Three Questions After Being Quarantined.

So much has been written about the Corona Virus (a.k.a. COVID19) that you may be getting tired of yet another article on this subject. Hold up before you change the channel. This article is not exactly about the virus. It is about what to do after being quarantined.

Yes, there will be a tomorrow. Life will get back to normal (whatever that is) eventually.

I want to challenge you to consider three questions before resuming your normal life.  These questions have preoccupied my mind since having to be quarantined. I have lived out my daily life doing my job albeit from a stay-at-home order in fear of spreading the virus to vulnerable populations. We have all learned new polite habits of social distancing and many have limited their exposure yet making essential trips to grocery stores. We all have learned to depend on technology to connect with co-workers and complete our tasks as assigned.

Yet, during these times, we need to ask three basic questions before proceeding with life as usual. Let me explain and challenge you to take inventory of your answers to these three questions.

1. Ask Why?  Before proceeding further to your life as it once was, ask yourself the purpose question of why?  That is, ask what the purpose is for what you do and what values you are pursuing.

This question is important because it means thinking through the what you will do by deciding why you do what you do.  We all have been forever changed. We cannot simply pick up where we left off before being asked to shelter-in-place. We cannot simply pick up where we last were. It is not like reading a good book and after laying it aside we simply start reading where we left the bookmark. We have to ask why?  Take note on your answers to all those things you once did but start with why.

2. Ask Why Not? Before you go any further you may miss-out on some of the essentials. You might want to do something but you feel that it can't be done than ask why not? 

Make a list of all the things and people service that you want to do but feel limited. Somehow you may feel that you cannot accomplish something but what are the barriers to getting to it? As you search for solutions to the barriers and the limitations you will find great hope in the potential outcomes.

This may require an example. I meet with people all day, every day. My role is to connect people and ministries to the importance of foster care. I set up appointments and make cold calls all day long. It is my passion. I love to see children in healthy homes. I love to see people connected to ministry to the least and most vulnerable of our communities. I have a passion to shed light on the many hidden injustices that I know people what to solve.  However, since my current situation means that I cannot speak to churches or groups of people and that I cannot travel to meet with leaders or network with groups, I may feel isolated and restricted. Yes, this is how I felt early on in this social distancing response to the pandemic.

However, I has to ask myself, why not?  I had to find out what the obstacles where and how to overcome them. I was forced to think outside the box. I was forced to explore possibilities and look passed the barriers. I had to implement technology into my way of doing business. I had to find a better use of email and other forms of social capital to accomplish my role. I also had to learn how to have effective home office environment. I had to be efficient and productive. I had to overcome any fear of failure and learn to serve the needs of others. These were going to be my way of overcoming problems.

It is also in life, on a normal day that I have to ask, why not? I cannot just make excuses for what I can't do something. I have to adapt. I have to find a new path. I have to solve the problems one-by-one and with each little decision I was able to accomplish the bigger needs and problems.

If you are at a place where you feel controlled by the environment or your given situation is not ideal, ask yourself, why not?

3. Ask Why Not Now? This is a when question, not a what or how questions. Before you do anything else, it is here that you ask the question of when! 

Asking why not now means thinking of the impact you can have in real time. If something is important for you to do when your return to normal, it is important to you act on that now! If seeing your friends or starting that new project is important to you when you get back to normal and you can't wait to get to it after the quarantine, it is important enough to act on it now.

The problem with dreams is that we wait until we wake up to act. If you are like me you day-dream all day long. Sometimes I find myself thinking about a solution to a problem that hasn't even happened yet. I am always thinking unnecessarily.  In other words, I am always trying to solve a problem that has not even happened yet. That is what most creative thinkers do but it drives practical people crazy.

These three questions are not just good for the quarantine. It is also good to think strategically about life, work, family, and projects.  It is also necessary to remove any potential barriers that often keep us from doing what we know we should be doing. It is also important to act on our ideas in real time. These three questions will inform our outcomes! 

The Bible is clear on these three questions.

Hebrews 11:1 -- Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not yet seen.
Philippians 3:14 -- I press on toward the goal to win the prize which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:13 -- I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength. 

Doing The Most Good: A Time To Re-Evaluate Your Activities.

In recent years I have adding more and more to my set of goals and activities. In my mind I believed that the more that I that I do equals accomplishments. It makes sense, doesn’t it? My accomplishments should equal as much as my activity demonstrates. Yet, I’m learning that busyness does not equal accomplishments. These are tough lessons to learn.

As I write this blog we are in the midst of a stay-at-home order by our governor because of the #coronavirus. We see the many news updates and follow the hashtags related. #COVID19 #stay-at-home, and this list goes on. All of our activities are reduced to what we can do at home unless our activities are essential. Often I would pack my schedule with as many opportunities as I can, believing that busyness equals results but this has become a new challenge for me.

It is a new reality for those that are non-essential workers. All of my activities feel essential. Yet, I am having to re-evaluate what I do to accomplish my goals. I am limited because of these new rules that limit my face-to-face meetings and my need to drive across the state for meetings. Recently, my appointments have canceled. It’s a new paradigm for how I typically interact with others. It is a new day for measuring my  progress.

Of course we all want to accomplish as much as we can and do the most good. Nevertheless we are learning how to reevaluate our activities. We quickly discover how much time we spend in non-essential activities.

It’s time to establish the right set of values personally but also our professionally. We often forget to ask the question of why we do what we do. Since the threat of the coronavirus pandemic it is a time to re-evaluate what is really important. It is time to discover how we can do the most good in these challenging times. Each of our activities must be essential, intentional and purposeful.

The role I serve in my organization is to connect and build relationships in order to help kids in hard places. Foster Care as ministry is what defines our why we exist Since there is the need for social distancing and limited travel, I am having to find new ways of engaging people. Thankfully there are many different avenues in today’s technological age. I have personally found a Zoom (a video chat technology) to be a great resource but there is also social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. We have many other resources at our disposal including, to the surprise of many, the telephone!

We are encouraged to stay connected and to check in on those at-risk of becoming sick. Just the other day I placed a phone call to a senior who has a compromised respiratory condition to simply encourage her and let her know that she has been prayed for and thought of. I even asked her if there’s anything I could do for her. Just the other day I placed a phone call to a senior who has a compromised respiratory condition to simply encourage her and let her know that she has been prayed for and thought of. I even asked her if there’s anything I could do for her. It was such an easy form of ministry! even as our weekly Bible study group has gone to a video chat platform we raise concerns about those who could not join with us and made commitments to reach out to them.

I believe that we can definitely make a significant difference, doing the most good in the lives of others as we find new ways to connect. Our busy activities, the non-essential and essential, keep us from doing what is most productive. we could become so distracted that we forget what is our primary purpose in our personal lives but also our professional work.

The scripture reminds us to commit our actions to the Lord. It’s this simple understanding that as we look to the Lord, our actions can succeed. Perhaps that’s where we have to begin, not by what we want to accomplish but by what God calls us to value most.

This season of time when we are forced to reevaluate our activities we should also reevaluate what’s truly important and which values we hold most essential in our lives. It’s during the season of time that we can even better define our purpose, that is the reason why we get up in the morning. We can start by asking ourselves several basic questions and reevaluate what we hold most valuable.

