Daily Caffeination 8/31/06

True Repentance

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. - 2 Corinthians 7:10

What does it mean to repent? When you or I wrong another person, or we sin against God, do we simply say we are sorry and move on?

A few years ago I was involved in a business situation that taught me a great lesson. A client severely wronged me and ultimately took our company for $160,000. In a court of law, I probably would have won the dispute. However, after I had already filed suit against the man, I realized that there was one aspect of the matter that I was wrong about, involving a third party that could no longer be held accountable. I could not effectively resolve the matter without taking the first step in owning the responsibility for my part in the matter.

I made a decision to drop the lawsuit. However, after calling my attorney, I discovered the client had already filed a counter suit. This made the situation even scarier. I was completely exposed if I dropped my suit.

I was unable to reach the business owner because he would not return my calls. I got his secretary on the line. "I want you to take this message down and give it to your boss, word for word. Please do not change the words at all. 'I have sinned against you. I know I do not deserve your forgiveness, but I ask your forgiveness for filing the lawsuit against you. You are no longer obligated to pay the balance you owe me if you feel you do not owe it.' " The secretary knew me and the gravity of what I was saying. She began to weep. She could not believe what she was hearing.

A few hours later I received a call from this client. He said, "I received your message. I accept your request and I forgive you." He dropped his counter suit. A few days later, I went to see the man and had dinner with him. He did not offer to pay any of the balance. It took three years to pay the vendors related to this situation. It was difficult because I knew he was not taking any responsibility for his contribution to the problem. However, I knew I was to let go of it. The Lord was glorified in this situation and He provided for my needs.

Is there anyone you need to seek forgiveness from? Acknowledging our sin is the first step. Humbling ourselves and taking actions to restore is the next step.

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Daily Caffeination 8/30/06

Going Against the Flow

But the whole assembly talked about stoning them. - Numbers 14:10a

Have you ever had to stand up against the majority for a cause that wasn't popular? God brought the Israelites out of Egypt and promised He would lead them into a land of milk and honey. The process of moving out of Egypt was difficult. They could no longer do things the old way, for the old ways didn't work in the desert. God provided for them during this journey. But there came a point in which the people forgot what God had said. Their discomfort changed their belief about God.

Whenever God is slow to answer our prayers, what we believe about God is revealed. Do we change our plans and move in a different direction when pressure mounts? Or do we continue on the path God has directed for us? Four men believed what God said and were willing to stand; however, the crowd wanted to stone them.

Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown in front of the whole Israelite assembly gathered there. Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes and said to the entire Israelite assembly, "The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us, He will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them." But the whole assembly talked about stoning them. Then the glory of the Lord appeared at the Tent of Meeting to all the Israelites (Numbers 14:5-10).

Notice Joshua and Caleb's response to the situation. They had spied the land. They believed God. They challenged the crowd. They seemed to know that if the Lord was not pleased with them they would not enter into the Promised Land. Those who grumbled did not enter the Promised Land. Only Joshua and Caleb and a new generation saw the fulfillment of God's promise.

Has God called you to stand for a cause bigger than yourself? You will have opposition to His call; sometimes it even comes from those in your own camp. But if God has called you, then you can be sure He will make a way. He has already opened the way before you. But you must walk in faith, joined with Him to take the land.

...Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

I have been TAGGED! :-)

I have been tagged by my buddy Pete, by the way he is one of the coolest people I know and has a really awesome blog. Here are the questions that has been passed along to me about books (one of my favorite subjects).

Here are my responses...brief and to the point. At the end is a list of 4 that I tagged.

ONE BOOK THAT HAS CHANGED YOUR LIFE
I read so much so I can't share one, but I will share two. These books have impacted my life and ministry...
Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell
This book has given me a different perpective on my own faith and how to share it with others.
Cirque Du Soleil: The Spark by Lyn Heward & John U. Bacon (just read it, it has left an impact on me like no other book has.)

ONE BOOK THAT YOU’VE READ MORE THAN ONCE
Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren
I read it when it first came out. I had to read it again for one of my courses.

ONE BOOK THAT YOU’D WANT ON A DESERT ISLAND
Bible by God
I agree with Pete on this one. What better book to have with you than God's Word and as a pastor I could develop some great sermons out on that island.

ONE BOOK THAT MADE YOU LAUGH
Praise Habit by David Crowder
David Crowder is a funny dude. His music is awesome and his writing is hilarious. Looking forward to his new book Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven But Nobody Wants To Die: Or The Eschatology of Bluegrass.

ONE BOOK THAT MADE YOU CRY
Wow this hard...I don't normally read books that make me cry. However, the Bible has stirred my emotions to the the point of crying.

ONE BOOK THAT YOU WISH HAD BEEN WRITTEN
How to deal with people who have totally let you down, the people you have been closest to and they just really hurt you. Where is the book for this?

ONE BOOK YOU WISH HAD NEVER BEEN WRITTEN
mmmmm, not sure...I guess the book, On the Orgin of Species by Charles Darwin
Too many people have bought into the lie of natural selection/evolution.

ONE BOOK YOU ARE CURRENTLY READING
Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi
I just bought this book on Saturday because Todd McKeever recommened it. I am looking forward to reading it.

ONE BOOK YOU’VE BEEN MEANING TO READ
Practicing Greatness by Reggie McNeal
I have had this book for about 2 months and haven't even opened it yet. I am very intentional about the books I buy and read. I try to buy the books I am going read soon. I just haven't gotten around to reading it yet.

I am now tagging ...Lora J., Todd M., Tony W., David T.,

The Greatest Book That I Have Personally Ever Read

If I could personally recommend any book for any person to read (outside of the Bible) it would have to be the book I bought on Saturday. This book I believe will challenge you and even provoke you to change the way you do things, no matter what you do for a living, no matter your career, or goals in life.

This book will give a fresh perspective on life and a fresh vision for what you do for a living, a career or a calling.

This book will challenge your innovation and creative process within your organization, business and job. It will hopefully spark a new passion for what you do in your life as a whole.

If you are a pastor, a ministry leader, or someone who is active within the church I challenge you to read this amazing book...it will truly ignite the creative fire within you and your community of faith. Buy this book for yourself and for your pastor and/or other staff members. This book will transform you, your ministry and your church.

Here are a few quotes/takeways that I personally received from this great book...

"And you can't deliver without taking risks-indiviually or as a troupe. It is essential. But you have to learn to take the right risks-risks that will allow you to fulfill your vision." pages 33 & 34

"...nothing of significance could be accomplished without taking a leap of faith. But first you need vision." page 39

"When you finally give voice to your dreams, you never know what's going to happen." page 42

"If there are too many restrictions, you stop thinking about what you can do and start thinking about what you cannot do." page 46

"That's what forces us to be creative: no compromise!" page 53

"You have to be willing to step outside your comfort zone and stretch beyond what you think you're capable of." page 67

These are just a few of the take aways and great quotes from this marvelous book.

So what is this book that I am speaking about?

Cirque Du Soleil
The Spark
Igniting the Creative Fire That Lives Within Us All
by Lyn Heward & John U. Bacon

Cirque Du Soleil: The Spark

Daily Caffeination 8/29/06

Motivations to Call

..."Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." - Mark 10:49

Do you recall the circumstances when God first called you into relationship with Him? Were you in need of something? Were you in a crisis situation? Every day God calls someone into relationship with Him through different circumstances. More often than not, the circumstances relate to a need in their life that only God can meet.

