Matthew 6:5-13 NKJV, “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.
“Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.
In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Basically, Jesus instructed his followers to pray simple prayers. So many of us are intimidated by prayer. There are a ton of books on the subject. There are so many methods and theories. People truly desire to talk with God and to get answers from him. Yet, they do not pray, because they think they don't know how to properly.
I believe Jesus opened the door to all of us who might be intimidated by prayer by telling us to not worry about how long or how good our prayer sounds to others. He told us to enter a room alone, close the door and talk to God in simple sentences. Don't think your prayers will be answered because of your many words. Jesus later brought a young child in and explained that unless we become like a young child we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. The kingdom is for simple people like you and me.
Very simply we can ask our loving heavenly Father to meet our daily needs, after we have yielded ourselves completely to his will and to his ways. We can ask forgiveness and strength to overcome temptation. In all things we can give him thanks and praise.
I encourage you to try praying more simple and basic prayers.
Peace,
SS
Friday, November 13, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Big Story
The theme of the Bible is the Kingdom of God. The idea of kingdom suggests there is one ruler. In the Christian world view, we believe that God created the world. It was created for good. God took care of his creation, including the people he created. The people glorified and blessed God in return and cared for his creation.
After the people decided to contradict the way of God, this world was and is being destroyed by evil. Everyone can recognize that this world is a mess. Inherently, we all know that things were different in the past or can be different in the future. God loves his creation too much to leave the world and its people in this mess. So, God came to the earth as Jesus. He taught us the Kingdom of God (Way of God). He healed and helped people, undoing the works of Satan. Ultimately, Jesus laid down his life as a sacrifice for the sins of all people. Whoever believes and trusts Jesus become part of God's family (kingdom), receiving everlasting life.
God’s mission is to re-establish connection with his creation through willing acceptance of his ways and his authority. Our mission as Christ followers is committed participation to the reconciliation of God’s creation to the kingdom of God. In other words, after a person accepts salvation through Jesus Christ as Lord (ruler), he or she accepts an assignment to be sent out to heal and to bless others.
When God called Abraham on this journey of faith, he promised to bless him. Abraham was blessed by God to be a blessing to all of the families on earth. God's blessing in our life is to be shared with others. We receive Christ individually to become part of God's Big Story. God blesses us to be a blessing. Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and body. He continued saying the second command is to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Let's all get busy loving God and loving others.
Peace,
Stan
After the people decided to contradict the way of God, this world was and is being destroyed by evil. Everyone can recognize that this world is a mess. Inherently, we all know that things were different in the past or can be different in the future. God loves his creation too much to leave the world and its people in this mess. So, God came to the earth as Jesus. He taught us the Kingdom of God (Way of God). He healed and helped people, undoing the works of Satan. Ultimately, Jesus laid down his life as a sacrifice for the sins of all people. Whoever believes and trusts Jesus become part of God's family (kingdom), receiving everlasting life.
God’s mission is to re-establish connection with his creation through willing acceptance of his ways and his authority. Our mission as Christ followers is committed participation to the reconciliation of God’s creation to the kingdom of God. In other words, after a person accepts salvation through Jesus Christ as Lord (ruler), he or she accepts an assignment to be sent out to heal and to bless others.
When God called Abraham on this journey of faith, he promised to bless him. Abraham was blessed by God to be a blessing to all of the families on earth. God's blessing in our life is to be shared with others. We receive Christ individually to become part of God's Big Story. God blesses us to be a blessing. Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and body. He continued saying the second command is to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Let's all get busy loving God and loving others.
Peace,
Stan
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Forgiveness Factor
There are a plethora of factors that help one build loving, healthy relationships. The forgiveness factor is the one non-negotiable issue in relationship building. Without the willingness and ability to apologize, forgive and receive forgiveness, one cannot have or be a friend, or even be happy.
Every living, breathing human will experience offense. Most of our perceived offenses are products of our own minds. Usually, when offended by another person, they are oblivious to the fact. I really don’t believe that most people are setting out to purposefully upset another person. Usually, we are offended when others act different to what we desire.
Whether purposefully or inadvertently others will hurt us. Forgiveness is always the best reaction. Ephesians 4:30–32, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
Un-forgiveness and the associated emotions grieve the Holy Spirit.
Counter wise, when the Holy Spirit is directing our lives, the evident fruit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control. When overcome by un-forgiveness, anger, bitterness, and depression are the result. The greatest loser is the person who refuses to forgive. The most Christ-like action is forgiveness. Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Before any asked for forgiveness, God through Christ offered forgiveness.
