Thought Renewal

But I'm not a...

2012-01-01T12:00:00.000-08:00

...fill in the blank.

Go on, admit it. You've said that phrase in protest to something or other in your past. Someone recommends a book. "But I'm not a reader." A friend suggests you take Zumba together. "But I'm not coordinated." Your Language Arts teacher asked you to write a story in middle school. "But I'm not a writer."

And so you let the nottas control your life. The truth is we are (and can do) anything we decide to be (or do). It's a matter of choice. Oh sure, there're some genetic limitations that limit an insignificant number of our choices in life. But those miniscule exceptions prove the rule - we can choose to do and be and create! We have the ability to choose what our life looks like.

At least have the guts to say, "I choose not to read, dance, or write." For at the point that we admit "we are choosing" we take ownership of our current state.

So, if you were not happy with 2011, then you chose not to be happy with it. You didn't read that book, not because you aren't a reader but because you chose not to read it. You didn't write that story, not because you aren't a writer but because you chose not to write it.

The good news is that you can do something different this year. And you can choose to be happy with the results. So, what's holding you back? Be someone different this year. Create something. Do it.

Change Your Feelings, Change Your Attitude

2007-06-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

It almost goes without saying, but when I'm grumpy I have a bad attitude. What this tells me is that my attitude - which can be fairly easily ascertained by my facial expression and body language - is simply an external representation of my internal feelings. If I'm feeling down, my body sags. Doesn't yours?

Now it's not any secret that the answer to a bad attitude is a good laugh, a smile, and pleasant thoughts. Why? Because you can't genuinely laugh and smile without a corresponding good feeling. Our feelings have a direct impact on our outward demeanor.

The challenge is controlling our feelings. Change our feelings, change our attitude. The good news is that we can control our feelings. We're not at the mercy of our emotional life. Emotions (the well from which our feelings arise) serve as a barometer of what's going on inside of us. And we can change what's going on inside.

How? By monitoring our thoughts. Our thoughts affect our feelings which in turn shows up in our attitude. And the best way to monitor our thoughts is by listening to our self-talk. In other words, we need to think about our thinking. This might be a true difference between us and animals. We have the ability to consider our thought process and not just react by instinct (which seems more emotional in nature, doesn't it?) And since we can control our thoughts, we have the ability to influence our feelings and thus change our attitude. That is good news indeed.

More on controlling our thinking next time.

Selling the Dream

2007-05-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Personal success requires courage to attempt something great. And that means boldness which is, at times, confused with arrogance.

But there's a difference between arrogance and confidence. It has to do with one's attitude and motivation. In Selling the Dream (HarperCollins, 1991) Guy Kawasaki explains the difference by exploring the concept of "evangelism."

Evangelism is the process of convincing people to believe in your product or idea as much as you do. It means selling your dream by using fervor, zeal, guts, and cunning. (page 3)

Although I'm inclined to retain a theological definition of the term ("spreading the good news") I can understand Kawasaki's point. He wants to contrast this view with traditional sales. And the main difference is the motivation: To change the world!

To the luckiest of people, a time comes when they join or launch a cause that forever changes their lives and the lives of others. Losing yourself in a cause is delicious and intoxicating. The best word to describe the sensation is "crusade." (page 5)

This is a key to personal success - finding a cause that's big enough for us to jump into and is also big enough to invite others to jump into. What's your crusade?

UPDATE: You can now follow Guy Kawasaki on Twitter!

Inspirational Quotes for the Day

2007-04-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

Inspirational Quotes for the Day:

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. (from Marianne Williamson's A Return to Love)

John Eldredge writes about his response to this quote in Waking the Dead (p. 87)

When I first read this quote, I thought, No, that’s not true. We don’t fear our glory. We fear we are not glorious at all. We fear that at bottom, we are going to be revealed as . . . disappointments. But as I thought about it more, I realized we do fear our glory. We fear even heading this direction because, for one thing, it seems prideful. Now pride is a bad thing, to be sure, but it’s not prideful to embrace the truth that you bear the image of God. Paul says it brings glory to God. We walk in humility because we know it is a glory bestowed. It reflects something of the Lord’s glory.

I agree with Eldredge. Although not "powerful beyond measure" (as Williamson states) we human beings, created a little below the angels, are indeed glorious (small g) beings. And that is something for which we can glorify the Father, who is all Glorious (big g).

By the way, Waking the Dead is a good book. I also enjoyed Eldredge's two books on masculinity, Wild at Heart and The Way of the Wild Heart. You can discover more of his writings at Ransomed Heart.

A Vision Worthy to Embrace

2007-04-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

This is part of a talk I gave recently on
encouraging educators to "hang in there" in their
ongoing endeavor to make a difference in young people’s lives.

Vital to society are women and men who are committed to the vision of providing quality education for today’s students.

Now I do not use the term vision lightly. I believe that in any endeavor – whether it be in business, sports, parenting, teaching – without a vision of some greater good to be accomplished, without a vision of a better or preferable future, then the sustainability of that endeavor diminishes with time.

Novelty, freshman enthusiasm, excitement at the beginning of the journey will eventually wane. Although mountain top experiences, renewal conferences, and rewards for jobs well done are all very important, it is the vision of what you want to accomplish with your life or your career that keeps you in the game until the job is done.

The challenge for many people is that they do not have a vision big enough to sustain them long-term. Most people are living too shallow a dream, so no wonder they’re frustrated when the initial enthusiasm wears off. A big vision will answer that challenge.

You’ve heard this quote. The saying has been attributed to Victor Hugo, "Dream no small dreams. They have not the power to stir men’s souls." The bible puts it like this: "Without a vision, the people perish."

I want to make the case that assisting in the maturation process of young adults into healthy, well-rounded, individuals who can better society because of the skills you as a teacher handed down to them is a worthy vision to embrace.

Let me repeat that. Assisting in the maturation process of young adults into healthy, well-rounded, individuals who can better society because of the skills you handed down to them is a worthy vision to embrace.

For three reasons...

Number 1 - It's a vision that goes beyond one's self. Some people dream big dreams, but it's all about themselves. They're building their own little kingdoms. But when the goal is simply personal accomplishment or advancing up the career ladder or enlarging a resume - as wonderful as these things might be - the end result doesn't ultimately satisfy.

Why? Because once the goal is achieved, the champagne is gone, and the party is over, then what? You're back to square one. Have to set a new goal in order to capture that winning feeling again. Otherwise we end up living in the past. Do you think the Green Bay Packers are still celebrating their victory over Kansas City in Super Bowl 1 in1967? No. That would be crazy. Notice I didn't ask if the Chiefs were still nursing their loss!

But you get what I'm saying. For a vision to truly satisfy and sustain a person throughout his or her career, it must go beyond one's self and impact others. And helping transform young kids into mature adults is a worthy vision because it does just that.

Reason Number 2 - It's a vision that requires the help of others. Any worthwhile effort is a team effort. If you got there alone, it probably wasn't very challenging or notable. Leadership guru John Maxwell describes this as the Law of Mt. Everest. The bigger the mountain to climb, the more help you need to get to the top.

Helping young people grow into productive citizens is not a one person job. Can't be done. Without meaning to sound political here, it does take a village to raise up a youth. That is why parents have entrusted into your care a portion of the education of their children. And we are all stewards of that trust.

Whether you're part of a church, or an extended family, or coaching a sports team, or sponsoring an after-school club or activity, or simply fulfilling your role as the 3rd hour shop teacher - you are a vital part of that child's success in life. And so is the 4th hour teacher next door or the youth director at church or the tennis coach at school. We're on the same team, friends, working together to fulfill the same vision.

The vision of raising up successful young people is a worthy vision - one that I believe will sustain a person throughout his or her career - because, Number 1, it goes beyond one's self, its focus is on helping others; Number 2, it requires the help of others, it is such a grand task that it can not be accomplished alone; and Number 3 . . .

Number 3 - It is a vision that creates an impact that will last beyond our lifetime.

Pursuing an ideal - the ideal of getting better at teaching and impacting more and more students and making a difference with our lives - will keep us going when the going gets tough. Or at least should keep us going.

For without a vision the people perish. And so to be a part of a vision that will last generations is a wonderfully fulfilling thing. What a refreshing, sustaining endeavor. To be a part of something that will have a potentially eternal impact on a student's life.

And you know what I'm talking about. How many of you can remember from your high school days that one key teacher in your life. That person who was a mentor, encourager, and friend. You remember! She believed in you. He told you you could do it. She was there when you needed a shoulder to cry on. He was like a father-figure to you.

My mentor, encourager, and friend was Mr. King. He was my high school history teacher but I don't even remember him for that. I remember him as the man who was there to help me come into my own. You see, he taught all 6 of my older brothers and sisters. Three of whom got straight As and went on to get their PhDs in Computer Science, Nuclear Physics, and Physical Chemistry. I'm okay on the computer, nuclear anything scares me, and the only physical chemistry I experienced in high school was in the back seat of my girlfriend's chevy.

So I grew up thinking I had a long way to go to measure up. He put me at ease. He encouraged me to be myself. He assured me I'd make it to the college of my choice. He celebrated with me when I won some awards. And, oh yeah, he taught be a bit of history. I got a B in his class, but he helped turn me into an A+ individual.

And you have a similar story. What's more, just like that teacher had an impact in your life, you are that person to some of your students. You're changing lives. You are making an incredible impact. Even on those darkest days when you think the kids could care less! But you can make the difference. You are making the difference. That's why you teach.

So keep your eye on the prize - keep striving for the ideal, the vision of helping transform young adults into healthy, well-rounded individuals who can better society because of the skills you handed down to them. That is a worthy vision to embrace. And it will sustain you for the long haul.

The Millionaire Next Door

2007-04-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

The Millionaire Next Door
The Surprising Secrets of American's Wealthy
by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko

Good Review from Talia Mana:

According to authors Stanley and Danko there are seven wealth factors that set the wealthy apart from the rest of the population - and it isn't fancy cars, cigars and pinkie rings!

Check yourself off against this list and see if you've got what it takes...

1. Millionaires live well below their means
2. They allocate their time, energy and money efficiently in ways conducive to building wealth
3. Millionaires believe financial independence is more important than displaying high social status
4. Their parents didn't provide economic out-patient care, i.e. they were left to make and correct their own financial mistakes
5. Their adult children are economically self-sufficient
6. They are proficient in targeting market opportunities
7. They chose an occupation that they enjoy and that best suits their talents

Essentially the book advocates frugality and caution with finances that at times borders on miserly, but the results speak for themselves. The individuals interviewed for the book amassed wealth and held onto it through economic downturns and trained their children to be financially independent. Food for thought!

Unlimited Power & Giants Within

2007-04-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

Reposting and updating this blog entry from 2005...

Awaken the Giant Within
by Anthony Robbins

A giant best seller!

Almost everyone familiar with self-help is aware of Anthony Robbins and NLP (google it if you aren't). I was skeptical before reading both Unlimited Power (1986) and Awaken the Giant Within (1991) but was impressed with the practical, no nonsense principles that Robbins espouses.

Although sprinkled with Christian verbiage and a bit of God-talk, I didn't catch Tony syncretizing religious beliefs, at least not in these books. I have not kept up with his current work to determine if he's maintained a "Norman Vincent Peale" approach to faith and self-help or not.

The books are very practical, full of great exercises, and with too many ideas to summarize with one quote. But I did find his explanation of our Reticular Activating System (RAS) helpful in Awaken the Giant Within.

This shift in mental posture aligns you more precisely with your goals. Once you decide that something is a priority, you give it tremendous emotional intensity, and by continually focusing on it, any resource that supports its attainment will eventually become clear. (p. 288)

This makes more sense to me than magically "magnetizing" wealth into our lives (like The Secret advocates with the Law of Attraction). Simply put, the RAS works because when we focus on a question or problem our mind becomes engaged to find solutions. An example is when we car shop. We never noticed lime green VW Bugs before, but now that we're buying, everyone is driving one! That's your RAS at work.

So, if you're looking for an indepth analysis of the connection between our beliefs and our actions - along with practical steps to take for improving yourself - Robbins has a lot to offer in these thick books (both over 400 pages). Read with discernment, but go ahead and pick one up from a used book store.

Positive Affirmations

2007-04-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

~ Part 6 ~
Some Daily Statements on Developing Persistence

Positive self talk is critical for personal development. This set of daily affirmations originally comes from Harold Sherman, author of How to Turn Failure into Success. This "code of persistence" was copied from another source, however, and I'm not sure where I found it. Great statements to memorize though!

I will never give up as long as I know I am right.
I will believe that all things will work out for me if I hang on to the end.
I will be courageous and undismayed in the face of poor odds.
I will not permit anyone to intimidate or deter me from my goals.
I will fight to overcome all physical handicaps and setbacks.
I will try again and again and yet again to accomplish what I desire.
I will take new faith and resolution from the knowledge that all successful men and women have had to fight defeat and adversity.
I will never surrender to discouragement or despair no matter what seeming obstacles may confront me.

For those who are interested, I have linked solid scriptural principles to each of these statements and turned them into biblical affirmations as well. Email me and I'll send the references to you.

Secrets of the Millionaire Mind

2007-04-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

Secrets of the Millionaire Mind
Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth
by T. Harv Eker (2005 HarperBusiness)

And mastering the "inner game" is exactly right. The strength of this book lies in the helpful explanation of the "Money Blueprint" that each of us has grown up with. We each have a subconscious "financial blueprint" that may or may not be set for success. (And if yours isn't "set" on alert, then reading this post will not help because you'll simply dismiss what you are reading or skip it all together.)

This is explained in Part I - how each of us is conditioned to think and act a certain way when it comes to money. Our thinking has been programmed by the attitudes and actions of people that have influenced us, typically our parents. But the good news is that we can implement some key strategies so that we can revise our mental money blueprint.

Part II examines the differences between how rich, middle-class, and poor people think. And it's true, we think differently at different socio-economic levels. The author then provides 17 attitude and action exercises that will lead to a change in our thinking and thus a subsequent change in our financial life - if we take action!

The basis for this change - any change really - is this simple formula: Thoughts lead to Feelings lead to Actions lead to Results. The challenge is to change our thoughts - and this is done by re-programming what we think and believe about wealth and money. We've already been programmed by our past. Let's take control of our thinking and re-program our minds so that our future isn't simply a repetition of the past.

Like most other books of this nature, the author's strength is practical in nature not theological. He mixes a bit of God talk in for good measure but doesn't provide a solid biblical basis for his thesis. The scriptural arguments exist, but T. Harv Eker is not biblically equipped to deal with them. This is unfortunate as many who are seeking help here from a spiritual perspective will come away with something less than satisfying. But, that being said, the principles he espouses are solid and (can be) life changing.

Think Spring!

2007-04-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

(click the pic to get the code)
Let's THINK SPRING and spread the joy of life abundant. Here's how you can participate:

Write a Spring-related post (mine is below).
Find & link to three other Spring-related posts.
(Tell them you've linked so they can join the fun.)
Add the Think Spring button/code to your blog.
(Also, let James know you're thinking Spring!)
Then comment at RoseWoman, the meme host.
(For more info and to join the blogroll go here.)

Okay, time for some Spring Thoughts...

First, some selected quotes from the Apostle Paul as recorded in 1 Corinthians 15 (NIV):

Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.

Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For he "has put everything under his feet."

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed - in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."

"Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?"

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

It is often said that the changing of the seasons is like the cycle of life. There is birth, there is youth, there is maturing, there is death. And then re-birth! We are taught that Spring is the continual reminder that all things are re-born.

Nice sentiment as far as it goes. But one day this cycle will end. For the winter of life is actually a disruption of God's good order. Death was never meant to be, as some put it, a "natural part of life." Winter's Death is the enemy, and it will be swallowed up in toto when Christ's eternal Spring arrives at his coming.

C.S. Lewis describes a land where it is "always winter but never Christmas" in the Chronicles of Narnia. It is an unnatural occurrence. But one that all the creatures held captive by the White Witch have come to accept. Until the whispers of Aslan's return begin to circulate. (If you're unfamiliar with this literary work, go here.)

How like those spell-bound creatures we are. We've come to accept as final this seasonal cycle - as wonderfully refreshing as it may be this side of heaven.

But it is not the last word. One day death and pain and weeping and suffering and war and violence will end. The last vestiges of sin will be destroyed never to be "re-born" for another season. Eternal Spring will dawn. Christ will reign. Alleluia, He is Risen!

Other Suggested Readings for Spring:

Wayne at Q&A titles a piece "All Alone" - I want to call is "Almost Spring"
Barbara at Tidbits & Treasures has posted "No Room For A Savior"
Paint at Play is "Back to Work" with another piece that's almost Spring.

Are you thinking Spring? Spread the word.

The Magic of Thinking Big

2007-04-02T17:00:00.000-07:00

How to set your goals high . . . and then exceed them!

So encourages the subtitle of The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz. This classic best seller...

"Presents a planned program for living on a big scale - in one's job, marriage and family life, and in social and cultural activities. [It] proves you need not have great intellect or great talent to be a giant among men. But you do need the habit of thinking and acting in the manner that brings success - and this book gives you the secret." (from the introduction)

Of course, "the secret" to accomplishing anything is believing you can and then backing up that belief with massive action. This book, originally published in 1959 and a bit dated in some of its examples and illustrations, nevertheless delivers a positive, powerful message for those who want to learn the habits of "living big." Topics include:

Believe You Can Succeed and You Will
Cure Yourself of Excusitis, the Failure Disease
Build Confidence and Destroy Fear
How to Think Big
You Are What You Think You Are
Manage Your Environment
How to Turn Defeat Into Victory
How to Think Like a Leader

These chapter titles will have a familiar ring to them because this book was at the vanguard of the self-help movement we know today. So much of what is written today is based on the principles espoused by personal development leaders like William James, Napoleon Hill, Russell Conwell, James Allen, Les Giblin, Maxwell Maltz, Norman Vincent Peale, and of course, David Schwartz.

Bottom line: Some solid principles taught in an enticing manner, encouraging the reader to go ahead and think big! (Hmm, wonder if Donald Trump read this book ;-)

Here's a Quote from John Newton...

2007-03-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

... to William Wilberforce in 1796 upon the defeat of his proposal to end the slave trade in the English colonies. Not knowing it would be another 11 years of sustained effort before success, Wilberforce was expressing to his old friend Newton (pictured here) his willingness to consider retirement from public life. Here is Newton's reply, which convinced Wilberforce to stay the course.

Daniel, likewise, was a public man, and in critical circumstances; but he trusted in the Lord; was faithful in his department, and therefore though he had enemies, they could not prevail against him.

Indeed the great point for our comfort in life is to have a well-grounded persuasion that we are where, all things considered, we ought to be. Then it is no great matter whether we are in public or in private life, in a city or a village, in a palace or a cottage. The promise, "My grace is sufficient for thee," is necessary to support us in the smoothest scenes, and is equally able to support us in the most difficult. . . .

[Christ] is always near. He knows our wants, our dangers, our feelings, our fears. By looking to him we are enlightened and made strong out of weakness. With his wisdom for our guide, his power for our protection, his fullness for our supply, and proposing his glory as our chief end, and placing our happiness in his favour, in communion with him, and communications from Him, we shall be able to "withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand."

