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firstIMPRESSIONS
There are times in life when we sometimes find ourselves questioning whether we have made the right decisions in life. It seems as if the struggles were less difficult when you were able to make choices that did not require having your conscience involved. It seemed that the world was much more glamorous. But was it? Did the world really offer so much more or are you now in a crunch and it seems that God is slow to answer? Which way do I go? One of the things that I have learned is that God does not work in our time. As pressing as our needs seem to be to us, God does not always see them as urgent. Is it possible that your test is only a trial? Is your faith on trial? Do you trust God enough? Do you trust Him enough to kick the devil out of your mind where he likes to set up camp and show you the negative side of the coin? Do you trust Him enough to believe that He will come right on time? Do you trust Him enough to believe that you chose right when you chose Him? As you sit and ponder which way to go, I will encourage you to always follow the Lord. Even when it looks like nothing is happening, trust that you have a God that is always working on your behalf. Do not fret when you face test and trials – be of good courage and pass the test. Trust God, and go in any direction that He may send you. If He could bring Daniel out of the Lion’s Den... If He could allow David to slay Goliath with a rock... If He delivered Jonah from the belly of a whale... If He could do for them, then trust that He will do for you. So today know that you should go in the direction of the Lord. Do not look back. What you left behind should stay behind. God has prepared all that you will need in front of you. So pick yourself up and dust yourself off, because God has a special plan for you. The plan first begins with you understanding that you can make it if you would just trust Him. Will you trust Him today? Here is your copy of firstIMPRESSIONS, Volume 6.12. Live for God, on purpose, trusting Him and following His lead each and every day. |
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 Feel the Earth Move?
Mention the word “earthquake” and you tend to think about California, or perhaps other places that sit atop faults in the earth below. Here in Delaware, we seem to be fairly safe from earthquake danger. Up until last week, they rarely thought about earthquakes in upstate New York, in the town of Rockland. And, last month they started to think about earthquakes in Franklin, New Jersey. Just this past week, on Sunday and Tuesday mornings, Rockland experienced two small earthquakes, measuring just 1.1 and 1.3 on the Richter scale. Although measurable, this was so minor that most people wouldn’t have felt anything, nor were there any “aftershocks.” The quake in New Jersey last month was larger, measuring 2.4, and produced a dozen or so small aftershocks. Fortunately, neither of these incidents caused any destruction. This can’t be said about the huge quakes that have taken place in many locations around the world, where buildings collapse, ground shifts, slides and falls, or when the earthquake takes place under ocean waters, causing giant tsunamis to form, creating monumental disasters. These earthquakes are considered to be “natural disasters.” I have seen some places where such events are called “acts of God.” Interesting how we try to place blame on the Creator of the universe for such things. But, it may be of interest to you that there have been, and indeed will be earthquakes that are indeed TRUE acts of God! Hebrews 12:26 says that “At that time His voice shook the earth, but now He has promised, ‘Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.’” The Bible talks about times that God has indeed been the cause of certain earthquakes, and that He will do just that again! This Sunday morning, we will look at just exactly what takes place “When God Quakes!” You won’t want to miss this powerful and life-changing message! (top)  Stop Struggling
A story is told of a man taking a trip on an old wooden sailing ship. He was out of the deck one day and saw one of the crew-members climbing the ropes, going up to the crow’s nest. When he was about half way up, the ship pitched to one side and he was thrown overboard. When he hit the water, he began to scream for help, and flail his arms wildly, as he struggled to survive. The traveler watched as a sailor walked over to the rail of the ship, and calmly observed the man in the water. After a short while the man in the water tired, and began to sink. Immediately the sailor standing by the rail jumped overboard, and rescued the drowning victim. After both men were safely on board, the traveler went over to the rescuer and asked, “Why did you wait so long to jump in the water and rescue this man?” He calmly replied, “I have found that as long as a man is struggling in the water, there is a greater chance that he will get us both killed if I jump in too quickly, and try to save him. I have learned that it is better to let them struggle awhile, and when they come to the end of their own strength, I can then jump in and rescue them.” My friend, are you like the drowning man in the story? Have you fallen from your place of comfort and safety, and you are now struggling just to survive? Have you cried out to God to come and rescue you immediately? It is possible the Lord is waiting until you have come to the end of yourself and stop struggling in a vain attempt to save yourself through any means. When you finally admit you can’t save yourself, God will jump into the water and save you! (top)  No Regrets
