Pastor Chuck's Blog
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Exercise Forgiveness Today
[Thoughts for the Day]
02/22/2012 8:51 am
By Dunn, Chuck
Tom Drout once said, "We cannot live with bitterness because it will first manifest itself in our spirit, then in our emotions, and finally in our bodies." I believe one of the things that keeps us from experiencing the blessings of God and the favor of God in our lives is unforgiveness. I am amazed at people I see all around who walk through life with unforgiveness in their hearts for others. They seem miserable. Their attitudes are horrendous. Their ability and desire to help people is non-existent. Well, I guess I would be the same way if the blessings of God weren't able to flow in my life because of me not being able to get over the past. My mother used to tell me that there was a reason the windshield of the car was so much larger than the rear-view mirror. We need to spend more time looking at where we're going instead of where we've been. 2 Corinthians 2:10 says, "If indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ." If God has forgiven you, then you should forgive others. You should also forgive yourself. It's only at that point the goodness of God can be recognized in your life. There may be consequences related to your forgiveness, but you have to also remember that God has NEVER called any of us to live a life of guilt, shame, or regret. We've all made mistakes in the past. But there is a greater truth you need to dwell on that is much larger than any mistake you've made in the past. That greater truth is the power of forgiveness through God. If you want to have an immediate and positive impact on your own life and the lives of those around you, exercise forgiveness today.
God's Unconditional Love
[Thoughts for the Day]
02/21/2012 9:19 am
By Dunn, Chuck
Augustine once said, "God loves each of us as if there were only one of us." What kind of day are you having? Is it one of those days when you are frustrated and moody? It is one of those days when you just love life and everyone in it? It is one of those days when you feel a little under the weather or physically drained? Did you know that regardless of the type of day you are having, and regardless of your actions or responses to your day, God loves you? In a world of constant change and instability, we need something to hold on to and know that it just doesn't change from moment to moment. The economy was bad last week. This morning they were saying stocks are doing great and we're on our way back. In the very next breath gas prices are spiking again and expected to be $5.00 per gallon by Memorial Day which spells doom for the American consumer. This was two segments back to back on the news this morning. Which is it? Up and down. Unstable. Constantly changing. Do you ever just need something that is steadfast, unchanging, and certain? That would be the love God has for you. Ephesians 1:11-12 says, "In Him we are also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him Who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of His glory." We need to know that God loves us unconditionally. He loves us on our bad days and our good days. He loves us when we make mistakes and when we make good, sound decisions. We should be rooted deeply and secured in His love. He chose us on purpose. He picked us out for Himself! He did that because of His kindness and His love for us. There is something to be said for the consistency and the stability of God's unconditional love.
When You Look At Your Own Life
[Thoughts for the Day]
02/20/2012 11:31 am
By Dunn, Chuck
Psalm 18:35 says, "You make your saving help my shield, and your right hand sustains me." Nita and I were sitting after breakfast this morning and spent some time talking. It was a really neat conversation because we really spent some time together reflecting on our lives as individuals, as a couple, as parents, and as ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We talked a lot about our past, our present, and a enormous amount about our future. We reflected on many times in our past experiences how we can now clearly see the hand of God on our lives. I don't recall noticing that at the time we were experiencing it, but now it is very clear. As we talked about our dreams and aspirations for the future, I was reminded of the wisdom found in Proverbs 16:9. "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." I cannot even begin to tell you the plans that I have had for my life, my family, and the ministry God has called me to do that has not turned out the way I had envisioned. Even more so, the hand God on my life and how He has directed me and kept me safe even when I made wrong decisions, is nothing short of amazing to me. I can totally relate to the Psalmist when he said in Psalm 143:4-6, "So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed. I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land." I love where it says, "I consider what your hands have done." That means, I look back on my life and I truly see the hand of God on it, guiding me through victoriously. I encourage you today to take a long look at your life. Do you see or can you "consider" what the Lord's hands have done in your life? Do you ever wonder how you made it through that rough time? Did you ever feel like quitting, but you didn't? Do you remember the time when you seemed to be surrounded by darkness, feeling fully oppressed, and doubted everything, but yet God did something in your life? Have there been times when you wondered if God even heard your cry only later to realize He wasn't just listening but working behind the scenes on your behalf? Look at your life. Look at it really closely. Consider what God's hands have done for you. It really does help you to appreciate your life and most importantly, your Savior, when you look at your own life.
