Have you ever thought about how important humor is to your life? We all like humor, but too many of us never really make it a priority in our lives. You say, “Make humor, laughter a priority?!” You know how you feel. Life is serious. There are too many serious things happening in our world. It would even be inappropriate to laugh. There are certainly times to be sober and serious. The happenings of the past few days remind us that the world is definitely full of people filled with pain causing them to do horrific things. As you watched the videos of the young man who took 32 lives at Virginia Tech did you see the pain in his eyes? There had probably been no laughter for longer than he could remember. All those who had had any close contact with him noted how quiet he was.
Remember the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac. Sarah laughed when the messenger from God told Abraham that they were going to have a son when he was 100 and Sarah was 90. She laughed and then denied that she laughed as if there was something wrong with that. I mean, that’s certainly a laughable thought to me! I am not 100 and Debbie is not 90, but I would laugh if the doctor looked at us and told us she was pregnant (and then CRY!). But when Isaac was born she said, "God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me." Genesis 21:6 (NIV)
Sometimes laughter is a cover for pain. The Proverbs says, “Even in laughter the heart may ache, and joy may end in grief.” Proverbs 14:13 (NIV) But on the other hand laughter is a great tool to get us through pain. When I conduct a funeral service I always try to find something in the life of deceased to make us laugh. Some people find that disrespectful, but most find it relieving to be able to laugh in the midst of grief.
Not long after the iron curtain had come down I was ministering in the former Soviet Union in Siberia. It was a city not even on most maps at that time because it had been a secret military installation and a city for Communist Officials to go for R & R. There were 300,000 people in the city. The one thing we noticed in most of the people whether in Moscow or in Siberia (they are a six hour flight apart) was that they did not smile, they were not happy even in their new found freedom. Even the church people were somber. One pastor listened to us crazy Americans as we laughed and enjoyed ourselves. He watched as we played games in the square with the youth and 3000 people would show up to watch and eventually laugh with us. Then we’d share testimonies and preach the Gospel to them and thousands of them would come to know Christ. That pastor said in frustration and even anger, “You laugh too much. You are too happy. Holy people don’t laugh, they are serious.” I am not criticizing him at all because this man had been through much pain. He’d been in prison for his faith. The joy had been taken from him. The day we left he finally smiled at us. Maybe we rubbed off on him just a little.
The police showed up at the “hotel” where we were staying to give us personal escorts downtown for our meetings because they were drawn to the laughter. One evening late we were sitting in the restaurant (we were the only ones there as was most often the case) and we were laughing at the end of a long day of ministry and travel around the area. We noticed all the staff standing over to the side watching us, and immediately we felt bad because we’d forgotten the time and we were keeping them there waiting on us to finish. So, I went over with an interpreter to apologize. When I did they reacted immediately with, “Oh, no we are not upset. We were just watching you laugh.”
On the other hand I was in a meeting last week with two gentlemen from Viet Nam who had both been jailed for their faith more times than they could count. They made jokes about it. The smiles on their faces were so big they covered their faces. They told funny stories about being arrested, thrown in prison for leading people to Jesus, and then thrown out of prison because they were leading people to Jesus in prison. Laughter, it’s a wonderful thing!
The Bible agrees, “A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.” Proverbs 17:22 (MSG)
Remember the “Reader’s Digest”? We got it all the time when I was a kid and even in adulthood. Still today when I pick one up in a waiting or room or wherever I will go first to “Laughter is the Best Medicine.” Remember that? Then to “All in a Day’s Work” and “Life in the United States”. It is good to laugh.
Certainly one of the best ways to ruin your life would be to take everything too seriously, especially yourself. Have you ever noticed how really successful people are able to laugh at themselves? I don't think I've ever met anyone worthy of modeling my life after who didn't make humor an integral part of their life.
Humor and laughter will make every part of your life better. It will help you through difficult times and it will help you make the good times even better. It will attract good people and good situations to you. You'll become a magnet for positive experiences. And it's well documented that daily laughter will make you healthier. We shouldn’t be surprised because the Bible had already established that.