Bartimaeus had the need to see again. He was a poor blind beggar, who had heard about Jesus and the miracles He had done. The crowds rebuked him for seeking Jesus, yet he continued to cry out. "Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, 'Son of David, have mercy on me!'...Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus" (Mk. 10:48,50). That day, Bartimaeus saw for the first time. But more than that, he saw with spiritual eyes for the first time.

Each workday, we rub shoulders with someone who has not met this Jesus we know personally. God uses needs to draw us to Himself. What need has He placed in a coworker that only Christ can meet? Perhaps you are the instrument He wants to use to introduce that person to Himself. It requires availability and a willingness to look for people with needs, then point them to Christ to meet their needs. Pray for divine appointments today.

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Great Article on Innovation from Fast Company

An amazing article from Fast Company.

Most innovations fail and it’s easy to see why. They are expected. They are unimaginative, boring, and fail to excite or fill any real need. Indeed, most so-called innovations aren’t innovative. They are mundane line extensions to existing products and services that have no currency with cynical, time-starved customers (or church consumers). read more

I feel the same is true with churches, even so-called innovative churches. These churches fail for a reason. How many fail to fill real practical needs of their community; how many churches fail to excite and inspire others to follow after Christ?

I really feel there are people within our communties that is starving for the Truth and we simply aren't innovative enough to reach them. We must be more creative, more innovative and compel people not to just come to our churches but more importantly to Christ.

My challenge to all of us who are leaders within our communities of faith: Let us exceed expectations in innovation and creativity within our churches.

Daily Caffeination 8/28/06

Only One Original

Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way.”—Matthew 13:24–25

You know something is popular when you start seeing its imitations everywhere. When someone comes up with a new design for something, it isn’t long before everyone has created a version of it.

In the same way, we can look at so-called religions today and see imitations of the real thing. Whenever there is a genuine work of the Holy Spirit of God, we can always expect to see the devil’s imitation. If there is a revival sent from God, there will be a false revival. If there are miracles from heaven, there will be miracles from hell. If you begin to see the movement of God in a certain area, then you will also see the movement of the devil.

Jesus told the story of the wheat and the tares, in which a man went out and planted a field of wheat. But in the night, his enemy came and planted tares among the wheat. The tares, also known as darnel, actually resembled wheat in the early stages of growth. If you were to see the two plants side by side, you would not be able to notice a difference. But after a period of time, the darnel would show itself for what it really was. It actually would uproot the wheat. So Jesus said this enemy plants the tares among the wheat.

The devil has flooded the world with imitations, if you will. And the fact there are so many imitations only confirms there is an original. You cannot have imitations without the real thing.

Another Amazing Quote

This again is from Fast Company's First Impressions that I receive as a email every morning.

"I'd rather do revolutionary than evolutionary work."

—Robert Langer, professor, MIT

Daily Caffeination 8/27/06

Grace

..."Peace be with you!" - John 20:19

How would you respond to a group of fellow workers if you were their leader and you poured your life into them, teaching them all you know for three years, only to have them disband and go their own way when troubles came? What would you say to them after you were reunited for the first time? Perhaps you might scold them. Perhaps you might cite each one's offense. At the least, you might shame them for their lack of faithfulness and courage.

After Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead, He appeared to the disciples. His first words to them were, "Peace be with you!" The word grace means "unmerited favor." When someone loves you unconditionally, without regard to your behavior in return, it becomes a powerful force in your life. Such was the case for the disciples when Jesus appeared to them. They could have expected reprimand. Instead, they received unconditional love and acceptance. He was overjoyed to see them. They were equally overjoyed to see Him.

Jesus understood that the disciples needed to fail Him as part of their training. It would be this failure that became their greatest motivation for service. Failure allowed them to experience incredible grace for the very first time. Grace would transform them as human beings.

Have you experienced this grace in your life? Have you extended grace to those who have hurt you? Can you let go of any wrongs that have come through friends or associates? The grace you extend may change their lives-and yours.

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Sometimes I could just kick myself...:-)

Hey this is a World Record...this too funny! I saw this and wanted to share 60 kicks to the head in 30 seconds. Enjoy...

Daily Caffeination 8/26/06

Our Plans and God's Plans

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. - Proverbs 19:21

Have you ever heard of someone who spent years of preparation for one vocation only to end up doing something completely different? Perhaps this could be said of you. Quite often we have in our minds what we believe we want to do only to have a course correction. Often the course correction comes through a major crisis that forces us into an area that we would never have considered.

Such was the case for Samuel Morse. Born in 1791, Morse grew up desiring to be an artist, and he eventually became very talented and internationally known. However, it was difficult to make a living as an artist in America during that time. A series of crises further complicated his vocational desire when his wife died; then his mother and father also died soon after. He went to Europe to paint and reflect on his life. On his return trip aboard a ship, he was captivated by discussions at dinner about new experiments in electromagnetism. During that important occasion, Morse made the following comment, "If the presence of electricity can be made visible in any part of the circuit, I see no reason why intelligence may not be transmitted by electricity." In the face of many difficulties and disappointments, he determinedly perfected a new invention, and, in 1837, applied for a patent that became what we know today as the telegraph. He also created Morse code. It was only later, after many more setbacks and disappointments, that his projects received funding.

Samuel Morse later commented, "The only gleam of hope, and I cannot underrate it, is from confidence in God. When I look upward it calms any apprehension for the future, and I seem to hear a voice saying: 'If I clothe the lilies of the field, shall I not also clothe you?' Here is my strong confidence, and I will wait patiently for the direction of Providence." Morse went on to create several other inventions and can be recognized today as the father of faxes, modems, e-mail, the internet and other electronic communication. ["Glimpses," Issue #99 (Worcester, Pennsylvania: Christian History Institute, 1998).]

God's plans may not always seem to follow our natural inclination. Perhaps God has you taking a path that may not lead to His ultimate destination for you. Trust in the Lord, lean not on your own understanding, acknowledge Him in all you do, and He shall direct your path (see Prov. 3:5-6).

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Calling all fantasy football fans...

Hey everyone, I know there are a few of you who enjoy fantasy football...I know I do. Well I started a league at NFL.COM. The league is free, I would like to invite you to play or atleast try it out. Here are the specifics for the league.

League Name	Blogging Football Leagues
League Type	Public
Draft Date	August 28, 2006, 4:45 PM ET
Draft Style	Live Draft

I would love for you to join. Do it soon before it fills up.

Later,
Chris

"Christian" Cheese apparel runs wild

Please Lord give creativity to someone who is in the "Christian" apparel business. Please allow them come up with something unique, creative, and will spark conversation. God use me if needed.

At the store I work occasionally at, Family Christian Stores we have begun selling this t-shirt made by Kerruso. I was mad and wanted to throw up at the same time. Where is the creativity? Why do we have copy every pop culture logo and design? Is there no originality in the "christian" apparel business? Please help us Lord. Check this out...make me want to scream.


I love my Starbucks, but this makes me sick. I am waiting for a "Panera's" shirt now. Ugggghh!
What do you think? Do you agree or disagree that this is cheesy?

Daily Caffeination 8/25/06

God's Recruitment Strategy for Leaders

Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. - Acts 9:8a

When God calls one of His servants into service, there is often much travail. There are many examples where God makes His presence known through circumstances that tax the individual to his very soul.

