Have you ever lost your way; I know I have. Sometimes it is difficult to see and understand who your real friends are and who truly loves you. We can easily become depressed, discouraged, disillusioned, and not know how to find our way back to center. If this is where you are or if you ever get there, just remember that our heavenly father is always there waiting for us to turn our hearts back toward him and return home.
“So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20 from the story of the prodigal son)
You see God knows the world can be a tough place, he sees us struggling to live on our own with out him, he knows we are “only human” and has great compassion for us. He wants and has so much more in store for us! His love is amazing, and he will never leave us nor forsake us. We just need to recognize our need for him, turn, and run into his arms. When we do, we will be happy in life and at work because only he satisfies!
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17
When God touches anything, in any way, it changes, becomes different, becomes better…becomes new!
When God finally got my attention on November 22, 1996 and I surrendered my heart and life to him, things began to change. God began to take me through the fire to refine me. The fire was never comfortable; it always took me outside my comfort zone. But God had a plan; a plan to change me, and grow me into someone he would ultimately use to serve him by serving others. He was carefully and perfectly molding me into a new creation.
At first, I resisited doing the things he asked me to do, meeting the people he wanted me to meet, participating in the activities he wanted me to participate in. I had pride still wanted to do things my way; set my own course, but as I got to know him better and began to allow his love for me to soften my heart, I realized that his will and direction for my life was exactly what I wanted; It energized me and filled my heart with joy and purpose that I had not experienced before.
I have learned, that, especially when God is asking me to follow him into a tough set of circumstances, I need to follow and trust him because God’s leading and his will for my life, even if it is outside my comfort zone, is always best! Jesus knew this and gave us the very best example of how we are to respond. God asked and was leading Jesus to die on the cross…to give his life for you and I. The time was nearing and Jesus was literally sweating and agonizing about what his Father was asking him to do. Luke 22:41-43 tells us this:
“He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.”
So, the next time you are feeling led into a tough situation in life or at work, don’t resist; allow God to take you through that situation, allow him to teach what he wants to teach you and allow God to further mold you into the new creation he wants you be. Pray the same prayer Jesus prayed. If you do this, I believe with all my heart that you will be happy in life and at work!
I have always been a very active and competitive person. Beginning when I was very young I loved to compete at everything I did; I always expected to perform well and hated to lose! I was up to competing at anything; I swam, played golf, played football, baseball, and basketball, I ran, and I cycled. And, as I moved from athletics to career, I loved to compete in business; always trying to do my best, do it better, do it faster, do it safer, etc.
I’m not sure why God has given me such a competitive drive, but he has. In most instances it is a good thing, but it can be a problem at times. I can get disappointed, discouraged, and unhappy about my performance, if I do not get the results I expect or want. If I am playing golf, working out, cycling, or even just pitching to my two baseball playing sons I have high expectations. If I am working on a deal or a project I have high expectations. It can often be difficult for me to accept that I am getting older and can’t do the things that once came so easily. I still want and expect to do well. My perspective has had to change as my abilities and energy have changed.
I have learned to look at three important aspects of performance and be realistic about the results:
1. Ability – What am I genuinely and honestly capable of doing.
I used to be able to ride a bike 125 miles while averaging 22-23 miles per hour…not any more! I used to be able to push myself at work, staying up late and getting up early to work on big deals and critical projects; not so much any more!
2. Motivation – How driven am I to accomplish something and why.
I used to live to hit the road on my bike and destroy anyone who dared to try to keep up with me; now I just ride on a trainer indoors to maintain fitness. I once stepped on the golf course with the expectation of shooting 72-76 and beating whoever I was playing with; I now enjoy the opportunity to be outside and enjoy great fellowship with family and great friends. I once could not stand it if I was beat out for a deal, order, or project; I now enjoy having a full but reasonable workload with deals and projects I enjoy and that allow me time to relax, refresh, and recharge.
3. Attitude – Determines how well I do what it is I am doing.
This has remained consistent because I believe it is still important to do things well. Although I ride my bike much less, I still ride with a purpose; I spend 45 minutes instead of 5 hours, but still enjoy getting specific and purposeful workouts in. I take on less accounts and projects, but I am focused and enjoy the relationships that come with those more than I ever did.
So as you seek to be Happy in life and at work, consider honestly and sincerely your ability, your motivation, and your attitude as you endeavor to take on your life and career challenges. Strive for excellence, but learn to enjoy what you are doing and to appreciate the people God has placed in your path along the way.