1. Write a simple sentence that answers the question of why: Why do I exist? Why is this important? Why do I get up in the morning?

2. What are the top three values that you hold as most essential? Is it your life? Is it the things you own? Is it the people in your life?

3. Write out your mission statement for your personal life.

For me, it begins with Philippians 1:6 that has been a tremendous passage of scripture and my life verse that reads: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.“ Furthermore, my reason for existing is to carry out God‘s ministry and Calling to help others to know their value! I am self-motivated & relational, pioneering ventures that connect people to their strengths & passion.

4. Listing your priorities based on you mission statement and your top three values can help in discovering the essential activities. These will keep your priorities before you!

As you discover how to make the most of every opportunity and figure out how you can be doing the most good, you should reevaluate your activities and prioritize your set of goals so that you are in alignment with your purpose in life in your personal as well as professional life.

A New Set of Rules

A new set of conditions are being imposed on us as we are engaged in the response to #Covid19 (yes, the hashtag is intentional). We are faced with a new set of rules on how we interact with others. New terms have been introduced to us like, Social Distancing. Many are under stay-at-home mandates unless for essential purposes.

Yet, it must be understood that we have the same God. He is in control and this is not a surprise to Him. God is the same as he has always been. Each and every day we discover something new in the midst of challenging times. I know for me, I’ve had to make changes to my schedule and these days are so very different than some challenges I have faced in the past.

We all have to make changes in our activities and we continue to learn as God is leading. We must learn to adapt to changes. Recently in the state of Indiana it is illegal now to hold a cell phone while driving. That will change how people drive, and for those who work from the mobile office it will mean additional challenges. I use earbuds for my iPhone in order to make and receive phone calls. I travel across the state using electronic maps to guide me. I have to work smarter these days. All that to say that I have learned to adapt.

Today my thoughts are on the eve of taking a few days off from my travels and setting aside my cell phone as part of the new set is rules being imposed. The coronavirus has changed how all of us go about our daily activities. We live in very unusual days where fear and uncertainty seem to occupy our country. Whatever we are not able to control our future, we tend to become complainers and grow uneasy.

Today, I want to remind myself, as well as you that our God is the same as He has always been. None of these events are a surprise to Him. 

Given the circumstances of the #coronavirus (hashtag and all) we have all have to make changes to our routines. Hopefully we have become more compassionate people as well. We hope that our concern and ununcertainty will become transformed into a concern for others and a certainty in God, through Christ Jesus.

I am reminded that the scripture tells us at no matter our circumstances or whatever trial we may be faced with that God is still in control. Whether I’m reading in the book that Peter wrote or he indicated a confidence in God saying that we could cast all of our cares on Him because He cares for us. Even as I browse the book of Philippians I find an optimism in Paul’s writings that even though he was in chains and imprisoned Paul states that the gospel is not in chains. Reading the words of Jesus, the red letters of the Bible, I find that God‘s kingdom is always advancing, even though I don’t fully understand things this side of heaven. I read in the Old Testament how the prophets spoke of days like this and called people to repentance, to turn to the Lord for strength.

During these times, the church is discovering new ways to provide ministry. It is finding new avenues to being together in worship. It is a looking to new ideas for how to be in the community, not just a church behind closed doors.

Take time to not only be in prayer and the reading of God‘s Word but also read relevant books and articles that keep us alert and aware during these unusual days. Limit your social media because it can become a distraction but be intentional as you post encouraging messages and even sending private messages to friends and family.

Recently our team at White’s Residential and Family Services has had to deploy a new method for engaging churches since so many pastors and others are no longer meeting face-to-face. Instead, we have decided to pray for pastors and ministry leaders and then to send them a message of hope through email and even other social media platforms. 

These are things we all can do to maintain a connection with others. We can have a ministry of love without even leaving our homes. Picking up the phone and communicating with others makes a powerful difference. Let’s be bearers of the Good News of Jesus Christ and share the Hope we have in Him.

God’s Will: Prayer is the Alignment of My Will with God’s Way.

The majority of people of faith concern themselves with knowing God‘s Will for their lives. Christians are faced with this question at all ages of their lives. Too often it is the all or nothing proposition that people entertain. We wrestle with big questions like; What if we miss God’s call because we didn’t choose carefully enough? Is it possible to miss God’s call and fall outside of His Will and blessings?

Today I want to tackle a few of those questions but I want to tackle it from the perspective of prayer. Prayer is central to people of faith. Often people pray specific prayers for specific needs rather than more general concerns? I often hear people ask for prayer for purely selfish needs. It is as if they see God as a form of Santa Clause. Sometimes people might even pray for things they want rather than discover what is God’s plan for their needs.

I often have told people in my prison ministries that they should be careful about what they pray for because they just might have their prayers answered. Yet, it may not be the best. What I mean by that is that often we all can pray about what we want rather than what we need and become preoccupied with self-centered approach to prayer rather than discovering what God has for us.

I remember one man coming to my class in prison one day and shared that he prayed that he would win the lottery. He stated that he did win $100,000 but it was the worst thing that ever happened to him. He began to party and ended up with an addiction and after all of his friends abandon him and all of his money was gone, he was left alone and with a serious addiction. In order to support his addiction to begin to steal and consequently was arrested and that’s why he was in prison.

I’ll never forget that because I think that it is often what we turn to God and pray for. We can be motivated in the very same way, selfish agenda rather than God’s plan. We often ask God to conform His Will to our ways but today I want to encourage us that prayer is the alignment of our will with God’s way!

I’m reminded of the lyrics to a song, “When you can’t trace His hand, trust His heart.” Sometimes God‘s plan isn’t always as easy to see as we hoped but, we walk in obedience even though we don’t always understand.

The Bible is filled with many verses on this very topic but I have to believe that if we come into alignment with God‘s biblical pattern for living and live within the promises that He gives so that we will discover God‘s peace and plan for our lives. Most of us struggle with simply obeying what God commands throughout Scripture yet alone trying to discover His plan.

In 1 Corinthians 10:31 it reminds us that in everything do it to the glory of God. I am also  reminded that in the book of James that if we lack wisdom that we can ask in faith and that God will provide. I am also intrigued by examples throughout the scripture like in II King’s 13:14 when the Prophet was dissatisfied with the actions of a king because he had fallen short of what God wanted to do. (Read it because it is amazing.)

God calls us to specific things but it’s always within the context of what He commands and what He promises that He will do. I remember when I felt the call to ministry. I was overly concerned about the specifics of that call but God simply wanted me to be obedient in the context of what He clearly commands as well as living within what He promises. Once I figured that out I was able to operate freely within the parameters and not concern myself about tripping over details. Of course God can be very specific but He typically uses others as well as confirms those specifics along the way. But often it is a faith walk that is discovered through the journey not the destination.

A quote by a friend of mine, Dr. Steve Snyder says, “God’s will is about a position not a decision.”

