I hate that word

A few years ago, I trained a cheerful, down-to-earth; speak her mind, and high-spirited lady. She was very likable and an easy to talk with. Unfortunately, I was unable to help her reach her ultimate fat loss goals. At the beginning of each week, she would inform me of her past weekend diet. Typically, her verbal food journal would end with my sigh of anguish followed by words of encouragement about the fundamental dos and don’ts towards losing body fat. Before I could complete my spill, she would say, “I know, I know, I know”… However, I would still give my speech repeatedly exclaiming – DISCIPLINE; in which she would respond, I hate that word! I hate that word, too. 

Sometimes, I play the role of a workaholic. I use to believe there were all pros and no cons to working hard, until recently when my body starting ‘acting out’. The month of October was a scary one. It included a series of tests for diagnosing multiple sclerosis, a month long annoying eye twitch and a week of right side facial numbness (TMJ), along with swelling of my right knee, and hernia in my right groin. 

Every one of my symptoms and medical issues could have been caused by something other than fatigue. However, I’m convinced that my symptoms were brought on by a lack of rest and sleep. With the significant amount of research connecting fatigue to preventable diseases, you would think that this personal trainer would get more rest. Well, I didn’t and I’m hoping that I’ve learned my lesson.

We all struggle with something that adversely affects our overall health. I’ve found that the warning signs normally aren’t enough for most to discontinue their unhealthy habits. Typically, it takes our life being derailed or feared lost before we seriously deal with an issue.

In Genesis 19, there’s a story about a family visited by angels. They were told to leave their city because it was going to be destroyed. The family hesitated. The bible states that under God’s compassion, the angels grabbed their hands to promptly direct them to safety. While the land was being destroyed, they were encouraged not to look back. Unfortunately, the family’s mother looked back and lost her life.

To me, this story portrays the typical stages of decision making in most people’s lives. We are offered words of wisdom, specific instruction, and grace; with this, our eventual outcome depends on our willingness to accept sound advice and follow through. No matter how much we desire a positive outcome; we have to be discipline in completing the necessary steps for a better quality of life.

My encouragement: Don’t look back. If you choose to look back, quickly and positively reflect. Deal with the past by moving forward and replacing those old destructive habits with positive, life-building traits. Tell someone (whether it be a ‘hater’ or a friend) what you plan to do for consistent accountability. Then, Commit your ways to God and be discipline in consistently following the steps needed to improve.  

My goal is to rest smarter and more. What is yours?

Standing to The Star-Spangled Banner

Lately, I’ve been having many blunt conversations with my oldest son about sex, race, religion, politics, and relationships. I’ve come to the conclusion that what I value most (my faith) is what I pray and hope will transfer into a way of life for him. In trying to connect with him, I’ve used countless examples. Some ‘hit’, while other analogies clearly missed the mark. He has expressed a genuine interest in my personal history. As a matter of fact, his little brother and he constantly ask me to tell them a story during dinner.

The other day, I pitched an idea to have a Christmas play at our house, possibly in the garage or indoors. Of course, the play was going to be about Jesus with a comical spin intending to entertain and encourage our neighbors. Nothing sacrilegious, but a God honoring rendition of the ‘reason for the season’. Needless to say, they ‘shot it down’. Our eldest verbally expressed that mentioning Jesus may be offensive to some people and that it was a private matter.

Say what?!?

He went on to say that his school asked them if they wanted to make holiday cards, which he decided he did. While making the cards, he states his teacher instructed them not to write ‘Merry Christmas’ on the card; due to a possibly of offending some recipients, who may not celebrate Christmas. Our assumption is he translated her words into thinking that mentioning Jesus Christ in public was offensive.

As many Sunday schools, Christian camps, open expressions of Christian faith, Christian prayers, and bible verses, my son have experienced; he still was influenced into believing his faith wasn’t a matter to be demonstratively expressed.This opened the door to share a childhood story.

Being quite the odd ball in school, I had a tough time connecting with the “cool” kids. Thank God for sports, because it sincerely was my saving grace; although, athletics did bring its challenges. The overall biggest trial for me was the pre-game ritual of standing to the Star-Spangled Banner. In my community, Christianity wasn’t the primary faith. Differentiating from my family's culture, the prevalent religion didn’t stand for the playing of the United States’ national anthem – they sat. So hearing, ‘Oh, say can you see…’ before every game, sometimes created more anxiety than the actual game.

