We visited the Louisiana State Penitentiary yesterday at Angola. Angola is the largest maximum-security prison in the United States, with over 5,000 inmates. The overwhelming majority of the inmates are serving life sentences, with a large number of its population on death row.
It was a sobering tour.
Angola is also known for its innovative programs for the incarcerated. One of them is called P.A.W.S. (Prisoners Assisting Warriors Service), which uses the inmates to train service dogs for military veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. These volunteers work with canines for 14-18 months to learn basic commands, provide mobility assistance and detect stress triggers in their eventual veteran owners.
The two men who presented to our group were serving life sentences. One had been convicted of a crime at age 17. They were polished, poised and passionate about their work. In addition to their work with this non-profit, they had both obtained degrees in Divinity and expressed their desire to continue to give back.
They had joy in their hearts and purpose for their lives.
O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption. Psalm 130:7
I often pray that the Lord will bring someone in my path that needs forgiveness, mercy and love. But yesterday- the Lord brought me into the presence of two men who could provide an example of brokenness, forgiveness and redemption.
These men had experienced the worst that this world has to offer. But despite their mistakes and crime, they have joyfully committed to spend the remainder of their days improving the lives of others. They have a clean conscience and an excitement of what comes eternally with a life in Jesus.
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:13-14
My prayer this week is to be less bound to my thoughts about “where I am” and instead focus on “what I can be.” Despite any current distractions, obstacles and challenges… I can do more. Serve more. Love more. I just need to get out of my own way.
And please let me know how to pray for you.
If you are so moved, you can contribute to this important ministry at the following address:
P.A.W.S. Program, Louisiana State Penitentiary, 17544 Tunica Trace, Angola, LA 70712
I’m at a large, state-wide conference this week. At a dinner last night, we honored 5 individuals who have made a significant impact on our organization and the agricultural industry. It was awesome to hear their accomplishments and see their life’s impact.
As I was walking back to my room, I overheard two conference attendees talking about the awards. One asked the other: “How do you want to be remembered?”
The other responded: “I’m not so concerned with how I’ll be remembered. I’m more concerned with the example I’m showing while living.”
Wow!
We often talk about legacy… what we’ll leave behind and how we’ll be remembered.
But we need to remember that the best way to leave a lasting legacy is to focus on the now!
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:6
My prayer today will be to seize each and every moment to love, praise and serve. And to do it without limits.
Please let me know how to pray for you. God bless!
We’re getting our home ready for the Christmas holidays. Boxes are being hauled out of the attic and decorations are going up all over! Tonight I was reminded of a holiday gathering from several years ago when Hollianne asked me to polish some old silver serving pieces.
And as she brought the silver out of the cabinet, I was less than impressed.
It was ugly. The pieces were stained with a dark tarnish that looked more like dirty dishwater than a shiny showcase for our table.
Hollianne put an old rag in one of my hands. In the other hand she put some silver polish. “Get to it,” she said. And after about 3 minutes of buffing, I could see the beauty in those pieces. It took some work, but the tarnish came off and the luster of the silver returned.
It was beautiful.
Isn’t that the truth for most all of us? We can all be stained from sin or a willful separation from a walk with Jesus.
And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” Mark 7:20-23
I have gone through phases in my life when I felt hopeless and in total despair. Times when I was so ashamed that I couldn’t look myself in the mirror…much less approach anyone (including Jesus) for help.
Ever been there?
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:7-9
Jesus wants a relationship with us. He doesn’t care where we’ve been. He’ll meet us where we are and offer a peace that we can’t describe.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
When we feel our dirtiest, Jesus still wants us. He yearns for a close relationship with us. He wants us to turn from whatever is holding us back and run back to His loving arms.
And it takes work. Just like those tarnished pieces of silver, our lives are a daily work-in-progress. But we have the blessed assurance of God’s grace that covers all of us. We only need to seek Him daily…and Jesus will meet us there.
“Come now, and let us reason together,” saith the Lord. “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18
Jesus loves you- stains, dirt and all. And I love you too.
Please let me know how I can pray for you this week.
While watching football highlights last night, I observed that there were at least four rivalry games that were marred by ugly finishes.
In each of these games, the winning team rushed to the opponent’s logo and attempted to stick their team’s flag into the center. Pushes and shoves became full-fledged brawls. In Columbus, Ohio, police had to resort to pepper spray to break up the fight.
