Mt 28:18-20
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Ac 1:6-8
So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
These are the wonderful and matchless words of Jesus. Here in these words are the strategy and call of His church until He returns. These are His methods and desire for His church. Many have preached on them but too few have actually put them in to practice! Some are hold up in their 'Jerusalem' and just concentrating on building there to the exclusion of the 'Judea, Samaria, and ends of the earth.' We stress bigger, better, and larger at home and have a minimal effort globally, if at all.
Less than 15% of evangelical churches have some viable form of a global missions program. And yet with just that 15% we are making some Kingdom advancements! Just think how this could all be ended and Jesus returns if we were all on board.
We have it all backward:
1. Looking to build at home instead of putting money and personnel into the Global cause.
2. We respond to a Global disaster with money thinking that qualifies as a missions outreach. It placates our consciences that tell us we are not doing the right things.
3. We build bigger and better buildings that get foreclosed on in down economic times.
4. We are suspicious towards the appeals to help starving children thinking it’s a sham and only stuffing someone else’s pocket.
5. We may have great leaders and communicators in the church today but they have no vision for Global outreach and are content to let the 15% struggle along to accomplish the task.
6. Leaders investing in their own personal lives and locality rather than investing in the Kingdom advancement.
Herein is the problem. I always taught in Bible College that the key to a successful Missions program in the local church is the Pastor. If he wasn't on board fully, the efforts of the church would be minimal. Here is the formula- pastor + no Global vision = no missions!
Mt 24:14
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Forgive us Lord Jesus for not doing what you commissioned us to stay here and do. Honest, we really do want you to return for your Bride even though we tarry and are busy just adorning ourselves.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
My Most Extraordinary Wife!
I have been reflecting on the most extraordinary wife of all time! My wife Debi!
Proverbs has something to say about an amazing wife and mother, "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” " Prov 31.28-29; (read 10-31).
With this in mind I decided to tell the world what I think about Debi and what I have discovered over these 39 years of marriage:
Her demeanor- she remains constant in her outlook on life. She is not a fair weather type of person that fluctuates often and you never know what you are going to get from one day to the next or, one minute to next for that matter. Her disposition is rosy all the time! Her outlook on life is bright.
Her friendship- She is not a fair weather friend either; when she is being dissed, criticized, rebuked, ignored, others preferred over her, she remains friendly no matter how she is being treated.
Her faithfulness- She honors her word, she honors the Lord, she honors me, and she honors her friends. There is no disloyalty to any and she doesn’t treat others how they deserve to be treated even when they have hurt her and been disloyal. She remains true to her beliefs and doesn’t change just to be part of an ‘in crowd!’ She has not broken her ‘vows’ before God, me and others.
Her character- she doesn’t smoke, drink alcohol, take drugs, chew, curse or run in a pack of girls that do. She doesn’t use coarse language, jesting or crude joke telling. She is never rude, condescending, belittling, or makes jokes about other people. She’s not promiscuous and doesn’t chase after other men’s buns or even talk about them! She is Godly, pure, wholesome, and is the happiest person I know in this life without all the above.
Debi is truly a woman to be admired and followed as an example. She is a great life coach for our daughters (by marriage). Others who are truly wise and teachable will follow her example while only fools will use as an excuse “Well, I am not a Debi Kerr,” to continue their ruinous lifestyles and attitudes.
Debi, I admire you and I am so thankful that best of all, you have stayed with me all these years! You are simply an amazingly awesome woman! You really do surpass them all!
I love you, David
Proverbs has something to say about an amazing wife and mother, "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” " Prov 31.28-29; (read 10-31).
With this in mind I decided to tell the world what I think about Debi and what I have discovered over these 39 years of marriage:
Her demeanor- she remains constant in her outlook on life. She is not a fair weather type of person that fluctuates often and you never know what you are going to get from one day to the next or, one minute to next for that matter. Her disposition is rosy all the time! Her outlook on life is bright.
Her friendship- She is not a fair weather friend either; when she is being dissed, criticized, rebuked, ignored, others preferred over her, she remains friendly no matter how she is being treated.
Her faithfulness- She honors her word, she honors the Lord, she honors me, and she honors her friends. There is no disloyalty to any and she doesn’t treat others how they deserve to be treated even when they have hurt her and been disloyal. She remains true to her beliefs and doesn’t change just to be part of an ‘in crowd!’ She has not broken her ‘vows’ before God, me and others.