Not many people have heard of Bill Havens. But Bill became an unlikely hero of sorts – at least among those who knew him best. Here is his story: At the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris, the sport of canoe racing was added to the list of international competitions. The favorite team in the four-man canoe race was the United States team. One member of that team was a young man by the name of Bill Havens. As the time for the Olympics neared, it became clear that Bill’s wife would give birth to their first child about the time that the US team would be competing in the Paris games. In 1924 there were no jet airliners from Paris to the United States, only slow ocean-going ships. And so Bill found himself in a dilemma. Should he go to Paris and risk not being at his wife’s side when their baby was born? Or should he withdraw from the team and remain with his family? Bill’s wife insisted that he go to Paris. After all, competing in the Olympics was the culmination of a life-long dream. But Bill felt conflicted and, after much soul-searching, decided to withdraw from the competition and remain home where he could support his wife when the child arrived. He considered being at her side his highest priority – even higher than going to Paris to fulfill his dream. As it turned out, the United States four-man canoe team won the gold medal in Paris. And Bill’s wife was late in giving birth to their child. She was so late, in fact, that Bill could have competed in the event and returned home in time to be with her when she gave birth. People said, “What a shame.” But Bill said he had no regrets. For the rest of his life, he believed he had made the better decision. Bill Havens knew what was most important to him. Not everybody figures that out. And he acted on what he believed was best. Not everybody has the strength of character to say no to something he or she truly wants in order to say yes to something that truly matters. But for Bill, it was the only way to peace; the only way to no regrets. There is an interesting sequel to the story of Bill Havens. The child eventually born to Bill and his wife was a boy, whom they named Frank. Twenty-eight years later, in 1952, Bill received a cablegram from Frank. It was sent from Helsinki, Finland, where the 1952 Olympics were being held. The cablegram read: “Dad, I won. I’m bringing home the gold medal you lost while waiting for me to be born.” Frank Havens had just won the gold medal for the United States in the canoe-racing event, a medal his father had dreamed of winning but never did. Like I said – no regrets. Thomas Kinkade eloquently said, “When we learn to say a deep, passionate yes to the things that really matter... then peace begins to settle onto our lives like golden sunlight sifting to a forest floor.” (top)  How to Be a Weak Leader
Ten sure-fire ways to become a weak leader: 1. Weak leaders are blind to the current situation. They solve the wrong problems in the wrong way. Good leaders understand what is happening. They size up the situation, put themselves in the right position to respond, prepare, and then act at the proper time. 2. Weak leaders discourage others. They find fault and blame. They criticize when things don’t go right. Good leaders encourage. They give credit when things go well and take responsibility when they don’t go well. Alabama football coach “Bear” Bryant was once asked how he inspired his players. He responded, “Well, I’m just an old plow hand from Arkansas, but I’ve learned a few things about getting people to do what you want them to do. When things go wrong, I did it. When things go semi-good, we did it. And when things go good, you did it. That’s all it takes to hold a team together and win football games.” 3. Weak leaders know it all. They already have the answers. Good leaders keep learning. A cross-discipline study of leader- ship indicated that effective leaders in all fields are always learning. They constantly improve their skills. The best leaders are perpetual learners. Unlike weak leaders, they know that a spurt here and a spurt there does not make one an expert! 4. Weak leaders never rock the boat. They won’t make courageous decisions for fear of failing. They prefer to keep things as they are, even if the system is not working all that well. Weak leaders will almost always follow the well-worn path. Good leaders, however, will often go where there is no path and leave a trail. They are sure of their direction and they act boldly. 5. Weak leaders keep others in their place. They remind them who is boss. Good leaders know that authority is more earned than granted. A young Army officer found that he did not have the correct change for a soft drink vending machine. Noticing a subordinate nearby, he said, “Private, do you have change for a dollar?” Cheerfully, the man said, “I think so – let me look.” “That is no way to address your superior, soldier!” scolded the officer. “Now, let’s try it again. Private, do you have change for a dollar?” The soldier snapped to attention, saluted and said, “NO, SIR!” 6. Weak leaders do all of the work themselves. They delegate poorly. They micro-manage and control. Good leaders identify the gifts, strengths and limitations of those they lead. They assign, train, encourage and then get out of the way. 7. Weak leaders sabotage the successes of others. When those below them succeed, they feel threatened. Good leaders, on the other hand, help their subordinates find success. They give a hand up. They realize that when one is lifted to another’s shoulders, both stand taller. 8. Weak leaders ask others do what they are not willing to do themselves, and try to get others to go places they have not been. Good leaders always lead by example. 9. Weak leaders motivate by force. They cajole, intimidate, threaten and issue ultimatums. Good leaders know that motivation by force destroys morale. They understand that people respond best to positive incentive. They know that people who believe in themselves will do more work and better work. 10. Finally, weak leaders do not listen to those they lead. Their minds are already made up and they charge recklessly ahead. Good leaders listen and learn. U.S. Secretary of State Dean Rusk once said, “One of the best ways to persuade others is with you ears – by listening to them.” Good salespeople know this. Good motivators know this. Good leaders know this. There you have it: ten characteristics of weak leaders. Avoid all ten of these leadership blunders and you can become a GREAT leader. (top)  Five Life-Changing Questions