We can forgive others even if they never apologize. We can forgive if the other person does not deserve it. Forgiveness is an action of the will, not of the emotions. Emotions are unreliable. We can forgive anyone of any and all transgressions against us. Ephesians 5:1 exhorts us to “imitate God as dear children.” We did not deserve God’s forgiveness. He forgave us anyway. As his children, we can do the same for others.
In Matthew 18, Jesus was asked how many times we should forgive another. During his response, Jesus told a story of a servant who owed his master a great debt. In today’s money, the debt was $4 billion. The servant begged for mercy. His master was compassionate, forgave and released him from the debt that could never be repaid. This, of course, is symbolic of the forgiveness of our sins and the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Later in the story a fellow servant begged for mercy of the man who had been released from the $4 billion debt. This man owed the first servant $8000, no small amount. The first man would not forgive the debt, and had the debtor thrown into prison until the debt could be repaid. Upon hearing this news, the master of the servant called him, said to him, “You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?” And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.
When we refuse to forgive a fellow servant, we are turned over to torment. Un-forgiveness and bitterness are linked to physical illness and pain, as well as mental illness. President Ronald Reagan's attitude after the 1982 attempt on his life made an impression on his daughter, Patti Davis: "The following day my father said he knew his physical healing was directly dependent on his ability to forgive John Hinckley. By showing me that forgiveness is the key to everything, including physical health and healing, he gave me an example of Christ-like thinking."
Freedom, joy and peace are directly linked to the ability to forgive and to receive forgiveness. Doing so allows the fruit of the Spirit to flourish in our lives. Refusing to do so grieves the Holy Spirit. Un-forgiveness keeps one imprisoned in the pits of despair. The most Christ-like act is to forgive others. It is also quite liberating.
Peace,
Stan
Every living, breathing human will experience offense. Most of our perceived offenses are products of our own minds. Usually, when offended by another person, they are oblivious to the fact. I really don’t believe that most people are setting out to purposefully upset another person. Usually, we are offended when others act different to what we desire.
Whether purposefully or inadvertently others will hurt us. Forgiveness is always the best reaction. Ephesians 4:30–32, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
Un-forgiveness and the associated emotions grieve the Holy Spirit.
Counter wise, when the Holy Spirit is directing our lives, the evident fruit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control. When overcome by un-forgiveness, anger, bitterness, and depression are the result. The greatest loser is the person who refuses to forgive. The most Christ-like action is forgiveness. Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Before any asked for forgiveness, God through Christ offered forgiveness.
We can forgive others even if they never apologize. We can forgive if the other person does not deserve it. Forgiveness is an action of the will, not of the emotions. Emotions are unreliable. We can forgive anyone of any and all transgressions against us. Ephesians 5:1 exhorts us to “imitate God as dear children.” We did not deserve God’s forgiveness. He forgave us anyway. As his children, we can do the same for others.
In Matthew 18, Jesus was asked how many times we should forgive another. During his response, Jesus told a story of a servant who owed his master a great debt. In today’s money, the debt was $4 billion. The servant begged for mercy. His master was compassionate, forgave and released him from the debt that could never be repaid. This, of course, is symbolic of the forgiveness of our sins and the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Later in the story a fellow servant begged for mercy of the man who had been released from the $4 billion debt. This man owed the first servant $8000, no small amount. The first man would not forgive the debt, and had the debtor thrown into prison until the debt could be repaid. Upon hearing this news, the master of the servant called him, said to him, “You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?” And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.
When we refuse to forgive a fellow servant, we are turned over to torment. Un-forgiveness and bitterness are linked to physical illness and pain, as well as mental illness. President Ronald Reagan's attitude after the 1982 attempt on his life made an impression on his daughter, Patti Davis: "The following day my father said he knew his physical healing was directly dependent on his ability to forgive John Hinckley. By showing me that forgiveness is the key to everything, including physical health and healing, he gave me an example of Christ-like thinking."
Freedom, joy and peace are directly linked to the ability to forgive and to receive forgiveness. Doing so allows the fruit of the Spirit to flourish in our lives. Refusing to do so grieves the Holy Spirit. Un-forgiveness keeps one imprisoned in the pits of despair. The most Christ-like act is to forgive others. It is also quite liberating.
Peace,
Stan
Monday, August 3, 2009
Where is the Love?