Consider Paul, who was stricken blind on the Damascus road.

Consider Peter; when he denied Jesus after the crucifixion, he was in total despair.

Consider Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were thrown into the fiery furnace.

Consider Daniel, who was thrown into the lions' den.

Consider David, who was forced to flee his former employer for many years and lived as a fugitive.

It may seem strange to us that God uses such incredible adversity to prepare His servants for greater service, but this is God's way. God knows that the human heart is incapable of voluntarily stepping into situations that take us beyond our comfort zone. He intentionally brings us into hard places to prove us and to drive us deeper into the soil of His grace.

In arid regions of the world, trees cannot survive unless their roots grow deeper to where the water table can be found. Once they reach the water, these trees become stronger than any tree that can be found in tropical climates. Their root systems ensure that they can withstand any storm. In the same way, God brings us into extremely difficult situations in order to prove His power and drive our spiritual roots deeper.

Friend, God may take you through times when you will question His love for you. In such times, you must cling to His coattail so that you see His purposes in it. Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. For in just a very little while, "He who is coming will come and will not delay. But My righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him" (Hebrews 10:36-38).

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

This is awesome...please enjoy!

A fuse of David Crowder and Napolean Dynamite. :-) How "Undignified" are you?

A post from my amazing wife - Lora

My wife Lora has a post up on her personal blog, check it out. She asks a great question about life and work.

Today my frustration is this: Why do things always take longer and end up being more complicated than you expect them to be?

It's that way in work and personal scenarios. Anyone else have that experience?

Go over to her site and discuss it.

Later,
Chris

Daily Caffeination 8/24/06

Freedom and Boundaries

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" Genesis 3:1

God is big on giving man freedom and boundaries-freedom to manage what He has entrusted to us, boundaries to protect us from evil. The boundaries in the Garden of Eden were not set for the purpose of limiting Adam. Man got into trouble when he questioned those boundaries. God had provided everything he would need for life. He also entrusted man with responsibility to manage and work the Garden. God gave him freedom in that responsibility. God knows we were made to express ourselves creatively through our work.

Each of us must have freedom and boundaries in our work life. Whenever you are hired for a job, you must have the freedom to make certain decisions. You must have the authority to manage things within your area of expertise. You must also have limits within your area of responsibility. You need to know where those limits are and stay within them. Both freedom and boundaries are always under the umbrella of God's authority and our authorities at work.

Jesus understood these boundaries. When He was tempted for 40 days by the devil after being baptized, He was challenged by satan to go outside His freedom and boundaries. (See Matthew 4:1-11.) Satan said that He had the power to turn a stone into bread. Jesus was hungry and easily could have justified using His power to feed Himself. However, Jesus understood He could do nothing outside the boundaries of God's will for His life. It was God's will for Jesus to be tempted and to withstand the temptation. God was showing His Son that "man does not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Mt. 4:4b).

You and I are tempted every day to go beyond our God-ordained boundaries. Whether it is solving financial problems that have arisen through debt, making wrong decisions due to pressure, or manipulating someone in order to achieve our ends, it all represents rebellion toward God.

Ask God to show you His freedom and boundaries for your life. These are meant to enhance your life, not hinder it.

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

From Perry Noble's Blog...

If you haven checked out Perry Noble's blog yet, you should go ahead and check it out. Here is a recent post from his blog. I couldn't agree with him anymore. Perry great job, keep up the amazing work you are doing for the Kingdom of God. Perry is the Lead Pastor at NewSpring Church in Anderson, SC.

My wife is simply amazing and I wouldn't disrepect her by going to Hooter's for the "food". Check it out...

Hooters

Got your attention? Good–stay with me…

For those who do not attend NewSpring–let me explain what happened this Sunday…

We are currently doing a series on finances called Deal or No Deal; however, towards the end of the message I threw in a relationship nugget. I made the comment that I do not go to Hooters because in doing so I would dishonor my wife…and I challenged the married men in the room to ask their wives if this was dishonoring.

When I made the comment I just moved on…but since Sunday I have had several women tell me how much they appreciated me making that comment. One woman actually told me that three other women called her on Sunday night and said, “Did you hear what Perry said about Hooters?”

Guys–I know, you go for the food, right? WRONG! I am a man…I know how men think…I know what a man wants to look at…and so if you are a regular customer at Hooters…I KNOW why you go…and it’s not for the food but rather to feed lustful desires. Come on men…you can’t argue here…you know it’s the truth.

What I have discovered about my wife is this–she wants to know that she is beautiful to me. She makes an effort to take care of herself and, when we go out, to take a little extra time for me…she wants me to check her out–to tell her she is beautiful…and when she goes through this effort and I check out another woman or feel the need to go somewhere that puts women on parade to fuel my incredibly weak male ego–this hurts her. Once again men…if you don’t believe me–ask!

Men…I know we all live in a tough world. Sex sells…and beautiful women are used to sell everything from a new car to a cure for hemorroids. (Where does that logic make sense? “Hey–can I have the hemorroid medicine that the beautiful people on television use?”)

Maybe that is why Scripture tell us in Job 31:1 that he made a covenant with his eyes not to look lustfully at a woman…and we need to do the same.

It’s tough…I know–especially in the gym. I remember once a lady getting in front of me with some shorts that were so short that her rear end was literally hanging out! Later that day I was having lunch with a dude who held me accountable and I was telling him about it. He said, “Well…as soon as you saw her on the machine in front of you you moved didn’t you?”

“Uh, no,” I replied.

“Well Perry, how long did you stay there?”

“Uh–about thirty minutes…” I was busted–he called me out…and I never will forget that day that I taught myself the phrase when an attractive woman walks by, “That’s not my wife.” I have had to say that out loud!!! (It really freaks people who are with me out!)

Men–we need to be pure with our eyes…it matters to the woman we are married to. Single dude–it matters to your future spouse. Fathers–it matters to your sons and daughters. You are modeling for you sons how to treat women…and for your daughters how they should allow men to treat them. So…a family trip down to Hooters shows them nothing more than women being treated as objects of lust…and remember when they go down that road in the future–you discipled them.

One more thing and I will let up on this…and this is a challenge to women…the way you dress can greatly affect how a man thinks about you–or what he thinks about you. And I am not talking about those “women in Hollywood.” I am talking about women who claim they love Jesus…but also feel the need to reveal their cleavage to the world. Seriously–there have been some Sunday’s that, if I had put a steel pole in the middle of our stage here at church, many women would have probably felt right at home.

Ladies–if that offends you–check yourself…you don’t want to be treated as a piece of meat…then you can help yourself out by ot putting so much of yourself on display! I know this is a challenge for many of you–where is the line between being beautiful and dressing like you are for sale? My advice–ask a man who is in love with Jesus…and give him permission to be honest…and he will let you know. What might be “cute” to a group of women can be “seductive” to a group of men.

Men have a responsibility to control themselves…but you have a responsibility to help us do so…it is a partnership…and as we work together God will be honored in this.

We will cover more of this kind of stuff in a series this fall–should be fun!

Daily Caffeination 8/23/06

(This is definitly for me. WOW! This really hit me this morning.)

The Art of Waiting

By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them.... - Exodus 13:21

How are you at waiting on God? How do you determine if God is giving you the green light to move forward? Many workplace believers make the mistake of adding up all the pluses and then concluding that God has given them the green light. Several factors go into making a decision from the Lord.