Her character- she doesn’t smoke, drink alcohol, take drugs, chew, curse or run in a pack of girls that do. She doesn’t use coarse language, jesting or crude joke telling. She is never rude, condescending, belittling, or makes jokes about other people. She’s not promiscuous and doesn’t chase after other men’s buns or even talk about them! She is Godly, pure, wholesome, and is the happiest person I know in this life without all the above.
Debi is truly a woman to be admired and followed as an example. She is a great life coach for our daughters (by marriage). Others who are truly wise and teachable will follow her example while only fools will use as an excuse “Well, I am not a Debi Kerr,” to continue their ruinous lifestyles and attitudes.
Debi, I admire you and I am so thankful that best of all, you have stayed with me all these years! You are simply an amazingly awesome woman! You really do surpass them all!
I love you, David
Monday, March 01, 2010
Perspective on Life and Death
If you don't see video go here to view it. The Story of Zac Smith from NewSpring Production on Vimeo.
I have friends that have been healed of cancer, please join with me in praying that Zac Smith will be added to that list of cancer survivors!
Friday, February 26, 2010
THE KNOTS PRAYER
Dear God,
Please untie the knots
that are in my mind,
my heart and my life.
Remove the have nots,
the can nots and the do nots
that I have in my mind.
Erase the will nots,
may nots, and
might nots that find
a home in my heart.
Release me from the could nots,
would nots and should nots
that obstruct my life.
And most of all, dear God,
I ask that you remove from my mind
my heart and my life all of the am nots
that I have allowed to hold me back,
especially the thought
that I am not good enough.
Amen.
Please untie the knots
that are in my mind,
my heart and my life.
Remove the have nots,
the can nots and the do nots
that I have in my mind.
Erase the will nots,
may nots, and
might nots that find
a home in my heart.
Release me from the could nots,
would nots and should nots
that obstruct my life.
And most of all, dear God,
I ask that you remove from my mind
my heart and my life all of the am nots
that I have allowed to hold me back,
especially the thought
that I am not good enough.
Amen.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
History Made! at the Vine Fellowship
Well, it is official! We had 18 people baptized this past Sunday (2/14/10)(we had planed for 21 but a few didn’t show up). Nevertheless, history was made with the baptisms here at the Vine. It was a great time in the baptismal. It was great to see all the children and youth plus some adults following the Lord in water baptism.
Thank you for the encouraging words concerning the sermon on the Philippian jailer. He had others locked up but he himself was a prisoner to the illusion of reality. His world came shaking down with the earthquake that brought the prison walls down. That day he and his family came to know the Lord and were baptized. This sermon was a great lead in to the baptisms we were doing. Plus, we had someone come to the Lord that day! God is good!
Nascar driver Jeff Gordon was baptized in October 1994. He had won his 1st two Winston Cup races, which were great thrills; but following his baptism, he said “This is the happiest day of my life.”
Why is baptism so significant for the Christian? Baptism is a lot like a wedding ring. Baptism is symbolic of the washing away of our sins. It is also symbolic of a new way of life. It has been said that Baptism is to the Christian faith what the wedding ring is to a marriage. It is a symbol. "Like the wedding ring, baptism draws a mark on the ground between the past and the future. Like the wedding ring, it says, "From this day forward, I stand with God."
Thank you for the encouraging words concerning the sermon on the Philippian jailer. He had others locked up but he himself was a prisoner to the illusion of reality. His world came shaking down with the earthquake that brought the prison walls down. That day he and his family came to know the Lord and were baptized. This sermon was a great lead in to the baptisms we were doing. Plus, we had someone come to the Lord that day! God is good!
Nascar driver Jeff Gordon was baptized in October 1994. He had won his 1st two Winston Cup races, which were great thrills; but following his baptism, he said “This is the happiest day of my life.”
Why is baptism so significant for the Christian? Baptism is a lot like a wedding ring. Baptism is symbolic of the washing away of our sins. It is also symbolic of a new way of life. It has been said that Baptism is to the Christian faith what the wedding ring is to a marriage. It is a symbol. "Like the wedding ring, baptism draws a mark on the ground between the past and the future. Like the wedding ring, it says, "From this day forward, I stand with God."