Isn’t it amazing that just when we need to know what the next step is that God will bring us to that metaphoric 11 o’clock hour. Once my family was within 15 days of having to move out of our home with very few options about where to go. Neither my wife or I had a new position lined up but we definitely could not afford to stay where we were living at the time. As we prayed and waited on the Lord, He came through at just the right time. Within those 15 days of moving Cindi was able to secure a job and we were able to make the move. From there God begin to unfold the rest of His plan along the way.

During that difficult time, which lasted nearly 2 years, we were filled with uncertainty and I questioned God‘s plan often. It was during that time that God revealed to me that it was not the destination but the journey that mattered. While the Lord always supplied our every need; we didn’t always know exactly how it would happen.

One such journey of faith occurred when I was confronted with financial need. The church was making some cuts in their finance and I took a journey of faith that showed me that God truly was the provider. Grateful that God lead me throughout that time when the income was reduced substantially and I had to depend on other means of support for my family. Thankfully the church allowed us to stay living in the church parsonage but financially I had obligations that I needed an income for. The Lord seemingly came through every single time. Some through donations that came to us in support of my chaplaincy. In other ministry opportunities like weddings and funerals the provided just the right amount of income for what we needed that week. Every detail came together in God’s time and at just the right time to provide for our every need.

I’m older now and I could see clearly how God orchestrated every detail. I had to trust him during those uncertain times yet he never failed. It was truly a reminder to me and my wife and hopefully to my children that God was always in control.

Prayer is that alignment of my will with God’s way. I could tell you story after story of just how he did it but I encourage you to take that journey of faith and learn every lesson you can because it’s not only in the good times but more often in the difficult times that God comes through. Today I have the privilege of seeing how God developed me and how he worked out so many incredible details.

Finding God‘s will is a journey into the unknown as it is a walk with God from day to day. We didn’t  just one day wake up and say, “There it is!” It was a gradual discovery of God‘s will. Moreover it is the journey of how God reveals His provision and His promises.

My life verse is a reflection of how God lead me through the good and the bad. Philippians 1:6 says, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.“

Oh, The Things I’ve Seen - But, I Remain Positive!

The door bell rang before 7 AM one overcast day. Startled by such an early morning visitor at my front door I made my way to the door. To my amazement, I was being given a packet by the sheriff deputy. I happen to know him but his words were simple and direct, “Are you Rick Carder?” I replied, “Of course I am. Don’t you recognize me?” He handed me the papers with just a simple gesture and gentle smile. This was not a social call but it was legal papers letting me know that I am being sued for $5 million.

Of course, you can imagine all the emotions and questions that I had at that moment. Which turned out to be a year and a half of anxiety and dread ended up turning out OK in the end. That part of the story I’ll leave for another day but I was being sued for nothing more than being kind to a young man from my youth group and a former foster teen. The ironic thing was that a different foster child, by then an adult, was the one that eventually informed me that the lawsuit was thrown out with prejudice and that the individual could never file again. Turns out that she had worked for a lawyer that represented another party in the law suit.

I have pastored for over 30 years and I have seen so much in those years. I have witnessed death and even faced a few death threats myself. I have defended children who were abused as well as advocating for at-risk teens looking for a second chance, facing the judge. My ministry was not just in the local church but it was in the community where I served. I had been living throughout the variety of communities with the potential of ministry ever present. They were scary moments and stress filled occasions for both me and my family but, with God’s help I was able to persevere.

I have seen so many terrible situations of children who have died tragically. I have worked with families who children have committed suicide.

I’m writing this article today because I am reflecting on the incredible blessings that I have received through the years. Even though there were hardships and difficulties, my faith remain strong and my Lord has always come through. I have learned lessons and I have experienced things that most of us should never have to go through but I still have hope and I still believe.

Over the years I have served as not only as a pastor but as a probation officer, or youth mentor, a foster parent, a chaplain for both Police Officers and those who have been incarcerated. Through the years I have sought the Lord’s direction and often found myself in places that only He could carry me through.

One such incident actually meant facing down a man with a gun. Thankfully I am still here to testify of God’s protection. Having to talk the man down, I eventually was able to pray with him.

On another occasion, I once stepped into a home to visit in at risk youth only to suddenly shock a group of drug dealers who were separating out their drugs from their weapons. All I could say at that moment was, “I’m sorry, I am PASTOR Rick!” I’m not sure who is more frightened but thankfully the situation was remedied by one of the men saying, “Padre, you scared us to death!”

Each time that I encountered such interesting situations, I found my faith being drawn closer to the Lord. It would be easy for me to become a critic and even cynical about the world today. Some of the things that I have been party could cause anyone to shrink back and become a skeptic. For as long as I could remember, even in my childhood, I have found myself looking for optimism rather than be in despair.

I was probably your typical child in the 70s but life wasn’t always fair in nor was it just. I grew up in a difficult home environment which was not always safe. I will leave it there for now.

Many can share terrific experiences in the ministry and in their work among people. I’ve known quite a few who have served as police officers, social workers, pastors, community leaders, and counselors. Humanity can be very dark and it can also cause people to give up on faith.

The point that I making today is that we can remain optimist in the midst of a negative world. Some might call it will power others might call it face, but I believe it is about being centered on your purpose and for what purpose God calls you to. One of my favorite passages in scripture is Philippians 1:6. That scripture is my life verse that reads: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

For me it is to understand God‘s purpose in all things that happen. I don’t believe that I am a fatalist because I believe that I have choice in most matters. Yet m, I do believe that God is in control of all things. I seek the Lord‘s Will in my life each and every day because I believe it is through those experiences I came to understand His Will. Today, I pray for divine appointments and divine encounters that would help me to be present and know God’s presence. When I pray I ask that the Lord would align my will with His Will for my life.

Circumstances and events that occur are within God’s divine plan. Certainly, I have been fortunate in myself standing against some of the most difficult of circumstances. My life is not at all like what Job of the Bible. I believe Job remain steadfast in his faith in God. While discouraged at times (and who wouldn’t be) he looked to praise to God in both good times and bad.

While we are yet living we should strive to make every moment count for the Lord. It’s important that we recognize His incredible plan and purpose. I can guarantee that life will be tough but I can equally guarantee that God will be with us in the good times and the bad. I also am certain that our outlook in life makes a difference. If we look for negative we will often find it with ease. However, as we look for the good we can generally see that, in ourselves and in others as well.

Even though I am aware of life’s circumstances. I’m also keenly aware that not every motive is pure. It’s important that I discern on how to invest my time and energies into others but realize that every investment that is made for Christ is never wasted. Every seed that is planted for God’s glory; it is like a blessing that is given and it is never wasted.

When I became a follower of the Lord I chose to have faith in God‘s plan. I also purposed to discover God‘s provision and promise from His word. I furthermore believe that there is hope no matter how difficult the situation. I have sat at the bedside of those who are dying and buried those who have come to sudden and tragic endings. I have comforted families who have lost so much in their lives. Often I have no words to express my deepest sympathy but I offer prayer and hope.

I maintain optimism in the midst of pessimistic times because I believe that with God, all things are possible. I trust that God is able to work all things out for the good to them that love him and are called to his purpose. I believe that even in the most tragic of circumstances that God can provide his presence and an eternal hope.