If Christianity was reduced to one word, that word would be--LOVE. It must be. Religious leaders pressed Jesus as to which was the greatest commandment. His immediate response was this in Mark 12:29-31, "Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
The trouble with love is that most people don't know what it is. Most people, including those packing the pews, is they think of love as a noun more than a verb. The classic definitions of love are to have a deep, tender, ineffable (unable to describe with words) feeling of affection toward (a person); to have a feeling of intense desire and attraction toward a person, pet, or treasured object; to embrace or caress, or to have intercourse with. By these definitions, love for my mountain bike or for my wife are the same. Feelings that one cannot describe with words is love? The only verb here has to do with physical contact!
The Bible defines love as something to be done more than something possessed. I often lose pocket knives. I don't like carrying a large one, so they often slip out of my pants pocket into seat cushions or who knows where. People talk about losing love in the same context. The Righteous Brothers summed it up best, "You've lost that loving feeling." Loving feelings lost are proceeded by loving actions ignored. Where is the love? It is right where you left it.
Peace,
Stan
The trouble with love is that most people don't know what it is. Most people, including those packing the pews, is they think of love as a noun more than a verb. The classic definitions of love are to have a deep, tender, ineffable (unable to describe with words) feeling of affection toward (a person); to have a feeling of intense desire and attraction toward a person, pet, or treasured object; to embrace or caress, or to have intercourse with. By these definitions, love for my mountain bike or for my wife are the same. Feelings that one cannot describe with words is love? The only verb here has to do with physical contact!
The Bible defines love as something to be done more than something possessed. I often lose pocket knives. I don't like carrying a large one, so they often slip out of my pants pocket into seat cushions or who knows where. People talk about losing love in the same context. The Righteous Brothers summed it up best, "You've lost that loving feeling." Loving feelings lost are proceeded by loving actions ignored. Where is the love? It is right where you left it.
Peace,
Stan
Monday, June 22, 2009
New Creation
“Regret”
It's not what you did,
It's what you didn't do.
It's not what you said,
It's what you didn't say.
It's not where you are,
But where you should have gone.
It's not what is,
But what should have been.
It's when you said this,
When you did that,
When you made that decision,
When you broke that promise.
The shadow of the past
Hangs above you always --
A haunting memory,
A faded thought,
A lingering feeling,
A doubtful view.
You never did and never said
What you wanted.
You said and did everything
You wish you could take back.
But there's no way to fix
A broken past;
No way to wipe off
The stain it leaves.
No way to escape,
Nowhere to go,
And the only thing left
Is the shadow of regret.
You do NOT have to live with regret.
Regret occuts from poor decisions and lost opportunities. Many people regret that they did not study better in school or did not pursue more education. Many some day will regret that they did not spend enought time with family and friends. Addictions cause much regret. "If only" are the worst combination of words in the English language.
Regret blurs the line between what can and cannot be changed. Regret keeps a person trapped in the past.
2 Corinthians 5:17-18, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation." In Christ every person can erase the regrets of the past. We become a new person. Our old identity is removed. A baby has no past. We a person is born again, he or she becomes a brand new baby. In Christ we have a new way of life. it is the worlds best do-over.
In Ephesians 4, Paul exorts believers to put off the old self and to put on the new self. To put off means to throw away or to strip off. We have the choice, the opportunity to cothe ourselves daily with our new and improved nature.
It's not what you did,
It's what you didn't do.
It's not what you said,
It's what you didn't say.
It's not where you are,
But where you should have gone.
It's not what is,
But what should have been.
It's when you said this,
When you did that,
When you made that decision,
When you broke that promise.
The shadow of the past
Hangs above you always --
A haunting memory,
A faded thought,
A lingering feeling,
A doubtful view.
You never did and never said
What you wanted.
You said and did everything
You wish you could take back.
But there's no way to fix
A broken past;
No way to wipe off
The stain it leaves.
No way to escape,
Nowhere to go,
And the only thing left
Is the shadow of regret.
You do NOT have to live with regret.
Regret occuts from poor decisions and lost opportunities. Many people regret that they did not study better in school or did not pursue more education. Many some day will regret that they did not spend enought time with family and friends. Addictions cause much regret. "If only" are the worst combination of words in the English language.
Regret blurs the line between what can and cannot be changed. Regret keeps a person trapped in the past.
2 Corinthians 5:17-18, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation." In Christ every person can erase the regrets of the past. We become a new person. Our old identity is removed. A baby has no past. We a person is born again, he or she becomes a brand new baby. In Christ we have a new way of life. it is the worlds best do-over.
In Ephesians 4, Paul exorts believers to put off the old self and to put on the new self. To put off means to throw away or to strip off. We have the choice, the opportunity to cothe ourselves daily with our new and improved nature.
Monday, May 18, 2009
What Husbands Wish Wives Knew
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at 1:40pm | Edit Note | Delete
1 Peter 3:1-5, "In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over by observing your pure and reverent lives.
Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They trusted God and accepted the authority of their husbands."