Friday, February 19, 2010
What Men Mean...A Translation Guide
Men don’t always say what they mean or even know what they mean – below is a translation for wives and women in general:
When a man says “IT WOULD TAKE TOO LONG TO EXPLAIN”
He means: "I have no idea how it works"
When a man says "TAKE A BREAK, HONEY. YOU ARE WORKING TOO HARD’’
He means: "I can’t hear the game over the vacuum cleaner"
When a man says ’THAT’S INTERESTING DEAR.’
He means: "Are you still talking?"
When a man says: "IT’S A GUY THING"
He means: "There is no rational thought pattern connected with this, and you have no chance at all of making it logical"
When a man says "CAN I HELP WITH DINNER"
He means: "Why isn’t it ready yet?"
When a man says "UH HUH, SURE HONEY,” or “YES, DEAR"
He means: Absolutely nothing – It’s a conditioned response.
When a man says "YOU KNOW HOW BAD MY MEMORY IS."
He means: " I can remember the theme song to ‘Hogan’s Heroes’, the phone # of the first girl I ever kissed & the vehicle identification numbers of every car I ever owned – but yes, I forgot your birthday"
When a man says ’OH, DON’T FUSS, I JUST CUT MYSELF. IT’S NO BIG DEAL"
He means: "I have probably severed a limb, but I will bleed to death before I admit I’m hurt, so get over here and help me!"
When a man says ’I CAN’T FIND IT.’’
He means: "It didn’t fall into my outstretched hand, so I’m completely clueless"
When a man says “I HEARD YOU.”
He means: "I haven’t the foggiest clue what you just said and I am hoping desperately that I can fake it well enough so that you’ll not spend the next 3 days yelling at me."
When a man says "YOU KNOW I COULD NEVER LOVE ANYONE ELSE"
He means: "I am used to the way you yell at me and realize it could be worse."
When a man says "YOU LOOK TERRIFIC!"
He means: "Oh please don’t try on one more outfit, we’re late and I’m starving."
When a man says "I’M NOT LOST. I KNOW EXACTLY WHERE WE ARE.’’
He means: "No one will ever see us alive again."
When a man says “I don’t think I can go today.”
He means: Shopping is NOT a sport, and no, I am never going to think of it that way.
When a man says, “I don’t remember saying that.”
It’s because he means: “Anything I may have said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all past comments become null and void after 7 days.”
When a man says, “that’s not what I meant.”
He means: “If something I said can be interpreted two ways, and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, I meant the other one.
If your husband says, “honey, what color is this?”
He means: ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings. Peach, for example, is a fruit, not a color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. I have no idea what “taupe” is.
Hope this helps!
When a man says “IT WOULD TAKE TOO LONG TO EXPLAIN”
He means: "I have no idea how it works"
When a man says "TAKE A BREAK, HONEY. YOU ARE WORKING TOO HARD’’
He means: "I can’t hear the game over the vacuum cleaner"
When a man says ’THAT’S INTERESTING DEAR.’
He means: "Are you still talking?"
When a man says: "IT’S A GUY THING"
He means: "There is no rational thought pattern connected with this, and you have no chance at all of making it logical"
When a man says "CAN I HELP WITH DINNER"
He means: "Why isn’t it ready yet?"
When a man says "UH HUH, SURE HONEY,” or “YES, DEAR"
He means: Absolutely nothing – It’s a conditioned response.
When a man says "YOU KNOW HOW BAD MY MEMORY IS."
He means: " I can remember the theme song to ‘Hogan’s Heroes’, the phone # of the first girl I ever kissed & the vehicle identification numbers of every car I ever owned – but yes, I forgot your birthday"
When a man says ’OH, DON’T FUSS, I JUST CUT MYSELF. IT’S NO BIG DEAL"
He means: "I have probably severed a limb, but I will bleed to death before I admit I’m hurt, so get over here and help me!"
When a man says ’I CAN’T FIND IT.’’
He means: "It didn’t fall into my outstretched hand, so I’m completely clueless"
When a man says “I HEARD YOU.”
He means: "I haven’t the foggiest clue what you just said and I am hoping desperately that I can fake it well enough so that you’ll not spend the next 3 days yelling at me."
