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Thoughts?

The Blessing Of The Upright

When we struggle with the decision of doing right or wrong, we often times think in the context of ourselves. In other words, we ask , “How will this decision affect me?” We think about the implications that it has on our lives and not too often what it might mean to others. Maybe it’s time we start thinking outside of ourselves. Maybe we need to begin looking at the “bigger picture”. Our decisions in life can at times affect those around us as well. Proverbs 11:11 says this, “By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.” There may be times that by our righteous living and prayerful petitions, that God may bless those around us. We see a perfect example of this as Abraham pleaded with God not to overthrow the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 18). He asked God over and over if He would spare them if there were so many who were found as righteous in the city. His last request with God was that God would spare them if there were 10 righteous found. God was willing to do this, although we later find out that there were not even 10. The point is that God was willing to spare an entire city for the sake of 10 righteous people. Maybe it is today that God is willing to prolong His judgment of this world on behalf of a few who are trying to live righteous before Him. May this awareness of others help us to live a life that can be a potential blessing to not only ourselves, but also to those around us.

What We Need In ________...

There is no doubt to anyone who spends even just a few minutes in one of our public schools today that God is needed there. Just yesterday at my son’s elementary school a fellow 1st grader became irate and began to pull hair, kick, punch, and even stab a classmate with a fork. This behavior was also directed at the teacher who tried to calm him down. His immediate punishment was to stand in the corner until his mother came. My son was in shock and it scared him and many others as well. I know that this type of incident is not just isolated to one school in one area.

Now, let me say that I do not blame this 6 year old boy as much as I blame his parents. Where did he learn such behavior? Has he ever done this at home? Where is the proper training he needs to be a good citizen? No doubt God is needed not just in our schools but in the home as well. Just today the Florida Senate passed a bill that would allow students to lead prayers at school. Not teachers, just students. I guess we should look upon this as a victory, that at least our kids can now lead a prayer without getting in trouble. In fact, before today, a student leading a prayer may have suffered worse punishment than one stabbing his classmates with a fork (that’s not based upon factual knowledge, just a thought).

That is why the title of this devotional has left a blank. We need God in our schools! We need God in our homes! We need God in our workplace! We need God in our lives! It’s time we stop sitting back and letting Satan run amuck in this world. It’s time we start standing up for what is right and taking back our homes, our jobs, our schools, and our lives and give them to God. However, we can do nothing unless we first decide that Christ is going to reign in our lives. Once we do that, we die to self and begin to live out his will in our lives and in this world (Gal. 2:20). Then we can truly begin to act for Him in the world we live in to be a positive influence on those who need Him the most!

Which Prize Will You Choose?

There was an old game show called “Let’s Make A Deal” in which contestants were able to choose various prizes from behind different doors. The host would ask the contestants if they wanted to pick what was behind door number 1 or door number 2. Let’s suppose for a moment you were offered the choice between 2 prizes. Behind door number 1 is wisdom. Behind door number 2 are riches. Which would you choose? Most in our world would probably choose riches. Why? Probably because they think that happiness is found in material riches and goods. However, you and I have also seen many who become instantly wealthy and waste it all away. Again, why? Simply put, because they did not have the wisdom they needed to go along with the riches. Without wisdom, one cannot properly enjoy God’s blessings.

Let’s ask a man who had both riches and wisdom what he thinks is the most important of the two. Solomon, what would you say? In Proverbs 8:10-11 Solomon tells us, “Receive my instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold; for wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.” Instead of dreaming about becoming rich or a millionaire, maybe our thoughts should wander to gaining wisdom. God has never promised to make us millionaires, but He has promised to bless us with wisdom and to give liberally when we ask Him for it (James 1:5). Why not begin today by asking God to bless you with wisdom in your life? That is the better prize!

Which Prize Will You Choose?

There was an old game show called “Let’s Make A Deal” in which contestants were able to choose various prizes from behind different doors. The host would ask the contestants if they wanted to pick what was behind door number 1 or door number 2. Let’s suppose for a moment you were offered the choice between 2 prizes. Behind door number 1 is wisdom. Behind door number 2 are riches. Which would you choose? Most in our world would probably choose riches. Why? Probably because they think that happiness is found in material riches and goods. However, you and I have also seen many who become instantly wealthy and waste it all away. Again, why? Simply put, because they did not have the wisdom they needed to go along with the riches. Without wisdom, one cannot properly enjoy God’s blessings.

