Be Different

So then, let us pursue what makes for peace 

and for building up one another.

Romans 14:19

 I was asked what I thought about our country seemingly being torn apart.  I thought for a moment, and said "It's not our country.  It is Abba's to do with as He chooses. My job is to be an encourager to those who are discouraged. My job is to do my best to build others up. I cannot control anything about what's going on, but I can choose to be different." 

We have a choice: to look at all that is going on in the world and freak out, OR we can choose to BE the sense of calm in the midst of the storm by loving others enough to encourage them.

I may be weird because I choose to be different. So be it.  Who's with me?

Barnabas the Superhero

When Saul came to Jerusalem he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him and rejected him because they didn’t trust him one bit. Then Barnabas introduced him to the apostles and stood up for him, told them how Saul had seen and spoken to the Master on the Damascus Road and how in Damascus itself he had laid his life on the line with his bold preaching in Jesus’ name.

Acts 9:26-27 

Have you ever been rejected?  It's discouraging, disheartening and, honestly, feels as though you've been gut punched. If we know what it feels like, why would we do that to another person?  The Apostles knew what it felt like to be rejected and looked down on by others, even by those who were once their friends.  You see, when we become fearful, we become just like those who rejected us. The Apostles not only rejected Saul because they knew what it felt like to be rejected, and had become like those who had rejected them, they also rejected Saul because of his past.  Who doesn't have a past?  Who hasn't done or said things they regret?  Anyone?  Anyone? 

Enter the superhero we all need....Barnabas! Barnabas took the time to encourage Saul and took him directly to the Apostles.  Not only that, Barnabas stood up for Saul to the Apostles explaining that, yes Saul had a past, but look at all the GOOD he had been doing!  Barnabas focused on the positive side of Saul and stood up to the rejecting Apostles on behalf of Saul.

Barnabas is someone we should emulate!  

Take time this very day to BE the encourager someone else needs!  BE the one who stands up FOR someone else who has been rejected.  BE the one who finds the positive!!! After all, didn't Christ stand up for YOU?

Be Someone's Gift

Have you ever had people cheer you on to reach a goal?  Have you ever had people cheer you on to be your best?  Have you ever been someone's cheerleader?

 

Think about this, we are continually bombarded with negative messages every single day.  "You need to lose weight."  "Unless you have this new car, you're a loser." "Buy our grooming products so you don't scare others."  We are constantly being hammered with negative!  But it doesn't have to be that way.  God has given us a CHOICE to be an encourager, to BE that person who builds up others!

 

Let's be about the work of God and build each other up!

What's Found Within

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.

Hebrews 10:24

Michelangelo said he saw the figure of David within the block of marble and carved it out.  Encouragers do the same thing; they see your best self and draws it out with words of encouragement and affirmation.

Think of the people you see.  Do you have the Michelangelo effect on them by drawing out their best selves?  Let's start this very day and become the positive encouraging artist! After all, God created them in the same way He created you.

Motivate!

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.

Hebrews 10:23-24

 

What motivates you?  Someone who tells you where to go and what to do, or someone who goes with you and shares the task?  What motivates you to help someone?  The person who demands, or the person you truly care about?

 

Years ago, during the summer break, I would cut grass.  And it was miserably hot out.  I took a bit of a break because I knew our mail carrier was just around the corner so I waited.  When he rolled up, I walked out to get the mail from him and noticed that he was sweating profusely.  I asked him how much longer he had to stay out in the heat.  He said, "Until all my mail is delivered."  The next day, I put a bottle of water in the freezer so it would be truly ice cold.  When I heard that distinctive growl of the mail truck, I took the frozen bottle out and put it in the mailbox with a note letting him know how much I appreciated him.  

 

Small acts of kindness, help and encouragement are the best.  If we do things to be seen and get a lot of credit, we are not acting as God's ambassadors. When asks "Why do you do these things?" our answer should be "God loves me so much that I get to love other people."

 

I encourage you to do something to help others today.  Make it a habit.  

Peace Takes Work

Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.