I have learned that it doesn’t help to hold onto bitterness and anger. I have come to terms with the reality that this life is fragile. I am also inspired by what I have experienced! Oh, the things I’ve seen but, I remain positive!

Ephesians 3:20 is another one of my favorite scriptures that I often use as a benediction and blessing because it offers words of hope. The verse uses words that clearly communicate optimism. Found within its text are the words; exceedingly, abundantly, more than we could ever ask, think, or imagine. These descriptions point the way!

Ephesians 3:20-21
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

H-A-T-E: It Hurts and Never Heals!

We might as well buckle up because it is going to be a long 2020! This year we not only add one more day to the month of February, Leap Day, but we also add the Presidential Election! Yep, get ready! Can anyone say 2016 without cringing? 

If you live long enough you will likely know that 2016 was not the ugliest electoral cycle we have ever faced! I have only voted for 6 presidents, spanning 40-plus years but I have been interested in political history for some time now. I am particularly interested in presidents. 

Synonyms to HATE

I remember Reagan once telling Mondale during a nationally broadcaster debate, “I am not going to exploit for political gain my opponent’s youth and inexperience.”

I read that Jackson carried more lead into the Office of the Presidency than any other because of the many times he challenged his opponents to a physical pistol duel. He challenged more than 100 men to a duel, killing one!

Political slogans through history will make you chuckle today but hard fought campaigns will surprise many! There have been times in history when the battle was not only ugly & personal but also dangerous! Read more here! 

Today I remind us that we have been here before! In 2020, let’s adjust our vision to see the heart of others! We might think that our most recent years are the worst but history tells a different story. Take Adams and Jefferson as an example. Perhaps the first of many negative campaigns contains the following exchange: 

Jefferson's camp accused President Adams of having a "hideous hermaphroditical character, which has neither the force and firmness of a man, nor the gentleness and sensibility of a woman." In return, Adams' men called Vice President Jefferson "a mean-spirited, low-lived fellow, the son of a half-breed Indian squaw, sired by a Virginia mulatto father." Read more.

My point is not the we would accept such rhetoric today. It is so discussing that the hard fought battle can belittle mankind! It is brutal and not for the faint-hearted and weak.

What of the rest of us? Today’s politics seem to find it’s way into our well-being. We don’t need to take everything candidates say so personal. 

We take everything that is said from one candidate to another as if the words spoken are directed personally at us. We seem to be insulted and hurt by what candidate say to each other. 

We seem to act like we are victims when what is said is not even directed personally at us! I have to ask, why do we make it so personal? Read more on Stop Taking Things Personal. 

I have to ask why the bitter exchange of words meant as attacks to their opponent become our fight? Why do we internalize the sharp, hostile words of people we don’t even know. They certainly don’t know me (or you)! 

They (the political candidates) are really not rooting for each other. That is the name of the political game! Yet, they are neither speaking negatively at me (or you)! 

Why do we take those insults, hostile expressions, and negative remarks as word-weapons against each other? 

I am writing this to challenge everyone to take a chill-pill about what candidate say to each other! The comments said are meant to belittle and distract the competition not meant to be taken personally.  

I think that we are so on-edge that we quickly want to add to the slurs and insults with a few of our own! We seem to find reasons to hate!

I think that we are so quick to jump on the parade of insults and emotional reactions and we become offended to the point of hate! 

I think that as candidate exchange childish words and actions that we too find it easy to spread the same insults, jokes, anger, and hate! Yet, we have to be bigger than that!

I think that it is time for the rest of us (outside of Washington) to NOT take it so personal and focus on the values that we hold most important and that includes having a civil discourse through healthy debate!

After all, it is best to debate ideas because it provides the best solutions. It is time for us to stop mimicking the talking points of the media, read a little more, and listen to what people are really saying. Let’s NOT get ticked-off at the headlines and Facebook posts but have real conversations that protect humanity!  

Political campaigns are based on emotional bias, hatred, fear, & anger. As we realize the emotional trap, we can think and feel with objectivity. Once realized how we were made to feel, we can recognize the pre-existing trap that draws us into the fight or what causes us to the opposite flight response. It breeds hate & is used by ALL POLITICAL LEADERS!

H-A-T-E hurts and never heals. I think that too many of us are filled with attitudes and feelings of hate. Political leaders persuade us to be angry, an emotion that wins us to their side that if unchecked can produce bitterness, rage, and hate.

Let’s resist this trap in 2020! Let’s move past the headlines! Let’s stop shooting AT each other and start speaking WITH each other! 

Sure, hold to your position and values but let’s show Washington & our elected officials that WE are able to solve problems; just like we always have done in the past. We can sit around around a table and a cup of coffee, acting like a healthy family, solving problems by debating yet holding to the most important of values, love and respect. I enjoy reading contrasting views on Trump as a person and leader. I know he is not perfect but his policies are consistent to my values. Read more related to this here with the response from Christianity Today’s editorial by Galli.. We will come up with better outcomes and solutions if we are willing to listen! 

In 2020, let’s stop listening to the candidates and start listening to one another. Let’s stop mimicking the talking points and headlines and let’s instead start asking questions that allows for good exchange of information that informs!

My Take on #SOTU - A 2-minute Read

Do I dare? You may be asking yourself the very same question. Would you go on the record publicly stating your opinion of the State of the Union speech by Donald J Trump?

Well, I’m no politician and I’m not complete with history but here I go with a few of my takeaways from the speech. What I hope comes through clearly in my attempt here is that when the storm clouds gather, be the light that shines through.

Minute #1. A backdrop. It might be worth noting that I did vote in the 2016 election and that I could not bring myself to voting for Hillary Clinton. There are many reasons that began with my value of life (for the pre-born) and a believer in the message of hope. (Hillary did not convey the same tone and substance as Obama.)

Knowing this about me will mean that you may not read further, thinking that this is just another mindless, conservative rhetoric that is typical. If you dare, read further and it may surprise you.

You see, in 2016 I was not voting for a candidate. I was voting on policies and values that are important to me as well as what I believe to be helpful for this country. I was not casting my ballot on a person, personality, nor politician. At best, I was interested in an outsider. I am thinking that most of Americans are looking at doing the same thing. (Consider why Bernie Sanders is so popular.) I took into consideration my ethical standards and my moral leaning. I considered carefully based on what I understand about the Bible and my personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

It’s likely that you did the same thing. It wasn’t the popularity contest like in high school when you vote for the king and queen or your student council. Casting a ballot is a civic and moral responsibility. It’s something that you take very seriously on a national and local level.

You may be surprised to learn that I’m not a single issue American. I think about those that are impacted by policies at the national level. It might even be surprised to learn that I didn’t like it when President Ronald Reagan took away the social benefits of at-risk Americans in order to balance the budget. You might even be surprised to learn today I’m not in favor of war, nor am I a pacifist. like most of you I am conflicted.  I’m like most Americans after 911 as we took the best information we had available at the time and responded to the attack on our economy and the American people. I will hold to the memory of the thousands who died because of hate filled terrorists set on destroying the American way.