The Message reads, “Be good wives to your husbands, responsive to their needs.”
Does not every wife desire to be a good wife to her husband? If so, she should be responsive to his needs.
Wives, your husband …
1. Wants your respect.
Doesn't want you running him down to others.
Doesn't want to be treated as a child.
Wives err in favoring children over their husbands.
2. Wants a good sex life with you.
The marriage bed is holy
Hebrews 13:4, “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled.”
1 Corinthians 7:1-5
Sex is important to your husband.
Dr. Laura Schlessinger, “The bedroom is the foundation of marriage and family.”
Dr. Josemaria Escriva, founder of Opus Dei, a conservative institution of the Catholic Church wrote, “The marriage bed is an altar.”
Books I recommend in this area are — "Holy Sex" by Terry Weir & "Sheet Music" by Kevin Leman.
3. Wants you to remember that he is a man.
Men are more physical than verbal.
Men hunt, build, fix, break, and sweat.
Men are suppose to be more strong than soft.
Men’s brains work differently.
Open, honest communication about what he wants and needs from you will improve your marriage.
Peace,
Stan
1 Peter 3:1-5, "In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over by observing your pure and reverent lives.
Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They trusted God and accepted the authority of their husbands."
The Message reads, “Be good wives to your husbands, responsive to their needs.”
Does not every wife desire to be a good wife to her husband? If so, she should be responsive to his needs.
Wives, your husband …
1. Wants your respect.
Doesn't want you running him down to others.
Doesn't want to be treated as a child.
Wives err in favoring children over their husbands.
2. Wants a good sex life with you.
The marriage bed is holy
Hebrews 13:4, “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled.”
1 Corinthians 7:1-5
Sex is important to your husband.
Dr. Laura Schlessinger, “The bedroom is the foundation of marriage and family.”
Dr. Josemaria Escriva, founder of Opus Dei, a conservative institution of the Catholic Church wrote, “The marriage bed is an altar.”
Books I recommend in this area are — "Holy Sex" by Terry Weir & "Sheet Music" by Kevin Leman.
3. Wants you to remember that he is a man.
Men are more physical than verbal.
Men hunt, build, fix, break, and sweat.
Men are suppose to be more strong than soft.
Men’s brains work differently.
Open, honest communication about what he wants and needs from you will improve your marriage.
Peace,
Stan
Monday, April 20, 2009
Dream On
Woodrow Wilson, 28th President of the U. S. (1856-1924) said, "We grow great by dreams. All big men are dreamers. They see things in the soft haze of a spring day or in the red fire of a long winter's evening. Some of us let these great dreams die, but others nourish and protect them nurse them through bad days till they bring them to the sunshine and light which comes always to those who sincerely hope that their dreams will come true." This quote from President Wilson has inspired me many times over the years. It has always challenged me to dream big, and to follow my dreams.
I believe God puts dreams inside of every person. Yet, there are a few "dream thieves" that rob people of their intended future. Too many settle for medicre, instead of choosing the greater adventure God has for them. We should not allow our family or friends from stealing the dream from our heart. I don't believe they intend to hurt us or hold us back. In fact, they may be trying to protect us from getting hurt.
The pursuit of a dream comes with risk. Failure and set backs are certain. No path in life is without potholes and detours. Our own mistakes will rob us of our dreams, if we allow them. Self-condemnation and self-doubt causes many to shrink back. The oppostition of others and uncontrollable circumstances seem to difficult to overcome.
The greatest thief of all is TIME. "If it was going to happen, it would have happened by now," thoughts fill our brain. We falsely believe that it is too late for our dream to come true. A study of the Bible proves that most of the people, who saw their dreams come true had to wait for a long time. Ten to twenty-five years was a typical senario.
While we wait for our dream to come true, we need to protect our hearts. We must resist bitterness and depression. We must stay at peace with self and with God. A good plan is to minister to other, helping their dreams to come to pass. We should keep our heart fixed upon God's plan. We should rejoice always, pray without ceasing and in everything give thanks. I read that in 1 Thessalonians.
"Suddenly" is one of my favorite Bible words. Suddenly, one day our dream will come true. As President Wilson said, "Some of us let these great dreams die, but others nourish and protect them nurse them through bad days till they bring them to the sunshine and light which comes always to those who sincerely hope that their dreams will come true."
Peace,
Stan
I believe God puts dreams inside of every person. Yet, there are a few "dream thieves" that rob people of their intended future. Too many settle for medicre, instead of choosing the greater adventure God has for them. We should not allow our family or friends from stealing the dream from our heart. I don't believe they intend to hurt us or hold us back. In fact, they may be trying to protect us from getting hurt.