Source of Quote: William Wilberforce: A Hero for Humanity by Kevin Belmonte (Zondervan, 2007, pages 137,138)

John Newton is the author of the hymn Amazing Grace, which also serves as the title to the wonderful film that captures the life of William Wilberforce (see pdf study guide).

On the Road to Easter

2007-03-29T07:30:00.000-07:00

For those who are interested, I've posted an Easter Sermon (or pre-Easter, as we are still in the Season of Lent) at my other site, Fwd: Thoughts titled, On the Road to Easter - Can You Hear Him Call? Here's a paragraph:

Traveling heavenward requires a different mind than the way of the world. It is a life marked by service and humility, not greatness and control. This is a hard message to hear for modern day followers of Christ. Jesus would indeed have us experience a vibrant, wonderful life, but first he beckons us to follow him to the cross and die to ourselves so that we can take hold of the new life he offers.

Poverty vs Middle vs World Class Thinking

2007-03-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

The two greatest influencing factors on how we think (and thus how we live) are:

The books we read, and ...
The people we associate with.

The types of books we read reflect how we think about ourselves. Are we constantly in "fantasy land" trying to escape reality by reading novels with little or no moral redeeming value? Or are we learning from history, engaging in personal development, and understanding how money and business works?

The types of people we associate with is also critical in how we think about ourselves and even where we end up in life. Take our income level, for example. Add up the annual salaries of your several closest friends and divide it by that number and you'll likely have your annual income. We are who we hang around.

What this means is that we generally gravitate toward five broad categories of thinking and living based on the books we read and the people we hang around. According to Steven Siebold (author of 177 Mental Toughness Secrets of the World Class), those categories are poverty, working, middle, upper, and world class thinking.

Those with a poverty or working class mentality talk about (and mostly grumble about) the past. They are constantly blaming others for their failures, for not getting ahead, for their bad breaks in life. Could be a boss, a parent, a teacher. They got screwed over by someone and that's why they are where they are at. It's a victim mindset.

Those with a middle class mentality talk about other people - comparing up or down and always trying to position themselves a little better than their peers. It's either keep up with the Joneses or it's bragging about their latest toy. The middle class have also deluded themselves into thinking that they are where they're at because of their hard work. Most middle class folks thought they hit a double when in fact they were born on second base.

Those with an upper, or better yet, world class mentality talk about ideas. They are always looking for ways to grow, increase, become better, build, influence more, impact more, do more, be more. And so they are reading books that help them think better. They associate with positive, excited people and avoid negative, limiting people.

Questions to Ponder:

Are you focused on the past, other people, or big ideas?
What books are you reading that support the direction you want to go?
What people in your life do you need to limit your exposure to?
When will you begin to implement the answers to these questions?

Reminder from Oswald Chambers

2007-03-26T20:00:00.000-07:00

With all this interest in The Secret and Rhonda Byrne's heresy that we are gods, a timely reminder from a classic Christian author is in order:

"The nature of sin is not immorality and wrongdoing, but the nature of self-realization which leads us to say, 'I am my own god.' This nature may exhibit itself in proper morality or in improper immorality, but it always has a common basis - my claim to my right to myself." ~ Oswald Chambers in My Utmost for His Highest (Entry for October 5 - written between 1911 & 1915!)

Self-realization is not a new thing, nor necessarily a bad thing. But Chambers took note of it's dangers nearly 100 years ago. Without God, the self becomes the arbiter of good and evil. This was the sin of the garden. And the same devil tempts us today with the same proposition: "You shall be like God." This is a fundamental flaw in the teaching of the Secret and those who advocate it's doctrines.

And note that we are not talking about whether the teachers of the Secret are moral or immoral. I am sure that many who profess to follow universal principles like the Law of Attraction are quite nice and giving people. That is not the issue. The issue is idolatry. Ultimately, the Secret is about claiming my right to myself.

If ever we travel within to find ourselves, rest assured, it will be a very short trip.

God is My CEO

2007-03-26T06:35:00.000-07:00

A surprisingly helpful little handbook is God is My CEO by Larry Julian (published by Adams Media 2001, 2002). It's actually a compilation of short chapters on a wide range of business topics by various corporate leaders, sports authorities, and even a former governor.

Normally I would shy away from books like this that tie God with politics, business, or sports, but the subtitle - Following God's Principles in a Bottom-Line World - sounded better than the title. It struck a chord with me as this is my desire.

I was pleased with the resource. Just flipping through the headings and authors piqued my interest: Tony Dungy (Super Bowl Champ Head Coach) on Patience; Horst Schulze (CEO Ritz Carlton) on Servant Leadership; Truett Cathy (Founder Chick-fil-A) on Priorities; Bob Buford (author of Half Time) on Success. Etc.

Okay. Not an instant classic. But a nice gift if you are looking to impact others in a positive way.

Thought Renewal Quotes

2007-03-25T05:30:00.000-07:00

Summarizing some recent posts with a few key quotes on the various topics I've covered so far in Thought Renewal.

Success has to do with living a life of abundance that comes from the hand of God.

Communication requires distributing the right words to the right destination at the right time, which also requires receiving the right information from the other person.

What excuses are we willing to eliminate from our lives right now so that we can live the life of abundance that God intends for us? Go to the ant for some life lessons.

Your luck increases in direct proportion to the extent that you live your life on purpose in a cause that is bigger than yourself.

Harnessing our mental faculties for creating positive environs for ourselves and other people is a laudable and attainable goal. In fact, it is a biblical mandate.

We haven't been taught that it is a virtue to create wealth for the benefit of our family and others. So we have to teach ourselves the validity of this belief.

We do not have the ability within ourselves to break free from our prison that separates us from our Creator. But wait, there is good news...

The Law of Attraction seems to me to be a restating of the biblical principle, "You reap what you sow."

Did you know that each one of our beliefs is a choice? Sadly, we've chosen to accept most of our beliefs "without argument."

Jesus has a clear goal in mind for each of our lives and has a plan that, if followed, will take us to our destination with banners waving.

While we shouldn't ignore our 5 natural senses, I believe there are supernatural senses which give us a heavenly perspective that our physical nature will miss.

It is not our humanity that gets us into trouble. It is the inhuman sin nature that infests and corrupts God's good earth that is the problem.

Are we going to persist in fear and give in to our anxieties or are we going to do everything we can to "flunk out of the school of worry" and live the life of abundance that God has in store for us?

Defining Terms: Success

2007-03-24T07:30:00.000-07:00

Starting an ongoing series of posts on the various terms and phrases I use throughout Thought Renewal. Definitions are sometimes a bit elusive; and one challenge in communication is talking past each other due to the misinterpretation of what the other actually means.

The first word I want to tackle is Success. One reason is that this is unabashedly a success blog. The purpose of Thought Renewal is to help people help themselves to a life of abundance that God intends for us. This is also a Christian blog in that my starting point, motivation, and end goal is wrapped up in Jesus Christ. (We'll be "defining" God in a later post :-)

So what I mean when I write about this topic incorporates at least those two components. Success has to do with living a life of abundance that comes from the hand of God. When we are enjoying the life that Jesus offers (see John 10.10) we are successful.

Yes, there is a pragmatic aspect to success. When we accomplish a certain goal, win a competitive test, reach a particular benchmark, then we have successfully completed the task in front of us. My definitions is broader than that and addresses more the attitude or position of the heart.

It borders on Earl Nightingale's famous motto: "Success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal." That's a process definition which I like. John Maxwell is right when he says that success is not a destination, but rather a journey (see my quick review of his Road Map to Success). Maxwell has this to offer:

Success is . . .
knowing your purpose in life,
growing to reach your maximum potential,
and sowing seeds that benefit others.

That's good. It speaks to the overflowing life that marks a true follower of Jesus. You see, striving for success is not a selfish endeavor; it is pursuing the life of impact and joy that God intends for each of us.

Daily Affirmations, Part 5

2007-03-23T05:30:00.000-07:00

Today's affirmations come once again from Think Like a Winner. It is a matter of teaching one's mind on a dialy basis that changes our thinking. That is why...

Today, I have a positive mental attitude. I have eliminated criticism and impatience from my life, and replaced them with praise and tolerance.
Today, I totally believe in myself. I believe I am capable and worthy of high achievement.
Today, I have a big, challenging goal I am working toward. It is adding meaning and momentum to my life.
Today, I accept full responsibility for all my actions. Whatever results I achieve, I know they are the result of the thinking I am engaged in.
Today, I manage my time effectively. I know every minute is precious and irreplaceable, and must be used to the best advantage.
Today, I am pursuing a personal development program. I dedicate at least one hour each day toward improving myself.
Today, I value my health, physically, mentally, and spiritually. I am taking very good care of myself.
Today, I am a creative person in setting and attaining my goals. Possibilities abound in all my thoughts and actions.
Today, I have a service-minded approach toward my employment and fellow human beings. I always to more that what is expected of me, knowing I will receive more of what I want in return.
Today, I am excellent at what I do. I believe it is through excellence that I will find my true self.
Today, I am effective in all my interpersonal relationships. I believe people take priority over problems, and that they deserve my total respect and attention.

Go here for more del.icio.us Affirmations!

Distributing Good Words

2007-03-22T06:35:00.000-07:00

Did a word study awhile back on "communication."

Surprising definition, really. It means to have things in common. To communicate means to share or distribute items so that both parties may enjoy them.

What items are to be shared? Words. Good words.

Here's a principle to apply from the Apostle Paul: "Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things." I use this old fashioned translation of the bible (the King James Version of Galatians 6.6) to point out the word behind communicate. It's koinonia, the Greek word for fellowship or sharing.

A modern translation would use the word share: "Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with the instructor." (same verse, New International Version)

This does not necessarily mean financial support. Yes, we should pay our teachers an adequate salary. But more than that, we can bestow upon those who instruct us - and upon anyone for that matter - a gift of words.

Some call this speaking a blessing. I think of it as distributing good words. Isn't this what communication should be about? Every day we have opportunities to give encouraging, nourishing words to others. Every day we have opportunities to practice our communication skills.

But distributing good words on a consistent basis is difficult. I've found that I need to monitor two areas of my speech if I'm going to become a better communicator.

First, I need to watch for the rise of hurtful words that tear people down. I need to stop the flow of negative words before they dribble out - or gush out as the case may be - and do damage to others.

Here's another great principle to apply. The Apostle Peter says that love "covers over" a multitude of sins (see 1 Peter 4.8). In other words, love "puts a lid on it" and doesn't broadcast a failing. When tempted to "share a concern" about another's faults, love zips the lip.

Second, I need to be sensitive to the situation of the person I want to communicate with. That is, I need to watch for the green light and say a good word at a good time. Understanding another's needs, pressures, and dreams helps us with what to say and when to say it.

Of course, this entails listening. To distribute good words to the right destination at the right time requires receiving the correct information and signals from the other person. So becoming a better communicator not only involves sharing good words, but listening so that those good words can be received at the best time.

Questions to Ponder

Do you see your communication as the distribution of good words?
What might be preventing you from communicating more effectively?
Develop a list of people with whom you want to share good words.

Looking forward to sharing with you and receiving good words from you!

Anybody, Nobody, Somebody, & Everybody

2007-03-21T19:00:00.000-07:00

You’ve heard the story about Anybody, Nobody, Somebody, and Everybody?

An important job had to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

Ant Music

2007-03-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

Life Lessons from Our Tiny Neighbors

"Go to the ant, you sluggard!" (Proverbs 6:6-11, see below)

Ouch! Ever get super-charged at an event and make all sorts of commitments only to wake up the next morning and "chicken out" on whatever you decided to do? Making that first phone call or starting that project seems overwhelming in the morning light.

Let's "go to the ant" and consider its ways and be wise!

First, the ant is self-motivated to work. It has no boss telling it to get going. It is driven by habit and instinct to succeed. God has placed a success mechanism in us as well. We can cultivate that habit.

Second, the ant stores up for the future. It works when it can, knowing that winter is coming when it can no longer work. Big clue! We can play now and pay later or we can pay now, save money and build wealth.

Third, sluggards, by contrast, work when they feel like it - and they never feel like it! They are full of excuses: "I'll get back to work after a short little nap." And that nap lasts all day long. Like I said, "Ouch!"

Fourth, poverty will eat the unprepared alive. Like a bandit, like a thief, it'll take away everything the sluggard has. If we play now and neglect our work, we'll not only pay later but we'll pay with compound interest.

Fifth, there's good news! We can change, we can consider the ant and be wise. In fact, we can get wise today! The definition of wisdom is applied knowledge for godly purposes. Success is a choice. It's simply a matter of daily choosing to do those things we know is best for ourselves and those around us.

Questions for Reflection

Are we driven by habit and instinct to succeed? We were designed to be. What habits do you need to start or continue to develop?

Are we storing up for "winter"? We know instinctively that we should prepare for the future and yet we're full of rationalizations.

What excuses are we willing to eliminate from our lives right now so that we can live the life of abundance that God intends for us?

I don't know about you, but I want to get wise right away so that I can experience God's favor now and in the days ahead. Let's get wise together.

Proverbs 6:6-11 (NIV)
6 Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise!
7 It has no commander, no overseer or ruler,
8 yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
When will you get up from your sleep?
10 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest-
11 and poverty will come on you like a bandit
and scarcity like an armed man.

I Break for Humor

2007-03-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

"You're the creator of the HMO plan?
Sure you can stay ... For three days!"

This was a gag line I came up with awhile back that a cartoonist acquaintance of mine, Steve Phelps, put into picture form. So, yes, I am a published author. :-)

Creating Your Own Luck

2007-03-20T05:01:00.000-07:00

It's your lucky day!

Why? Because today you have a choice. You can choose to live this day on purpose. And when you make that decision, you put yourself in a position to receive everything that today has to offer. You can make today your lucky day. And that's great news!

But how? What's the "first step" to becoming lucky?

To continually receive good things in life, you must surrender yourself daily to a worthy cause. I believe your luck increases in direct proportion to the extent that you live your life on purpose in a business or cause that is bigger than yourself.

Many people think success is just a matter of chance; that good things in life are flukes (this is not what I mean by luck). People say, "They were just in the right place at the right time." Now that part is true. But what most people don't realize is that we create our own luck by preparing ourselves to be in the right place at the right time. Like in the movie Facing the Giants we must not only pray but prepare for rain.

How to Create Your Own Luck

Let's Get L.U.C.K.Y. - A Five Point Strategy

1st Strategy: L – Look for people to serve. We must take the initiative. This is a mindset, an early life decision that has to be managed every day, as John Maxwell says. It's also a "heartset" - a decision to serve from love in everything we do.

The byproduct is that you benefit as well. Doesn't Zig Ziglar make sense? "You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want."

2nd Strategy: U - Understand, accept, and work the numbers. In any business or cause, some will, some won't, so what, someone's waiting. Truth is, you can't beat the numbers, but it's also true that the numbers can't beat you.

Don't treat people as numbers, but if you're going to get lucky you must play the game daily. A game you can win. This is not like the lottery. Winning in Las Vegas is a fluke. Winning in life is not. But it is about working the numbers.

3rd Strategy: C – Commit to consistent activity. John Maxwell, a leadership expert, states that he could spend a day with you and tell you with 95% certainty whether you will be successful. He said the secret to one's success (or failure) is discovered in one's daily agenda.

It's not the home run record that makes a person a success, it's the daily batting practice. Tornadoes and hurricanes make the news, but termites do more damage. (It's the little things that count!)

4th Strategy: K – Know your business well. You don't have to be the greatest at your business or service, just be good. And get better every day. Become excellent at your craft. Of course, it takes hard work. And time. But not as long as you think.

5th Strategy: Y – You decide how fast, how hard, how much. It's a choice. You determine how lucky you get! Work hard. Get lucky. Put yourself in the right position at the right time with the right people. You can have it all when you live your life on purpose.

It's Your Choice . . .
Look for People to Serve
Understand, Accept, & Work the Numbers
Commit to Consistent Activity
Know Your Business Well
You Decide How LUCKY You Get!

© 2007, Lyn Perry - Permission to reprint this article with acknowledgment.
Photo source: Henry Li at Kronka, utilizing the Creative Commons Deed.

Daily Affirmations, Part 4

2007-03-19T07:30:00.000-07:00

Today's affirmations are from Tom Hopkins, a sales and leadership trainer, who has had a tremendous impact on my thinking about 'failure' and how to re-frame experiences I once thought were negative. Say this three times daily! :-)

I never see failure as failure,
but only as a learning experience.
I never see failure as failure,
but only as the negative feedback I need to change course in my direction.
I never see failure as failure,
but only as the opportunity to develop my sense of humor.
I never see failure as failure,
but only as an opportunity to practice my techniques and perfect my performance.
I never see failure as failure,
but only as the game I must play to win.

I am not judged by the number of times I fail, but by the number of times I succeed; and the number of times I succeed is in direct proportion to the number of times I can fail and keep trying!

More del.icio.us Affirmations!

Developing a Biblical PMA

2007-03-18T19:00:00.000-07:00

Positive Mental Attitude

Don't discount the role of PMA in your life. Harnessing our mental faculties for creating positive environs for ourselves and other people is a laudable and attainable goal. In fact, it is a biblical mandate.

The Apostle Paul commends to us the pondering of those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Phil 4.8,9). If these aren't positive in nature then the adjective has no meaning. We are to think on, dwell upon these positive virtues.

Unfortunately, many of us have been taught that if a principle is popularized by the "self-help" movement or is taught by psychologists (gasp!) then it is automatically suspect. And, to be sure, we ought to use discernment when evaluating any teaching.

Especially now, relative to the current frenzy surrounding The Secret. It's easy to jump onto one of two bandwagons - either we buy into its teachings without question or reject everything to do with it without thinking. But if we're honest, we know the path is found somewhere between the two extremes.

Indeed, the Secret and the Bible have one thing in common at least. And that is the conviction that what we think about is undeniably important! So much so that the Apostle again writes to a local church, "Take captive every thought" (2 Cor 10.5). Both the Secret and the Bible teach us to control our thinking.

But here's the crucial difference. The Scripture teaches us to take every thought captive in order "to make it obedient to Christ." The media, our culture, other people, past experiences all shape how we think so it is incumbent upon us to monitor and control, as far as possible, these influencing factors. But the purpose, for the Christian, is to be conformed to the mind of Christ.

This speaks to our motivation. Why should we develop a positive mental attitude? Because the characteristics that describe such an attitude are the characteristics of Christ. And since Jesus is our model, teacher, and Lord, we will want to pattern our lives after him.

For further discussion (borrowed from my pastor, btw) here are some key differences between the world's take on PMA and developing a biblical PMA (feel free to comment below if you know of others):

Motivation ~ Followers of Jesus want to become like him and give glory to God, not simply utilize positive principles for our own benefit or even for those around us.
Goal ~ To serve others, witness to God's power, and build up the body of Christ, not simply accumulate money and become prosperous for our own benefit or even for those around us.
Means ~ The resource we have that enables us to develop a positive mental attitude is Jesus Christ himself ("I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Phil 4.13) not some "higher self" or "infinite intelligence" or impersonal "universal energy."
Outlook ~ We have an eternal relationship with our Creator to look forward to - and our PMA is a result of this truth, not a means toward it. The world teaches techniques of positive thinking in order to attain some final state of being known variously as heaven, nirvana, enlightenment, or oneness with the universe.