Minute #2: My opinion of the SOTU. I haven’t heard or read the speeches of every president in the past but I listened to Trump carefully for tone and substance. You shouldn’t be surprised that this is one of the rewards and luxuries of winning the presidential election. Both political sides have done similar and both sides use this time to prove that their policies are working.

I listened to the President’s speech for items that appeal to my values. The speech touched on those values including, but not limited to the following; pro life, a strong economy, support for our American soldiers, and policies that help the poor and vulnerable of our communities.

There are questions that are filling the time of every news source that review Donald Trump‘s claims. You might be surprised but fact check what POTUS said in his speech. The opinion makers would have you think that since he lied on some things that he lied about everything else. I would encourage you to think critically and listen carefully to what is fact checked. I would never want you to accept anything at face value. We need to discern and carefully decipher what is being communicated.

The President was not the only one in the room. Two of the biggest players in the room include President Trump and Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. I have a message for both of them.

Mr. President Trump, the American people are watching and integrity matters as a fundamental principle regarding this country. So, telling the truth matters and in the age of fact checking, the truth will be revealed. Madame speaker Pelosi, the American people are watching and disrespect is unacceptable; something I learned in Kindergarten. So, petty acts like tearing up the SOTU speech makes you seen small.

For the rest of us let me say, listen carefully and instead of simply taking sides. Do your best to discern and do your homework on the topics being debated. It is essential and very American to debate because it is in that forum of our republic that we discover better answers and solutions.

As a Christian, I also offer my opinion. I would challenge each of us to be careful not only in our substance on our arguments but also on the tone. Continually love even in your bitter disagreements. I’m not encouraging anyone to compromise but to love no matter our bitter divide. Be respectful. Social media outlets like Facebook allow us to taunt our opponents and share opinions but it never replaces the interpersonal and unfortunately too many people are passive-aggressive in their online communications. Remember, people are watching and making their own judgment on our faith values.

Half-Time & What Could Have Been.

Without question we have just surpassed an all-time division as the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs faced-off at Super Bowl - 2020.  Most people agree however that they were glad that we did not see the Patriots. Although Tom Brady did make a cameo appearance during one of the commercials settling the debate on where this free-agent will go in the new football season. It looks like he’s staying with the Patriots. :-)


Never-the-less, this post will likely upset half of the people reading it. The intent behind it is not to be critical but I just state an obvious comparison. It looks as though that half of those watching the halftime show liked it while the other half he did it. Ae seem to be at a crossroads in our country with huge divisions, marked ever so strongly that we are evenly divided, setting the tone both in politics as well as an entertainment.

Just skimming the surface over Facebook I find that there are many who are growing concerned about what the Halftime show calls entertainment. I don’t particularly have a bent to either side yet I am concerned about what is represented by those performing at halftime show. For me the obvious concern has to do with the growing movement but has been known as the, “Me Too Movement.”  It certainly is ironic isn’t it that we raise this concern yet we show off scantily dressed men and women dancing (sexually) at the beat of music. Our society is filled with contradictions, isn’t it?

Well, this is my opinion but I believe that there are growing concerns for our culture as it seems to be shifting further away from traditional norms that had remained for decades. Perhaps the halftime show at the Super Bowl is but just a reflection of our current culture?

Let me pose another question. What could have been represented at this highly popular event?

Contrasted by the competition and the controversial halftime show is a testimony of both owners and players of the Kansas City Chiefs. Well their testimony has not been private, it was elevated to a stage that allows us to engage in yet a different conversation.

What could’ve been?

The commercials certainly or part of the experience at this year‘s Super Bowl. My guess is that most of us found them entertaining and have our favorite. I appreciated that some were just meant to be funny well getting the message across, take for example the man who kept reappearing with the stain on his shirt. I will always remember that one. Also consider the Groundhog’s Day with Bill Murray as he promoted the latest Jeep. That one too will be talked about that water-coolers across America.

What will stick with me the most is how the message and testimony of Christ was real and relevant around the biggest platform of the year. The owners and players communicated their unapologetic witness of Christ both in testimony but also throughout their lives as they clearly communicated.

Aristotle is known for the saying, “We are what we repeatedly do.” I contend with the pattern of one’s life certainly is the best way of knowing or someone is coming from both of their beliefs and their habits.

My take away from this year‘s Super Bowl is the message of a quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, who sincerely prayed with his teammates before the Super Bowl as well as the owners, CEO Clark Hunt who clearly stated that the glory of the game to Christ Jesus. 

What sticks with me or if we are representing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, our actions are would demonstrate clearly and if we ever given a platform like the Super Bowl we would be best to represent a testimony of Christ. It’s more likely, however, that our platform is what we represent daily in our lives and actions that are coworkers, family, and community see every day.

Likely others are watching us already so what we demonstrate by word or action is what is in the heart of each one. Ephesians 1:18 is my reminder as I make every effort to memorize it, “The eyes of your heart being enlightened so that you may know His Calling and the riches of his glorious inheritance in the Saints.“

Ignorance Is Bliss!

Recently I read the biography of President Garfield. In the biography ”Destiny of the Republic” it describes a rather interesting story that has relevance today!

Story goes that President Garfield went to the train station and I would-be assassin made an attempt on his life. The single shot rang out and Garfield was hit. Many rush to his aid including his personal medical doctor who began treatment right away. For weeks Garfield suffered before finally dying but the story is even more compelling.

President Garfield’s physician begin treatment but in the process did serious damage in his efforts to save the president’s life  Using primitive technology and techniques Garfield‘s physician would probe for the bullet. Believing that if the bullet remained it would cause serious problems for the president. Even at one time creating an electrical metal bed that in theory would force the bullet to the surface of the skin. Perhaps that was considered a non-invasive procedure before his time.

Nevertheless, in great agony, President Garfield died! his death was not the result of the gun shot but from infections that we're all throughout his body. Garfield’s own physician caused these terrible infections!

At the same time there was a debate happening by other physicians at the high levels of science and medical information. Top minds debated how to best cure disease and medical practice. One such noted physician found that simply caring for the wound by washing using a new medicine and procedure that was introduced to the market. Though this new idea would provide better cures it was not taken seriously by most physicians of the day. Garfield’s own doctor was known to make fun of the “invisible germ fighter” as voodoo and unnecessary!

Perhaps for our sake we have new technologies but it wasn’t the case for President Garfield. In fact, had the bullet been left alone Garfield would’ve rebound quickly from his injury and back to his oval office within days and on with the business of the presidency.

The new doctor eventually did have his way. Realizing that what ultimately killed the president was his own doctor, germs, and his primitive ways, congress enacted new laws by issuing a new practices for doctors. It was a new invention by Dr. Lister was added to the medical handbook and laws of the land. You see, antisepsis, what we referred today as mouthwash, was used from that point forward to clean instruments and wash hands before every surgery. The new president’s doctor became Dr Lister. Dr. Lister would inspire generations of scientist to research better practices and a daily routine of washing. Today most of use this practice daily including forms of mouthwash, one being named Listerine.

Oh yes, to our surprise the physician who ultimately killed President Garfield was named, Dr. Bliss. A phrase became popular because of this doctor, “ignorance is bliss.“

Isn’t it ironic that somebody of such great stature could fall from grace so quickly because he’s refused to stay up-to-date on knowledge and in particular medical techniques and inventions.