Don't Waste The Wounds
[Thoughts for the Day]
02/17/2012 9:49 am
By Dunn, Chuck
Anthony Harris Evans once said, "Suffering overcomes the mind's inertia, develops the thinking powers, opens up a new world, and drives the soul to action." Peyton asked me to come into his bedroom the other night and hold him. Katie and Nita were in our bedroom reading a book and I think Peyton just didn't want to be alone. I went in there and got int the bed with him and we began to talk. He quickly fell asleep. I was rubbing his head like my mom used to rub mine. I noticed the little scar below his right eye. I remembered when he was in pre-school and he put a towel around his neck like a cape and pretended to be superman in the classroom. He dove and his face hit the corner of a table. We were in the emergency room getting stitches. I'll never forget that accident. He's always had a scar there. There is something to be said for scars and wounds. For the most part, we want the wounds and the scars to go away. We don't like them. We don't like what they remind us of. We think they make us look uglier or less attractive. I believe that God thinks our scars make us even more beautiful in His eyes. I believe that scars and wounds communicate. Our wounds and scars tell a story about us and what we've been through. When I look at Peyton's scar, I remember the wound he received in that accident. I remember the tears. I remember the panic on my son's face. I remember my heart racing. But even more so, I remember touching his chest and thinking he would explode because of the beat of his heart. Wounds do something to people. Later on, scars remind us of the wounds. It reminds us of where we've been and what we've come through and how God has provided for us. Scars are beauty marks if you look at it in that respect. John 20:20-28 tell us a story of how wounds and scars remind us of the Lord's goodness and His mercy in our lives. It says, "After He said this, He showed them His hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord…. Now Thomas (also know as Didymus), one of the twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, 'We have seen the Lord!' But he said to them, 'Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.' A week later His disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you!' Then He said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe!' Thomas said to Him, 'My Lord and my God!'" The place of the wound and the scars help remind us not only of how Christ has brought us through those times in our lives but also serves as reminders, like with Thomas, of what Jesus did for us on the cross. Maybe you are in the midst of a trial right now and you have wounds from the battle you've been in. Know that God is using this for your good to not only bring you out, but to strengthen and refine you through the process. Maybe you've come out of your trial but you have scars that remind you of the battle. Those scars are there not to remind you of the bad things, not to aid in your bad feelings of regret or anger. However, they are there to show you how God has brought you through and has been faithful. Revelation 12:11 says, "They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death." Wounds and scars are there for our good, not our bad. We try to hide them and get rid of them but we should look at them with thankfulness of what God has delivered us from. As I rubbed Peyton's head the other night and looked at the scar, I was thankful for the wound. He learned a lesson from that experience. We learn from our experiences. Likewise, I'm forever thankful for the wounds of Christ. For without the blood of the Lamb, I cannot overcome. Today, don't waste the wounds.
The Best One To Surf
[Thoughts for the Day]
02/16/2012 9:34 am
By Dunn, Chuck
Jonatan Martensson once said, "Feelings are much like waves, we can't stop them from coming, but we can choose which one to surf." Have you ever noticed how your feelings determine a lot about you? If you wake up feeling good, your outlook on your day is good as well. If you wake up not feeling well, then you don't have as positive an outlook. Good, bad, happy, sad, glad, mad, etc. Feelings, regardless of the reason for them being there, cause us to embark on an emotional roller coaster. There was an incident a while back when someone really hurt Nita. No one really know the pain she went through because of the mistreatment she received from someone that was in her life at the time. It was through this season in her life that I really noticed the truth in the quote from Jonatan Mertensson. Feelings really are like waves and you have a number of "waves" on which to "surf". I noticed something about Nita during this time. Even though what was done to her was wrong, and she might have had a good case to be justified in it, she began to shut this person out of her life. This didn't give her any added peace and certainly didn't help the situation. She and I prayed through the situation a lot. Someones we still have to hit our knees about the ordeal. People will continue to be people, imperfect in themselves, yet still someone that God loves just as much as He loves you. I've seen through this situation, God is slowly orchestrating a healing in Nita. She's getting to the point that she chooses to pray for the individual instead of allowing her own emotions and feelings to control her. It's not an overnight process nor is it complete. But it is progressing. It took Nita a while to realize just how much her acting on her feelings caused her to forfeit her own peace and joy. It really has nothing to do with the other individual. It has to do with overlooking the fleshly feelings and emotions and loving as Christ loved whether the person deserves it or not. I love how the Amplified version translates John 14:27. "Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled." I don't believe feelings are always good or always bad. I just think they are unstable and cause us to act in ways we wouldn't typically act. Regardless of what you are facing today, don't allow yourself to get agitated or disturbed by people, situations, and especially your feelings. I've noticed in Nita's life, the "wave of prayer" is the best one to surf.
