self-care

“And to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:29-31.


So how many of us must this statement from Isaiah? He tells us we will grow tired and weary. We will fall at times. We will fail now and then. However, God shall renew us and we shall get up and walk and run once again.

So ok, we are tired. We have been stretched in every direction. So what do we do? We step back and rest in Him for a minute or two . . . a day or two. My wife calls it self-care (so do the experts she is learning from by the way). It is crucial to or well being.


God specializes in caring for us. He loves us deeply and wants us to be impactful for Him. So go and take that mental health day . . . sleep in on Saturday . . . sit on the deck and take in the fall breeze and colors for a few minutes or even hours. . . . take that leisurely walk with your boo.

The world's issues will be there when we return. Others will be there too, waiting. Just wait on the Lord and be renewed! Love your neighbor as yourself, remember? Take care of your self!

God is right here!

 God is right here! Just read the following verses: 

The servant of the man of God got up early and went out, and behold, there was an army with horses and chariots encircling the city. Elisha’s servant said to him, “Oh no, my master! What are we to do?” Elisha answered, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “Lord, please, open his eyes that he may see.” And the Lord opened the servants eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha. (2 Kings 6:15-17)

You see, just as the Lord had to open the eyes of Elisha's servants, so must we open our spiritual eyes and see the army of angels all around us! Despite the dangers and pitfalls of this world, God is right here with His children. We may not see Him, but He is right here! 

We have to trust that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He is our Jehovah Nissi (Exodus 17:15). He is our strong tower (Proverbs 18:10). He will grant us success according to His will (Philippians 4:19).

Trust God at His Word. As with Elisha, He is still right here!

Treasure

What are your priorities? What things do you treasure? Is it your career? Is it your bank account? Perhaps family . . . cars . . . house . . . even sports for some. We know the Bible says that: 

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21)

The things you spend the most time and money on are your treasures! Many guys spend hours cleaning up their cars and making sure it is always showroom clean. Other folks are so intent on building up bank accounts and retirement funds that they live for the next dollar. Some, even our youth, are so fixated on sports that it embodies their entire life. Families can even absorb so much of our attention that we get lost in everyone's else's life and activities that we find ourselves drowning.

Where does that leave God? While some of the things mentioned are not bad, if they keep us from God it is not good! As believers, God must be first . . . our priority! As Jesus called many to follow Him, He too calls each of us. Some are called away from their comfortable lifestyles as missionaries and ministry leaders, but we ALL are called to follow Christ. (Matthew 19:27)He must be our treasure!

Do we love God above all other things and people? Where is your treasure today? 

Grow up . . .The J.O.Y. of being a Christ follower!

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.             (1 Corinthians 13:11 Amplified)

We all grow up . . . for some it just takes a bit longer than others. As I think back on my younger (B.C.) days, I can see how childish I was. I thought it was all about me. Everyone else was wrong and I was right. It could have been at home, at work, even in sports. Then I met Jesus . . . boy did He change things!

It is still a process mind you, but He is showing me day by day, little by little, that this life is about His will and how I treat others . . . what I do for Him and others. You see, the J.O.Y. of being a CHRIST follower is that it is not about me, but Him and others. 

I was taught this a while back and I am trying my best to live it out; Jesus, Others, then You! In other words, I was taught to grow up!

No matter the circumstance, not matter what people are saying, no matter the cost, we all must grow up and realize our lives are not our own. No more selfish, childish behavior. Our actions impact others daily. We have to grow up!

Character issues

[Live] as obedient children [of God]; do not be conformed to the evil desires which governed you in your ignorance [before you knew the requirements and transforming power of the good news regarding salvation]. But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves in all your conduct [be set apart from the world by your godly character and moral courage]; because it is written, “You shall be holy (set apart), for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:14-16)

I believe most of us would agree, we have character issues within this world! Many of our political leaders have character issues. A number of professional athletes have character issues. Some church leaders have character issues. You and I, yes you and I have character issues at times.

So what do we do about it? Do we simply excuse it as mistakes, slip ups, or a lost my religion moment, or do we address it as Peter stated above?

While we expect our young people in the maturing process to have moments of insanity, we adults have no excuse! In fact, our kids are learning it from us! If we who know the Lord are not walking in integrity, how do we expect our young people to see what CHRISTian character looks like?

I realize every adult is not a CHRIST follower. I see that daily in my interactions in education and sports. However, we who are need to be better job of setting the example and holding out youth to His standard, not the world's!

No more excuses!!! We as believers need to fix our character issues now! It is all about Him, not me/us, no matter the situation!

What if?

What if you had a cure cancer, would you keep it to yourself? At the very least, you would sell it to the highest bidder, right? What if you had the solution to wipe out world hunger, end all wars, perhaps even have the answer to keep all marriages together . . . . would you keep silent? Of course not . . .!

