“Out of order.”
It’s a sign you often see on a gas pump. Why doesn’t it just say, “Broken?” When something has no order, IT IS “broken.”
Life, family, health, finances, and relationships can all be “broken.” How can you repair them? By putting them back into order.
“Wealth begins with perspective: “Your OUTLOOK determines your OUTCOME.”
Your outlook on money and finances are directly determining how much of IT you have. And…how much wealth has of YOU!
The Internet has been filled with images of “giant footprints.” One of these was found in Mpuluzi, South Africa and would have to be the footprint of a person 25 foot tall!
I’m not sure about this, but I HAVE walked with some spiritual giants in my life. I find myself walking in their “giant footprints” every day.
Knowing my “giants” and the main lesson I learned from them may help you in your journey.
Integrity has become “mission-critical.”
Look at the present national state of hyper-sensitivity to anything that looks, sounds, or smells like corruption.
Integrity is the currency of influence. Power and success are like paper money but integrity is the GOLD.
Job, in the Old Testament, "had integrity."
With the NBA Finals just over, I’ve been thinking about an “MVP: Most Valuable Player.” That’s you, Dad.
Researchers have identified that “fatherlessness” is the #1 issue in many nations today. All of society seems to break down when fathering is absent.
In 38 years of fathering, I’ve made a lot of mistakes. I learned as I went. I don’t want you to have to learn everything the hard way.
Prayer needs a template.
As I am typing this blog, I am using a template, a pre-arranged plan.
You can always “pray without ceasing,” but in order to build a strong day-to-day prayer life, you need a template.
The Lord’s prayer is a “Model Prayer.” It is not simply to be repeated. It contains 5 “fingers” in the hand of God and gives us a template for daily prayer.
All of us face hurt.
Some of us choose to forgive.
The rest of us live in bitterness.
How do you “forgive and forget?” We have a pretty good Example.
Insecurity is a silent enemy.
It ruins your relationships. It limits your leadership. It shows up in every decision. In essence, it is coloring your entire world.
People think that when they get married they will “never be lonely again.” Wrong.
Loneliness in marriage is predictable. The longer you live together, the less you feel the need to talk. No wonder so many empty-nesters divorce after their kids leave: the silence is deafening.
Shoelaces are important.
They hold everything together. When they are tight, they keep you from falling. No one tries to walk in loose, floppy tennis shoes without good, snug laces.
YOUR FINANCES HAVE “LACES.” If they are untended, your entire life could come crashing down.
If you can’t see past the outward appearance of someone, you will never be a great leader. EVER.
People are cunning and shrewd. Some have experience with deception. Others put up a good front. Discerning the difference between a good talker and a hard worker can “make or break” your organization. You could even find yourself married to the wrong person.
I have noticed that children and parents seem to be drifting apart. Weeks go by with little conversation or interaction. My father-in-law, Jim Clark, taught me the greatest secret to raising kids: the “family night.”
40 million adults in America suffer from some type of anxiety disorder. Millions more face routine worry and anxiety about the day-to-day challenges of life. Finding peace of mind becomes the goal of every day.
Of course, we know that chronic worry can be symptomatic of a deep underlying issue in your soul. We should also not belittle the amazing results medical treatment has done to relieve anxiety. To me, however, we sometimes wear a worry “filter” about everything.
Easter has come again today and will be gone again tomorrow. For many people, it is a once a year phenomenon. I remember a child whose parents happened to come to church in October. They found him out looking for Easter eggs under the bushes at the church.
I think I’ve hit on how to have Easter all year: “be thankful for what Jesus did for me every day.”
I’m concerned about the state of marriage right now. The average U.S. marriage is only lasting 8 years and 2 months. That averages in all the 40 year marriages like mine! It may not be the ONLY solution, but it is PART of the solution: “a weekly date night.”
Melanie and I have tried to practice this for many years. When our six children all arrived, it became CRITICAL!
You need a break, a “deep breath” from the tremendous pressures of parenting.
The world is making a bold bid for the new generation. They want them. Satan wants them. Why don’t we want them? I burn with a passion for this wonderful, beautiful new generation.
Love your neighbor as yourself” (the Golden Rule) is the second great commandment. It’s easy to say, but what exactly does it mean? How our nation would be changed if we PRACTICED it!
This famous law was originally spoken by God in Leviticus 19:18. I did not know, however, that there are seven applications that lead up to that law:
Fake news” is a big topic right now. Is the media truthful? It’s probably a good time for us to ask that of ourselves: “Am I truthful?” You will be known by your truthfulness. You will be respected by your truthfulness. Your business will be known by your truthfulness. Your marriage will continue only if you are truthful. Can you pass the “truth test?”
For a lot of couples, Valentine season is a difficult time. They celebrate one more year but inwardly they know their marriage seems to be failing. Often, marriages that seem outwardly successful are privately failing. How can you fix a failing marriage?
We all want our children to turn out well. Nothing thrills us more than seeing them go through school, marry well, excel in their career, and fulfill God’s purpose on their lives. Raising children who love, respect, serve, marry well, and contribute to society is not easy.
