I know that from now until the end of this year we will hear the subject of New Years resolutions discussed everywhere we turn. Heading the most popular resolutions will be losing weight and improving your health. Although those are great goals, they are not on my list of five.

Another frequently cited resolution is becoming debt free. I am all for that and it’s certainly the best way to live. “Owe no man anything” was written for a good reason. But that’s not in my five.

In accordance with the mandatory listing of New Years Resolutions, here’s my fav 5:

1- I will listen more closely to my heart and live my life more closely to its urging. I won’t ignore the promptings for ministry that get suppressed year after year by that enemy called procrastination. “To thine own self be true.” ~ William Shakespeare

2- I will use the gifts and talents I presently possess to help those who can benefit from what I now have to offer. I won’t believe the lie that what I have to offer is too insignificant to matter. I will be open and available as providence directs. As my courage increases I will volunteer my services instead of waiting to be asked.

3- I won’t live my life looking backwards. I won’t focus my energies on the failures of my past nor will I refuse to let go of my old best days. Instead, I will embrace today, expecting that my best is ahead of me. Goodbye old friend. There are new friends to meet and new memories to make. I must let you go and move on.

4- I will improve myself to be a better self. I will purposely and intentionally find ways to learn and to grow. My mind is capable of so much more and there are resources all around me to help me to advance in whatever area that I need to. There is too much dust on too many of my books.

5- I will remember that the quality of my life is not determined by the quantity of my stuff but by the quality of the relationships I have with others and most importantly with God. I can be a better person, a better mate, a better friend, a better example and I don’t have to lose any weight to do that.

If these resonated with you, why not add them to your list? They go well with dieting.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy days over this last year to stop by my blog. For those of you who have commented I want you to know that each comment was greatly appreciated. For those who just read and either smiled or nodded in agreement I say thank you to you as well.

“My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.”

 “God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.” 

   Glory to God in the church!

   Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus!

   Glory down all the generations!

   Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!  (Ephesians 3:14-21 The Message)

(originally published 12/2009)

Sitting in a swaying boat on a moon-lit night, seven men of destiny talked the hours away. The events of the last few years had been nothing less than stupendous. They were first-hand witnesses to the most incredible events in the history of man. They had experienced the highest of highs as everyday was an adventure. They were living in the middle of a best-seller.

As they reminisced about the recent past, the memories that should have inspired them with hope now seemed to increase their anxiety. Their confidence, once strong and sure, had now been shattered. The miracles that had taken place in every direction of their fisher’s boat now appeared so far away. They were certain that their best days were behind them.

What is it about the thinking process of man that leads him to forget so quickly all of the evidences of divine favor and blessing? What is it about man that causes his faith to waver at the very time when faith is most needed?

We too have seen first-hand the incredible move of God. Our collective memories recall time after time the improbable ways God has blessed us. Accomplishments that were once unimaginable are now all around us. We experienced the highest of highs as everyday was an adventure. We lived in the middle of a best-seller.

But now, the prospects for our futures seem dim. Our confidence has been shattered as the realization of impending change settles in. We fear that our best days are behind us. We might as well just go fishing.

All night, as the seven disciples unsuccessfully toiled for fish, there was an eye upon them. Not just any eye but the eye of their Master. From the shore He commanded them to, “Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find.” John 21:6. They complied and instantly they were rewarded for their obedience.

His command to cast the net on the right side was a simple one. It did not include discussion about the quality of the net. There was nothing said about the method of tossing or the speed of pulling. The command was simply, “Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find”.

The right side was the side Jesus was on. The disciple’s success was dependant on putting their efforts on the side where Christ was standing; not the side where He was not. On the side where Christ was standing the disciples, so recently discouraged, now found hope. On the side where Christ was standing the disciples now found victory in place of their defeat.

It’s time for us to cast our nets on the right side of the boat. Looking out on the sea of gloom around us is not the answer; that’s the wrong side. Being consumed by the question “why” is of no profit; that’s the wrong side. Believing that we have been forsaken is inaccurate; that’s the wrong side. Believing that our best days are behind us (which could not be further from the truth); that’s definitely the wrong side.

Today Christ is commanding us to cast our net on the right side of the boat. His instructions are simple: “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might”. Ecclesiastes 9:10. Let’s continue to work in excellence and intentionality.

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me”. John 12:32. Let’s continue to show others that Jesus is the answer for the world today. Above Him there’s no other; Jesus is the Way.

