Captured by Fear

Hey all,

I recalled a story today that is thought provoking.  Check it out.

There was a notorious King who ruled a land back in the early first century.  During his rule, he had captured many enemies during the battles he lead.  All of the enemy soldiers that were captured alive remained in prison until their time came for judgement.  On the judgement day, the King would call for a group of the prisoners to be brought before him.  As the prisoners approached him, they feared for their lives because the King had a reputation for being a killer that was ruthless and heartless.  All who had been brought before him did not return. The prisoners believed all that had gone before them had met a terrible fate.

During the judgement, the King would give the same proposal to each prisoner that approached him.  His proposal was simple.  He would give them two options. 

Option one.... he would guarantee them a swift and painless death by guillotine.  They would not feel anything and death would come quickly and painlessly.

Option two.... he would offer each the opportunity to go through a door that was next to the judgement area and face an unknown fate.  He would give no further information.  Go through the door and find out your fate.

The King did this until all the prisoners had been judged.  Every prisoner that was judged chose option one. Ultimately, all prisoners were killed by their own choice.  Each chose a quick and painless death rather than take the unknown fate of the door.

Once all of the prisoners were killed, one of the guards approached the King and asked........"Your Highness, may I ask what is behind the door that no one chose to take?"

The King answered simply........."Freedom."

Wow.  Every prisoner that approached the King chose a "known" death rather than risk something unknown. They had developed a fear of something that actually did not exist.  Have you ever been so fearful of something unknown that you would accept a known "death" rather than take the risk and go into the "unknown"?  All too often we are afraid to go into that "unknown" area of our life.  We prefer the safety of what we know and are comfortable with.  Sometimes we may never take that risk.  We are captured by fear.  It has us paralyzed.  It might be a job change.  A new relationship.  A tough discussion with someone.  A new experience that we are unfamiliar with.  Our own version of the door of "unknown".

Think about that.  If we continue to live out of fear of our "unknown's", we may never experience all life has to offer.  The abundant life.  A new kind of life.  More life.

Strength and Honor,

-S    

Character Traits of a "Real Man"

Hey all,

It's been awhile since my last post so I want to catch you up on some things I have been up to.

I am in the process of going along on the journey with my son who entered into manhood in December when he turned 18.  Like my oldest son, who is now 22, I have tried to make it a priority to speak into their hearts about the character traits of "real man" before they are on there own.  When I say "real man", I am not talking about the traditional "manly" things that we often think of when we hear that term, but rather the honorable traits which a real "Godly" man possesses.  I want to make sure that I have taken the time to speak into their heart about what kind of values and character traits a "real man of God" has and what they mean. 

Let's face it, too many kids today are sent off into the adult world without anyone (especially parents) taking the time to tell their kids what character and value are and why it is important.  I am committed to doing my part as a parent to make sure that my kids know what things like Wisdom, Faith, Honor, Love, Respect, Grace, Compassion, Duty, and Truthfulness are, what they mean, and why they are essential to living a Godly and fulfilling life.

 He and I are getting together each week for the next three months leading up to his graduation to discuss each one of these topics.  Besides the obvious benefit of just spending great time together discussing and sharing these topics, the end result will also be a great resource of information for him to take with him and hopefully lean on as he goes on his journey through adulthood.

Along the way, I thought I would share some of what we are talking about.  I hope you enjoy and get something from it also.  Maybe you have a Son or Daughter you can share it with as well.

First lesson was on Wisdom.  Check out some highlights below.

Strength and Honor,

-S

WISDOM

There is nothing else that more accurately describes the character trait of Wisdom than how it is defined in the Bible in Proverbs chapter 4.  Below is taken from The Message.

Your Life Is at Stake

   ^{1 -2} Listen, friends, to some fatherly advice; sit up and take notice so you'll know how to live. I'm giving you good counsel;
   don't let it go in one ear and out the other.