When a man says "YOU KNOW I COULD NEVER LOVE ANYONE ELSE"
He means: "I am used to the way you yell at me and realize it could be worse."
When a man says "YOU LOOK TERRIFIC!"
He means: "Oh please don’t try on one more outfit, we’re late and I’m starving."
When a man says "I’M NOT LOST. I KNOW EXACTLY WHERE WE ARE.’’
He means: "No one will ever see us alive again."
When a man says “I don’t think I can go today.”
He means: Shopping is NOT a sport, and no, I am never going to think of it that way.
When a man says, “I don’t remember saying that.”
It’s because he means: “Anything I may have said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all past comments become null and void after 7 days.”
When a man says, “that’s not what I meant.”
He means: “If something I said can be interpreted two ways, and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, I meant the other one.
If your husband says, “honey, what color is this?”
He means: ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings. Peach, for example, is a fruit, not a color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. I have no idea what “taupe” is.
Hope this helps!
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Six Months Later!
We've all seen the JK Wedding Entrance Dance. Now let's see what happens 6 months later!
Can't see video, click here.
Awesome!!!!
Awesome!!!!
Friday, February 05, 2010
Beware of Terrorist Groups in Church
Latest news reports are that five terrorist cell groups have been operating in many of our churches. They have been identified as: Bin Sleepin, Bin Arguin, Bin Fightin, Bin Complainin, and Bin Missin.
Their leader, Lucifer Bin Workin, trained these groups to destroy the Body of Christ. The plan is to come into the church disguised as Christians and to work within the church to discourage, disrupt, and destroy.
However, there have been reports of a sixth group. A tiny cell known by the name Bin Prayin is actually the only effective counter terrorism force in the church. Unlike other terrorist cells, the Bin Prayin team does not blend in with whomever and whatever comes along.
Bin Prayin does whatever is needed to uplift and encourage the Body of Christ. We have noticed that the Bin Prayin cell group has different characteristics than the others. They have Bin Watchin, Bin Waitin, Bin Fastin, and Bin Longin for their Master, Jesus Christ to return.
NO CHURCH IS EXEMPT!
Their leader, Lucifer Bin Workin, trained these groups to destroy the Body of Christ. The plan is to come into the church disguised as Christians and to work within the church to discourage, disrupt, and destroy.
However, there have been reports of a sixth group. A tiny cell known by the name Bin Prayin is actually the only effective counter terrorism force in the church. Unlike other terrorist cells, the Bin Prayin team does not blend in with whomever and whatever comes along.
Bin Prayin does whatever is needed to uplift and encourage the Body of Christ. We have noticed that the Bin Prayin cell group has different characteristics than the others. They have Bin Watchin, Bin Waitin, Bin Fastin, and Bin Longin for their Master, Jesus Christ to return.
NO CHURCH IS EXEMPT!
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Inarticulate Generation!
Typography from Ronnie Bruce on Vimeo.
Thanks Brad- if you can't see video click here.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Do You Enjoy Counselling?
One of the joys of pastoring is counselling. I could relate to this 'Closer To Home' cartoon below.
As a pastor, do you enjoy counselling?
As a pastor, do you enjoy counselling?
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Music of Possibilities
Patrick Henry Hughes and his dad- American heros!
Please Lord, help me not to complain about life!
Please Lord, help me not to complain about life!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Brit Hume's Advice to Tiger Woods- amazing!
I did not jump on the bandwagon of using this blog to excoriate Tiger Woods. I preferred to pray for him, his wife Elin, and family. My prayers for him can be summed up by what Brit Hume said last week on Fox.
Brit Hume, amazing man, amazing boldness! Thank you Brit!
If you can't see the video click here.
Brit Hume, amazing man, amazing boldness! Thank you Brit!
Friday, January 08, 2010
God's Wife?
New York City: It's a cold day in December. A little boy about 10-year-old was standing before a shoe store on Broadway, barefooted, peering through the window, and shivering with cold. A lady approached the boy and said, "My little fellow, why are you looking so earnestly in that window?"
"I was asking God to give me a pair of shoes," was the boy's reply.