Let’s ask a man who had both riches and wisdom what he thinks is the most important of the two. Solomon, what would you say? In Proverbs 8:10-11 Solomon tells us, “Receive my instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold; for wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.” Instead of dreaming about becoming rich or a millionaire, maybe our thoughts should wander to gaining wisdom. God has never promised to make us millionaires, but He has promised to bless us with wisdom and to give liberally when we ask Him for it (James 1:5). Why not begin today by asking God to bless you with wisdom in your life? That is the better prize!

Daily Bible Reading Resource

If you are interested in reading the Bible through in a year, here is a website that can help you with that schedule. It's called Bible Year...just click here.

Daily Devo - Grandparents

Sorry, I'm playing catch up today...

Proverbs 17:6 – “Children’s children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their father.” This one is for all our grandparents and soon to be grandparents out there. Enjoy those little blessings in your life. You know what makes them so great? You can spoil them and love them but in the end they are someone else’s responsibility!! You’ve done your job with your kids, now enjoy your grandkids!

Daily Devo - God's Blessings

Psalm 29:11 – “The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.” God always looks out for His own. He will always bless His people. One of the things He will do is to bless His people with both strength and peace. Strength is needed to fight temptation, to be a servant to others in this life, and just to get through all that the world throws at us. Peace is a blessing because it is what so many in this world want and do not have. True peace can only come through God because He controls everything and as long as you are His you can know that you are safe in His arms.

Daily Devo - Exams

Psalm 26:2 – “Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my mind and my heart.” There are 2 types of people in this world that want their minds and hearts tried and tested by God. The first are those who have nothing to hide or be ashamed of. These are those who are doing their best to live right before God. This is not to say that they are without fault, but that they are walking in the light (I John 1). The second type are those who want God to change their lives. They are tired of living like the world, tired of living in rebellion to God’s will. They want God to try and test their hearts and minds so that He may make the things that are lacking, whole. Do you have a desire to be examined by the Lord?

Daily Devo - Joy

John 15:11 – “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” Christ wants us to be happy, joyful people. He has done everything He can to make us happy. He’s saved us from our sins, blesses us, answers our prayers, given us the hope of salvation for all who obey Him so that even if we experience the most tragic of losses in this life, it doesn’t have to be the end. What else could we want? How can anyone in Christ not have joy?

Daily Devotional

So since I don't really post much anymore, I figured at the very least I can post my daily devotional thought here everyday. I do a daily devotional that I mass e-mail out to members of our congregation that sign up for it. It's actually more like a Monday through Thursday thing. If you like, you can sign up through our church website here. So here is today's entry...

Galatians 6:10 – “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Here Paul speaks of our doing for others in this life. The way this is worded tells us how we should do those things. It says “as we have opportunity”. That indicates to me that as we go about our day to day lives we should be searching for opportunities to do good for others. Opportunities may not always exist, but we should have an eye for them so that when they do appear, we are ready to spring into action as a child of God (Matt. 25:34-46). Remember that we should especially look for opportunities to help other Christians as well. Have you seized an opportunity today to help someone?

Shake Off The Rust

I think when you do something for a long time, then you don't do it for a long time, it's like getting back on the old proverbial bike. For example, I played basketball growing up. In fact, just about everyday I was somewhere (usually in my driveway) playing basketball. I could go months, even a year or so without picking up a basketball and after a few shots, be right back in the groove.

It's been almost 3 years since I left youth ministry. It was a tough decision, but one that was best for me and my family. I haven't really looked back since. Due to some recent circumstances, I've had to get back on that bicycle. Well, it was really like I never stopped riding in a sense. We had our first youth devotional this past Sunday night and I felt right at home. I felt just as comfortable as I did at the last one I did at University. It was fun getting back out there with the kids, and of course, my kids loved it!

Now I have the task of planning out the next year's worth of events. But things differ with where you find yourself. Things that I did in Montgomery may not necessarily work here. So now I really have to re-learn what I was doing before to be successful at what I am trying to do now. I have to once again be creative with young people. I'm creative with my sermons (as much as I can be), but it's been a while since I've been creative with planning events for teens who I find myself more removed from than ever (I'm more than double most of their ages)! Yes it's important to plan events that they will enjoy, events that will draw them closer together. However, in my opinion, what is most important is forming a relationship with them that will help me to be a positive influence on their lives. That's what I want to do. I want them to get to know me, to trust me, and to be willing to talk to me about things that concern them in their lives. Why? Because I know that I am at least one person (besides mom and dad, because most kids don't want to listen to mom and dad, no matter how right they are) that will give them good sound advice to help them get to heaven. Pray for me, pray for these kids, pray for their parents, and pray for the others that will be involved along with me in helping these kids to have some memorable moments in their youth that will help shape, mold, and guide them to being servants of God their entire lives!