So yes, by all means, let's control our thinking. We can all agree on that. And one of the best ways to start is to think about what we think about. This will help us evaluate the motive, goal, means, and outlook behind our desire for developing our PMA.

But may I suggest one thing more? That we think about how we think about God? For this will determine whether we're developing a PMA based on his truth or whether we're trying to go it alone.

Daily Affirmations, Part 3

2007-03-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

God has given us the ability to create wealth.

Trouble is, many of us grew up with - and still have - a "poverty" mindset. That is, we haven't been taught that it is a virtue to create wealth for the benefit of our family and others. So we have to teach ourselves the validity of this belief. Change our thinking, change our beliefs and ultimately change our lives.

One way to change our thinking is through daily affirmations. Repetition, we know from experience, is the mother of learning. We develop new thought-patterns when we repeatedly affirm something. (An extreme example is that of brainwashing.)

Now it's important to realize that that "something" could be a statement of truth or falsehood. Like gravity, the Principle of Affirmation doesn't care how you use it, it works regardless of our motives. That is why it is imperative to base our affirmations on the truth of scripture.

And a scriptural truth is that God has given us the ability to create wealth (Deuteronomy 8.18).

So one set of daily affirmations that I use to help transform my "poverty" thinking into "abundance" thinking - which thus changes my beliefs about earning money (among other things) - is as follows:

I have decided to use the talents God has given me and create wealth for my family and those around me.
Think of my family and friends who will benefit.
Think of the ministries we can fund and the saints we will serve.
Think of our future friends we'll greet in the Kingdom.
Think of the tens of thousands of lives we can touch.
Think of the taxes we'll pay.
Think of the business we'll generate and the people employed because of it.
Think of my parents and the positive impact they've had as successful business owners.
Think of the legacy we'll leave.

I also have a scriptural text for each of these bullet points, so if that's important to you, email me and I will send you the passages that are foundational to thinking biblically about wealth. Also, let me know what daily affirmations you are using to change your thinking and beliefs so that you can experience the life of abundance that God intends.

More del.icio.us Affirmations!

The Mighty God of Comfort

2007-03-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

We worship a God of comfort.
We worship a God of might.
Our God is a mighty God of comfort!

The stark reality is that, apart from God, we are enslaved to our sinful nature. We do not have the ability within ourselves to break free from our prison that separates us from our Creator. But wait, there is good news. God's plan has always been to step in and save us for himself; to set us free to live a life of abundance, purpose, and power.

"Look, Yahweh will come with might and power.... Like a shepherd he will come to tend his flock." (see Isaiah 40.10,11)

With might and power . . . like a shepherd!

Hold these images together. God is not only transcendent (above and beyond the universe he created), he is immanently close, dwelling among his people, caring for his flock. The scripture not only testifies to God's power and strength, but of his mercy and comfort also. He is a mighty God of comfort.

As children of God, we have been given the privilege to experience life and ministry with others in a similar manner. We can live in the power of God's strength and overflow with his mercy.

Many of us, however, focus on one attribute more than the other - possibly to the exclusion of the other. Some of us express gifts of mercy and grace. We give. We serve. We help out. We wear ourselves out! :-)

Others of us exert power and influence. We lead. We direct. We make things happen. We make ulcers happen! :-)

Don't forget that God is a mighty God of comfort. His strength can be ours. In fact, it is ours. Paul when writing Timothy reminds us that God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power (1 Tim 1.7). His mercy can be ours as well (2 Cor 1.3,4).

Let's hold these truths in tandem so that we might experience anew the might and comfort of God in our lives.

Quite an Interesting Conversation

2007-03-15T20:00:00.000-07:00

Carrying on quite an interesting conversation with Edward Mills of Evolving Times via his comment section on the "Backlash Has Begun." The topic is The Secret and it's metaphysical underpinning, the Law of Attraction. Here are some snippets of that dialog which might provoke more conversation here (hint hint :-)

Let me preface this by saying that, in general, I affirm the LoA. It seems to me to be a restating of the biblical principle, "You reap what you sow." And I believe we can readily accept this "law" as a tool that God allows us to use for our benefit and his glory. You can read my rationale on why the Secret works here - as well as a neophyte's understanding (mine) of a biological basis for it here.

That being said, what prompted this conversation was Newsweek's article that cast doubts on the motivation behind this marketing phenomenon - The Secret is the #1 best selling book right now with sales eclipsing second place 2 to 1! After all, who wouldn't want to buy a book that tells us we can have anything we want by simply thinking about it! To many, the Secret proffers a magic pill for an already overly self-indulgent society.

In response to Newsweek's skepticism, Ed made this point:

"So the critics who watch the Secret will be able to grab onto to some of the holes in the presentation in order to discredit the entire LoA concept."

I understand, don't throw out the baby with the bath water. But my reaction is that there's a lot of dirty water in the bath tub right now:

"While I agree that a backlash to any concept or movement that has gained popularity necessarily picks at the holes and the extreme or 'straw-man' representatives of that movement, it seems to me that much of the - for lack of a better term - 'wacky' teaching surrounding the LoA opens itself to critique by the main stream populace.

"A noted example is the Teachings of Abraham-Hicks. Instead of denouncing the channeled messages from Esther's spirit guides as a form of demonic possession, many advocates of the Secret (and the main force behind it, Rhonda Byrne) celebrate this as enlightened wisdom.

"My suspicion is that this type of 'teaching' is no longer fringe and that the legitimate and sound principles espoused by the self-help and personal development movement are being co-opted by not only wacky but dangerously destructive practitioners."

Ed confirms my suspicions when he affirms the validity of these spirit-guides (I term them deceiving spirits):

"It seems to me that channeled information, whether from Spirit Guides, Higher Self, or God, has, throughout our history, provided a great source of spiritual knowledge....

And for me, the Law of Attraction and the teachings of Abraham as channeled through Esther Hicks provide a wealth of information that has already dramatically improved my life and continues to make it better on a daily basis."

Although I do not know Mr. Mills and can not judge his standing before God, I felt a burden as a witness to Christ's redeeming power over darkness to share this response:

"Following these demon-inspired teachings leads away from the True God of the universe (not to be confused with the universe itself - which is often capitalized as a nod to transcendence) who wants to have an eternal relationship with us. We are created in his image and so are of inestimable worth. We will either live with God forever or be separated from him forever - there is no middle ground....

"This is a formula for morally relativistic living which can not be judged apart from a divine ruling. We have that ruling already in place - the Scriptures. Without it we have 'teachings' from people like Esther Hicks and Rhonda Byrne who tell us, 'You are the master of the Universe' (p 183 of The Secret). In my book that's blasphemy. Are we incredible creatures? You bet, but we are not demigods. Satan would have us believe this since he believes it himself. Please reject these teachings from this so-called 'Abraham.' "

Ed was gracious in his reply:

"You make several interesting points. Overall, IMO, your positive thoughts are overshadowed by your assertion that the teachings of Abraham are the 'product of deceiving spirits,' and 'blasphemy' and 'demon-inspired.'

"I enjoy your comments and would like to continue this conversation. However, if you continue to mask your insights in such judgmental and closed-minded terms, my interest in continuing this conversation will very quickly diminish."

I can see how that would be the case! Like I said at the beginning, quite an interesting conversation. As I would like the dialog to continue, how should I respond? What might you say in my place? Thanks in advance for your comments.

Christian Fiction Blog Tour

2007-03-14T20:00:00.000-07:00

First, check out the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for information on this week's feature book, The Reliance by M. L. Tyndall.

Then, read the following reviews:

Frank Creed's A Frank Review
Karri Compton's KC Review
Bel at Belz Reviewz
Edgy Inspirational Author
Cara Putnam's Law, Books & Life
Erica is On the Write Path
If you've reviewed this book, leave a comment here and I'll post a link to your blog.

Until then, argh, good reading, matey!
Bonus (HT Karri): Discover Your Pirate Name here.
And, go here to know more about the author, M.L. Tyndall.

Daily Affirmations, Part 2

2007-03-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

Today's Affirmation is based on Zig Ziglar's 30 Day Confidence Builder. First thing in the morning and last thing at night, by yourself, in front of a mirror, stand up straight, square your shoulders, look yourself in the eye and quietly, firmly say in the first-person, present-tense:

I, __________, am a person of integrity with a good attitude and specific goals. I have a high energy level, am enthusiastic, and take pride in my appearance and what I do. I have a sense of humor, lots of faith, wisdom, and the vision, empathy and courage to use my talents effectively. I have character and am knowledgeable. My convictions are strong and I have a healthy self-image, a passion for what is right, and a solid hope for the future.

I am an honest, sincere, hard-working person. I am tough but fair and sensitive. I'm disciplined, motivated, and focused. I am a good listener and patient, but take decisive action. I am bold, authoritative and confident, yet humble. I am an encourager, a good-finder, an excellent communicator and am developing winning habits.

I am a student, a teacher, and a self-starter. I am obedient, loyal, responsible, dependable and prompt. I have a servant's heart, am ambitious and a team-player. I am personable, optimistic and organized. I am consistent, considerate and resourceful. I am intelligent, competent, persistent and creative. I am health-conscious, balanced and sober. I am flexible, punctual and thrifty.

I am an honorable person who is truly grateful for the opportunity God has given me. These are the qualities of the winner I was born to be and I am fully committed to develop these marvelous qualities with which I have been entrusted. Today is the first day of my life, and it's wonderful!

Before bed, add: Tonight I'm going to sleep wonderfully well. I will dream powerful, positive dreams. I will awaken energized and refreshed, and tomorrow's going to be magnificent!

More del.icio.us Affirmations!

Change Your Thinking Change Your Life

2007-03-12T07:30:00.000-07:00

Did you know that each one of our beliefs is a choice?

Even those we aren't consciously aware of. We still choose. We've chosen to accept most of our beliefs "without argument." That is, we unconsciously buy into what others have told us about ourselves and the world around us. Or we simply accept a certain interpretation of a past experience and assume that future events hold the same meaning.

For the most part, this allows us to function in a relatively healthy manner. Imagine trying to evaluate every detail of every decision we make every day to determine if we truly believe it so that we can act on it. We'd be paralyzed. We live life on faith for the most part, and this is good.

But in many cases our beliefs should be challenged.

Especially when we begin to realize that we're holding negative and self-limiting beliefs because "that's what I've always been told." Beliefs like: "I'm no good at math." ~ "I'm not a people person." ~ "I've never been good with directions." ~ "I'm a terrible cook."

Who says?! Who told you that? Probably a person, a cultural expectation, or past experience. But we can choose a different belief. Some people say that they aren't readers. Well, if you read a book guess what? You become a reader! It's a matter of choice. That's great news. It means we aren't victims to past influences or patterns of behavior.

So how do we change our beliefs? The answer is by thinking about our thoughts. Whenever we make a statement to ourselves or about ourselves, become aware of that self-talk. Bring it to light and then change your thinking about it. It's a choice.

And when we change our thinking, we change our lives. We'll explore this topic further, but for now look at the progression this sets in motion.

When you change your thinking, you change your beliefs;
When you change your beliefs, you change your expectations;
When you change your expectations, you change your attitude;
When you change your attitude, you change your behavior;
When you change your behavior, you change your performance;
When you change your performance, you change your life!

You already choose your beliefs. The question is, will you choose to evaluate them and change them if necessary? It's up to you.

Think Like A Winner!

2007-03-10T05:01:00.000-08:00

[Note: This post is taken from the first page of Walter Doyle Staples' Think Like A Winner! I've added a couple of notes in brackets for clarification. lgp]

"If you want to get the results that winners get,
you must first think like a winner thinks!"

So how does a winner think? Here is a list of the ten core beliefs that are unique to all peak performing men and women. Consider each one carefully, and imagine what your world would begin to look like if you held the same beliefs and made them a part of your life today.

One: Winners are not born, they are made.
Two: The dominant force in your existence is the thinking you engage in.
Three: You are empowered to create your own reality [aka environment].
Four: There is some benefit to be had from every adversity.
Five: Each one of your beliefs is a choice.
Six: You are never defeated until you accept defeat as a reality, and decide to stop trying.
Seven: You already possess the ability to excel in at least one key area of your life.
Eight: The only real limitations on what you can accomplish in your life are those you impose on yourself [other than some genetic limitations, but even then, these are greatly overrated].
Nine: There can be no great success without great commitment.
Ten: You need the support and cooperation of other people to achieve any worthwhile goal.

Just Walk

2007-03-09T21:00:00.000-08:00

Possibly young Noah's favorite story...

"Tell me about Great Grandpa Enoch again, Papa," young Noah might have said. "Did God really take him away?"

"Yes," Lamech assured his son. "He walked with God every day. He loved the Lord and taught his children and grandchildren to love God as well."

Noah nodded. "Go on," he said.

"Well, one day my Grandpa Enoch said to me, 'Lamech, be sure to tell my great grandchildren to walk with God. I won't get a chance to tell them myself.' He was thinking of you, Noah, even before you were born."

"And then what happened, Papa?" Noah liked hearing this part.

"Then he said he was going to meet with God as he usually did in the evening. We watched him go. He was there, and then he was not. God took him."

"Do you think God will take you, Papa, or me?" Noah wanted to know.

"Walk with God, my son. That is enough. God will take us home; how and when are of no concern. Just walk with God."

Today's Affirmations

2007-03-09T07:30:00.000-08:00

Daily Affirmations, Part 1
Today's Truths are from the Scriptures

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (Deuteronomy 31.8)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1.9)
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5.7)
The Lord knows how to rescue godly men and women from trials. (2 Peter 2.9)
There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8.1)
If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8.31)
Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. (1 John 4.4)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4.13)
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4.19)
Put [your] hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. (1 Timothy 6.17)
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. (1 Timothy 4.4-5)
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1.17)
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4.16)

Life's Wild Expedition

2007-03-08T21:00:00.000-08:00

It strikes me that we embark on some wild expeditions in life. But do we know our destination? I'm sure we have a vague notion of where we're going, but maybe we aren't certain on how to get there or what it will take to actually finish the adventure successfully.

What's more, we're often loaded down with supplies that are cumbersome, even useless, and may in fact be liabilities. For the journey we're on, the baggage we hold dear is revealing. For instance:

Sir John Franklin sailed from England in 1845 to find the rumored northwest passage to the Pacific Ocean across the Canadian Arctic. He and 138 officers and men sailed in 2 three-masted vessels equipped with an auxiliary steam engine and a 12-day supply of coal for the entire projected 2 to 3 year voyage. Instead of additional coal, each ship boasted a 1,200 volume library, a hand organ, china place settings, cut-glass wine goblets and sterling silverware. The expedition carried no special clothing for the arctic. They were last seen alive entering the Lancaster Sound.

For the next 20 years, search parties found the remains of the Franklin expedition scattered across the frozen sea. Many, on their way for help, died far from the broken ship, stuck in the ice pack. They were found carrying the supplies they deemed important. One search party, for example, discovered among a clump of frozen bodies, some guns, chocolate, tea and a great deal of sterling silver flatware. This was the Franklin expedition of 1845.

(Note: I first read about this tragedy in Teaching a Stone to Talk, a collection of narrative essays by Annie Dillard, and have adapted her account here.)

A sad ending. And although our life adventure may at times be dangerous, Jesus does not intend for our expedition to end in tragedy. He has a clear goal in mind for each of our lives and has a plan that, if followed, will take us to our destination with banners waving. And along the way we will find satisfaction, refreshment, joy and purpose. In a word, success.

So what is the goal that Christ has in mind? What's the plan that we should follow if we don't want to end up "frozen in the pack" with only a bit of silver to show for our efforts?

An important text of scripture to meditate on is Galatians 5.22,23.

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." ~ The Apostle Paul

This passage speaks of the character that the Holy Spirit is developing in each of us. In fact, it is the character of Jesus that Paul is describing. A quick preview, then, of our destination: What makes for a successful life expedition is wrapped up in the person of Jesus Christ.

Since he created us, doesn't it follow that he knows what it takes for us, the creation, to find fulfillment? Doesn't it follow that he is himself the answer to our most basic needs? The clear goal for our lives and the route that will take us across our own "northwest passage" is Jesus himself.

We're each of us on a wild expedition called life. Will there be uncertainty along the way? Yes. A life of adventure with our Creator guarantees unexpected twists and turns. We have an incomplete map to follow (or rather, an incomplete understanding of the map); but God is the cartographer and because he is good will lead us every step of the way. Are we trusting in his direction?

Where are you on this journey? Have you just begun? Or are you over halfway done? Take some time to evaluate the baggage that you're carrying. What does it reveal about your life? If you are burdened down with supplies that you don't really need, what could you throw overboard? Since we can't take it with us anyhow, let's dump the flatware here and now.

A God of Refills

2007-03-08T07:30:00.000-08:00

Want a life-changing prescription?

A distraught patient called her physician. "Tell me, Doctor, do I have to take the medication you prescribed for the rest of my life?" "Yes, that's right," the doctor replied. "Then how serious is my condition?" the woman wanted to know. "Why do you ask?" "Because," the patient cried, "I just picked up my prescription and it's marked 'No Refills!'"

Humor aside, some people believe life is a "no refill" proposition. You only live once, they say. "So eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die." Many people buy into this bit of cultural wisdom. We place a lot of stock in what we can see, smell, taste, hear and feel. But by focusing on the world around us we often forget about the view from heaven.

This is especially true in decision making. We research, we estimate, we cost-factor, we analyze. We take a look at the bottom line and then we decide. Necessary, but worldly by itself.

While we shouldn't ignore our 5 senses, I believe Jesus would have us add another set of indicators - spiritual indicators - to our decision-making dashboard. These supernatural "senses" give us a heavenly perspective that our natural eyes will miss.

The three senses I'm referring to are faith, hope and love. In discerning God's will, our plans, projects and programs need to be examined in the light of these spiritual realities. Sure, review the facts, use the natural resources God has made available to us. We should analyze all the available data. But realize that supernatural resources are also available.

Think of faith, hope, and love as three divine guideposts, pointing us in the right direction. These virtues are powerful resources.

Faith is based on God's faithfulness to us in the past.
Hope is based on God's commitment to us for the future.
Love is based on God's present ministry of grace and mercy in our lives.

A bit too abstract? Think of a decision you are facing right now. You know the details, what your 5 senses tell you about the situation. Now check your spiritual indicators. Ask yourself if you're viewing this decision from heaven's perspective.

Are you trusting God that he is willing and able to help? That's faith.
Are you confident that the Holy Spirit is good and that He is working for your best interests and for God's glory? That's hope.
Are you seeking to fashion your life into a life of service like unto Jesus Christ? That's love.

Is this easy? No. But it leads to an abundant life, a life beyond simply "eating and drinking." When we add faith, hope, and love to the mix, great things will happen.

And don't worry about messing up. God is a God of "refills" and second chances. He simply asks that we keep trusting, obeying and responding to his Word and Spirit. He's given us both natural and supernatural resources. Let's utilize them all.

Now that's a life-changing prescription.

Personal Development Carnival Roundup

2007-03-07T12:00:00.000-08:00

Let's take a walk down the midway and enjoy this week's carnivals.

First, to the right, Andrea is hosting the premier Carnival of Christian Advice. Her blog, Ask Andrea, is a give and take, question and answer Christian advice blog. Drop in and ask her if I sent you. (I did, I reviewed Wild at Heart.)