   ^{3 -9} When I was a boy at my father's knee,
   the pride and joy of my mother, He would sit me down and drill me:
   "Take this to heart. Do what I tell you—live! Sell everything and buy Wisdom! Forage for Understanding!
   Don't forget one word! Don't deviate an inch! Never walk away from Wisdom—she guards your life;
   love her—she keeps her eye on you. Above all and before all, do this: Get Wisdom!
   Write this at the top of your list: Get Understanding! Throw your arms around her—believe me, you won't regret it;
   never let her go—she'll make your life glorious. She'll garland your life with grace,
   she'll festoon your days with beauty."

   ^{10 -15} Dear friend, take my advice;
   it will add years to your life. I'm writing out clear directions to Wisdom Way,
   I'm drawing a map to Righteous Road. I don't want you ending up in blind alleys,
   or wasting time making wrong turns. Hold tight to good advice; don't relax your grip.
   Guard it well—your life is at stake! Don't take Wicked Bypass;
   don't so much as set foot on that road. Stay clear of it; give it a wide berth.
   Make a detour and be on your way.

   ^{16 -17} Evil people are restless
   unless they're making trouble; They can't get a good night's sleep
   unless they've made life miserable for somebody. Perversity is their food and drink,
   violence their drug of choice.

   ^{18 -19} The ways of right-living people glow with light;
   the longer they live, the brighter they shine. But the road of wrongdoing gets darker and darker—
   travelers can't see a thing; they fall flat on their faces.

Learn It by Heart

   

   ^{20 -22} Dear friend, listen well to my words;
   tune your ears to my voice. Keep my message in plain view at all times.
   Concentrate! Learn it by heart! Those who discover these words live, really live;
   body and soul, they're bursting with health.

   ^{23 -27} Keep vigilant watch over your heart;
   that's where life starts. Don't talk out of both sides of your mouth;
   avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Keep your eyes straight ahead;
   ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step,
   and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left;
   leave evil in the dust.

The Message

WISDOM

So let’s break this down.

Notice how this verse starts off.  It starts with some “Fatherly advice”.  The advice from a Father (while it may not always right) should always come from love and a desire for their children to do right.  So when the author (Solomon) begins with this “Fatherly advice”…..it is very significant.  He is saying that what you are about to hear (read) is based out of love and a desire for you to do well.  He is saying…..please, please, please listen to me.  Don’t let it go in one ear and out the other. Take this serious. What you are about to hear is important!  The Father reference is also significant because it is a reference to our heavenly Father.  It is saying our God who loves us unconditionally, wants to give us some advice.  God wants to give us (you) some advice.  We probably ought to listen you think?

He goes on to say….”my Father told me this so please listen to me”.  Meaning that what he has to say has passed down through the generations and is proven to be true.  It is legitimate.  It is not just something that he thought up as a Dad to impress his kids.  This is the real deal and you need to listen to it like “I listened to it from my Father”.  He told me and now I am telling you.

Then he gets to the meat of the matter…………this word and character trait of Wisdom.  The concept of Wisdom is introduced as something to “sell everything you have and to go get”.  Man, talk about coming out the gate swinging!!  Boom……there it is.  Sell everything for this!!  What he is saying is that nothing is as important or as valuable as this!  Nothing!  OK…….you have my attention!!

Wisdom (which is referred to as a female because of the beauty and desire that can be associated with females) is to be sought after above all things.  Above ALL things!  Wow…that is pretty big huh?  Not only is it of great value, but she is worth the pursuit.  She is to be foraged (looked) for and savored (cherished).  We are to not forget one word she tells us.  So we are to go looking for Wisdom.  It is not just going to appear.  It has to be pursued.

    "Take this to heart. Do what I tell you—live! Sell everything and buy Wisdom! Forage for Understanding!
   Don't forget one word! Don't deviate an inch! Never walk away from Wisdom—she guards your life;
   love her—she keeps her eye on you. Above all and before all, do this: Get Wisdom!
   Write this at the top of your list: Get Understanding! Throw your arms around her—believe me, you won't regret it;
   never let her go—she'll make your life glorious. She'll garland your life with grace,
   she'll festoon your days with beauty."

And then…check this out….once we have her (Wisdom)….once we have committed to her……she will protect us.  She will guard us and keep her eye on us.  She will encircle our life with grace and beauty. 

So……sounds like getting Wisdom is pretty important doesn’t it?    

Then…..a warning.   

