July 2008
July 23, 2008
"Your strengths will take you only as far as your weaknesses will allow." So states Harry and Christine Beckwith in the book You, Inc. Pretty good advice.
Most people have a couple of areas in life where they excel. Some folks are great with numbers, others can speak well. Some people inspire vision while others are great encouragers. Still others are good organizers and some are good with mechanical skills.
God has gifted every person with certain aptitudes that can be developed throughout their lives. These strengths provide great meaning and fulfillment as they are used wisely.
But that is only half the story. We each have weaknesses. If we do not recognize and address our weaknesses, they can overshadow our strengths and keep us from where we want to go in life.
A wealthy young man approached Jesus and asked how he might be assured of heaven. He explained that he was faithful at keeping God’s laws. Jesus acknowledged his faithfulness - his strengths - then went on to fully answer the question. The young man had one glaring weakness - he was controlled by his desire for wealth. Jesus told him to sell everything and come follow Him. The young man went away sad.
"Your strengths will take you only as far as your weaknesses will allow." We’ve all known people who are outstanding at some skill but are held back by a serious weakness.
It is good to enjoy and develop your strengths. It is also good to recognize your weaknesses and deal with them productively. Imagine keeping the entire law perfectly but forfeiting heaven because of your insatiable desire for more money. Beckwith’s call this flaw your "If only . . ." John/Jane would go far "if only. . ."
So what’s your "if only?" If you don’t know, get some good friends to tell you. If you do know, what are you doing to handle it productively?
Sharing the Journey,
Pastor Don
Don’t miss this Sunday’s message: Life’s to short to feel guilty all the time. Learn God’s ways of handling guilt.
July 16, 2008
Some stuff just takes a lot of time.
Nearly three years have passed since work began on the
Several factors will make the first run even sweeter. 1.) The excavation work done on that area of CACC property, worth nearly $300,000, cost us NOTHING. 2.) From that hill I will view Adventure Zone playground which was only a dream when work on the hill began. 3.) An added bonus will be the two volleyball courts, 2,800 square foot pavilion, and public restrooms which appear at the front of the park. 4.) Adventure Zone Playground will help children who would otherwise not be able to play on playgrounds. It’s fully accessible.
Some stuff just takes a lot of time.
I’ve wanted to quit so many times in the past three years. It seemed like this project would never be completed. But the words of the great English statesman, Winston Churchill, always ring in my ears. "Never give up!"
So what’s up with you? Ready to give up on a marriage? Ready to give up on life? Ready to exchange high morals for something less? Ready to quit school? Ready to quit . . . ?
Some stuff just takes a lot of time. Before you quit, make sure you’ve given it enough time. Before you quit, make sure you’ve given GOD enough time. What seems like eternity to you may only be training ground for something greater.
Some stuff just takes a lot of time.
Sharing the Journey,
Pastor Don
P.S. If anger is your issue, or someone you know, join me this week for Biblical advice on anger management. Life’s too short to be ticked off all the time.