Old Maps and Outdated GPS'

We need the latest map and the most recent updates on our GPS (God Positioning System) to carry us to the next level in our relationship with Christ. 

"Old maps will not take us on new routes."

As we are well into the new year, here are a few suggestions:

1. Trash the old map that keeps taking you to a dead-end street, and forget it.

2. Find what works best for you, and stick to it. 

3. Lay out a plan, and follow it.

4. Manage your time, and watch it.

5. Just do it. So many start out on a route to succeed but often take a detour in life.

Forget the past, stick to the route, follow the plan, watch your time, and just do it!  "Happy trials to you, until we meet again" (Dale Evans).

"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13,14 NIV).

Have a great 2018! 

Blessings,

Tim Lamb

PAY ATTENTION TO THE SIGNS

I read recently of a truck driver that was so involved in trying to make sure he didn't missed his exit off of the expressway that he overlooked one of the signs. While he was looking for the exit sign he failed to notice the sign "Low Bridge Ahead". Needless to say, he came to a brutal stop when his truck got stuck under the bridge. Fortunately for him and others no one was injured in this incident.

God started in the beginning of time giving us signs.

"Then God said, 'Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years'" (Genesis 1:14).

The Word of God is full of signs mentioned, too many to list. The angel spoke to the Shepherds in the field of a sign, so they could identify the Christ Child that is born.

"For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign to you. you will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger (Luke 2:11,12)."

The Shepherds went looking for a Savior, paying attention to the sign that the angel mentioned.

Life if full of signs! The signs that God divinely provides for us help us to navigate life. Signs that help us to know when to stop, go, slow down and when to beware of potential danger ahead. Without the signs God give us in His Word we would truly be loss.

So during this Christmas season I encourage you to look for the sign of a Savior. He is no longer wrapped in cloth lying in a manger, nor wrapped in cloth lying in a tomb. He is risen and is at the right hand of the Father praying for me and for you.

When we look around we see the signs of a Savior. We see the signs of one that came and endured life on earth so that we can enjoy life in heaven. There is way too many signs that God gives us, for us to have any excuse to miss our exit from earth, and our road to heaven. In fact, the signs God gives us not only helps us to know where to exit but helps us to know how to navigate life itself. Following God's road signs will make our journey better, often missing "pot holes" in the road and enjoying the scenery along the way.

My "Life Lesson" for today is:

"Stay on the right road, pay attention to all of the signs, enjoy life, and be ready to exit when the time comes."

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Blessings,
Tim Lamb

What Goes Around Comes Around

Galatians 6:7 NLT states "Don't be misled - you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant." This week, repeatedly I have been reminded of the simple words "God is not mocked."

My parents always taught me the life principle that we "reap what we sow". If we sow evil, we reap evil. If we sow good seed, we reap a good harvest. The Word of God is still true today, as it were when the Apostle Paul penned these words in Galatians 6:7.

The Message Paraphrase reads in Romans 2:9-11 "If you go against the grain, you get splinters, regardless of which neighborhood you're from, what your parents taught you, what schools you attended. But if you embrace the way God does things, there are wonderful payoffs, again without regard to where you are from or how you were brought up. Being a Jew won't give you an automatic stamp of approval. God pays no attention to what others say (or what you think) about you. He makes up his own own mind."

While we are not saved because of our works, and it is only God's grace that any of us are saved, God is not mocked. If we do evil we reap the consequence. But if we sow good seed we will reap the benefits.

So the Apostle Paul sums it up in Galatians 6:9 (NLT) when he says, "So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up."

What goes around comes around, what goes up must come down, and what we sow we will also reap.

The Untold Stories of Our War Veterans

A friend recently shared the following article with me and in honor of all of the United States of America Veterans I wanted to share as a reminder to say "thank you" to all Veterans for your service to this country. God bless America! 

Growing up in Waycross, GA during the '50 and '60s, I was privileged to meet several WW II veterans. They lived in our neighborhood. Marshall, landed on Omaha Beach D-Day, June 6, 1944. He described a beach so filled with dead bodies, he was forced to step on them to get ashore. As he would tell me about his experiences in the war, he never tried to present himself as a hero. Marshall loved his country and was glad to have served. His body contained shrapnel he received in battle.

Leonard, was a P.O.W. in a Japanese Camp. He would not talk about his war experiences. However, he mentioned that he was so cold there that he stuffed newspapers in his clothes to try to stay warm. His war wounds were deep inside and he turned to alcohol to try to manage his pain.

