I wrote this while on a cruise in March, 2007:
”Remove far from me vanity and lies” Proverbs 30:8
The cruise around South America has been a wonderful opportunity to reflect on my relationship with God and people. With so many people from so many different places in the world combined with just about every create comfort afforded to man one can imagine, I wondered, “Could this be what heaven is like?”With this kind of escape, where all one’s needs are met and then some, it’s easy to imagine, but when I would look around, I observe so many people who demonstrate that the only way they can win their happiness is in the pursuit of their next pleasure.
Charles Spurgeon dealt with this issue in terms of what he feels is the proper Christian response to this, that is, “I do not blame ungodly men for rushing to their pleasure. Why should I? Let them have their fill. That is all they have to enjoy.”
These words were very encouraging to me because rather than feeling pity or anger for the overindulgence of man, I let their behavior serve as a reminder that, as Surgeon continued “the happiest state of a Christian is the holiest state. No Christian enjoys comfort when his eyes are fixed on vanity. Christians must seek their delights in a higher sphere than the insipid frivolities or sinful enjoyments of the world. Vain pursuits are dangerous to renewed saints. No Christian is safe when his soul is slothful and God is far from him.”
I must admit it has been challenging to keep God close by during this cruise due to the many temptations to overindulge. But as always He has been faithful. During the cruise, He placed two people before us that we have an opportunity to develop a friendship with and share the gospel. He has helped me to appreciate my salvation even more, having seen in a dramatic way how far from God many people have become. I add to this our prayers for the many lost souls on the cruise ship, and doubly thank the Almighty for His saving grace.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Life in the Rearview Mirror
Rearview mirrors are a great thing. They allow us to simultaneously see rearward while looking forward. In the case of the rearview mirror in our vehicles, a very useful feature is the convex review mirror. Printed on convex rearview mirrors are the words “objects in mirror are closer than they appear.” The mirror and these instructions have been helping keep drivers safe many years as they not only give a wider view of the road but also help drivers avoid blind spots.
Before I became a teacher, I was in computer sales, for more years that I’d like to remember. Looking back, I realize I wasn’t very good at it. The problem was that I wasn’t driven by money or quotas. I valued relationships above earnings. But in the sales game we are told relationships are key. The most successful sales people I have known and worked with have been motivated primarily by closing deals and making money. Thankfully, like Jed Clampett of the Beverly Hillbillies, I made enough to keep my family fed. On reflection, this was the sole purpose of my short-lived career in sales.
Many years ago I remember taking a sales trip to Florida with one of my many sales managers. I’m afraid I don’t remember his name. One evening at dinner he looked at me and asked, “Kelly, do you know what you are all about?” I replied, “No, I don’t.” He went on to say “Kelly, you are all about the next thing.” I have reflected on his words and conclude he was correct. I am oftentimes about the ‘next thing.’
What does this have to do with rearview mirrors? First, the fact that we are able to look back at our life at all can provide a perspective on our present circumstances. By looking back at our mistakes, our accomplishments and all the rest of it, we may be able to gain insights we might not have. Also, the fact that I’m usually looking forward means I don’t spend a lot of time looking back, and I thank God for this tendency. As a Christian, I am comforted by the scripture that backs up this belief: In the 3rd chapter of Paul’s book to the Philippians he says (in verses 13 & 14) “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
I believe that oftentimes it is good to reflect on our past, but sometimes it is not such a good idea to dwell on it, that is, if it’s concerning trials. If you read the 11th Chapter of the Book of 2nd Corinthians, (specifically, verses 24 through 27) you’ll see Paul was wise not to dwell on his past, as it was filled with pain and persecution. He also uses the word ‘forget.’ Depending on the circumstances, forgetting can be beneficial. There are certainly going to be those events in life you would just as soon forget! But this doesn’t mean we should discard those memories completely, if we are to believe God is sovereign and Romans 8:28 that says, ”And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
As believers, God gives us the opportunity to have an eternal perspective on our past; the good, the bad and even the horrible. We can trust that when we place our past burdens into His loving care, He will ultimately make it for our good and His glory. So, I say, thank goodness for rearview mirrors and thank God for giving us the ability to look back, to look forward, and press onward to the prize that is in Christ Jesus!
Before I became a teacher, I was in computer sales, for more years that I’d like to remember. Looking back, I realize I wasn’t very good at it. The problem was that I wasn’t driven by money or quotas. I valued relationships above earnings. But in the sales game we are told relationships are key. The most successful sales people I have known and worked with have been motivated primarily by closing deals and making money. Thankfully, like Jed Clampett of the Beverly Hillbillies, I made enough to keep my family fed. On reflection, this was the sole purpose of my short-lived career in sales.
