Posted by: Bob Miller | September 23, 2009

Wrong Ladder . . . Wrong Wall – Part 2

Have you worked hard to gain financial freedom and security, only to find out that it has all vanished?  Read the continuation of “Wrong Ladder . . . Wrong Wall”.

Pay what you owe.  Romans 13:7 and 8 instructs us to pay what we owe, whether it be taxes, tolls, respect or honor . . . pay it.  The psalmist reminds us, “The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously”.  (Psalm 37:21)  Matt 18 instructs us that those who petition lenders, asking for patience and mercy, with the promise that debt will be repaid may receive a forgiveness . . . but the primary lesson is to always have a heart of forgiveness because we have been forgiven an eternal debt that could never be repaid.  Make every effort to pay what you owe.

Be intentional in your communication.  I know several people who would rather “flee” the conflict, instead of “facing” the conflict.  When faced with debts or monies owed, it is always better to initiate the conversation as opposed to waiting for someone to contact you.  It’s not going to go away.  Here are some helpful hints:  a) be truthful, b) apologize, ask forgiveness and be gracious, c) listen, d) have a plan before you make the contact, e) do not get defensive, and f) be appreciative.

Three R’s – Recover, Repair and Rebuild.  Okay, here are three keys to getting back on track.  It’s very possible that if you are in this type of situation, you really didn’t count the full cost of building, borrowing, or even busting.  Now, it’s time to count the cost.  (Luke 14:28)  Recover:  take time to communicate, develop a plan and place yourself in a situation where all of your “extras” have been sold or liquidated to relief debt.  You may need to sell a new car and drive an older car . . . you may need to sell your home (or vacation home) to maximize your equity and pay off debt.  Repair:  work your plan, stick to your plan, and watch your plan work.  Rebuild:  now it’s time to cut the cost and begin to wisely rebuild your life.  If you never get into this type of situation, you never have to get out.

Have hope.  One of the greatest challenges is not losing hope.  You may have spent years growing a business, building a portfolio, or saving and investing . . . and then see it all vanish due to a slowed economy or failed business.  Let me remind you that God’s economy is so vastly different than our economy.   Our citizenship is in Heaven and our inheritance is guaranteed by the work of the Holy Spirit.  John reminds us in his first epistle “everyone who has this hope in Him, purifies himself even as He is pure.”  (I John 3:1)  He does not change.  His care for you is not based on your financial statement.  His love for you is not measured by your performance.  Our hope is in Him.  He is God and God, alone.

You are not a failure.  This is the most difficult area to address.  You may have worked for years . . . or your may have written and executed your own business plan.  You may have been a strong contributor to charities or your church.  You may have provided for your family’s needs and wants.  Now, that time is over.  What you deemed in the past as great success is now no more.  In your mind and heart, you have failed.  Let me remind you.  In God’s eyes, you are not a failure.  Too often we equate financial success as sign of God’s blessing  and financial failure as a sign of God’s punishment.   That is not Biblical teaching and truth!  The enemy is one who is a deceiver, a thief, a liar, a destroyer and a murderer.  (John 10:10)  He will tell you anything to discourage and dissuade you.  As you rebuild, remember that you are not a failure . . . you are a redeemed child of God who’s success has been guaranteed by the work of His Son.  Success comes by obedience, submission, dependence and humility before your God.

At the end of the day . . . and at the end of your life, what would like others to say about you.  Here’s God’s desire, “He’s made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for.  It’s quite simple:  Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don’t take yourself too seriously . . . take God seriously.  (Micah 6:8)

Bless you as you recover, repair and rebuild.

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Posted by: Bob Miller | September 21, 2009

Wrong Ladder . . . Wrong Wall – Part 1

I’m sure you have heard the illustration of “climbing” the ladder of success . . . and then the subsequent thought that the ladder might be leaning against the wrong wall. 

During these challenging economic times, many have not only found that their ladder was leaning against the wrong wall . . . but in fact the wall is crumbling.