’...Nothing will ever separate us from his love...’ Romans 8:38 Paul asks five life-changing questions you would do well to think about: 1. If God is for us, who can ever be against us? (Romans 8:31 NLT). The presence of God tilts the scales forever in our direction. Really, who can hurt us? 2. Since God did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will not God... also give us everything else? (Romans 8:32 NLT). Would God save our souls then leave us to fend for ourselves? Would He address our eternal needs and ignore our earthly ones? Of course not! 3. Who dares accuse us...? Will God? No! He is the one who has given us right standing with Himself (Romans 8:33 NLT). Every voice that accuses you, including your own, means nothing in the court of Heaven. God’s acceptance trumps man’s rejection. 4. Who then will condemn us?... the One who died for us... is sitting at the place of highest honor next to God, pleading for us (Romans 8:34 NLT). Let your accusers rise up and speak against you. Jesus, your defense attorney, silences them. Why? Because His grace covers you. 5. Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? (Romans 8:35 NLT). Paul answers his own question: ”...Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels can’t, and the demons can’t. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell cannot keep God’s love away... nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39 NLT). (top)  Brownie Crumbs
Mrs. Baughman was my 6th grade Sunday School teacher. One morning, she brought a pan of brownies to our class. As the goodies sat over by her chair, she gave each child a slip of paper marked with a household expense: house payment, utility bill, phone bill, entertainment, etc. My slip had a car payment. Before long, Mrs. Baughman picked up the tray of brownies and began naming the expenses written on the papers. As we gave her our expenses, she redeemed each one for a brownie. “Car payment” she announced. I jumped up to get my brownie from the pan. Finally the last brownie had disappeared. But one boy named Donald still held his unredeemed slip. “God!” called Mrs. Baughman. Donald came forward hoping the teacher had one more brownie hidden some where. With a knife, Mrs. Baughman scraped the crumbs from the bottom of the pan into Donald’s napkin. He got a pretty raw deal, I thought – just crumbs. “The brownies represent your money", the teacher explained to us. “If you don’t give God his share right away, He probably won’t get anything except maybe the crumbs.” I never forgot that illustration. The day my friend Donald got only the brownie crumbs, even as a child I learned that God should have the first right to everything I have. In the years since Mrs. Baughman’s class, I have struggled with giving and priorities. But whenever I recall the “Crummy Sunday School Lesson", I know who should and must always come first in my life! (top)  Top 10 Signs the Ushers at Your Church Have Gone Through Customer Service Training
by Dave Tippett 10. Now giving out pagers to alert you when a pew becomes available 9. No more “spiritual profiling” of visitors 8. Offering wider variety of communion wafer toppings 7. Turns the Tazer voltage WAY down now when zapping someone sleeping during sermon 6. Will wipe down pew seat for you and not expect a tip 5. Goo-Goo Gaa-Gaa Squad created for crying-baby crisis 4. Quick-response Communion Cup Disinfection Team for slobberers 3. During lulls in worship service, pushes service cart down aisle, offering beverages and peanuts 2. No longer singing parody lyrics under their breath to modern praise and worship songs 1. Two words: Pew massages Copyright 2005 Dave Tippett (djtippHA@yahoo.com). Permission is granted to send this to others, with attribution, but not for commercial purposes. (top)  The Last Impression...
You might be a preacher if... • You’ve ever dreamed you were preaching only to awaken and discover you were • You’re leading the church into the 21st century, but you don’t know what you’re preaching on Sunday • A church picnic is no picnic • You’ve ever wondered why people couldn’t die at more appropriate times • It’s Sunday, but Monday’s coming! • Instead of getting “ticked off,” you get “grieved in your spirit.” • You’ve ever been tempted to take an offering at a family reunion • You’d rather talk to people with every head bowed and every eye closed. • You’ve ever wanted to “lay hands” on a deacon’s neck. • Everybody stops talking when you enter the room. • You’ve ever stretched the truth at a funeral. • You’ve ever suffered anxiety attack while playing Bible Trivia Pursuit. • You get your second wind when you say “And in conclusion...” • The ideas you bounce off board members really do. • You’ve seen more religion at a pool hall than you’ve seen at a Church Softball Game. • Your Bible has more side notes than printed text. • You jiggle all the toilet handles before you leave the church building. This is Missions Sunday here at WFA, and we look forward to highlighting our children’s missions ministry, “BGMC.” You will be blessed as our SuperKIDS take us on a missions trip to a far off land! It promises to be a great day as we worship together in Spirit and in Truth! See you on Sunday! |
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Yours for HIM, |
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Do you sometimes find it hard to decide which way to go in life? Does it sometimes seem that you suffered more for what you gave up then the benefits of what you are now receiving? Did you possibly make a mistake choosing to follow God rather than the world? Which way do I go?