“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world”. James 1:27. Let’s continue to be a people that work tirelessly for the good of others, especially the unfortunate. Christ equated himself with the least and lowliest. Serving others is what we are all about.

I say we get back to work and cast our nets on the right side. Who is with me today?

It must have been bitterly disappointing for these two men. To have actually experienced firsthand the incredible fortunes that lay just before them. The possibilities of success were never greater. The rewards of advancement were never clearer. The timing was right to move ahead in boldness and confidence. This was their moment of opportunity.

Joshua and Caleb were sure that the indisputable evidences they produced were all that was needed. The concept of thinking big was literally being fulfilled before their eyes. It should only take a simple and honest report to move the people forward into their God-given destiny. But evidence was not enough.

How painful it must have been for these two men (and any others that sided with them) to see fear, doubt and uncertainty engulf the reasonable argument to move forward. This was a stunning turn of events. The people of promise, who had been delivered from Egyptian bondage, were now unwilling to move forward because of the negative report of those who walked in fear and dissension.

That experience of Joshua and Caleb plays out again and again in the lives of God’s followers. Men of vision and courage are always among us. Men who see that the rewards of faithfulness far outweigh the dangers to be met along the way still exist within our body. Men who give the cry to move forward, reach higher, plan bigger, are still attempting to be heard.

At the same time the voices of fear and retreat are poisoning the air inducing the masses to pull back and to limit their aspirations to the status quo. The giants are undefeatable they whisper. Though evidences of success are right before their eyes, they neutralize its logic and replace it with the lie that it’s better to leave things as they are. This is not the time to be bold and take risks they say. This is not the time to step out and allow God to do a new thing. No, the people will be better where they are is the argument that sways the day.

For those who hoped for a new day there is bitter disappointment. For those who wanted to taste of the land that flows with milk and honey, there is painful dejection. To those who anticipated moving forward there is now confusion in direction. They cry out, “The giants could have been defeated! We were too close to turn back!”

What do you do when you are part of a body that has seemingly refused to move forward? What do you do as a part of a body that appears to hold firmly onto the past when the past is no longer effective? What do you do with the terrorizing realization of opportunities lost and victories forfeited? What do you do with painful disappointment?

Yes, I said it. You must absolutely be out of your mind. Someone needed to say it and I guess today that someone is me. I know I run the risk of damaging our relationship but honesty really is the best policy. And honestly, you must be crazy!

Every day when I turn on the news I see and hear the sad report of thousands upon thousands of people out of work with few prospects of getting a job in the near future. Highly educated and highly skilled individuals with a matching work ethic are searching from high to low to find anything that would help to put bread on their tables. This sad tale is repeated in every city across the land. Things are tough and only seem to be getting tougher.

In the midst of these frightening economic times you have confirmed to me that you are crazy. Why you say? I say that because instead of gratitude for the job you are blessed to have, I hear you complaining. Instead of appreciating the fact that you have something to contribute I hear you bemoaning the favor your are experiencing. Although not the ideal job, you only express resentment that you have to spend so many hours earning a paycheck that you would financially drown without.

I will be the first to agree that many of us are capable and willing to engage in work that is more in line with our training and our dreams. Many of us find ourselves working in areas where our past accomplishments matter little. That’s not the end of the world. Sometimes in life you have to take a step backward in order to move forward. Just thank God you are still making steps.

When I hear you complaining and whining about work, yet doing nothing to change your circumstances, I know you must be crazy. We all know life can be hard but please don’t darken the skies around me with your gloom and doom. I have to break it to you; no one likes a complainer. No one has ever advanced in life by being a complainer. Never have and never will.

It was only a short time ago that you were praying to God for a breakthrough. Things were looking bleak and you were almost at the end of your rope. You prayed for anything to help put food on the table; anything. And now when I hear you fail to give God praise for the very thing you asked for and received, I know you must be crazy.

The good thing about your illness is that there is a cure. It’s really quite easy. Today when you get home from your job I want you to get a pad and pencil. Turn on the evening news and when you hear about tragedy after tragedy, including unemployment, I want you to do the following. Write down everything you see bad on the news and put beside each entry: That could be me.

By the end of the newscast the cure should be taking effect. You will feel a return to sanity and it will be evident by a spirit of thankfulness. That’s it. Just realizing how blessed you really are and how bad things could be should do the trick.

If however at that end of the newscast you still feel the need to complain about your job my diagnosis appears to be accurate. Please seek immediate help because you must be crazy!