Several years ago, we purchased an extra car . . . a fun car.  It’s the kind of car we would drive on a Sunday afternoon, with the sun shining and the top down . . . on a long road . . . with curves or not . . . it didn’t matter.  Recently, I came to realization that it was time to sell the car.  It really wasn’t that I wanted to sell the car . . . I needed to sell it.

For some, it may be the need to sell assets or valuables, to cut expenses, to cancel vacations, or to eliminate the “pleasures” in lieu of the necessities.

If you are in business for yourself or an entrepreneur, it is probably extremely challenging and difficult.  Banks are not open to new ideas, lines of credit are drying up, personnel budgets need to be reduced and even the best clients have slowed down their orders for your products or services.

Service and support business are slow.  Real estate has lost value.  Prices are going up.  Equity, retirement accounts and financial portfolios have been drastically reduced.

Is your ladder against a crumbling wall?  We’re there.

I bet your prayer life has gotten stronger and faith is ever challenged.  Lottery tickets probably even look good.

So, how do you hang on?  How do you do life?  How do you survive?

Here are some thoughts . . .

God is good . . . and He’s a good Father.  God is One who corrects and encourages . . . too many of the people in our lives condemn and excuse.  In James 1, we recall that every good and perfect gift comes from God, above . . . and with Him, there is no “shadow of turning” . . . what you see is what you get.  He is God and He is good.  Jesus reminds us in Luke 11 that prayer is an essential part of our intimacy and dependence with our Heavenly Father.  We are encouraged to ask (keep on asking), seek (keep on seeking), and to knock (and to keep on knocking).  Jesus then makes the comparison that if earthly fathers, who fall short because of human nature, know how to give good gifts to children, won’t our Heavenly Father do the same and more.   In these times of loss, stay close to Him.  God has promised to be our Refuge, our Help, our Hope, our Rock, our Caretaker . . . trust in His goodness and trust Him as a Good Father.  Who’s your daddy?

Naked in and naked out.  In the middle of Job’s suffering with loss of loved ones, loss of wealth, loss of health, and loss of social standing . . . he cried out (Job 1:21), “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return.”  Paul wrote to Timothy and provided the same thought, “For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. “ (I Tim 6:7)  The old adage is that “you can’t take it with you”.  Have you ever asked why we work so hard to acquire, but also to hang on to it?  Most of us have more than we need to adequately take care of our family.  The rest of the stuff that we can’t take with us to eternity, in fact, it will all probably burn.  So, what are you packing for eternity?

Remember where your true treasures are held.  Jesus makes a probing statement regarding what really is important to us.  In Matt 6:21, He says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Job says, “Surely he will have no respite from his craving; he cannot save himself by his treasure. (Job 20:20)   Don’t hold on to possessions that can provide you with some relief . . . sell the “man toys”, get rid of the extra “hobbies”.  I know it hurts . . . but it helps, more.

 (Part 2 will post on September 23, 2009)

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Posted in encouragement, impact, influence, leadership, parenting, purpose

Posted by: Bob Miller | September 18, 2009

Creative is Good – Cultivating Creativity is Better

I have often been told that I have a creative mind.  Sometimes it was not in a complimentary way.  I like to learn.  I like to be challenged.  I like to play with technology.  I like to take ideas and make them easy to understand.  I think that’s has hints of creativity.

Working for years in non-profits, as well as the private sector, creative contributors can “make you or break you.”  I have found that the key is how you work with them and how you give them the freedom to do what they do best . . . create.  Perhaps you have creative people working with you . . . or you may have some on your management team.

