This year, 2012 in America is a very important year. It is that time again to pick a new president or re-elect the one in office for four more years. Also, many state and federal offices are up for reelection.
We, in America, have a party system. Each party nominates their man or woman for the highest office in the land. Only one party will have the winner. Many people will be disappointed while others very happy. We have the best form of government in the world, but still people are not satisfied.
The best man does not always win. The man who gets the most votes wins. The key is for every American to get out and vote for your choice. To vote is a privilege that every American should take advantage of. Don't complain if you don't vote.
Countries rise or fall many times because the leaders are either good or corrupt. Corrupt leaders attract others who are corrupt or willing to be corrupted. Good, honest leaders attract people like themselves; like attracts like. Yet, in a country like ours that is so big and has so much money in taxes, the temptation is great for corruption. Sometimes a little leaven corrupts the whole lot. Not everyone can handle power and popularity. We know that power corrupts, but it need not to.
Our history of Presidents has given America some great, honest men, like Washington, Jefferson, and Abe Lincoln, just to name a few. We have had failures too. But that is our system and we must live with it. We must admit that this is not a Christian nation anymore. We were founded on Christian principles by Christian leaders, even though not all of our founding fathers were Christians. But, these great statesmen gave us the Constitution and the Bill of Rights that gave America the ability to be the great nation she is today.
America will only remain great as long as our leaders remain true to our constitution and the laws of the land. Our prosperity came and still comes from free enterprise and capitalism where every person born in America has opportunities to excel in life.
True freedom is not easy to achieve or keep. Freedom is everyone's business. Our freedom has always had a cost. The cost of lives during wartime, the cost of taxes to run our country, the cost of hard work to be successful and the cost of greed and selfish ambition that plagues our country from time to time.
Our ancestors paid a high price for our freedom. Some died on the high seas before they ever got to America. Others died from hunger or diseases while building our country. Some lost their fortunes and lives fighting for our independence from England. Some died at a young age giving birth to children in a very primitive country. But, they didn't give up and quit. They birthed new generations who made things better for that new generation. Today it would be well to reflect on those brave, great souls who believed in freedom and paid the price so we could enjoy this great land.
Get out and vote this year. Support the party of your choice. Be a real American and get involved in your community and with people. Look for ways to improve things for you and your neighbors. Remember, we have an obligation to the next generation.
Chaplain Bud
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
]]>The American scene is one of great opportunities, but they come at a price. Everything is built on power and money. The way to get ahead is the driving force and it's leaving a path of destruction wider than can be measured.
Our society is drunk with consumerism and entertainment. Character and ethics are disappearing as fast as the older generation is dying off. The younger generation's idea of right and wrong is coming out of a new book, but not the "Good Book".
When this country got rid of the outhouse and the woodhouse, we began a season in history that will affect us forever. Our youth are bored and their parents are too busy making money to care. Youth with too much idle time on their hands is guarantee for trouble. The youth of today are lacking two great character builders. They are, learning to work and being responsible for their actions.
When you address this problem, everyone gets into the blame game. The government is not doing enough or the schools are not doing their job, or there is nothing in our neighborhoods for the kids to do. And on and on it goes.
The real problem that is at the bottom of all this is in the home. Our homes are being destroyed by a very immoral, liberal society gone mad over success and money. The home for most people today is just a place to sleep and get clean clothes. The families don't eat together, don't pray together, don't play together, don't travel together, etc.
A high number, and I mean really high number, of children are raised by single parents or
grandparents. These people are stuck with the children and have no choice. They may or may not love them, but they are all the kids have. This presents all kinds of problems especially with discipline and respect
Then, to add insult to injury, we have a society of liberal people who do not want children spanked. Without the proper discipline, children grow up to be monsters that kill people. They can't be taught in school or college because they grow up without respect for authority.
So, what do we have in America? The greatest country in the world with all the conveniences anyone could ever want. But we are destroying ourselves, we are destroying our future, and we are reaping a harvest of a nation gone bad morally and spiritually.
This country was founded on the greatest principles in the world; biblical principles. Our laws and constitution were designed on the biblical truth. But, now as a nation, we have abandoned God in our courts, schools and social gatherings. After 300 years now, it is not politically correct to pray in public.
All great nations in history were built on strong character, produced by strong homes that were produced by strong Christian principles. Think on these things.