Another WW II Vet, Frank, was a gunner on a B-17 bomber in Europe. He rarely spoke of his experiences, but the pain of them was etched on his face. His Christian faith helped him to cope after the war.

Harry and Henry were in the Korean War. They fought in South Korea at the Chosin Reservoir where thousands of Red Chinese died. Both of them survived the frigid weather but saw dead servicemen stacked on trucks like cord wood. Those memories never go away.

Vietnam was my generation's war. I served on active duty as a chaplain during that era but was not in the country. Several young men that I knew died there. Others described their horrific combat experiences to me. When vets returned from Nam, they were not greeted as war heroes as others had been in other wars. They were greeted rudely by angry war protesters who hurled insults at them.

During this time period a new medical concept was advanced to describe the emotional/mental injuries these returning veterans suffered with. It was called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD). In earlier wars the term was "shell shock" or "battle fatigue."

Today a new diagnostic term is used to more creatively describe this condition. Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome(PTSS) is preferred over PTSD. Most of us would feel stigmatized if someone said we had a disorder instead of just saying we had a syndrome.

Some macho military people have said that there is no such thing as PTSD or PTSS! However, MRI's have been done on persons diagnosed with this condition. The test revealed that those with severe PTSS had brain images similar to stroke victims. Now,  Veterans have been awarded a Purple Heart for their injuries.

The purpose of this column is to remind our community of the price our war veterans paid while serving our great nation. We have  Veterans from several wars that carry the scars of battle with them until today. There has been a spike in suicide deaths from our Vets returning from war in Iraq and Afghanistan. This could be linked to PTSD/PTSS in my opinion!
Our Veterans do not expect special favors or honors. This Veteran's Day andthroughout the year they just need to hear us say, "Thank you for your service!" 

Proverbs 25:11, "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." 

Rodney O. Callahan
Chaplain(COL) US Army (Ret)

THE PASTOR'S WIFE

 When my husband and I married 38 years ago, he had not yet accepted the call to the ministry. Shortly afterwards (within 3 months) he accepted the call from God to become a minister of the Gospel.  There is much change in ministry that I have observed over the past 38 years. Here are a few changes, for the better, that I have observed:

• The role of a "pastor's wife" has changed. In many church enviorments the pastor's spouse serves in a greater leadership role. Before, in many church cultures it was more of a supportive role then a leadership role.
• The calling of the pastor's wife is often acknowledge in the local church. God has "hand-picked" the pastor's spouse as carefully as he has called the minister.
• This probably has come with wisdom, but pastors seem to value the time of the family more then in the past. Congregations also seem to value the time of the pastor more as well.

There are a few more I could name, but for the sake of boredom I will stop here. However, to the women that gives their support to the ministry. Thank you for your faithfulness! The Church would not be the same without you. 

During "Pastor Appreciation Month" we express our love and appreciation for you. Thank you for serving alongside of your husband. May God give you many more years together as servants in God's Kingdom.

Your friend in Christ, 

Carissa Lamb

LifePoint Ministries 

Ministers Wives Fellowship (MWF) Director 

Thank You Pastor!

I am thankful today for the many pastor friends that serves in a pastoral role. They have the heart of the Apostle Paul that stated, "For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them" (I Corinthians 9:19 ESV).

Historically many have honored their pastor on the second Sunday of October each year. As far back as the first century the Apostle Paul encourages honoring the spiritual leader in your life (I Thessalonians 5:12,13).

 “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other” (I Thessalonians 5:12-13 NIV).

There is a network of ministers that I am privilege to serve with through relationships; both within and outside of the organization I serve.

On this Pastor Appreciation Sunday, I make this commitment to you:

1. To love and respect you and your family

2. To value your calling

3. To pray for you regularly

4. To be an encourager

5. To offer ways to strengthen your ministry

6. What matters to you matters to me

I am also grateful to the spiritual leaders God has placed in my life and to you I say "thank you for being my pastor!"

 “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding” Jeremiah 3:15 KJV.

Please take time today, or this month to give special honor to the man or woman that serves you in this spiritual role. A card in the mail, a gift card to his\her favorite place to shop or have a meal, or some other gift is great to give your pastor. Take time in a church service this month to publicly acknowledge the pastor and his family. Don't forget the spouse, for they also play a vital role in this ministry.

I have cards that the children have made in Children's Church for my wife and I over the years for Pastor Appreciation. I have notes of appreciation that have been written by adults from congregations that we have served. I look back occasionally and find great joy in reading these "words of appreciation". Carissa and I have memories of this day and we are very grateful for many that said "thank you for serving."