One time, while visiting a rival high school game with some classmates, I chose not to stand during the playing of the national anthem. I remember feeling extremely awkward; as it was my culture to revere this national hymn.  I decided from that point, if placed in the predicament again, that I would stand. In my adolescent mind, there was no righteous cause or purpose – other than, it was very unnatural for me. The awkwardness to sit outweighed the awkwardness to stand. Although, my culture was the minority in my small town; it was sufficient to encourage me to stand (pun intended). I pray that my children will encounter the same conviction to ‘stand’ for God.

Jesus Christ commissioned Christians to make disciples.  Will this ever get accomplished, if we are quiet and politically correct in our actions and words? I would argue that it’s virtually impossible.

In the past week, I have visited with and heard from several Christians who are upset about the re-election of President Barack Obama. In addition, I’ve read some unbelievable anti-Obama Facebook and Twitter post. My thought process behind this all is… ‘Do you really believe your emotional ‘shoot from the hip’ reaction to the presidential election is going to change the world?’ The likelihood of someone altering their point of view or religious belief from being called ‘dumb, uninformed, baby killer, and ungodly’ is highly doubtful. Yet it seems, a common way of expression for dislike. This clearly is not an effective way to communicate, positively influence, or lead anyone. Furthermore, Jesus Christ modeled no behaviors which promote these actions. Instead, he affectionately served his ‘circle of influence’ in every way possible -- allowing his actions and words to bring about change. At times, he may have spoken in parables; however, his intentions and instructions were clear.

How does this relate to you? Personally, I have a great opportunity. My children will face faith oppositions throughout their school years and beyond. As the leader of my home, I must showcase Christianity consistently and boldly. If I never demonstrate my faith, then bash my children for their inactions; there’s a strong probability that they would turn with ‘deaf ears’.

Being proactive is key. Identify problems before they occur is difficult; however, wisdom points to your lack of involvement and root causes. Jesus Christ wasn’t passive aggressive – he was direct. He was focused and committed. People knew his principles. I believe we should be the same. Most recoveries take place when Christians are intentional and purpose driven. When our ‘circle of influence’ responds in a way that is contrary to our faith, we should ask ourselves, “What am I constructively doing to make a difference?” If you are not deliberately doing anything, it’s possible that you are violating a direct commandment given by Jesus Christ.

Get involve and allow your action and words to speak God’s will! Don’t have a seat, when God has directed you to stand. Proactive boldness should be a characteristic of the Christian culture, not reactive boldness. Remember, God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.  Therefore, anyone who rejects… instruction does not reject a human being but God…

If you feel an urge to recommit or commit your life to God’s will, please select the link below.

Commit for the 1^st time –

http://www.intouch.org/you/all-things-are-new/content?topic=how_do_i_accept_jesus_as_my_savior_all_things

Commit to SERVE –

http://www.intouch.org/you/all-things-are-new/content?topic=does_god_really_want_me_to_serve_all_things

I couldn't agree more!

Manhood as defined by the Bible requires men to put the needs and best interests of others before their own. It's about living sacrificially. A man uses his strength and influence to help others and defend those who cannot defend themselves. Read how manly this verse sounds and how it speaks powerfully to a man's heart:

"I rescued the poor who cried for help and the fatherless who had none to assist him...I made the widows heart sing...I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame. I was father to the needy; I took up the case of the stranger. I broke the fangs of the wicked and snatched the victims from their teeth." Job 29:12, 13, 15-17 (NIV).

God gives men a mandate throughout the bible to protect women and children and be His representative here on earth. "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this; to look after orphans and widows in their distress" James 1:27 (NIV)…

Authentic men are passionate, fierce, and noble-they care. In fact, they are a little dangerous, but it's a good dangerous. You might not see this passion on the exterior, but it's bubbling under pressure just beneath the surface, forcing its way into every area of his life. They have a spiritual longing for adventure, for a battle to fight that's bigger than themselves, for significance in their lives. Like modern-day gladiators they stand in the ring facing the challenges of life with courage and passion.