Here are some thoughts on how to empower creatives:

  1. Focus on the mission, not the method. Too many times we try to not only share the “why”, but also the “how”.  How we get there doesn’t really matter . . . the fact that we get there does.
  2. If you want them to attend the party, you have to ask them to come. “Creatives” have so much going on in their head and heart, that often times they are their own party.  If you want them to come to yours . . . and to contribute . . . you need to ask them.
  3. Ask, and you will receive.  Seek, and you will find.  Knock, and . . . you know.  When you ask creative people a question, you will receive an answer.  When you seek them out, they will come.  If you don’t want them to open the door, don’t knock!
  4. Learn to appreciate the “ying” and “yang”. Ying and Yang are the Chinese icons promoting harmony between the body and soul.  It illustrates the continual movement of two energies.  Creatives may live in “chaos”, but they need to work in “calm”.   Find the harmony.  Create the adventure.
  5. Iron really does sharpen iron. This is a primary illustration.  Too often we try to use “wood” to sharpen iron . . . or even “gold” to sharpen iron.  Only one thing sharpens iron . . . iron.  So provide creative people with more creative people with which to sharpen.
  6. Check the speed limit. Some creative people work best when the speed is fast and furious.  Some need things to slow down to a very reflective pace.  Find out if you have a sprinter or a marathon runner . . . and set the course accordingly.  The sprinter will die a slow death on the marathon course . . . and the marathon runner will never kick it into second gear.
  7. They will bond with what they birth. Idea or concepts from creatives originate from their souls.  If you don’t like it, make sure you don’t wound the soul.
  8. Money talks . . . maybe not as loud as other things . . . but it still talks. It’s important to identify someone’s motivational language – gifts, acts of kindness, words of encouragement, quality time – but, let’s face it.  We are all adults with families and responsibility.  At the end of the day, money motivates . . . so pay them well.
  9. New is good . . . but “noo” is even better. An innovative approach always brings energy to an idea, concept or model.  But, a fresh, creative idea (something brand noo) creates new life.
  10. Take time to smell the roses. Too many times we “bring closure” to a project with evaluation and analysis.  Find time to celebrate, soak in the success, and smell the roses.  Creatives will always look forward to the “party”!

We all have a creative streak within.  Yours may be the alarm that gets you up in the morning . . .  but with others, it’s the faint tail on a burning comet.

If you lead creative people, learn to appreciate their incredible giftedness and celebrate their contribution.

When we reach those pearly gates, the streets of gold and see Him as the bright and morning star . . . we will really enjoy His creativity.

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Posted by: Bob Miller | September 7, 2009

Wrestling with God

This is a guy thing . . . and raising four daughters, I needed a lot of guy things.

Growing up in Florida, we had a tradition in our family every Saturday evening.  We would have dinner, sit around the TV and watch NWA Championship Wrestling with Gordon Solie.  I remember Jack and Jerry Brisco, The Funk Brothers, Harley Race, Bob Backlund . . . and of course, the American Dream . . . Dusty Rhodes.  The body blocks, the pile drivers, all of the jumping of f of the top rope . . . it was great entertainment.

Wrestling was never a “strong” activity for me.  I could never get the moves and counter moves down.  I would usually try to find a good hold and just hang on.  Sometimes that would be good enough for me to win . . . it wasn’t skill . . . it was just raw determination.

Recently, I have been wrestling with God on some issues.  Some would say that when you wrestle with God, it easier to submit . . . you know . . . tap out.  I’m not sure that’s the best strategy.

From my limited experience in wrestling, the longer you stay in the match, the better your chances . . not so much for winning . . . but for learning the strengths and strategy of your opponent.

I love the biblical account of wrestling in Genesis 32 . . . Jacob wrestling with God. 

Jacob had been a deceiver and liar his entire life.  That’s something to which we all can relate.  Sad to say, we all are guilty of lying . . . to others (hopefully not in most cases), to ourselves (this happens more often that we would like to admit), and to God (this happens all the time).

He was getting ready to meet . . . face to face . . . with a result of his deception . . . his brother, Esau.  You remember the story, as younger men, Jacob deceived Esau outof his blessing and birthright.  Now, after both had reached manhood and had achieved a sense of wealth and notoriety, they were getting ready to meet.