Please honor your pastor and his family this month.

Happy Pastor (Clergy) Appreciation Sunday!

A GOOD LEADER WILL ATTRACT FOLLOWERS

In the Old Testament an individual by the name of Gideon had so many volunteers that God sent some of them home. Gideon once told the Lord, "I am the least of my father's house." Gideon felt inadequate to lead anyone yet later we read Gideon saying, 

"Then he said to them, Keep your eyes on me. When I come to the edge of the camp, do just as I do" (Judges 7:17 NLT).

It was the Apostle Paul that said, 

"Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example" (Philippians 3:17). 

Gideon and the Apostle Paul both knew how to attract volunteers.

Volunteering often gives us a sense of satisfaction in helping others. We volunteer sometimes because it is just the right thing to do. In my life I have been extremely blessed with a lot of volunteers that wanted to give of their time and talent.

 "Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they have the heart"    Elizabeth Andrew

John Maxwell says, "People buy in to the leader, then the vision." 

It is true that you can attract followers if you are a good leader. 

Being a good leader consist of several qualities including a person of a good character. Here are a few of the reasons I volunteer:

•   The leader makes me feel needed.
•   The leader helps me to find my place.
•   The leader shows appreciation for what I do.
•   The leader is one that I learn from.
•   The leader keeps me "in the loop" by communicating well.
•   The leader helps me to see the "big picture".
•   The leader helps me to understand why we do what we do.   

Playing the silly game "Follow the Leader" as a child maybe wasn't so silly after all. Maybe it was about teaching me the life principle of how to follow the leader, and how to become a leader.

In life I will always volunteer for something and imitate those that follow Christ. 

I love to volunteer!

KINDNESS

"In my neck of the woods" this weekend an unwanted, but expected guest is about to arrive - Hurricane Irma. Rightfully so, ears are glued to the news to find out when and where she is going to make her arrival. In the eye of the storm kindness has also surface. Many thousands are preparing to give, share, and most of all, pray for those in her path. I am thankful for these acts of kindness! This storm could

be horrendous for many!

I don't know much about the storm but I know a lot about kindness.

• Kindness is contagious
• Kindness is meant to heal, not hurt
• Kindness is compassion without judgement 
• Kindness is giving without expectation

Kindness brings hope to a world of hopelessness, encouragement to those that are discourage, light in the darkest hour, love in place of hate, and life in place of death. Kindness is part of the "fruit of the Spirit" that never decays and God's "loving kindness is better then life!"

Mark Twain once stated, "Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see." 

The Apostle Paul wrote, "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, KINDNESS, humility, gentleness, and patience" (Colossians 3:12 NLT).

Prayer: Lord, help me to put on the garment of kindness, so that others may see You through me.
Stay safe in the midst of the storm, and be kind one to another.

The Parable of the Eclipse

Next Monday (August 21, 2017), in my part of the world, we will experience a solar eclipse. "A solar eclipse (as seen from the planet Earth) is a type of eclipse that occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, and when the Moon fully or partially blocks the Sun (Wikipedia)." This is similar to the one that happened June 8, 1918, so I hear. 

There is another type of eclipse. It is when spiritual darkness invades our life. It is when we allow Satan to come between us and God, and block the Light of the world. Our vision becomes obscured, our imagination becomes distorted, and our future becomes dim. We begin to do things that seems right in the eyes of man, but the results is death (Proverbs 14:12).


I was challenged recently as I read I John 1:5 to examine the brightness of Christ in my life. I was encouraged to make sure there were no "dim" places in my life that could block, or hinder, Christ shining through me. 

A solar eclipse can damage the eyes if not taken seriously but a spiritual eclipse will damage the soul. Guard your eyes on Monday but guard your heart every day!

"This is the message we heard from Jesus, and now declare to you; God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all" (I John 1:5).

The Parable of the Silver Spoon

The Parable of the Silver Spoon

I remember hearing the expression as a child, "He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth." This expression was first printed in English as far back as the 1700's. I also read recently that in the 1700's carrying a silver spoon in your pocket was as common as carrying your keys or wallet. When this expression was first used it was often to indicate that someone was born into a family of financial blessing. It is true that some people are born into a family of financial blessing but many of us "baby boomers" were blessed just to have a spoon, much less a silver spoon.

However, my parents taught me a very valuable life lesson about financial blessings and God's providential provision. It is found in Malachi 3:10, 11 NKJV.

"Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this, Says the Lord of hosts, 'If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such a blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground."

One of my mentors use to say, "It is not about the money, it is about the obedience to God's Word." While you may or may not agree with this life principle, it works for me. I have seen God's divine provision for me personally and for the ministry. Time and time again financial blessings have occurred. I may not have been born with a silver spoon in my mouth but I was spoon-fed God's Word from an early age abut the importance of tithing and giving.

"So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7 NKJV).

Besides, I have never seen anyone die with a "silver spoon" in their mouth but I have seen folks passed from this life into eternity with "treasure in heaven." So for now, I am not carrying around a silver spoon in my pocket. But if you could look behind my shirt pocket you would find that I am carrying God's Word in my heart, and I am very thankful for this life principle of giving that I have been taught. 

What a blessing it is to give! I encourage you to give it a try if you are not already in the habit of giving.

Blessings,

Tim Lamb

The Faithfulness of a Mother

As a child growing up in the southern part of the United States it was tradition on Mother's Day to go to church with a red rose pinned to my shirt. My dad would also often wear a white carnation on Mother's Day. I soon learned that if you wore a red carnation (or rose), it was to honor your mom but if you wore a white carnation it was to remember your mom that had passed away.

This tradition dates back to 1868 when Anna Jarvis attempted to reunite families that had been separated, due to the Civil War in the States. Mrs. Jarvis's favorite flower was said to be a carnation. May 10, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson made a proclamation declaring the second Sunday of May the first National Mother's Day.

This weekend we honor all moms! We rise up and call them blessed!

"Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband shall also praise her" (Proverbs 31:28).

One of the stories in the Bible of a faithful mom is found in 2 Samuel 21. She became one of King Saul's concubines.

This is a mom that...

• lived in the king's palace
• was most likely very attractive
• and captured the heart of King Saul 

To find herself later. trying to protect the dead bodies of her sons that were hanging on a hill...

• sleeping not in a palace, but outside with sackcloth spread on a rock 
• no longer attractive but weather-beaten from the sun during the day and the coldness at night
• fighting away the vultures during the day and the animals at night from the dead bodies of her children 

Rizpah's heart must have been ripped apart as she laid day and night seeing the bodies of her sons deteriorating from the sun. When David sent for the bodies to be brought to him and were buried, this must have given Rizpah a sense of relief. But she was faithful to her children no matter the circumstances of life.

A mom will find herself with many different duties and difficult situations in life. To all of the moms, thank you for your faithfulness. Sometimes you are misunderstood but thank you for being the caring, compassionate, mom that you are.

Thank you for your faithfulness!

 This weekend I honor my mom! Thank you for being the godly mom you are and for loving us. Thank you for taking us to church and teaching us God's Word and also of the many sacrifices you made for us.

I also give thanks for my wife that is a great mom to our children. Thank you for being a "second mom" to many children both at church and at work (Pre-K).

A special thanks to the many "second moms" in my and Carissa's life as well. Thank you for being influential in our lives.

Happy Mother's Day!

LONGEVITY

Years ago I decided I needed a new place of employment. I filled out the application, interviewed for the job, was hired, and given a starting date for my new place of employment. The problem is I was told as a child, "One bird in the hand is better than two in the bush." This quote originated in the 13th Century but the concept goes back further. In  the Bible in Ecclesiastes 6:9 NLT we read, 

"Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don't have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless-like chasing the wind".

I was convinced as a child that changing places of employment often might not always be of my best interest. So I wanted to make sure the two birds (new employment) was better than the bird in the hand (my current job). I scheduled a week's vacation from my current job to "try out" my new job. After a week on the new job, I gave a two-week notice to my current employer. When I offered my resignation he offered greater benefits. I quit my new job, after one week of employment and returned to my original job.  Fortunately, it turned out to be a good decision for me, but I don't recommend this for you. Your current employer may show you the door in place of new benefits.

This devotional is about "Longevity". Longevity does not work in every circumstance but it has worked well for me. My marriage of 38 years, being in ministry for 38 years, and being a follower of Christ for 48 years has served me well. There are other things that were "short-lived". We have to know when to "hold on" and when and what to "let go." However, some things and people deserve to be a part of your life long-term.

Here are 5 lessons, among many, that I have learned about longevity:

1. The grass may look greener on the other side of the fence but if it does not belong to you, leave it alone.
2. Sometimes opportunities look good from a distance, but close up you can see all of the flaws.
3. Longevity build trust and strong relationships. Longevity will give you credibility.
4. Long time investments in people, stocks, and bonds can reap greater benefits.
5. Long term commitment in relation to our health is healthy.