Chaplain Bud
]]>Well, Christmas is over and the New Year begins. Its wintertime and the snow and cold temperatures are our constant challenges. Oh how the joy of Christmas slips away so quickly in cold weather.
So, how can we retain our Christmas spirit? It is the spirit of giving and sharing; the true spirit of our Lord Jesus' birthday; the reason for the season.
It's so easy to slip back into our old routines and old habits. But, we don't have to. We have a choice and maybe if you read this, you too can make 2012 a very new and joyful year.
First, be generous throughout the year like you were for Christmas. Be generous not only with your money but generous with your time and talents. We look for people to help at Christmastime so don't stop looking now. People still need help. Here are two verses to think about.
"For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable to what one has, not according to what he does not have." II Cor. 8:12
"He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little." II Cor. 8:15
Second, be grateful. When we go through Christmas or vacation time, these are high days. Days of plenty and joy, but now we are back to work and the old routines. We forget to be grateful and thankful. Now we are in the planting and working stage to have a new crop of happiness. We are always preparing for the next event to come into our lives. This is called the process of life. We must go through valleys to get to the mountain tops. Here is another good verse.
"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." II Cor. 9:6
Thankful people are generous and generous people are showing their gratitude by their deeds.
Third, be a good employee. We trade our work and time for money. We need money to live, to feed our families and support our communities. The good employees work hard and are honest. The good employees are dependable and follow orders well. The good employees have good attitudes and do no gossip. In other words, a good employee likes his job and lives by a good value system based on solid convictions of right and wrong.
Fourth, see your life as having real value. Value to our family, to your friends, to your employer, to your Lord, to all you come in contact with. You give your life value by your character and convictions. You give your life value by your actions and words. We are what we do and think.
You see, our value system gives us our purpose in life. To retain the Christmas spirit we must work at it every day. It needs to come naturally out of joy and satisfaction in our heart. Remember your life will pay you only what you think you are worth.
Chaplain Bud
]]>But, it’s a great time of year. Christmas is a time when even mean people are nice. People are filled with the giving spirit of Christmas. Gifts flow like there is no tomorrow. College kids are home and all is well with the world.
Yes, Christmastime is a special time, when family and friends become first place. Some doors are opened that were closed all year. If the truth was known, there may be more forgiveness given at Christmas than any other time of the year.
Since this year is almost over, it’s time to be planning for 2012, three hundred-sixty five unused days. Days filled with opportunities and challenges. Many things are going to happen even if we are not prepared.
Some people will die in 2012. Others will be born. Others will buy their first house or begin a new job. Yes, all of this is yet to come. Are you prepared?
Of course we have a major election in 2012. It will be the major part of the news until it is over. Some people will be very happy with the election outcome, and others will be unhappy. But, that is our American way. It’s our privilege to vote, so get out and vote in 2012. This is going to be part of our 2012 experiences along with many others.
My question is this; How prepared are you for 2012? The year will come even if we are not prepared.
People make a lot of New Year’s resolutions. Resolutions they can’t keep or don’t intend to keep. They have the desire but lack the discipline. They may even be determined, but still discipline is the key.
So why not begin today to prepare for 2012? First, make a list of goals you want to achieve in the New Year. Things like change jobs, or find a different house, or buy another car, or begin exercising, or going to church, or continuing your education.
Second, now list each goal separately. Then list the things you must do to accomplish your goals. Try to think of the cost, time, and everything involved. Then one by one do the same with all your goals.
Third, list your goals in the order you want to accomplish them. Then begin to concentrate on your number one. Stick to it till it’s finished then move on to number two, etc.
Now keep in mind you are the one who is going to make these things happen. Your determination and discipline must be greater than those around you. Avoid all negative people. Don’t become discouraged or begin to doubt yourself. Don’t be afraid to sacrifice. You will probably have to. Don’t let distractions keep you from working at your goals. Do whatever it takes, as long as it takes, until you reach your goals.
Finally, don’t waste next year. We only get one life and it is short at best. Success and happiness depend on you, not others. You can do it.
Chaplain Bud
Two words are very important in the English language; communication and cooperation. These words are the key, many times, between success or failure. Success or failure in marriage, a business, your job, or just getting along in this world.