Jacob was concerned . . . no . . . he was scared.  But, he had worked out a strategy . . . all by himself.  He sent servants bearing gifts that would reach Esau before the meeting.  (Gen 32:18=22).

During the night, Jacob sent also sent his family ahead.  This left him alone . . . with his fears, his anxieties, his concerns . . . and with His God.  Even in all of God’s promises to Jacob, he was still uncertain of what his future may hold.

Alone in the camp, Jacob encountered a “man” and began wrestling with Him until the dawn hours. (Gen 32:24)

According to the scripture account, neither gained the advantage.  When dawn approached, Jacob’s opponent touched him in such a way as to permanently cause damage to his hip . . . he would have a lifelong reminder of this wrestling match.  It wasn’t until Jacob asked for a blessing, did his opponent bless him, changed his name, and declared that He had “fought with God and with man, and had prevailed”.

Have you ever noticed that when you wrestle with God, you both win?

Here are some insights from Jacob’s wrestling match . . .

1.  You Wrestle Alone.  Jacob’s encounter only occurred when he sent everyone away . . . and it was just him and God.  To often as men, we afraid to be “alone with God”.  It is only at those times that God has our complete and full attention to do what only He can do.  Moses stood before God alone at the burning bush.  Samson was alone with God at the mighty pillars.  David wrote of his times alone with God.  Daniel was alone in the lion’s den.  And, Jesus “rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, departed and went out to a desolate place, and there prayed.” (Mark 1:35)  Isolation with God breeds intimacy with God.

2. You don’t quit.  Jacob wrestled until the dawn.  He would not let go until his opponent blessed him.  The writer of Hebrews encourages us with the same thought.  He writes, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.  Do Not Grow Weary.  Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.  Persistence yields the promise.

3.  You pay the price.  Jacob was touched in his hip and earned a limp for the rest of his life.  Paul had a thorn in the flesh that mandated he celebrate the sufficient grace of God.  Christ bears the scars of the cross.  What is your “battle-wound”?  Glory in the cross of Christ.  Without great sacrifice, there can not be a great reward.

4.  You will be blessed.  Jacob was blessed . . . and blessed, again.  His name was changed from “deceiver” to Israel  – “Fought with God”.  Hosea 12:4 says that Jacob “met God face to face”.  When Moses met God, his face shone with the “shekinah glory”.  When you meet God . . . and wrestle with Him . . . encountering Him face to face . . . He blesses.  Encountering God is evidenced by change.

How about it?  Need to a wrestling match with God.  Do you need to be reminded that He is the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords . . . the Eternal Champion of the Universe!

Remember, when you wrestle with God, you both win.

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Posted in encouragement, impact, influence, leadership, victory

Posted by: Bob Miller | September 3, 2009

Tough Day – Tough Pray

I’m sure we are like most others . . . these are tough days.

We have changes in our family . . . we now have an empty nest.

We have changes in our finances . . . we now have empty checkbooks (3 weddings in the last 5 years and 4 in college in the last 9 years).

We have changes in our daily routine . . . business is tough, economic times are challenging, and each day is a new adventure.

It’s during these days that I find myself praying more than usual.

So many things are out of my control . . . but they are not out of His.  So many situations are chaotic and uncertain . . . but He is the peace in the midst of the storm.  In my hopelessness, I find hope as I pray and communicate with my Father.

So, how do you pray in difficult times?  How do you pray when the only answer you need is from God?

Pray with passion.  What do you have to lose?  Go for it!  He is God!  He is sovereign!  He is the one who has provided my eternal salvation and security . . . He can take care of my daily and earthly problems.  I need to be as passionate in my prayer as I am with my favorite food . . . or sports team . . . or hobby . . . or entertainment activity . . . or person.  Prayer with fervor . . . pray with heart . . . pray with abandonment . . . pray as if there is NO TOMORROW!