  ¹⁵ Dear friend, take my advice;
   it will add years to your life. I'm writing out clear directions to Wisdom Way,
   I'm drawing a map to Righteous Road. I don't want you ending up in blind alleys,
   or wasting time making wrong turns. Hold tight to good advice; don't relax your grip.
   Guard it well—your life is at stake! Don't take Wicked Bypass;
   don't so much as set foot on that road. Stay clear of it; give it a wide berth.
   Make a detour and be on your way.

   ^{16 -17} Evil people are restless
   unless they're making trouble; They can't get a good night's sleep
   unless they've made life miserable for somebody. Perversity is their food and drink,
   violence their drug of choice.

   ^{18 -19} The ways of right-living people glow with light;
   the longer they live, the brighter they shine. But the road of wrongdoing gets darker and darker—
   travelers can't see a thing; they fall flat on their faces.

Solomon starts by saying……..I am telling you the way.  I am writing out clear directions for you.  I am drawing out the road map.  Just follow this map.  Don’t get off this road or trail off because if you do……it is going to get ugly real quick.  You will end up on wrong roads, dark alleys, and wasting your time.   He warns us to not take it lightly because our life depends on it.  The wrong roads are filled with evil and we should not even so much as set one foot on it!  If we do, then we will enter into darkness and the evil and bad that exists never stops.  The roads lead to more and more darkness.  He tells us that the right roads will be filled with light and the wrong roads are dark.  So how do we know the difference?  Wisdom is how we know….that is why he starts with telling us that we must pursue it (her) at all costs…..so we know the right road to take our journey on.

He ends this chapter by telling us again how important Wisdom is and why.  He tells us not to forget and to keep reminding ourselves of what is important.  Keep in it plain view.  Concentrate on it.  Learn it.  It is important and the key to really living.  We must be wise.   

He also tells us to stand guard over our hearts because that is where life starts.  Make sure that we protect the things in our heart.  He challenges us to keep the road in front of us.  That we shouldn’t veer to the left or right but instead, stay the course.  

   ^{20 -22} Dear friend, listen well to my words;
   tune your ears to my voice. Keep my message in plain view at all times.
   Concentrate! Learn it by heart! Those who discover these words live, really live;
   body and soul, they're bursting with health.

   ^{23 -27} Keep vigilant watch over your heart;
   that's where life starts. Don't talk out of both sides of your mouth;
   avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Keep your eyes straight ahead;
   ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step,
   and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left;
   leave evil in the dust.

The Message

In summary…..Solomon is telling us that we first seek Wisdom because without it, nothing else can come.  We must seek to become wise.  It doesn’t just happen.  When we pursue what is good and wise, we are more likely to have a good and fruitful life.  When we are pursuing things that are evil and unwise, our life will be dark and full of wrong turns.  It is by seeking Wisdom that we can know the difference in the paths set before us.

“Real Man” -  WISDOM

-          WISDOM takes sacrifice.  It has a cost and requires a lot of us.

-          WISDOM is gained by listening.  Value the advice of their mentors and peers.

-          WISDOM has to be pursued.  It does not just “happen”.  It takes effort.

-          WISDOM will protect you.  It helps you know what evil looks like and how to avoid it.

The Answer

Hey All,

Even though, no one commented on even a guess.......here is the answer. 

The picture was taken from the top of Masada in Israel.  The water you see below in the distance is the Dead Sea.  Masada is one of the coolest and most interesting places I have ever visited. 

I encourage you to google it and learn more about the incredible story that took place on the top of this incredible place.  In the moment of truth........the Jews that were there chose death to ultimately get "more life".  Check it out and you will see what I mean.

Strength and Honor,

-S

What is the Picture?

Hey all,

Bonus points for anyone who can name where the picture on the top of the blog is taken from! 

Give your answer by Comment and let's see who is right:)

S&H,

-S

Come alive!

Hey all,

What do you do that makes you "come alive"?  That thing that gets you goin?.  What brings your heart to higher levels?  What makes you feel good and lifts your spirit?