UPDATE #1: Now straight ahead is the Christian Carnival CLXIV - hosted by Everyday Liturgy where, with the theme of liturgy as your guide, you'll find great posts in the Call to Worship, The Word of God, Eucharist, Prayers, and Benediction. (Mine is in Call to Worship :-)

To the left . . . oh wait, they're still setting up. Well, in a few days, be sure to look for some other carnivals on the Law of Attraction, Spiritual Growth, Christian Theology, and Positive Thinking.

In the mean time, here's what Anna at Widows Quest wrote about Renewal (not thinking about my blog I'm sure, but it fits well here).

R = Read more stories of success and hope.
E = Enjoy booking a holiday - I haven’t had one since my loss.
N = Never forget the pain but to read my affirmations each day to help my well being.
E = End my diet at my target weight.
W = Walk outside more in the fresh air.
A = Allow myself to smile and laugh without feeling guilty.
L = Learn one new skill.

Words from the Cross - Need

2007-03-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

Note: As we are in the Lenten Season of the Church calendar over the next few weeks I'd like to reflect on some of Jesus' Words from the Cross. This excerpt is from a sermon titled Need and is based on the phrase, "I thirst" - the fifth Word from the Cross found in John 19.28.

Need
We need a new coffee maker. We've had it almost 9 years and it's starting to leak. We need to replace it because we use it practically every day, can't live without it. Needless to say, we are avid coffee drinkers. Not just Starbucks, either. We buy the flavored gourmet style beans: Mocha Almond Java, Chocolate Irish Cream, Vanilla Cookie Wafer. Coffee flavors are getting about as ridiculous as ice cream varieties. Double Peanut Butter Brickle Fudge Brownie. At any rate, we need a new coffee maker if we're going to continue this admittedly extreme habit.

What do you need? A new washer, dryer, refrigerator, furniture, carpets, curtains, car, trailer, apartment, house? Or are your needs less tangible, more qualitative? Like friendship, family, companionship, care, understanding, acceptance, love and forgiveness. These are basic needs, to be sure. Emotional and spiritual needs.

Yet for many in the world, there are physical needs which are even more basic. Items, events that we take for granted. A night free from bombing, a day released from terror, shelter, clothing, food and water. Millions of people live without these most basic needs. But not for long. Some survive, many do not.

Hmm. I guess by way of contrast we don't really need a coffee maker. We can live without it. You don't need a micro-wave, mini-blinds or a new mattress. Not that these things are wrong to have. Just realize they don't fall into the category of needs. Wants, wishes, or wise purchases, maybe, but not necessities. Strip away all the packaging and we begin to realize that there are actually very few things that humans need.

We mentioned a few already. Friendship, acceptance, forgiveness, meaning. Shelter, sleep, food, water. Basic human needs. Every person who has ever lived has acknowledge these necessities. It may or may not surprise you, then, that Jesus had needs - physical, emotional, and spiritual needs because he was completely human. Yes, completely divine as well. But don't let that throw you. Jesus knew what it meant to be stomach-grumbling-hungry, dog-tired and emotionally drained.

And thirsty?! Jesus knew thirst. Probably the most fundamental ingredient in the recipe called survival. Water. H2O. Wet, refreshing, life-giving water. So important to our existence, it has become, for many, the symbol of life. To an alien race, water might even symbolize humanity. In one episode of "Star Trek, The Next Generation" (a science fiction TV series that used to rank in my top 5 need-to-watch list) humans were described as "ugly bags of mostly water." It's true. I don't know about the ugly part, but 70% of our body is water. A 5% loss results in fuzzy thinking, a 10% loss leads to death.

Jesus knew thirst. After a brutal beating and whipping which broke open the skin - that thin layered bag that holds our vital liquids inside - Jesus' body was an ugly mass of mostly water, blood-dripping, life-giving water. It's no wonder, then, that he speaks this 5th word from the cross. "I'm thirsty."

I'm thirsty. Has there ever been a more poignant statement of need - of human, physical need. It compliments, and may help explain, the word of anguish we heard last week, "My God, why have you forsaken me." While that 4th word from the cross spoke of spiritual alienation and abandonment due to the world's sin that Christ took upon himself, this phrase, "I am so thirsty," shouts out loud and clear that the divine Son of Man had needs.

Don't doubt it, friends. Jesus was fully human. Some early Christians, in order to protect Christ's divinity, were tempted to think of him as mere spirit in a phantom body. Some claimed that when he walked he never left any footprints. Balderdash. In John 8 we see him scrunch down and scribble in the dust. Can a phantom do that? No. Jesus had a body and it was subject to the bodily functions that mark us all. He ate, drank, burped, used the privy. He slept, cried, was tired, and was thirsty.

This should encourage us. It puts a stamp of approval on all that is truly human. It is not wrong to be in need, to hurt, to emote, to feel pain, depression, anguish, or thirst. Just as it is not wrong for us to exult, shout with joy, or soar to great heights. Humanness is good. In Genesis 1 God pronounces his blessing upon all of creation, especially his masterpiece, Adam, Man, Humankind.

It is not our humanity that gets us into trouble. It is the inhuman sin nature that infests and corrupts God's good earth that is the problem. Our sin nature, that hideous birth mark which we've adopted and fed and treated as something precious, that sin nature which has taken over our flesh needs to be rejected, destroyed, cleansed, and forgiven.

That is the reason for the cross. Jesus, the God-Man, hangs between earth and heaven as a space-time portal to filter out the parasite of sin so that all who enter will be pure and holy. And one day, one day we will experience our humanness as it was meant to be experienced, free from sin and death, free from pain and suffering. True humanity in resurrection bodies.

(For the complete sermon, visit Fwd: Thoughts.)

The Eagle

2007-03-05T12:00:00.000-08:00

A Fable

It was raining in the forest. It had been raining for days, and all the birds and animals were drenched. The eagle, too, was drenched, and his spirit dampened as well, for his mate lay with a chill, a victim of the constant rain. He could not keep her dry, and so looked on with despair as her life slowly drained away. His tears mingled with the rain when she died.

It was raining in the forest. The eagle could not stand the rain. It brought back memories too painful for him to bear. He rose up from the trees, hoping in flight to escape his thoughts. Higher and higher he climbed until finally he broke through the dark clouds into the dazzling sunlight that shone above the despair. As the warm sun dried his wings, he suddenly realized that the healing sun had been there all the time his mate had needed it. The pain of knowledge learned too late was more than he could bear, and there were tears for the sun to dry.

It was raining in the forest. It had been raining for days, and all the birds and animals were drenched. The rabbit, too, was drenched, and her spirit dampened as well, for her child lay with a chill, a victim of the constant rain. She poured out her sad tale to all who would listen, but the other creatures, too, were victims of the rain, and none could help.

An eagle happened by, and the rabbit began to tell her tale to him. She'd hardly started her story when the eagle suddenly lifted the rabbit's dying child onto his wings and began to circle quickly up into the dark and stormy clouds on an errand he did not take time to explain.

Is Worry Wrong?

2007-03-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

Fear. Anxiety. Worry.

Common enough topic for a "self-help" blog: How to overcome worry. But it is the assumption behind the issue that I want to address: "Is worry wrong?"

I think we can agree that worry isn't healthy for us. High and continuous levels of stress and anxiety can play a number on our immune system, cardiovascular system, and even change our brain chemistry. (And no, I don't have the studies cited but you can probably google them. Besides, I'm aware from personal experience that anxiety can't be good for me - too much worry makes my tummy upset!)

But is it sin?

The biblical answer is that a lack of faith or trust in God's goodness on the one hand or his ability to provide for our needs on the other is indeed sin. And since worry, or so it is often preached from the pulpit, means we are fretting over some issue we can not control, we are by definition not relying on God's grace and providence.

I do not necessarily disagree with this traditional explanation. However, here are some thoughts to chew on. Although a specific incidence of worry may indeed be a sin (and truly indicate a forsaking of trusting in God), I would state it the other way. It is the lack of belief and trust in God which is sin, and often that can express itself in worry and anxiety.

See the different starting point? While the "preacher from the pulpit" and I agree that not believing God's word to us about himself is missing the mark when it comes to Christian living, I am not so quick to condemn the expression of worry out of hand.

And not just because I'm trying to make excuses for myself. Here's why.

Worry should probably be likened to temptation - it is neither good nor bad, right nor wrong in and of itself. It just is. An anxious thought is an emotional signal that is giving us some information that needs to be brought into the light and looked at and decided upon.

Like anger. The Apostle Paul instructs us that in our anger we are not to sin (see Ephesians 4.26). He didn't say anger is sin. It could be. It could lead to sin. But the emotion itself is a signal that something is disturbing us. It's what we do with that emotion that makes the difference.

Back to worry. The question then is how we will respond to this signal. Will we turn to God in prayer (Paul's prescription in Philippians 4.6) or will we go it alone? You can probably guess which path God wants us to follow.

Now another issue is that, because of the change in our brain chemistry that extended anxiety can cause, a predisposition to worry may be more of a biological issue than we realize. This is not to make excuses. It is to put the solution in context. As with an alcoholic who might have a predisposition for drink, the consummate worrier must seek help from without (possibly medication, join a support group, and more) as well as from within (prayer, scripture memorization, and more).

This is not doubting that God can heal one's condition (whether it be drug dependence, fear, worry, et al). It is acting on the decision to place one's trust in God by seeking to grow into Christ's likeness. If we know we struggle with worry and that an expression of the fruit of the Spirit is peace, then we have a decision to make. Are we going to persist in fear and give in to our anxieties or are we going to do everything we can to "flunk out of the school of worry" and live the life of abundance that God has in store for us?

I want to choose the latter. That is an act of faith. And when we present our requests to God in such a manner, we have this promise that "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus." (See Phil 4.7)

The Secret's Out!

2007-03-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

Can't seem to keep this genie in the bottle!

The Secret is out and it's generating a lot of press - both positive and negative. I have found some balanced resources, though, and thought you'd like to get in on it before the whole universe knows about it. :-)

Here are some like-minded (and probably better stated) perspectives on The Secret and the secret behind this amazing marketing phenomenon, the Law of Attraction.

Back in July, 2006, Kelly of Women by Grace has this to say:
"As is always the case, when people find something that works 'universally', they have bumped into one of God's Laws for His Creation - but they're viewing it through a skewed lens, leaving Him out of the picture - or even worse - redefining Him to be Personless."
More recently, Tom Sims of The Dream Factory states (HT to Ryan at Design Guru) :
[The Secret] "presupposes an impersonal god called "The Universe" without specific will or personality that is more like "The Force" than God. There are forces in the universe that God created and set into motion. I am reluctant to employ them without first acknowledging their/my Creator and understanding His will. They can make me effective and successful without being centered in His purposes. I don't want that."
In one of the most thorough reviews and biblically informed critiques of The Secret, and especially of Rhonda Byrne, the force behind this movement, Don Whitney of the Baptist Press exposes the heresy that has co-opted this biblical principle.
But in the final analysis, The Secret is nothing more than so-called Name It-Claim It, Positive-Confession, Prosperity Theology (minus God and the Bible), built on a foundation of New Age self-deification. In other words, the book is just a secular version of what some TV preachers have taught for decades: Namely, if you will sustain the right thoughts, words and feelings, you will receive whatever you want. But The Secret adds this important twist: your thoughts can bring anything into your life because you are god.

Books that promise health and wealth for their practitioners are published every day. But few associate such promises with Byrne's breathtaking audacity. She proclaims to her readers, "You are God in a physical body. You are Spirit in the flesh. You are Eternal Life expressing itself as You. You are a cosmic being. You are all power. You are all wisdom. You are all intelligence. You are perfection. You are magnificence. You are the creator, and you are creating the creation of You on this planet" (p. 164).

If that weren't blasphemous enough, realize that the book your neighbors and co-workers are reading more than any other also tells them, "The earth turns on its orbit for You. The oceans ebb and flow for You. The birds sing for You. The sun rises and it sets for You. The stars come out for You. Every beautiful thing you see, every wondrous thing you experience, is all there for You. Take a look around. None of it can exist, without You. No matter who you thought you were, now you know the Truth of Who You Really Are. You are the master of the Universe. You are the heir to the kingdom. You are the perfection of Life. And now you know The Secret" (p. 183).

This would be beautiful if it were addressed to the God of Heaven. But as Byrne thinks this is what we should say to the person in the mirror, it is the heresy of heresies. Her "Secret" is nothing less than Satan's original lie in the Garden of Eden, "You will be like God" (Genesis 3:5).

Well now. Hard to state it much more succinctly than that. But that shouldn't end the conversation. Tell me what your opinion is in the comment section below.

Other Christian critiques include...
1) The Secret: Creating One's Reality, by Russ Wise
2) The Secret: A Cosmic Dream Machine, by Marcia Montenegro
3) Also visit my del.icio.us archive on TheSecret

Jesus: An Intimate Portrait

2007-03-03T13:00:00.000-08:00

Blog Host Note: Thanks to Tom Parsons at Daddypundit for providing this week's Guest Blogger Book Review. lgp

In his new book, Jesus: An Intimate Portrait of the Man, His Land and His People, author Leith Anderson takes a new approach to understanding the person of Jesus Christ and the full impact of his ministry.

Anderson places the events depicted in the gospels in chronological order in an attempt to construct a complete biography of Jesus. He also provides numerous historical facts throughout the book that help the reader understand the context, both culturally and historically, for Jesus' ministry.

The book doesn't just focus on the events of Jesus' life, his teachings, and the miracles he performs. Anderson also provides insight into the reaction of various people groups and governments to help the reader gain a better understanding of the full impact of Jesus' life on earth.

This book is a terrific resource particularly for someone who wants to be introduced to Jesus who may not have studied the gospels previously. It's also a great resource for believers as Anderson's research helps the believer gain a greater understanding of the full impact of His ministry.

The only shortcoming of the book is the absence of any biblical references throughout the book. Someone who is familiar with the gospels will have no trouble finding the biblical events depicted in the book. However, someone who does not have a certain degree of biblical literacy may be frustrated by the lack of scriptural references. Personally, I didn't have a problem with this but it could be a stumbling block for some readers.

Overall, I found this book enjoyable to read and would recommend it to anyone who wants a fresh perspective on the ministry of Jesus.

(Note: For the original review, visit here. lgp)

A Second Look - Excuse Me, Your Life is Waiting

2007-03-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

Note: This is another "law of attraction" book - one that I read a few years ago. Since The Secret has brought so much awareness to this concept, I thought I'd republish this post from August, 2005. lgp

This book by Lynn Grabhorn explores "the astonishing power of feelings." And while I agree that how you feel impacts your behavior, the author's premise is that "we create by feeling, not by thought." Let her explain:

" . . . the energy that flows out from us comes from our highly charged emotions to create highly charged electromagnetic wave patterns of energy, making us powerful - but volatile - walking magnets. . . . The electromagnetic vibrations you send out every split second of every day are what have brought - and are continuing to bring - everything into your life, big or small, good or bad. Everything! No exceptions." (p. 8, emphases hers)

While discovering some great nuggets in Excuse Me, Your Life is Waiting, I also found that, like most self-help books with a gnostic bent, the author leaves an independent acting and thinking and feeling (emphasis mine) God out of the equation. End result, a self-as-central view of reality. Myopic and unsatisfying.

Prayer of Jabez & Secrets of the Vine

2007-03-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

The Prayer of Jabez
Breaking Through to the Blessed Life
by Bruce Wilkinson (Multnomah, 2000)

This simple little book caused quite a stir a few years ago. Anything popular does. While some of the concern was valid, most was manufactured in order to sell opposing books. I think publishing houses look for bandwagons to jump onto or shoot at.

One misplaced accusation centered on what some said was a formulaic prescription for instant success. And while Jabez' prayer (in 1 Chronicles 4.9-10) is quite succinct, it isn't necessarily a magic pill. In fact, Wilkinson's extended devotional on these verses reveals a balanced view that prayer is to be infused with confident humility.

For those not familiar with the "four easy prayers" (critics' view, not mine) to a blessed life, they are:

"Oh, that You would bless me indeed!"
"Oh, that You would enlarge my territory!"
"Oh, that Your hand would be with me!"
"Oh, that You would keep me from evil!"

These are not selfish requests. When placed in the context of living for God, whom the author makes clear is the true source of all blessing, then these petitions are rightly extended to mean:

Bless me in order to make me a blessing.
Increase my influence and impact for You.
Without You I can do nothing that lasts.
Protect me from evil and causing evil.

Still not satisfied with the brevity of this work? Well, this wasn't meant to be a theological tome. It is what it is - a devotional. Is there more to be said? Yes. In fact, in Bruce Wilkinson's follow up book, he explores John 15 and the pruning (discipline) we must experience if we truly are going to experience a life of abundance.

Secrets of the Vine
Breaking Through to Abundance
by Bruce Wilkinson (Multnomah, 2001)

Taken together, these two little volumes pack an important positive message for believers going through struggle, doubt, and uncertainty. Recommended reading.

For more resources, visit The Breakthrough Series.

The Theology of Self-Help

2007-03-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

Don't laugh.

That's actually what I'm trying to do here at Thought Renewal - develop a theology of self improvement and personal development. Now hear me out before you report me to Lighthouse Trails. :-)

In this extended blog entry I'll summarize my belief that God is actually behind the "self-help" movement and is calling us to "help our selves" to all the riches of his mercy and grace. And like with everything, if he is acknowledged as Lord, then the principles of this movement can be used for our benefit and for his glory.

Please don't skim this article. If you don't have time to digest the full message and follow my line of reasoning to the end, don't read it. You'll see a link to the full post below. These first couple of paragraphs are here to serve as a teaser, if you will.

So enjoy. And help yourself to whatever else you find here.

Help Yourself! by Lyn Perry (c) 2007

Now these are words I like to hear, don’t you?

My wife and I went over to a friend's house recently. Before we even made it through the door our host invited us to make ourselves at home. Isn't this a great invitation? You’ve been greeted this way before I'm sure. Think back to the last time you went over to a friend's place. You probably weren't through knocking before you heard something like, "Come on in. Pour yourself a pop. Help yourself!" Pop, soda – depends on where you're from – either way, these are welcoming words, inviting you to kick off your shoes and make yourself comfortable.

So what do you do? What else can you do? You make yourself at home! It would be rude not to. By serving yourself you are accepting an invitation to join the family and relax in the company of friends. In fact, this kind of invite is primarily extended to those closest to us for it assumes a trust and fellowship that strangers, by definition, do not enjoy.

Let's take a closer look at this informal social contract: Help yourself.

Note two implications. Within the phrase help yourself is first an invitation. We typically do not barge into someone's home and immediately open the fridge. This behavior is reserved for college students (just kidding!). Even the most outgoing among us wait for some words of welcome. We may know for certain what the host will say, yet still we wait for the invitation.

Second, help yourself is an expression of familiarity, even intimacy. It isn't said to everyone. As we've noted, it's an offer typically reserved for family and friends.

This is an issue of trust. Both the host and the guest are confident that their relationship is genuine. For you see, not only does the host accept the guest into his or her home without reservation, but the guest accepts the host's invitation based upon the assumption that he or she is a trustworthy person. I'm trusting that my friend won't slip anything into my drink.