The true meaning of communication is: an imparting; the act of making oneself understood; an expression of thoughts or opinions.
Communication is not just talking, but making yourself understood. That is the hard part. People listen to us, but do they really understand what we are saying? And, are we saying what we want to say, clearly and plainly? Not just a bunch of words, but words that mean something.
Yes, people talk, but they don't clearly communicate. And this does not mean we agree on what is being said. It does mean we are being understood by the words we speak.
The lack of communication leads to all kinds of problems. In business or at our job the lack of communication causes all kinds of misunderstandings or failure to do our job. Bad information results in bad decisions, which result in bad consequences.
Many family problems come from the lack of good communication. People say things but do the opposite. Or people misunderstand the other person's motives or actions. The communications were not clear or understandable. So, people just don't talk and trouble is brewing in the future.
Because communications are bad, it makes cooperation impossible. Here is the meaning of cooperation. "The act of working together for the same end".
To have a successful business or public department, people need to know their job and do their job. But they can't do it alone. The job includes other people, which we must communicate and cooperate with. It's not about what we like or dislike. It's about success or failure.
Marriage is the same way. Not everything is about one person. Marriage is putting two people together who may be very different yet working together to produce fulfillment and happiness. This takes communication and cooperation. Without these two words that produce good fruit, marriage is impossible.
Someone has said, "life would be simple and easy if we didn't have to deal with other people". Well welcome to the real world! This is our real test of being a human being. Don't fail this test. If you do, you have to keep taking it till you pass. We were all given this life for a purpose. That purpose will come through other people and their needs the same as ours.
Chaplain Bud
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
(570) 998-2989
The first century church had one thing in common; A Growing Passion To Reproduce. This they did through evangelism and discipleship. Their goal was not just to evangelize, but to make disciples.
The American churches have lost this passion. We are all for church growth and wonderful, moving, worship services. And, we need wonderful, moving, worship services. Through them we bring glory to God and are motivated to be loyal to Him.
But, the churches' real mission is still to save lost souls. And, to teach them, grow them, and equip them to reproduce. Without reproduction the church becomes stagnant and will die. America has hundreds of churches but they have terminal diseases.
How could this happen to us as Christians who believe the truth? It has been very subtle over the years. The messages become messages only about our needs. How to be better Christians. How to be better parents. How to be good stewards; and build and pay for big buildings. And, all of this is not bad. In fact, it is good.
However, that is not our mission. Our mission is to seek and save the lost. To go into the whole world and spread the good news which is "Jesus saves, Jesus saves." In fact, by becoming ingrown, we build temples to ourselves. We have lost the joy of new birth, and replaced it with our quest for power and prestige. We build up ourselves and our churches but refuse to reach out to a lost and dying world. We have great programs but little reproduction. We have preaching but not preaching that penetrates the heart. We are not convicted of our lack of desire for evangelism, nor do we see our short comings.
It's my prayer that God convicts us of our missing the mark of true evangelism and discipleship. I pray the Holy Spirit will raise up men and women with conviction and power of the Word to bring change to our American churches.
We use to have a saying; "Keep the main thing the main thing." Have we forgotten the main thing? Our mission is the main thing. Busy work is not always God's work. Jesus said that He that came to do the will of the Father. John 6:38. Our mission is to do the same.''
Jesus also taught; "For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:40
For the church to really be the church that is going to please God and really do the true mission, some changes must come. But, before change there must be the conviction to seek God's will in this matter. Then we, the church, will get back on track and evangelize and disciple as God wants us to.
See ya in church
Bud
The world needs good finishers, not just good starters. We have many who start well, but finish badly. Somewhere along in life's journey, people either lose their passion and vision or their past was not always honest, and it caught up with them.
Some of America's greatest success stories are about the people with great vision; whether it was building a railroad, having a territory become a state or discovering oil for the first time in America. These men and women had great passion and ambition. Some were great finishers but others were destroyed by success or other reasons.
Then you have people who are poor starters but great finishers. Abe Lincoln is a good example. He never gave up and kept trying until his last great success was to lead America through her darkest hours.
Our country was birthed by men and women of great courage and determination. It produced leaders at the right time to lead under very extreme conditions. Our independence from our mother country cost many of them their lives and their fortunes. Some started slow and finished great. Others started great but finished very poorly.