Many years ago I remember taking a sales trip to Florida with one of my many sales managers. I’m afraid I don’t remember his name. One evening at dinner he looked at me and asked, “Kelly, do you know what you are all about?” I replied, “No, I don’t.” He went on to say “Kelly, you are all about the next thing.” I have reflected on his words and conclude he was correct. I am oftentimes about the ‘next thing.’
What does this have to do with rearview mirrors? First, the fact that we are able to look back at our life at all can provide a perspective on our present circumstances. By looking back at our mistakes, our accomplishments and all the rest of it, we may be able to gain insights we might not have. Also, the fact that I’m usually looking forward means I don’t spend a lot of time looking back, and I thank God for this tendency. As a Christian, I am comforted by the scripture that backs up this belief: In the 3rd chapter of Paul’s book to the Philippians he says (in verses 13 & 14) “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
I believe that oftentimes it is good to reflect on our past, but sometimes it is not such a good idea to dwell on it, that is, if it’s concerning trials. If you read the 11th Chapter of the Book of 2nd Corinthians, (specifically, verses 24 through 27) you’ll see Paul was wise not to dwell on his past, as it was filled with pain and persecution. He also uses the word ‘forget.’ Depending on the circumstances, forgetting can be beneficial. There are certainly going to be those events in life you would just as soon forget! But this doesn’t mean we should discard those memories completely, if we are to believe God is sovereign and Romans 8:28 that says, ”And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
As believers, God gives us the opportunity to have an eternal perspective on our past; the good, the bad and even the horrible. We can trust that when we place our past burdens into His loving care, He will ultimately make it for our good and His glory. So, I say, thank goodness for rearview mirrors and thank God for giving us the ability to look back, to look forward, and press onward to the prize that is in Christ Jesus!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
The Key to Happiness
What Does It Mean To Be Happy?
In the movie, City Slickers, actor Jack Palance plays a crusty old cowboy named Curly. Suddenly waxing philosophical with Billy Crystal, he says that the secret to happiness is (as he raises his index finger skyward), “Just one thing,” Billy Crystal then asks, “What is the one thing?” Jack replied, "that’s what you have to figure out." What do I think he meant? I think that Curly meant that for one thing, happiness is an elusive thing; everyone wants it but not everyone gets it. Most people spent their whole life trying to attain it and will try just about anything to make it happen. I also think he means that the definition of happiness is different for everyone. What might make one person happy may not mean happiness to another.
What does the Bible says about happiness? The apostle Paul said (Phillipians 4:12) “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” What do you think he means by this statement? Are you content in any and all circumstances you face? Paul knew how to be content whether he had plenty or whether he was in need. The secret for him was drawing on Christ’s power for strength. Do you have great needs or are you discontented because you don’t have what you want? Learn to rely on God’s promises and Christ’s power to help you. If you always want more, ask God to remove that desire from you and teach you contentment in every circumstance. He will supply all your needs, but in a way that He knows is best for you.
Can God supply all of your needs? Phillipians 4:19 says “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” What this means is that God will always meet our needs. Whatever we need on earth he will always supply, even if it is the courage to face death as Paul did. Whatever we need in heaven he will supply. But we must remember the difference between our wants and our needs. Everyone wants to feel good and avoid discomfort or pain. But this doesn’t always happen. By trusting in Jesus, our attitudes and appetites can change from wanting everything to accepting his provision and power to live for him.
How can you find true contentment? Paul was content because he could see life from God’s point of view. He focused on what he was supposed to do, not what he felt he should have. Paul had his priorities straight, and he was grateful for everything God had given him. Paul had detached himself from the nonessentials of this world in order that he could concentrate on the eternal. Often the desire for more or better possessions is really a longing to fill an empty place in a person’s life. To what are you drawn when you feel empty inside? The answer lies in your perspective, your priorities, and your source of power. Our society is filled with people searching for contentment and satisfaction. Everyone feels dissatisfied at some point in their life. Look at all the ways people try to become satisfied; the accumulation of personal possessions, money, drug use, sex, etc. The key is that you can’t ‘become’ satisfied, content or happy; Paul had it right; you have to be content with whatever station in life you find yourself and prioritize your life in such a way that the opportunities for dissatisfaction are minimized and satisfaction is maximized. Personally I did not find true happiness, joy and contentment until I was saved at age 35. Until I found Christ, all my attempts to be happy failed because I was still relying on myself or some other false god to give me peace and joy. I hadn’t yet discovered the creator of peace and joy; God Himself. He has been the only one who has been able to give me true joy and peace in my life. To me, the key to true joy is to diminish, not increase ‘self.’ In effect, this is what Christ told His disciples to do. That is, the power for a obedient, joyful, fulfilling life does not reside in our flesh, because our flesh always get it wrong. The power comes from the Spirit of the one true God. Personally, the more of life’s worries I leave to Him and trust that He will work them out according to His plan, the better off I find I am. The more I try to control people, or circumstances, the more miserable I am. I give God all the praise for anything good in my life, because He is the creator and author of every good and perfect thing. Amen
By Kelly Laughlin
In the movie, City Slickers, actor Jack Palance plays a crusty old cowboy named Curly. Suddenly waxing philosophical with Billy Crystal, he says that the secret to happiness is (as he raises his index finger skyward), “Just one thing,” Billy Crystal then asks, “What is the one thing?” Jack replied, "that’s what you have to figure out." What do I think he meant? I think that Curly meant that for one thing, happiness is an elusive thing; everyone wants it but not everyone gets it. Most people spent their whole life trying to attain it and will try just about anything to make it happen. I also think he means that the definition of happiness is different for everyone. What might make one person happy may not mean happiness to another.