Pray with purity.  Your heart needs to right for your prayers to have passion.  You know why . . . prayer is all about intamacy with God, the Father.  David said, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me”.  (Ps 66:18)  I want my heart to be His heart . . . not the other way around.  I then have the assurance that if I ask any according to His will, He hears me!  (I John 5:14)

Pray with priority.  Simple . . . prayer is the first move . . . not the last option.

Pray with power.  Remember Paul’s prayer to the church of Ephesus, “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.”  (Eph 3:20)  He is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that I could ask . . . wow . . . that’s some power.

FAR MORE than I could ask would be good.

FAR MORE ABUNDANTLY what I could ask would be great.

FAR MORE ABUNDANTLY BEYOND I could ask for would be incredible.

FAR MORE ABUNDANTLY BEYOND ALL . . . Oh God, stop!   But it doesn’t stop there . . . Paul says, far more abundantly beyond all that we ASK or THINK. . . I can’t handle it . . . and its all according to the power that works in us.  You want to pray a verse back to God?  Choose this one!

Pray with partnership.  The Father knew that there would be times we would not know what to say . . . or how to say it.  He also knew that there would be times we needed to pray and we would drop the ball.  What was His solution?  He provided the two partners in prayer.  Romans 8 tells us that when “we do not know what we ought to pray for, the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.” (Rom 8:26-27)  Paul also tells us that Jesus “is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” (Romans 8:34)  God, the Father covered all the bases . . . when we can’t pray, a member of the Trinity is praying for us . . . when we don’t know how to pray, a member of the Godhead is also praying for us.

Pray with purpose.  I’m not quite sure how to say this one . . . when we pray, we have to believe that He hears us, He is listening, and that He is ready, willing and able to respond.  The writer of Hebrews says it this way, “Without faith, it is impossible to please Him.  For he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is the rewarder of those who seek Him.”  (Heb 11:6).  I am intentianal when I pray.

So, are you troubled today?  I am.  I am at a road block . . . a brick wall . . . a dead end.  I need a breakthrough . . . and I know Who can give it to me.

Pray on . . .

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Posted by: Bob Miller | September 1, 2009

Trusting God

If you have ever wondered what God can do, consider what He has done. He’s the same God.

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Posted in encouragement, impact, influence, leadership, meaning

Posted by: Bob Miller | July 23, 2009

Thoughts by Thom Rainer

Thom RainerI don’t usually post thoughts from other bloggers . . . but Thom Rainer’s thoughts reflecting on his past service as a pastor is insightful.

Dr. Rainer is the President of Lifeway and a new friend. I appreciate his candor, his humility and his openness. Please take a moment and give it a read.

His blog can be found at: http://www.thomrainer.com/2009/07/five-things-i-would-change-if-were-a-pastor-again.php

Read . . . review . . . and renew!

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Posted in encouragement, impact, influence, leadership

Posted by: Bob Miller | July 15, 2009

Loss

Some friends of ours just found out that they lost their first child in the early stages of pregnancy.  Although they share an adopted, teenage son, this would have been their first child.  This new pregnancy was an answer to prayer . . . a gift from God . . . an anticipated joy.

As they went to the doctor for that first ultrasound, their greatest fear became a reality . . . there was no heartbeat.  With a flood of emotion and rush of tears, they were able to keep their eyes fixed on the Giver of Life and their hearts resting with the God of Love.  In the midst of chaos they trusted the One who controls the very seconds of our days.

Debi and I have never suffered the loss of a child . . . but our daughter Andrea and Brandon have.  The pregnancy was their first.  I remember the questioning, the wrongly-timed comments, the well-meaning but insensitive remarks, the awkwardness and the sense of hopelessness.  Andrea and Brandon were able to navigate through it . . . often times better than Debi and me . . . and came through with resurrected hope and confidence in their Heavenly Father.  They now share their experience with others.

In talking this morning with my friend . . . and praying for him, God prompted some encouraging thoughts.