Good finishers have certain qualities in common and those who finish badly also have some things in common. Let's look at the latter first.
First, motive is a big player in anyone's life for doing things. If the motive is evil or just to get rich off of others backs, that's not a good motive. When people's motive is just to get to the top or use other people to get there, it is wrong.
Second, dishonesty will always catch up to you. Many people who start well are not honest in their dealings or speech. Dishonest people are blight on any organization, country, or town.
Yes, motive and dishonestly will eventually bring a fast starter down. Their foundation is bad so whatever they do or say is not reliable.
Now, let's look at the good finishers. What do they have in common?
First, they have character. Yes, character is who you are. It is everything you do and say. People of character are people who build others up. People of character are dependable and predictable. They are stayers and that's why they are good finishers.
Second, people who finish well have a plan. They know where they are going. They count the cost and prepare for the future. Their plan becomes their vision, and their vision becomes their purpose.
Third, people who finish well learn from their experiences. They know what it is to fail and they know what it is to succeed. They let their experiences work for them, not against them.
Fourth, people who finish well are people of discipline. The finishers are disciplined by character and honesty. They discipline their lives to be productive and fulfilled. They discipline their desires, restrain their reactions and keep their commitments.
Be a finisher not just a starter.
Chaplin Bud
]]>Every crisis brings sorrow and heart ache. But it also gives people an opportunity to help one another. Sometimes out of ashes heroes are born. Not that they rush into a burning building but they are there in a time of need.
The high water we had in our area in the past few days tested everyone. The friends and neighbors, the firemen, and the policemen, the medical people, and many more that we are not aware of. But in our eyes they were all heroes. Some risked their lives, others gave hour after hour of their time and others used their trucks, boats, or whatever was needed. But they were available.
Now the clean up and all the problems of relocating or rebuilding begins; the disposal of all the things that got ruined and all the mud and dirt. Now is the beginning of the rebuilding process. Not just the material things but the lives as well. Overcoming the emotions of the loss of things that can't be replaced like family pictures, baby pictures, personal papers, and the list goes on. But, so does life.
Much heartache will come out of this disaster, but much good will also come of it if we just look for it. People need to be needed, and this is a great opportunity to be needed. Material things take a backseat to human needs and comfort. People go the extra mile and do the extra things because there is a need and they are needed.
A crisis also brings out of people an inner strength they didn't realize they had. It takes real determination to overcome this temporary setback in life. It brings out a true value system to clean up the disaster and move on. It brings family and neighbors together because they all have one thing in common; Survival!
The clean up and rebuilding will take weeks and months to complete. Some people will move to new locations, but others will stay and rebuild their everyday lives. Activities will go on. Life must go on.
The question is, what did we all learn from this crisis? How can we be better prepared? How can this crisis teach us to heed the warning quicker or be more realistic about the damage water can bring? People soon forget and go back to life as usual until the water comes again. And it will at some time in history.
The true lesson is that lives are more important than material things. Family and friends are more important than material things. We are social beings and to be truly happy and fulfilled we need people. A lost life can never be replaced but material things can be.
This is a good time to take inventory. What do I have to be thankful for? Who and what is the most important person or thing in my life? Now could they be replaced if taken from me?
We say, as Christians, God never wastes a "crisis". It will open our eyes, move us to check our value system, and find strength we never knew we had. We become a better person through the testing that comes through crisis.
Chaplain Bud
]]>Life is too short to be unhappy and sad. Or, like some, to always be mad. Did you ever stop to think that a day wasted is one you will never get back? We only have so many days on this earth. We have no idea how many days that will be, however our time here will end.
Each new day we have a major choice. Will I choose to let things rob my happiness? Will I let circumstances ruin my day? Or, will I overcome whatever comes my way and be happy? Things will happen. Things will go wrong sometimes. People may let us down or hurt us, but don't let them hinder you from enjoying life.
If you can control your responses, you can control your attitude. It's not what happens to us but how we respond to what happens to us that makes a difference. Something may happen to two different people and one will get angry and the other may just smile. The reason is because each chose to respond in accordance with their attitude.
Happy people are not always the smartest, or most talented, or have the best jobs, but they see things differently than negative people. Most happy people don't take themselves too seriously and they laugh at themselves often. They see life as a constant opportunity not as a burden or as the enemy.