The Power of Your Words
[Thoughts for the Day]
02/15/2012 9:02 am
By Dunn, Chuck
Blaise Pascal once said, "Cold words freeze people, and hot words scorch them, and bitter words make them bitter, and wrathful words make them wrathful. Kind words also produce their own image on men's souls; and a beautiful image it is. They smooth, and quiet, and comfort the hearer." Sometimes I don't think we fully understand the power of our words. I don't think we realize how they can easily hurt someone or tear them down. I also don't think we are aware of how powerful they can be used to build others up through encouraging and exhorting one another. How are you using your words today? Are you speaking good things about those around you? Or are you speaking negativity? What about the words you are speaking into your own life? Are you telling yourself you can't do this or that, or are you speaking success into your life. I'm not necessarily talking about the "name it and claim it" or "blab it and grab it" mentality. I'm simply saying that through the Lord, there is unrecognized power in the words we speak over our lives and the lives of those around us. For the longest time, Nita and I have been dealing with Katie's attitude and how she treats her friends and family. We've prayed. We've disciplined. We've lectured. We've taught. We've read stories and given examples. Nothing seemed to work. I finally decided to start speaking peace and joy and love over Katie, her life, and her actions. I spoke this into her life differently than I had before. I have to tell you, Katie has been a different young lady lately. Her manors, her outlook, and her behavior have vastly improved. I've declared something over her life, I've prayed for it, and I'm believing in it for her. So, now I'm watching it unfold. Numbers 14:17 says, "Now may the Lord's strength be displayed, just as You have declared." Scriptures informed us that there is a unmistakable power in the words that we declare. Think of how God spoke the world into existence in Genesis. In the same way, we create our own world with the power of our words. With you words you can create an atmosphere of peace, joy, power and love. Likewise, you can create an atmosphere of strife, confusion, defeat and disunity. I encourage you today to use your words to open up doors for the Lord to move. Declare His Word over your life. Declare His strength at work in you. Declare that there is indeed no weapon that can be formed against you that will prosper. When you declare it over your life, you will see it come to pass in your life. Don't ever underestimate the power of your words.
It's All About Love
[Thoughts for the Day]
02/14/2012 7:58 am
By Dunn, Chuck
Robert C. Chapman once said, "The strength of love is shown in great things; the tenderness of love in little things." Happy Valentine's Day! This morning was a special morning. As Nita was in the shower, the kids snuck into our bedroom and put her Valentine's present on the bed with all of our cards. When she came back into the bedroom, she saw them. She read each card aloud. It was really a neat thing. You could feel love. You could feel the presence of God in the room. I thought, on the drive into the office, about how many times we have expressed our love one for another. There have been cards, gifts, physical presence, and words. Even with the kids, every communication we have is an example of loving and being loved. It doesn't matter if it is face to face, via telephone, text, email, or just a little note left around the house, you cannot underestimate the power of the communication and feeling of love. This morning Katie packed her lunch for school. She literally packed it herself. I have no clue what was in that lunch box. But, I do know what I put in there. I wrote a little note, just like my mother used to do for me, letting her know that I'm proud of her and that I love her and that I can't wait to see her this afternoon. When I think of my parents or my sisters, my grandparents or cousins, my nephews, and even aunts and uncles, I love the heritage of family and the legacy that is being formed for my children. When I'm leading worship and I see people with tears running down their cheeks headed to the altar to pray and I see other brothers and sisters in Christ surrounding them with prayer, it screams love. When I sit down with a friend to have coffee and we talk about the memories of the past, all I can think about is love. Obviously, every time I open the best selling book of all times, the Bible, and I read of my Savior's love for me, I can't help but become overwhelmed by love. 1 John 3:16 says, "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in His presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and He knows everything." Regardless of the love we feel toward others on this special day, nothing compares to the love of Jesus Christ. It is the greatest love of all. He gave His life for us. He loves us, unconditionally and unendingly. All we have to do is admit it, accept it, appreciate it, and then share it. It's all about love.