What if we had the answer to eternal life? Well we do. The answer lies in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ! 100% of the people in or world suffer from sin. Without Jesus' as Lord and Savior, we will all die and be separated from God for eternity in hell. Someone however, shared Christ with me and now I am healed! 

And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among people by which we must be saved [for God has provided the world no alternative for salvation].”(Acts 4:12 Amplified)

What if we shared that more?

Decisions . . . decisions . . . decisions.

 Decisions . . . decisions . . . decisions. All day, every day ,we are making decisions. Many decisions we make without much thought. others require some choice; what to wear, what to eat or not eat, whom to talk with, what to talk about, what shows to watch, what music to listen to, what to buy. Do we ever include God in these small decisions?

Ever make a decision concerning God's mission field? Do I go? Do I support? Do I pray? This is not a question of God's will, but ours. His will is very clear invert Gospel account and in the Book of Acts, but Jesus made crystal clear in this verse: 

Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority (all power of absolute rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

Our part in missions is NOT an option! We must decide to join I in some active fashion.  Unlike some of other that may fail, mission participation never fails. It is God's will! 

What will you decide? How, where and when are you going to decide to join?

see, hear and feel Jesus!

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)

In a world facing disasters, disease, emotional stress and more, more than ever it needs to see, hear and feel Jesus! One of my mentors shared with me that in order to really impact someone for Jesus, I had to be Jesus with skin on. In other words, people to to see, hear, and feel Jesus from me. If the Spirit of God truly lives within me, then I must allow Him live and breathe through me so others can experience the genuine Jesus.

To reach others we need to know what they need. We must pray for wisdom! God promises to freely give us wisdom without any animosity. He knows what has happened, what is happening and what will happen. He knows all about everything and everyone. Why not ask?

If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; (Proverbs 2: 4-7)

Who is my neighbor?

Many of you know we have partnered with churches in Puerto Rico to assist in rebuilding from several disasters since 2018; hurricanes, earthquakes and Covid-19. Well, they have been hit again! 

Do we really care? We are so caught up in world news and the glamour of it all that we forget our own. We have family hurting, friends in need, even neighbors right in our own backyards, yet we are so concerned for things like the Queen of England's funeral! 

One of my students asked me the age old question the other day: "Who is my neighbor? " 

 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10: 25-29)

Please pray and consider supporting our efforts to help our Puerto Rico neighbors and fellow Americans! As you pray, please commit to helping our team of teens to serve: https://gofund.me/72033ec1

Do I really belong?

Now may the God Who gives the power of patient endurance (steadfastness) and Who supplies encouragement, grant you to live in such mutual harmony and such full sympathy with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may [unanimously] with united hearts and one voice, praise and glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah). Welcome and receive [to your hearts] one another, then, even as Christ has welcomed and received you, for the glory of God. (Romans 15:5-7 Amplified)

How can I really belong to a church body? Do I really belong? 

Well, for starters, we have to plan to attend . . . SONday services, weekly gatherings, and special events. Like with any group or club, we have to be present! Let's face it, whether it is a team practice or game, business meetings, even family events, if we do not attend, we cannot feel as though we belong. We will feel like an outsider!

We must make the effort to be a part of a church body in order to feel as though we belong. It must become a priority. We must show up! 

Just as with exercise, we must engage our core muscles. Join the worship. Open hearts to the message. Expect to gain something from the effort. Talk to others. 

Oh . . . ask God to help out too! Pray daily in between gatherings. Watch God work . . . 

Get back to the basics

Get back to the basics. That is what we do when we are struggling, whether it is in sports, at school, or anything in life. We go back to the basics. Before every baseball game, the coaches go through the same drills . . . infield practice, shagging fly balls, batting practice. Basketball players start their lay up lines.  Football players run through their basic formations. We even have warm-ups in school to get the students prepared for the day's lessons. Many times in the family we have to remind our kids of the basic rules and functions of the one (chores and other duties).

It is no different in the CHRISTian walk. When we get a bit lost, we have to get back to the basics!

• Read the Bible
• Communicate with God
• Gather for worship

While it is true that other skills and information is needed for an effective CHRISTian life, this basics listed above are core values and basic habits we must keep. Often we get caught up in life and find ourselves wandering day after day. We forget to read the Bible. We leave God our of our daily conversations. We even start skipping church because we are tired, have other things to do, or we just get lazy and livestream events.

If this is you today (I have been there too), start once again with the basics . . . get somewhere quiet, open your bible, and invite God in . . . .

I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. (Romans 12:1)

Got fellowship?

 "My faith is personal . . . it's just between me and God!"