You may have caught what I am trying to say. You may be ahead of me in the application.

I am amazed at this story because it reminds me that ignorance doesn’t let us off the hook. Dr. Bliss was in trouble when the general public found out why their beloved president died. The medical profession turned their backs on the president’s doctor because she refused to accept new inventions and better techniques.

Every day that I read the Word of God, I am reminded that there is tremendous wisdom available to us but if only we would receive it. I often reflect on how different things would be had we chosen wisdom instead of pride and stubborn arrogance. That’s a lesson for us!

In the book of James in the Bible tells us that if we lack wisdom that we can pray for godly wisdom.

James 1:5 — “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”

Top 10 Questions I Have Thought When Doing #FosterCare

For nearly eight years my wife and I did #FosterCare while living in the suburbs of Chicago. During those years I was serving as a pastor and volunteering my time with the local probation department, mentoring at risk youth. Eventually we were invited to host at risk youth in our homes through foster care. What is most important in everything that I am about to share is that we must be people of hope!

Those were amazing days and we look back with fondness of those experiences. We learned so much from the foster teens as well as a variety of experiences that I have highlighted in my blog on several occasions. Today I want to share this article, though it may be lengthy, about the 10 questions that I’ve often thought of when we did Foster care and I believe many foster parents ask even today.

1. What am I doing?

It’s not unusual that we felt overwhelmed and under prepared. It wasn’t anybody’s fault because we had terrific support from our local church in from the probation department and we were licensed with. The experiences we’re just a lot to take in.

Many foster parents feel the same way today. I hear story, after story of feelings of uncertainty and in adequacy. Without a doubt, you’re going to face the 101 questions about how to do things and continually learning and adjusting to expectations. For some this is a challenge that motivates and for others it is frightening. For everyone it is normal.

2. How could things like this happen (to kids)?

When you see and hear the tremendous stories of children and youth who have come from hard places, it can break your heart. For foster parents to hear these stories and see the results of abuse and neglect, it is alarming - every time.

Hidden behind closed doors and often silenced, children and youth have endured much in their young lives. You are managing someone else’s mess that is caused great pain and grief and the lives of foster children. Most people don’t even want to know in so many foster parents feel isolated and alone dealing with the negative feeling of what they have heard and seen in the lives of children they love and want to shelter in their homes.

Several of the young teens that lived with us had been sexually abused before they were even five years old. There’s no question that much of what they we’re dealing with caused them to not trust adults, especially men. I could tell you stories that would saddened you deeply.

3. Is there something more I could’ve done?

Our situation was perhaps unique but not uncommon. Nearly every foster child that comes in to care usually is a plan for them to return home. Home is where they should be but in a safe and loving environment with people who truly care about them.

My wife and I often wondered when our teenagers either aged out of the program were reunified to return home after living with us, did we do enough? Along with the feelings of inadequacy and being overwhelmed, we often felt that we did not do enough to prepare them or to care for them but had to leave those concerns with the Lord and in our prayers.

4. Do I have to let them go (home)?

This brings me to the next question that we often asked about having to “let them go” home. We were never prepared for the day when a foster child left our home. They usually came to our home with very few items and we made every effort to add more to what they took back home with them; extra clothes, notebooks, personal items, and gifts.

It was never really about the items or the gifts but what tore at our hearts was the bond that we attempted to make through the most vulnerable and stressful of circumstances. We lived life and shared deep emotional experiences that we, even today carry with us.

We never got used to it nor should have we. It was important that we felt something target us but knew that we needed to let them go in hopes that what we formed in our relationship will always carry with them. We hoped that what we gave to them emotionally and, at many occasions, spiritually would be with them. we always hoped that what we offered would help them in life!

5. When is it ever going to get better (for them)?

Heart ache-after-heart ache and tough times seemed endless. Disappointments and heartaches were common place as we dealt with a foster child and all the many people that invaded their young lives.
Heartache after heartache seemed endless.

Our goal for each foster child/teen was to shelter and care for their physical needs and lovingly provide for their spiritual and emotional needs. We wanted to make life better for them and hoped that the abuse and trauma in the midst of so many disappointments could eventually make for a better life for them.

Even when I did CASA work, Court Appointed Special Advocate, I would do everything within my power to be the voice for an infant or child in court, for those who had no voice of their own. I would advocate as best I could in order to make things better for them.

6. How could “they” have done that to “them”?

I’m using a set of pronouns to describe the complexities in this next question. “They” were not necessarily the parents but the community or the extended family and even the legal system.

Compounded by the grief and disappointments are individuals that should have done a better job of protecting and caring for the needs of “them” (the foster children/teens). I can’t begin to tell you the times that I went to court and walked away stunned by the deliberation and arguments that ensued and sometimes even the decision that was handed down buy those in authority. I’m not trying to blame anyone because sometimes life isn’t about fairness but it’s about coping with injustice, even when it happens to those that you have committed yourself to protect and care for.

We had many experiences where we wondered if those who are positioned to provide the best care really deeply felt concerned enough to do the right thing. We saw The effects on the faces of those who lived in our home and because we cared deeply felt sorrow and grief along with them. We couldn’t help but wonder why they couldn’t make a decision that we thought could benefit them. We often wondered how they could’ve done such a terrible thing to them. Sorry for my vagueness but I think you get the point. Perhaps it was more important that we listened and did not always reason or attempt to justify the actions of others. I can tell you the mini times around the dinner table discussing these outcomes were some of the best memories we have today. Why? It was because in those moments of sacred trust that we could experience along with them!

7. How can I best help?

There were times when we didn’t know the answers to what was happening and were completely confused but when interacting with those in our home, we will try to ask questions like this. We wanted to know how we could best help.

Systems of judicial bureaucracy and state mandated systems do not always go as well as it should have. Delay of needed services, denial of important requests, and daily disruptions were normal life experiences. We didn’t have the answers but we felt that if we asked this simple question we usually get further along and it at least give us direction in the moment we needed it.
We didn’t have the answers but we felt that if we asked this simple question we usually got further along and it at least gave us direction in the moment we needed it.

8. What does it mean when someone says, “I could never do what you are doing”?

People who understood that we were doing foster care to at risk youth and saw the many complexities Gruda understand to never say this phrase. Those who walked along with us on the daily journey who are just as unclear about its destination as we were. Yet, there were some who seem to formulate in their minds the idea that we were something special.

People who were unaware usually elevated our status or somehow thought that what we were doing was beyond their ability. I assure you that we to once thought that of others we took in children and youth through the foster care system. We saw them as superheroes in someway. I confess that I also thought that since someone else was doing foster care that I didn’t have to let myself off the hook.

Since doing foster care in people still use that phrase, I have to challenge it by saying that of course you could do this ministry. I would ask them questions like, do you care about others? Do you bleed red blood? Do you inhale the same error that I do? And if the answer is yes I would tell them that they too are just as capable. Today I challenge people nearly every day that they have the abilities but like the will. I encourage people that they could do foster care and emergency care, short-term basis through respite services. I remind them that they can help a family that is doing foster care. I let them know that they could organize simple task that would bless caregivers. Each of us have God-given abilities to love and care for and care about the needs of others!