They do, however, take their work and their friendships seriously. The men or women who are happy will also enjoy their work and careers, and are successful doing them.
Someone once said, "if you are happy in your work you will never work a day in your life." Why? It's because of the joy and satisfaction it brings you.
When I meet a happy person they are usually people of good character. And, most of the time, truly happy people are generous. Their inward joy is expressed in ways of sharing and helping others. Their blessings are in the form of seeing other people made happy by what they can do for them.
Proverbs 11:25 "A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."
That says it all. Want joy and happiness? Then try giving it away. Truly successful and fulfilled people have learned this and practice it. The giver always receives back far more than they give.
Tomorrow will be a new day. How are you going to live it and use it? You may be a very happy person like the ones I am describing in this article. If you are, share with at least 3 other people why you are happy.
But, if you are not a happy person, make some new choices. Make some major changes. Make some new friends or seek out some happy people and learn from them.
Life is too short to waste even one day. You are important to yourself and others. Don't let either down.
Chaplain Bud
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
(570) 998-2989
When you travel to new places and foreign lands, you learn so much. You see so much. All around the world people are just like us at home. They work, they sleep, they eat, and they find ways to enjoy life.
But history teaches us that people can also be cruel, selfish, and greedy. They can have selfish ambitions that cost others very dearly. Wars are caused by evil leaders who want power and control of others.
My last mission trip took me to Europe and many countries. But, in Poland, I observed the destruction of the Second World War. Poland, like many other countries in Europe, suffered greatly by invaders from their neighbors.
The Polish people were enslaved and thousands killed senselessly. They were made to work in work camps for their captors. Their rights and passions were taken from them. Their homes and families were destroyed.
They were made to help kill thousands of innocent people from other countries. Their sick received no medicine but were killed for being sick. Their women were raped and young girls made to become prostitutes for their invaders. This is the result of greedy, power-hungry people.
In war, in the long run, everyone loses. The common people suffer the most. It takes years and years to recover. It takes generations to rebuild a nation. Families separated or killed never will ever be the same. This kind of war has no good purpose. It is a destroyer of people.
We, in America have never been invaded by a foreign country. God forbid that it ever happens. Our way of life would be no more. Our freedom would be taken away and we would become enslaved.
Freedom is the responsibility of everyone, not just our leaders. We must live, and plan, and protect freedom. We must elect honest, good leaders who understand freedom and make decisions that our way of life will continue.
The world continues to produce friends as well as enemies of America. We must know who they are and protect our future. The price of freedom is always very high. But, the cost of losing freedom is even higher.
America continues to decay morally and this, in the end, could be our downfall. God has blessed America because in the past she honored and obeyed Him. However, today our government has turned her back on God. No country in history will or can stand without strong moral and family principles.
The invaders of Poland silenced the churches in their home country. People were deceived into believing lies about their leaders until it was too late. We, in America, cannot afford to make the same mistakes. Greed and selfish ambition can destroy us too!
Think about these things.
Chaplain Bud
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
(570) 998-2989
Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them." Ecclesiastes 12:1
We are young but too soon we are old. The years go by so fast, and one morning we wake up and we are old. We have been busy with life and now we see the end coming. Listen to another verse: "Moreover when God gives any man wealth and possessions and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work, this is a gift from God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart." Ecclesiastes 5:19-20
Happy is the man who enjoys his work. That happiness is reflecting in everything in his life. His home, his family, his friendships, his community, and all that he does. The years just keep going so fast. He is occupied with the gladness of his heart. His wealth and possessions may be great or small, but they are his. He accepts his lot in life.
We were all born with a purpose. The secret is to find your purpose, and then the real happiness comes not from you but the purpose. To each of us the purpose is different, but there must be one. Some people just live to work, but with true purpose we work so we can live. However all must work. This is our lot in life. Those who refuse to earn a living live off the backs of those who do. This is not the plan God has for man
Here is a truth you can take to the bank. Find your purpose and you will find fulfillment. An unfulfilled person is a miserable person. And, a miserable person is a dangerous person, because they do desperate things. They become angry, or selfish, or jealous, or become filled with hatred. Then bad things happen.
We human beings do not like authority. We don't like being told what we must do. But without authority and order life would be unlivable.