The pursuit of a dream comes with risk. Failure and set backs are certain. No path in life is without potholes and detours. Our own mistakes will rob us of our dreams, if we allow them. Self-condemnation and self-doubt causes many to shrink back. The oppostition of others and uncontrollable circumstances seem to difficult to overcome.
The greatest thief of all is TIME. "If it was going to happen, it would have happened by now," thoughts fill our brain. We falsely believe that it is too late for our dream to come true. A study of the Bible proves that most of the people, who saw their dreams come true had to wait for a long time. Ten to twenty-five years was a typical senario.
While we wait for our dream to come true, we need to protect our hearts. We must resist bitterness and depression. We must stay at peace with self and with God. A good plan is to minister to other, helping their dreams to come to pass. We should keep our heart fixed upon God's plan. We should rejoice always, pray without ceasing and in everything give thanks. I read that in 1 Thessalonians.
"Suddenly" is one of my favorite Bible words. Suddenly, one day our dream will come true. As President Wilson said, "Some of us let these great dreams die, but others nourish and protect them nurse them through bad days till they bring them to the sunshine and light which comes always to those who sincerely hope that their dreams will come true."
Peace,
Stan
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Hallowed By Thy Name
The beginning of the Lord's Prayer is, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name..." God is holy. We revere and honor him. It good to begin our prayer with an acknowledgment of the awesomeness of God. Specifically we are instructed to give glory to the NAME of God.
I am know by many names. I am Stan, Stanley (only a few can call me this, because it is NOT my real name), Dad, Padre, Pastor, Mr. Saunders, Honey, and a few more. Each name reveals a different aspect of who I am. It is the same with God.
Without boring you with the Hebrew and every scripture reference, let me share with you a few of God's names. He is Almighty, The Most High, Self-Existant One. He also declares himself to be Provider, Healer, My Victory, My Shepherd, Peace, Love, Always There. By worshipping the name of God, I become more aware of his attributes. I have more faith to receive those same benefits.
Next time you pray, before you start on your requests, how about hallowing the his mighty name?
Peace,
Stan
I am know by many names. I am Stan, Stanley (only a few can call me this, because it is NOT my real name), Dad, Padre, Pastor, Mr. Saunders, Honey, and a few more. Each name reveals a different aspect of who I am. It is the same with God.
Without boring you with the Hebrew and every scripture reference, let me share with you a few of God's names. He is Almighty, The Most High, Self-Existant One. He also declares himself to be Provider, Healer, My Victory, My Shepherd, Peace, Love, Always There. By worshipping the name of God, I become more aware of his attributes. I have more faith to receive those same benefits.
Next time you pray, before you start on your requests, how about hallowing the his mighty name?
Peace,
Stan
Thursday, April 9, 2009
The Garden
In a garden Adam sinned and cut himself off from his Creator and friend. In a garden the last Adam planted a seed that brought us back to the Creator. In Eden, Adam chose his own will. He chose rebellion. He chose Satan over God. In Gethsemane, the last Adam, Jesus, chose the Father's will above his own. He chose obedience, even to the point of death on the cross. He chose the way of God. Hours before the crucifixion, in the garden, Jesus laid down his life for you and for me. The Romans, nor the Jews took the life of our Savior. He willingly gave himself as a sacrifice for our redemption.
Likewise, Jesus calls us to lay down our lives. Matthew 16:24-25 (NLT), "Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it." The cross is an instrument of death to our flesh.
Let's follow the Christ's example. Let us die to our flesh that we might raise to true life. Adam chose to satify the longings of his flesh and died. 1 Corinthians 3:9 reads, “you are God’s garden” Galatians 6:7-8 says, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.”
Our lives are gardens. Some fourish while some are overgrown with weeds. Let us sow to the spirit and sprout new life. We read in Jeremiah 31:12 ESV,
"They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion,
and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord,
over the grain, the wine, and the oil,
and over the young of the flock and the herd;
their life shall be like a watered garden,
and they shall languish no more."
Peace,
Stan
Likewise, Jesus calls us to lay down our lives. Matthew 16:24-25 (NLT), "Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it." The cross is an instrument of death to our flesh.
Let's follow the Christ's example. Let us die to our flesh that we might raise to true life. Adam chose to satify the longings of his flesh and died. 1 Corinthians 3:9 reads, “you are God’s garden” Galatians 6:7-8 says, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.”