I am sure there are other lessons you have learned about longevity. Can you name a few? 

There are times that change is necessary, or unavoidable, but you may want to consider what you have in your hand before reaching for the stars. Longevity in certain areas of all of our lives is essential for success.

"So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up" (Galatians 6:9 NLT).

 Blessings,

Tim Lamb

Follow Me to the Cross (Good Friday)

The crucifixion of Christ is a life-changing event. It is the start of a new chapter of the story of Jesus. It is also a new beginning for many others.

• It was a new beginning for one of the two thieves hanging beside Jesus (Luke 23:43). 
• It was a new beginning for the saints that had previously died (Matthew 27:52). 
• The Centurion's eyes were spiritual opened as he glorified God and said, "This man really was righteous" (Luke 23:47)! 
• It was a new beginning for the disciples has they started a new chapter in their life.

Others looked on, some close and some far away, with amazement and wonderment in their heart of what has just happened. It was a significant event in the history of mankind that marks a new beginning for many, including you and me.

Today can be a new day for you as well. We often make "New Year Resolutions" January 1 but why not today? Consider a new start in your life, especially if you do not have a personal relationship with Christ. Don't wait until Easter Sunday to ask Jesus to come into your heart. Consider praying and asking Him today to forgive you of your sin and invite Him to live within you. Start this new relationship with Christ today.

Maybe you have a relationship with Christ but need to renew that relationship. Why not start today? Look for ways to strengthen your relationship with Him. Let today be a new beginning for you.

What I hear the Spirit of the Lord saying to me today is that it is a new day and God desires to do a new thing in the hearts of many.

Everyone has a story to tell. Start something new today that changes your story. A change that will add value to your story. And then tell someone today of His mercy and grace that has been applied to your life.

It is my prayer that God does something new for you today!

Friday is here but Sunday is soon coming!

Blessings,
Tim Lamb

The Lord's Supper (Thursday of Holy Week)

It is Thursday of Holy Week and Jesus is sitting with his disciples for the Passover meal. During the course of the evening Jesus took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to his disciples. Then he did a very symbolic thing in taking a cup, probably pouring into the cup, thanking God for it and gave it to his followers. Another part of that passage of scripture tell us that Jesus "poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples feet" (John 13:5).

Today I encourage you to read the events that unfolded at the Passover meal between Christ and his disciples.  Notice how intentional Jesus was at the table.  The conversation and the actions he did were intentional.  Jesus had a mission to fulfill and in the last hours before his crucifixion he needed to make the best of his time with his disciples.

Life is short compared to eternity.  My prayer today is that I will become more intentional about my conversation with others.  I read recently where you should think about whom you are going to meet today and think about the questions that you may want to ask.

Most of us speak thousands of words a day.  One study showed that the human being on an average
will speak somewhere between 7,000 and 20,000 words a day.  That is a lot of words!

Who is it that you will fellowship with today?  Who is it that you will sat down for a meal with today?  What can you learn from them?  How can you be an encouragement to those you speak with today?

Make your words count by being intentional about your conversation.  And as Jesus probably poured into the cup as well as the basin of water at the supper table, I encourage you to invest encouraging words into the lives of others.  Pour into someone today words of encouragement as well as allow them to speak into your life.  At the end of the day you should be encourage and an encourager to others.

Thursday is here and Sunday is soon coming!

Blessings,
Tim Lamb

Scripture for today:  Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-26; Luke 22:7-23; John 13:1-30

FOLLOW ME TO THE TEMPLE

This morning as I continued my study, I looked into the records (the Bible) of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It was possibly March 31, 33 A.D. and Jesus was spending his Tuesday in the Temple teaching and answering questions. Among those in attendance was not only the sincere who was searching for truth but also the skeptics. You know, the religious rulers of that day that questioned the authority of the Lord.

Conflict is escalating in the Temple and Jesus is answering each question presented to Him very carefully. In the middle of Jesus teaching about faith, he was questioned about taxes to Caesar, and who would be married to whom in heaven. None of the questions presented to Jesus was too much of a challenge. He had an answer for every question.

It is no different today. Many are asking challenging questions about the kingdom of God. However here are a few things I am reminded of in these passages of scripture:

         Faith in God will move mountains in my life

o   Matthew 21:22 CSB “And if you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

·                Un-forgiveness hinders our prayers

o   Mark 11:25 CSB “And whenever you stand praying, If you have anything against anyone, forgive him, so that our Father in heaven will also forgive you your wrongdoing.”