This is where God comes into the picture. Countries and people who refuse to honor and obey God, become immoral and corrupt, and governed by evil leadership. History has recorded many of these countries and horror stories of the lives of the people.
The book of Ecclesiastes sums it up very well. "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment including every hidden thing whether it is good or evil."
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
Whether you believe in God or not does not change the picture. There is only one God, the Creator of the universe and Saviour of man-kind. Each person is given a time here on earth to find their purpose and make their own choices. But our choices all have consequences both good and bad. We only have one life to live, so do it right and don't waste it. Find your purpose.
Chaplain Bud,
The Christian Church at Cogan Station
(570) 998-2989
Why do people lose their joy? Why do people lose their way in this world? Why do people who were very productive and happy in our society just give up or quit trying?
People like this are everywhere, in every town and in every city. They are not necessarily old people. They are people of all ages that have just given up on life. They may be your neighbor or relatives. They are all around you.
Life can be cruel and hard for some people. For others it seems they never have hard times. The pain of discouragement may come from failed marriages or a failed business, or a sickness or disease. But, productive people do become unproductive for a reason. Something has gone wrong.
The sad thing is that these people did have talents that are not being used now. They may have been craftsman and professional people. They may have been leaders and teachers of others, but today they just exist and are in a survival mode. And, what is so bad is that they are wasting their lives away.
With all of this said, the truth is that people lost their purpose to love and be productive. When purpose is gone the will to produce is gone. Then, discouragement sets in and it's downhill from there. Most of the time there is a major event that causes the loss of purpose. It is the death of a husband or wife, a divorce, or a crisis of major proportion in the family. When the joy is gone that has to do with a person's purpose, they just give up.
Is there a way to prevent this from happening in our lives? Yes, but it takes planning and preparation long before it happens. It takes determination and discipline to keep us from falling apart.
The real preparation for life's problems or crisis that will come, is to have a faith and trust in God. We cannot rely on the flesh because the flesh will deceive us.
Our main purpose in life is not just to work and make money. Although that is a part of life, it must not be our only motive to live. We have families to love and in turn, be loved, but they, too, are not eternal. We must understand that there is a time and a season for everything.
God is eternal and His love is one we will never lose. Our real purpose in life is to bring glory to God and to live as good stewards in this world. We bring glory to God through our families, our work, our churches, and all our relationships. This love and trust is our anchor for anything life can throw at us. Without an anchor, like a ship when the storms come, we drift off course.
It is too bad that so many people learn these truths so late in life after so much damage is done. This is why we preach the gospel to save people and equip them to bring glory to God not to the flesh. Show me a man or woman who understands who God is, who they are, and who has the right purpose, I will show you a happy, fulfilled person. Think on these things.
See ya in church,
Bud
This has been a very different spring in most of America. Rain, rain, rain in some areas. So, we have flooding along our rivers. We have bad winds that bring tornadoes that kill and destroy. Yes, American people have suffered greatly this spring.
You may ask, "whose fault is it?" No one's. It is the weather of which no man has control. And, it's been like this since the beginning of time. We can complain and grumble or we can overcome whatever happens to us. The greatest suffering is the loss of life that cannot be replaced. However, buildings and businesses can be rebuilt and life goes on.
These are times that people can rally around others and help. People who never knew each other now find themselves along side each other, searching for survivors or cleaning up or rebuilding or sand-bagging a dike or sending food and water to help. And the list can go on. So, the point is that 99% of American people do care and can be counted on when the chips are down.
These are the times people become very generous with their money also. Without generous people so many would not have a chance. It's not the government but the people who really make a difference over the long haul. Yes, the true blessing is to share, care and dare to come out of your comfort zone. To give and help someone knowing that they can never repay you.
.Luke 6:38 "Give and it will be given to you. A good measure pressed down, shaken together and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be
measured to you."
When you help other people get what they want and need first, you will get what you need and more. When your life bears good fruit, it multiplies. When you bear bad fruit it too multiplies. So, why not bear good fruit and have the true joy of fulfillment?
Proverbs 11:25 "A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself b refreshed."
God never wastes a crisis and we must not waste them either. The time for action is now. The time to open your hearts and pockets and help our neighbors to the south is now. It will not be months, but years in cleaning up and rebuilding. They need help now not a "wait and see" attitude. Help some good worthy cause that is doing something. Contribute to Hope Missions, the Red Cross, etc. Take a week or two off and go on a mission trip or finance someone else to go. We can make a difference. You can make a difference. Act NOW.