Our lives are gardens. Some fourish while some are overgrown with weeds. Let us sow to the spirit and sprout new life. We read in Jeremiah 31:12 ESV,
"They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion,
and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord,
over the grain, the wine, and the oil,
and over the young of the flock and the herd;
their life shall be like a watered garden,
and they shall languish no more."
Peace,
Stan
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Others
Life is better when I think more of others than myself. After a very little time, I become quite bored with myself. What is so fascinating about me? What is there left to discover about me? The more my self demands attention, the more I don't like what I see.
When focus shifts to the promotion of the well being of another, my greater self emerges. As I get older, I find it much more exciting and rewarding to cheer on others. I love to watch the sixth grade girls basketball team that I coach improve and shine. I love to watch the church staff shine, while pursuing their gifts and passions.
I love to watch, Michelle, my wife encourage middle school students in her class at church. I love it when I have been able to, in some small way, encourage someone to try something new. I love to help people who cannot do much for me, except to return their gratitude.
So, if you are feeling neglected or mistreated today, shift your focus from self to others. No one really wants to attend your pity party. Help another, cheer a friend, serve a stranger. Find someone who is down and lift them up. When energy is given to others, my self is the greatest beneficiary. In helping others, I have helped myself even more.
Peace,
Stan
When focus shifts to the promotion of the well being of another, my greater self emerges. As I get older, I find it much more exciting and rewarding to cheer on others. I love to watch the sixth grade girls basketball team that I coach improve and shine. I love to watch the church staff shine, while pursuing their gifts and passions.
I love to watch, Michelle, my wife encourage middle school students in her class at church. I love it when I have been able to, in some small way, encourage someone to try something new. I love to help people who cannot do much for me, except to return their gratitude.
So, if you are feeling neglected or mistreated today, shift your focus from self to others. No one really wants to attend your pity party. Help another, cheer a friend, serve a stranger. Find someone who is down and lift them up. When energy is given to others, my self is the greatest beneficiary. In helping others, I have helped myself even more.
Peace,
Stan
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Tips for Building Strong Friendships
1. Love and accept yourself
2. Be willing to pursue intimacy
It requires honesty
Risk is unavoidable
Trust is essential
Confrontation is inevitable
3. Put energy into being likable
Smile often
Listen more than you talk
Be positive
4. Treat others as you would have them treat you
DON’T be controlling, critical or crabby
DO be courteous, caring and complimentary
5. Focus on the interests of others, not yourself
"Friendship without self interest is one of the rare and beautiful things in life." - James Francis Byrnes
6. Make your goal to understand, not to win
7. Be slow to anger and quick to forgive
"Every man should have a fair-sized cemetery in which to bury the faults of his friends." - Henry Brooks Adams
8. Be generous with others
9. Help others succeed
Help them discover their strengths
Help them achieve their goals
Believe in them
10. Be loyal
"Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation." - George Washington, 1732-1799
"I can never think of promoting my convenience at the expense of a friend's interest and inclination." - George Washington
Peace,
Stan
2. Be willing to pursue intimacy
It requires honesty
Risk is unavoidable
Trust is essential
Confrontation is inevitable
3. Put energy into being likable
Smile often
Listen more than you talk
Be positive
4. Treat others as you would have them treat you
DON’T be controlling, critical or crabby
DO be courteous, caring and complimentary
5. Focus on the interests of others, not yourself
"Friendship without self interest is one of the rare and beautiful things in life." - James Francis Byrnes
6. Make your goal to understand, not to win
7. Be slow to anger and quick to forgive
"Every man should have a fair-sized cemetery in which to bury the faults of his friends." - Henry Brooks Adams
8. Be generous with others
9. Help others succeed
Help them discover their strengths
Help them achieve their goals
Believe in them
10. Be loyal
"Be courteous to all, but intimate with few, and let those few be well tried before you give them your confidence True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation." - George Washington, 1732-1799
"I can never think of promoting my convenience at the expense of a friend's interest and inclination." - George Washington
Peace,
Stan
Monday, January 12, 2009
Fear Factor
We all have fears. Fear debilitates a person. Fear often is based on the unknown or things over which we have no control. Worry and depression accompany fear. In this world there is much to fear. Terrorists plot our death daily. We are in a financial crisis. Israel and the Palestinians could drag us into world war. Thieves lurk everywhere, including cyberspace. Diseases, global warming, rising health and insurance costs, the cost of college education, will there be social security when I retire. What if the stock market fails? Will my kids turn out ok?