Hebrews 12:14-15 

 

Peace takes work!  It really does!  We have to WORK at being accepting and understanding of each other, and in so doing, we will find peace.  Living the Holy Life takes work!  We have to WORK at focusing on God and let our own ambitions and desires fall away in the process.

 

We are supposed to look after each other.  How do we do that? Encouraging each other, building each other up, making sure we treat others just like we want to be treated by them, by doing life together side-by-side...Why do we need to do that? So that the poison of bitterness will have no place to take hold!  Nothing breaks a home and family apart faster than bitterness!

 

We claim to love God and we claim to love each other, let's not just claim it, let's prove it in our lives!

Why Live In A World Of "Don't"?

“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:36-40

Have you ever looked at the Ten Commandments?  How many times do you find "Don't" in them?  Honestly, the concept that Christianity is about keeping a list of "don'ts" has driven quite a number of people away.  Let's face it, if all you hear are negatives then why be part of such a group.  Let me put it another way, if your supervisor only took time to give you negative feedback, how would your morale be?  How would your morale be if you knew you were under the microscope and people were just waiting for you to make a mistake?

In today's passage, Jesus was asked what is the greatest, most important of the Commandments.  Of all the "Don'ts" Jesus could have chosen, He chose to give a positive!  He told the Inquisitor that the greatest commandment was to LOVE!  First, love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.  Second, because of your love for God, you will be able to love others as much as you love yourself.  LOVE is the greatest commandment!

Now, how good are we at loving others as much as we love ourselves?  If you love someone, you will encourage, build them up, have their back, remember what it's like to be treated badly so you will do the opposite for others.  Love is about POSITIVE!   So, again, how good are we at loving others?  How good of an example did Jesus give us?

 

Weighed Words

Worry weighs a person down;
    an encouraging word cheers a person up.

Proverbs 12:25 

 

How does it feel when someone discourages you?  You hear the harsh words, the harsh tone of voice and your heart sinks.  The words weigh you down.  Discouragement is HEAVY!  Is it demoralizing.  It is awful.  So why do we do it to each other?  

 

I visited a church several years ago where the pastor seemed to only preach gloom, doom, and guilt.  I visited 5 times hoping he would preach something positive, but each of the 5 times I visited, I left feeling as though I had been chewed out.  I came for encouragement but instead was pounded with discouragement. On my last visit I asked the pastor why he only preached such harsh sermons, his response was "I tell people what they need to hear."  I thanked him and never returned.

 

When you talk to people, do you encourage or discourage?  Are you a positive or negative person?  Do you talk with people in the same way you would want others to talk with you?  When you deal with others are you one of those people who only have discouraging things to say? 

 

Being encouraging takes a conscious effort!  Yet when we encourage someone, we build them up.  When we build them up, that reflects positively on us.  Thus, encouragement is a win-win situation.  Try it! 

Strong Enough?

Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

Ephesians 6:10 

 

What do you think of when you are told to "be strong"?  Do you imagine a grim, stone-faced warrior that is unmoved by anything or anyone?  How about one whose muscles are so developed that they are intimidating to say the least and are always in the mood to work harder on perfecting their physique?  Perhaps you picture a runner with more endurance than anyone else.

 

Think about this: Being strong can also mean that one is so strong that they aren't afraid to be vulnerable.  Being strong enough to let people see the real you.  Being strong enough to love others (even the difficult people and even those others tell you to give up on).

 

Let me tell you a truth, there was a time when I really needed someone to care and for a time I reached out and no one reached back.  Then God brought someone into my life that was strong enough to not only reach out to me but let me reach out to them.  Being strong can mean you are strong enough to reach out to help someone up and encourage them.

 

Stepping on people or putting them down doesn't take strength.  In fact, it's among some of the most cowardly things we can do to one another.  

 

Be strong!  Reach out!  Lift Up!  Encourage!  If you've ever been down, you know what that feels like and that should be enough to help someone else.  God does it to us every day, who are we to do differently? 

What's That You Say?

Take control of what I say, O Lord,
    and guard my lips.