What Is Your Word Worth To You?
[Thoughts for the Day]
02/13/2012 8:14 am
By Dunn, Chuck
Haniel Long once said, "So much of what is best in us is bound up in our love of family, that it remains the measure of our stability because it measures our sense of loyalty. All other pacts of love or fear derive from it and are modeled upon it." At Peyton and Katie's school they earn "bear bucks" for good behavior. They can take these bear bucks to the school store and buy different items. When Peyton earns bear bucks, he spends them rather quickly. Normally, Katie spends hers as well but recently she had been hoarding them. I'm not sure if she was really hoarding them or forgot that she had them in a container on her dresser. The school is sponsoring a skate night soon. To go a permission slip for your parents to sign, you have to spend ten bear bucks. Then you can take the permission slip for your parents to sign in order to get in the door. Peyton didn't have enough bear bucks to purchase a slip. Katie gave him enough to combine with what he had to get a slip. Peyton went and purchased his slip. Katie never made it to the school store. So she gave her ten bear bucks for her slip to Peyton for him to get it for him. He didn't make it to the store either. So he gave the bear bucks to a friend in another class to get the slip. It been a couple of days passed now and there is still no slip and now no bear bucks. The deadline is later this week. Although we didn't approve of how Peyton tried to handle the situation by passing it off on someone else when he promised that he would handle it, I have to say he is trying to do the right thing. He's trying to keep his word. When I dropped them off this morning, Peyton was going to the other classroom the friend is in to find out if the ticket was purchased. If it wasn't, he's going to take his bear bucks that he has earned since buying the his own ticket with Katie's bucks, and purchase her a ticket. I love that it is important to him for him to keep his word and be loyal to what he said he would do. Proverbs 21:21 (NASB) says, "He who pursues righteousness and loyalty finds life …" I think it is really neat how righteousness and loyalty go together. If we aren't loyal to our family, friends, and keep our word when we give it to others, I don't believe we will ever experience God's best in our lives. Truly loyal people are trustworthy and honorable people. They stick together through thick and thin. When you are a loyal person, you are a person of high integrity. We've trained Peyton and Katie, when facing adverse situations, to always take what we call "the high road." That means the road less traveled, but the road paved with honesty, integrity, and loyalty. It leads to a true life of righteousness. Peyton stands a chance of being out ten of his own bear bucks, depending on what this "friend" did with his bear bucks. But it didn't seem to matter that much to him this morning. He was more concerned with keeping his word. That makes me proud. So, what is your word worth to you?
It's Time To Make Another Deposit
[Thoughts for the Day]
02/07/2012 8:22 am
By Dunn, Chuck
Charles Swindoll once said, "Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children." Last night was a really special night for me as a Dad and as a Child of God. Chick-fil-A, a local fast food restaurant, offered Daddy and Daughter date night. You had to make a reservation on their website. Part of the dining area was reserved for the Dads and their daughters. There were nice table cloths, flowers, and an atmosphere established for the "date." I had made a reservation for me and Katie We arrived and were treated like royalty. It was really awesome. I appreciate a local restaurant taking interest in the promotion of relationships between parents and children. They had a little questionnaire there. There were questions I would ask Katie. Then there were questions she would ask me. Some of my questions were, "What do you like most about me as your Dad?" and also "What do you want to do with your life when you grow up?" Her questions were, "What was it like on the day I was born?" and "What do I do that makes you proud of me?" I absolutely loved my time with my baby girl. She really got into the questions. We laughed. We talked. We had dinner. We enjoyed each other. One of her questions was, "What is one of your goals this year?" I thought for a moment. It didn't take long to come up with an answer. I said, "I want to spend more quality time with my family." Her response was quick. Her response was genuine. Her response was heartfelt. Her response was a wake-up call for me. She responded by simply saying, "Oh Dad, that would be nice. Because sometimes you are just too busy for us." The laughter turned to tears for me as my eyes swelled with the reality of the situation. Dear God! Please help me to realize the importance of spending time with my family and investing in them. I've failed in making them the priority. I always have a deadline or an event or a meeting or a church obligation, or something. While those things are good and important, at the end of the day, my presence there is not that important. But my presence in the lives of my children cannot be replaced, compromised, or ignored. It's time for some changes in life. It's time to hear the simple statement from an eight year old that says with a smile hiding the inner cry, "I need you, Dad." Psalm 127:3-5 in The Message says, "Don't you see that children are God's best gift? The fruit of the womb His generous legacy? Like a warrior's fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth. Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children! Your enemies don't stand a chance against you; you'll sweep them right off your doorstep." Dear Jesus, I thank you for my date with my daughter. I thank you for my daughter. I thank you for helping me to realize the importance of being a Godly father that is devoted to you first and my family second with church and career falling behind those priorities. Each day we do make deposits in the memory banks of our children. I don't know if it's going to be bike riding, or playing basketball, or playing a board game, but I'm looking forward to this afternoon when the kids get home and finish their homework. It's time to make another deposit!