Chaplain Bud
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If you think your life is bad, you can make it better. Each person puts his own value on life. Each person develops his own value systems. This begins at a very young age and lasts a whole lifetime. The value system is developed in many ways and experiences. Education helps build a value system. Our parents have a great influence. Our communities we grow up in, as well as its traditions and culture have great influences.
But, it's our faith that will be the best influence of a personal value system because our faith is far more than just a belief in God. Our faith comes out of trust in the Word of God that develops a love for the God of the Word. The Word teaches us so many things; such as how to please God, how to obey God, and what to put into our daily lives and also what to eliminate.
A value system is not based only on what a person knows and thinks, but also how a person acts. Our experiences both good and bad build up or tear down our value system. These experiences of a lifetime continue to support what we believe and think. If we think life stinks or is unfair, we react that way. If we accept life as it comes everyday and we are positive and have a good attitude, we react in a positive way.
A person will act or react in a certain way based on our convictions. Our convictions of right and wrong are the basis for our value system. A true conviction does not change because of the circumstances. True convictions, when tempted, will not change. Why? Because of a faith-based value system.
Everyone bases what they do and know on something. Moral laws are the basis for moral behavior. Every society has laws that determine what behavior is accepted or rejected. Those that violate or break these laws suffer the consequences. Those who obey them have nothing to fear because they accept and live by this value system.
Let's go back to our faith-based value system. A faith-based value system is born, fed, and matures in truth. Without trust there are no absolutes. Without trust nothing is certain or can be trusted. The truth will set you free only if you obey truth. Knowing the truth is not enough, we must obey it.
People who put great value on life have come to the point of realizing what it is all about. Each day becomes one more day of joy and happiness, or pain and suffering because of our actions. People don't just get the way they are in one day or without experience. They have been a part of the human process of maturing or not maturing. Our true nature is revealed in our actions and behavior.
Can people change and do people change? Yes, some for the better and some for the worst. Time and circumstances are the two great testers of our value system. What you know, do, and think is who you really are. Think on these things.
Chaplain Bud
How creative are you? Or, is your life just plain vanilla? Is your life boring and too routine? Maybe you need to think about it, and then if you are dissatisfied, do something about it. Don't just sit there.
The person who follows the crowd will usually get no further than the crowd. The person who walks alone is likely to find himself or herself in places no one has ever been.
You have two choices in life. You can dissolve into the mainstream or you can be distinct. To be distinct you must be different. To be different you must strive to be what no one else but you can be. This will get you into a bind sometimes with the old ways, but trying something new is what you need to get out of trouble. Be creative!
Jesus said "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it." Matthew 7:13-14
A dissatisfied person becomes creative because they are not happy with things as they are. A creative person is willing to take risks and try new things and new ways. The creative person is usually ahead in their thinking and doing. However, it is not without difficulties and trials. It may even breed contempt from those around you. But the creative person knows where they are going and has figured out how to get there. Another thing that may seem strange is that they look at the goal not the cost only.
Creative people don't find satisfaction in limited alternatives. They want to discover as many alternatives as possible. Some people will stifle their own creativity by caving into fear of the unknown; not the real creative people who love the joy and excitement of the undiscovered unknown.
Henry Ford said, "Some of our best ideas have come from letting fools rush in where angels fear to tread."
Creative people are not typically married to anyone concept or idea. They don't develop sacred cows. They are flexible and curious and yes, they make a lot of mistakes and sometimes fail. But they know failure is not final unless you quit.
There are four main things that block a good idea. They block a creative mind. The first is habit. Habits are hard to break. Habits mean hanging onto the status quo; we have always done it this way. The second block is fear. Yes, fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of losing friends, etc. This is a major blocker of creativity. Prejudice is the third one. Again we become prejudice against things we don't understand or people different from us. The fourth blocker is friends. Friends are necessary and wonderful, but they can also influence us the wrong way. Friends can be good or cruel. So pick your friends, don't let them pick you. You can't pick your family, but you can pick your friends.
A person with no new ideas stops growing. When we stop growing, we begin to die. Don't die, be creative!
Chaplain Bud
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