(The following was inspired and taken from a message Craig Parker, my wonderful pastor at Bridgeway Community Church in Fishers, IN. delivered on 9-19-10.)
If you are married, or have been in a relationship, you know that there are times when it seems that the very person you love dearly, and who you believe dearly loves you, seems like your biggest and worst enemy. But is that really the truth, or are we being deceived into thinking that by a very powerful, scheming enemy who would like nothing more than to take us out and prevent us from enjoying a loving and intimate relationship.
When we marry we enter, mostly unknowingly, into the minefields; the minefields include the relational minefield, the financial minefield, the emotional minefield, the medical minefield, the vocational minefield, the parental minefield, and the the spiritual minefield. These are areas of life where issues, challenges, and differences can crop up and derail any relationship.
What happens is simple yet can be very destructive. The issue arises and statements, thoughts, and opinions are expressed and shared. The words we use are often based on feelings not facts, we assume the worst in the other person instead of the best, and before we know it we are fighting one another instead of the real enemy. Why…because the enemy whispers in our ear lies, and we begin to think things like he/she always does this and he/she will never change. Then we begin to reason, as though we are God, that we know why the other person does what they do. The next thing you know you and the someone you love are in a knock-down-drag-out fight and don’t even know why. And worse, you don’t know how to stop and fix it. Allow this to happen enough, and the relationship is in real serious trouble.
So who is the real enemy? And, just as important, who is our real friend and advocate?
The Bible is clear on both of these points. Satan is described as the enemy or the thief, while Jesus is described as our shepherd and our saviour. And on this topic John 10:10 provides us a very clear exhortation:
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
So how are we to respond so that we can save our marriages and the other relationships we have with those we love and care about.
First, understand that this is serious business and that the enemy is very powerful and cunning; you are up against a serious threat! His purpose is to destroy your marriage and relationships, send you into an emotional downward spiral, and steal any hope you have for peace and joy in your life.
Second, know, believe, and hold on to the fact that your spouse or other person is not the enemy. The enemy wants us to fight one another, not him. He knows that if we stand together, don’t buy into his lies, and ally against him with the weapons God provides us, he will be defeated.
Lastly, apply the wepons God has provided and instructs us to us in this “spiritual battle” against the enemy. In Ephesians 6:10-18, God calls us to:
“be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
So, the next time you find yourself in a battle with your spouse or someone you love and care for, stop and remember you can’t fight your way out of a spiritual battle…you must pray your way out…together. As we say amen at the end of our prayer(s), we are saying “we agree”! That is very powerful, and scares the enemy, as he knows he is powerless against those who stand together in the name of the Lord!
“Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:19-20)
If my words of encouragement didn’t impact you, perhaps this musical video will help you and those you love go dancing in the minefields. My hope is that you will put on the full armor of God and battle the enemy together, because I know it will help you be happy in life and at work. God’s Peace…
Sometime being happy and content in life and at work is simply a matter of perspective. Growing up, and even after a I reached the age where I was considered a young man, when I would whine or complain about anything to do with my circumstances or feeling like I was being treated unfairly, my dad would remind me that “no matter how bad you think you have it, there is always someone who has it worse.” My dad would then suggest I look around for one of those “someones” first to understand that I did not really have it nearly as bad as I thought I did, and second, to reach out and do something to help them. I can remember this having a great impact on my life, and today when I feel the most energized, the most alive, like God is giving me strength, the happiest in life or at work is when I am serving others.
Philippians 4:11-13 describes it this way…
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
I hope you will watch this video, think about Philippians 4:11-13, remember my dad’s words, and be compelled to be a blessing to someone else today and everyday. If you do this, I know you will be happy in life and at work!
I had lunch with someone I love today; a very special person who has been through a very difficult stretch of life over the last 18 months or so. She is a single mom. Her kids are 18, 12, and 8 years old. She and her three kids were all but abandoned by her ex-husband. He has continued to be engaged with her younger kids to some extent, but for some reason has chosen to remain very distant from her 18 year old son (I’ll call him Bobby). As you can imagine, this has affected Bobby greatly. He has experienced much pain and struggled to make sense of all that has happened in his life over the last two years. At a time when he expected and really needs his dad as a significant strong role model to finish raising him, affirming him as a young man, and releasing him as mighty man of God to be who God has purposed him to be, his dad has all but disowned him. Bobby, although he has experienced some victories and joy recently, has struggled to believe he is valued, to figure out his place in this world, to succeed in school, to stay out of trouble, and to see his future as anything but uncertain.