Have you ever noticed how some people wouldn't be happy if they weren't miserable? There may actually be something humorous about that. Laugh a lot today.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me not to miss the fun, the laughter, the humor in life. Your Word reminds me that “the joy of the Lord is my strength” not the soberness and seriousness of life. May my countenance and my demeanor reflect that joy to others. Make me a magnet to draw people to the joy that just comes out of me, and then to You that brings the joy to my life. AMEN.
Blessings!
Pastor Roger
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Give to Caesar!
Yes, for those in the US, we have reached tax time (the middle of April)! Today is the day. We actually got two extra days this year. We've all heard the phrase that the only 2 sure things in life are death and taxes. Yes, taxes are unpleasant, but necessary. As Jim Rohn says, "You have to feed the goose that lays the golden eggs. Sure, sometimes the goose eats too much. But better a fat goose than no goose at all."
I have the same tendency that you do... to complain about taxes. I paid more taxes in advance this year than I ever have in my short history, but I sill owe taxes at tax time than ever before too. Now, while I was quietly complaining... quiet only because no one else was around at the moment to complain to... the thought came to me that there is an alternative to paying more taxes. It’s really very simple. Make less money!
Jesus admonished us, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." Matthew 22:21 (NIV)
Now, I am a faithful, cheerful giver and tither. It is not a struggle at all for me to give to the ministry and tithe to the local church. It is never a question, and I love to do it. But Jesus didn’t really differentiate between giving to God and giving to the IRS (Caesar). He just said we are supposed to do both. So, now that I have repented I can say, “Thank God I can pay taxes.” Just as I tell you it takes money to run a church, it takes money to run a country. And no, I don’t like everything they do with the money we give them, but that is not an excuse to quit paying taxes. I need to begin to exercise the power of the American citizen to vote and speak to those who represent us and make laws reminding them that I pay their salary.
Bottom Line... there’s a whole lot more about this nation, these United States of America that I like than dislike. So as you write that check and pop it in the mail (at 11:59 p.m.) say a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s blessings in your life, and then say a prayer for this great nation and its leaders.
Prayer: Thank you for the privilege of living in a free nation. Thank you for your blessings in my life. Thank you for the privilege of paying taxes. Bless our leaders and our nation today and everyday. AMEN.
Blessings!
Pastor Roger
I have the same tendency that you do... to complain about taxes. I paid more taxes in advance this year than I ever have in my short history, but I sill owe taxes at tax time than ever before too. Now, while I was quietly complaining... quiet only because no one else was around at the moment to complain to... the thought came to me that there is an alternative to paying more taxes. It’s really very simple. Make less money!
Jesus admonished us, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." Matthew 22:21 (NIV)
Now, I am a faithful, cheerful giver and tither. It is not a struggle at all for me to give to the ministry and tithe to the local church. It is never a question, and I love to do it. But Jesus didn’t really differentiate between giving to God and giving to the IRS (Caesar). He just said we are supposed to do both. So, now that I have repented I can say, “Thank God I can pay taxes.” Just as I tell you it takes money to run a church, it takes money to run a country. And no, I don’t like everything they do with the money we give them, but that is not an excuse to quit paying taxes. I need to begin to exercise the power of the American citizen to vote and speak to those who represent us and make laws reminding them that I pay their salary.
Bottom Line... there’s a whole lot more about this nation, these United States of America that I like than dislike. So as you write that check and pop it in the mail (at 11:59 p.m.) say a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s blessings in your life, and then say a prayer for this great nation and its leaders.
Prayer: Thank you for the privilege of living in a free nation. Thank you for your blessings in my life. Thank you for the privilege of paying taxes. Bless our leaders and our nation today and everyday. AMEN.
Blessings!
Pastor Roger
Buzzards, Bats, and Bumblebees
The BUZZARD
If you put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 feet by 8 feet and is entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of its ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of 10 to 12 feet. Without space to run, as is its habit, it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top.
The BAT
The ordinary bat that flies around at night, a remarkably nimble creature in the air, cannot take off from a level place. If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly and, no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation from
which it can throw itself into the air. Then, at once, it takes off like a flash.
The BUMBLEBEE
A bumblebee, if dropped into an open tumbler, will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out. It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will seek a way where none exists, until it completely destroys itself.
