Your Words Are Windows

     Have you ever heard that a person's words are "windows to the soul?"
     So I am reading this history book... And I notice that every few pages he is talking about the aberrant sexual practices of the people; most of which were about their penchant for homosexual activity. So, I turn to the back page and read his biographical sketch. Just looking at the sketch makes me ask a question.
     This blog isn't about a persons sexual orientation. But it got me to thinking. Have you ever been around someone who is dieting? What do they talk about all the time? FOOD.
     Have you ever talked to someone who just started dating "Mr. or Miss Dreamy?" All they want to talk about is their new love.
      Last night, I was working out with a group of young men. Several times during the conversation, they brought up Ephesians 4:29; "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
      First of all, a bunch of 20 year olds (and a couple of old guys) were talking about Scripture together as we lifted HUGE amounts of weight. And, what were these young men talking about? A Scripture they had read recently that gave them direction.
      What do your words reveal? What is at the center of your soul? Do your words bring benefit to those who listen? If not, then change the focus of your time and energy!

To Whom Much Is Given

I was listening to an interview today with a college basketball coach who took over a team that had 4 wins the year before he came. For the past 7 years, they have had 20 wins a season. This is an incredibly successful program.

What happens with a successful program is that expectations become raised. When he started, Coach Steve Fisher was considered successful when they had a winning season. Now, if they don't make the NCAA tournament, the year falls short of expectations.

This is a principle that Jesus recognized... "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." (Luke 12:48)

But, with the increased expectation, we sometimes stop to thank God for the blessings we have received from him. The goal to produce at a higher level, robs us from the joy of success.

What successes do you have that need to be celebrated?

Here are a few of mine: I have a wonderful wife who loves me. I have three great kids that I love and we get along great. I pastor an incredible church of people who want to make a difference in this world. I live in a nice house, drive a dependable truck and wear clothes that are somewhat in style. I have enough to eat!!!!

Thanks Father for your blessings. Please don't allow me to ever get so caught up chasing the next good goal that I miss the opportunity to celebrate your blessings today!

PERSISTENCE - Carl Edwards

Ok... I admit it. I am a NASCAR fan.

On most Sunday afternoons, the continual roaring of the noise of the cars creates the perfect background for what I call my NASCAR Nap. When there is a wreck, the announcer will yell and I will wake up. Then it is time for "I Squat Sundays," which will have to be the content of another post.

So, this past Sunday, Carl Edwards won the race in Phoenix. I like Carl. He is a good, solid driver that nearly won the championship in 2011 (he lost on a tie-breaker to Tony Stewart). But as of last Sunday, it had been nearly TWO YEARS since his last race win.

Carl isn't a loser. Carl works hard. Carl is in great shape. BUT he hadn't won! It was a rough dry spell.

Have you ever gone through a dry spell? Your best efforts come up short? You are doing the same good things you used to do and succeed, but for some reason, nothing is working right? You are even trying to make proactive changes, but even those fall short?

I know what that feels like. I took some consolation from Carl's victory. If we stick with it and work hard, the time will come when we will break through again. I believe the promise of Galatians 6:9, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Hang in there and keep trying!!!!