Doing God's work, one step at a time

Are you ready? This is the last week of our study in Philippians. Man it has been a great journey for me. When I started this I was not sure where this study would lead us, but I have to say, I have learned a lot. I pray you have as well. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard my Great Grandma Nanny and my mom say the phrase, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” As a matter of fact, it is one of the mantra’s that I recite when I am in the midst of a panic attack. I try to fight them off with Scripture…which works well when I meditate and focus correctly. If anyone listens to WIBI, you have probably heard about the whole, “Pay It Backwards” campaign. It is an effort to change the way we go about our daily business. Here’s the deal. Whether you are in line at the grocery store, McDonald’s, gas station, anywhere, take a moment to bless the person behind you and pay for their meal, groceries, soda, whatever the case may be. When you do this, leave a message with ...

Conflict. Just the very mention of the word and most people tense up like none other. I hate…HATE conflict. I avoid it at all costs because not only does it stir my anxiety up, but I cannot stand being at odds with someone. However, I’ve learned that there are times when it is absolutely unavoidable. Have you ever had a conflict with yourself? I know I have had many arguments in my head about different things. Before everyone thinks I am completely off my rocker, let me explain. The time I am arguing in my head is usually in the car when I am all alone…although I have been known to do it with my wife and kids in the car. What happens is this. I’ll be contemplating a situation I am dealing with…either with my dad or mom, my brother, Sherri, my kids, in addition it used to be my boss at work, a co-worker, or some situation that I would be trying to avoid for one reason or another. What I will do is have a conversation in my head trying to play different scenarios out. Most times, I get t...

I want to paint a picture for you…close your eyes and in your mind’s eye, picture this. It is April, just about the time when it is starting to get nice outside. Trees and flowers are blooming. Ahhchoo! Yes, for some, allergies are sure to follow. You’re in Boston for the running of the Boston Marathon. Bright sunny blue skies and 20,000 runners there ready to run this race filled with tradition, honor and timeless history. People actually cannot just sign up to run for this race, they have to qualify for it, which is extremely hard. Years of practice, training and hard work for one moment in history. When you think of a marathon runner, what comes to mind? Physically fit, ability to endure 26 miles of running, exhausted, they practice and train a lot, perhaps you know someone who does. A friend of mine’s dad actually qualified for the Boston Marathon. We were all so proud of him when he did. It was a monumental accomplishment for someone from the town of East Peoria, Illinois to have ...

I heard a story once that influenced my addiction to the internet. I am not sure if this story is true, but whether or not it is, I took this story to heart and allowed it to change my life, eventually turning away from it completely. The story goes like this: There was a beautiful young professional girl. She was in her mid-twenties, working successfully at a professional Law Firm in New York City. Fresh out of school, she was one of the most successful young attorneys the Firm had seen in a while. She had devoted her whole life to being successful in school, and now in her job. She never found the special someone in her life; she never had time. She decided to get on one of these dating websites to see what turned up. A few months had gone by and she started talking with a nice young man, around her age, unfortunately, he lived in Los Angeles. The developed their relationship, placing her trust in him that he wouldn’t hurt her. He kept bugging her that they should meet in person, and...

The second half of this sermon is a little unfinished. There are basic ideas that I preached because I had a funeral and could not finish my manuscript. Please take this into consideration when reading. An atheist was walking through the woods. 'What majestic trees'! 'What powerful rivers'!'What beautiful animals'! He said to himself. As he was walking alongside the river, he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him. He turned to look. He saw a 7-foot grizzly bear charge towards him…He ran as fast as he could up the path. He looked over his shoulder & saw that the bear was closing in on him. He looked over his shoulder again, & the bear was even closer. He tripped & fell on the ground. He rolled over to pick himself up but saw that the bear was right on top of him, reaching for him with his left paw & raising his right paw to strike him. At that instant the Atheist cried out, 'Oh my God!' Time Stopped. The bear froze. The forest was sile...