by Andrew Cromwell
May 20, 2010
Have you noticed how much drama people create in their lives? I am convinced that some people find joy in the creation of chaos. They have lived in a state of continual drama and distress for so long that they do not know how to live without it. These people will tell you that they are tired of the drama and that they don't want it anymore. But when it comes down to it, they just keep doing the same old things that create the same old mess.
They say that insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. If that is the case, then most of us are crazy! We keep doing the same thing—repeating the same unhealthy relationship patterns, spending habits and eating/dieting routines—and we think that somehow tomorrow is going to be different from today. And often, we walk around claiming we are the ones that have been victimized! Hello somebody!
We point the finger at other people ("they make me so mad and I say and do things that I shouldn't") and circumstances ("I had no choice, I was backed into a corner") but rarely do we stop long enough to realize that our life is perfectly created (by us) to get the results that we are experiencing.
It is possible to live life without all the drama. That doesn't mean that your life will never have drama, because you cannot control the people around you. Frankly, if we stopped trying to control the people around us we might experience a lot less drama in our lives. So while we cannot control what others do, we can control what we do and how we react.
If someone makes you so mad that you cannot control yourself, avoid them instead of seeking them out! If you always lose control when you go shopping, don't go shopping! If you can't seem to get off the roller coaster ride of emotional responses, then it is time to change something!
I am not suggesting that this is easy. Nor am I suggesting that just making a decision is enough to change everything in your life. But it all starts with a decision. A decision to get into an anger management class. A decision to stop reacting and begin to start acting. A decision to move in a healthy direction for your future.
Scripture says in James 3:18, Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. If you are experiencing too much drama in your life, you may need to start creating peace rather than creating drama.
The pastors of Kings County can help you learn how to live your life without the drama. Why don't you do something different, get in church this weekend and start sowing some seeds of peace?
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Sometimes a Little Change Makes a Big Difference
by Andrew Cromwell
Our lives are steered like sailing ships headed across a vast ocean. The destination is far ahead and it will take many weeks, if not months, to arrive. At the beginning, it is important simply to get headed in the right direction—there is plenty of time to make adjustments since the destination is so far off—but as time passes it is increasingly important to make small corrections to our course. The longer we wait to adjust, the more miles we traverse and the father off course we steer. If we wait too long, we find that we may have to go backwards if we want to end up where we were headed.
Charting the course of our lives is very similar. We know we want to get from point "A" to point "B" but they are far apart. We want to get an education so we enroll at a local college, but the destination—the diploma—is years (and many classes and term papers) ahead of us. We want to raise a healthy and whole family, but the destination—the kids leaving the nest as well-adjusted individuals ready to take on the world—is two decades into the future. We want to lose 30 pounds, but the destination—that favorite pair of jeans that we can no longer wear—just seems beyond our reach.
We all know that if nothing changes, nothing will change. We all know that we have to get started if we are ever going to get to where we want to go. But something about the size of the task ahead freezes us in our tracks. Sometimes it is because we have tried and failed before. Sometimes it is because we just can't believe that our destination is even possible for us to reach. Whatever the reason, we delay. We talk ourselves out of the changes necessary to accomplish our goals. So instead of making a course correction, we continue to sail. And the longer we wait, the harder it is to make the change.
Let me encourage you, there is still time. But also let me urge you, there will not always be time. While the destination is often many months or years ahead of us, if we do not make the small course adjustments today, we will delay and may even miss our goal.
The great news is, often a small correction is all that is needed today. A little change makes a big difference when you have a long way to go. And once you have made one change, the next one gets a little easier. Before you know it, you are well on your way.
So maybe, for this week, you don't eat that extra portion at meal time. Don't starve yourself, don't go on some crazy diet. Just do something measured and attainable. Maybe, if you haven't been to school in 10 years but you know you want to complete your degree, just enroll in one or two classes (not five)! You get the idea.
What change are you going to make today? Don't talk yourself out of it, don't delay any longer, don't be overwhelmed by the size of the goal. Remember what Psalms 119:1 says, "You're blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God."
The pastors in Kings County would love to help you make the changes needed in your life. Why don't you make a small change and get your family in church this weekend?