Ever hear that statement? Have you found yourself saying that? While it is true, we are invited into a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, it is not simply a one-on-one relationship. It is both horizontal and vertical! ♰

You see, even Jesus created a circle of friends  with common beliefs. He gathered like minded people around Him and shared His life with them . . . men and women alike. He ate with them socialized with them and travelled with them. They lived in fellowship!

Fellowship is key to the believer. We are saved and then baptized, placed into a circle of like minded people . . . the church. The church, the ecclesia, the called out ones, is key to God's very purpose for us. We gather to worship, to pray, to encourage and to challenge one another. We gather in large groups and small. We gather on SONdays, and during the week. We gather to study, to pray, or simply to have a meal or watch a game. But we gather . . . . wee fellowship together!

If we do not gather together on a regular basis, we are missing out. Start gathering . . .

Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25 Amplified)

Why do we pray?

Why do we pray? Is it a thing we do? Is it to make us feel better? Does it allow us to check it off of our list of things to do?  

In a day and age when stress seems to be impacting everyone . . . young and old . . . communicating with God can be a very effective way of relieving stress and anxieties. In fact, God is big enough to handle everything we gave to Him!

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7)

Keeping things bottled up inside ourselves not only shortens one's life, but is even prideful! When communicating with our Creator God, we can acknowledge our shortcomings, failures and faults . . . even our frustrations and all that we just cannot quite handle. God is able to more than we could ever imagine. He can even calm us and equip us to go on forward.

Let's try listing all our stressful things to God . . . on paper. Let God know in words how we feel. Now give them to God! Throughout the day, as we feel them pressing in on us, take a moment to give them back to God. Let's be open and honest with God through this day and see how we finish!

Why do we pray . . .  because God cares!

God is listening!

To the contrary of many, prayer is not hard.  It does not have to be taught, memorized or tested. There is no special formula or procedure to pray. It is simply a conversation with our Creator . . . sharing our hearts. The cool thing is that God is listening!

While we have a model prayer in scripture (Matthew 6:5-15), that is simply a guide, not a script to follow. In fact, Jesus was clear, do not pray repetitiously as some do. God wants to hear from us, individually: He is listening to our hearts as well as our words!

If we are unsure what to pray, we can let Him know. If we are angry, or upset, even at God, we can let Him know that. Even if we don't even feel like praying, God wants to hear that! Prayer is not a duty, but a privilege! The most challenging part of prayer is to decide to pray . . . now!

So just begin . . . God is listening!

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? (Matthew 7:7-9)

"Is reading the Bible worth the effort?"

 "Is reading the Bible worth the effort?" Have you ever asked yourself that question? Is all the time spent in His Word really changing things . . . changing me?

Well, I can only speak from experience. I am far from perfect (just ask my family), but in my thirty years of knowing Jesus personally, I can say His Word has changed me. I know what and who I used to be in my teens and twenties! 

After my Savior sought me out and I responded, I slowly began a journey . . . a relationship with Him through His Word. I was taught the value of the spiritual discipline of journaling. To this day, I look forward to spending time with Him in His Word and hearing what He has to say for me and how I can share it with those around me, especially my students.

I am not who I used to be because Jesus Christ has not only saved me for eternity, but He is changing me in the present as well. The time and effort I put I with Him is nothing compared to what He has done for me. Yes, reading the Bible is well worth the effort!

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Play to WIN!

 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. (2 Timothy 2:4-5)

Every athlete wants to win. If they do not, they might as well not be playing! Yet we do not always win on the field or on the court. However, through Jesus Christ, we know we are winners, so we always conduct ourselves in that manner.

Christ following athletes play hard. We play fair, We play to honor our Lord . . . until the final whistle, the final buzzer, or the final out. We compete according to the rules and we play to win!

Whether we are playing a game, working at our jobs, or simply living life within our families and associates, we do all we possibly can to be successful. We never quit, despite the circumstances or the score. We stay focused on the finish line. Our desire is to bring honor to our Lord and Savior . . . the one Who enlisted us for His team!

What about you and me? Are we focused? Are we seeking to please our fans or our God? Are we locked in to the eternal victory to which we are headed? Let's keep competing as hard as we possibly are able until He hits the buzzer and says, "Well done!" 

Play to win guys!!!!!

engage the Word

But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. (Psalm 1:2-3)

Bare necessities . . . engage the Word! A Christ follower . . . a disciples go Jesus Christ . . . a student of His, must be studying the Word! I am sorry: If one calls themselves a CHRISTian and does not engage (take part in, capture, seize) the Word of God, how can they call themselves a follower of the Word?

Please tell me one career or interest whereby a person does not study that subject! Jesus is the Word of God who became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14) One cannot follow Him, claim to believe in Him, claim Him as Lord and Savior, yet not study Him! 

C'mon man!!!!