You hear them buzzing about or you see them circling for attack and you know it’s time for swatting mosquitoes. They are annoying, distracting and potentially dangerous. You can try to avoid them but they are determined to do what they do…stick you and draw blood.

Mosquitoes are like the obstacles you encounter in your pursuit of change and excellence. Seemingly out of nowhere you encounter situations and unfortunately people that can become a major distraction to keep you from reaching your destination. You have got to swat these mosquitoes and keep moving.

Mosquitoes thrive in stagnant water. You cannot make your camp where the waters are not flowing. You have got to move out to where waters are moving. People and situations that are not going anywhere is the last place you want to spend your time.

To grow as a person and in your ministry you must try as best you can to surround yourself with people that are going somewhere in life. Even then, you will still have to swat some mosquitoes. Attempts to get you to go backwards in your progress; swat those mosquitoes and keep moving. Attempts to engage you in meaningless debates and arguments; swat those mosquitoes and keep moving. Attempts to get you to settle for anything less than excellence in your life and ministry; swat those mosquitoes and keep moving!

Here are some biblical mosquito repellents. Just make sure to follow all of the directions. Apply as often as needed

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. Prov. 16:32.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. Proverbs 18:10

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. James 4:7

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven Matthew 5: 43-45

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
1 Peter 4:12,13. NIV

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

(originally published 3/25/09)

Joseph, one of my favorite Bible characters, was in a dilemma. He had been unjustly imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. To add insult to injury, Joseph’s imprisonment was not the result of a mistaken identity, which in itself is tragic. No racial profiling. No being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was in prison because he refused to do the wrong thing.

Now confined to a dank, dark dungeon Joseph continues to demonstrate how to make lemonade out of lemons. He rises to a position of responsibility in an environment where being exceptional is not expected. Joseph’s circumstances did not shape him; he shaped his circumstances.

Finally, as recorded in Genesis 40, Joseph is about to catch a break; or so he thinks. After interpreting a dream for Pharaoh’s butler Joseph makes this impassioned plea to him, “But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house.”               Genesis 40:14

That must have been a happy day when the butler was restored to his royal position. I imagine that Joseph was very upbeat and hopeful that finally someone would help free him from his life of bondage. It would not be long now. Any day now and he would hear those beautiful words “you’re free!”.

One week went by and nothing. One month went by and nothing. I’m sure Joseph was allotting time for the judicial system to work so no need to be concerned. Six months went by and nothing. A whole year went by and not a word from the butler or anyone else. This had to be crushing to Joseph’s spirit.

This is where I pause in the story to ask, “How long have you been waiting on the butler”? The butler for you may be that person you hoped would unlock the jail of your financial struggles. You made a connection and you just knew that it would only be a short time before you received the call telling you that “you’re free!”. It is time for you to start living the abundant life. But instead of that long hoped for interview, you only experience silence. You’re waiting on the butler.

Some of you may have dreams of doing great things in ministry or business. You have played over and over in your head how life will be for you after you are delivered from your current life to a life of fulfillment and purpose. You finally met that right person who held the keys to unlocking your dreams. You just knew that it would only be a short time before you received the call telling you that “you’re free!”. But instead of that long hoped for call or email, you only experience silence. You’re waiting on the butler.

I am so glad the story of Joseph did not end with his sitting in prison never receiving the freedom he was due. As the story goes it took two full years before the butler remembered Joseph. But during those two years God was orchestrating events that would propel Joseph to a life undreamed of and historically impossible. Joseph’s part in all of this…just continue to do the little things with excellence. That’s all.

Neither you nor I can see the future. Just as in Joseph’s case, what may seem like silence to us is quite opposite from the busy activity that is taking place to shape events for our truest destiny. Our role in all of this is to do the little things with excellence. How you feed your mind and body; do it with excellence. How you interact in your home or on your job or at school; do it with excellence. How you live your faith; do it with excellence. Be a person of honor and integrity. There’s no better way to prepare.

Sooner or later your call will be returned or that email replied to. It is only a matter of time. Will you be ready to receive it?

Oh, and if you are “The Butler”, shouldn’t you be making a call right now?

It’s true.  I have to be honest with myself and admit that “I can’t”.  I know you must be thinking that one of the rules for advancement in life is to remove the mental barriers to progress summed up in the words “I can’t”.  Whenever we utter these words and more importantly believe these words in response to an obstacle or barrier that we face, we have eliminated the opportunity for growth that comes from trying.