It is important to do three things before you make a decision on a matter. First, you should gather facts. Fact gathering allows you to determine all the realities of a given situation. However, this does not ultimately drive your decision, but it can put a stop to it. For instance, if you were planning to build a shopping center and you knew the only way to lease the space was to rent to a porn shop, your decision would be made. God would not lead you to enter into unrighteous ventures.

Second, is the Holy Spirit guiding you in your decision? "If the Lord delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm" (Ps. 37:23). George Mueller cites that the steps are also "by the Lord." God puts hedges around us, but many times we bull our way through the hedges under the guise of tenacity and perseverance. This too is unrighteousness. One wise workplace believer stated that the greatest success one can have in business is to know when it is time to pull the plug rather than keep forcing a situation. Not all businesses last forever.

Third, has your decision been confirmed? God has placed others around us to be used as instruments in our lives to confirm decisions and keep us from the deceit of our own heart. "Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses" (2 Cor. 13:1b). This is God's way of keeping us within the hedge of His protection.

"Write your plans in pencil and give God the eraser."

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Morning Workout Set

Here is my workout playlist for the gym every morning...I usually have my playlist playing while I am either running the track or treadmill or on the Eliptical (sp?) machine, no matter his is for my cardio. There is nothing like having good workout music.

Workout Playlist -

Boulevard of Broken Dreams 4:21 Green Day Boulevard of Broken Dreams – Single Alternative
Holiday (Faded Ending) 3:53 Green Day Holiday - Single Alternative
Hemorrhage (In My Hands) 3:56 Fuel Something Like Human Hard Rock
Broken 2:59 12 Stones 12 Stones Hard Rock
The Way I Feel 3:47 12 Stones 12 Stones Hard Rock
You Give Love a Bad Name 3:42 Bon Jovi Slippery When Wet Rock
Livin' on a Prayer 4:09 Bon Jovi Slippery When Wet Rock
Zombie 5:06 The Cranberries No Need to Argue Alternative
Bring Me To Life 3:57 Evanescence Fallen Hard Rock
Hearts Of The Innocence 3:37 Kutless Hearts Of The Innocence Rock
Savin' Me 3:39 Nickelback God On The iPod Pop Rock
How You Remind Me 3:43 Nickelback Silver Side Up Rock
Come As You Are 3:39 Nirvana Nevermind Alternative
Lithium 4:16 Nirvana Nevermind Alternative
Your Love 3:42 The Outfield The Outfield: Super Hits Rock
Bring Me Down 3:30 Pillar Where Do We Go From Here Hard Rock
Driver 8 3:24 R.E.M. Eponymous Rock
Losing My Religion 4:28 R.E.M. Out of Time Rock
Orange Crush 3:51 R.E.M. Green Rock
Drive featuring Michael Stipe 4:17 Dashboard Confessional MTV2 Album Covers: Dashboard Confessional & R.E.M. Alternative
Broken (Featuring Amy Lee) 4:18 Seether & Amy Lee Disclaimer II Alternative
Vertigo 3:13 U2 How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb Rock
Elevation 3:47 U2 All That You Can't Leave Behind Rock
Image of the Invisible (Radio Edit) 4:01 Thrice Image of the Invisible - Single Alternative
In the Sun (With Coldplay) [Recorded Live At Austin City Limits] 3:40 Michael Stipe In the Sun - EP Rock
Speed Of Sound 4:48 Coldplay X & Y Rock

Daily Caffeination 8/22/06

Drawing Near to Darkness

The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was. - Exodus 20:21

Like the nation of Israel, we are each called to the mountain of God, but few are willing to pass through the darkness to get there. God wanted to reveal His glory to the children of Israel, but they were afraid to enter into His presence. They only wanted to know about God, rather than know him personally like Moses did. This grieved the heart of God.

Why wouldn't the people of Israel risk entering the darkness if it meant being in the presence of God? What did the people fear?

Perhaps they had fears like each of us. The fear of the unknown. The fear of what might happen. The fear that God might not like what He sees. Or, perhaps even the greatest fear: the fear of darkness itself and what lies behind that darkness.

Many of us have been satisfied to hear about God from God's messengers. But there is a greater calling for each of us-a calling to enter into His presence. Sometimes entering into His presence means we enter through an unexpected door-a door that appears to have nothing good behind it.

We do not need to fear entering the presence of God even if it means entering through a period of darkness. Above all else we must believe that God is a God of love. If He calls us into darkness in order to enter His presence, then that darkness will become an entry to new levels of relationship with a God who longs for fellowship with you and me.

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Prison Break returns tonight...

Are there any Prison Break fans out there in the blog world? Well tonight it returns on FOX @ 8:00pm. I have been waiting the return of this amazing show. Since Alias is no longer on, Prison Break has become my favorite drama on TV.

Good TV returns...Yeah! Oh did I mention, NCAA and NFL football season starts real soon. Ahhh, I love fall. :-)

Later,
Chris

Daily Caffeination 8/21/06

Free to Stand

That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies.... - Joshua 7:12

It matters not how strong you are. It matters not whether you have the greatest resources and talent. It matters not if you have the best plans and procedures. It will all fail if you have a break in your armor.

This is the message God told Joshua when he attempted to go against a small army at Ai, which was the Israelites' second battle in the Promised Land. Sometimes we try to figure out why we are not successful in an endeavor. We look at all aspects of our performance to see what went wrong. For the people of Israel, it was not easily seen on the surface. Everything seemed just as it should be from Joshua's vantage point, so when his army was soundly defeated, he cried out to God, "Ah, Sovereign Lord, why did You ever bring this people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us?" (Josh. 7:7a)

The people had been defeated because God could not bless them. One person had violated the covenant with God. They were not to take any possessions from the first battle, but one person failed to live up to this, and the whole army suffered.

Sin makes our armor vulnerable to attack from satan, who then gains permission from God to attack us in the area where we have failed to uphold righteousness. If we break down in moral purity, satan comes in and establishes a stronghold. If we give place to bitterness and unforgiveness, we will break fellowship with God and others. If we become money-focused, we will fall into greed and deception. It is a vicious cycle.

Examine your armor today. Make sure you are not susceptible to attack. Begin from a solid spiritual foundation and your chances of success will be great.

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Daily Caffeination 8/20/06

New Things

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 3:13b-14

Our past can be a hindrance or a help in moving toward God's purposes for each of us. For some, the past has meant pain and heartache, and grace is required so that we do not let our past dictate our responses to the future. If we allow our past to make us a victim, then we have not entered into the grace that God has for us. If we live on memories of past successes and fail to raise our vision for new things, we again are victims of our past.

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland" (Is. 43:19). Our past should only be viewed for what we can learn from it. We must move forward and avoid viewing the negative or the positive for more than what we can learn. Many have allowed their past to dictate their future. God is always about doing new things in our lives. He gives fresh revelation of His purposes in our lives. Do not live in the past. Do not hold onto bitterness that may hinder God from doing new and exciting things in your life. He turns our wastelands into streams of water to give life, not death.

How have you viewed your past? Has it hindered you in some areas of your life? Have you relied on past successes to dictate what you will do in the future? Put aside such thoughts and allow God to do a new thing in your life. Ask Him to help you see the new things He wants to do in and through you today.