Don't Waste Today Worrying About Tomorrow
[Thoughts for the Day]
02/02/2012 10:03 am
By Dunn, Chuck
Charles Williams once said, "The strong hands of God twisted the crown of thorns into a crown of glory; and in such hands we are safe." I have heard many people throughout my life use the words, "God is in control." But I've also seem these same people who utter those words constantly worry about the economy, the bills, their loved ones, the weather, and many other things. When we say, "God is in control" do we really mean it? Is He really in control of what seems to be chaos around us? Psalms 55:22 says, "Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken." Does that verse really mean what it says? Of course it does. Trusting God is an honor and a privilege. I received in the mail a DVD this week. A dear friend of mine was diagnosed the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) disease a while ago. He, with the help of family and friends, made a DVD of his journey. I watched this video in amazement. I was amazed at what the Lord has done in their lives and how He has provided for them through such a difficult and unimaginable time. I was saddened to see the the progression of such an ugly disease on his body. But it certainly made me thankful for the many times we spent together talking about God and singing His praise together. But the DVD also blew me away and blessed me by the fact that this couple not only says, "God is in control" but they believe it and live it with all of their hearts. They are not worried about tomorrow. Their number one objective is to enjoy, cherish, and be a positive witness for Christ today. I think so many times we get overwhelmed by life situations that it robs us not only of our joy but our ability to believe and trust in God. Many people, when faced with difficult circumstances, immediately pray. That's a good thing. That's where we should all always start. But after the prayer, we have to believe the prayer was heard and will be answered. We can't believe if we're worrying about things and panicking over the future and what it holds. We can't pray about something to God and after the final "amen" of the prayer begin our pattern of worrying over it. Where's the faith? What good does that do? Trusting God and believing His Word is the key to being able to enjoy today. I read on Facebook recently a story of a conversation between a person and God. This person asked God why He let all the bad things that had happened that day occur. This person woke up late. The car would not start. At lunch, the order was messed up and the person received the wrong meal. On the way home the cell phone died just as a important call was received. To top it all off, the person wanted to simply soak her feet in her new foot massager and relax that night. But that couldn't happen either. She asked God why? She was worrying. She was confused. She was not trusting God. She was not letting God be God. Here was God's answer: "The angel of death was at your bed this morning. I sent other angels to battle him for your life. I let you sleep through that. I didn't let your car start because a drunk drive was on your route and would have hit you. At lunch, the first person that fixed your sandwich was sick and I didn't want you to get sick and miss work. Your phone went dead because the person calling was going to give false witness about what you said on the call so I didn't even let you talk to them. Oh, and the foot massager had a short in it and was going to throw out the power in your entire house. I didn't think you would want to be left in the dark." God is in control. Is He? We need to be like my dear friend with ALS. No matter the affliction, no matter the trial, no matter the test, God is still God. God is still on the throne. God is still in control. And no matter what you are facing, God is still GOOD! ALL THE TIME! Don't waste today worrying about tomorrow. (I love you Nick and Myra Pennell!)