All of us are capable of so much more than we attempt in life.  Far too many times we place limits on what we can and cannot do.  Although we haven’t attempted to surpass what lies before us, we tell ourselves that trying is not worth the effort.  We resign ourselves to defeat when success is waiting around the corner.  At those times the words “I can’t” becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. I get that.

I still say “I can’t”.  Now you must think I must be using it in reference to a relationship that is fractured.  You know, when you want more from someone than they are willing to give?  I know that what I have to offer is in their best interests but to their eyes I can’t meet the needs that are driving their behavior.  At times like those honesty and reason must take control and I have to accept that when it comes to making another human feel for me the way I would like, “I can’t”.  I get that too.

I still say “I can’t” and let me tell you why.  In life all of us have faced serious setbacks.  Things have happened to many of us that are tragic to say the least.  Many times what has happened to us was not in our control.  We were victims in the purest sense of the word.  Just innocent bystanders in the line of fire that comes from living.  From diseases that afflict our bodies, death of loved ones and the severing of relationships to changes in our standard of living, there are numerous events that can blindside us with a vengeance.

But then there are those times when we have to painfully admit that what we have gone through or are going through is because of decisions and actions we made.  Whether we were not thinking right or we took a gamble that did not work out, the results are the same.  We now have the added burden of knowing that if only we had done something different, if only we had thought things through a little more, if only we had not listened to the wrong voice or followed the wrong lead, how differently life would be today.

It is at times like this that I must use the words “I can’t”.  Until some genius invents a time machine to go back in time, I can’t change the past.  What has happened has happened.  Though painful or devastating I can’t change the facts.  I can kick myself but that won’t change the past.  I can give up and quit but neither will that change the past.  I can grieve and mourn over what has happened but unfortunately that won’t change the past either.  Nothing will.  What has happened has happened and I can’t do anything to turn back time in order to erase it.

While the fate or mistakes of my past are painful I know from experience I can turn them into a positive.  One of the beauties of life is that if a person is still living, they have another chance.  As long as there is breath in my body I can take the lessons of my past and use them to build a better tomorrow.  If compassion for others in similar situations is the fruit of my tragedy I will thank God for it.  If humility and learning the lesson of reliance on One greater than myself is the outcome of my pain, I must say thank you.  If discovering a deeper appreciation of life, love and relationships is birthed from my tears, I will count it all joy.

Without doubt, if we live long enough, we will all suffer pain and sadness that can be hard to put into words.  It’s okay to grieve and to feel remorse but my prayer is that all of us will one day be able to say with a conviction that matches our words: “I can’t change the past, I will pick myself up, move forward and see what else life has for me”.

Lord Help Me Today With:

My job – help me to do it

My health – help me to improve it

My obligation – help me to meet it

My faith – help me to live it

My reputation – help me to be it

My weakness – help me to defeat it

My past – help me to leave it

My goal – help me to achieve it

My purpose – help me to do it

My future – help me to reach it

My love – help me to share it

I am swearing out a restraining order today. I put this off long enough but a person can only take so much abuse. You can try to be understanding and tolerant to a certain point. But after awhile, it’s time to act to protect yourself. I don’t make this decision lightly but it’s a decision that must be made.

My petition is that the following are forced to remain at least 100 feet away from me, my family and my home at all times:

All the people that complain about the government. I understand the need to critique in order to improve but for all of those arm chair leaders who will not lift a finger to help but only to accuse, I am asking for a restraining order. I know that the energies used to look for and identify fault could be better used in looking for and identifying ways to personally improve the situation. I don’t hate our government; I thank God for it. I know we are a blessed nation. The constant negativity is threatening my peace of mind and I must issue a restraining order against you.

All the people that complain about the “church”. It is so easy to sit as a spectator and criticize those who are at least trying to do something to advance the Lord’s work. Sure, there is always room for improvement. No, I don’t agree with everything done but I realize that it’s easy to find time for criticism when you are not doing anything yourself. You are threatening my group worship experience and I can’t allow that any longer. An idle mind and idle hands is a recipe for negativity and I must get a restraining order against you.

All the people that complain about their jobs. Right now the economy is so bad that any job is a blessing. I don’t believe that we should not aspire to take on greater tasks and responsibilities. I don’t believe that we should abandon our dreams for the sake of a paycheck. But I do believe that doing the job that lies in front of us with a positive attitude will only make sweeter the climb we make towards our destiny. Your complaining is affecting my work attitude and I can’t afford to view such a large portion of my day in a negative light. I’m sorry; I must issue a restraining order against you.