PEOPLE
In many ways, we are like the buzzard, the bat, and the bumblebee. We struggle about with all our problems and frustrations, never realizing that all we have to do is look up.
Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, but faith looks up.
The above thoughts are from Zig Ziglar’s Newsletter April 17, 2007
“I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalms 121:1-2 (NIV)
Prayer: Lord Jesus, today I will choose to look up in the midst of the battles and challenges of life. I am not trapped in an inescapable prison. Help is always readily available to me because You love me. You have promised all the knowledge, power, and strength that I need to do what I have to do in life. Thank You, and expect to hear from me today. AMEN.
Blessings!
Pastor Roger
If you put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 feet by 8 feet and is entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of its ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of 10 to 12 feet. Without space to run, as is its habit, it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top.
The BAT
The ordinary bat that flies around at night, a remarkably nimble creature in the air, cannot take off from a level place. If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly and, no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation from
which it can throw itself into the air. Then, at once, it takes off like a flash.
The BUMBLEBEE
A bumblebee, if dropped into an open tumbler, will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out. It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will seek a way where none exists, until it completely destroys itself.
PEOPLE
In many ways, we are like the buzzard, the bat, and the bumblebee. We struggle about with all our problems and frustrations, never realizing that all we have to do is look up.
Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, but faith looks up.
The above thoughts are from Zig Ziglar’s Newsletter April 17, 2007
“I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalms 121:1-2 (NIV)
Prayer: Lord Jesus, today I will choose to look up in the midst of the battles and challenges of life. I am not trapped in an inescapable prison. Help is always readily available to me because You love me. You have promised all the knowledge, power, and strength that I need to do what I have to do in life. Thank You, and expect to hear from me today. AMEN.
Blessings!
Pastor Roger
Monday, April 16, 2007
Cry or Try Again
Joshua 1:6-9 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 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." NIV
We often hear it said that people are the victim of their circumstances. I was reading an article the other day by Rene Godefroy. I have never heard of him, but I sure agree with his statement. He said...
“Most of us are so intoxicated by our failures and fears that they cause us to be stuck in situations we absolutely hate.”
The fear factor is a powerful thing in our lives. It can either paralyze us or it can be the factor that motivates us. We make the choice how fear impacts our lives. The lion is the king of the jungle not because he is the biggest or even the strongest but because his roar paralyzes with fear.
As God was launching Joshua into the leadership of a nation of people with a history of difficulty and victory, He specifically commanded Joshua. Yes, he commanded him. He did not say, “Now, Joshua, try to be strong and courageous.” He said three times, “BE strong and courageous,” and then the last time added, “Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged.” Is being strong and courageous or being terrified and discouraged a matter of choice? Apparently it is.
Mr. Godefroy went on to say, “We are allergic to failure. Thus, we are afraid to step out and take a risk. Here's what you might want to know: if you are not failing right now, your chances of ever getting what you want are slim to none.”
People who are successful in life and business are not successful because they avoid all pain and give in to their fears. No, in fact, they live on the edge and dare to do the things they are afraid of. A show that was pretty popular for awhile was “Fear Factor.” I liked to watch the show (except when they would do disgusting things like eating body parts of animals, bugs and worms, and other disgusting things) because it was inspiring to watch people face their fears and conquer them. You could see the terror in their eyes, but they would go on and do it. Even if they didn’t win the $50,000 they were winners because they conquered their fears.
Can you remember the last time you tried something that scared the living daylights out of you? If you can't, your dream will probably always be just a dream. The first time I stood as a teenager and publicly acknowledged that I was called to preach the Gospel I was terrified. It didn’t really help when someone told me I was the last one of the youth they ever expected to be a preacher. A real confidence builder! That fear was eclipsed by the fear I felt when a few days later I stood behind the pulpit and preached my first sermon. To feel the fear is one thing. To face it and conquer it is another.
Today I am comfortable speaking to audiences. Oh, to be sure, I never lose the wonder of God allowing me to do what I do, or the awesomeness of the responsibility of standing before people and being able with words to influence their lives, but I am no longer afraid.
