’re working as a team and are excited about our futures. The negativity had to move out to make room for the optimism. It’s like light and dark. Negativity and optimism cannot exist together in the same space. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 says ‘Do not quench the Spirit’. I pray that I will never quench anyone’s spirit or the Holy Spirit working in their lives.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
100 Days with Jesus -- The Use of Time
Day 57
Continuing with thoughts of a new year and a fresh start, one of the issues that I struggle with the most is the management of my time. I’m always trying to make time, save time, find time, give time and ultimately manage time. I guess as I get older, I’m more aware of the value of time and that it passes so quickly. It seems like just a few years ago I was in my twenties, thinking that being 50 years old was ancient and I dreaded being that ‘old’. But now that I’m there, I’m amazed at how quickly it happened. But on the other hand, I don’t feel old and I still imagine myself being younger than I really am. I don’t really think about age as much as I did when I was younger.
So why is time so valuable? Is it because it’s fleeting and we cannot add to it or take any of it away? Have we become slaves to time? Imagine this. What if we considered the use of our time as an act of worship? After all, isn’t every moment of time a gift from God? It is and perhaps that is why the use of it is so important. Solomon says in Ecclesiastes 3:1, ‘there is an occasion for everything and a time for every activity under heaven’.
I don’t think I’ll ever master the use of time but at least I can manage it better and be more respectful of it. So, what could you do to better use the time that the Lord has given you? Where is the most time wasted? These questions are worth our attention if we are to honor God for His blessings of time.
Continuing with thoughts of a new year and a fresh start, one of the issues that I struggle with the most is the management of my time. I’m always trying to make time, save time, find time, give time and ultimately manage time. I guess as I get older, I’m more aware of the value of time and that it passes so quickly. It seems like just a few years ago I was in my twenties, thinking that being 50 years old was ancient and I dreaded being that ‘old’. But now that I’m there, I’m amazed at how quickly it happened. But on the other hand, I don’t feel old and I still imagine myself being younger than I really am. I don’t really think about age as much as I did when I was younger.
So why is time so valuable? Is it because it’s fleeting and we cannot add to it or take any of it away? Have we become slaves to time? Imagine this. What if we considered the use of our time as an act of worship? After all, isn’t every moment of time a gift from God? It is and perhaps that is why the use of it is so important. Solomon says in Ecclesiastes 3:1, ‘there is an occasion for everything and a time for every activity under heaven’.
I don’t think I’ll ever master the use of time but at least I can manage it better and be more respectful of it. So, what could you do to better use the time that the Lord has given you? Where is the most time wasted? These questions are worth our attention if we are to honor God for His blessings of time.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
100 Days with Jesus -- Slow Down and Relish the Moment You're In
Day 56
We had a great conversation in Sunday school about the timing of where we are in our lives. We have some that are unemployed, self-employed, stay at home moms and students. It’s a broad mix of ages and stages of life so it gets pretty interesting. The student wants to hurry and get out of school. The stay at home mom wonders some days if she has accomplished anything at all because she will start the next day doing the same things over again. The unemployed person wishes he had a job to go to although he complained about the one he had before. And me, the self-employed one, wonders if I’m doing everything that I’m supposed to be doing with my life and my business. It occurred to me that no matter where we are in our stage of life, we are always hurrying to get to the next one. Oh but to be able to slow down and relish the moment that we’re in.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says ‘Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus’. And so, the stay at home mom is raising two beautiful children that will be grown and gone from home before she knows it and the moments she lives right now will someday be her fondest memories. The student will soon be out of school and off to work and she’ll look back at the days she had so much fun in school. The unemployed young man will get another job and he’ll miss the free time he has right now and wonder if he could have spent it better. And me, I’ll look back and realize that the growing phase that I’m in was one of the most precious and rewarding times of my life.
We had a great conversation in Sunday school about the timing of where we are in our lives. We have some that are unemployed, self-employed, stay at home moms and students. It’s a broad mix of ages and stages of life so it gets pretty interesting. The student wants to hurry and get out of school. The stay at home mom wonders some days if she has accomplished anything at all because she will start the next day doing the same things over again. The unemployed person wishes he had a job to go to although he complained about the one he had before. And me, the self-employed one, wonders if I’m doing everything that I’m supposed to be doing with my life and my business. It occurred to me that no matter where we are in our stage of life, we are always hurrying to get to the next one. Oh but to be able to slow down and relish the moment that we’re in.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says ‘Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus’. And so, the stay at home mom is raising two beautiful children that will be grown and gone from home before she knows it and the moments she lives right now will someday be her fondest memories. The student will soon be out of school and off to work and she’ll look back at the days she had so much fun in school. The unemployed young man will get another job and he’ll miss the free time he has right now and wonder if he could have spent it better. And me, I’ll look back and realize that the growing phase that I’m in was one of the most precious and rewarding times of my life.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
100 Days with Jesus -- God's Perfect Timing
Day 55
As I continue on with the subject of time, because it’s such a perfect ‘time’ to think about it, I consider the timing of events in my life. How many occasions have there been when I have said ‘timing couldn’t have been better’ or ‘that was lousy timing’! But yet the passing of time has proven over and over again that the timing was always appropriate in the big scheme of things. It’s a scheme that I cannot always see for myself. Only my Heavenly Father can see it.