Emotions run high at these games. Rivalries matter. Passion runs rampant with wins and losses.
But what happened to winning with grace? Losing with grace?
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. James 3:13
We place too much emphasis on not just winning- but dominating. I win and you lose. And when you lose I’m going to tell you about it. I feel better when you feel worse. I’m going to “plant my flag” as a sign of disrespect for you.
This carries over to our daily lives. We can secretly find comfort in the failure of our neighbors…when those around us get humbled at work or at home. “They finally got what they deserved.”
As Christians we are called for more. To love others. To help those who hurt. To celebrate success and to share in others’ success.
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45
How can we keep ourselves in check when passion, excitement and enthusiasm go to far?
Remember to keep everything in perspective. Our lives are built upon thousands of events- some big and some small. We learn from each and every experience, and that with perspective and experience comes maturity. As my grandmother used to say- don’t let your highs be too high or your lows be too low. Humility is a learned behavior.
Pray for awareness of those suffering around you. One of the best ways to keep humble is to help those around us who are hurting. For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13
Remember that we are a walking witness for Jesus. People all around us are watching everything we do. At work. At home. At football games (ouch). In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 Our actions speak so much more loudly than our words.
The is week I will pray for a more tender heart. I want to see others who I disagree with me as “people,” not as opponents. I want to show others the grace that our Heavenly Father has extended to me.
My grandson, Wilson. Cutest cowboy that you ever did see.
I often over complicate my relationship with God.
The truth is that my busyness often clouds my pursuit of God. I spend my days toiling after earthy pursuits that have very little impact on my spiritual journey. My “to do” list contains very little about my relationship with Jesus. It leaves me tired with a weary faith. It also lets doubt fill my mind as to my purpose as a child of God.
I was reading Micah today and came across a powerful passage that provided incredible clarity as to what God requires of me each day.
“With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has told you, oh man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:6-8
It’s pretty clear:
Do justice.
Love kindness.
Walk humbly with our God.
What if our to-do lists included an example from each of these three categories each day? Lifting someone up who has been marginalized. Checking in on your elderly neighbor. Praying for the humility that we need to become so self-aware of the opportunities to show God’s love to someone in our path today.
My prayer this morning is to focus on these three things the remainder of the week. And to have the courage to act when God reveals an opportunity to show His grace, love and kindness.
Please let me know how I can pray for you. God bless you!
It’s been a beautiful autumn across Tennessee. We’ve had an abundance of blue skies and the leaves have been a brilliant tapestry of orange, yellow and red.
I’ve especially enjoyed watching the farmers take their annual yields from their fields this year. Because of some new job responsibilities, I’ve had the opportunity to visit many producers and farms from Memphis to the Virginia border. It’s been a good reminder of how hard our farmers work all year round. Planting. Cultivating. Reaping. Stewarding.
The Bible speaks often about farming as a profession or in parables. It shows the importance of our stewardship of the land and those that work hard to feed and clothe us.
It often uses harvest time as an analogy. An activity just as important centuries ago as it is today. Most notably, harvest is used as an illustration of the work that we have as followers of Jesus.
It’s a reminder of the souls around us that need to hear about Jesus.
“And he said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'” Luke 10:2
“Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest?’ Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.” John 4:35
It’s also a reminder of the work and actions of our own hearts.
“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” 2 Corinthians 9:6
“For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” Galatians 6:8
How are we pouring into the hearts of those around us? How are we cultivating our very own hearts?
Please pray for me to be looking for ways to share the love of Jesus in my home, at work and in the Knoxville community. And also pray for me to pull the own weeds and thorns from my heart so that I can purely accept and reflect the love that Jesus has shown to me.
And please let me know how I may pray for you. God bless you!
My dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer on April 6 of this year. He died just 10 days later. In between those two events was a series of lessons I learned from my father that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.
As we drove home from the hospital to begin hospice care at his cabin, dad told me that there were some people he wanted to call. Many of the names I knew, but others I didn’t. It was clear that he wanted to spend his last few days reconnecting with others.
And then he got on the phone. He called former students and fellow coaches. He called neighbors. Dad called people he hadn’t seen in fifty years.
His phone calls consisted of four key types of conversations.
-He told people he loved them.
-He granted forgiveness.
-He asked for forgiveness.
-He told them “thank you.”