"When your memories are bigger than your dreams, you're headed for the grave" [Author unknown].

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Today I made a mistake

This morning I made a huge mistake out of anger, hurt and frustration. I apologize! I am so sorry! I hurt someone I care about. This week has been horrible. I wish I could start the week over. God help me, forgive me!
Ugggghhh!!!

Chris

Daily Caffeination 8/19/06

Overcoming All Odds

..."Because you have prayed to Me...." - Isaiah 37:21

Have you ever had your back against the wall so badly that if something didn't happen to change your situation, you were sunk? King Hezekiah was one of Israel's greatest godly kings. One of the greatest challenges to his reign came when the king of Assyria threatened to attack Israel and wipe them out. The Assyrians were the local bullies of the region and had wiped out all other enemies in their region.

They mocked the idea of having a God who could save them.

Do not let Hezekiah deceive you. He cannot deliver you! Do not let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in the Lord when he says, "The Lord will surely deliver us; this city will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria" (Isaiah 36:14b-15).

The workplace is full of "Assyrian kings" who mock the idea of a living God who delivers. Without God's help, Israel would not overcome. Their backs were against the wall. They would be destroyed.

King Hezekiah saved Israel because of one act. He prayed; and because he prayed, God moved on his behalf. In fact, God moved so powerfully that Hezekiah did not even have to fight the battle.

Then the angel of the Lord went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies! (Isaiah 37:36)

The king of Assyria was even murdered by his own sons. Imagine seeing your enemy totally destroyed without one hand raised in battle!

God wants to act on behalf of His children if they will call on Him. One of the motives Hezekiah had in seeking God's help was "so that all kingdoms on earth may know that You alone, O Lord, are God" (Is. 37:20). This is what happened. God was glorified.

God wants to let your workplace know that God is a living God. He can deliver. Seek Him today for the crisis in your life. Keep your motive pure and God will surely answer.

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

What ever happened to...

What ever happened to people being genuine and real? People being who they say they are? Why do so many people run when things get difficult and not confront situations? Why are there so many people faking who they are? Are there any authentic Christ followers, or is everyone just so stinking self righteous? Why are people so willing to point out every little thing that is wrong with someone else and yet can't seem to look at themselves with the same lenses? What ever happened to true integrity? Why is so much easier to be around non church people than "church" people? What ever happened to true relationships, like the ones in the Bible? Why do so many people try to manipulate in relationships either through playing the victim or through "power"? Why does it seem like so many people around me are crashing in their faith? Why do people get so offended when your honest with them? Since when does the world revolve individuals? What ever happened to Biblical standards? Why do I have so may questions?

I feel like screaming!

I know I am not naive, I do know I am very transparent, sometimes too emotional, I do offer a whole lot of grace, mercy, understanding and forgiveness. I am very loyal sometimes to a fault. I love people. Can I be too authentic, can I be too real?

With me, what you see is what you get. People stop faking, learn to be real.

Again, I feel like screaming!

Daily Caffeination 8/18/06

The Response of Faith

..."Everything is all right".... - 2 Kings 4:26

The prophet Elisha often would travel through the town of Shunem, and in that town was a well-to-do couple who extended hospitality to him. At first, they simply offered Elisha a meal when he came through town. Then, seeing that Elisha needed a place to stay and study, they built a room for him above their house so that each time he came through town, he had a place to stay. He was so appreciative of their kindness that one day he asked the wife what he could do for her. His servant Gehazi later informed Elisha that the woman was barren and her husband was old. " 'About this time next year,' Elisha said, 'you will hold a son in your arms' " (2 Kings 4:16). A year later the son arrived.

One day the father was working in the field, and the son became ill and died. The woman ran to meet Elisha to inform him. When Elisha asked what was wrong, she did not panic and react in fear. Her response to Elisha seemed almost unnatural. "Everything is all right," she said. Elisha went to the boy and raised him from the dead. It was a glorious miracle. (See Second Kings 4.)

Faith looks at situations through God's eyes, not the eyes of our limited understanding. This woman did not panic, for she knew something more than the current circumstance. Faith does not panic, but realizes that what looks like devastating circumstances may be God's plan to bring glory to Himself by demonstrating His power. When Jesus appeared on the water to the disciples in the middle of the night, they exclaimed, "It's a ghost!" (see Mt. 14:26) First appearances can bring great fear upon us even to the point of paralyzing us. Find the Lord in your circumstance today. Exercise your faith today and trust Him for His outcome in the situation.

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Daily Caffeination 8/17/06

Rejected for Christ

And they took offense at Him.... - Matthew 13:57

Jesus taught in the synagogue in the community He grew up in. He was raised as a local carpenter's son. No one saw any miraculous powers in this young boy's life. But something changed as He became older. "Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?" Those in the community could not reconcile God's work in someone they thought they knew simply as the carpenter's son. God brings every person who is committed to Him out of their normal routine into a new revelation of Himself that impacts others.

Is the move of God so evident in your life that it invites scrutiny from friends or coworkers? Jesus confronted the issues of His day without fear of being rejected. A life of obedience will be an affront to the systems of this world. When God begins His deeper work in you, it will be a stumbling block to those around you. When you are rejected for Christ, consider that Christ is affirming His call on your life and you are becoming a threat to the kingdom of darkness. How many of satan's workers do you suppose have been assigned to thwart God's activity in your life? Those who sit in a pew from week to week and never speak the name of Christ in the workplace require few opponents because they represent no threat to the kingdom of darkness.

How are you impacting the kingdom of darkness? God has called you and me to impact the lives around us for His Kingdom. Your words may be an affront to those around you; do not fear this. God will use your words and life to draw others to Himself. You are His ambassador in the workplace. He has placed you there for this time to extend life to those who live in darkness.

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Updating the blog...

Excuse me for a few days while I clean up and update my blog, I want to make this better. Just bear with me.

Chris

Daily Caffeination 8/16/06

Hidden Value

Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.—1 Corinthians 3:8

A man who was doing a little cleaning went up to his attic and was throwing away a bunch of old junk. Then he came across an old vase that he thought might be worth something. So, he brought it to an antique dealer who knew a little bit about these things. He was shocked when he walked out with a check for $324,000. It turns out that the vase was a piece of 15th-century art from the Ming dynasty. And all that time it had been sitting there in his attic.

There are people who faithfully labor behind the scenes for the Lord whom we don’t know of. But their Heavenly Father who sees them in secret will one day reward them openly. In fact, you might be one of those people. No one knows your name. No one knows what you do. But you are faithful to what the Lord has asked you to do, trying to do the best with what He has given you.

So don’t be jealous of what someone else has. Don’t worry about what God has called someone else to do, because you won’t be judged for that. And they won’t be judged for what He has called you to do. Be faithful with what God has put before you. Be thankful you have a life to use for God’s glory, and use it for Him.

You may think that what you do for the Lord doesn’t have any real value. But what is so valuable here will be worthless there. And what may not seem valuable here may be priceless there when we stand before God.

Daily Caffeination 8/15/06

Blameless

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless. - Psalm 84:11

If you were running for political office, what approach would your opponent take against you? If he wanted to launch a smear campaign, would there be any ammunition for him to use? Think how you would feel if the director of the opposing campaign came to you afterwards and said, "Sir, we tried to find something negative to play up in our campaign against you, but we couldn't."