Mr. Inconsistency

I will admit that I am Mr. Inconsistency when it comes to blogging. Partly because I don't always have time, partly because it's just not that important to me. I don't mind being labeled that way when it comes to things such as blogging, because we all know that blogging isn't that important in our lives.

I wonder how many people though, might label themselves as "inconsistent" in their spiritual lives? For example, maybe one week they spend a great amount of time praying as they should, reading their Bibles, etc. and then the next week only a prayer or two here or there. Maybe they read their Bible one day and that's it. They drift away from God and then come back to Him, only to repeat that pattern every few months or years.

Think about men like Noah who the Bible said "walked with God" (Gen. 6:9). There was a man who could not be labeled as "inconsistent". Now that doesn't mean that he was without any faults, but he consistently followed God and was righteous before Him (Gen. 7:1). That's the kind of man I want to be like. A man who is not sporadic in his faith, but consistent. A man who, although he may have his share of problems in life, doesn't let those things come between him and his God. Just a random spiritual thought for the day.

New Wardrobe

There are other benefits to losing weight that I haven't mentioned too much yet. One of which I've really started enjoying this week is a new wardrobe. Now, let me say that this new wardrobe has cost me nothing. I've haven't forked out a dime for any new clothes. They were all right there in my closet. In fact, I'm wearing a pair of black dress pants today that I have probably worn 3 or 4 times. They were tight when they were given to me and for the first time I can actually wear them. They look like they are brand new. I also wore a pair of khaki's I found in my closet yesterday that I haven't worn in a really long time. I thought maybe they had a hole in them or something. Nope, they just didn't fit me anymore so I stopped wearing them.

All those clothes that I got and never could wear much I can now wear again. It's really nice because I don't feel like I'm rotating the same few shirts and pants week in and week out. There used to be only 4 or 5 shirts I could wear and feel comfortable in before because I was so big. Now I can wear just about anything.

However, don't worry. I'm not going to be one of "those" guys. You know, the ones who look like they tried to squeeze into their son's shirts. Besides, I'm not that far along yet. I'm at 222 and still losing. It's slowed down a bit the past couple of weeks due to my being sick and not eating very good. I'm back on track now and should be hitting below 220 next week for the first time in years!!

40 Pounds in 11 Weeks!!

I weighed in this morning at 225 pounds. That puts me at losing 40 pounds in 11 tough weeks. I'm certainly not done yet, I still have probably 30 pounds or so more to go. However, it's exciting to continue to see the weight come off at a pretty consistent rate. I can definitely tell a big difference in the way I feel. For example, I played full court basketball last night for the first time since I lost any weight and I felt great! I wasn't really tired and felt like I had a lot of energy. Although I wasn't the skinniest fella out there, I felt like I was the least tired and most in shape just judging on how everyone got up and down the court.

My pants size is just about down to a 36 now. I started at 40. Really the only thing I own are 38's and 40's, but my 38's are loose on me. It's been so long since I've been a 36 I just don't own anything anymore of that size. I need a new belt because I have it on the tightest notch just to keep my pants from falling off.

Sometimes I wonder why I didn't do this long ago. I wonder how I ever let myself get to this point. I still can't believe that just 2 & 1/2 months ago I weighed 265 lbs. I am vowing to never let myself get to this point again. I have made a lifestyle change and I couldn't be happier. I'm looking forward to the next AT hike in April when I should be close to 200 lbs. It's going to be great hiking with 65 less lbs off my back!

Back In My 20's

Who would have thought I would ever be able to get back in my 20's? After all, I'm 32 years old. No, I don't mean age, I'm talking about my 220's. I've been setting small goals as a part of my big goal to lose weight. It helps to keep me encouraged working toward these smaller goals. Today I took what I believe is my biggest step so far, I got below the 230 mark into my 220's. The reason this holds a great significance for me is because the last time I worked out with a goal of losing weight was back in the summer of 2002 or 2003, I don't quite remember. Anyways, I remember getting down to like 224 or 225. That was the last time I saw those numbers, so for me to get back in that range was a huge accomplishment. Another reason is that we are headed back to Montgomery this weekend and I wanted to get under 230 for my return trip there.

I got to my goal weight by running 3 miles today for the first time probably ever. That's running without stopping. I'd been running 2 miles everyday, but had only worked up to that about a week ago. So I really pushed myself today to run the 3 miles. It felt good when I finished, but boy did it hurt while I was trying to get it done.

So we will be in Montgomery this weekend and next week for the lectures. We get to see some old friends, take in some lessons from God's word and get recharged. I'm excited about it and I know Tammy is as well. Hopefully my next post after we get back next week I'll have some pictures to post from our trip. Maybe some video as well.

Some Things I've Learned About Weight Loss...