I’ll share a personal example. Lanny and I really enjoy real estate investing and it has always been a profitable business for us. We’ve purchased and sold a lot of properties over the years and many times it seemed so incredibly easy. That was until late 2007 and 2008. We were on a roll, buying properties and selling them before we could even complete the renovations. The Lord was blessing us in our business and we were having a great time together. And to be perfectly transparent, we began to get the idea that it was all about us and our abilities. But then everything in the real estate world and the mortgage industry collapsed and we found ourselves holding a large amount of real estate with no buyers.
The party came to a screeching halt. We both said that timing was really bad. Thankfully, we have recovered but not without some bumps and bruises and a huge dose of humility. The timing wasn’t bad, it was perfect. If the recession had come later than sooner, we could have found ourselves in much worse shape, buying more houses that would have been the most difficult to sell in a recession instead of just the ones we had. We didn’t see it at the time but we definitely see it now. There have been other times that I have questioned the timing of events. But as time passes and I have the awesome opportunity to see God at work, I’m more aware than ever that He is in control and His timing is always perfect. It may take a while to see it but I know it to always be true.
As I continue on with the subject of time, because it’s such a perfect ‘time’ to think about it, I consider the timing of events in my life. How many occasions have there been when I have said ‘timing couldn’t have been better’ or ‘that was lousy timing’! But yet the passing of time has proven over and over again that the timing was always appropriate in the big scheme of things. It’s a scheme that I cannot always see for myself. Only my Heavenly Father can see it.
I’ll share a personal example. Lanny and I really enjoy real estate investing and it has always been a profitable business for us. We’ve purchased and sold a lot of properties over the years and many times it seemed so incredibly easy. That was until late 2007 and 2008. We were on a roll, buying properties and selling them before we could even complete the renovations. The Lord was blessing us in our business and we were having a great time together. And to be perfectly transparent, we began to get the idea that it was all about us and our abilities. But then everything in the real estate world and the mortgage industry collapsed and we found ourselves holding a large amount of real estate with no buyers.
The party came to a screeching halt. We both said that timing was really bad. Thankfully, we have recovered but not without some bumps and bruises and a huge dose of humility. The timing wasn’t bad, it was perfect. If the recession had come later than sooner, we could have found ourselves in much worse shape, buying more houses that would have been the most difficult to sell in a recession instead of just the ones we had. We didn’t see it at the time but we definitely see it now. There have been other times that I have questioned the timing of events. But as time passes and I have the awesome opportunity to see God at work, I’m more aware than ever that He is in control and His timing is always perfect. It may take a while to see it but I know it to always be true.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
100 Days with Jesus -- Happy New Year
Day 53
Happy New Year! Each new year, I get into all this deep thought about the meaning of life and the value of my life and what have I accomplished, what will I accomplish, where am I to serve, and on and on. If I think too long and hard about it, I can even depress myself. After all, time passes, I’ll continue to get older…..well, we know how this story ends. I’m glad New Year’s only comes once a year.
But on the other hand, it is a wonderful time to pause and think about the direction in life I will choose for this year. I guess if it wasn’t for an official start to a new year, when would I stop long enough to give thought to these things? Lanny and I spent time over the holidays talking about our futures, our finances and our goals in life. It was wonderful quality time and it helped us to re-focus and re-prioritize. It was time we really needed to re-position, with God in the center and us looking to Him for direction instead of what we are both more prone to do, which is to put ourselves and our interest in the center and then ask the Lord if He’ll come along and help us. I was reading the book of Ecclesiastes and it seems that Solomon, the wisest man to ever live other than Christ, must also have been considering the New Year. As he ponders the meaning of life, at first it seems that he finds no purpose and that everything is futile. But as he continues on, he realizes that it’s only futile if God is not the center of it. He also realizes that finding joy in our work brings meaning to life, not just working to reach the end. Ecclesiastes 5:18 says ‘Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him--for this is his lot.’ And then he concludes in 12:13 with ‘Now, all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole [duty] of man.’
One of my goals this year is to enjoy the day and to appreciate the work that the Lord has blessed me with. I will be thankful for Monday instead of just thanking God for Friday!
Happy New Year! Each new year, I get into all this deep thought about the meaning of life and the value of my life and what have I accomplished, what will I accomplish, where am I to serve, and on and on. If I think too long and hard about it, I can even depress myself. After all, time passes, I’ll continue to get older…..well, we know how this story ends. I’m glad New Year’s only comes once a year.
But on the other hand, it is a wonderful time to pause and think about the direction in life I will choose for this year. I guess if it wasn’t for an official start to a new year, when would I stop long enough to give thought to these things? Lanny and I spent time over the holidays talking about our futures, our finances and our goals in life. It was wonderful quality time and it helped us to re-focus and re-prioritize. It was time we really needed to re-position, with God in the center and us looking to Him for direction instead of what we are both more prone to do, which is to put ourselves and our interest in the center and then ask the Lord if He’ll come along and help us. I was reading the book of Ecclesiastes and it seems that Solomon, the wisest man to ever live other than Christ, must also have been considering the New Year. As he ponders the meaning of life, at first it seems that he finds no purpose and that everything is futile. But as he continues on, he realizes that it’s only futile if God is not the center of it. He also realizes that finding joy in our work brings meaning to life, not just working to reach the end. Ecclesiastes 5:18 says ‘Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him--for this is his lot.’ And then he concludes in 12:13 with ‘Now, all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole [duty] of man.’
One of my goals this year is to enjoy the day and to appreciate the work that the Lord has blessed me with. I will be thankful for Monday instead of just thanking God for Friday!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