One sure way to experience more life is by doing what makes us come alive.  When we lift our spirit by doing the things we love, we can then use that to fuel our spirit in the other "daily" things in life.  It is important to fill our "spirit tanks" occasionally so we can bring that "life" to our daily duties and obligations.  We are also  likely to bring more life to others when our tanks are full.  Sometimes I go far too long without filling my tank and everything suffers as a result.  Work, relationships, kids, etc. all seem to be heavier and tougher.  But when I am able to make time to do something I really love, it is amazing what kind of impact it has on those other areas of my life.  

I had a great day last Saturday.  I took my bird dog, Belle, out bird hunting for the first time this year.  It is definitely one of the things that makes me "come alive"!  I absolutely love to watch her hunt, point, and retrieve.  It is really awesome seeing her do what God designed her to do.  We had a great day together and spent time with good friends and family.  My tank was definitely filled.

Guess what......my week was better as a result.  Nothing changed as far as duties go...but my tank was full and my attitude was good and positive all week!

Is  your tank empty?  If so......get a fill up by doing what makes you come alive and see how it brings more life to yourself and others.

Strength and Honor,

-S



   

I am a Warrior

Hey all,

Here is something I read on occasion when I need encouraged.  Thought you might like it.

I AM A WARRIOR

I am a warrior in the tribe of my God. The Lord Jesus Christ is my Barbarian King. The Holy Scriptures are my code of conduct. Faith, Prayer and the Word are my weapons of warfare.

I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by adversity, and tested by fire.

I am a volunteer in this tribe, and I am enlisted for eternity. I will rather retire in this army at the Rapture or die in this army; but I will not get out, sell out, or be talked out. I am faithful, capable, and dependable. If my God needs me, I am there.

I am a barbarian. Not a baby.  I do not need to be pampered, petted, primed up, pumped up, picked up, or pepped up. No one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me, entice me, or lure me.

I am a warrior. I am not a wimp. I am in place, saluting my King, obeying His orders, praising His name, and battling and building His Kingdom!

I am committed. I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around. I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside. I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit.

When Jesus called me into this tribe, I had nothing. If I end with nothing, I will still come out even. I will win. My God will supply all my needs. I am more than a conqueror. I will always triumph. I can do all things through Christ.

I am a warrior. Devils cannot defeat me. People cannot disillusion me. Weather cannot weary me. Sickness cannot stop me. Battles cannot beat me. Money cannot buy me. Governments cannot silence me, and hell cannot handle me.

I am a warrior. Even death cannot destroy me. For when my Commander calls me from this battlefield, He will promote me to a captain and then bring me back to rule this world with Him.

I am a warrior, in Jesus’ Tribe, and I’m engaging, claiming victory. I will not give up. I will not turn around. Here I stand! Will you stand with me?

Author unknown. (modifications made to original)

How about that?  I am a Warrior!  Are you?

Strength and Honor,

-S

Control or Influence

Hey all,



A good friend of mine told me once that as parents, we must go from being in control to becoming an influence to our children. This transition should happen in their early teen years and can (if we are effective at giving up control) become the foundation for a healthy and fruitful adult relationship with our kids. When we let go of the control and take our place as being an influence, our children can grow. And we can experience more life together. Sounds good doesn't it?



But......man is it hard to not want to control? For those of you with older children, you know exactly what I mean right? How often have we tried to "control" our teenager or young adult children? Tried to control situations that we knew we had no control of? How often have we used threats, grounding, bribes, etc. to try and control them or a situation. As my buddy Ron would say......."How is that working out for you?"

For those of us with teens or who have young adult children, we know the answer to that don't we? It doesn't work. And for those of you with young kids......guess what....it isn't gonna work for you either. The more we try and control, the less control we really have.



So check this out. I was reflecting on this today. GOD feels the same about us as adults. HE does not want to control us. HE doesn't need to be "in control", HE is control. Rather, GOD wants to influence us. To influence us in HIS ways and HIS spirit. HE wants us to choose HIM. HE wants us to make good decisions and develop good habits because of HIS influence in our life. HE doesn't want to be in control of us. To give us more rules and discipline. HE wants to have a healthy and fruitful relationship with us. When we allow GOD to take HIS place of influence in our lives, we can grow and experience more life from it. Pretty good advice for us all.



Strength and Honor,



-S