What does the Bible says about happiness? The apostle Paul said (Phillipians 4:12) “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” What do you think he means by this statement? Are you content in any and all circumstances you face? Paul knew how to be content whether he had plenty or whether he was in need. The secret for him was drawing on Christ’s power for strength. Do you have great needs or are you discontented because you don’t have what you want? Learn to rely on God’s promises and Christ’s power to help you. If you always want more, ask God to remove that desire from you and teach you contentment in every circumstance. He will supply all your needs, but in a way that He knows is best for you.
Can God supply all of your needs? Phillipians 4:19 says “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” What this means is that God will always meet our needs. Whatever we need on earth he will always supply, even if it is the courage to face death as Paul did. Whatever we need in heaven he will supply. But we must remember the difference between our wants and our needs. Everyone wants to feel good and avoid discomfort or pain. But this doesn’t always happen. By trusting in Jesus, our attitudes and appetites can change from wanting everything to accepting his provision and power to live for him.
How can you find true contentment? Paul was content because he could see life from God’s point of view. He focused on what he was supposed to do, not what he felt he should have. Paul had his priorities straight, and he was grateful for everything God had given him. Paul had detached himself from the nonessentials of this world in order that he could concentrate on the eternal. Often the desire for more or better possessions is really a longing to fill an empty place in a person’s life. To what are you drawn when you feel empty inside? The answer lies in your perspective, your priorities, and your source of power. Our society is filled with people searching for contentment and satisfaction. Everyone feels dissatisfied at some point in their life. Look at all the ways people try to become satisfied; the accumulation of personal possessions, money, drug use, sex, etc. The key is that you can’t ‘become’ satisfied, content or happy; Paul had it right; you have to be content with whatever station in life you find yourself and prioritize your life in such a way that the opportunities for dissatisfaction are minimized and satisfaction is maximized. Personally I did not find true happiness, joy and contentment until I was saved at age 35. Until I found Christ, all my attempts to be happy failed because I was still relying on myself or some other false god to give me peace and joy. I hadn’t yet discovered the creator of peace and joy; God Himself. He has been the only one who has been able to give me true joy and peace in my life. To me, the key to true joy is to diminish, not increase ‘self.’ In effect, this is what Christ told His disciples to do. That is, the power for a obedient, joyful, fulfilling life does not reside in our flesh, because our flesh always get it wrong. The power comes from the Spirit of the one true God. Personally, the more of life’s worries I leave to Him and trust that He will work them out according to His plan, the better off I find I am. The more I try to control people, or circumstances, the more miserable I am. I give God all the praise for anything good in my life, because He is the creator and author of every good and perfect thing. Amen
By Kelly Laughlin
He Chose Us (Ephesians 1:4)
Before I begin to feel proud of my Christian heritage, character or deeds, I am quickly reminded of who I am and to whom I belong. "He chose us" are words that are at the very heart of the gospel and truth for every believer. My salvation did not begin with me reaching up to God but rather, Him, via his love and mercy, starting the process by reaching down to me. As God stood in the cooridor of time, before He made the universe, He looked into the past, present and future, all at once. He saw me. He saw my life from beginning to end. He saw me with all my blemishes, my flaws and my sin. He saw me for who I really am. He chose me. Not because of some great feat He knew I would accomplish in His name. Not because of my character. Not because of my good works or any grand human virtue; not because of my sin, but in spite of my sin. He chose me because of His great love for me. He chose me through the perfect sacrifice of His Son Jesus; by the blood that provides forgiveness. By the perfect gift of Christ's death on the cross. In that one mighty moment, when I accepted His free gift by faith alone, my life changed. In an instant I became a new person; a new creature. Do I feel pride? Yes! But the only pride I can rightly claim is pride in my Father in His Son's precious name for saving me and giving me a new identity...Christian!
By Kelly Laughlin
By Kelly Laughlin
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