Four simple messages he repeated over and over for 10 straight days. These messages brought tears, laughter, relief and goodwill. It brought people together.
My dad left this earth with a full heart and a clear conscience. And what a gift he left to those he encountered over his last 10 days.
I’ve thought about what I witnessed over the past couple of months. It’s shown me the importance of loving, forgiving, repentance and gratitude. And it’s something that we need to do often and intentionally.
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8
What if every day we pledged to try and love the person right in front of us? What if we showed grace, patience and love to all that we met?
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
My prayer this week is for awareness. I want to express more love. I want to grant more grace. I want the humility to ask for forgiveness more often. And I should seek more opportunities to express gratitude. My dad did a lot of this over 10 days, and I want to use that example to maximize the relationships in my life.
And please let me know how to pray for you. God bless!
I was traveling early this morning on my way to a conference. As I prepared to land in Atlanta for my connecting flight, I realized that I had just enough time to grab a quick breakfast sandwich and coffee.
Everyone else had the same idea.
The line for the only open coffee shop was long and the customers were cranky and irritated. To top it all off, there were only two available employees working that shift. They were also out of about half of their menu due to supply chain issues.
But I noticed something as I waited in line. The woman who was working the cash register remained extremely positive. She greeted each customer with a smile and a heart-felt “good morning.” She repeated what items were available and apologized for the inconvenience and long wait. It was refreshing. No matter the temperament of the current customer- she stayed calm and pleasant.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
I was incredibly impressed with this cashier. Despite the circumstances and environment, she was encouraging and kind. It was an example that several customers commented on when they approached her at the register.
It’s an example of how my attitude can be an example…either for good or bad. If we have the love of Jesus in our heart, we need to SHOW it. Let’s commit to being that person who is full of hope and love.
We’ll never know what impact it’ll have on someone else.
My prayer this week is to be more intentional about being positive. And please let me know how I can pray for you.
I called to check on an old friend right after Labor Day. We talked for a couple of minutes before he dropped a bombshell. When I asked about his wife, he flatly stated “I just don’t love her anymore.”
I thought he was kidding…but he wasn’t. He went on to say that they had just grown apart. Their kids were all out of the house and he felt as if they were just roommates (his words). There was no excitement nor spark in their relationship.
I asked if they had tried counseling. He stated, “she’s become critical of anything and everything I do, so why would I subject myself to that sort of punishment?” He wondered aloud what life would be like if he just started over.
Thirty years, two kids, great careers and a beautiful home. But it was all crumbling inside.
I was stunned. How could this have happened to my friends? I carried this weight with me for weeks.
I thought about several of my friends who had successful, happy marriages. What was the secret to having a good marriage? I decided to contact them and ask. While the answers were all a bit varied, I found six central themes that I thought I’d share.
Find the good in your spouse and praise it. The world is cruel. We are surrounded by clouds of negativity everywhere we go. Think about all the negative influences that you encounter every day…and realize that your spouse experiences that too. A little encouragement goes a long way. Your home should become a safe place. Find aspects of their lives that they excel in…and tell them about it. Have they done something great at work? Applaud it. Did they look nice as they left for work this morning? Compliment them. A few kind words can not only brighten their day, but it starts a habit of having you look for the positive in people- and expressing it. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Date your spouse. Think about the things that you and your spouse enjoy and commit to doing them regularly. Many of the people I talked to said that they have a “date night” each week. They find a good restaurant or go see a movie. A couple said that they had struggled to find things that they had in common, so they invested in accompanying their spouse in things that they enjoyed (hiking, watching a television program together or going for a bike ride). Find a community service or church activity that you both can participate in on a regular basis. Commit the time and stay focused on making it a priority.
Comparison is the thief of joy. Things just aren’t always what they appear. We can’t compare our marriages to those we see on social media or in the community. Couples everywhere try to put their big smiles, perfectly-dressed kids and spectacular vacation destinations on display, but appearances don’t always show the pain and brokenness that might be present in their lives. Instead of comparing your marriage to those images of “perfection” around you, focus on what you can impact- which is your own marriage. What brings you contentment? What brings your spouse peace? Focus on THOSE things…the little things that can bring peace and joy to your relationship.