What does it really mean to be a person who is blameless before God? Being blameless before God does not mean we are perfect. No human being is perfect. It means that we so fully trust in God that we are willing to make things right when we fail. We are willing to humble ourselves continually before the throne of God. "...Blessed is the man who trusts in You" (Psalm 84:12). God has a specific plan for the people who fully trust in Him. He promises to be their shield, to bestow honor on them. He will not withhold any good thing from them. What a promise! What motivation to be all that we can be in God.

Imagine living a life that God views as blameless, which allows Him to withhold no good thing. Pray that God would make you and me that kind of person.

HMMMMM...

Sometimes you have so much stuff going through mind and you want to say a lot, but you realize that you have so much more questions than you do answers.

Anyone, understand what I am saying? I have such a heavy heart and so much on my mind and
mix that in with various emotions and there you have it.

Hmmmmm...

Daily Caffeination 8/14/06

Things I Cannot Understand

Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. - Job 42:3b

If there was any one man on earth who had reason to question God's love, it was Job. He lost his family, his health, and his wealth-all at the same time. His friends came to his side only to question his spirituality. God had already answered the question of his integrity. Job was described in the opening verses of the book as "blameless and upright" (see Job 1:1). His calamities were not born from sin. Job acknowledged God's right to do anything in his life until one day he could take it no longer. He questioned God's motives.

God answered Job, but not in the way he wanted to hear. God answered him with a series of questions that represents the most incredible discourse of correction by God to any human being. Three chapters later, Job realized that he had questioned the motives of the Author of the universe, the Author of love. He fell flat before his Creator and realized his total depravity. "Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know."

Have you ever questioned God's activity in your life? Have you questioned His love for you based on circumstances that came your way? The cross at Calvary answers the love question. He sent His own Son in replacement for your sin. If you were the only person on earth, He would have done the same. His ways cannot always be understood or reconciled in our finite minds. That must be left for a future time when all will be understood. For now, entrust your life to Him completely. Embrace Him in the hard times and the good.

Early Morning Stroll Through Pittsburgh

I got up at 5:00am, and roamed around Pittsburgh for my last day here...what a great city. Here are some pictures I took at the dawn of day...enjoy! Always Chris...(You get it...the Coca Cola theme) Nevermind! Enjoy...

Daily Caffeination 8/13/06 (Last one from Pittsburgh, PA)

The Faithfulness of God

The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. - Psalm 145:13b-14

Have you ever had a relationship with someone who was faithful? You knew you could depend on that person to do what he said. You learned that his word was completely trustworthy. If he said he would call you, he would. If he said he'd be somewhere at a certain time, he'd be there. In fact, if he was late, you began to wonder if he had an accident because it was so contrary to his nature. It's great to have friends who are faithful.

God is faithful. He is faithful to fulfill every promise in His Word. Sometimes we think God isn't faithful because it appears He has not fulfilled a desire that we have. Sometimes we think He is not faithful because of a crisis event that seems to say God isn't faithful. We must remember that God is more concerned about accomplishing His ultimate purpose in the life of every believer than giving us the desires of our heart. Sometimes this results in hardship.

The Bible is full of accounts of God's faithfulness that was often accompanied by hardship. He brought Joseph out of slavery to be greatly used in a nation. He delivered the people from Egypt and brought them into the Promised Land. He gave Abraham the son of promise late in his life. He delivered David from his enemies and made him a king. In story upon story, we learn of God's faithfulness.

Are you a faithful man or woman? The workplace needs faithful men and women. Take an inventory of your life today and ask God if you have been faithful with what He has entrusted to you.

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Pirates beat the Cardinals again, 3-2

That is right the Pirates pulled out two in a row against the mighty Cardinals. I am so happy, my buddy Bill isn't so happy. We are staying for one more game tomorrow, the final game in this 3 game series. Here are some pictures from tonight...please enjoy.

Another awesome skyline picture from different seats

Looking into the Cardinals dugout

Ballfield with skyline in background
Albert Pujols of the Cardinals
Albert Pujols walking off his two run homerSimply the Pirates

My favorite Pirate - Jason Bay

My favorite picture yet, I might get this one framed for my office
Self Picture of me and BillFireworks after the Pirates win...

The scoreboard of the Pirates win 3-2

Walking around the great city of Pittsburgh

This afternoon, Bill and I walked around the city of Pittsburgh. Here are the pictures of our journey. Enjoy the sites of this awesome city. PITTSBURGH BABY!!!

A Pitts-Burger Cheesesteak from Primanti Brothers
A local Favorite here in Pittsburgh
A steakburger with cole slaw, fries, and tomatoes on this amazing sandwich
My type of food, a whole lot of eating...

Bill struggled to try to down all of his, mine came to easy.
The home of the Pittsburgh Pirates - PNC Park
Statue of Roberto Clemente with the Memorial bridge and the skyline in the background.
Statue of Willie "Pops" StargellThe Home of my beloved Pittsburgh Steelers, oh yeah they happen to be the Super Bowl Champions. :-) Steelers Baby!

I love pictures of city skylines...I really love this picture of the Pittsburgh skyline with one of the three rivers in the foreground.

In Remembrance...

This morning I got up at 5:30, to go to a town called Leechburg, PA. This was a place I used to come to alot as a child with my mom and dad to visit my grandparents and my great grandmother, as well as many uncles and aunts.

I have alot of great memories coming up here as a kid until I was about 13 or 14. I want to post some pictures of a few familiar places that are very meaninful to me, places that have significance in my life.

My great grandmother's old trailer location...I think I have a cousin living there now.

My grandpa & grandma McCollum's old house (front & back of the house) the house has an addition now. I learned to play pool here...wow great memories.

My grandparents...I didn't know my grandmother, she died before my 3rd birthday...I did know my grandfather really well, he was awesome. This is honestly the only picture I have of them together. I am really trying not to be morbid here...just remembering my journey.

Daily Caffeination 8/12/06 (from Pittsburgh, PA)

(Oh yes they have Starbucks here in Pennsylvania)

Good for Nothing?

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. —2 Corinthians 5:10

The Bible tells us that we must all appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ. This word “appear” can be translated, “to make manifest.” This suggests that the purpose of the Judgment seat of Christ is a public manifestation, or demonstration, of the essential characters and motives of an individual.

This judgment is not about whether we will get to heaven, because it takes place in heaven. Rather, it is about the rewards believers will receive. Jesus said, “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work” (Revelation 22:12). God has a reward for those who have faithfully served Him.

What will be judged, according to 2 Corinthians 5:10, is what we have done, whether good or bad. The word used for “bad” in this verse is not speaking of something ethically or morally evil, because Christ paid the price for our sins at the cross of Calvary.

Rather, the word used for “bad” speaks of evil of another kind. Another way to translate it would be “good-for-nothingness,” or “worthlessness.” The idea of good or bad is not of someone who has done something outwardly and blatantly wrong. The idea is of someone who wasted his or her life, a life that was good for nothing. It is someone who has thrown away his or her time, energy, and life in general.

What are you doing with your life for Christ’s sake? I know what He has done for you. What are you doing for Him? Are you wasting your life on nothingness?

Pirates beat Cardinals 7-1 :-)

Yeah I know, I am shocked too...but hey the Pirates can't lose them all right? I am excited but my buddy Bill is a little upset. Had a great night at the ballpark, here are the pics...