Our lives are steered like sailing ships headed across a vast ocean. The destination is far ahead and it will take many weeks, if not months, to arrive. At the beginning, it is important simply to get headed in the right direction—there is plenty of time to make adjustments since the destination is so far off—but as time passes it is increasingly important to make small corrections to our course. The longer we wait to adjust, the more miles we traverse and the father off course we steer. If we wait too long, we find that we may have to go backwards if we want to end up where we were headed.
Charting the course of our lives is very similar. We know we want to get from point "A" to point "B" but they are far apart. We want to get an education so we enroll at a local college, but the destination—the diploma—is years (and many classes and term papers) ahead of us. We want to raise a healthy and whole family, but the destination—the kids leaving the nest as well-adjusted individuals ready to take on the world—is two decades into the future. We want to lose 30 pounds, but the destination—that favorite pair of jeans that we can no longer wear—just seems beyond our reach.
We all know that if nothing changes, nothing will change. We all know that we have to get started if we are ever going to get to where we want to go. But something about the size of the task ahead freezes us in our tracks. Sometimes it is because we have tried and failed before. Sometimes it is because we just can't believe that our destination is even possible for us to reach. Whatever the reason, we delay. We talk ourselves out of the changes necessary to accomplish our goals. So instead of making a course correction, we continue to sail. And the longer we wait, the harder it is to make the change.
Let me encourage you, there is still time. But also let me urge you, there will not always be time. While the destination is often many months or years ahead of us, if we do not make the small course adjustments today, we will delay and may even miss our goal.
The great news is, often a small correction is all that is needed today. A little change makes a big difference when you have a long way to go. And once you have made one change, the next one gets a little easier. Before you know it, you are well on your way.
So maybe, for this week, you don't eat that extra portion at meal time. Don't starve yourself, don't go on some crazy diet. Just do something measured and attainable. Maybe, if you haven't been to school in 10 years but you know you want to complete your degree, just enroll in one or two classes (not five)! You get the idea.
What change are you going to make today? Don't talk yourself out of it, don't delay any longer, don't be overwhelmed by the size of the goal. Remember what Psalms 119:1 says, "You're blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God."
The pastors in Kings County would love to help you make the changes needed in your life. Why don't you make a small change and get your family in church this weekend?
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Spiritual Alignment
Pastor Tim Howard
December 26, 2009
If you have ever suffered from back problems you surely know what it means to be ‘bent out of shape.’ When this happens to a person, their walk is altered and the way they stand is more crooked than a lifetime criminal. People who’ve experienced what I’m describing are very thankful they know a good Chiropractor. A visit to his / her office may be a bit painful and you may hear a few cracks in your skeletal system during the visit but more often than not you leave feeling better. Why did you need to visit the Doctor? Most of the time it’s because you were out of Alignment.
Chiropractors are not the only ones who realize the importance of maintaining proper alignment if we are to experience a joy filled existence. Mechanics will tell you that tires need to be aligned and if you ever try to open a safe that uses a combination lock, you’ll discover you need the right numbers to be in the right order. If they aren’t aligned it will not open. Alignment means to put things into correct or appropriate order so they can function at their maximum potential. Every once in a while we all need to check our alignment. By doing so we insure we will reach our God designed goals.
The Bible says God has a goal for each and every one of us, each and every day of each and every year. He has created us for good reasons and for a wonderful purpose. We are also told in the Word of God that this goal will only be reached if we order our priorities around His vast knowledge, character and understanding. If we align ourselves with Him by putting Him first in all things, life can function at the maximum.
It may help if I share five signs, which indicate you are in proper alignment with God by using the acrostic F.I.R.S.T.
F. Your FINANCIAL decisions will include a willingness to contribute to some charity work so peace and goodwill can reach out to mankind. You will not spend all you earn on today but invest in people for a bright tomorrow.
I. Your INTEREST will begin to change. When you spend time with the Lord, He gives your heart new desires. You’ll acquire a taste for the things of God and what’s important to Him.
R. Your RELATIONSHIPS with others will be strengthened and restored if broken. You may have to leave some relationships behind but are willing to do so in order to pursue healthy ones.
S. Your SCHEDULE will make time for Jesus. You will invest time in studying God’s Word, visiting with other Christians and helping those in need.
T. Your THOUGHT and TALK will be changing. People will notice you have a new way of thinking because they see you have a new way of acting. You will start talking about the positive stuff rather than the negative stuff.