You might be thinking by now, "What does all this have to do with personal growth?" I think it will become clear in a moment because I believe the implications of this welcoming phrase, help yourself, puts our quest for personal development in perspective.

Go here to read the whole essay.

LOA Teleconference Part 3 of 3

2007-02-28T18:00:00.000-08:00

Note: This is part 3 of a 3-part series based on a portion of Monday night's teleconference on the law of attraction.

The second fundamental difference, or flaw or distortion, in the current teaching of the LOA as propounded by teachers of the Secret is that the answer to the world's darkness or problems is a Gnostic answer. That is, the teachers behind much of this new age thought claim that it is through knowledge - becoming more aware or enlightened; having a secret knowledge or understanding - that we will overcome war, famine, oppression, poverty, disease, illness, and everything else that is wrong with the world.

In other words, education in these universal principles will bring about the Age of Aquarius. Hey, I'm old enough to remember the Fifth Dimension singing that song. It's a great tune, great message. But there is more to overcoming the world's darkness than simply singing, "Ooh, let the sunshine in!"

The answer found in the bible has to do with restoring a broken relationship that the creation has with its Creator. That is why there is war, famine, poverty, disease, oppression – the relationship between us and God has been severed. Now this is not a popular message, but there is no other way to describe how this situation came about other than by calling it what it is – sin.

The fundamental flaw in a lot of this "new agey" type of teaching is that you will never hear it said that the problem is sin. People will talk about lack of awareness, ignorance, not thinking right, but they won't talk about sin. Or a broken relationship with our Creator.

You see, if the universe is God and God is the universe then there is no relationship to restore. If Carl Sagan was right when he stated in Cosmos in 1980 - "The cosmos is all there is, all there ever was, and all there ever will be," then we are in a sad state. For if the cosmos is all there is, then we are indeed simply made of star stuff – just a collection of quarks – and to the stars we will return. No hope, no future, simply become one with the universe.

Do you see why I believe that this teaching is fundamentally at odds with the teaching of the bible? The scripture proclaims that the God of the universe created us for a relationship with him, but because of sin we have a broken connection. God’s plan is to restore that relationship – and as Christians we believe it is through Jesus Christ, his son, that that friendship is re-established. The future is bright – not because we return to the stars, but because we have the opportunity and invitation to come home to our Creator and live with him forever.

Read Part 1.
Read Part 2.
This is Part 3.
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LOA Teleconference Part 2

2007-02-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

Note: This is part 2 of a 3-part series based on a portion of Monday night's teleconference on the law of attraction.

One reason I hosted the LOA teleconference is that I believe there are two fundamental distinctions between sound, traditional, self help principles - which are biblically based - and the teachings of those who are full blown followers of the Secret.

And these distinctions are not just differences between a Ford and Chevy. I’m convinced that much of what is passing for "wise instruction" is actually non-biblical and even anti-biblical distortions.

So for those who have had concerns about the Secret and yet didn’t know exactly why you felt uncomfortable, maybe you'll identify with what I’m going to articulate.

The first fundamental difference – and I would say flaw in this teaching – is that there is a confusion and syncretization between God the Creator of the universe and the universe itself. The language that is used is very revealing. When people write about the law of attraction they talk about the Universal Mind – with capital letters. Infinite Intelligence. Higher Self. And they want us to believe that when we talk about God, we are talking about the same thing. Different words, same concept. Semantics.

And my response is absolutely not. This is not simply a matter of semantics. The God of the bible is the creator of the universe and is in no way to be identified with the creation. Why? Because even if we grant that the universe is pure energy, and is the same thing as God, then what we have is a non-personal force, an energy field that we can tap into for whatever purposes we desire.

The bible teaches that God is a person, not an impersonal force. And that he created us for his good pleasure and our purpose in life is wrapped up in his good and perfect will for our lives. God wants to have a personal relationship with us; he created us in his image so that we could relate to him - creature to Creator.

You can’t have a personal relationship with a lightening bolt. You can’t have a loving, intimate friendship with a tsunami or force of nature. "May The Force Be With You" is not the same thing as saying, "God be with you." I thought we clarified this issue when Star Wars came out in 1977. But evidently this idea is still with us.

Read Part 1.
This is Part 2.
Read Part 3.
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Self-Esteem Equation

2007-02-27T12:00:00.000-08:00

You've heard of the formula E=MC2.

But have you heard of E=MC3 ~ the Self-Esteem Equation? If you have, it probably wasn't in science class. I explain it like this.

Of course, I didn't discover this truth, but I did assign different values to the famous formula in order to remind us of our true identity. Plus I added a C!

When we struggle with self-doubts, low self-worth, or negative self-image, remember the Self-Esteem Equation.

E=MC3

E stands for ego, self-estimate, or self-esteem.
M stands for the truth that you matter to God.
C stands for the fact that you are created in God's image and that he is calling you into relationship with him and wants to adopt you as his child.

So the formula is stated like this:
"My self-estimate, my self-esteem is based on the fact that I matter to God because I am created in his image, he's called me, and wants to adopt me as his child."

Take this formula before breakfast and throughout the day as needed. And twice at bed time.

LOA Teleconference Part 1

2007-02-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

Note: This is part 1 of a 3-part series based on a portion of Monday night's teleconference on the law of attraction.

I think we can accept that there is probably a scientific or biological basis for the LOA, but in my opinion it probably has more to do with the heightened expectations of our brain rather than our thought energy going out into the universe and manifesting our desires. What causes this heightened expectation that opens us up to new opportunities and thus gives us the "ability" to attract what we want into our lives?

Well, there is a part of the brain that, when stimulated by goals, desire, experience, repetition and suggestion starts "looking for" evidence and validation of this new direction or information. It's called the reticular activation system of the brain – and its purpose is to screen out unnecessary information while letting in only the information that will help us function.

Some children with autism, for example, or ADD, are often over-stimulated – they lack the ability to screen out those things that we don't even give a second thought to. The clicking of a clock, the buzz of the fluorescent light, traffic noise outside the window. Our brain perceives all of this "information" but determines that it isn't useful and so it ignores those signals.

A common example of the reticular activation system at work is when you buy a new car – all of a sudden you see that dang car everywhere when you could have sworn you were the first to buy that make, model, and color. What has happened is that your brain is now open to this new information.

That, to me, is the greatest strength and power of the personal development movement – it gives us the tools to change our thinking and reprogram our brain to accept and look for positive opportunities, relationships, abundance, fulfillment. Two of the biggest limiting factors that keep us from living successful lives are fear and negative thought patterns. By speaking positive truth into our brains, we can form new thought patterns for success.

I have a friend - you may have someone like this as well - that every time I see him he affirms me, encourages me, tells me I can do it - "I believe in you, you’ve got what it takes." Do you think I might be attracted to him? You bet! He's the law of attraction in action! What happens is that every time I hear those words and then tell myself those truths, the reticular activating system of my brain kicks in and looks for evidence to support those words and pretty soon I am more confident, more attractive, more successful.

In fact, that is what I believe is really behind the LOA - like-minded people are attracted to each other because they are going a common direction, they share a common cause. The brain's reticular activation system works to ensure it.

This is Part 1.
Read Part 2.
Read Part 3.
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Free "Law of Attraction" Teleconference

2007-02-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

Oprah endorses it. People are talking about it. A DVD called The Secret is making the rounds. And it all has to do with the Law of Attraction. What is this law? Is it biblical? Should Christians be concerned? Let's explore this topic together and discover the secret behind The Secret in a free teleconference tonight!

Monday, February 26, 2007
10:00 to 10:30 P.M. (CST)

~ The "Secret" Law of Attraction ~
A Biblical Perspective

30 Minute Free Teleconference
with Q&A and Discussion

Hosted by Lyn Perry of Thought Renewal
and a Special Blogging Guest
Moses Edward Miles III of Three Sticks

We have a limited number of dial-in lines available. If you would like to participate in this free teleconference, please register your interest by emailing me at "lyngperry (at) yahoo (dot) com" [you can figure that out] and I will email you the dial-in number and access code.

UPDATE: Here's the "agenda" Moses and I will use to guide our discussion tonight. "See you" at 10 pm central time.

Discussion Guide:
1. What is the Law of Attraction? The principle defined.
2. Is it biblical? See Gal 6.7; Luke 19.11-27; Luke 6.38.
3. How is it applied (or misapplied) in today's culture?
4. Why does it work? Why does it seem not to work?
5. Non-scriptural teachings and distortions of this principle.
6. Open Discussion & Q&A ~
+ As a follower of Christ, how can the Law of Attraction be applied?
+ What role should "self-help" and "personal development" play in our lives?
+ Do you have any questions to ask? Please email me today. Thanks.

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Some Personal Growth Carnivals

2007-02-25T21:00:00.000-08:00

A number of great carnivals out there. Here are a few I'm aware of.

Moses of Three Sticks Blog did a great job hosting his first roundup, the Personal Development Carnival. A number of categories to dip into, including Finding Success, Getting Things Done, and Creating A New You. Check it out. And submit a post of your own.

Widows Quest says, Let's Start the Week Positively and collects a number of positive links to help us do just that. Topics include getting rid of stinking thinking; 5 life-changing keys to overcoming your fear; risk taking - living life to the fullest; and a crisis may be a blessing in disguise.

Brain Cramps for God hosted the most recent Christian Carnival and linked to my book review, Wild at Heart under the heading of discernment. Other featured spiritual gift categories include evangelism, encouragement, giving, teaching. Great reading.

UPDATE 2.27.07 ~ Evolving Times is hosting the Law of Attraction Carnival - Physical Health Edition. I've had some good interactions to my comments from the blog host, Ed Mills, who always seem to respond in a positive manner even when disagreeing with me.

Beyond Positive Thinking Update

2007-02-24T06:00:00.000-08:00

My premier post to Thought Renewal was Saturday, June 04, 2005 and it was a short response to one of the first books I'd read that mentioned the concept of attracting things - positive or negative - into our lives based on our thinking (i.e., the "law of attraction").

Yes, I'd heard that what we focus on grows and that we reap what we sow. But Robert Anthony's book Beyond Positive Thinking opened an interesting perspective for me by clearly demonstrating the power of "right thinking."

My concern with his book is that, while many of the concepts are sound, it is based on a gnostic worldview - as much of this type of literature is. Here's what I wrote in my first blog entry:

Interacting with Beyond Positive Thinking, a book by Robert Anthony. One of the many self-help resources available online and anywhere. I like the challenge to move beyond positive vs negative thinking and begin right thinking, but listen to this:
The truth is we are in darkness because of our ignorance. (p 2)
Really? Is lack of knowledge all that is wrong with our world? Hmm. Let's put this to the test over the next few weeks. Whenever I do something wrong I'll just go to my bookshelf and get more knowledge. I suspect I'll be reading quite a bit.

Today: Although I was a bit cynical in that first post, I still hold that knowledge is not the supreme answer to our darkness. We see educated derelicts all around us (and no, I'm not trying to be political here :-) We need something more than right thinking to save us from ourselves. Anthony's answer to the world's darkness is ultimately that of the gnostic. And gnosticism is simply salvation by knowledge:

This definition, based on the etymology of the word (gnosis "knowledge", gnostikos, "good at knowing"), is correct as far as it goes, but it gives only one, though perhaps the predominant, characteristic of Gnostic systems of thought. Whereas Judaism and Christianity, and almost all pagan systems, hold that the soul attains its proper end by obedience of mind and will to the Supreme Power, i.e. by faith and works, it is markedly peculiar to Gnosticism that it places the salvation of the soul merely in the possession of a quasi-intuitive knowledge of the mysteries of the universe and of magic formulae indicative of that knowledge. (New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia)

The quasi-intuitive knowledge of the mysteries of the universe. Magic formulae. Doesn't that mark this current surge of interest in this movement? And the teachers of The Secret are right there lead us into salvation. Well, that path has already been laid out:

"God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27)

On the Role of Virtuous Art

2007-02-22T22:00:00.000-08:00

"Our aim is to prevent our Guards being reared among images of vice - as it were in a pasturage of poisonous herbs where, cropping and grazing in abundance every day, they little by little and all unawares build up one huge accumulation of evil in their soul. Rather, we must seek out craftsmen with a talent for capturing what is lovely and graceful, so that our young, dwelling as it were in a salubrious region, will receive benefit from everything about them. Like a breeze bringing health from wholesome places, the impact of works of beauty on eye or ear will imperceptibly from childhood on, guide them to likeness, to friendship, to concord with the beauty of reason."

~ Socrates, as told by Plato in his Republic

The Pursuit of Happyness

2007-02-21T06:30:00.000-08:00

The Pursuit of Happyness
The Life Story that Inspired the Major Motion Picture
by Chris Gardner (Amistad, 2006)

I did not see the movie. I will. It'll be better than the book.

Although this memoir was engaging, the storyline was probably better served as a feature film which focused, I understand, on Chris Gardner's grit and determination in overcoming the obstacles of family breakup, job loss, homelessness, caring for his son, inevitable racial barriers, and of course new career challenges as a stock broker.

The San Francisco Chronicle Book Review pronounces: "The quintessential rags-to-riches American dream story - amazing and inspirational." And it is. It's just that the first half of the story drags. Gardner spends too much time on his childhood - and not an exceptionally interesting one at that. Except for the retelling of some classic and hilarious boyhood antics that reveal an ornery streak that sets the stage for adulthood triumph, I kept wanting Gardner to get to the good part.

He does eventually. But has to drop about a thousand F-bombs along the way. Some poignant truths, but unfortunately Gardner's personality is off-putting just enough that I never felt compelled to care deeply about his struggle. But then, I am white. I've never been homeless. I come from an intact, nuclear family. His story is not mine. Yet I admire his determination.

So although I've read better memoirs, The Pursuit of Happyness delivers. Gardner finally did get to the "good part" - he's now the CEO of Gardner Rich & Company. And I doubt very much if he cares whether I liked his book.

By the way, for a happenstance taxi interview with Chris Gardner in 2000 in Chicago, watch this You Tube Video. (F-bomb alert.) If you like what you see here, you'll like his book.

UPDATE April: Found another good review of this book by M.B. Levine.

Why "The Secret" Works Part 3

2007-02-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

So, now that we've pointed out some of the biblical principles behind the Law of Attraction, and raised some concerns as to how this teaching might stray from biblical truth (for a summary so far, read Part 1 and Part 2), let's explore a couple of reasons why The Secret works.

The explanation du jour is based on what is touted as a scientific application of Quantum Physics. For those lost already...

"Quantum physics describes how electrons surround the nucleus of the atom and other subatomic actions." And while "the evolution of quantum physics first started with questions about light and the atom," the science has matured. In fact, "quantum theory is no longer limited to explaining the workings of light and atoms, but also black holes, quantum gravity, negative energy, and more." (Selected italicized quotes are from a site by Jim Tucek.)

The more includes (although not likely anticipated by serious students of quantum mechanics) metaphysical applications, or so the teachers of The Secret would have us believe. Meaning, we now know why the Law of Attraction works.

And the reason is this: It's because we are all made up of "fundamental matter particles" that vibrate at a very high frequency. That is, if you break our physical bodies down to the very smallest particles discovered so far - quarks - then we seem to be composed of vibrating bits of energy. And these quarks, it is taught by metaphysicians, send out vibrations that resonate with other things vibrating on the same frequency. Like attracts like after all.

Because we are vibrating, you ask? Stay with me.

You know we aren't one solid object, right? Nothing is. Everything is made up of molecules; and a molecule is simply a combination of two or more atoms. But even an atom (despite the literal meaning of the word - "cannot be cut" from the Greek a - not, and tomos - cutting) is not the most basic building block of matter.

"Atoms were originally thought to be indivisible, that is, the smallest particle. However we now understand that atoms are built up of smaller parts. These parts are electrons and a nucleus. The nucleus is much smaller than the atom and is itself composed of protons and neutrons. Again, later knowledge changed our understanding as physicists discovered yet another layer of structure within the protons and neutrons. It is now known that protons and neutrons are made up of quarks." (From the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center website.)

Thus quarks are the true building blocks of the universe (so far discovered). Fundamental matter particles. And they vibrate. The belief is that quarks are pure energy. Now here's the leap. Our thoughts are merely bits of energy as well.

And since thoughts are energy vibrations that can resonate with other energy vibrations out there we have the power to "manifest" what we desire by sending out to the universe thoughts and feelings of what we want and the universe must respond in kind. It's the law. We are literally, or so it is stated, walking magnets.

A bunch of poppycock, you say? Well, I share that view - but only in degree. It's not that I don't think we send out energy that either attracts or repels - it seems obvious from observation that we do (ever want to run from negative people?) - it's just that the rumors of our magnetism are greatly exaggerated. We may indeed be quantum-powered creatures, vibrant, attractive, and able to leap tall buildings. But does that make us demigods, with unlimited potential and infinite intelligence on tap as the teachers of the Secret proclaim? I think not.

In fact, I know the secret as to why we can't manifest absolutely everything that we desire into our lives. But for that discussion, we'll have to wait until another post. Until then, manifest your thoughts and see them appear in the comment section below.

UPDATE NOON: I corresponded this morning with a member of the quantum theory group at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center at Stanford University and he had this to say in response to my inquiry between quantum science and metaphysical application:

"To the best of my knowledge, there is no scientific evidence for a connection between subnuclear or quark physics and the metaphysical sort of attraction that makes our lives more or less worth living. And, I know no basis for a scientific theory along these lines.

"My experience is that people who push such things are usually interested in attracting money out of your wallet. Watch out, please."

I love that.
:-)

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This is Part 3.
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Wild at Heart

2007-02-19T06:30:00.000-08:00

Wild at Heart
Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul
by John Eldredge (Thomas Nelson, 2001)

So this is a men's book.

Fortunately, it's not a typecast "7-Steps-to-Becoming-a-Better-Whatever" men's book. Instead it's a discussion about the masculine heart, and therefore a great read for both men and women. In an engaging, often candid, disarming style, Eldridge explores what men really yearn for - with sometimes painful accuracy. I rediscovered truths about myself that I'd forgotten; that our current cultural fascination with metrosexualism has suppressed.

Like our three-fold desire for a Battle to Fight, an Adventure to Live, and a Beauty to Rescue. Let Eldredge explain in his introduction:

Most messages for men ultimately fail. The reason is simple: They ignore what is deep and true to a man's heart, his real passions, and simply try to shape him up through various forms of pressure. "This is the man you ought to be.". . .Men need something else. They need a deeper understanding of why they long for adventures and battles and a Beauty - and why God made them just like that. And they need a deeper understanding of why women long to be fought for, to be swept up in adventure, and to be the Beauty. For that is how God made them as well. (emphases his)

Now that is a refreshing take on the masculine soul. But then there's that fear: What if I don't have what it takes? Plus the wound: Living as if we're orphans, without a Loving Father to guide us into manhood. How do we navigate this journey to become real men?

In Wild at Heart (and from what I can tell so far in his follow-up book The Way of the Wild Heart, which I'm reading now) Eldridge shows us the truth about ourselves and the Father who wants to initiate us into an abundant, truly masculine life. Through personal reflections, great illustrations taken from modern day scenarios, and biblical study, he gives us hope that we do indeed have what it takes to win the battle, live the adventure, and rescue the beauty, since that is in fact what our Hero, Jesus Christ has already done for us.