All the people that complain about their spouses. Look, no one made you chose who you are with. You freely and eagerly made the vow to take your mate for better or for worse. If you are now in the “worse” I prefer that you keep those sentiments away from me as I try to keep my marriage in the “better”. Your constant complaining about your mate is threatening to jade my view on the happiness of marriage and I can’t afford that. I must issue a restraining order against you.

All the people that wake up on the wrong side of the bed. I don’t know why you don’t move your bed next to a wall to insure you get up on the right side of the bed. Your constant complaining and negativity about life is starting to cloud out the rays of sunlight I so desperately need. I’m sorry that you feel life has dealt you a bad hand. Why not shuffle your cards again and see if you can get a better hand to work with? Right now my hand is workable and I would like to keep it that way. Until you do, I must issue a restraining order against you.

I am petitioning that this restraining order remains in force to the aforementioned parties indefinitely or until a change in disposition is noted. This restraining order also includes all conversations including phone, internet, texts, facebook, mail, Morse code, smoke signals and carrier pigeons.

Signed: I CAN’T TAKE IT ANY LONGER!   Date: NOW!

You will not believe my good fortune. Out of nowhere I received an email that is about to change my life. A man with a very distinguished name contacted me to assist him with an endeavor that promises to pay huge dividends. Something tragic happened to his family in the far away country of South Korea. Due to some archaic laws dealing with the moving of currency, he needs my assistance to help him to transfer a huge sum of money. And for my simple assistance I will be rewarded handsomely. I’m going to be rich!

Just think, all those years of keeping my nose to the grindstone are coming to an end. Sure, hard work taught me discipline and how to work efficiently and steadily to fulfill my obligations. I learned that if I applied myself I could accomplish things that I once thought impossible. And yes, I must admit that the feeling I had after doing a job well was very satisfying. But now that I’m about to be rich beyond my wildest dreams I will no longer need to work hard. I will be on easy street!

Once I enter into the lifestyle of the rich and soon to be famous, I can ease back on the time I used to spend praying about challenges and obstacles in my life. No longer will I need to pray and wait on God to answer me in order to deal with a situation out of my control. With the promised riches I shall soon receive I can pay cash for any needs that I have. I might miss the inward peace that I received by spending time in prayer. I know that by doing so I learned a lot about the advantages to putting my full trust in God. I learned that if I lacked wisdom God was willing to give it to me. The good thing is soon I can pay for good advice whenever the occasion arises.

I will soon be packing up my stuff and moving up to the big house. A gated community far away from the prying eyes of the common folks will be more suitable for me. No longer will I have to interact with my neighbors as I do now. No more helping my elderly next door neighbor with her occasional yard needs. No more chatting about weather and flowers and gardens with Mr. Jones across the street. I might miss the opportunity to interact with my neighbors and having a sense of community but life will be better for me if I can distance myself from as many people as possible. After all, once I get my reward I will need to hobnob with those in similar levels of wealth.

I will also need to let my pastor know that I won’t be in church much longer. Oh, I will still be spiritual but my vast wealth will make it uncomfortable for me to worship like usual.  Now that I will have so much disposable income I can buy the service DVD’s. Just because being in an energetic group of fellow believers was a moving experience for me, it does not mean that I will miss out as I watch the service DVD in my custom theater room. No longer will I need to shake hands and share hugs and catch up with my fellow members from week to week. No longer will I need to waste my valuable time by fellowshipping after the service ends. I can now simply move from my super-buttery-soft, hand-stiched, full-grain, custom leather theater chair to my fine Corinthian leather recliner in my leather furniture matched living room.

Oh, and this will probably be my last article. Once the money is transferred into my account I will not have the time to spend writing as I formally have. I know many of you have told me that you have enjoyed my writings. I have even had the occasional response that something I wrote really impacted someone’s life. I will miss sharing with my readers but once I am filthy rich I will more than likely move onto to bigger and better things.

Well, I could go on and on but I guess I need to respond to the solicitation email. The distinguished gentleman said it was an urgent matter. It’s funny though, but now that I have thought about all the things in my life I’ll be giving up I have discovered something that never occurred to me before; I’m already rich.

Yes, my life, with its ups and downs, its seasons of increase and decrease, its normalcy in a world of ever changing trends, is really not that bad after all. Maybe receiving a huge sum of money from a stranger in a far away land isn’t the best thing for me. Looks like after all I’m going to have to just hit delete on the email and hope that my distinguished solicitor has other options for help beside little ole me.