As 2009 comes to a close it would be wise for all of us to stop, reflect, inspect our lives and see if we are aligned properly. There are some great things ahead in 2010 and God doesn’t want you to miss out on anything. I encourage you to visit one of the many Church families in Kings County this weekend. They would love to see you and will help you get an alignment if needed. Happy New Year!
December 26, 2009
If you have ever suffered from back problems you surely know what it means to be ‘bent out of shape.’ When this happens to a person, their walk is altered and the way they stand is more crooked than a lifetime criminal. People who’ve experienced what I’m describing are very thankful they know a good Chiropractor. A visit to his / her office may be a bit painful and you may hear a few cracks in your skeletal system during the visit but more often than not you leave feeling better. Why did you need to visit the Doctor? Most of the time it’s because you were out of Alignment.
Chiropractors are not the only ones who realize the importance of maintaining proper alignment if we are to experience a joy filled existence. Mechanics will tell you that tires need to be aligned and if you ever try to open a safe that uses a combination lock, you’ll discover you need the right numbers to be in the right order. If they aren’t aligned it will not open. Alignment means to put things into correct or appropriate order so they can function at their maximum potential. Every once in a while we all need to check our alignment. By doing so we insure we will reach our God designed goals.
The Bible says God has a goal for each and every one of us, each and every day of each and every year. He has created us for good reasons and for a wonderful purpose. We are also told in the Word of God that this goal will only be reached if we order our priorities around His vast knowledge, character and understanding. If we align ourselves with Him by putting Him first in all things, life can function at the maximum.
It may help if I share five signs, which indicate you are in proper alignment with God by using the acrostic F.I.R.S.T.
F. Your FINANCIAL decisions will include a willingness to contribute to some charity work so peace and goodwill can reach out to mankind. You will not spend all you earn on today but invest in people for a bright tomorrow.
I. Your INTEREST will begin to change. When you spend time with the Lord, He gives your heart new desires. You’ll acquire a taste for the things of God and what’s important to Him.
R. Your RELATIONSHIPS with others will be strengthened and restored if broken. You may have to leave some relationships behind but are willing to do so in order to pursue healthy ones.
S. Your SCHEDULE will make time for Jesus. You will invest time in studying God’s Word, visiting with other Christians and helping those in need.
T. Your THOUGHT and TALK will be changing. People will notice you have a new way of thinking because they see you have a new way of acting. You will start talking about the positive stuff rather than the negative stuff.
As 2009 comes to a close it would be wise for all of us to stop, reflect, inspect our lives and see if we are aligned properly. There are some great things ahead in 2010 and God doesn’t want you to miss out on anything. I encourage you to visit one of the many Church families in Kings County this weekend. They would love to see you and will help you get an alignment if needed. Happy New Year!
The Power of a Promise
Pastor Tim Howard
June 5, 2009
Several weeks ago my 3½ year-old grandson (Drew) awakened in the middle of the night and began to scream. Not knowing what had happened, I quickly made my way to his room and did what any concerned parent or grandparent would do. I picked him up, held him tightly, caressed his head and began to rock him. As we connected, I began to speak words of comfort.
What did I say? Well, I can tell you I didn’t lecture him about sleeping through the night nor did I tell him how insensitive he was for waking me up in the early morning hours. (Even though that crossed my mind!) I simply began to softly speak various promises into his ear. I said things like this: It’s going to be o.k. Drew because Poppy is here. I’m not going anywhere, I will protect you. You can go back to sleep because I will take care of things. I love you and I’m here to help you. As these promises were pronounced in his hearing, an amazing thing happened. Not instantly but very quickly his trust in the promises brought calmness to his mind and renewed sleep to his body.
When you read the Bible, you realize that God has made many promises to you and me. We are told that these promises are very precious and very powerful to anyone who trusts in Him. They can actually help a person rediscover hope in the midst of darkness and restore joy in the midst of difficulties. Just like my promises brought calmness to my grandson, God’s promises can bring light and life to you.
One of the greatest promises I have personally discovered in the Bible is found in 1 John 1:9. It says: “If we admit our sins—make a clean break of them—Jesus won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing.” Let’s face it, we all blow it! We all need forgiveness!