·                The greatest commandment is to love the Lord and the second is to love our neighbor as ourself.

o   Matthew 22:37-39 CSB “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.”

There are many other lessons to learn from Christ on this Tuesday, but the lesson that touches me the most is the lesson about the poor widow woman. Jesus looks up in the Temple and sees this “poor widow” dropping two tiny coins in the offering. Jesus’ eyes were fixed on this occasion and spoke,

“Truly I tell you, he said. ‘This poor widow has put in more than all of them. For all of these people have put in gifts out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on” (Luke 21:3 CSB).

On this Tuesday maybe God is speaking to you to give beyond your surplus. Look today for ways to bless someone, even if it means making a sacrifice.

Take time today to read Matthew 21, 22; Luke 20, 21, and Mark 11-13. Write down a few of the lessons that you learn from these passages of scripture.

Tuesday is finished and Sunday is soon coming!

Blessings,
Tim Lamb

The Day After Palm Sunday

“Palm Sunday” was a very emotional time for Jesus! Jesus entered Jerusalem, and multitudes that went before and those who followed cried out, saying: "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" But now it is Monday, and what will Jesus do?

On the following day Jesus entered the temple, and upon entering Jesus found things that was very displeasing. He states, "It is written 'My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves (or a hideout for robbers).'" This always seems to be the emphasis place on this scripture, as if we have bragging rights that Jesus would display his anger in the temple in this strange way.

But are we seeing too much of the wrong, to see the good? The wrong cannot be ignored, and Jesus did address the wrong at hand. But Jesus' main objective was to fulfill the will of the Father.

• There were blind and lame people in the temple, and He healed them (and),
• Jesus noticed the children singing praises to Him in the temple. 

In fact, the children were repeating some of the same praise that they had heard from the adults the day before.  The leading priest and the teachers in the temple wanted to find fault in the children by saying, "Do you hear the things these children are saying? 

Jesus answered, 'Yes, Haven't you read in the Scriptures, 'You have taught children and babies to sing praises' (Matthew 21:16 NCV)."

How many spiritually blind folks did you see yesterday in church?  Did you notice the children singing?  Did you notice the worship of those around you? Or did we just see the faults of others? 

For every fault we find in someone hopefully we find twice as much good. 

Today, look for the good in others. Find someone in need, and be a blessing. Find those that need encouraging, and offer a word of encouragement. You can make a difference in someone's life today, looking for the good and overlooking their faults.

Scriptures for today:  Matthew 21:10-17; Mark 11:15-18; Luke 19:45-48

Blessings,
Tim Lamb

What Are You Thinking?

I remember my dad telling me "You have to learn to think for yourself." Sometimes he said this because I did something foolish without giving it much thought. Other times it was because I needed to learn how to make wise decisions without depending on others. 

The truth is that if we do not think for ourselves someone will think for us. How many times have you heard someone say to you, "I think..." and then give you advice, sometimes good and sometimes bad. 

One of life's valuable lessons I have learned is that every day I have to be intentional with my thoughts. To be intentional with my thoughts I have to be intentional with who I am listening to. Who is the voices speaking into your life daily? 

What books are you reading or podcast are you listening to? What voices speaks loudly to you on a regular basis? My prayer is that God will renew our minds daily and help us to think wisely. "Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2

I remember watching the sitcom in the 70's "Gomer Pyle" where Gomer is sitting in an Army Barrack with a bucket on his head. His sergeant, Sergeant Carter told him it would "help his thinking"! Some kids were made to sit in the corner, facing the wall, because it was supposed to help them think. 

I know a better way to improve your thinking. While this is not an all-inclusive list of things you can do, here is five things you can do that will help you be an intentional thinker:

1. Spend time worshipping Him. It helps us to focus on Who is important. Listen to music that brings honor and glory to Him each morning as you begin your day and spend time in prayer.
2. Read the Bible. Gods ways are higher then ours and his thoughts are greater then ours. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:10 KJV).
3. Focus on good things. "And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Thank about things that are excellent and worthy of praise" (Philippines 4:8).
4. Look for ways to encourage others. Look for words that will encourage those around you.
5. Choose what you listen to. You cannot always choose what you hear but you can choose who and what you listen to.

The person that chooses not to think for themselves are choosing to allow others around them to shape and influence their way of thinking.

What are you thinking?