Wow! I couldn’t agree more. Each aging year, I become more aware of my mortality. I've drawn the conclusion that those who are honored in their afterlife -- gave their lives for the well-being of others. Whether it was a symbolic or literal death, the individuals most consider truly worthy of honor are those who gave up something for their present quality of life.

When is the last time that you gave something of yourself without expecting a return? Possibly today or yesterday for your kid… How about outside of your immediate family? Quite honestly, I am challenged by the Bible’s encouragement to look after ‘orphans and widows’. I can’t recall the last time I intentionally served a parentless child or a woman who had lost a husband. In America, there’s a growing trend of men who choose not to care for their own children, yet alone caring for orphans and widows.

Here are some direct challenges inspired from the quote posted above.

1. What would your family, friends, and peers say that you are passionate about? Does your passion align with God’s will? Do you care if your passions support His will?

2. What would those who are in your circle of influence say you are ‘fighting’ that will influence eternity (‘bigger than you’)? If you were to die today, what would your family say you stood for?

3. Is there proof that you demonstrate courage in pursuing your passions and dealing with daily life issues?

Knowing the ‘for sure’ answers to these questions may give the direction, which you are headed. If you would be disappointed with your representation at your own funeral; it’s time to make some changes. Connect your will to God’s plan, and go after what you really want out of life. Living a life for others with good intentions and under God’s authority is fulfilling, exciting, and culture altering.

Small unusual steps towards your goals are better than not moving at all. http://www.intouch.org/resources/all-things-are-new/content/topic/how_do_i_accept_jesus_as_my_savior_all_things

The excerpt was taken from a blog entitled In Search of Masculinity –Part 2 (http://blogs.christianpost.com/parenting/in-search-of-masculinity-part-2-622/) written by Rick I. Johnson.

A Slow Progression

Last night I read a story about an ex-pastor who turned atheist. Quite frankly, I was not surprised by the article, but more mindful of a statement. When asked about her loss of faith, she responded,”… it was very, very gradual. Actually there's not really one single moment where I can look back and say ah, that was the moment. It was kind of a slow progression.”


After reading her reasoning, I almost discontinued reading the article because the remaining words seemed redundant. I immediately recognized that this can happen too many, including myself. No one is free from losing their faith. Inactivity in pursuing an on-going relationship with God is a surefire precursor for disbelief of Scripture. Plenty of analogies and life stories are relevant in proving this as fact.

Every man and woman is daily granted the opportunity to serve the Lord through their actions and words. The more faith you have in God, the more apt you are to please Him. The ‘slow progression’ begins with your actions of disbelief. If you believe God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him- you are going to seek Him! If you believe God gives grace to the humble and mocks the proud – you more than likely will not be too boastful! If you believe that anyone who does not provide for his household is worse than an unbeliever- you are going to provide! The list goes on.

Becoming an atheist starts with deciding to do the opposite of what God says without expecting consequences. It’s hard to argue belief in God, while living a life contrary of His encouragements. Without faith, it’s impossible to please Him. Sometimes, there are no proofs – simply scripture and the guidance of His Spirit. Your trust combined with actions determines your belief status. Faith alone is not enough.

James 2:19-24 (Amplified Version) reads the following:

You believe that God is one… So do the demons believe and shudder…!


Are you willing to be shown, you foolish fellow, that faith apart from works is inactive and ineffective and worthless?


Was not our forefather Abraham justified (made acceptable to God) by [his] works when he brought to the altar as an offering his [own] son Isaac?


You see that [his] faith was cooperating with his works, and [his] faith was completed and reached its supreme expression [when he implemented it] by [good] works.


And [so] the Scripture was fulfilled that says, Abraham believed in (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on) God, and this was accounted to him as righteousness (as conformity to God’s will in thought and deed), and he was called God’s friend.


You see that a man is justified (pronounced righteous before God) through what he does and not alone through faith [through works of obedience as well as by what he believes].


Do not allow your faith to be mocked by your actions. Choose to grow in the Lord by better understanding and acting on His word. It’s truthfully better to take small steps towards him that thoughtlessly ‘backpedaling’ away from Him.

Stay alert and encouraged!