"Here's why we stink..."

Let me tell you about James. This young man requested a transfer to my team, because of his dislike of the attitude prevalent in the team where he worked. He described how their team meetings often began with "We're doing terribly; here are the areas where we stink...." The constant negativity from the team leaders - whether deserved or not - was just too much for James, and so he sought to leave the team. Once he moved to my team, James became much more productive. He was thirsty to achieve and to please his management, very proud of his work, and in the end became one of the team's best, and an example to those around him. In two different teams (same company) his attitude was totally different: one team's approach left him feeling constantly lacking, the other team's approach helped him realize his own personal value. Is it any wonder that when he felt valuable to the team, his productivity raised tremendously?

Hebrews 10:24-25 - And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

If we examine the words "provoke" and "exhorting" above, in their original Greek, they indicate that the believers are to passionately incite (provoke) and encourage and strengthen (exhort) one another. It's true that the Christian is encouraged to work on their own salvation (Philippians 2:12), but we're also supposed to work together and encourage each other along the way. In fact, Romans 12:15 tells us to "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." We're connected, and we're to work with each other toward a common goal: our salvation.

Lord, I thank you for showing me the value of other believers as I pursue my own personal walk with You. Help us to strengthen and encourage one another each day, so that we can all complete this earthly course as winners.

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© 2008 Scotty Ward

Beltway? No Way!

When I first arrived in the Metro Washington D.C. area (from Abilene Texas), I was immediately struck by the aggressiveness of some drivers I encountered on the Capital Beltway (the freeway circling D.C.).  Their selfish and dangerous style of driving unnerved me so much, I literally swore that I would not drive on the Beltway again!

After a few months of this (I actually discovered routes to drive, so I'd avoid the Beltway), the Lord reminded me that every occupant in every vehicle out there was a SOUL.  After that reminder, driving on the Beltway (and elsewhere) became less of an 'adventure' for me.  Now, I can drive any highway, and aggressive drivers don't get to me.....  too much.


2 Peter 3:9 (New International Version) - The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (New Living Translation) - For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  In those days when you pray, I will listen.  If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.

Lord, thanks for this reminder, that no matter how far anyone in the world has strayed from You, every single person who still draws a breath, still has a chance.

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© 2008 Scotty Ward

I Wonder...

You know, Lord, how eagerly I serve you when I’m engaged in church activities.

How enthusiastically I speak your Word of encouragement, when I’m around others I know as Christians.

How joyful I am when I’m able to share about you to others outside the church.

All those “normal things” Christians are asked to do…

But how would I react, I wonder,

If you pointed to a basin of water

And asked me to wash the callused feet of a bent and wrinkled old woman

Day after day, Month after month,

In a room where nobody saw

And nobody knew?

Modified from "I Wonder" by Ruth Harms Calkin

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© 2008 Scotty Ward

GRIDLOCK!

I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Living in the second-worse commuting area in the nation (Metro Washington D.C.). Here I sit in an Alexandria restaurant, because every route home to Maryland is so clogged that traffic isn't moving. It takes numerous changes of the light before you approach the intersection, and when you do, it's clogged with other motorists. Everyone tries to inch into every available space in the intersection, and so when the light turns, there's little room for anyone to move. The name for this? GRIDLOCK.

When my time came to enter the intersection, I waited until I could ensure I would be able to get all the way through. But those behind me got so impatient, they honked their horns and tried to drive AROUND me, just so they could join the parking lot ahead. So I gave up and stopped for a bite to eat.

James 3:16-17 (Contemporary English Version) - Whenever people are jealous or selfish, they cause trouble and do all sorts of cruel things. But the wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere.

Lord, even in bumper-to-bumper traffic, you continue to teach. I don't have to "be like the crowd". If someone thinks I act weird or improper according to their expectations, the issue is theirs. Your word teaches me that if I focus on you, I'll obtain your wisdom. And with all the blessings we see in James, I'll be prepared for whatever traffic may occur. Because I've got you, Lord. Come what may, I've got you.

Thanks, Lord! You're awesome!
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© 2008 Scotty Ward

"I'm healed: SEE?"

We were blessed to have a visit from my parents (80 and 77 years old) last week. It's been some time since we've been able to visit face-to-face, and during that time, both parents had undergone significant surgeries. So it was almost humorous to be standing in my kitchen while they both described their surgeries in detail, and showed me their scars (her back, his abdomen).

2 Cor 11:24-27, 12:10 (Contemporary English Version)
Five times the Jews gave me thirty-nine lashes with a whip. Three times the Romans beat me with a big stick, and once my enemies stoned me. I have been shipwrecked three times, and I even had to spend a night and a day in the sea. During my many travels, I have been in danger from rivers, robbers, my own people, and foreigners. My life has been in danger in cities, in deserts, at sea, and with people who only pretended to be the Lord's followers. I have worked and struggled and spent many sleepless nights. I have gone hungry and thirsty and often had nothing to eat. I have been cold from not having enough clothes to keep me warm...

Yes, I am glad to be weak or insulted or mistreated or to have troubles and sufferings, if it is for Christ. Because when I am weak, I am strong.

When life throws us painful situations, we don't usually have many choices. Both my parents' surgeries were medically necessary. Had they not received them, they could have been in grave physical conditions, or worse. Paul was in a similar situation; his calling to the ministry carried a host of pain and uncertainty. But my folks and Paul all decided the best course of action was to "go through" their situations, regardless of the pain that must be endured along the way. The goal for my parents was improved physical health; the goal for Paul was a life lived in obedience to God's will, and an eternity in heaven. And they were all able to "show their scars" to those around them, as a testament to their journeys.

Lord, please keep us focused on our journey's end, an eternity with you. Help us to go through the painful periods and situations we may face, realizing that there is no earthly pain possible that compares to the heavenly destination you have prepared, for those who believe.

Amen. God Bless.
© 2008 Scotty Ward