Psalm 141:3 

Words.  Write them on a page and a story can be told.  Words can generate vivid visions in our imaginations.  Words can bring a smile.  Words can express how we feel, what we are thinking, what we want.  Words can guide.  Words can instill fear.  Words can be hurtful.  Words, if properly used, will encourage and lift up others. Words can destroy a reputation with a lie or restore a reputation with truth.

We are all guilty of using words to hurt others whether intentionally or unintentionally. I once had a supervisor that I dreaded every time I heard anything from them because there was so much negativity and condemnation in their words.  Even reaching the point where I would ask, in my mind, "What have I messed up THIS time?" whenever I would receive any communication from them.  That ought not be!

There was a time when I actually prided myself on the sharpness of my sarcasm.  I would use my words like a rapier.  And then I realized just how hurtful my words had become, and that should not be.  Since, I have prayed daily for God to put a guard on my tongue so that the words of my mouth would be pleasing to Him.  Am I always successful?  No, I'm not.  And to those who have been hurt by my words, please accept my apology.  I may not always be successful, but I am still learning.

Most of the time, it's better to be silent and not respond to the negativity rather than to engage it and create more injuries.  Let us join together in using our words to lift up and encourage!  To bless each other! To show kindness to each other!  Use words for their true intention!

And What Will It Matter?

So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

Romans 14:19 

 

When my brother and I were a bit younger, it was never a good idea to leave us in each others company for very long.  Why?  We would begin to bicker and argue about the most idiotic things.  And it got worse when we were stuck in the back seat on family vacations.  We would start the bickering almost as soon as we pulled out of the driveway.

 

"He's looking out my window!"

 

"He's breathing on me!"

 

"He's on my side of the car!"

 

"He pooted and didn't say 'excuse me'!"

 

"Make him put his socks and shoes back on!"

 

At the time, these were important topics of discussion for my young and agitated mind.  Now, I truly pity the trauma we put our parents through and, at the same time, admire the fact that they didn't leave us on the side of the road somewhere in the desert.

 

As I have gotten older, I still hear bickering over the most idiotic things.  But if we stop to think about it for a bit, the things we argue, bicker, disagree on...a year from now, will they what will they matter?  Imagine what a difference we could make if, instead of focusing on things that really don't matter, we focused on building each other up and seeking to be at peace with each other.  Yes, that will take us swallowing our pride and even sharing some of the spotlight, but aren't we worth it?

Performance Anxiety

Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For by the standard you judge you will be judged, and the measure you use will be the measure you receive. 

Matthew 7:1-2 

 

Have you ever considered how our society has become so competitive? We'll turn anything into a contest, won't we?  

"I can hold my breath longer than you" 

"I can spot more Buicks from out of state than you"  

"I am a better spouse than you will ever be"  

"I am a better worker than you can even consider"

 

We use our competitive nature to give reason to judge others.  Please don't misunderstand, standards are good and need to be in place, and they need to apply to everyone equally.  

 

I was talking with a friend from a previous employer last night because he was upset and needed someone he could vent to without getting into trouble.  I found one statement he made extremely poignant:  "The only time I see [my supervisor] is when I get chewed out for something."  You see, that kicked my mind into thinking mode.  How many times have I heard people tell me that their supervisor makes it a point to come tell them that they are appreciated and compliment them?

But how are we to handle people who only seem to bring negativity?  Well, there's a reason why Peter reminds us to: "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you."(1 Peter 5:7).  Give this person to God EVERY SINGLE TIME they come to mind and every time they come to talk with you.  Give God the anxiety you have in dealing with them.  And here's the kicker (we've talked about this before) LEAVE it with God and let Him deal with those people.  

You see, we cannot control how someone talks to us or how they treat us; the only thing we can control is our response!

When you talk with someone, make sure when the conversation is over that each leaves with a positive result.  Make sure people know they are appreciated.

In keeping with that, I want to publicly state that I appreciate my Lieutenant, Maria Yturria for her positive attitude and calm approach.  I appreciate my Captain, Heidi Jackson, for her encouragement and for her positive attitude. I also declare my appreciation for my fellow Chaplains for their dedication, positive outlook, their willingness to work as a team for the betterment of each other and our Department.  Each of these, and so many more, have my respect, care, and love.