That mat have changed today! I beleive God has answered prayer and intervened for Bobby. He recently took a career assesment test and met with the career counselor for the results today. For the first time in a very long time, Bobby is beginning to beleive what the Bible tells us about about how God feels about all of us.
God tells us very clearly that we are his sons and daughters and that he loves all of us and has a good and perfect plan for our lives. He tells us that we have been fearfully and wonderfully made; knit perfectly in our mother’s womb! He tells that no matter what he will never leave us nor forsake us! God tells us that we are more than conquerors, and that all things are possible with him! He tells us that he knows every hair on our head! God has created us all, given us all life, you, me, and Bobby! he has a very special purpose for each of us, and has given us very different but wonderful gifts to use for this very special purpose.
Bobby had an “aah ha moment” today, as he began to see and hear from God what his spiritual gifts are and how God can use him and those gifts to serve others and make a future for himself and the family he will have one day. Suddenly Bobby has hope and sees a certain future; God has made him a new creation, and Bobby can see that throughout this time of difficulty God has been right there, in fact, if you look real close, you can see the fingerprints of God all over Bobby.
I imagine that many of you are facing some of the very things Bobby has been facing and struggling with. My hope is that you will know that God loves you, created you with a wonderful purpose and the gifts to accomplish that purpose, and wants more than anything for you to discover what that purpose is and use it to serve others and him every day. I encourage and exhort you to turn to God in prayer, tell him you are tired struggling and striving to blaze your own trail and do what you think is best, tell him that you want to discover his perfect purpose for your life and use your special gifts to serve him, ask him to reveal that to you, allow him to put his fingerprints all over you! You might be surprised, and it might seem crazy, but please trust him and follow his direction…I know if you do you will be Happy in Life and at Work!
To help get you started and excited about knowing that You Were Meant To Be, I have included a great song by Steven Curtis Chapman titled “Meant to Be”. It was recorded specially for Veggie Tales, but is very applicable to all of us, regardless of age. Enjoy!
We all need to stop and smell the coffee more…don’t we? I would also submit that we all need to stop and make coffee for others. Watch this video; you will understand what I am saying…and it will help you become happy in life and at work!
One sure way to be happy in life and at work is show others kindness. It is amazing how much good it does us to show others kindness. I know we all are capable of this because we all do it some of the time, and when we do show another a genuine act of kindness , it always makes us feel all good and happy inside. The challenge for all of us, including me, is to be that kind, giving, caring, unselfish person all the time. I think the following words of encouragement can help me and you do that…
Chuck Swindoll writes:
In our pocket of society where, relatively speaking, pampered affluence is rampant, we are often at a loss to know what kind of gifts to buy our friends and loved ones on special occasions. For some people (especially those who “have everything”), the standard gift won’t cut it. Nothing in the shopping mall catches our fancy.
I have a suggestion. It may not seem that expensive or sound very novel, but believe me, it works every time. It’s one of those gifts that has great value but no price tag. It can’t be lost nor will it ever be forgotten. No problem with size, either. It fits all shapes, any age, and every personality. This ideal gift is . . . yourself. Don’t forget the unusual value of kindness. That’s right, give some of yourself away:
• Give an hour of your time to someone who needs you.
• Give a note of encouragement to someone feeling down.
• Give a hug of affirmation to someone in your family.
• Give some time to someone who is lonely.
• Give a meal to someone who is sick.
• Give a word of compassion to someone who has suffered a loss.
• Give a second chance to the fallen.
• Give a deed of thoughtfulness to someone who is often overlooked.
• Give a gentle response to the frustrated.
In the words of Ephesians 4:32, be kind. My sister Luci paraphrases this verse, “Just be nice.”
Covering all the one another commands of the Bible (and there’s a lot of them!) is the umbrella of kindness. Kindness braids mercy and grace, humility and gentleness all together. Kindness gives grace, requires humility, and asks that we think of others before ourselves.
Ever notice that kindness is most appreciated when life has gone sideways? When you’re having “one of those days,” kindness speaks that thoughtful word and draws you back like a lifeline.
Who should the world look to as a model of kindness but the body of Christ? Unfortunately, ask the man on the street how he would describe the Christians he knows and I dare say kind would not be his first or even his second response. I say we change that.