Pastor Chad shared with me from his research that the three greatest fears of man are: 1) fear of death, 2) fear of rejection, and 3) fear of loss. Fear creates panic and loss of judgment. A woman from Arkansas was sitting in her car in a parking lot when she heard a loud bang and felt a sharp pain in the back of her head. Another woman walked past the car and said, “Are you okay?” The lady in pain said, “I have been shot in the head and I am holding my brains in.” It was not her brains. It was dough. A Pillsbury biscuit container had exploded in the back seat, apparently from the heat. Fear causes us to do strange things.
Those who have a strong relationship with the Lord overcome their fears. The psalmist declared, "The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid." (Psalm 27:1) Yet, there is a fear, which is proper and beneficial. There is great reward for those who fear the Lord. Psalm 25:14 proclaims, “The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.” In Proverbs 22:4 we read, “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.”
The fear of the Lord is the wholesome dread of displeasing the Lord. To quote one of my facebook friends, Joan, "I fear dishonoring, displeasing or disrespecting the Lord in any way. I love Him and would never want to hurt Him in any way, even though I know I have disappointed Him and myself many, many times. I am not afraid of God, but I fear hurting Him in any way or being or doing any of these negative things towards Him. Fearing the Lord, to me, means giving Him the respect, honor, glory, etc. that He and only He deserves. I know he's a God of his word and He will do what he says he will do. I fear the consequences of my own words and actions because I know he does not compromise." Amen, sister.
If I fear the Lord, then I willingly obey Him, whether or not I immediately see the benefit or advantage. Just like our natural parents, our hevenly father, commands us to do things we do not always understand at the moment. Yet, later we are able to see the wisdom and the love they had in training us to live a better life with better results. God loves you and wants the best for you. Walk in the fear of the Lord. There is great reward.
Peace,
Stan
Pastor Chad shared with me from his research that the three greatest fears of man are: 1) fear of death, 2) fear of rejection, and 3) fear of loss. Fear creates panic and loss of judgment. A woman from Arkansas was sitting in her car in a parking lot when she heard a loud bang and felt a sharp pain in the back of her head. Another woman walked past the car and said, “Are you okay?” The lady in pain said, “I have been shot in the head and I am holding my brains in.” It was not her brains. It was dough. A Pillsbury biscuit container had exploded in the back seat, apparently from the heat. Fear causes us to do strange things.
Those who have a strong relationship with the Lord overcome their fears. The psalmist declared, "The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid." (Psalm 27:1) Yet, there is a fear, which is proper and beneficial. There is great reward for those who fear the Lord. Psalm 25:14 proclaims, “The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.” In Proverbs 22:4 we read, “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.”
The fear of the Lord is the wholesome dread of displeasing the Lord. To quote one of my facebook friends, Joan, "I fear dishonoring, displeasing or disrespecting the Lord in any way. I love Him and would never want to hurt Him in any way, even though I know I have disappointed Him and myself many, many times. I am not afraid of God, but I fear hurting Him in any way or being or doing any of these negative things towards Him. Fearing the Lord, to me, means giving Him the respect, honor, glory, etc. that He and only He deserves. I know he's a God of his word and He will do what he says he will do. I fear the consequences of my own words and actions because I know he does not compromise." Amen, sister.
If I fear the Lord, then I willingly obey Him, whether or not I immediately see the benefit or advantage. Just like our natural parents, our hevenly father, commands us to do things we do not always understand at the moment. Yet, later we are able to see the wisdom and the love they had in training us to live a better life with better results. God loves you and wants the best for you. Walk in the fear of the Lord. There is great reward.
Peace,
Stan
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Write the Vision
For several years I have written out goals in my journal at the beginning of each year. It is fascinating how many of these goals have come true.Habakkuk 2:2 - 3 reads, "Then the LORD said to me, “Write the vision plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others. This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed."
In 1953 researchers polled the graduating class of Yale University and found that 3% of the graduates practiced goal setting and had a set of clearly defined written goals. 1n 1973 researchers went back and visited the class of ’53 and found that the 3% of the graduates who had the clear and written goals had amassed a fortune worth more that the other 97% combined!
Goals need to be written in detail. They should be written in positive statements, not negative ones. Positive choices will reduce and/or eliminate the negative ones.
Goals should be set high enough. Shoot for the moon. If you miss you’ll still be in the stars. Goals should stretch you. Isaiah 54:2 - 3, "Make your tent bigger. Stretch it out and make it wider. Do not hold back. Make the ropes longer. Make its stakes stronger. Do this because you will begin growing very much. Your children will take over other nations. And they will again live in cities that once were destroyed."
