Worthy Words

It's hard to fully understand all that drives us. Kant said that it's the "insatiable desire to possess and rule." Former President Lyndon B. Johnson said "Sex and envy are the greatest drives in life." Former President Nixon said, "People react to fear, not love. They don't teach that in Sunday School, but it's true." Maybe French Philosopher La Rochefoucald nailed it when he said that we would be embarrassed by our best deeds "if the world were to see all their underlying motives." Solomon wrote, "All of a man's ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart." (Proverbs 21:2) This reminds us of Jeremiah's words, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9) I gave up a long time ago trying to determine what motivates others. I have trouble reading the intentions of my own heart; how can I judge what drives someone else? A individual...

It's no coincidence that so many books of the New Testament contain verses encouraging us to stay faithful in difficult times. Persistence is an essential characteristic for anyone who wants to succeed in the Christian life. Rarely a month goes by that I don't talk to someone who's ready to throw in the towel on some aspect of their calling. Sometimes it's a volunteer weary of the extra work that comes with being a leader. Sometimes it's a pastor weary of not seeing measurable results. Sometimes it's a believer weary of the struggle to live a holy life. This is what Paul referred to in Galatians 6:9: Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. The season between sowing and reaping can sometimes be long. It can also be hot, dry and difficult. There are times for each of us when saying, "I quit" seems like the most attractive option. During these times, we've got to...

With musical works like, My Fair Lady, Gigi, West Side Story, Paint Your Wagon, Porgy and Bess, Andre Previn, born in Germany in 1930 who later escaped the Nazi regime with his parents to the United States in 1939, he became a renowned naturalized American pianist, conductor, and composer with four Academy Awards for his film work and ten Grammys to his credit. Previn said, "If I miss a day of practice, I know it. If I miss two days, my manager knows it. If I miss three days, my audience, knows it."   He was talking about the piano, but the same is true about your devotional life. When you're spending time with God on a consistent basis, it shows. When you aren't, it also shows. You'll notice it first, then those closest to you, and, pretty soon, it's obvious to everyone. Paul said that you can be "transformed by the renewing of your mind..." (Romans 12:2) This renewal — this transformation — occurs during those quiet moments we spend in the pres...

I took my Mom this week to the doctor’s and later dropped off her prescription at the Pharmacy. In both locations I was made very aware that it’s that time of year again for flu shots. These two places had signs posted offering vaccinations that reportedly increase immunity to these pesky viruses. I’m also aware that there are some other good resources for fighting the flu. This includes making sure your immune system has a boost with extra vitamins, like C and herbal supplements like Echinacea, avoiding people who are sick, washing your hands and getting plenty of rest. Throughout God’s Word, striking differences pop up between the worldly and the spiritual. There is worldly wealth versus spiritual wealth, worldly teaching versus spiritual teaching and worldly health versus spiritual health. Ephesians Chapter 6 verses 10-12 addresses the issue of spiritual health. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand ag...

Cliff Lee of the Texas Rangers has been the most heralded pitcher in the 2010 postseason and for good reason his focus and precision placement of the ball around the plate has made him “perfect” in the eyes of those who know the game. He fell short of that perfection on the biggest stage in Major League Baseball as he lost (first ever postseason loss) the opening game of the World Series, 11-7 to San Francisco Giants. Lee has not always been referred to as “perfect.” In fact when he played for the Cleveland Indians his control was so awful he was sent down to the minor leagues. He had to suffer through this career demotion that eventually transformed the way he approached his craft and to realize his full potential. John Ruskin said, "The highest reward for a person's toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it."   In what ways is your career transforming you? Since being a Christ-follower is not without its difficulties, some who serve the Lord find ...