While singing at a service some time ago, my wife began to sing a song but quickly discovered that the accompaniment track was the wrong one. She stopped the song, looked up at the control booth, and said, “Guys, let’s start over again.” That’s what forgiveness does. It gives a new start. Life isn’t like a television program where they tape it in advance. We’re all doing a live performance. If you blow it, you blow it. You can’t take those words back, no matter how much they hurt someone you love. You can’t undo what you did in anger. You can’t take back the lies you told, you can’t undo the wounds you’ve left, the people you’ve hurt. You said it; you did it, and there’s no rewinding the tape to do it over. The only solution is forgiveness.
It is forgiveness that releases you from the past and allows you to enjoy the present. Many people are experiencing a miserable existence today simply because they are chained to the past by un-forgiveness. You don’t have to be one of them. You can put your trust in God’s promises. You can admit your sin and decide to make a clean break from it. You can forgive others. When you do, God will be faithful to forgive you. I’m glad God included forgiveness in His many promises to us.
June 5, 2009
Several weeks ago my 3½ year-old grandson (Drew) awakened in the middle of the night and began to scream. Not knowing what had happened, I quickly made my way to his room and did what any concerned parent or grandparent would do. I picked him up, held him tightly, caressed his head and began to rock him. As we connected, I began to speak words of comfort.
What did I say? Well, I can tell you I didn’t lecture him about sleeping through the night nor did I tell him how insensitive he was for waking me up in the early morning hours. (Even though that crossed my mind!) I simply began to softly speak various promises into his ear. I said things like this: It’s going to be o.k. Drew because Poppy is here. I’m not going anywhere, I will protect you. You can go back to sleep because I will take care of things. I love you and I’m here to help you. As these promises were pronounced in his hearing, an amazing thing happened. Not instantly but very quickly his trust in the promises brought calmness to his mind and renewed sleep to his body.
When you read the Bible, you realize that God has made many promises to you and me. We are told that these promises are very precious and very powerful to anyone who trusts in Him. They can actually help a person rediscover hope in the midst of darkness and restore joy in the midst of difficulties. Just like my promises brought calmness to my grandson, God’s promises can bring light and life to you.
One of the greatest promises I have personally discovered in the Bible is found in 1 John 1:9. It says: “If we admit our sins—make a clean break of them—Jesus won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing.” Let’s face it, we all blow it! We all need forgiveness!
While singing at a service some time ago, my wife began to sing a song but quickly discovered that the accompaniment track was the wrong one. She stopped the song, looked up at the control booth, and said, “Guys, let’s start over again.” That’s what forgiveness does. It gives a new start. Life isn’t like a television program where they tape it in advance. We’re all doing a live performance. If you blow it, you blow it. You can’t take those words back, no matter how much they hurt someone you love. You can’t undo what you did in anger. You can’t take back the lies you told, you can’t undo the wounds you’ve left, the people you’ve hurt. You said it; you did it, and there’s no rewinding the tape to do it over. The only solution is forgiveness.
It is forgiveness that releases you from the past and allows you to enjoy the present. Many people are experiencing a miserable existence today simply because they are chained to the past by un-forgiveness. You don’t have to be one of them. You can put your trust in God’s promises. You can admit your sin and decide to make a clean break from it. You can forgive others. When you do, God will be faithful to forgive you. I’m glad God included forgiveness in His many promises to us.
Living Happily Ever After?
Pastor Tim Howard
May 16, 2009
I can’t remember the first movie I ever saw, but I do remember the kind of movie I liked to watch as a kid. There had to be a lot of action, a lot of suspense and a superhero was indispensable. You know the kind I mean! Everything looks hopeless, evil is winning, darkness is setting in and the end is sure to bring disaster, when out of the blue, a superhero appears! Maybe it’s Mighty Mouse who shows up to save the day or Superman who comes just in the nick of time to defeat the opposing forces and free the people. I loved that kind of movie because they always ended on a positive note. Do you remember that familiar phrase: “They lived happily ever after?”