The lady took him by the hand and went into the store, and asked the clerk to get a half dozen pairs of socks for the boy. She then asked if he could give her a basin of water and a towel. He quickly brought them to her. She took the little fellow to the back part of the store and, removing her gloves, knelt down, washed his little feet, and dried them with a towel.
By this time the clerk had returned with the socks. Placing a pair upon the boy's feet, she then purchased him a pair of shoes, and tying up the remaining pairs of socks, gave them to him. She patted him on the head and said, "No doubt, my little fellow, you feel more comfortable now?"
As she turned to go, the astonished lad caught her by the hand, and looking up in her face, with tears in his eyes, answered the question with these words: "Are you God's wife?"
"I was asking God to give me a pair of shoes," was the boy's reply.
The lady took him by the hand and went into the store, and asked the clerk to get a half dozen pairs of socks for the boy. She then asked if he could give her a basin of water and a towel. He quickly brought them to her. She took the little fellow to the back part of the store and, removing her gloves, knelt down, washed his little feet, and dried them with a towel.
By this time the clerk had returned with the socks. Placing a pair upon the boy's feet, she then purchased him a pair of shoes, and tying up the remaining pairs of socks, gave them to him. She patted him on the head and said, "No doubt, my little fellow, you feel more comfortable now?"
As she turned to go, the astonished lad caught her by the hand, and looking up in her face, with tears in his eyes, answered the question with these words: "Are you God's wife?"
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Survivor- Outwit-Outplay-Outlast
Sunday, Jan 3, 2010, I began a series titled 'Survivor.' We will be discussing how to overcome the challenges of life. We will not only talk about keys to physical survival but also spiritual survival.
Heb 10:36-39 TMB
But you need to stick it out, staying with God's plan so you'll be there for the promised completion. It won't be long now, he's on the way; he'll show up most any minute. But anyone who is right with me thrives on loyal trust; if he cuts and runs, I won't be very happy. But we're not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We'll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way.
We are told not to give up in life. Following God's plan is the way to win at this game of life.
Survive- to remain alive or in existence; live on; to function or prosper despite hardship or trauma, persevere.
Thrive- to make steady progress; prosper; to grow vigorously; flourish.
Join with me as we not only survive in in this life but by God's help learn to thrive! May 2010 be a year of progress and prosperity!
(if you can't see the video, click here)
Heb 10:36-39 TMB
But you need to stick it out, staying with God's plan so you'll be there for the promised completion. It won't be long now, he's on the way; he'll show up most any minute. But anyone who is right with me thrives on loyal trust; if he cuts and runs, I won't be very happy. But we're not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We'll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way.
We are told not to give up in life. Following God's plan is the way to win at this game of life.
Survive- to remain alive or in existence; live on; to function or prosper despite hardship or trauma, persevere.
Thrive- to make steady progress; prosper; to grow vigorously; flourish.
Join with me as we not only survive in in this life but by God's help learn to thrive! May 2010 be a year of progress and prosperity!
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Building Well In 2010
This video is for all those pastors of smaller churches who are building what no one else will see - God does - so continue to build with excellence! You are not invisible! Your labor is not in vain! God bless you in 2010!
If you can't see the video then click here.
If you can't see the video then click here.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
2010 Resolution- No More 'Mr. Jerk'
This is my last blog for 2009. I have been distracted and not as faithful in updating my blog. Hopefully, I will do better in 2010. This blog today is about a resolution that I have already made for 2010!
One of the many things that one encounters in ministry are those that make personal insults towards you or your family. I am talking about people that take cheap shots, make hurtful comments, demean, belittle, chastise, and say and do other caustic things directed at you.
I call them Jerks! Dictionary definition- ‘an annoyingly stupid or foolish person; an unlikable person; especially: one who is cruel, rude, or small-minded.’ There are other ways to describe them as you will see from the next paragraph. But, I prefer to be civil in this blog and ‘jerk’ will suffice. Of course, we all can put names to the word ‘jerk.’
And what is worse, are those times when I have been a ‘jerk!’ Yes, I confess that there have been times when I have been a ‘class A jerk!’ I plan to change that in 2010.
As I was studying and meditating on this issue; I came across a book by Robert Sutton entitled, The No A**hole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn’t. (Yes, it really does say that in the title; I edited it here for the sensitive and in an effort not to offend). It’s called the definitive guide to understanding, counteracting, and not becoming an a**hole. Obviously the workplace is a prime place for this type of person. But, it is not exclusive to it as we all have seen our fair share in the church and among its leadership.