View from Roberto Clemente Bridge
Great close up of Jim Edmunds Center Field For St. Louis
My buddy Bill before the game...here he is happy :-)
View of PNC Park before the game
Albert Pujols play 1st base and Jason Bay on the bag
Several Pictures of the awesome skyline of Pittsburgh from our seats...AMAZING!
My favorite
Scoreboard at night
Final Score 7-1...wooohooo!!!
Fireworks to celebrate the Pirate's win
Bill not so happy after the game :-)

More to come tomorrow night.

Later,
Chris

Hey Kids...

Hey look kids our motherland ...dad, grandma is from Chicago...shut up Russ. from European National Vacation with Chevy Chase.

I am in my motherland of Pittsburgh, PA baby!!!! My buddy Bill Fields and I are here for a few days to see the Pittsburgh Pirates (my team) and St. Louis Cardinals (his team). We are going to see two games one tonight and one tomorrow. I am so stinking excited...I love Pittsburgh. I will post pictures later, so check back throughout the weekend.

We are staying at the Marriot City Center, right across from the Mellon Arena, where my beloved Penguins play hockey.

Looking forward to a great weekend. Party time!!!

Daily Caffeination 8/11/06

(A shot of spirituality for the daily grind.)

Reflecting His Glory

They will tell of the glory of Your kingdom and speak of Your might, so that all men may know of Your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of Your kingdom. - Psalm 145:11-12

How do you measure your effectiveness in God, or should you even be thinking like this? The early Church turned the world upside down in that first century. What made them so effective? Was it their theology? Was it great preaching? Was it due to one man's influence apart from Jesus?

The Scriptures are clear as to what made the early Church effective. It is at the core of God's heart, and it is quite simple. God desires to reflect His nature and power through every individual. When this happens, the world is automatically changed because those who reflect His glory affect the world.

We serve a jealous God. He is a God who will not share His glory with anyone. God sets up situations in order to demonstrate His power through them. He has done this since the day He created man. His desire is to reflect His glory through you and me, so that all men may know of His mighty acts and the glorious splendor of His Kingdom.

The apostle Paul understood this principle: "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power" (1 Cor. 2:4-5).

If you do not see His glory being reflected through your life, then you need to ask why. He has promised to do so if we will walk in obedience to His commands.

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Daily Caffeination 8/10/06

(Can I get a double shot of espresso with that devotional?)

Waiting on God

Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him! - Isaiah 30:18

Have you ever noticed that God is not in a hurry? It took 40 years for Moses to receive his commission to lead the people out of Egypt. It took 17 years of preparation before Joseph was delivered from slavery and imprisonment. It took 20 years before Jacob was released from Laban's control. Abraham and Sarah were in their old age when they finally received the son of promise, Isaac. So why isn't God in a hurry?

God called each of these servants to accomplish a certain task in His Kingdom, yet He was in no hurry to bring their mission into fulfillment. First, He accomplished what He wanted in them. We are often more focused on outcome than the process that He is accomplishing in our lives each day. When we experience His presence daily, one day we wake up and realize that God has done something special in and through our lives. However, the accomplishment is no longer what excites us. Instead, what excites us is knowing Him. Through those times, we become more acquainted with His love, grace, and power in our lives. When this happens, we are no longer focused on the outcome because the outcome is a result of our walk with Him. It is not the goal of our walk, but the by-product. Hence, when Joseph came to power in Egypt, he probably couldn't have cared less. He had come to a place of complete surrender so that he was not anxious about tomorrow or his circumstances.

This is the lesson for us. We must wait for God's timing and embrace wherever we are in the process. When we find contentment in that place, we begin to experience God in ways we never thought possible.

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Daily Caffeination 8/9/06

(Do you want a tall; grande; or venti?)

The Nut is Gone

But the fact is that Christ has been raised from the dead. He has become the first of a great harvest of those who will be raised to life again.—1 Corinthians 15:20

A minister who was conducting a funeral service wanted to speak of some of the wonderful things about the deceased. But this poor guy said the wrong thing. He boldly proclaimed, “What we have here is only the shell,” gesturing toward the coffin. Then he added, “But the nut has gone.” He didn’t want it to come out that way. But that is a pretty accurate statement of what happens when we die.

God will give us new bodies one day — resurrection bodies. And we will need these new bodies because we will be in a new place called heaven. Of course, we wouldn’t think of sending astronauts into outer space dressed like they are going to the beach. They must have special suits that are designed to allow them to breathe and function in their new environment. Our earthly bodies suit us fine for life on Earth. But in heaven, we will need new bodies.

We will need new bodies for our new environment because, to begin with, if we were to see God in the bodies were are living in right now, we would disintegrate on the spot. Why? Because we are not perfect people. Our bodies are limited by the effects of sin. The very fact that we age, can get sick, and will one day die (if the Lord does come back for us first) means that we have bodies that are tainted by sin. We need new bodies, made into the image of Jesus.

You will leave the shell, but the “nut,” the real you, will go into the presence of the Lord.

Daily Caffeination 8/8/06

(This devotion may get your heart rate going)

The Causes of Failure

You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove it. - Joshua 7:13b

The first battle for the people of Israel traveling from Egypt was at Jericho, once they crossed the Jordan River. God had given them a great victory at Jericho, and Joshua was now ready to move to their next battle at Ai. After they spied out the enemy camp, they determined they needed only a few thousand men to gain victory. They went up against Ai only to fail miserably. They lost 32 men in a battle that should have been an easy victory, but instead they were forced to retreat. Joshua was devastated. "Ah, Sovereign Lord, why did You ever bring this people across the Jordan to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us?" (Josh. 7:7a)

In this case, the people fell short because they failed to uphold the standard God had set for them. God had told them not to take any plunder from their first battle. However, Achan hid some forbidden treasures, and God was now judging the entire nation for one man's sin.

Whenever we act without God's complete blessing on our activity, we can expect God to thwart our plans. God's word to Joshua was that he could not stand against his enemies as long as there was disobedience among his troops.

Whenever we launch a business endeavor, we should make sure there are no unclean things in our dealings that would allow us to be vulnerable to a failed effort: unpaid vendors, disgruntled employees who were not treated fairly, lawsuits, dishonesty. Many of these things can hinder God from blessing our enterprises. These things can remove the shield of protection from our workplace, which God wants to bless, but cannot because He is committed to upholding righteousness. His name is blemished when unrighteousness is allowed to permeate our lives.

Is the Lord able to bless your enterprises today? If not, you may need to go back and clean up a few things before He can do so. Take whatever steps are needed to ensure the blessing of God today.

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Another awesome quote

This from Fast Company's First Impression email that I receive everyday...

"People are looking for a way to make a difference."

—Paul Rice, CEO and Founder, TransFair

First Impression archive

As Christ followers are you looking for ways to make a difference in someone elses life? Are you looking for ways to make a difference in your community? Are you looking forward ways to make a difference at your workplace? How about in this world that God has placed you in?

I believe we are called to make a huge difference through our influence. Let us be difference makers!

Daily Caffeination 8/7/06

(Warning: The content in this devotional maybe too hot.)

Being a Shelter for Those in Need

Each man will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land. - Isaiah 32:2

Have you ever walked in a dry, hot climate for an extended time? The sun beats down, sweat begins to pour off your brow, and your throat and mouth are parched with thirst. A little shade, a slight breeze, or a cool drink becomes the greatest thing one could value at the moment.