See?  That didn't hurt AND it's the truth!

 

Thankful For Encouragers So Much You Want To Be One?

But encourage each other every day while it is “today.” Help each other so none of you will become hardened because sin has tricked you. 

Hebrews 3:13

Have you ever had someone who had your back and was always there to encourage you?  How did that make you feel?  If you are like me, I thrive on positive encouragement!  But encouragers, believe it or not, are taken for granted sometimes.  They encourage us and we feel good, so we seek them out to get more encouragement, and we keep going back for more encouragement not realizing that we are using them has become an addiction.

We have MORE than enough critics in our lives already.  They can lead you to believe that there is nothing you can say or do that will meet their standard.  How do we deal with critics?  Critics are discouragers!  Critics are relentless in their criticisms.  Critics don't really care if they crush your spirit, as long as they can use you to make themselves feel better.  We should handle critics like this: 1) Is the criticism true?  2. If so, make adjustments.  3. If not let them have their moment and then take time to encourage yourself and others.

The best encouragement?  We are God's children!  God LOVES us far deeper than our minds can ever comprehend.  God is always with us and we are always welcome in His heart!  Take time to be thankful to God for being the ultimate encourager! 

#dailythankfulchallenge 

Thankful Thinking

If we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.

1 John 1:7

One of the greatest gifts we can give someone is ourselves.  And truly thankful people appreciate those who give that gift.  Whether as a friend, a confident, a best friend, a love, be thankful for those who share themselves with you.  Remind them that they are important to you and that you do thank God for bringing them into your life.

If we practice thankfulness to God, then we will have fellowship with each other.  Fellowship...we will become part of one another.  We will rub off on each other (don't roll your eyes).  We will share our gratitude with each other.

Here's how it starts: "If you are reading this, I am thankful to God for you.  Thank you!"  See? That didn't hurt at all.  :)

#dailythankfulchallenge

God Hears Before We Speak

May my spoken words and unspoken thoughts be pleasing even to you, 

O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 19:14 

 

Did you know that God is the God of Encouragement?  Think about how many times Scripture reminds us to take care in what we think and what we say.  Why? Because what we say comes from what we think.  

 

Bearing that in mind, before we speak ask yourself if God will be honored by what you say, and how you say it?  How would WE feel if the same was said to us in the same manner we say it to others?  Are our words and thoughts encouraging and uplifting of others or do they discourage and belittle others?  And if our words are discouraging, are we strong enough to apologize for speaking them?

 

It's easy to become frustrated and vent without thinking first.  I'm guilty of that at times.  But I have also learned, and am still learning, to apologize if my words have offended someone or have been less than uplifting.   Think about the last time you snapped at someone...why was that?  Was God honored by it?  Or were your words discouraging (if they were spoken to you, how would you feel)?

 

God reminds us over and over to be encouraging of each other, to have unity of mind and heart, to build each other up.  Why?  Because the world will tear us down without batting an eye.  Yes, it takes effort and focused thought to be encouraging and to build someone up (sincerely).  Tearing people down just means the mind is in neutral or in a place it shouldn't be.

 

When I was in the Army, my Sergeant would remind us every day: "My job is to make YOU look good!  Because when YOU look good....I look good!"  If you look as good as those you have spoken to, how good would you look?

 

There is a Russian proverb that says: "Taste your words carefully before you spit them out!"

Let our words and our thoughts be focused on God so that we may be encouraging and building up!  

Ballistic Vests And Protection

Guard your heart above all else,
    for it determines the course of your life.

Proverbs 4:23 

 

Have you ever thought about how much gear our First Responders have to carry and wear?  If amazes me that they can even move with all that stuff.  But each item has an important purpose and that purpose is to provide protection to the First Responder.  I'm going to be completely honest, I am glad First Responders have all that gear to keep them safe, because when THEY are safe I am going to be safe.