Sutton has a dirty-dozen list of everyday ‘jerk’ actions:
1. Personal insults
2. Invading one’s personal territory
3. Uninvited personal contact
4. Threats and intimidation, both verbal and non-verbal
5. Sarcastic jokes and teasing used as insult delivery systems
6. Withering email flames
7. Status slaps intended to humiliate their victims
8. Public shaming or status degradation rituals
9. Rude interruptions
10. Two-faced attacks
11. Dirty looks
12. Treating people as if they are invisible
I am sure that you can identify with some of these or maybe all of them. We all have seen them and experienced them.
In his book, Sutton tells you how to avoid a jerk and how not to become one yourself. On his blog he tells of a church Sunday class that even used his book! That’s bold!!!!
Obviously, the Bible tells us how to live with and respond to jerks. “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;…” Matt 5:44 KJV (there are many other references in the Bible).
I heard Loren Cunningham, founder of YWAM, answer a question last night about all the criticism and attempted character assassinations directed at him over his lifetime, ‘How did he survive and stay full of joy?’ He said he forgave them all. Therein lays the key on how to deal with jerks! Don’t respond to them, forgive them!
If I have been a ‘jerk’ to you, please forgive me and pray that I will, by God’s grace, change and refrain from being one in the future.
Does anyone want to join me in the pursuit of this New Year’s Resolution?
One of the many things that one encounters in ministry are those that make personal insults towards you or your family. I am talking about people that take cheap shots, make hurtful comments, demean, belittle, chastise, and say and do other caustic things directed at you.
I call them Jerks! Dictionary definition- ‘an annoyingly stupid or foolish person; an unlikable person; especially: one who is cruel, rude, or small-minded.’ There are other ways to describe them as you will see from the next paragraph. But, I prefer to be civil in this blog and ‘jerk’ will suffice. Of course, we all can put names to the word ‘jerk.’
And what is worse, are those times when I have been a ‘jerk!’ Yes, I confess that there have been times when I have been a ‘class A jerk!’ I plan to change that in 2010.
As I was studying and meditating on this issue; I came across a book by Robert Sutton entitled, The No A**hole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn’t. (Yes, it really does say that in the title; I edited it here for the sensitive and in an effort not to offend). It’s called the definitive guide to understanding, counteracting, and not becoming an a**hole. Obviously the workplace is a prime place for this type of person. But, it is not exclusive to it as we all have seen our fair share in the church and among its leadership.
Sutton has a dirty-dozen list of everyday ‘jerk’ actions:
1. Personal insults
2. Invading one’s personal territory
3. Uninvited personal contact
4. Threats and intimidation, both verbal and non-verbal
5. Sarcastic jokes and teasing used as insult delivery systems
6. Withering email flames
7. Status slaps intended to humiliate their victims
8. Public shaming or status degradation rituals
9. Rude interruptions
10. Two-faced attacks
11. Dirty looks
12. Treating people as if they are invisible
I am sure that you can identify with some of these or maybe all of them. We all have seen them and experienced them.
In his book, Sutton tells you how to avoid a jerk and how not to become one yourself. On his blog he tells of a church Sunday class that even used his book! That’s bold!!!!
Obviously, the Bible tells us how to live with and respond to jerks. “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;…” Matt 5:44 KJV (there are many other references in the Bible).
I heard Loren Cunningham, founder of YWAM, answer a question last night about all the criticism and attempted character assassinations directed at him over his lifetime, ‘How did he survive and stay full of joy?’ He said he forgave them all. Therein lays the key on how to deal with jerks! Don’t respond to them, forgive them!
If I have been a ‘jerk’ to you, please forgive me and pray that I will, by God’s grace, change and refrain from being one in the future.
Does anyone want to join me in the pursuit of this New Year’s Resolution?
Monday, December 14, 2009
Encouragement- Oxygen to the Soul
Last night I watched Demarcus Ware of the Dallas Cowboys lying on the football field with a sprained neck injury. I watched as the medical personnel attended to him eventually immobilizing him and putting him on to a stretcher. What got my attention was as he was placed on the cart to be taken off the field, a few Cowboy players went over to him and talked with him and encouraged him. They are a team. When one player is down they all respond with support. Probably not one of them brought up Ware’s play that day, not one of them tried to settle a problem with him, but all wanted to help!