9. Am I going crazy?

Don’t worry, you’re not going crazy. These reassuring words often helped us to cope with circumstances they were beyond our control. Others that would reassure us that we indeed were normal helped us to believe in ourselves.

Systems and life experiences were out of our control which often left us with an out of the world experience. Complexities we’re common place. None of our pat answers were never enough. Each situation was unique. I’m certain that others thought we were crazy but in reality it were those experiences that taught us to be flexible and patient. Life was beyond our control so we often found ourselves waiting and learning to trust.

Foster parents to burned out quickly, which is common, needed to learn to not worry over every detail or make every issue about themselves or even two force their own opinions. The system is not meant to be benevolent. The system is intended to provide regulation and structure but it’s in the living and breathing of day today that we can see potential and transformation. It comes through even if we don’t see it because what we are supposed to do is walk alongside and wait patiently. I find a similar illustration is related to the funeral of a loved one. Those that come in with their pat answers and attempts at sympathy or not the most helpful. Get those that just simply come along to sit a while and listen while demonstrating the art of patience are the most vital of gifts we can offer to those whom are confused and hurting!

10. How do I build trust?

This question really doesn’t have an answer in an exact manner you might think. It is more about the process of listening and learning while also expressing vulnerabilities and seeking understanding that we find the answer.

One of the initial goals of many foster parents is to build trust but it doesn’t come through authoritarian models nor does it come from rules and acts of obedience. Trust is not established immediately but it does happen slowly eventually.

Trust and a sense of connection usually happened through our children before we experienced it. I believe that our children were the reason that we found success in longevity and doing foster care. It’s amazing what they provided that we could never imitate. For our foster children it was like having a little brother or sister. They were something about that relationship that was easier for them to connect with. Even our pets had a better handle on it than we did.

Maybe we would over think instead of just letting life happen. Maybe if we lightened up and tried not to be overbearing and overly consumed by the problem that it could’ve happened much easier. It’s been said that trust is built over time and it could be taken away in a moment.

The ministry of #FosterCare is never meant to be easy but it must take an investment of time and love in order for anything to be accomplished. It also means that we need to rest in the assurance that we cannot solve every issue and problem. We should be humble and willing to wait because pain and trauma, disappointment and loss should not be unraveled quickly.

Just as in every physical injury takes time to heal and needs constant care, it must heal slowly in its own time. I have learned that if you attempt to peel back the scab of a wound too quickly that you will leave permanent scars on the skin surface.

This is Something You Just Can’t Keep To Yourself -- And Shouldn’t!

What is one think that you know and are dying to tell someone? Is it a rumor? Perhaps a story? Maybe it is a secret? 

No matter, I know something that I am certain you cannot keep to yourself. 

Intrigued?

It may surprise you to learn that lies are spread quicker than truth. Rumors are spread quickly, like a wild fire! Anything negative has the potential of being repeated most often. 

But, it is not any of those things!

It is simply HOPE. 

Doom is contagious and insults are common. It seems that anyone is capable of being negative; It takes only one positive person to change the cultural at home and in community; 

You are just the right person to impact your workplace. 

Rock, Paper, Scissors: Winning at the Game of Life.

In reading the text in Matthew 7:24-29 we find the important understanding of building on a solid foundation.

Read the passage as a back drop:

24 "Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash." 28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 for he taught with real authority--quite unlike their teachers of religious law.

A viscous contest of the game, rock, paper, scissors challenges are fun ways to settle disputes. Rock beats scissors... Scissors beats paper... Paper beats rock. (A Child's Game - how to win?)

It seemed that the game is simple yet you are not guaranteed a win! It is a game of pure chance. The outcome is not predictable.

In a most unusual settlements of an American case we find legal precedence.  In 2006, American federal judge Gregory Presnell from the Middle District of Florida ordered opposing sides in a lengthy court case to settle a trivial (but lengthily debated) point over the appropriate place for a deposition using the game of rock-paper-scissors.

The ruling in Avista Management v. Wausau Underwriters stated: Upon consideration of the Motion – the latest in a series of Gordian knots that the parties have been unable to untangle without enlisting the assistance of the federal courts – it is ORDERED that said Motion is DENIED. Instead, the Court will fashion a new form of alternative dispute resolution, to wit: at 4:00 P.M. on Friday, June 30, 2006, counsel shall convene at a neutral site agreeable to both parties.

If counsel cannot agree on a neutral site, they shall meet on the front steps of the Sam M. Gibbons U.S. Courthouse, 801 North Florida Ave., Tampa, Florida 33602. Each lawyer shall be entitled to be accompanied by one paralegal who shall act as an attendant and witness.

At that time and location, counsel shall engage in one game of "rock, paper, scissors." The winner of this engagement shall be entitled to select the location for the 30(b)(6) deposition to be held somewhere in Hillsborough County during the period July 11–12, 2006.[26] (Wikipedia)

Guinness Book of World Records On the 9th of July, 2010, over 6500 attendees of the LIFE 2010 Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, participated in the largest tournament of Rock-Paper-Scissors ever.

The game of Rock, Paper, Scissors is a game of chance. You may win and you may lose because it is an uncertain game. However, winning at the game of life isn't simply chance, there is a pattern that is provided in Scripture that helps us make the right choices. Aren't you glad that Jesus provides a simple solution to the game of life? It is rather easy to determine how to win at the game of life.

If you are to win at the game of life, you must; Make wise choices & resist foolish actions.

1. Make Wise Choices!

In an article, A New Foundation, author Gary Thomas give commentary on our passage of scripture. Thomas says, "It's only when we put His words into practice that our foundation becomes sure."

Reading Matthew 24 & 25: "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who builds his house on the rock. The rains came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house; yet is did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock."

The lesson lies in the comparison; Rock versus Sand.

"The rock foundation represented the Lord Himself and the truths He had been presenting, especially the truth concerning inner transformation. The sand spoke of Pharisaic righteousness which the people knew and on which many were basing their hopes. In storms the first would give stability; the second would result in destruction. Thus hearing and heeding Jesus' words is wise; one who does not is foolish." Bible Knowledge Commentary

In every situation, you have to make a choice. It is at the moment of choices that we risk the greatest. It is where we are the most vulnerable. Choice means that we make a decision to go one way or another. Choice means that we have to abandon one way for the other. Choice is often made without our exploring the ramifications or consequences. Even if we don't choose, we are making a choice...indecision is a choice.

The Bible talks about comparisons in choice and action. Many stories and parables that Jesus told is about making "rock solid" decisions.

We are living in an age of uncertainty and complexity that causes, what I call, “Spiritual Dysphoria”. Read more HERE.

Examples: Only two courses of action are possible.

See a few examples. There are two kinds of roads and gates (Matt. 7:13-14 ), two kinds of trees and fruit (vv. 15-20 ), two kinds of foundations and builders (vv. 24-27 ).