If you're looking for something beyond the stadium excitement of Promise Keepers, this book comes highly recommended. For more on John Eldredge and his books, visit Ransomed Heart.

Why "The Secret" Works Part 2

2007-02-18T06:30:00.000-08:00

Okay, quick review (or read part 1 below): This phenomenon called The Secret is really about The Law of Attraction ("like attracts like"); and as I mentioned in yesterday's post, I believe this is a true and biblical principle. The Apostle Paul borrows the slogan when writing to the Galatians: "You reap what you sow." (Gal 6.7)

In fact, everything that is true and valid works because it is based on God's Truth. Let's be clear about the order of things. If something is true, it will work and bring about positive and successful results. The converse is not necessarily the case. Just because something works doesn't make it true or right. Manipulation works, but it is based on deception and not truth.

Many Christians are skeptical as to the validity of this movement for that very reason. We ask, and rightly so, "Is something 'working' here (appearing to be of benefit to people), yet not in keeping with what we believe to be God's Truth? Is some sort of deception at work?"

It is my contention that universal laws or principles are neither moral nor immoral, but simply exist as gifts of a Creator and can be utilized by creatures for their benefit . . . or detriment, as the case may be. For example, planes can fly because of the interactions of thrust, lift, drag, and gravity. Just over 100 years ago it was thought impossible that humans could fly. And yet because of the truth of these physical laws, flight works. There are "spiritual" or "relational" laws as well. And God has woven these truths into the fabric of our human existence.

So I don't believe a deception is at work. Success principles (hard work, positive attitude, persistence in the face of trial, focus, goal setting, etc) have been with us from the beginning. I think the real issue, or danger, in this movement is the tendency for advocates to adhere to the laws of the universe while ignoring, denying, or more likely, syncretizing the laws with the Law Giver.

This can be attested readily enough when we listen closely to the language of the "teachers" of The Secret. Instructors like John Assaraf, Michael Beckwith, Jack Canfield, Bob Doyle, John Gray, Loral Langemeier, Lisa Nichols, Bob Proctor, James Ray, Marci Shimoff, Joe Vitale, Denis Waitley (and many others) speak on why the law of attraction works. This is where we'll discover if the foundation of such teaching is consistent with the biblical God.

But, alas, this exploration must wait for another post. In the mean time, feel free to share your thoughts on this topic.

Read Part 1.
This is Part 2.
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Why "The Secret" Works

2007-02-17T08:30:00.000-08:00

What is The Secret? It is the Law of Attraction at work. Stated in various ways throughout the years, here are some familiar self-help slogans:

What you focus on grows.
What you think about comes about.
You attract who you are, not what you want.
You reap what you sow.

All true principles in and of themselves. And even biblical. Note what Jesus said as recorded in Luke 6:38 - "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

What is different - or at least more clearly stated - about this renewed interest in this personal development, self-improvement movement is the rational behind these principles of success. And that is, we now know why (it is claimed) this Law of Attraction works.

This is also where, if we're not careful, people can be led astray and mistake the natural laws of the universe for the law-giver of the universe. And I believe that that is what many of the "teachers" of The Secret have done. So while I'm concerned, I recognize that this has been human tendency throughout history. A fundamental sin to all of humankind: We end up worshiping the creation while ignoring the Creator.

In the next few posts we'll explore some of the explanations of why the law of attraction works. And we'll evaluate them in light of biblical truth. For that is the purpose of Thought Renewal - to interact with and glean truths from the genre of self-help. I want to help readers "help themselves" to the truth that God makes available through such resources, wherever they may be found. SDG

Until then, feel free to comment or start a discussion.

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The Law of Attraction

2007-02-16T21:00:00.000-08:00

With Oprah gushing over "The Secret" and "The Law of Attraction" lately (it should be noted, though, that she's applied these basic success principles long before they were called secrets and laws), I thought I would republish this post from 2005:

In "5 Easy Steps" you can create wealth or anything else your heart desires. At least that's the premise of The Attractor Factor by Joe Vitale. It's called the "Law of Attraction" and works because we are walking magnets, pulling into our lives the very things we are thinking and feeling. The simple steps:

1. Know what you don't want.
2. Select what you do want.
3. Clear all negative or limiting beliefs.
4. Feel what it would be like to have, do, or be what you want.
5. Let go as you act on your intuitive impulses, and allow the results to manifest. (p. 176)

The Attactor Factor is heavily influenced by Hindu thought and philosophy. It mixes and confuses eastern spirituality by utilizing some biblical language and concepts. Although many of the principles are in fact truthful - and I actually like the 5 Easy Steps as a daily goal setting practice - the starting point is not from a biblical perspective and points the reader toward trusting an impersonal force or energy rather than the one true God.

Fresh Start for Your Hurting Heart

2006-12-19T18:00:00.000-08:00

My father-in-law has written a new book on healing the emotional hurts of our childhood.

The Theology of Self-Help Continued

2006-12-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Continued from the post, The Theology of Self-Help:

Help Yourself! by Lyn Perry (c) 2007

Let's face it, we're a self help society. From fill-up to checkout more of us help ourselves than ever before. In fact, successful companies have long understood the labor saving and cost cutting advantages of this trend. But this 'do-it-yourself' mentality has moved way beyond gas, groceries, and home improvement.

Look at the explosion of success literature. From the classic best sellers by Dale Carnegie and Norman Vincent Peale to the surge in popularity of Oprah, Dr. Phil, and Chicken Soup for Every Imaginable Soul, positive thinking has become a multibillion dollar business. Amazing!

Why is that? Is it an indication that we live in a self-obsessed culture? Are all these publishing companies simply pandering to the Narcissus in each of us? That may well be the case. But in my opinion there is something behind this movement that is good and right and necessary. Our longstanding fascination with self help is not so much a navel gazing exercise of the me-generation (although it can be that). I believe it is a legitimate response to an invitation.

We've been invited to help ourselves.

Open Invitation

Here's what I mean.

Imagine standing outside in the weather, knocking at the door, looking forward to the warmth of fire and friendship. Suddenly, the door swings wide, you're greeted with kisses and hugs. Come on in. Make yourself at home. Open the fridge and help yourself.

Reading and digesting a book on personal growth or attending a seminar on positive thinking mirrors this picture. It is simply accepting an offer to help yourself grow and develop to your fullest potential. The truth is, we all long for relationship, joy and fulfillment; that is, to come in from the cold. And we're knocking about searching for those things the best we can.

The personal development movement, then, is about – or at least should be about – accepting the invitation to help one's self to a satisfying, enjoyable, and abundant life. We may not be doing a very good job at it, we may be looking in some (very) wrong places, we may even become obsessed with all that is set before us. Nevertheless, there's an offer on the table and we're taking the host up on the invitation. This is a good and necessary response.

Who's Hosting This Party?

But here's an interesting question. If we're responding to an invitation, who is doing the inviting? Who is our host? Recall that within the phrase help yourself are two implications: Invitation and familiarity. We don't party in a vacuum. Neither do we develop ourselves by ourselves.

If my perspective on this topic is correct (and of course that is what I'm advocating!) then pursuing a vibrant life is about responding to a gracious host who wants us to say yes to fellowship, yes to friendship, yes to fulfillment. What's more, we are responding to a person who has our best interests at heart.

Think about that. This is an astounding truth. When it comes to all that life has to offer, someone is doing the offering and wants only what is best for us. Self help is simply responding to someone's invitation. But who is this someone?

Motivational writers and speakers often refer to a power or energy or wisdom available to each of us – a universal life force that we can tap into; that we can help ourselves to. With the right techniques and proper awareness, we can access Infinite Intelligence (a phrase used by a well known success author ).

Despite the capitalization ('Infinite Intelligence'), this energy field is not a personal being and should not be confused with the biblical concept of God. No matter the moniker, what many self-help authors are referring to is simply a natural force, an energy that permeates, and is often identified with, the universe.

This is not what I'm talking about. For a number of reasons. First, a force is impersonal. Impersonal objects do not invite people to help themselves. Only in poetry will the wind call us to set sail and head for the open sea. (I didn't say it had to be good poetry, but you get the idea.)

Second, energy is not relational. I'm speculating now, but I assume you would not want to pursue an intimate friendship with an electrical outlet or lightening bolt. So you see, this personal development movement, properly understood, is not really about tapping into some power source that already exists. No. Self help is responding to the Source of this power. Capitalization intended.

Time For An Illustration

Say there's a vending machine at work. You put your quarters in and grab a snack. In other words, you pay the price and help yourself. Now who is actually providing us the opportunity – in a sense, inviting us – to partake of this tasty and nutritional (broadly speaking) product? It's not the vending machine. We would think it mighty strange if we overheard a colleague thank a distribution mechanism for releasing a bag of chips. We don't look to some contraption as the ultimate source of provision. That would be silly. Obviously, someone is stocking the machine.

Snacks don't offer themselves. The only reason we can choose from the variety of goodies set before us is because someone – not something – is inviting us to 'help ourselves.' (By the way, don’t blame the vending machine or the vendor for your increase in caloric intake! We’ll cover taking personal responsibility at a later time.)

All Good Things

Now fortunately, the Creator of the universe is not indifferent about the offerings available to us. The Source behind all matter and energy is a personal being who cares about how this matter and energy are utilized. In fact, that is one reason why God (for this is the Someone we've been alluding to) created human beings. After creating all things, God installed Man and Woman as stewards and recipients of all that has been created. We have a veritable feast set before us. And we not only have permission we have a mandate to take what we've been given and . . . enjoy it!

Come on in. Make yourself at home. Enjoy yourself.

Our Host is extending to us a personal invitation to join the family, find friendship, and experience a life of abundance. This is a genuine offer and it is extended to each of us. Help yourself!

How do we go about doing this?

That is what we'll explore in the ongoing blog entries of Thought Renewal. The purpose of this blog is to help us learn to help ourselves to all good things in life. In the following months we'll discuss, among other things, five fundamental strategies (see below) for crafting a life of fulfillment.

Picture yourself as a masterpiece in progress. Your commitment to personally develop is not selfish, it is responding to the Master Craftsman who designed you for greatness. We've been given the tools to unleash abundance; it would be selfish not to utilize them.

Thinking Right

The five strategies I want to unpack over time center on our thoughts – challenging, correcting, and controlling our thoughts. Our mind is a powerful tool. With it we interpret everything that happens to us and assign meaning to those various events.

It has been said that it is not so much what happens to us that matters as how we respond to what happens to us. At the risk of sounding cliché, this is exactly right. Our life often lacks abundance and meaning because we think in terms of lack and meaninglessness. Our environment is limited because our thinking is limited. Controlling our environment is largely dependent upon controlling our thinking.

This goes beyond merely being positive or optimistic. It means correcting our limiting beliefs by thinking correctly about who we are and our purpose in life. Thus if I were to write a book (wink wink) titled, Help Yourself! then the subtitle would be: How to Enjoy a Life of Abundance by Thinking Right and Overcome Limiting Beliefs. (Maybe that's a bit long, what do you think?)

Right thinking is essential if we are to unleash the abundance in life that is ours by right and mandate to enjoy. The five strategies that will help us accomplish this ongoing project (remember, we're unfinished masterpieces) are:

Living on Purpose
Taking Every Thought Captive
Renewing Our Minds
Properly Utilizing Faith
Serving Others

Additional resources include the Power of Mentors and Thinking Right About Wealth.

We'll explore these themes and others throughout this blog and examine each of the strategies in light of appropriate God-given universal laws or principles. We'll unpack and apply those principles to various life situations and offer some mental exercises so that we can grow and develop.

Along the way we'll note some 'wrong thinking' (and even dangerous teaching) that is circulating out there as well as discover some surprising truths about life, the universe, and everything. My hope is that this work might serve as a guidebook for those interested in such matters. If you've made it this far I'm assuming you're one of the people I'm hoping to touch.

Thank you for joining me on this journey.

On Hiatus

2006-02-22T10:00:00.000-08:00

No surprise for those who happen to stumble on this blog that I haven't been active since Thanksgiving. ~~I'm on hiatus indefinitely~~. Thanks for perusing what's here though. lgp

UPDATE 2.16.07 ~ I'm back for now. :-)

Social Bookmarking

Christian Carnival is Coming!

2005-11-26T11:30:00.000-08:00

Christian Carnival #97 (Parts 1 & 2)

Now Open for Business Below

Christian Carnival #97, Part 1

2005-11-26T11:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 97th Edition of the Christian Carnival!
Glad you made it! I'm fired up with enthusiasm for this week's - the 97th! - publication of the Christian Carnival. If this is your first time here, relax, have fun, and enjoy the show. To guide you through all the attractions, I've clustered the entries into various "rides" like you might find at a County Fair. This is a carnival, after all. We'll start off with some lighter attractions and progressively work our way down the midway to some more challenging rides. Along the way, I'm sure you'll meet new friends and experience a few adventures. Again, enjoy the day. And tell a friend.

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Let's Start Out With a Classic Ride

John Willis from Baptist Revivals Blog celebrates the good news, Texas Baptists elect first black president. Quote: "When Baptists are united with each other in fulfilling the Great Commission given to us by Christ Himself, the witness to this sin-sick world will be astounding!" News source: HoustonChronicle.com

Kim Bloomer of Sharing Spirit writes about having a Gracious Gratitude, "I remember when I was growing up, the holidays were as much about giving thanks to God and sharing, as they were about gifts, food, and tradition."

Richard Anderson in dokeo kago grapho soi kratistos theophilos "describes a visit he and his daughter made to Emanuel Lutheran Church." Read about it in Black and Lutheran.

Phil Dillon of Another Man's Meat writes about "some things to be thankful for at a particularly nasty period of American history" in We Gather Together.

Next Up, the Famous Ferris Wheel

Kemp Skidmore from Stand Up Christians And Be Heard is concerned about The Double Standards of Life. Abortion is legal and yet . . . Quote: "[I]f a fetus is lost due to a crime, then the person that committed the crime is charged with the original crime along with Murder / involuntary Manslaughter of the fetus. . . .So can you see The Double Standards of Life?"

Rev Bill Hayes has a Response to Phil about Pat Robertson: "As Christians, we need to make sure we do notcome across as condeming others we disagree with."

Kim Anderson's Mother-Lode examines "the Islamic riots in France, detailing two radically different responses to oppression" in Radical Response.

Now We're Heading Toward the Sky Swings

Mark Olson of Pseudo-Polymath writes, "Every day counts. Reflections on comparisons between the Christian journey and athletic endeavour" in his post, On Urgency.

Scott at No Mirth At All writes about The Sacred and The Secular, in a "post about Christian world-views dealing with some basics of day to day living."

Steve Pavlina's Personal Development Blog presents, quote, "An original take on the role of tithing in wealth generation."

Rey at The Bible Archive has "just a real short thought on the need to be thankful and what to be thankful for" with Praying a Thanksgiving Prayer.

cwv warrior of Christianity is Jewish continues "a tale of two saviors and what it means for the Christian warrior. 'Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.' Not for the faint hearted" with Yeshua.

Rev Ed at Attention Span "remembers a friend who slowly fell away from his faith" in The Downward Slide.

Clement Okon, of the Nigerian Commercial Bank, writes: "Dear Sir/Madam, I have urgent and very confidential business proposition for you. A Foreign Oil consultant/contractor with the National Petroleum Corporation, made a deposit valued at US$26,500,000.00 . . ." (Moderator's note: Hey, it came forwarded for submission!)

Are You Brave Enough for the Thriller?

John Luke Rich from Blogcorner Preacher makes the case that, contra the evangelical outpost's position, one can lose sight of the unchanging nature of God by Parsing the Trinity. Quote: "I suggest that what distinguishes us from Jews and Muslims is not the nature of the God we worship, it is the nature of our understanding of God."

Jeff the Baptist states in Consumer Christianity: "Rev Ed has a good discussion about Christian merchandise and representing the faith. It is a good piece and he makes a good case for buying Christian merchandise to create ministry opportunities. I'm going to play a little devil's advocate. Hopefully not too literally."

Abednego at Parableman says, "Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert, has some unexpected words to say about Intelligent Design." He talks about it in Scott Adams on Intelligent Design.

Adam Graham at Adam's Blog "responds to a liberal's attacks on Christian efforts to stop ACLU bullying this Christmas season" in his post,
Spaulding Hot Irony: Why Doesn't the ACLU Start a Soup Kitchen?

Brandywine Books shares "some simple thoughts on the riots in France" with Secularism Won't Build a Healthy Country.

And Now the Grand Finale Coaster Ride

Jay's article, The Correlation of Sacred Scripture with Church Tradition, at Deo Omnis Gloria "examines the relationship between the Bible and Tradition. It started with a comment at our blog and developed into an analysis of the relationship and dependencies of Scripture and Tradition."

Kenny Pearce of KennyPearce.net reports in Ivy League Elitist ... Porn? "on the University of Pennsylvania's use of student activities money to fund the publication of Quake, a pornographic magazine being produced by students here. The author is a current Penn undergraduate."

Well, if you've made it this far down the midway, you've probably noticed that you or your favorite blogger's post isn't up yet. That's because I got behind getting ready for Thanksgiving. The rest of the entries (there were over 60 I believe) are in part 2 below. So, keep your ticket and come again any time. Oh, and by the way, Happy Thanksgiving!

Christian Carnival #97, Part 2

2005-11-26T10:30:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 97th Edition of the Christian Carnival!(part 2)

Welcome back to the 97th edition of the Christian Carnival (part 2!). As you've surmised, I didn't quite finish pointing out all the attractions at our "County Fair" before Thanksgiving Eve. So, pull out your ticket and let's get back to the show. If this is your first time here, relax, have fun, and tell your friends. Like in part 1, we'll start out with some fairly light entertainment and progressively work our way down the midway toward some thrillers.

<><
Let's Start Out With a Classic Ride

Doug Raymond of Fallible writes how "Katy and Doug never dreamed their marriage would be like this" in I Will Not Be Afraid Of The Terror By Night, Nor Of The Dream About The Guy Who Breaks The Piano.

From Amy's Humble Musings we have a humorous look at the Top 10 Ways to Get Hits. Thanks Amy.

A Penitent Blogger offers "a reflection on an ancient vision and questions for our lives today" in Feet of Clay.

David Fisher of Pilgrim Scribblings writes this about his post, Quiet: "This post was written on a morning when God's peace was so very evident in the midst of life's storms. I had to write it as I was experiencing it because the 'quietness and confidence' was so refreshing."

Next Up, the Famous Ferris Wheel

William Meisheid of Beyond the Rim shares "a few thoughts on Solomon's assertion that wisdom and knowledge only increase grief and sorrow as applied to Christian discipleship" in Some Thoughts On Sorrow And Solomon.

Bob Finnerty of The Doctor is In has some "thoughts on aging, scepticism, and the foolishness of a life of faith" in The Choice of Fools.

Phil Steiger in Every Thought Captive writes: "Statistics about our general biblical illiteracy are depressing, but what do they say about the things we Christians think are biblically sanctioned?" Read more in The Things We Think Are Biblical.

Martin LeBar of Sun and Shield says this post, Jubilee Economics, "is a reaction to a book on this subject, written by Kinsler and Kinsler."

Deputyheadmistress of The Common Room submits an entry on how to have a Quiet Time.