When you and I walk with Christ in the workplace, we become that kind of oasis for non-Christians. However, they may not recognize it at the time. Let's face it, the workplace is pretty tough, especially when Christ is not in the center of it.

When a person becomes aware of their need of Christ through you or me, we have become a shelter from the wind. We become their refuge from the storms of life.

Someone once said that you and I might be the only Bible someone ever reads, so we need to be something worth reading. Are you available to be that shelter for a non-believing friend? If so, then you may open the eyes of someone who has been blind his whole life. What an incredible blessing to know you were the instrument God used to bring a person into the Kingdom of God.

Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed, and the ears of those who hear will listen (Isaiah 32:3).

(by Os Hillman, from Today God Is First, Destiny Image Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000)

Great Service today...I got to preach once again

Service was really good today...great worship and great response. Oh did I mention I got to preach again. I love the honor to share from my heart and that is exactly what I did today. This was probably one of my most vulnerable messages I have ever preached...I believe it really connected and hit the mark. Here are my notes from the sermon...

Opening song to the message - What Hurts The Most by Rascall Flatts

Know Pain, Know Gain

PAIN IS REALITY.

Pain is not about if, but when. Pain is the reality of the world that we live in. Many of you who are sitting here this morning are the people you are today because the pain you have gone through. Many are going through times of pain right now at this very moment.

I am who I am today because of the pain I went through in my life, through verbal and physical abuse from my mother. I am the man I am today because God used what I went through to refine and bring a greater purpose in my life. I went through what I went through so God could build character in me, it is a part of my foundation and make up of who I am.

This morning I am going to be totally real and authentic with you, I am going expose a few of my past pains and hurts. Some were worse than others but it was pain. This morning I want you to examine areas in your life where you have pain or areas where you haven’t dealt with the pain from your past. I also want you to look back at those times of pain to see how God brought you through and how He wants to use it for His purposes.

Pain is real. There is pain all over the place. You hear about pain on the TV. You hear about pain in some of the songs that you listen to through iTunes; or on the radio. Go to the movies and see pain on the big. Pain is everywhere. You don’t even have to look far for pain, pain will indeed find you. Pain is something we will or we have already experienced.

One of the first times in my life I felt pain. I mean real pain. The type of pain you cry for our hours and you throw up. This is when I found out my parents were splitting up and my dad was cheating on my mother.

I remember the pain when I found my first dog ran away while we were on vacation when I was kid. I was 6 years old. I was so heart-broken, I loved that dog and she took care of me as a child, she was my best friend.

Pain messes with us all over the place, emotionally; mentally; and even spiritually. Pain will drive us closer to God or it will drive us away from God.

Pain comes from everywhere. Pain pops up…you lose your job; your marriage is in shambles; old addictions begin haunt your life again; you find a friend or a relative has cancer; your kids fall away from God; friendships end; or your spouse cheats on you. And you wonder how you can clear all away. How can you escape this pain?

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.” 1 Peter 4:12 - Peter is telling us pain is reality. He is telling us not to be so shocked every time pain comes along in our life. Peter reminds us that pain is a part of life.

TYPES OF PAIN

• Messed up world pain.
“In this world you will have trouble. John 16:33
We live in a world that is sinful. There are struggles and frustrations in this world.

Because there is sin in this world people will have unpure motives. People will do messed up things. You can click on the TV or open up the newspaper or even look online and see how messed up our world is and how much pain is out there because of it.

People will die. Your kids will struggle. Family issues will arise.

For years I went through the pain of losing my girlfriend I had in 9th grade to drug inflicted suicide. She snorted some cocaine at a party and played Russian roulette. Because of sin, because of even poor decisions of someone else I had to suffer the pain as well her family and friends. I lived with that pain for years even to the point combined with the years of abuse from my mom I tried to commit suicide myself.

Pain can cause us to do things we wouldn’t normally do

Everyday world stuff can bring us pain constantly. Because of sin in this world, the consequences of that sin many times is pain.

We cannot get mad at God, point the finger at God. Too often people do that, too often we blame God for the messed up everyday world pain.

Some of us in here this morning have gone through or are currently going through messed up world pain.

• Stupid decision pain.
“Those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it.” Job 4:8

Many times this is where I find myself personally, I do things that I know I shouldn’t do or things I know that is downright stupid that I inflict pain on myself.

PAST STUPID DECISIONS THAT CAUSED ME PAIN!!! This is not an exhaustive list.
-Sliding in softball.
-Not knowing when to shut up.
-Using the credit card way too much and causing debt.
-Stupid spending.
-Running a through a doorway and hitting my head on a metal doorframe slashing my head open.
-Getting in the wrong type of relationships.
-Setting the woods behind your house on fire or setting your parents bed on fire…trust me I felt the pain.

-I have done my fair share of stupid decisions.

Many times we make stupid choices and decision that will cause us pain. We have all done it.

One way we can minimize this pain is to make right choices and godly decisions. Trust me, you will not only relief a lot of frustration but you will relief a whole lot of pain in your life.

If you sow stupid stuff you will reap stupid stuff.

Many of you ask the question how did I get myself in this mess? It is many times through our stupid decisions and action.

Many of you in here are like me and say I am the master of the stupid decision pain. Are you like that this morning?

• Enemy driven pain.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12

We have an enemy who wants to destroy you. He wants to steal from you. He wants to kill you.

He wants to destroy your family, your legacy, your church, he has absolutely wants to rip you up. He wants to devour our lives.

Church, Satan is real and he can inflict real pain and real damage on you life.

He causes confusion, he causes doubt, he torments, and he causes guilt. There is a dark evil force working in our world. This evil force is terrorizing our lives.

The enemy knows what it is that you struggle with, drug and alcohol addiction, pornography, anger. He knows what to do to cause you to mess up to struggle to fall. The enemy of your soul is planting seeds of temptation in your heart and mind to wreak havoc and cause pain in your life.

How many of you in here today have gone or are currently going through enemy driven pain? How many feel that Satan is wreaking havoc and pain in your life.

Enemy driven pain is real!

My question to you this morning, is what is the pain in your life?

Identify your pain! Think about and identify your pain write it down…put in your notes. Be real and authentic and identify the pain in your life.

STEP INTO THE PAIN, DON’T ESCAPE IT.

Don’t mask your pain. You can’t run from it. We try to hide it and even medicate it. We try to numb the pain. We cannot get away from the pain unless we deal with it.

In my life I tried hard to mask the pain. I use to try what ever I could to get rid of pain, even to the point of committing suicide…I even you use to try to deflect my pain on others through anger issues through wanting others to feel what I was going through.

We try to put these little itty bitty bandaids and these great big open pain.

“He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners” Isaiah 61:1

Chavash: wrap around, bandage, envelope, compress, to stop

Pain will either destroy you or transform you, but it will never leave you the same.

SEE THE BIG PICTURE IN PAIN.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds; because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything.” James 1:2-4

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” 1 Peter 5:6

Bring your pain to the feet of the one who knows your pain. Bring it to the one who has experienced pain. Let us reflect back to the cross of Jesus Christ. Jesus went through pain, he understand when you and I go through the pain we go through. Let us bring it to Him this morning.

When we fall facedown before God, He will pick us up…He will wrap us with His loving arms. God will never leave us or forsake us.