As you know, life will throw you some curve balls that are difficult to hit. You will probably...no, you will certainly strike at times. Sometimes life will throw you a right hook to the face and leave you staggering. Some of you that are reading this right now are down. Yet others may have just received a big and painful blow and are about to fall down. Don't cry and give up. The secret is to pick yourself up and try
again. Someone asked Paul Harvey what the secret to his success was. He replied, “I get up when I fall down.”
You can either cry or try again. Take Joshua’s command from God as your own today. Make the choice to NOT be terrified or discouraged, to BE strong and courageous, to face your fears instead of cowering before them, to encounter them in the power of the Holy Spirit that indwells you.
2 Timothy 1:7 7 “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” NIV
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the promises of Your Word that help me to conquer my fears. Thank you for the challenges before me and for the strength and courage to take them on and win. You and I are a team that can’t be beat! I really can “do all things through Christ who is my strength.” (Phil. 4:13) AMEN.
Blessings!
Pastor Roger
We often hear it said that people are the victim of their circumstances. I was reading an article the other day by Rene Godefroy. I have never heard of him, but I sure agree with his statement. He said...
“Most of us are so intoxicated by our failures and fears that they cause us to be stuck in situations we absolutely hate.”
The fear factor is a powerful thing in our lives. It can either paralyze us or it can be the factor that motivates us. We make the choice how fear impacts our lives. The lion is the king of the jungle not because he is the biggest or even the strongest but because his roar paralyzes with fear.
As God was launching Joshua into the leadership of a nation of people with a history of difficulty and victory, He specifically commanded Joshua. Yes, he commanded him. He did not say, “Now, Joshua, try to be strong and courageous.” He said three times, “BE strong and courageous,” and then the last time added, “Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged.” Is being strong and courageous or being terrified and discouraged a matter of choice? Apparently it is.
Mr. Godefroy went on to say, “We are allergic to failure. Thus, we are afraid to step out and take a risk. Here's what you might want to know: if you are not failing right now, your chances of ever getting what you want are slim to none.”
People who are successful in life and business are not successful because they avoid all pain and give in to their fears. No, in fact, they live on the edge and dare to do the things they are afraid of. A show that was pretty popular for awhile was “Fear Factor.” I liked to watch the show (except when they would do disgusting things like eating body parts of animals, bugs and worms, and other disgusting things) because it was inspiring to watch people face their fears and conquer them. You could see the terror in their eyes, but they would go on and do it. Even if they didn’t win the $50,000 they were winners because they conquered their fears.
Can you remember the last time you tried something that scared the living daylights out of you? If you can't, your dream will probably always be just a dream. The first time I stood as a teenager and publicly acknowledged that I was called to preach the Gospel I was terrified. It didn’t really help when someone told me I was the last one of the youth they ever expected to be a preacher. A real confidence builder! That fear was eclipsed by the fear I felt when a few days later I stood behind the pulpit and preached my first sermon. To feel the fear is one thing. To face it and conquer it is another.
Today I am comfortable speaking to audiences. Oh, to be sure, I never lose the wonder of God allowing me to do what I do, or the awesomeness of the responsibility of standing before people and being able with words to influence their lives, but I am no longer afraid.
As you know, life will throw you some curve balls that are difficult to hit. You will probably...no, you will certainly strike at times. Sometimes life will throw you a right hook to the face and leave you staggering. Some of you that are reading this right now are down. Yet others may have just received a big and painful blow and are about to fall down. Don't cry and give up. The secret is to pick yourself up and try
again. Someone asked Paul Harvey what the secret to his success was. He replied, “I get up when I fall down.”
You can either cry or try again. Take Joshua’s command from God as your own today. Make the choice to NOT be terrified or discouraged, to BE strong and courageous, to face your fears instead of cowering before them, to encounter them in the power of the Holy Spirit that indwells you.
2 Timothy 1:7 7 “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” NIV
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the promises of Your Word that help me to conquer my fears. Thank you for the challenges before me and for the strength and courage to take them on and win. You and I are a team that can’t be beat! I really can “do all things through Christ who is my strength.” (Phil. 4:13) AMEN.
Blessings!
Pastor Roger
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