I have learned a lot about losing weight over the past month and a half. For one, it's not easy, but it's very doable if you are committed to it. Commitment and patience are the keys in losing weight. You can't expect to eat bad for 10 years and then look like you did in college again in a few weeks. It is, however, very rewarding if you can grind it out and keep that goal in the front of your mind.

I've learned that I lose most of my weight at the beginning of the week. Why? Well because I eat better when I'm at work. I drink lots of water and take my lunch everyday. At home, it's easy to go to the fridge or the pantry to get something to snack on when you get bored. Not at work. I'm constantly busy (keeping my mind off of food) and I have nothing else to eat except for what I brought for lunch. Case in point, I weighed 240 on 2/2. I weighed 237 on 2/4. I weighed 239 on 2/9. That's down 3 at the beginning of the week and then up 2 at the end. Today I am 235. That's down 4 at the beginning of the week. So my challenge is to put together a full week every week.

I've also learned that fried foods and sweets are the enemy (for me anyways). Anytime I "cheat" and eat something fried, it always comes back to bite me on the scale. Sweet Tea and desserts also get me too. I will only drink it once a week now if at all. Even when I drink it once a week it hurts me. So I'm pretty much all water all the time.

I guess I'm learning my body and what puts weight on and what helps take it off. I'm down 30 pounds in almost 6 & 1/2 weeks. Hopefully in another 6 or 7 I'll be down 30 or 35 more!

1 Month Down

Well the month of January has come and gone and I am 25 pounds lighter than I was at the end of last year! When I think back it's kind of hard to believe. Sometimes I think to myself, "If I had just been doing this all along, I could already be where I wanted to be by now!" Oh well, better late than never. I feel like 25 pounds in 5 weeks is pretty good. If I can keep it up I should be where I want to be weight wise by late March, early April.

I think the toughest part of all of this is dealing with the weather. I want to be outside running and walking, but the cold weather has kept me inside. So I've been doing a lot of cardio stuff I can do in my living room. It stinks because I hate cardio. I would rather be outside running.

I've been showing people my driver's license picture that was taken in August of 2008. It's really the only picture I have of my face where you can tell a big difference between then and now. It makes it all worthwhile to be able to see the progress like that. When you look at yourself everyday in the mirror you just don't see it as clearly.

I think later in the week I might post a blog about my favorite tunes to listen to while working out. I'll let you (if anyone even reads this anymore) post your favorite songs to get you motivated.

Mid Week Update

So I didn't post on Monday for a few reasons, but I guess the biggest is that I was disappointed because I had actually gained almost a pound since the previous Monday. I made a vow to myself that I would work harder this week and come back with even more resolve. Well, it's only Wednesday (2 days in) and I've already dropped 6 lbs this week. Not starving myself, but working out and drinking water like it's going out of style. I'm hoping to be in the 230's by Monday. I'd really like to be at around 235, but I'll take 238 or so.

Also, another encouraging sign in all of this is that I had mentioned my blood pressure being high. I think I remember it being around 151 over 80. Well, last night I checked it and it was 114 over 74. BIG improvement, as now I am back down into safe levels.

The kids are both sick this week and my wife is being a trooper taking care of them while I'm at work. I just hope we don't get it. Will is on the up and up and Kenzie hopefully will be getting better by tomorrow if not today. I'll post again Monday with my new weight!

3 Weeks In

So I'm now 3 weeks into my weight loss mission and had another weigh in today. I'm using Monday's as my weigh in day. I was at 245 this morning and I'm pretty happy with that number. First, because it was a loss (4 pounds for the week). Second, because I didn't exercise as hard as the week before. Third, because last weekend I had plateaued a little. Fourth, because the weekends are usually my downfall. This gets my weight loss so far at an unofficial 20 pounds. The reason I say unofficial is because we didn't have a scale when I first started, so I estimated.

What changes have I seen so far? Well, my wife says she can tell that I've lost by looking at me, although I can't necessarily tell. My pants are fitting a bit better (at least the ones that had gotten a bit tight). I definitely feel better too. My back problems haven't been bothering me near as much lately. I also think (or would like to think) that my weight loss has been encouraging others at church as well. I guess they think, "if this fatty can do it, why can't I?"

Other than that we had a very busy week/weekend. I spoke at a youth rally in St. Mary's, GA on Saturday and we were able to hear Cornerstone from Faulkner sing. They did a great job and I encourage you to get their CD because it is well worth the $15. We also had a bunch of people from church over last night for dinner and some fun. Kenzie is crawling all over the place now. It's funny watching her because she is a pretty fast little buger. Well, that's all for now. I'll try to blog more later this week.