  1. Loss in this life is not loss in God’s Kingdom.  Jesus reminds us that He is the resurrection and the life.  (John 11:25)  We may suffer the loss of a loved person, loss of possessions, loss of privilege, loss of position, loss of power . . . any of these in this life . . . but nothing can place us in a position of loss in His Kingdom.  He bought us with a price . . . the Father suffered the loss of His Son so that we would never need to face eternal loss.  The people we lose, we will meet again in eternity.  The possessions we lose will be replaced with crowns that we will throw at His feet.  The privileges lost will be replaced with the privilege of worshipping Him.  The position lost will be nothing compared to being in the heavenly courts.  The power we lose . . . it’s not resurrection power.  No Pain . . . No Gain!
  2. God’s victorious love fills the void of our loss.  Remember Paul’s comments in Romans 8:35-39, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?  As it is written: ‘For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  His love keeps us locked into His care . . . and nothing can change that!  Victorious Warrior . . . Conquering King . . . Loving Master . . . Risen Savior!  His love on the cross mitigates our loss.
  3. When relationships end in this life by death, they just begin in God’s Kingdom.  Jesus told the thief on the cross that on that day, he would be with Him in paradise.  It has often been said that when we close our eyes in death on this earth, we open them in life in His presence.  After the loss of a loved one, a man was praying that the welcoming in heaven by those who had gone before would be wonderful for this most recent citizen of heaven.  It brings great confidence to know that a child lost in pregnancy may be welcomed by great-grandparents or grandparents who have already made the journey to heaven . . . that a loved one will be met by old friends . . . that a parent will be met by a child that they never had a chance to hold in their arms.  Heaven is a wonderful place . . . filled with glory and grace.
  4. In God’s Kingdom, good-bye is never really good-bye.  Simply put . . . you will see your loved ones again, because of the resurrected power of Jesus Christ.  All who know Him and have trusted Him alone for salvation share a citizenship in Heaven that is common to all of God’s redeemed children.  It’s never good-bye . . . it’s see you soon.
  5. Hopelessness keeps our heart in pain, hope keeps our heart pure.  When our lives are filled with the bitterness of pain, the heartache of separation, and the agony of loss . . . we end up holding on to hopelessness.  It becomes our mantra and our mantle.  When we hope, we begin the cleansing process that makes us more like Christ. (I John 3:3)  It becomes our song of praise and our shawl of purity.

In many ways, we never really see the full impact of what God is doing in our lives.  His work will never full be revealed until we reach heaven.  Mark Roberts writes, “We see the strings under the tapestry, whereas the Father sees it from above–beautiful with all patterns in place for a complete and perfect view.”

Only eternity will reveal the wonderful tapestry that God is weaving through our loss, our pain, our hurts . . . and His Love, His Provision and His Healing.

May God bless you in your loss.

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Posted in Children, death, encouragement, meaning, memories

Posted by: Bob Miller | July 8, 2009

Stuck is Good

I have a great opportunity every Wednesday morning to pray with a group of guys who are involved in our church. 

We share a number of things in common . . . we are husbands, fathers, all work longer hours than we should, all like to laugh, and all have a desire and commitment to see God do some incredible things in our lives, the lives of our families and in the life of our church.

Before our prayer time this morning we were sharing some verses and thoughts.  Often, these are “tail-kickers” . . . you know . . . a holy boot to the backside. 

Pursuit of GodOne of the guys shared that he was reading “The Pursuit of God”, by A.W Tozer.  During a train trip from Chicago to Texas in the late 1940s, Tozer was moved by the holiness and character of God.  He began to write, wrote all night, and when the train arrived at his destination, the rough draft was finished.  The final copy is only 128 pages long . . . usually a one or two night read.