Now We're Heading Toward the Sky Swings

Funky Dung of Ales Rarus writes: "A good friend of mine, a licensed pharmacist and a committed Christian, addresses the issue of refusing to dispense oral contraceptives." Article is Shut Up and Fill the Prescription.

Laura Curtis in Pursuing Holiness states that "As Christians, our feelings should have little or no bearing on our actions." Find out why in Let's not talk about reality, let's talk about our feelings.

In Hodos' entry, I Will Worship God All of My Days, Tony, Mark, & Phil"continue our discussion of the pathway for followers of Jesus with a description of worship that goes far beyond Sunday mornings."

Donna-Jean of Liberty and Lily writes, "There are people still living on the ground in tents in Mississippi, as aresult of Hurricane Katrina. And now it's Christmas. . . . Bloggers can help." She explains how in I Need Your Help.

Are You Brave Enough for the Thriller?

Wayne at Questions and Answers asks in his article The Tabernacle, "What is God doing in the book of Exodus when he gives this clear patter of the Tabernacle to Moses on the Mount. Is this relavant to us in this day and age?"

Phil Threeten states that, "We often think that as Christians we are no longer under the law, but what if our understanding of the law is wrong?" in Law vs Law.

Pete Hernandez of FamilyMedicine writes in his post, Medical Economics and the Family: "The Christian family must take dominion of medical economics. These activities of men must necessarily bring all thought, word, and deed captive to the obedience of Christ for His Glory."

Barbara of Tidbits and Treasures writes: "This article (Where is Your Jesus?) discusses worshipping before apparitions thought to be 'Jesus' and the real Spirit of JESUS, which each born-again Christian has within him/her."

"Do we have a responsibility to forgive everyone who hurts us, even when they've done the same thing over and over?" Silas Jones explores this question and its implications in his post, Low-Caliber Forgiveness.

And Now the Grand Finale Coaster Ride

John Hill writes that the series Back to Basics continues at Brain Cramps for God. The newest installment is: "Filled" - To Overcome and Become.

Runalong with Pastor Mark asks, "Had enough hell yet? My response to Lyn Perry's response to my original post on hell. We agree that hell is a horrible place: But will any people go there?" in Less Hell = More Converts?

That's it. We finally made it to the end. Feel free to come again any time and visit the carnival. Oh, and tell your friends to join the fun next week at Cadmusings. Happy Thanksgiving!

Hell Hath No Fury? Annihilationism Considered

2005-11-13T16:00:00.000-08:00

Question: "Do the finally impenitent suffer everlasting, conscious punishment (in body and soul, either literally or metaphorically), or do they go out of existence in the second death?" (Asked by Clark Pinnock in Four Views on Hell, p 142, part of the Counterpoints Series published by Zondervan, 1996)

Answer: See below. But before you scroll down, let's interact with two practical and preparatory concerns.
1) Why does the question matter?
2) What are the possible theological and scriptural alternatives?
After a brief overview we should then be able to consider the biblical case for conditional immortality.

Why does the question matter?

Hell's been getting a bum wrap. In either of two ways. On one extreme, it is being ignored. For many years now churches and preachers have been shying away from the topic because it is uncomfortable to talk about. After all, who enjoys contemplating and discussing an eternity of pain and suffering? But hell is also often neglected because many sensitive Christians are worried that a steady diet of hellfire and brimstone can make God look like a sadistic ogre. As believers we don't want to unnesessarily push people away from Jesus Christ.

This is a valid concern and is actually the other extreme that is giving hell a bad reputation. Some fundamentalists, who are not shy when it comes to preaching eternal damnation, in their zeal often overstate the case and actually mistakenly proclaim that God takes pleasure in the demise of the wicked. As a result, effective evangelism suffers.

So as to why this question matters: Understanding the nature of hell is important because the effectiveness of evangelism is at stake. On the one hand, we don't want to lose our urgency to witness to lost friends and family by being nonchalant about hell. A person's eternal life is hanging in the balance. Yet on the other hand, we don't want to run the risk of turning people off by misrepresenting a doctrine that is already a sticking point for many.

What are the possible scriptural alternatives?

So what are some possible views on hell? How are we to understand this hard teaching? One response is to abolish it by trying to make a biblical case for universalism. That is, ultimately all will be saved. This is not just a "liberal" attempt at downplaying a distastful teaching. It stems from Origen, an early church father, who viewed hell as "a purging and refining fire that finally deposits all its inhabitants in heaven." (Pinnock, p 141) Hell is a temporary but real condition that takes the offense of sin seriously while affirming God's ultimate victory over it. Scripture texts include John 3:16, Philippians 2:10,11, and 1 Timothy 2:3,4.

A problem stems from the possibility that all may not want to be saved. That may be God's intent, but can God predestine a person's free response to his grace? That doesn't make sense. While I affirm that God's salvation is by grace alone, it is also through faith alone. And while even faith is a gift, we must respond. If we reject God, God will honor our request. (This issue involving predestination is too broad to be covered here. Suffice it to say that if asked, "Were you pushed or did you jump?" I'd have to answer yes.)

A second possibility is the traditional, or what some may call the literal, view of hell. This teaching was developed by Augustine, another early church theologian, who in The City of God argued that hell was a condition of endless conscious torment in body and soul. The problem: How can one continue to be exposed to burning flames without burning up? Augustine's response was that "God has the power to do miracles which transcend ordinary nature and that he will employ his power to keep sinners alive and conscious in the fire." (Pinnock, p 139)

What? How does Augustine come to a biblical conclusion that God is a God that tortures people forever? His literal reading does an injustice to the plain implications of the words employed. Far be it from me to enter the ring against such a heavyweight theologian, nevertheless, might it be that, like his doctrine of the millennium or the practice of infant baptism, Augustine got this one wrong as well?

A third view is a revision of the traditional position. Instead of physical pain caused by actual flames, the suffering is mental and emotional. Here the fire is simply a metaphor. And although some might want to entertain as more palatable the notion expressed in Jean-Paul Sartre's No Exit where hell is other people or the idea expressed in C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce where hell is absolute lonliness, these pictures are just that. The committed traditionalist might even accuse those of holding the metaphorical view as softening the severity of hell's punishment. Now I probably wouldn't see it that way, because I'm wondering if this latter position is actually any different in practice than the literal view. Isn't God still a God that tortures the wicked endlessly, albeit emotionally?

More importantly, is this really what the scripture means when it refers to hell?

So now we turn to the biblical case for conditional immortality, or as some refer to it, annihilationism. I want to address two main issues: The clear implications of the words used to describe hell and the biblical understanding of the nature of the soul.

Certainly hell is a real reward for the wicked. As Christians we must engage God's word on the matter. But as to it's exact nature, I agree with Clark Pinnock who writes (far better than I):

From the threat of hell, we may not be able to derive precise knowledge about its nature, any more than we can grasp the nature of heaven from the promises God gives us regarding it. Nevertheless, the Bible does leave us a strong general impression in regard to the nature of hell - the impression of final, irreversible destruction, of closure with God. The language and imagery used by Scripture is so powerful in that direction that it is surprising that more theologians have not picked up on it before now. The Bible uses the language of death and destruction, of ruin and perishing, when it speaks of the fate of the impenitent wicked. It uses the imagery of fire that consumes whatever is thrown into it; linking together images of fire and destruction suggests annihilation. One receives the impression that "eternal punishment" refers to a divine judgment whose results cannont be reversed rather than to the experience of endless torment (i.e., eternal punishing). Although there are many good reasons for questioning the traditional view of the nature of hell, the most important reason is the fact that the Bible does not teach it. Contrary to the loud claims of the traditionalists, it is not a biblical doctrine. (p 144)

This essay has gone on longer than expected, so I will probably examine some key scriptural texts in the Q & A to follow (if there is any :-) . But a sampling includes Matthew 3:10-12, 13:49,50; Romans 6:23; 1 Corinthians 3:17, Galatians 6:7,8; Philippians 1:28; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; Hebrews 10:39; 2 Peter 3:7; Jude 7; Revelation 20:14,15. A fair reading of these passages can lead to a reasonable conclusion that the bible teaches the final destruction of the wicked. This is not a dumbing down of the scripture but an interpretation that is plausible and has integrity.

Let me briefly address a second issue and wrap this up. And this has to do with why the traditional view is so entrenched as "the" evangelical option today. It has to do with a mistaken understanding of human nature. A hellenistic belief about the immortality of the soul "has dominated Christian thinking about eschatalogy almost from the beginning." (Pinnock, p 147) In other words, the bible does not teach the inherent immortality of the human soul. Rather it points to the resurrection of the body as God's gift to believers. God alone is immortal. We are conditionally so. We acccept eternal life and enter into an eternity with God. Those who reject this offer can not enter into eternal life. Their fate is seperation from God forever. Hell.

Hell does have a fury. It will be unleashed on those who are impenitent. It is a permanent, irreversable state. Hell is a doctrine that is sobering and shocking to contemplate. And one which begs for an urgent response. We can no longer neglect the teaching of hell, nor can we afford to mistakenly assign God's pleasure to the torturing of his creation. Let the message of hope and salvation overcome our hesitancy to proclaim the full gospel of Jesus Christ.

(For more information on Clark Pinnock.)

Hell? Yes. - A Reply and Rebuttal

2005-11-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

Runalong with Pastor Mark has posted 10 Foundational Principles on the topic of Hell - a much needed reflection to guide our thinking on this touchy subject. I'd like to add a few comments and posit an alternative to his second point (the word rebuttal is used to snag readers who are looking for controversy :-)

First, I agree with Mark that we need to take the whole of scripture as a message from its Author and work to understand it, rather than simply pick and choose the parts we're comfortable with. The topic of hell fits within this framework.

And to rightly understand hell, we need to be clear that God is not capricious with regards to punishment of wrongdoing. Hell was prepared for the devil and his angels (Mt 25.41), not humans. It is part of his overall plan for justice and mercy, but God first and foremost wants to save us (grace); although he will not force us into heaven (our response to his grace). We can choose to "go to the devil."

Which leads to another good point that Mark makes on why hell and damn are swear words. These words have a reality behind them! That's also why people don't say "Oh, Buddha" but instead use the name of Jesus in a curse - it's because there is no reality in Buddha. Same with the English phrase "bloody" - it's a swear word because we're talking about the power of Christ's blood to save us.

Now to the rebuttal. One point where Pastor Mark might want to rethink his position a bit would be his rejection of an "expiration clause." He writes: "2. Hell, like heaven, has no expiration clause. The same words are used to describe the duration of torment in hell as are used to describe the duration of bliss in heaven. Eternal, everlasting, never-ending, you get the point. Matthew 25:46 is typical."

While words like eternal and everlasting are used, it is also clear from a plain reading of these texts and others (eg 2 Thess 4:9) that those who rebel against God are destroyed. The terrible reality is that people will be cut off from God forever. It's eternal punishment in that it is a permanent judgment, not an ongoing physical punishment that lasts forever.

To hold that humans will suffer consciously for an eternity is to assume the indestructability of the soul and most likely reads into the scripture a worldview or philosophy that isn't there. That is, the immortality of the soul is not a biblical concept.

A fairly plain reading of scripture indicates that eternal life is a gift - not an ontologically inherent state of being. Adam and Eve were potentially immortal, not necessarily so. (See God's concern that they would eat of the Tree of Life after eating of the Tree of Knowledge - Gen 3:22)

So, while believers are granted eternal life with God (note that we can enter eternal life today!), the wicked are destroyed and will be cut off from God for eternity. Hell is indeed a terrible fate. One that needs to be preached and proclaimed. And joyfully declared defeated in Jesus Christ for those who respond to his salvation.

Thanks for your thoughts, comments, and reflections/rebuttals.
Lyndon

Some 'Nocturnal Theology' by poetic subversion too

2005-11-08T04:20:00.000-08:00

T. M. Gagnon has some early morning musings at his blog on the various "causes" of suffering and concludes that some forms of suffering (a la discipline) is from God and should be endured, like Christ, because of the joy set before us - the resurrection life!

While some make a necessary connection between suffering and evil, T.M. points out that that is not always the case, as evil produces no real pleasure (if I'm reading him right), while chastisement does.

Mr. Gagnon doesn't address another mistaken connection Christians make...and that is that discipline and punishment are NOT the same. We know that Christ took the penalty for our sin once and for all on the cross. Thus, while discipline can be severe and from the Lord, it is not penal in nature. We might well remember this in light of the various musings about natural disasters and God's wrath. I do not believe we are seeing God's direct punishment on our nation, despite all the talk from the "radical right wing conspiracy" (joke).

Thanks, Tyler, for either waking up early or staying up late to give us your nocturnal theological reflections. For a good read, visit the link.

Papercut Theology: Drive-By Evangelism: Halloween Edition!

2005-11-05T14:24:00.000-08:00

Papercut Theology: Drive-By Evangelism: Halloween Edition!

Discussion on this is probably passed due now that we're into November, but what do you think about dressing up secular holidays in Christian garb? Is that what's happening with Thanksgiving?

An Umpire's View

2005-10-31T09:30:00.000-08:00

Heard about how three umpires called strikes based on their different worldviews.

Which statement reflects your perspective?

The pre-modern umpire says, "I call 'em as they are!"
The modern umpire says, "I call 'em as I see 'em!"
The postmodern umpire says, "They ain't nothin' 'till I call 'em!"

I think I know what my answer is supposed to be, but it wasn't my first response. That's because I've probably been influenced by the culture of my upbringing more than I'd care to admit. We all have.

I grew up in the transition between modernity and what has come to be called postmodernism. We may still be in that transition. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Modernism trusted in its own rationalism to the exclusion of experience and mystery, hallmarks of the emerging worldview, and a longing for many.

Good news is, the life we have in Christ speaks to this yearning. Engaging postmoderns, however, requires an honest and humble recognition of the tension between mystery and information, hope and skepticism, confidence and doubt and truth and relativism.

These dualities are dealt with in just such a manner in a recent book by Craig Loscalzo. Apologetic Preaching - Proclaiming Christ to a Postmodern World (IVP) isn't just a book for preachers. It's a helpful guide on understanding our current context and how we might lovingly communicate the message of Jesus to others.

The strength of this book is that it is accessible to those who are not familiar with the philosophical and historical issues behind the Enlightment (modernity) and what is now called postmodernity. A good primer and practical guide for believers who want to understand and participate in the changes going on around them.

Although Loscalzo hits a foul ball or two, he does connect for a hit - not quite a home run, but a solid triple. You may disagree, but then, I simply call 'em the way I see 'em.

It's Not About the Bike

2005-10-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

The human spirit surprises me.

Aware of the devilish and awaiting the heavenly, I often overlook a simple matter: Our mortal soul is a remarkable thing. Lance Armstrong's battle and victory over cancer, his well-documented racing comeback, and his unfathomable 7 consecutive Tour de France wins is a moving saga, reminding me that courage and struggle are profound human virtues.

Lance's first book, It's Not About the Bikeis not just for dedicated athletes or survivors of the disease. For the race in which we find ourselves is really a metaphor for life; it is not limited in scope to sports or sickness. In fact, it's a human race - full of tragedy and disappointment, surely - but buoyed by triumph and celebration. Armstrong's perspective is a crucial part of the story of the human spirit and I appreciate his candor in sharing it. It inspires me to dig deep and work through some of my daily and often mundane struggles.

But there's more to this story. I pray that Lance will one day experience the next chapter, or sequel, and taste true victory in and through Jesus Christ.

After reading this inspiring book, I get the impression that Armstrong knows that death and defeat don't deserve the victory lap. Yet in life's race and at this point in his personal tour it seems he believes that the best we can hope for is to confront death "straightforwardly, armed with nothing but courage." (p. 272) In the final analysis, any triumph we experience is due to a reliance upon the self.

But if ultimately, in this dangerous race through mortality, it is simply a matter of standing firm in the face of adversity, then I fear our hope is built on something less than lasting. In the end, death wins. Yellow jerseys fade. Courage expires. Vanity of vanities; all is vanity. (from Ecclesiastes 1.2)

Except the eternal. This is the victory that Jesus offers. Life now and life eternal. Yes, as Armstrong states,

"People die. That truth is so disheartening that at times I can't bear to articulate it. Why should we go on, you might ask? Why don't we all just stop and lie down where we are? But there is another truth, too. People live." (pp. 4, 5)

Again, this part of the story - our pursuit of life - is an inspiring story that he tells fairly well. And yet I long for Armstrong to keep reading, keep listening for the rest of the story. The message that, not only do people live, but people Live. This triumph does not rely on self or courage or grit or luck. It comes as a gift, one that can't be earned, for it is a victory over Death that has already been won for us by Jesus Christ.

Maybe I'll be able to talk with Lance about this someday. He already knows it's not about racing; I just want to tell him that it's really about Life.

Guest Review: YOU!

2005-10-17T17:00:00.000-07:00

by Rick Stilwell* at Caffeinated Adventures

Pastor Ed Young has written a book to recapture a sense of real self-esteem and properly placed self-worth. Unfortunately, YOU! (copyright 2005, Howard Publishing Company) feels more like a sermon series that moves one powerpoint slide too long to really hold the congregation's attention. If someone needs this book to find a way out of self-loathing depression, let them skip to chapter ten, p. 127 - where the truths of scripture, when balanced in context with a real focus on the Lord, are laid out pretty plain and clear. The rest of the work leading to that point falls short in book form. There's a deeper book in there somewhere, and I was hoping for more.

My first thought, while reading the introduction and first chapters, was that the title and cover art will probably not grab the interest of the people who would benefit from this type of encouragement. Instead, if this book caters to those who already think too highly of themselves or place too much value on Me/Myself/I will find in this book something for YOU to make more of YOU then YOU really should be doing. I know folks who need to be able to learn that God loves them, that He values and appreciates them as a part of His creation, as His workmanship.

But there are some inconsistencies that bothered me. One of them is the use of sermon bulletpoints: I always abhor all alliteration, and when chapter one speaks of the Treadmills of Style, Status and Success, it was too much for me. Another place where it just felt mish-mashed for me was in making the point that God wants to use us, dsiplay us for His glory. After writing about how those three paths for finding value will leave one still insecure and feeling unloved (style, status and success do not work - he's right in putting that in print), there's another illustration later on of what we would do with a priceless work of art. "... would you keep that painting buried in the basement covered in cheesecloth? No! You'd hang that painting in the most prominent area of your home so it could be enjoyed by everyone who saw it" (p. 31). But wouldn't that be somewhere close to the style/status/success thing we're trying to avoid? A third type of inconsistency for me was the under-usage of scripture - not that the Bible is left out, but that it's not a bigger part of the discussion and presentation from the beginning.

That's just me - I'm being picky, I know, and I apologize. I wanted to like this book, to have it rise above where I just knew it would be going. We live in a feel good society that already thinks it's all about YOU. But as I wrote earlier, I know people who need this book, those self-aggrandizing and those self-hating - I just think they need it written in a different way. Young's statement that the biggest question we're asking in life is "Do I matter to anyone?" (p. 13) is probably too narrow, feeds too much on the self-centered selfishness that's at the root of what we do wrong in this world. While the advice is good, it's just that: advice, to be taken or not taken. There's no weight beyond the alliteration and storytelling. What if we'd been able to dig together a little more into biblical stories of David and Moses, maybe followed their journeys of discovery and self-worth in the eyes of God.