Whatever You Do
[Thoughts for the Day]
02/01/2012 9:39 am
By Dunn, Chuck
Chuck Swindoll once said, "The secret to living a life of excellence is merely a matter of thinking thoughts of excellence. Really, it's a matter of programming our minds with the kind of information that will set us free." Peyton has a habit of not making up his bed in the mornings. When he is reminded to make up his bed, he basically throws the comforter on his bed and makes sure his pillows are somewhere near the headboard of the bed. When I tell him he needs to take his time and do it correctly, his response is, "It's just my bed. I'm the only one getting in it. It doesn't matter." Sometimes I think we have that same approach when it comes to activities in our lives. We think if it just affects us, it doesn't matter if it is done properly or sloppy or without excellence. Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men." Here, Paul is defining the Lord's work. He defines it as "whatever you do." As Christ-followers, everything we do is considered part of our service. Did you catch that? Everything! Everything from making up the bed to cleaning the house to preaching messages or singing in the choir is part of our service unto the Lord. We know God whether we work at the church every day or at the bank or the factory or the mall or the hospital. It takes just as much dependency on the Holy Spirit to do our daily work and function in our daily lives in those settings as it does to teach a Sunday School class, serve as a Greeter or sing in the choir. Sometimes, it takes much more. The fact of the matter is we should have a spirit of excellence about everything we do. The reason why is because it all is part of our work for the Lord. Remember, we're doing it for the Lord, not for men. Remember that today as you do "whatever you do."
Live A Great Life
[Thoughts for the Day]
01/31/2012 8:36 am
By Dunn, Chuck
Augustine once said, "God has one Son on earth without sin, but never one without suffering." For the last twenty-four hours, I haven't felt all that well. Nita didn't feel well over the weekend so I guess she shared it with me. I ran little fever last night. The kids haven't slept well either. Katie was very grumpy this morning. It just wasn't a wonderful start to the day. Sometimes it just seems like lots of little things happen at once and it can aggravate you sometimes. At one point this morning, I thought to myself, "Wouldn't it be great if there were no problems in life?" As soon as I thought that to myself, the Holy Spirit quickly said in my spirit, "No, it would not!" The more I prayed about that this morning and studied the Bible, the more I understood. You see, it isn't the problem-free living that makes us or our lives "great." Faith is what makes it great. Putting it simply, faith is believing, regardless of the situation, that God has already taken care of it for you. That's what makes life great. Let's face it. None of us will ever be able to live problem-free lives on this side of glory. But, what we can do is react positively to the issues that arise. If we respond in the right way, any situation can be turned into something great. The tests and trials we face are molding and making us into a closer reflection of Jesus. Maybe you don't like what that person did to you. Maybe the words that were said were untrue and very hurtful. Maybe things aren't done the way you think they should be. Maybe there are bad things happening to good people. But your faith and trust in God in these things can lift you to a place, a destiny, of living the resurrected life. What is the resurrected life? I'm glad you asked. Philippians 3:7-11 explains it this way: "But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ – the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ – yes, to know the power of His resurrection and participation in His sufferings becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead." Very rarely will you ever hear me use the words, "give up." But, if you are aiming for a problem-free life, then give up! It will not happen. But if you want the resurrected life founded on faith and trust in God, then you will truly live a great life.
Take The Limits Off
[Thoughts for the Day]
01/30/2012 8:38 am
By Dunn, Chuck
Gerald Jampolsky once said, "A truly creative person rids him or herself of all self-imposed limitations." Have you ever been driving down a country road, with no sight of any living being within miles, with the road is straight and wide, and yet the speed limit is 45? Why can't it be 55 at least? Of course, that's just my opinion. Those annoying speed limit signs made me start thinking about limits. Everywhere you look you see limits. If you are traveling on the highway, you see speed limits. If you are in the elevator of an office building, you see a weight limit. If you are in a gymnasium you see an occupancy limit. If you are at an amusement park, you see height limits. No matter where you are, there are limits. Granted, some of these limits are necessary and good for our overall safety and wellbeing. But did you realize that we impose a lot of limits on ourselves that we shouldn't? Did you know that a large majority of the reason why you haven't reached your full potential in Christ is because of limits you have put on yourself? I think one of the most limiting and restrictive things is wrong or negative thinking. I don't think we truly realize how much we limit our lives when we dwell on these things. There are only two things that this limited thinking pattern can do for you. It will either keep you right where you are and never let you progress or it will cause you to dwell on the past and never even enjoy your present much less your future. Limits. In the Amplified version, Psalm 119:96 says, "I have seen that everything [human] has its limits and end [no matter how extensive, noble, and excellent]; but Your commandment is exceedingly broad and extends without limits [into eternity]." I think it's time to take off the limits of our lives. I think it's time to remind ourselves that His ways are higher, and better, and truer than our ways. We need to remember that we serve an all-powerful, all-knowing, and supernatural God. While I still have to go 45 in an area where 55 and over would be welcomed, I don't have keep letting my negative thoughts limit me in what Christ has for me to do. I encourage you today to stop thinking you aren't good enough. Stop thinking you aren't talented enough. Stop thinking anything that limits you from being all you can be. We have to take our thinking pattern from earthly thoughts to the faith realm and then we can see His unlimited possibilities for our lives. Today, take the limits off.