Recently I have experienced some dark moments and today I read a verse from the book of Isaiah found in the Bible. It cleared the air and brightened my outlook. Here’s what Isaiah 3:10 says: “Tell those who seek God that it will go well with them and they will receive a reward.” This verse expresses the Christian equivalent of “they lived happily ever after”… it shall go well with them! In the original Hebrew, the word well can be translated by many other English words. It means that which is “good, gracious, prosperous, pleasant and precious”. It’s actually speaking about a state of wellbeing or happiness. It can also be used to speak of the state of an individual who has suffered financial reversal, but whose fortune has now been fully restored. Isaiah, the old prophet of God paints a picture of a bright future for all those who put their trust in God. He assures believers that they may be knocked down but they will not be knocked out. They may be persecuted but they will not be forsaken. They will surmount the obstacles in their paths, overcome current difficulties and ride out the storms of life. Even though they go through the valley and shadow of death they need not fear evil because there will be a happy ending.
Even though superheroes and Santa Claus don’t really exist, there is a Savior who is willing and able to turn your life around. Jesus is more than a superhero. He is supernatural and when He comes upon the wreckage of our lives, in the natural realm, things are altered. It doesn’t matter how broken, bruised or devastated we are. Things may be bleak and dark but Jesus can save the day. Your future doesn’t need to be bleak. You don’t have to expect the worst. You can expect the best! In difficult times, remember this promise: “Tell those who seek God that it will go well with them…” The Bible even tells us there is life after death. If you put your trust in Him, you really do live happily ever after.
May 16, 2009
I can’t remember the first movie I ever saw, but I do remember the kind of movie I liked to watch as a kid. There had to be a lot of action, a lot of suspense and a superhero was indispensable. You know the kind I mean! Everything looks hopeless, evil is winning, darkness is setting in and the end is sure to bring disaster, when out of the blue, a superhero appears! Maybe it’s Mighty Mouse who shows up to save the day or Superman who comes just in the nick of time to defeat the opposing forces and free the people. I loved that kind of movie because they always ended on a positive note. Do you remember that familiar phrase: “They lived happily ever after?”
Recently I have experienced some dark moments and today I read a verse from the book of Isaiah found in the Bible. It cleared the air and brightened my outlook. Here’s what Isaiah 3:10 says: “Tell those who seek God that it will go well with them and they will receive a reward.” This verse expresses the Christian equivalent of “they lived happily ever after”… it shall go well with them! In the original Hebrew, the word well can be translated by many other English words. It means that which is “good, gracious, prosperous, pleasant and precious”. It’s actually speaking about a state of wellbeing or happiness. It can also be used to speak of the state of an individual who has suffered financial reversal, but whose fortune has now been fully restored. Isaiah, the old prophet of God paints a picture of a bright future for all those who put their trust in God. He assures believers that they may be knocked down but they will not be knocked out. They may be persecuted but they will not be forsaken. They will surmount the obstacles in their paths, overcome current difficulties and ride out the storms of life. Even though they go through the valley and shadow of death they need not fear evil because there will be a happy ending.
Even though superheroes and Santa Claus don’t really exist, there is a Savior who is willing and able to turn your life around. Jesus is more than a superhero. He is supernatural and when He comes upon the wreckage of our lives, in the natural realm, things are altered. It doesn’t matter how broken, bruised or devastated we are. Things may be bleak and dark but Jesus can save the day. Your future doesn’t need to be bleak. You don’t have to expect the worst. You can expect the best! In difficult times, remember this promise: “Tell those who seek God that it will go well with them…” The Bible even tells us there is life after death. If you put your trust in Him, you really do live happily ever after.
The End
Pastor Tim Howard
May 30, 2009
I was seventeen years old and a senior in High School when my mother became ill. That was a difficult season for the whole family and especially hard for a teenager like myself. Even though the doctors did everything within their power, they confronted a battle that they would eventually lose in the physical realm. She died in 1969 at the age of 51 years.
If you have ever had a close friend or family member ‘pass on’ then you know the myriad of emotions that make you feel like you’re on a rollercoaster. At times you may experience deep pain because of the loss and shed many tears. A feeling of disbelief and denial may overcome you because it seems so surreal. Then out of nowhere, a sense of great joy may arise because you realize how special that person has been to you personally. Emotions are powerful and very real. When Jesus went to the graveside of Lazarus, a dear friend of his, we are told “He Wept.” Something emotionally stirred within him that revealed how much he loved this man.