Final recommendation: if YOU are drawn to the title YOU, then YOU probably don't need to buy this book. If however, you feel like you don't matter and everyone including God has passed you by, then pick this book for a good week of reading, taking the time in reading to also dive into the scriptures and the stories there of people being valued beyond themselves by the God who loves you deeply, too.

(*Note: Review posted here by permission. Thanks, Rick. Good word. I'll refrain from chanting You You You and pointing to your blog in acknowledgement. lgp :-)

Beethoven Discovered at My Alma Mater

2005-10-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

LONDON (Reuters) - A unique manuscript by Ludwig van Beethoven that was lost for more than a century will go on sale in London in December priced at over one million pounds.

Discovered in July at the bottom of a dusty filing cabinet at a religious school in Philadelphia, the manuscript is a work in progress for the composer's Grosse Fuge in B flat major -- one of his most revolutionary works.

"This is an amazing find," said Stephen Roe, head of auction house Sotheby's manuscript department. "The manuscript was only known from a brief description in a catalog in 1890 and it has never before been seen or described by Beethoven scholars."

Not only is the 80-page document a working manuscript for the only piano version of a major work by Beethoven, it is one of his few compositions for a piano duet.

Sotheby's, which will auction the document on December 1, said it was the most important Beethoven manuscript to have come to market in living memory and would prompt a complete reassessment of his works.

It is the second time very rare musical documents have been found by chance at the former Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary -- now renamed the Palmer Theological Seminary. A Mozart manuscript was discovered there in 1990.

"At that time we called it the 'Mozart miracle'. It seems appropriate that this time we are thankful for the 'Beethoven blessing,'" said seminary president Wallace Charles Smith.

Wild, eh? For more information, click the link.

Thought Renewal is Going Weekly

2005-10-10T16:00:00.000-07:00

Hey there fellow readers . . .

After connecting with many of you via the Evangelical Bloglines and elsewhere (made some neat friends, too) , and after putting in a huge effort at linking and being linked in order to become a Slithering Reptile in the TTLB ecosystem (if you're a blogger, you know what I'm talking about), I now need to step back for the next couple of months as I get my non-blogging life back to full speed. I'm sure you understand.

What this means is that instead of every other day or so, I'll probably post a book review every week or two from now on. Just to stay fresh. So feel free to visit, but know that Thought Renewal is slowing down this fall and winter. I'll be in touch.

Lyn

American Baptist Exodus

2005-10-06T14:30:00.000-07:00

It saddens me to share this information, but in order for me to ask you to pray you need to know a bit of our struggle. Our denomination (The American Baptist Churches, USA) is finally starting to splinter and collapse. I didn't want to see it happen, but I must stand with Biblical Authority and side with the Pacific Southwest Region, which is pulling away from the ABC.

Here's a bit of the press release at ChristianityToday.com (see link below):

The Pacific Southwest region of the American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA) has begun defecting in the largest church exodus from any denomination over the presenting issue of homosexuality. Underlying issues, according to leaders, include the authority of Scripture and church discipline....

The ABCUSA officially states that "the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching." However, gay-affirming congregations remain affiliated with the denomination. When conservative regions have disfellowshiped such congregations, those congregations have simply affiliated with a more liberal ABCUSA region.

Why this is a sad time for me is that I helped form a renewal movement in the ABC 13 years ago. We've met, we've implored, we've tried to implement change. But we've not fulfilled our mission. We suspected that one day we would see the demise of our denomination. And now, that day is upon us.

Continue to pray for the many, many evangelical churches in the ABC that remain faithful to the Gospel but are confused about the underlying issues. Some denominational leaders paint this as an issue of power and divisiveness, wheras it truly is a matter of scriptural authority. Will we remain faithful to the whole counsel of God or not?

The Power of Positive Thinking

2005-09-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

This classic by Norman Vincent Peale helped explode the self-help genre and gave it credibility within the Christian community. Although the author appeals to a liberal mindset (religion is good for you and God is only about love), the positive thinking guideposts he articulates utilize transferable scriptural principles. This shouldn't become your bible, but it is a helpful read. I especially relate to this quote on How to Break the Worry Habit:

Worry is a destructive process of occupying the mind with thoughts contrary to God's love and care....The cure is to fill the mind with thoughts of God's power, His protection, and His goodness. (p. 129)

Do we need Peale to remind us what Paul has already stated in Philippian 4:8? Probably not. But can such reminders do us good? If read as practical suggestions alongside the scripture, I'm fairly positive they can.

Your Road Map For Success

2005-09-26T15:30:00.000-07:00

Defining success is like herding cats - you can go off in a hundred different directions. But when it comes to the application of leadership principles as it relates to this theme, there's no one better than John Maxwell to show the way. In this book, previously published as The Success Journey, Maxwell reminds us that success is a journey, not a destination. Here's his definition:

Success is . . .
knowing your purpose in life,
growing to reach your maximum potential, and
sowing seeds that benefit others. (p. 11)

We're not on a journey to success. This journey is ongoing. We will never exhaust our capacity to grow our potential or run out of opportunities to help other people. This is good news. It takes the pressure off of "performing" and puts the emphasis on maturing. The process is the goal.

Maybe that's a platitude, but the truth is well worth learning. So often we think we'll "arrive" after earning some trophy, diploma, degree, promotion, or position. Yet before the applause dies down, we're dissatisfied and start looking for our next success.

The truth is that the secret to any success is in the daily habits that move us toward our purpose and mature us in Christ, all the while benefiting others. The awards that may or may not come are simply expressions of successful living. And if you see yourself as successful by this definition, the kudos are just icing on the cake.

The Reeds in Mexico

2005-09-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

Friends of mine from seminary, Joyce and David Reed, are missionaries in Mexico. Joyce is an incredible writer and posts her journals regularly at our mission page (see link below). Wanted to share a portion of her journal.

Theological School of La Paz

"Alicia Agruel had a dream. She wanted to donate a piece of property to the Baptist Convention of Baja Sur as a site for a Theological School. In the fall of 2002, she donated the property. FBC of Fairbury, IL donated the initial gifts that began the construction project. Mission Group after group followed to add their time and financial resources to the dream. Mexican pastors and laypersons got involved. Crossroads, the English-speaking congregation, offered labor. Everyone participated in the tasks of digging foundations, laying block, smoothing stucco on the walls, painting, wiring for electricity, plumbing the bathrooms, etc. The first classroom was built and completed. The bathrooms were built and completed. And in our last journal article we wrote and told you that the second classroom was completed and the entire property had been walled in by the end of August. Alicia’s dream was unfolding before her eyes."

Thank you, Joyce and David, for helping make those dreams come true.

Friday Tag Party

2005-09-23T11:22:00.000-07:00

Decided to tag myself and join the fun after reading this post at Caffeinated Adventures (you can play tag too, see #5 below). Here are the questions:

1. Total number of books you own.
2. What is the last book(s) you bought?
3. What was the last book you read?
4. List 5 books that are particularly meaningful to you (in no particular order).
5. Tag five people.

1. I probably own close to 1000 books. It's been a sickness in our family for a long time.
2. Finally getting around to Harry Turtledove's alternative history featuring reptilian space invaders in WordWar: In the Balance and Tilting the Balance.
3. Finished digesting Four Views On Hell (Stanley Gundrey, editor) with my brother - we read a theological work and discuss it each week over the phone - but I know I've read something since then... Oh, I know, Walker Percy's The Second Coming.
4. Boy, this one's hard, but I'd at least include Intellectuals Don't Need God and Other Modern Myths (Alister McGrath), What's So Amazing About Grace (Philip Yancey), The Chronicles of Narnia (C.S. Lewis), The Reformed Pastor (Richard Baxter), and the original Foundation Trilogy (Isaac Asimov).
5. Tag. You're it.

PS Comment below with your responses, and especially if you host a tag party at your blog. Plus, I'll add Amazon links so that if you want to buy a book through this site, I'll get credit, wink wink. ;-) lgp

Confidence

2005-09-23T06:45:00.000-07:00

Subtitled: How to Succeed at Being Yourself.

This small little paperback by Alan McGinnis is an excellent primer on building self-confidence based on biblical principles. It doesn't read "churchy" and therefore can be a nice crossover read for those who are open to spiritual themes. The Twelve Rules for Building Self-Confidence include:

1. Focus on your potential instead of your limitations.
2. Determine to know the truth about yourself.
3. Distinguish between who you are and what you do. (p. 10)

This third principle is one I struggle with. How can we separate the two? This may be at the heart of a lot of self-improvement. It's a struggle worth winning. This resource is engaging enough to help - deep enough to hold my attention; free from a lot of off-putting lingo.

All You Can Do is All You Can Do

2005-09-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

. . . But all you can do is enough!

That is, if you give it all you've got. That's the message from Art Williams, a former high school football coach who rose through difficulty to become one of the wealthiest men in America. His no-holds-barred advice includes: Become a Dreamer Again (And Dream Big), Have a Crusade (Stand for Something), Treat People "Good", and his famous "Do It" Principle.

All the other principles in this book won't do you a bit of good if you never act on them. There's got to be action for you to win. Talk is cheap. Everybody talks a good game. But a winner goes out and does something. (p. 230)

Whether you want to build a championship business or just live life like a winner, this former coach can coach you to greatness. To change your life, change your thinking. Advice from someone who's been there can make the difference.

Life Strategies

2005-09-18T14:20:00.000-07:00

Phillip C. McGraw, better known as Dr. Phil, actually has a lot of good things to say. Especially in his book, Life Strategies - Doing What Works, Doing What Matters. Dr. Phil's overall message is that we are all responsibile for our actions. In 10 Life Laws (not based on the 10 Commandments) he helps us discover and apply different aspects of that truth. I like his plain talk approach. Example,

Life Law #2: You Create Your Own Experience. Your Strategy: Acknowledge and accept accountability for your life. Understand your role in creating the results that are your life. Learn how to choose better so you have better. (p. 56)

No psychobabble here. Just solid truths, many of them biblically based. Ready to tackle areas of your life that are holding you back? This is a great resource. Read it with pen and marker in hand.

Success God's Way

2005-09-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

Charles Stanley discusses Achieving True Contentment and Purpose in this solid resource, Success God's Way. Avoiding the cliches of positive thinking, the author offers a sure strategy for successful living based on this biblical definition:

Success is the continuing achievement of becoming the person God wants you to be and accomplishing the goals God has helped you set. (p. 3)

The rest of the book helps us understand and apply these two basic concepts - who we are and what we should be about. While the writing is engaging, the scriptural examples are very familiar and a bit worn. But then I would not expect Stanley to venture far from the authority from which all true success principles are derived.

Mind Power Into The 21st Century

2005-09-13T17:45:00.000-07:00

This book by John Kehoe provides Techniques to Harness the Astounding Powers of Thought. But it actually does more than that. While some of the techniques are helpful and true, this book propounds a philosophy behind such techniques which I find disturbing. It teaches that the universe is a giant hologram - that is, an entity in which the whole is contained in each of its parts. Here's how the author puts it.

Everything at its purest and deepest essence is energy, and whenever you think, you are working with an immense amount of this energy in the quick, light, mobile form of thought. Thought is forever attempting to find form. . . . (p. 8)

What this means for us is that we can manifest anything we desire through our thoughts. I'm convinced our thoughts have power. That is why we can be called to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. But the biblical philosophy undergirding this truth is quite different than that which Kehoe proposes.

Desire Street Ministries

2005-09-12T20:30:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine, John Green, heads up Emmaus, a ministry committed to making Jesus known on the streets of Chicago to men involved in prostitution. In this month's newsletter he highlights and affirms Desire Street Ministries (DSM) in New Orleans.

DSM is committed to revitalizing the Desire neighborhood through spiritual and community development. Over the years, this mission has taken form through a variety of initiatives: growing a church out of a Bible study with local youth; opening a children’s pediatric clinic in cooperation with a nearby hospital; and starting a series of after-school projects.

With all the attention on those who have been displaced, let's not forget the local ministries serving those who will return to rebuild. You can read more at the link.

Discussion Break: What Is Success?

2005-09-10T04:55:00.000-07:00

Some good discussion going on regarding success and what it means to live your best life now (see review of Osteen's book below). So let's put it on the table. Should Christians strive to be successful? And to start us off, here's a definition for your consideration, comments, or rebuttal.

Success is the continuous journey toward the achievement of predeterminied, worthwhile goals. (Tom Hopkins)

Looking forward to your thoughts. lgp

Guest Thought from Wayne at Q&A Blog

2005-09-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

Note: My thanks to Wayne for allowing me to reprint his post at Questions and Answers. lgp

Always Ask, "Is It Meaningful?"

The other day I picked up the book by Dennis Prager*, Happiness is a Serious Problem, for a little light reading. I ran across a paragraph that got my attention.

To be a good person, it is always necessary to ask before doing something, "Is it right?" To be physically fit, it is necessary to ask before eating something, "Is it healthful?" To be a happy person, it is necessary to ask before acting, "Is it meaningful?" The problem, course, is that the good action, the healthful food, and the meaningful behavior are rarely the most enticing of our choices - which only proves, once again, that the greatest battle for happiness is with our own nature.

To live a life that is happy, we must take a look at everything we do and determine if it is meaningful. This does not mean that we can not have enjoyment and do some things that are frivolous; it means that the main things that we spend our time on must be meaningful to us and probably also to the world.

This is important to me and probably to most men. You see, most men with families have the responsibility to financially provide for their families. That often times means that they take jobs that pay the most money, not which provide any meaning for them. I know this from experience, and to some degree it is killing me.

So, how do you order your life so that you do the things that are of meaning? That is the quest that lies before me.

~~~~~
* Happiness Is a Serious Problem, by Dennis Prager

Your Best Life Now

2005-09-05T15:00:00.000-07:00

Five truths here, 7 habits there, 12 steps later and you're cured/ successful/ fulfilled/ fill-in-adjective, right? No, but that doesn't mean that such plans and programs are without merit. In fact, much of what we're after in life (health, success, fulfillment, fill-in-noun) is available to us if we'll simply follow through in applying the truths that we do know.

Why we don't is a mystery. Well, not a complete mystery. We are sinful after all and need to be reminded over and over of God's grace. And that's one reason I enjoy reading books like Joel Osteen's Your Best Life Now that bring to mind again the steps, in this case, the 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential.

Although accused of preaching a name-it-claim-it gospel, Osteen's book is more in line with Chuck Swindoll than Kenneth Copeland. Within a Christian context we can't go too wrong exploring themes that encourage us to: Enlarge Your Vision, Develop a Healthy Self-Image, Discover the Power of Your Thoughts and Words, Let Go of the Past, Find Strength Through Adversity, Live to Give, and Choose to Be Happy. Osteen writes:

I will challenge you in this book to break out of a "barely-get-by" mentality, to become the best you can be, not merely average or ordinary. To do that, you may have to rid yourself of some negative mindsets that are holding you back, and start enlarging your vision, seeing yourself as doing more, enjoying more, being more. That, my friend, is what it means to live your best life now. (Introduction)

Now this style of literature may not be your cup of tea, but shouldn't we all want to begin living at our best? Isn't that what Jesus is calling us to? A life of abundance? Just wondering.

Awaken the Giant Within

2005-09-01T06:32:00.000-07:00

A giant best seller. Almost everyone familiar with self-help is aware of Anthony Robbins and NLP (google it if you aren't). I was skeptical before reading Awaken the Giant Within, but am now impressed. Sprinkled with Christian verbiage, Tony doesn't syncretize beliefs, at least in this book. Very practical, great exercises, too many ideas to summarize with one quote, but I did find his explanation of our Reticular Activating System (RAS) helpful.

This shift in mental posture aligns you more precisely with your goals. Once you decide that something is a priority, you give it tremendous emotional intensity, and by continually focusing on it, any resource that supports its attainment will eventually become clear. (p. 288)

This makes more sense to me than magically "magnetizing" wealth into our lives. Simply put, when we focus on a question or problem our mind goes to work to find solutions. An example is when we car shop. We never noticed lime green VW Bugs before, but now that we're buying, everyone is driving one! That's your RAS at work.

The Psychology of the Hero Soul

2005-08-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Sharif Khan's intent is to "promote heroes in the workplace and everyday life" in his book, The Psychology of the Hero Soul. He does an adequate job describing the qualities of a modern hero by reflecting on such standard themes as sacrifice, vision, action, and courage. These topics are made relevant with appropriate, if somewhat predictable, illustrations. I like his premise.

However, I don't like the path he takes to arrive at his destination. The fundamental problem with humanity, according to Khan and many other "self-help" authors, is not sin but lack of awareness of our inherent perfection.

Trying to become perfect, trying to become who you're not, is moving away from the source of perfection that is already within you. (p. 66)

Is that so? I don't know about you, but when I travel within to find my "higher self" it's a really short trip to disappointment. It may not appeal to the masses, but I believe our ultimate help comes from above, not within.

The Attractor Factor

2005-08-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

In "5 Easy Steps" you can create wealth or anything else your heart desires. At least that's the premise of The Attractor Factor by Joe Vitale. It's called the "Law of Attraction" and works because we are walking magnets, pulling into our lives the very things we are thinking and feeling. The simple steps:

1. Know what you don't want.
2. Select what you do want.
3. Clear all negative or limiting beliefs.
4. Feel what it would be like to have, do, or be what you want.
5. Let go as you act on your intuitive impulses, and allow the results to manifest. (p. 176)

Excuse Me, Your Life is Waiting

2005-08-25T22:00:00.000-07:00

This book by Lynn Grabhorn explores "the astonishing power of feelings." And while I agree that how you feel impacts your behavior, the author's premise is that "we create by feeling, not by thought." Let her explain:

" . . . the energy that flows out from us comes from our highly charged emotions to create highly charged electromagnetic wave patterns of energy, making us powerful - but volatile - walking magnets. . . . The electromagnetic vibrations you send out every split second of every day are what have brought - and are continuing to bring - everything into your life, big or small, good or bad. Everything! No exceptions." (p. 8, emphases hers)

Leadership and Self-Deception

2005-08-23T22:00:00.000-07:00

We are self-deceived. The claim that we are not is proof that we are. For each of us is "in a box" of selfishness. And self-betrayal is how we enter the box. What is Self-Betrayal?

1. An act contrary to what I feel I should do for another is called an act of "self-betrayal."
2. When I betray myself, I begin to see the world in a way that justifies my self-betrayal.
3. When I see a self-justifying world, my view of reality becomes distorted.
4. So - when I betray myself, I enter the box. (p. 76)

How do we get "out of the box" and so view others, not as objects, but as people with similar needs, dreams, and desires like us? That is what you'll find out in the book, Leadership and Self-Deception.

Beyond Positive Thinking

2005-06-04T22:00:00.000-07:00

Interacting with Beyond Positive Thinking, a book by Robert Anthony. One of the many self-help resources available online and anywhere. I like the challenge to move beyond positive vs negative thinking and begin right thinking, but listen to this:

The truth is we are in darkness because of our ignorance. (p 2)

Really? Is lack of knowledge all that is wrong with our world? Hmm. Let's put this to the test over the next few weeks. Whenever I do something wrong I'll just go to my bookshelf and get more knowledge. I suspect I'll be reading quite a bit.