Kindness is something you and I can do today. A gentle response. Being the first to forgive. Giving the gift of time, compassion, and thoughtfulness. In ordinary ways, we can give ourselves away and, by doing so, model God’s agape love. Remember 1 Corinthians 13:4-”Love is kind.”
Look for ways today to give ordinary kindness, and you’ll find there’s nothing ordinary about it. And, you will be happy in life and at work!
We have all heard people say that “the world’s a tough place” or “it’s a dog-eat-dog world”, and maybe those folks are right. But, I believe living a happy life at home and at work is still very possible. I have spoken to many folks and ask them “are you happy”. If they say yes, I ask why. If they say “not really” or “not totally”, I ask why. After listening to literally hundreds of responses, I thought it might be helpful to craft a list a list of practical steps or principles one can use to get and stay on a path to living a happier life at home and at work. Here it is:
Be purposseful about finding pleasure in the simple things in life…at home and at work.
Make the best of your circumstances; no one has everything, and everyone has something. You will experience joy intermingled with sorrow; allow laughter to outweigh the tears!
Don’t take yourself too seriously; but take serving and being kind to others very seriously.
Understand that you can’t please everyone, so don’t let criticism worry you.
Don’t allow the world to set the standard for you. God says simply, be holy because I am holy. Let God’s standard guide your thoughts, words, choices, and actions.
Pursue your dream(s); the things that energize you…but stay out of debt.
Never borrow trouble; imaginary trials are much harder to bear than real ones.
Jealousy, gossip, and hate can poison the heart and soul; don’t practice any of these and avoid those who do.
Always continue to learn and grow personally, professionally, and spiritually; read, pray, travel, and participate in many activities and interests.
Don’t hold postmortems; don’t brood over sorrows, regrets, or mistakes. Pray and move your feet!
Be a humble, obedient servant; use all that God has blessed you with to be a blessing to those less fortunate.
Take care of yourself; maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get the rest you need.
Give it a try; invite your family and work associates to join you. Practice these practical steps and start living a happier life at home and at work.
If you are unhappy, lonely, feeling down, discouraged, depressed, or disillusioned, I encourage you to please read and meditate on these words…God breathed through the prophet Isaiah. If you will take the time to do so, you will begin to feel restored, refreshed, and recharged. Whatever has happened, or is happening in your life to cause you to lose hope, God wants to change that. he wants to fill you with his spirit, the Holy Spirit, the spirit of life, joy, and peace. He wants to rebuild, restore, and renew your life as only he can do, and then he wants you to rejoice and be happy in life and at work!
The Year of the LORD’s Favor – Isaiah 61
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations.
5 Aliens will shepherd your flocks;
foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.
6 And you will be called priests of the LORD,
you will be named ministers of our God.
You will feed on the wealth of nations,
and in their riches you will boast.
7 Instead of their shame
my people will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
they will rejoice in their inheritance;
and so they will inherit a double portion in their land,
and everlasting joy will be theirs.
8 “For I, the LORD, love justice;
I hate robbery and iniquity.
In my faithfulness I will reward them
and make an everlasting covenant with them.
9 Their descendants will be known among the nations
and their offspring among the peoples.
All who see them will acknowledge
that they are a people the LORD has blessed.”
10 I delight greatly in the LORD;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
11 For as the soil makes the sprout come up
and a garden causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise
spring up before all nations.
Have you ever lost your way; I know I have. Sometimes it is difficult to see and understand who your real friends are and who truly loves you. We can easily become depressed, discouraged, disillusioned, and not know how to find our way back to center. If this is where you are or if you ever get there, just remember that our heavenly father is always there waiting for us to turn our hearts back toward him and return home.
If you are unhappy, lonely, feeling down, discouraged, depressed, or disillusioned, I encourage you to please read and meditate on these words…God breathed through the prophet Isaiah. If you will take the time to do so, you will begin to feel restored, refreshed, and recharged. Whatever has happened, or is happening in your life to cause you to lose hope, God wants to change that. he wants to fill you with his spirit, the Holy Spirit, the spirit of life, joy, and peace. He wants to rebuild, restore, and renew your life as only he can do, and then he wants you to rejoice and be happy in life and at work!
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins
8 “For I, the LORD, love justice;
11 For as the soil makes the sprout come up