When death happens, one of the emotions that often visits people is fear. It comes in all different shapes and sizes but frequently it is a fear of the unknown. It doesn’t only visit when a person faces the possibility of physical death because the life and death cycle go far beyond the physical demise. Death signifies THE END of something. It happens whenever something comes to a conclusion. When your marriage ends in divorce, when your job comes to an end, when a child leaves home at the age of 21 to begin a new season apart from the parents. Experiences like this, suggest that an ending of something is at hand and fear of the unknown will often try to take root. When allowed to grow unchecked, life becomes a struggle; ‘letting go’ becomes very difficult and trouble begins to set in.
Maybe that’s why Jesus said in John 14:1-3, “Don’t be troubled (afraid). You trust God, now trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”
Simply stated, you don’t need to be troubled or ruled by fear when everything around you screams it’s ‘The End.’ Why? Jesus has prepared a future for you. The future is not unknown. God has a plan for you and it is a good plan. From God’s perspective, the end is really an opportunity for a new beginning.
If you have reached the end of your rope in a relationship or possibly you’re involved in a dead-end career. Maybe voices keep telling you it’s over. Please hear the words of our creator. This isn’t the end it’s only a new beginning. The best is yet to come! These words are spoken in loving memory of Dee Felleke, a woman of faith who is beginning a new season in the presence of Jesus Christ. She went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 20, 2009. She wants you to know the best is yet to come.
May 30, 2009
I was seventeen years old and a senior in High School when my mother became ill. That was a difficult season for the whole family and especially hard for a teenager like myself. Even though the doctors did everything within their power, they confronted a battle that they would eventually lose in the physical realm. She died in 1969 at the age of 51 years.
If you have ever had a close friend or family member ‘pass on’ then you know the myriad of emotions that make you feel like you’re on a rollercoaster. At times you may experience deep pain because of the loss and shed many tears. A feeling of disbelief and denial may overcome you because it seems so surreal. Then out of nowhere, a sense of great joy may arise because you realize how special that person has been to you personally. Emotions are powerful and very real. When Jesus went to the graveside of Lazarus, a dear friend of his, we are told “He Wept.” Something emotionally stirred within him that revealed how much he loved this man.
When death happens, one of the emotions that often visits people is fear. It comes in all different shapes and sizes but frequently it is a fear of the unknown. It doesn’t only visit when a person faces the possibility of physical death because the life and death cycle go far beyond the physical demise. Death signifies THE END of something. It happens whenever something comes to a conclusion. When your marriage ends in divorce, when your job comes to an end, when a child leaves home at the age of 21 to begin a new season apart from the parents. Experiences like this, suggest that an ending of something is at hand and fear of the unknown will often try to take root. When allowed to grow unchecked, life becomes a struggle; ‘letting go’ becomes very difficult and trouble begins to set in.
Maybe that’s why Jesus said in John 14:1-3, “Don’t be troubled (afraid). You trust God, now trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”
Simply stated, you don’t need to be troubled or ruled by fear when everything around you screams it’s ‘The End.’ Why? Jesus has prepared a future for you. The future is not unknown. God has a plan for you and it is a good plan. From God’s perspective, the end is really an opportunity for a new beginning.
If you have reached the end of your rope in a relationship or possibly you’re involved in a dead-end career. Maybe voices keep telling you it’s over. Please hear the words of our creator. This isn’t the end it’s only a new beginning. The best is yet to come! These words are spoken in loving memory of Dee Felleke, a woman of faith who is beginning a new season in the presence of Jesus Christ. She went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 20, 2009. She wants you to know the best is yet to come.
You've Got To Believe
Pastor Tim Howard
January 23, 2010
I like to watch the Arizona Cardinals play football. Kurt Warner is a quality quarterback who provides a great example for people to follow and he knows how to win in the playoffs. I believe in that team! When they defeated the Green Bay Packers a couple of weeks ago, however, I had my doubts. The score was tied at 45 to 45 when regulation time ran out. Both teams had shown tremendous resilience and both offensive units were able to score at will. The referee flipped the coin when overtime was about to begin and Green Bay won the toss. My heart sank and my mind quickly succumbed to doubt. Then, in the stands I saw a sign held up by a Cardinals fan that said: “YOU’VE GOT TO BELIEVE”.