1. The Two Houses - Matthew 7:24-27 (Luke 6:47-49 ) 

2. The New Cloth and New Wineskins - Matthew 9:16-17 

3. The Sower - Matthew 13:5-8 (Mark 4:3-8 ; Luke 8:5-8 ) 

4. The Weeds - Matthew 13:24-30 

5. The Mustard Seed - Matthew 13:31-32 (Mark 4:30-32 ; Luke 13:18-19 ) 

6. The Yeast - Matthew 13:33 (Luke 13:20-21 ) 

7. The Hidden Treasure - Matthew 13:44 

8. The Pearl of Great Price - Matthew 13:45-46 

9. The Fishing Net - Matthew 13:47-50 

10. The Unforgiving Servant - Matthew 18:23-35 

11. The Workers in the Vineyard - Matthew 20:1-16 

12. The Two Sons - Matthew 21:28-32 

13. The Wicked Vine-growers - Matthew 21:33-46 (Mark 12:1-12 ; Luke 20:9-19 ) 

14. The Wedding Banquet - Matthew 22:1-14 

15. The Two Servants - Matthew 24:45-51 (Luke 12:42-48 ) 

16. The 10 Virgins - Matthew 25:1-13 

17. The Talents - Matthew 25:14-30 

18. The Seed Growing Secretly - Mark 4:26-29 

19. The Doorkeeper - Mark 13:34-37 

20. The Rude Children - Luke 7:31-35 

21. The Two Debters - Luke 7:41-43 

22. The Good Samaritan - Luke 10:25-37 

23. The Friend at Midnight - Luke 11:5-8 

24. The Rich Fool - Luke 12:16-21 

25. The Barren Fig Tree - Luke 13:6-9 

26. The Great Banquet - Luke 14:15-24 

27. The Unfinished Tower and the King's Rash War - Luke 14:28-33 

28. The Lost Sheep - Matthew 18:12-14 (Luke 15:4-7 ) 

29. The Lost Coin - Luke 15:8-10 

30. The Prodigal Son - Luke 15:11-32 

31. The Shrewd Manager - Luke 16:1-9 

32. The Servant's Reward - Luke 17:7-10 

33. The Unjust Judge - Luke 18:1-8 

34. The Pharisee and the Tax Collector - Luke 18:9-14 

35. The Pounds - Luke 19:11-27 --Recently reading the story of the empty structure (Gary Thomas, A New Foundation, Decision Magazine, Sept., 2012)

A man set out to repaint his house. When he started to scrape away the paint, he noticed some troubling signs and brought in a specialist to confirm his worst fears: termites. He didn't need to just repaint his house; in a very real way, he needed to rebuild it. On the outside, the house looked great! Even compared to the other houses in the neighborhood (to the left and right of his home), you could not tell there was a problem. But the weather (beatings of the wind and rain) wore away the paint only to reveal the rot within.

This is a matter of INTERNAL consequence! Yes, INTERNAL. You see, in a perfect sunny day, anyone can be envious of a beach front property! People pay great money to have an ocean side view.... Yet, when the storms of life come, your dream home will collapse.

There are many examples to illustrate this point.  I point you to a story I experienced of a man who build his house on a rock. See Roadside Ramblings (Part 2). Part two story.

The point of this is to realize that every decision has a result... Rock or Sand. We have all that we need to build on eternal values. Ephesians is a favorite book of the Bible for me. Paul admonished is to walk in the light of God’s redemptive message of hope. Ephesians 1:18 reads: "I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those called -- His holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance."

If you are going to win at the game of life, you must make solid choices!

2. Resist Foolish Actions!

Actions follow choices. Choices and actions have consequences! There is more to this! It isn't enough to simply hear the Word of the Lord, you must make application - in essence, internalizing its Truth. In other words, just being able to hear the Word does not change the mind or create a better action or set the right attitude within. A continuation of the story I shared earlier provides the backdrop in Roadside Ramblings, Part 1.

"Two storms. One house stands, one falls." writes Thomas. "They both heard the words of Christ, they both studies Jesus' words, but only one kept practicing what Jesus said."

An age old spiritual battle exist. It is a battle of the head, hands, and heart. I observed over the years that the heart can beat the head... head can beat the hands... hands can beats heart.... the heart, mind, body must be surrendered to God’s Will and plan!

There are very moral church people that don't have a personal relationship with Christ. There are people who really care for those in need who do not have a personal relationship with Christ. There are those that have memorized scripture yet they miss the truth in application. The important quality must be in whether we obey the precepts of God, making them internal to our actions, knowledge that produces wisdom, and motives that reflect an eternal objective.

Thomas says, "Daily, faithful obedience to God's Word shapes our heart, transforms our will, molds our character as surely as a daily jog strengthens our heart and a thrice weekly bout in the gym brings forth muscles." He tells us that just one session isn't enough but "faithfulness, over time, produces amazing results..."

In making truth real in our lives we must not only seek to understand (knowledge) or to simple act (do something) upon what is said, but most important, we must internalize it at the heart (integrate truth into who we become). In fact, it is the three working together - head, hands, and heart - that beats sin!

Once truth converts the heart, you defeat sin.... In essence you build on the firm foundation. Like building a house upon the rock!

We make application to our lives today and take action! The Word of God relates to us in our everyday experience. The Word of God is fresh and living. It requires that we make an application to our lives and situation.

Inge Harding was one of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s students in Germany in the 1930’s, and she said that Bonhoeffer told her class:

“When you read the Bible, you must think that here and now God is speaking with me. … from the very beginning he taught us that we had to read the Bible as it was directed at us, as the word of God directly to us. Not something general, not something generally applicable, but rather with a personal relationship to us. He repeated this to us very early on, that the whole thing comes from that.” (Inge Karding, quoted in METAXAS, p. 129)

I can read the same passage over and over, and discover applications to my current situation. While some doctrinal principles are universal, most principles are the result of applying the Word to my situation. We know that God's Word never returns void, yet, as we apply the Word, we discover incredible lessons that build our testimony!

The Pharisees taught that you needed to only worry about what was external. Rules (numbering 600-plus) were defined to make sure that you were a good church person. Jesus went deeper and repaired the heart from the inside - out!

Matthew 7:28-29 reads: (28) "When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, (29) for he taught with real authority--quite unlike their teachers of religious law."

Jesus taught with real authority means that, different from the law makers (Pharisees), His applied message transformed the heart...not just the head.

One of the biggest problems that the Pharisees had was that they loved to create rules that did not relate to the current needs of the day. For example: Jesus healing on the Sabbath. Jesus helping a brother get a ox out of a ditch. (ie: my helping my neighbor rake up his leaves on a Sunday afternoon... Showing him Jesus while breaking the rules.) - Referenced: The foundation is Jesus Christ. New International Version reads: "For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ."

To ways to win at the game of life: 1. Make Wise Choices. 2. Resist Foolish Actions.

Let me wrap this up. This article is intended to be a message to each of us individually.

Yet, I want to say a few word related to you as a congregation.

YOU HAVE A HEALTHY FOUNDATION as you keep Christ at the center of what you are doing.

Gary Thomas writes: "We must choose to obey. We must practice putting the words of Jesus Christ into action."

24 "Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash." 28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 for he taught with real authority--quite unlike their teachers of religious law.