Good thoughts ain't worth a hoot

When someone's going through a tough time I understand others have good intentions when they say their thoughts are with the individual.  But, c'mon.  Recently I saw someone write, "sending good thoughts your way," to a guy who's brother is in the hospital.  Seriously?  Sending good thoughts?  How, telekinesis?  Worthless.  There is no power in our thoughts.  The only power is from God, not us.  

Good intentions are just that...good intentions.  Back when pay-phones were around there used to be a saying..."You know what good intentions and a quarter will get you?  A phone call."  Okay, I digress.  My point is that good intentions are worthless unless acted upon.  In the story above, the good thoughts are futile unless acted upon - i.e. PRAYER!  That's how to help someone.  Be a conduit for the Holy Spirit to work through!

I think good thoughts is added to make the prayer part more politically correct.  Over the past few weeks the TV reporters and anchors are quick to say our "thoughts and prayers" are with Haiti.  But could you imagine the mainstream media just saying "our prayers are with Haiti?"  Not likely.  Thoughts is usually added to make it more palatable.  What a bunch of bunk!  

Next time you are moved to compassion with someone's situation, tell them you will be PRAYING for them (not "good thoughts").  And then do it.  Maybe even ask if they'd like prayer on the spot?  -What an opportunity.  Notice I said "will be praying."  It implies ongoing prayer and provides a heartfelt opportunity to follow-up.  Be bold.  Drop the good thoughts and say what really counts.  Good thoughts ain't worth a hoot.  Prayer can move mountains!  (Matthew 17:20)

GrantJ

 

Servant Leadership

Here goes with semester #2 at Dallas Seminary.  I'm taking a light load this semester - Old Testament History and Dynamics of Leadership.  I'm really pumped about the leadership class.   Only a few days into it and I am bathing in the wisdom being passed down from the likes of Howard Hendricks, Chuck Swindoll, Oswald Sanders, A.W. Tozer....true servant leaders.

Guys, if you haven't heard by now the name of the game is servant leadership.  (In fact, in the Old Testament "servant" is used more in terms of leadership than "leader.")  My response to this servant leadership thing is, "oh crap!"  Not only do I stink at servant leadership, but I have fallen for the stupid lie that society serves up.  The world tells us leadership is everything BUT servant leadership.  The world teaches us leadership is glamorous.  It tells us we will be accepted and popular as leaders.  What's more, the world encourages us to follow our selfish ambitions to get there.  The message from the world is clear - it's all about ME.  Step on a few people to get to the top?  Oh well, no big deal.  Relax and enjoy the view when you get there.  Enjoy all the creature comforts and a cushy salary!  You have "arrived," society would have us believe.  Nevermind taking time to listen and learn from others.  You have made it.  Who cares what your subordinates have to say.  You're on Easy Street now!

Perhaps it sounds a little exaggerated?  It's not.  It is a very real temptation.  I have fallen for it.  Have you?  Even if to a different degree, chances are you have (or will).  The world's idea of leadership is the farthest thing from servant leadership.  The world wants us to believe it's all about ME, ME, ME, not you, you, you.  Servant leadership is everything opposite.  It is putting others before self.  No surprise here, it is actually about serving.  It is encouraging and building others up.  It is an absolute position of humility.  It is a sacrifice and it will cost you EVERYTHING.  Most are not willing to pay the price.  (This is why I say, "oh crap!")  It is hard.  It does not come naturally.  If God is calling you to be a servant leader (and He is) it will demand your life.  The ONLY way we can aspire to this life of greatness is through Jesus Christ. 

“Because we children of Adam want to become great,

He became small.

Because we will not stoop,

He humbled Himself.

Because we want to rule,

He came to serve.”  

(from "Spiritual Leadership" by Oswald Sanders)

GrantJ 

Touched beyond measure

This week I received a large box with this hand-crafted clock inside.  I was absolutely surprised and breathless as I carefully unwrapped it.  -Such beautiful craftsmanship.  The photos don't do it justice.  The cross is a beautiful walnut finish with John 3:16 inscribed.  The base serves as a pen holder.  "Who could this be from?" I wondered.  There was a hand-written note inside with a phone number so I dialed away...

 

An elderly man's voice picked up the other end.  I soon discovered this masterpiece was from an 84 year-old gentleman in Oklahoma City who used to watch me on channel 4.  (Yes, a tear or two was on the verge).  I assured him the clock arrived safely and expressed my deep gratitude.  I told him I was particularly touched because my grandfather was a clock-maker and wood-worker, as is my dad.  While I didn't inherit the skill, their fine work taught me to appreciate quality craftsmanship.  I immediately recognized this clock as quality craftsmanship.  Our conversation continued as my new friend recounted his love for wood-working along with his days in the Air Force (another similarity to my grandfather!).  It was a wonderful "God moment."

 

I have this clock sitting on my desk.  When I look at it I am reminded of three things.  First, this gentleman's humility.  He is using his skills in a simple way to honor God.  He's not looking for praise or recognition (although he's quite worthy of it!).  He's simply making himself available to be used by God to bless someone else.  Second, I am reminded of my grandfather and my father.  Third, I am reminded why I am in seminary.

Touched beyond measure,

GrantJ

What did you think of '09?

I can't believe it's 2010!  I'm sure I'll be writing '09 by mistake for a couple weeks.  Speaking of '09....it was interesting, don't you think?  Challenging is a word that comes to mind when describing '09.  The economy was one such challenge for many.  I have friends and family who were challenged by health issues.  Others found themselves out of a job.  One way or another though, we made it to 2010!  Our God has been faithful.  I am so grateful.

I get really perturbed by some people who are ungrateful by the fact that they made it to 2010.  For example, on New Years Eve I saw social network comments like "Glad '09 is history!"  "09 was the pits" or "Don't let the door hit you on the way out, 09."  This is such an arrogant viewpoint.  Out of humility we should say, "Thank you, God for getting me through!"  I understand it was a challenging year for some, but we made it.  Furthermore, we must learn to recognize these challenges as opportunities.  I know it's easier said than done.  But the Bible teaches us God provides resistance to make us stronger.  

The woe-is-me attitude is to say 2009 was lousy.  With that kind of attitude though, do you really think it's going to turn around on a dime in 2010?  I'm not saying that we can simply think or will our way to a better year.  What I am saying is that God is sovereign.  He will get us through.  We praise Him in the good and the not-so-good.  To paraphrase John Piper, "God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him."  That is why we are here - to glorify God.  (1 Peter 4:11)

Thank you, God for each day of 2009.  Thank you for every challenge, heartache, and moment of joy.  Because none of us knows what tomorrow may bring, we are so grateful for each day.  We look forward to 2010 with eager anticipation knowing that You will be by our side.

GrantJ