In the game of football, our beliefs are rather harmless but in the weightier matters of life, what you believe will deeply affect you and others. A person makes decisions on the basis of their belief system. What you believe will direct your steps and determine your future reality. If you believe the truth and act upon it, the Bible tells you that you will experience freedom, life and fruitfulness. If you believe a lie and act upon it, you will reap other consequences that can lead to devastation.
Adam and Eve believed a lie. Read Genesis chapter three and you will discover that their decision to disobey God’s commandment was rooted in their failure to believe His words. God had created a garden for them to live in and enjoy forever. They were allowed access to every part of this wonderful creation with the exception of one small area. If this directive wasn’t followed, they were told to expect serious consequences, which included death. It would seem to be more than gracious and loving but even though they heard His instructions Eve was the first to disobey and Adam followed. Both yielded to the voice of temptation.
Have you ever heard the voice of temptation? It always conveys a lie and leads you to believe in something that will hinder your progress and derail your life. It always promises more than it delivers and causes more problems than solutions. Lies come in various forms but the voice of temptation will say and sound something like this: “Go ahead, no one will ever find out! It’s a good thing, everybody is doing it! What two consenting adults do is nobody’s business and it won’t hurt anyone! The goal justifies the means! If it feels good, it must be right!” This voice is being heard every day.
Some people insist on believing what they want to believe regardless of the truth. In the comic strip called Born Loser I laughed when one man was speaking to another man and said: “I’ll say this for you, my boy, you are a man of conviction, even when you are absolutely positively flat out wrong, you refuse to recognize it!”
YOU’VE GOT TO BELIEVE but make sure your beliefs are rooted in truth since your actions follow the path of your beliefs. There was a television game show years ago called Truth or Consequences, which was enjoyable, but life isn’t a game and there are consequences when you don’t embrace truth. When you base your decisions on God’s directives, however, you will build a bright future.
January 23, 2010
I like to watch the Arizona Cardinals play football. Kurt Warner is a quality quarterback who provides a great example for people to follow and he knows how to win in the playoffs. I believe in that team! When they defeated the Green Bay Packers a couple of weeks ago, however, I had my doubts. The score was tied at 45 to 45 when regulation time ran out. Both teams had shown tremendous resilience and both offensive units were able to score at will. The referee flipped the coin when overtime was about to begin and Green Bay won the toss. My heart sank and my mind quickly succumbed to doubt. Then, in the stands I saw a sign held up by a Cardinals fan that said: “YOU’VE GOT TO BELIEVE”.
In the game of football, our beliefs are rather harmless but in the weightier matters of life, what you believe will deeply affect you and others. A person makes decisions on the basis of their belief system. What you believe will direct your steps and determine your future reality. If you believe the truth and act upon it, the Bible tells you that you will experience freedom, life and fruitfulness. If you believe a lie and act upon it, you will reap other consequences that can lead to devastation.
Adam and Eve believed a lie. Read Genesis chapter three and you will discover that their decision to disobey God’s commandment was rooted in their failure to believe His words. God had created a garden for them to live in and enjoy forever. They were allowed access to every part of this wonderful creation with the exception of one small area. If this directive wasn’t followed, they were told to expect serious consequences, which included death. It would seem to be more than gracious and loving but even though they heard His instructions Eve was the first to disobey and Adam followed. Both yielded to the voice of temptation.
Have you ever heard the voice of temptation? It always conveys a lie and leads you to believe in something that will hinder your progress and derail your life. It always promises more than it delivers and causes more problems than solutions. Lies come in various forms but the voice of temptation will say and sound something like this: “Go ahead, no one will ever find out! It’s a good thing, everybody is doing it! What two consenting adults do is nobody’s business and it won’t hurt anyone! The goal justifies the means! If it feels good, it must be right!” This voice is being heard every day.
Some people insist on believing what they want to believe regardless of the truth. In the comic strip called Born Loser I laughed when one man was speaking to another man and said: “I’ll say this for you, my boy, you are a man of conviction, even when you are absolutely positively flat out wrong, you refuse to recognize it!”
YOU’VE GOT TO BELIEVE but make sure your beliefs are rooted in truth since your actions follow the path of your beliefs. There was a television game show years ago called Truth or Consequences, which was enjoyable, but life isn’t a game and there are consequences when you don’t embrace truth. When you base your decisions on God’s directives, however, you will build a bright future.
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