 

Now here's something that I, as a Chaplain, have dealt with many times in the past and probably will continue to deal with until Jesus returns...with all the First Responders see, experience, face, and endure it shouldn't be any wonder why it is easy for them to become jaded and calloused.  It's as if they have replaced their heart with a cast iron box that nothing can penetrate.  And that makes family life difficult.

 

So how can we help prevent having a cast iron heart?  By protecting it!  "GUARD YOUR HEART ABOVE ALL ELSE!" Can't get much clearer than that.  Guard your heart so that you can remember that "thou art human."  And here's the fun part, those of us who are not First Responders can help with the heart guarding by being grateful and encouraging.  Thank a First Responder.  Perhaps, if you feel generous, purchase their meal.  Help your children to share their gratitude as well.  I have to smile every time I see the posts on Facebook of Richland County's "High-Five Fridays" where the Deputies go to the schools and high-five the children as they come in.  

 

It isn't difficult to be an encourager, it just takes a little thought and time.  Remember, we are to do to others as we want done to us.  Encourage to be encouraged.  Share gratitude to be shown gratitude. 

All Is Not As It Seems

So then, let us pursue what makes for peace and for building up one another. 

Romans 14:19

If we pay attention to the news, some might think God has taken His hand off of us and is letting evil run rampant.  However, that is not the case.  God is alive and well and still in control of ALL things (even when we don't understand what He's doing).

We strive with each other and God reminds us through Apostle Paul to pursue what makes for peace and for building up one another.  The world and all its wars and chaos will become heavy burdens if that is where we focus our hearts and souls!  But God... there should our focus be!

Get Your DIFFERENT On!

And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.

Hebrews 13:16 

 Which are you likely to remember more...someone who is nice to you or someone who ignores you?  How about that person who nitpicks everything you do so that you feel scared to say or do anything?  How about that person who, for no reason in particular, does something for you that brings a smile?

God tells us that we are to be DIFFERENT!  We are to be the person who encourages and build up others!  We are to be the people who are so weird because we actually care about each other!  While the rest of the world is hung up on the negative, we are to be the example of positive.  

Just a thought to ponder today!

Make the MOST of Today

Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don’t miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.

Colossians 4:5-6

When you think of "making the most of every day," what comes to mind?  Do you think about how YOU can get ahead or do you consider how you can help others?  Make the most of every moment of every day!  That might sound like a lot of work because our natural instinct it to look out only for #1.  Have you notice that the message of the Bible is often in direct conflict with how we naturally think and act?

When you have conversations, bring out the best in others!  That takes focused effort.  Is it worth the effort?  Absolutely!  You see, when we are able to bring out the best in others, not only does that reflect on us, but it is much appreciated by others AND those who hear the conversation will see you in a more positive light.  It's truly a win-win prospect.

Now...on the other side of that coin, when we put someone down or just leave them out of the conversation altogether (even when they are standing right there), that also reflects back on us and those who hear the conversation will see you in a different light.  A light we may not appreciate.

If you notice, I spend quite a bit of time talking about encouraging others and building them up and reaching out to help them.  Why?  Because the influences of our society hammer us with the opposite message day after day!  Take a moment, right now, and lift someone up that you normally might not.    

Today's Challenge: Encourage!

Encouraging words are like a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Proverbs 16:24 

Let's be honest, we all like to be encouraged.  There's something about hearing the words of uplifting affirmation that makes our day a little brighter and makes our storms a little less stressful.  So why is it so difficult for us to encourage each other?  My experience has been, more often than not, we seek to criticize rather than encourage.  When one hears naught but criticism, resentment and anger will be the result.

But think about this, encouragement comes in many forms other than words.  How about when someone smiles and says, "Thank You"?  How about when you are struggling and someone comes alongside and sits with you through the storm, instead of abandoning you? How about when someone you wouldn't expect comes up to you, shakes your hand and tells you that you are appreciated?

I walked into my office this morning and found that someone had left a basket of apples and a note of appreciation for the Deputies in the squad room. I was encouraged because someone else cared about the same people that I do and aren't afraid to show it.

A little encouragement goes a LONG way!  Every morning when we wake up, God is giving us another opportunity to encourage each other!