And then I thought about the church and church leadership. What did I think? I thought how often we don’t respond in kind when someone is hurting and down. We can be a most vicious group. Rather than circling around that person with support and encouragement, we add to the suffering.
We all should seize every opportunity to give encouragement, especially when someone is hurting. Encouragement is oxygen to the soul. The Message Bible, 1Thess 5.11: So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you'll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you're already doing this; just keep on doing it.
One day a guy vacationing in the Bahamas noticed a big crowd gathered at the end of the pier. As he got closer he observed someone preparing for a solo journey around the world in a tiny homemade boat. Without exception everybody was telling him all the things that could go wrong. Suddenly the guy felt an irresistible urge to offer some encouragement. So as the little boat drifted toward the horizon he began jumping up and down shouting, 'Go for it! You can make it! We're proud of you!'"
This man had what we need more of - the gift of encouragement. We need fewer critics and more cheerleaders: those who see over the heads of the nay-sayers and shout to someone launching out in faith "Go for it! You can make it! We're proud of you!"
Give the gift here at Christmas that is priceless but costs you nothing by acknowledging the needs around you and then speaking words of encouragement to others.
Monday, December 07, 2009
Open Letter to Lou Dobbs and all Government Officials
Americans for Legal Immigration PAC (ALIPAC), a grassroots immigration enforcement advocacy organization, is withdrawing its support for Lou Dobbs' possible presidential bid after the former CNN anchor and commentator told a Spanish language television network that he now supports amnesty for illegal aliens. During his long tenure at CNN, Dobbs became a champion of the pro-enforcement cause. But is now signaling a change!
Here is the email I sent to Lou Dobbs and is open reading for any government official about the current ineptness of the immigration system! You bet I am frustrated as it has now been 5 months that Lina is in Costa Rica!
Lou,
I saw your interview with Bill O'Reilly and was impressed. However, all that has changed with your support of amnesty for illegals.
My son married a Costa Rican in January of this year. They set up their home here in Texas. On returning in July from visiting her parents, she was denied entry into the US because she was coming in on a tourist visa. Now that she was married, she is an impending immigrant thus needs that visa. Who knew? She was sent back to Costa Rica where she has remained for these 5 months. My son has made numerous trips back and forth. We have a lawyer and are awaiting the proper paperwork and visa to be issued.
We feel we are being penalized by trying to do things the right way and yet more and more people are entering illegally and you want to encourage that. My understanding is that with amnesty for them they would be moved to the head of the line and my daughter-in-law would be pushed further back in her pursuit of a Visa. This is unconscionable and not right! The immigration system is terribly broken and penalizes those who are trying to do it right.
You need to check your facts about all this before you blindly endorse amnesty! Please don't accept illegals at the expense of those of us who obey the US laws and try to do it the right way!
Sincerely,
David Kerr
Here is the email I sent to Lou Dobbs and is open reading for any government official about the current ineptness of the immigration system! You bet I am frustrated as it has now been 5 months that Lina is in Costa Rica!
Lou,
I saw your interview with Bill O'Reilly and was impressed. However, all that has changed with your support of amnesty for illegals.
My son married a Costa Rican in January of this year. They set up their home here in Texas. On returning in July from visiting her parents, she was denied entry into the US because she was coming in on a tourist visa. Now that she was married, she is an impending immigrant thus needs that visa. Who knew? She was sent back to Costa Rica where she has remained for these 5 months. My son has made numerous trips back and forth. We have a lawyer and are awaiting the proper paperwork and visa to be issued.
We feel we are being penalized by trying to do things the right way and yet more and more people are entering illegally and you want to encourage that. My understanding is that with amnesty for them they would be moved to the head of the line and my daughter-in-law would be pushed further back in her pursuit of a Visa. This is unconscionable and not right! The immigration system is terribly broken and penalizes those who are trying to do it right.
You need to check your facts about all this before you blindly endorse amnesty! Please don't accept illegals at the expense of those of us who obey the US laws and try to do it the right way!
Sincerely,
David Kerr
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