I keep my goals in my DayTimer. I also post them in my place of prayer at home. Goals need attention to be fulfilled. I meditate on my goals often. To keep a person's heart pure, we should seek to be a blessing, not to be successful.
Write your goals and watch them come true.
Peace,
Stan
In 1953 researchers polled the graduating class of Yale University and found that 3% of the graduates practiced goal setting and had a set of clearly defined written goals. 1n 1973 researchers went back and visited the class of ’53 and found that the 3% of the graduates who had the clear and written goals had amassed a fortune worth more that the other 97% combined!
Goals need to be written in detail. They should be written in positive statements, not negative ones. Positive choices will reduce and/or eliminate the negative ones.
Goals should be set high enough. Shoot for the moon. If you miss you’ll still be in the stars. Goals should stretch you. Isaiah 54:2 - 3, "Make your tent bigger. Stretch it out and make it wider. Do not hold back. Make the ropes longer. Make its stakes stronger. Do this because you will begin growing very much. Your children will take over other nations. And they will again live in cities that once were destroyed."
I keep my goals in my DayTimer. I also post them in my place of prayer at home. Goals need attention to be fulfilled. I meditate on my goals often. To keep a person's heart pure, we should seek to be a blessing, not to be successful.
Write your goals and watch them come true.
Peace,
Stan
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Happy New Year
I know it has been nearly a month since I have last posted. Christmas time is fun, but busy. We conducted a major outreach before Christmas. 157 people made commitments to follow Christ. Our son, Morgan, came home from Thailand. He was in a four month internship there. He also travelled to Myanmar to do relief work and to Pakistan to hold evangelistic meetings and leadership conferences. Whitney was home from college. Laine and Lindy enjoyed their break from school also. Our close friends, the Powers family spent five days with us between Christmas and New Year's. The holidays were fun, but busy.
Now I am back in "work" mode. Well, one trip to Tulsa to get Morgan settled in for his first semester as a full time college student. Then, for sure, I will be in full swing. Yet, during this busy holiday, I have had time to meditate on this new year. 2008 was tumultuous to say the least. We endured a bloody, contentious political season. We elected a mysterious new leader of the free world. He seems to offer hope of a better future. I pray that he is able to deliver.
Our financial system took a hard hit in '08. The economy is completely out of whack. The future is uncertain. We are gambling with the kids college fund to keep us alive today. How can we hold off inflation with all of the money we are throwing at failed companies? Their is so much hatred and bloodshed in the world. Israel is in the middle of conflict again. Pakistan is building up its military on the Indian border. The U.S. continues to bomb the Taliban. Should I go on?
During my time of prayer and seeking the voice of the Shepherd, I believe I have heard His voice. Let me share with you what I heard:
"2009 will be a year of disaster, death and uncertainty. It will be a year of panic and fear.
But, for those who fear the Lord, it will be a year of opportunity and growth. The separation of darkness and light will increase. People will fear the Lord, or fear uncertainty and danger.
'I will show Myself strong, will protect and rescue those who fear Me. I will keep him in perfect peace, who keeps his mind fixed upon Me,' says the Lord."
During the next few weeks I will be teaching and writing about how to develop a closer relationship with God. If we get closer, I believe we will thrive in 2009.
Peace,
Stan
Now I am back in "work" mode. Well, one trip to Tulsa to get Morgan settled in for his first semester as a full time college student. Then, for sure, I will be in full swing. Yet, during this busy holiday, I have had time to meditate on this new year. 2008 was tumultuous to say the least. We endured a bloody, contentious political season. We elected a mysterious new leader of the free world. He seems to offer hope of a better future. I pray that he is able to deliver.
Our financial system took a hard hit in '08. The economy is completely out of whack. The future is uncertain. We are gambling with the kids college fund to keep us alive today. How can we hold off inflation with all of the money we are throwing at failed companies? Their is so much hatred and bloodshed in the world. Israel is in the middle of conflict again. Pakistan is building up its military on the Indian border. The U.S. continues to bomb the Taliban. Should I go on?
During my time of prayer and seeking the voice of the Shepherd, I believe I have heard His voice. Let me share with you what I heard:
"2009 will be a year of disaster, death and uncertainty. It will be a year of panic and fear.
But, for those who fear the Lord, it will be a year of opportunity and growth. The separation of darkness and light will increase. People will fear the Lord, or fear uncertainty and danger.
'I will show Myself strong, will protect and rescue those who fear Me. I will keep him in perfect peace, who keeps his mind fixed upon Me,' says the Lord."
During the next few weeks I will be teaching and writing about how to develop a closer relationship with God. If we get closer, I believe we will thrive in 2009.
Peace,
Stan
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