A bible on the shelf is no good unless it is read and studied. The Bible in the back of a car does nothing but decay if not used regularly. Bibles in the pews of churches simply remain in the pews if not opened and studied. 

Pick up your bible and begin to read it.  Five minutes, ten minutes, fifteen minutes a day. Just start. Ask the Lord to open up your heart and mind!

Habits . . . good or bad?

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.(Philippians 2:12-13)

Got any habits? Think about it for a minute or two . . . . 

Unconscious, sometimes planned, automatic routines that shape our live can be defined as habits. Bad habits or good habits, as human beings we must admit we get stuck in ritualistic behaviors.

 We have morning routines, driving routines, even weekend routines. When those routines, or habits, get disturbed, we become befuddled, sometimes a bit lost, and often a bit angry! But why?????

Habits in our spiritual life can lead to a daily focus upon God but can also cause us to completely miss the point. As Christ-followers, we tend to routinely pray in the mornings, over meals, and at the end of the day. It can become routine, mundane, and more like a check list. Anyone with me?

If we find ourselves stuck in the habitual routines of life (like I do a lot), then maybe it is time to change the routine and begin some new and consistent habits.

Sometimes we need a fresh start . . . a clean slate. Is 4:30 a.m. the best time for time with the Lord? Maybe it might be a quiet lunch with our bible or even with a friend? What about a family dinner bible study once in a while to break the routine (habit)? Examine our routines and begin some fresh ones . . . spiritually. 

What works . . . what doesn't work . . . what new habits can we begin to jump start our daily routine?

One thing to remember, we are all individuals. God made us that way! We must grow with God as He leads us. Even the apostles took time to really get to know Jesus and develop good habits! Remember Peter???? Enjoy the process  . . . everyone!

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.(Philippians 2:12-13)

Prayer needs to become a way of living

We have all sorts of definitions of prayer and exams of prayers. But if prayer does not become a way of living, then prayers are really simply words. May of us find ourselves praying by habit . . . in the morning, over meals and before bed. . . . words rehearsed, remembered, and passed down over the years. Many prayers can be said without even thinking.

Yet when we think about it, having the privilege to communicate with the Creator of this world and the Savior of our souls . . . . that has to be more than simply a habit or ritual! It really should be our way of living. We should react in prayer, respond in prayer, and yes, even live in prayer!

Begin by setting reminder alarms on our phones, sending ourselves text messages, and even emails. This will keep us alert to pause and refocus upon Who really matters. Do you have God's ear?

I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God;
Incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech.
Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand,
O You who save those who trust in You (Psalm 17:6-7)

Who is benefitting from our labor?

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. ( 1 Corinthians 10:31)

Labor Day....a day to celebrate the hard work throughout the year. Question is, "who is benefitting from our labor?"

I have been blessed by God with 20 years serving folks as a letter carrier and now 12 years serving youth and familes as a bible "coach" (some call me a teacher). In the middle of those "jobs", my wife and I serve teens, young adults and families as missionaries. . . "coaching" them through life's struggles from a biblical perspective.

Along the way since 1978 I have coached teens in a variety of roles; youth basketball, baseball and football, high school boys and girls basketball and summer youth camps.

  Yet once Christ found me, my goals changed from winning every game to winning every soul!

I can rest a bit today knowing God the Holy Spirit has worked through me over the years. Yet there is still work to be done!

Don't quit! Not now. Always ask, Who is benefitting from our labor?"

Why does prayer seem so difficult?

Why does prayer seem so difficult? Why does it seem like such a big task or one that takes so much time and energy? Do we need the ideal time, the ideal place, or the special cup of coffee? As Jesus mentioned to the leaders of His day, prayer needs not to be rehearsed or with many long-winded and seminarian-type words!

And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do.For they think that they will be heard for their many words. “Therefore do not be like them. (Matthew 6:5-8)

So while at times is planned and perhaps even public, as in church or scheduled events, it is not a show! Prayer may take some time, especially when we have much to pray for and many people in need. However, prayer can be a short phrase ("Help me Lord"). or even simply a word ("Jesus"!) 

So why does prayer seem so difficult? We make it that way. Satan wants it that way. Prayer is simply communicating with our Daddy in heaven! Keep it simple!

pray now

 Whenever someone asks for prayer, pray now! If not, we may forget. We get so busy with life, that we forget to pray for folks. We forget to pray ourselves some days. We go through the day wishing, going here and there. We get up late. We get that early phone call. We remember an assignment due or a task undone.

Paul reminds us to pray continually . . . always . . . especially when we have told someone we will pray for them!

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.                               (1 Thessalonians 5:16-19) 

Write down names of those needing prayer. We can text ourselves as reminders. Set an alarm on the phone. Do whatever we have to do to remember to pray . . . even for ourselves! Hey . . . why not pray now! Who needs prayer?