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!
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.
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.
I had an unexpected encounter in a restaurant today.
I stopped in to grab a quick bite to eat. My mind was running a mile a minute, as I had a day full of activities I needed to plan out in my head.
The waitress came to take my drink order and I told her that I already knew what I wanted to eat. I quickly blurted out a simple order of bacon and eggs.
But she didn’t write anything down. She just stood there- studying my face.
I repeated my order, thinking maybe she was tired or maybe confused. But she continued to just look at me with a blank stare on her face.
We looked at one another for an awkward 5 seconds or so. She finally walked away toward the kitchen.
A couple of minutes later she walked back over to the table with my coffee and asked…”don’t you work at the college?” I told her that I did.
“I thought I recognized you. I saw you at graduation yesterday,” she said with a smile.
I returned her grin and told her that graduations were special and I always enjoy watching students celebrate at this special occasion. It’s a happy culmination of years of hard work, I explained.
She pulled out her phone and found a photo she wanted to share. The picture was of a smiling young woman in her cap and gown.
“This is my granddaughter. She’s had a rough road and life hasn’t been easy for her. She’s the first person in our family to attend and finish college.” She went on to talk about the long path her granddaughter’s life had taken her down…and that she had faced many challenges and overcome many past mistakes to get where she was right now.
“She’s found her way.”
Tears were streaming down her face. She sobbed and quickly walked away, apologizing to me over her shoulder.
As I walked out, I couldn’t help but think about the pain and hurt that grandmother had felt in the past…and the sense of pride and relief that she felt now.
I tried to imagine how God must feel when we return to Him.
We’re given a glimpse through various passages in the Bible.
So he told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.Luke 15:3-7
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.John 3:16-17
Joy over finding the lost sheep.
No condemnation, only salvation.
My prayer this week is to examine my own life and see what barriers I have placed in my relationship with our Savior. I will pray for the strength to address these challenges and to seek a closer walk with Jesus.
I recently read a study that reported that Americans are the unhappiest they’ve been in 50 years.
I completely understand it. We’ve faced the uncertainties of a pandemic. We’re seeing social unrest. We’ve been more isolated over the past 20 months.
We’ve also seen a spike in social media usage. As society has faced the frustrations COVID-19, the amount of time that people have turned to social apps on their phones and laptops has increased dramatically. We’re interacting with people less than we did 20 months ago, and we are turning to social media to fill a void. And that’s impacting our mental health too.
The uncertainties of our current lives coupled with an increase of social media usage has created an interesting dynamic: a dissatisfaction with our own lives. I fall victim to the urge everyday. Through online social media outlets I see people taking incredible vacations. I see happy children. I see impeccably prepared meals and smiling spouses. I read about successes in someone else’s job or office. I witness virtual reminders that people are running races, losing weight and winning awards.
I see people that have life all figured out.
And I’m envious.
Why can’t I have those things? When I look in the mirror, all I often see are imperfections. In my own mind, I feel doubt and second-guess decisions. I kick myself for past mistakes…and I certainly don’t have life figured out.
“Envy is the art of counting the other fellow’s blessings and not your own.” – Harold Coffin
We read many examples about envy in the Bible.
Cain and Able (Genesis 4:1-16)
Saul and David (1 Samuel 15-31)
The older brother and the Prodigal Son (Luke 15)
It’s one thing to recognize and acknowledge envy and comparison, but what can we do about it?
As Christians, I believe we have three ways to combat the “envy urge.”
Celebrate the good in others.“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) We all have unique abilities. Take time each day to recognize the special gifts God has given others and praise them for it. Is someone a great cook? Praise their cooking! Has someone lost weight? Celebrate their success with them! By lifting others up, we might lighten a burden or insecurity that they are struggling with internally.
Focus on YOUR talents. Comparing our talents to the talents of others isn’t healthy. What are talents? Find a friend, counselor or someone who can help you explore your own gifts. Figure out what YOU do well and focus on becoming even better. The only comparison we should struggle with is summed up in the following question: “Am I better than yesterday?” The focus should be on personal improvement, not the standards you set by comparing yourself to others.
Keep your eyes on Jesus. Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10) A relationship with Jesus is the most important relationship that we can have. If we keep our eyes on Jesus, our work to love others, serve others and lift others up will fill our lives with joy, peace and happiness. Contentment comes from a close relationship and walk with Jesus.
“Don’t compare your life to others. There’s no comparison between sun and moon. They shine when it’s their time.” – unknown
My prayer this week is to tune out the voices of defeat and insecurity in my own head. Please let me know how I may pray for you.
I took this photo of my Jeep tonight as I left the office.
It’s been a wild seven days. Early last week, we had a campus of excited students and a myriad of activities. Within 24 hours we were shifting classes to online formats and letting students return to their homes. It’s like we flipped a switch.
And it’s not just here. The coronavirus has impacted lives all over the country. We’ve watched the situation overseas with interest in the Fall, but few realized how fast the virus would spread…and how quickly it would impact our lives.
We’ve been encouraged to stop gathering in groups. To isolate. To stay at home. The best way to stop the spread of the virus is to create distance from one another.
And like the photo of my Jeep indicates- it’s a lonely existence right now.
The Los Angeles Times ran a news story this week about how working from home, seeing empty shelves in stores and- yes- the plunging stock market can cause anxiety and depression. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention even talk about it on their website.
And man…I’m feeling it.
The Bible speaks quite a bit about times like these.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:6-8
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. Proverbs 12:25
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lordyour God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
Tough times come. I’ve read about the plagues from 100 years ago. We’ve faced uncertain financial future before. Wars have ravaged our country and torn apart families. This earth is filled with uncertainty and fear.
But Jesus provides peace. He promises hope. He promises a future.
When I doubt myself or our future this week, I pledge to double-down in my prayer life.
When I’m anxious about our current situation, I will give it over to the One who cares for us beyond measure. I’m going to pray to the One who loves me unconditionally.
And when I feel empty, I’m going to ask Jesus to fill me with his love and blessed assurance.
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
Pray for me during these uncertain times. And please let me know how I may pray for you.
Friday Word(s) 