As our friend was sharing, he said, “I’m stuck.  I can’t get past page 10”.  You can guess what happened next . . . we all made smart comments on “not getting past page 10”, teased him about his ADD and asked if “hooked on phonics” worked for him.  Then he said that it was so convicting that he had to go back and re-read the first 10 pages over and over, again.

In our culture, we often characterize being “stuck” as having a negative connotation.  You’ve heard it before . . . being “stuck in the mud” or “I’m stuck on this problem”.  It can mean caught, trapped or baffled.

In this particular case, our friend could not leave the place of knowing who God is, that God pursues us, and that in His pursuit, He instills in each of us, the desire to pursue Him.

Tozer writes, “Come near to the holy men and women of the past and you will soon feel the heat of their desire after God.  They mourned for Him, they prayed and wrestled and sought for Him day and night, in season and out, and when they had found Him the finding was all the sweeter for the long seeking”.

This kind of “getting stuck” is good.  I am reminded of several thoughts . . .

  1.  Be still and know that I am God.  The psalmist writes this direction in Psalm 46:10.  It reminds us that we are finite . . . and God is infinite.  It reminds us that this spiritual does not come from a lack of troubles; it derives from a steady, deep reflection on the ways God has intervened on behalf of his people.
  2. Wait on the Lord.  This is a common phrase in Scripture that reminds us to “be stuck” and not proceed, move on, move up, move out or move, period.  We are to wait . . . to “be of good courage” (Ps 27:14), to “renew our strength” (Isaiah 40:31), so we will “not be ashamed”, (Ps 25:3), and “He will incline to me and hear my cry”. (Ps 40:1)
  3. Dwelling in His house.  Psalm 27:4  (The Message), says, “I’m asking God for one thing, only one thing: To live with him in his house my whole life long. I’ll contemplate his beauty; I’ll study at his feet.  That’s the only quiet, secure place in a noisy world, the perfect getaway, far from the buzz of traffic”. 

One thing is good . . . being still and knowing that He is God.

One this is good . . . waiting on God.

One thing is good . . . getting stuck on one thing is good . . . as long as it’s dwelling in His house.

Oh well, I guess that’s three things . . . hooked on math didn’t work for me!

Remember the old Band-Aid commercial . . . “I’m stuck on Band-Aid and Band-Aid’s stuck on me”?

As long as I’m stuck on Him – His person, His presence, and His passion . . . I’m stuck on the right thing.

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Posted in Commitment, impact, influence, leadership, meaning, purpose | Tags: , , ,

Posted by: Bob Miller | July 2, 2009

The Investment

One of the great opportunities with this new world of “social networking” is the re-connecting that takes place with friends and family. I am still amazed at my excitement when I come across a friend from 10, 20 or 30 years ago . . . I know, that’s a long time!  These last few days, I have reconnected with some mentors and friends from the early to mid ’70’s. Wow . . . it has brought back a collection of memories . . . and you know all about memories . . . they are only good!

My family had always been involved in church. During my early years in Michigan, we were actively involved in a small church that had an active youth program. It was during those years that I learned the importance of reading, studying and memorizing God’s Word.  I will always appreciate Phil and Didi Hardley for encouraging me in that particular discipline.

Kathee and George

Kathee and George

During the early 70’s my family relocated to Clearwater, Florida.  While searching for a local church, we attended Trinity Baptist in Clearwater.  As we were leaving an evening service, the pastor came out to our car, introduced himself and asked if he could visit.  The following Tuesday evening, Pastor Kline and George Stepan, the church’s youth pastor, came to our home.  I really can’t remember if I was impressed or not . . . I don’t think I remember George as being “cool” . . . he was a big guy, big hair, with a big smile and a commanding, yet inviting voice.

We began going to church and I began meeting other kids.  We all went to different public schools so we learned to connect, support and encourage each other.  George’s wife, Kathee was great.  George taught the Word and Kathee led us in worship . . . what a great combination.  I sat under George and Kathee’s ministry for about 5 years.  During that time, I was encouraged to not only read and study the Word of God . . . but to analyze it, prove it, by faith believe it, and to live it.  There were times of all night prayer meetings (where my mom would call her 18 year old son and wonder what he was doing), convicting times in the Word, strategic discussions,  iron sharpening questions, and encouraging and loving support.