Don't Let The Unexpected Situation Keep You From Your Expected Result
[Thoughts for the Day]
01/27/2012 8:11 am
By Dunn, Chuck
John Lubbock once said, "What we see depends mainly on what we look for." This morning I woke up and took the dogs outside. As I opened the back door and proceeded out to the deck, it felt wonderful. It wasn't cold. It wasn't hot. There was a nice breeze. It was very pleasant. I headed back inside to shower and prepare for the day. When I went back to let the dogs in, it was pouring rain. It was one of those downpours where the wind is blowing and yards could flood in a matter of minutes. It made the trip to school this morning a little more difficult because of the traffic and the weather conditions. We had planned to let the dogs ride with us to take the kids to school today. The love riding with the window down and their heads hanging out. I did not expect the rain this morning. Now what were we going to do about the dogs wanting to go for a ride? You know, in life we all have to deal with the unexpected. Just because we believe in Jesus and we're good people doesn't mean that we won't be faced with unexpected situations. The scriptures tell us in Matthew 5, "The rain falls on the just and the unjust." (Literally.) I am thankful that when we find ourselves in these unexpected situations, we don't have to worry. We don't have to panic. We don't have to have a melt down. And we don’t have to change our course, objective, or purpose. We can remember that our situation doesn't catch God by surprise. It may be unexpected to us, but not to God. I was thinking this morning. God already has the solutions to problems you haven't even had yet! That's the amazing God we serve! He has equipped us for every battle in order for us to be victorious. 2 Corinthians 2:14 says, "But thanks be to God, Who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place." We need to focus on the fact that God is always with us. He's leading us to victory. We just have the keep moving forward and trust in Him. So, it rained this morning. Do you know what we did? We just kept moving forward. We packed the dogs up, cracked the window and headed to school in the rain. The dogs had a blast. The dogs were drenched and we were wet. But we laughed the whole way and had fun doing it. Today, don't let the unexpected situation keep you from your expected result.
The Quick Stop
[Thoughts for the Day]
01/26/2012 10:47 am
By Dunn, Chuck
It was once said, "To make a friend, you have to be a friend." That statement seems really simple. Yet I think it is difficult for us to comprehend the depth of it's underlying meaning sometimes. I've always thought of that statement as referring to giving. We should always be quick to give to others. In Luke 6:38, Jesus teaches us to, "Give, and it will be given to you." We quickly think of this giving in a materialistic way. But I think the best way to give and "make a friend" is by giving acceptance to that person. I truly believe to give acceptance is to receive acceptance. I was traveling one day and was forced to stop at a location that had no appearance of being desirable or even safe. I prayed for the Lord to make this a quick stop. If it weren't completely necessary I wouldn't have stopped. As I entered the building I noticed a group of young men that were apparently part of a gang of some sort. They were gathered together. They were smoking their cigarettes and laughing and making others in the little store uncomfortable As I walked by them I thought to myself, "Well, if I'm friendly, maybe they won't kill me." I looked at them as I passed and simply said, "What's up fellas?" Surprisingly, they answered me. They noticed a necklace I had on that had a cross. They began to talk about the cross. Talk about opportunity! This stop that I had prayed would take no longer than five minutes took about thirty minutes because we actually had a conversation that I would have never dreamed would happen. Basically, I accepted them and they accepted me. To widen your circle of friends to include others is to also allow yourself to be included in their circles. It's a two-way street. I believe this is a good example of "give, and it will be given to you." When we give others the sense of belonging, we begin to feel a greater sense of belonging ourselves. I thank the Lord for helping me to realize that during my travels that one day. I'll never forget "the quick stop."
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