Don’t keep secrets. If theres’s a habit or behavior that is keeping you from a total commitment to your spouse- remove it from your life (or at least modify it). It might be something that keeps you away from home like a hobby or community activity. Or perhaps it’s allowing comparison (see above) to distract your focus from your first love. Or maybe it’s a secret desire that you are holding inside. Whatever it is, take an honest assessment of your inner thoughts and actions and commit to eliminating these from your life. I talk about counseling a bit later (see below), but finding a professional to talk to can help if you are struggling with tough issues. Many of the people I talked to suggested that having an accountability partner that focused on helping you maintain positive relationships. For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. Luke 8:17
Pray with and for your spouse. Spend several quiet moments each day praying for your marriage, for your spouse (specifically) and for your life together. Commit to quietly doing this for several months. This year I’m reading Forty Prayers for My Wife and I would highly recommend it to others as well (there’s a companion book for spouses who pray for their husbands, too). Committing to pray for someone intensely makes an incredible difference in your spiritual life. It also draws you closer to the needs and desires of your spouse. And once you have established the routine of praying for your spouse, ask them to pray with you each day. Be intentional about this time together. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12
Seek the help of experts. Many of the people I talked with stated that they visited a Christian counselor once a year or committed to marriage enrichment retreats and seminars. They admitted that the counseling was helpful to breaking down communication barriers and uncovering hidden hurts before they became overwhelming. They planned their visit(s) at the very beginning of the year and kept them on their calendars as priority events. Others said that they committed to spending time with couples that were in different stages in life that could mentor them. Spending time with others who want to invest in your relationship can only benefit both of you.
I’m not a relationship expert, but I’m grateful to know many people who are willing to share their marriage advice and wise counsel.
This year I am committed to praying for my wife and my marriage. She deserves my very best each and every day. I will also pray for marriages that are hurting, as we never know how our friends and neighbors are struggling. I will also commit to pray for those who have been wounded by broken relationships- and remain focused on the healing that only Jesus can provide.
And as always, let me know how I may pray for you.
We brought a new family member into our home last summer. Mo is everything you might expect a young black Labrador retriever to be…a bundle of lightening, curiosity, sweetness, mischief and love.
And we’ve treated her like we would a new baby. We’ve ordered special beds. We’ve bought her “indestructible” chew toys. We’ve tried fancy dog treats and stimulating exercise toys. Her happiness has been our goal.
But you know what? Out of all the toys and comforts that we’ve provided- Mo’s most treasured item is a basic yellow ball.
A $2 ball.
She’ll play fetch for hours with that ball. She’ll lay it beside her head for a nap. It’s the first thing she searches for in the morning. That basic retrieving ball is never far away from Mo. It brings her happiness, comfort and joy. Contentment.
Contentment is difficult to find. We often find ourselves looking for that next item…the next toy…to bring us happiness and joy. But we rarely obtain the satisfaction and peace we are searching for in our lives.
I’m guilty of it. I look at the cars, the homes, the jobs…the lives of those around me. Instagram and Facebook show happy families and good times. Vacations and retreats. Confident, content and happy people. I then look in the mirror and see brokenness in my own life.
Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 1 Timothy 6: 6-8
In reality, I need to focus on my blessings. Instead of the outward comparisons, I should focus on those gifts that are right in front of me. My wife. My children. My health and job. A wonderful community to call home and good friends who stand by me when I need encouragement.
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
Jesus has given us all we need to find contentment. Giving our hearts…our lives…to Jesus means eliminating the distractions that society places in our way. We brought no material wealth into this world and can’t take anything with us when we die.
How do we find it?
Count your blessings. Often. Yes, it’s an overused phrase. But have you done it lately? Write down the things you are grateful for in your life. Your parents. Your spouse. That friend you can always call when times are tough.
Pray over your blessings. Acknowledging these gifts and thanking God for your blessings is another way to increase the awareness of what you “have” instead of focusing on what you “don’t.” Do this often. Prayer grounds us and allows us to focus on what’s important.
Be a blessing to someone else. The best way to have peace in your heart is to invest in someone else. Check on your elderly neighbor. Call your friend who’s going through a divorce. Cook dinner for someone who is hurting.
Get in God’s word daily. Read the words and study the actions of Jesus in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). Read the words of Paul. Study the Psalms. The Bible gives us a wonderful roadmap for peace.
My prayer this week is to find peace in my own life. I want to discover my own yellow ball.
And please let me know how I may pray for you. God bless you.
Friday Word(s) 