Worst Case Scenario

We've all experienced times where things have gone wrong. And during these times have you ever noticed how quickly we can allow our minds to be filled with worst case scenario thoughts? We begin to worry and stress over them. It's interesting how quickly these thoughts can dominate us, and yet most of the time they aren't even warranted. Take for instance your bicycle. You go and get your bike to go on a bike ride. Immediately you see that one of your tires is flat. You panic, get frustrated and quickly lose your peace and joy. In your mind all of these negative thoughts begin flying around. What's the solution? You run out and buy a new bike. We allowed the flat tire to seem like it's something so much bigger than it really is. Instead of putting some slime in your tire and then pumping it up, we did something much greater than was really needed. The same thing can also happen in life. A problem comes up and before you know it your mind has become filled with those worst case scenario thoughts. Usually there are easy solutions to problems that come up. Before you panic, try some of the easier solutions. A lot of the time we blow things way out of proportion and then let worry run right over us, when we shouldn't have opened the door to it in the first place. Peace and joy in our lives are things we should keep at all times. Don't surrender them up for anything!

Wicked! Oh Yeah!

 
I must admit that getting older does seem to take its toll on me in some areas. Things that I was once able to do with ease, seem to challenge me a little more nowadays. And that includes riding roller coasters, especially one named "Wicked". I really had no intention of riding such an intense roller coaster, but when your twelve year old daughter asks you to go on it with her, what does a good dad say? Inside I'm thinking there's no way I can do this, especially a ride with such an formidable name. This ride is intimidating, intense and tough. Wouldn't she rather ride the bumper cars? I'm thinking to myself, "Lee, dig deep. Don't show you're nervous. Don't forget the Bible verses that say to be strong and courageous. I can do all things through Christ." We made our way to front of the line, got on board our ride, and dominated it! Well sort of :) I had my eyes closed for the first 30 seconds and left indents on the steel hand holders. But I did ride it. I conquered "Wicked" and at the same time showed my daughter how brave her dad is :) I'm so thankful she didn't asked to go on it again. Check out "Wicked" here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCVJaZ1zrT4

It's Overwhelming

When you think about being overwhelmed, it's usually doesn't bring pleasant things to mind. Yet I came across this verse yesterday that's amazing. When we read Isaiah 61 it's the first few verses we think about. But look at what Isaiah 61:10 says, "I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness." Can you picture yourself being overwhelmed with joy in the Lord? Today it's what the Lord has in store for you.  You have been given the free gift of salvation and draped in robes of His righteousness. What a beautiful and glorious day :) Being overwhelmed with joy in the Lord is for you to enjoy today.

Foreseeing Danger and Taking Precautions

One of the most wisdom filled verses to a Christian is found in Proverbs 27:12 which instructs us, "A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences." Talk about a scripture being rich! On many occasions as a pastor I've had to help people as they walk through difficult situations, usually after blowing through the warnings of this verse. Everyday we must be alert and wise as we navigate the paths before us. We must always be scouting the horizon for traps and dangers, being able to recognize them a mile away. But not only that, we must be able to respond to what we recognize. What good would it be to spot danger and yet not take any precautions? If you were at a beach and saw a shark fin, would you ignore it and go swimming? The second part of this verse is also vital for us to see. The simpleton and fools will ignore every warning around them and keep going. Unfortunately there's a promise that goes along with this. If they do go on ignoring the warnings serious consequences await them, and they will suffer. Thankfully we have many things around us which help us in our walk, keeping us away from evil and troubles. Don't ignore them! Don't simply go on else you'll be the one who suffers the consequences. 

Worship the Sun or the Son?

Yep, it did happen unintentionally. I was laying out at the pool a few days ago on my back for about 30 minutes. And for that did I ever pay a price. I looked like a lobster on my front side and became the brunt of many jokes. Not only that, even with much aloe vera gel and lotion it stung like crazy. It's funny how many people truly worship the sun. Now I like getting out in it, but some people will lay out in it everyday for hours. I guess I'd say I don't worship the sun, but I do worship the Son. In fact I can't get enough of Him. He is first and foremost in my life. He's been the best thing that's ever happened to me. Today you may be planning on laying out a little in the sun, but before you do, have you spent some time with the Son, Jesus Christ? Although the sun fades at the end of each day, the Son never goes away. In fact He's our constant companion and His desires to be your best friend. Spend some time with Him today :)  (Just on a side note, the picture above is not of me)

Muddied Fountains and Polluted Springs

You may have heard the quote by Brennan Manning at in the introduction to DC Talk's song "What If I Stumble." He simply states, "The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle." This priests comment couldn't be a more motivating, aimed at the life of every Christian. Unfortunately there are many Christians who live two separate lifestyles, and the world sees it all. Proverbs 25:26 tells us, "Like a muddied fountain and a polluted spring is a righteous man who yields, falls down, and compromises his integrity before the wicked." Yes there are going to be temptations and things that come across your path whose desire is to see you compromise. These temptations can often come in the form of situations, things and people. The Lord promises that we'll never go through a temptation that is too much for us. Today you've been called to be a light to a dark and dying world. Choose to be a light that shines brightly! Don't life two lifestyles which fuels the fire for those who oppose Christianity. God wants them to see that there is something amazing about being a Christian that they need too, and that's a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Muddied fountains and polluted springs is not who you were called to be :)

Fish N Chips, L & P, 4 N 20 Pies and Real Donuts

 

Someone asked me recently if there were things I ever missed about New Zealand. Now that I think about it there are some things that I miss (other than family). Let's start with the good old Four N Twenty meat pies. Amazing taste at an amazing price. A staple of the NZ diet. These would definitely do well if you could get them in the US. Next on my list are fish N chips, especially from Fast Eddies in Howick. There's nothing quite like unwrapping a package of fresh and hot fish and chips. Lemon and Paeroa makes my list next. Only available in New Zealand it's hands down the best soda in the world. A cold L & P sounds so good right now. To wrap up my list is fresh cream filled donuts. I remember as a boy when these were only 10c each. They make a great anytime snack. Yep these are things that I seldom get a chance to enjoy, but when I do I savor every moment :) And if you ever get the chance to enjoy them, you'll understand.