Before I understood any principles of leadership . . . before I knew about the concept of mentoring  . . . or before I valued investing in the life of another . . . I had been shaped, touched and molded by George and Kathee.  As a high school junior, I began getting up an hour early to study the Word . . . I began to journal . . . I committed myself to prayer . . . and I committed to walk as a Christ-follower.

Now before you think this was a youth group from children of the corn or we were getting ready to drink the kool-aid . . . let me assure you . . . this was a rocking youth group.  We specialized in activities like war games, capture the flag, wilderness camping in the Rockies, Jamborees, mission trips . . . We played hard . . . and we prayed hard.

It changed my life.

Here’s the best part . . . they are still doing it.  They are still investing in the lives of people.  They are still shaping people’s lives.  They are still living a love for Christ and a love for His people.

Today, we hear about “mentoring” or “coaching” . . . it all comes down to sharing the life God has created in you with someone else.  It’s helping someone see that God is working in them . . . “to will and to do His good pleasure”. (Phil 2:13)  It focuses on the potential that God begins the work of shaping our lives and He will complete it. (Phil 1:6)  It is encouraging others to ignite the gift that God has given to each of us. (II Tim 1:6)

So, what are some take aways from investing in others?  Here are a few thoughts . . .

1.  We invest based on potential.  As with any financial decision or opportunity, we are expected to do our “due diligence”.  We study a portfolio, look at past returns, evaluate performance.  If it all looks okay . . . we invest on the potential that we see.  Ever wondered what Jesus saw in fishermen . . . a tax collector . . . son’s of a carpenter?   Not many world changers in that group . . . NOT!  God’s Son was able to see potential that others overlooked . . . and when He did, he was moved with compassion and made an investment.  (Mark 1:41)  I am thankful that someone saw potential in me and made the investment of time, energy, love and encouragement.

2.  We invest based on personality.  Some of you are risk takers . . . and that is evident in the type of investments you make.  Some of you are quite conservative . . . only invest in the sure thing.  High Risk . . . High Reward, Low Risk . . . Low Reward.  We often risk a great deal when we invest in people.  We risk being misunderstood.  We risk our motives being questioned.  We risk failure.  We risk acceptance.   Have you ever thought how much Jesus risked when He called His disciples?  “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”  (Mark 1:17)  He took great risk to invest in those who become the foundation of His church!

3.  We invest with patience.  How many investors pull out before an investment reaches it prime payout?  When we invest in something, it requires us to be patient and let the investment run its course.  Market conditions often motivate us to abandon our investment before it reaches maturity.  The wise investor patiently waits for maturity to take place.

4.  We invest with passion.  Invest in what you love.  God loves us . . . He loves people . . . we love Him because He first loved us . . . we love others, also.  (I John 4:7-11)  And, love what you invest!

5.  We invest our principal.  We invest our wealth and that which is valuable to us.  Have you ever seen anyone take a pile of trash to the bank?  One man’s trash is not another man’s treasure . . . trash is trash and treasure is treasure!  God valued us enough that he “gave” His one and only Son. (John 3:16)  That is a valuable investment.  Sharing your life with others is the greatest of all values!

6.  We invest on principle.  Paul encouraged the church of Corinth to follow him . . . just as he was following Christ.  (I Cor 11:1)  Apart from Christ in me, I am not worthy enough to have you follow me . . . I am mentor with no meaning . . . I am a coach with no conviction.  Christ in me is my only hope in glory. (Col 1:27). 

To George and Kathee . . . and countless others . . . thank you for making the investment in my life.  I trust your return will bring your great rewards!

We will remember . . .

We will remember . . .

 

The days of investment . . . can you see the potential?

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