Tag: self doubt

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Real Men Love Jesus

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We have been sharing excerpts from my book called, “Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World.” This book reaches out to those who may suffer from anxiety, fear, depression, addictions, self-doubt, hopelessness, and the many other usual suspects.

This book is on sale right now in our bookstore. Check it out by clicking on the “Bookstore,” tab at the top of this page.

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 Today’s excerpt is about a State Policeman who is 6′ 5″ tall, but loves the LORD, and has been a tremendous leader amongst the young people.

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                                                                               Chapter 61

 

Real Men Love Jesus

 

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

 

I know a guy who was 6 foot, 3 inches and weighed around 230 pounds. He had no fat on him. His job required that he be tough and in good shape. There were days he faced death, and days when he’d be called on to save someone’s life. He was an Oregon State Trooper.

The first time I met him, I was very impressed. He didn’t seem like a guy who wanted to rip your head off. He didn’t even seem like a guy who would get angry.

I was right in both cases. He was a man that loved the Lord, and he let everyone know about it. (When He gave his testimony, you’d better listen!) Andy Olson was my two sons’ Sunday school teacher.

Andy has a way with young people. You’d think some of them would want to stay away from him because of their pasts. Instead they flocked to him at our church. He built close relationships with each of them, and they admired his honesty and caring ways.

Andy is retired from OSP now and serves as a State Representative in the Oregon Legislature. He is liked by his fellow representatives and demonstrates great leadership. He is also still witnessing for the Lord. Since I volunteer as a gallery doorkeeper (the fancy name for a person who makes sure no one takes flash pictures or shouts bad things at the representatives), I got to hear him speak before the whole House about Christian living during one session.

Representative Olson is doing what all real men should be doing—using whatever situations they can to tell others about the Lord.

How about us? Do we witness for the Lord? Are there times we could have witnessed but didn’t because we feared rejection? Are we the kind of guys who think we’re too tough to show someone else that we love the Lord and depend on Him? Too many of us are the macho kind of man who wants everyone to think we’re the kind of guy who can make it on his own without God.

Get ready for a big fall.

Jonah ran away from God by trying to float way from Him in a boat. That didn’t turn out too good. He was swallowed by a big fish, and probably had to bathe for weeks to get the smell off him after God released Him from the fish. But he went on to be a tremendous servant for the Lord.

David didn’t do too well either. He had to act like he was stark raving mad to avoid being killed and then went to live in a cave, making him feel far away from God. But God was with him all the time, and David knew he couldn’t make it on his own, so he prayed for God’s help. David went on to be a man that God loved dearly.

Samson was an extremely strong man who let his guard down. He let wicked Delilah cut off his hair, making him a very weak man. He was then captured, and the Philistines gouged his eyes out. He found that great strength in one area of life does not make up for great weaknesses in other areas. His hair began to grow back, and he asked God to let him die with the Philistines when he pushed on the pillars of the building where thousands were gathered. He killed not only himself, but all of those Philistines as well. In that one final event of his life, he killed more of the enemy than he had previously. Even though Samson had turned away from God and lived in sin, God still loved him and heard his prayer.

These examples show us that every situation can be salvaged if we’re willing to follow God again, like each of these men did.

It’s time to put our pride away in the closet and put on some new clothes made of humbleness, meekness and calmness. We don’t have to look tough. We don’t even have to hide our tears. We need to be good examples for our children and for the other men around us.

 

May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our

God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

1 Thessalonians 3:13

 

Further Adventures

I’m sure you have met men who think they are tough. They claim they eat nails for breakfast. They say they can pull a train with their teeth. Pretty macho, right? I don’t think so. I don’t think God is looking for people in heaven who can eat nails or pull a train with their teeth.

God wants real men. The ones that gave up much and received little. The ones that served Him in some capacity. These men may have worked in the secular world, but they put their lives on the line to promote their heavenly Father and did it without shame.

Are you a tough guy? Do you think you need to show your “stuff” to be accepted? The meek will inherit the earth. Those words from a verse in the Bible don’t mean Atlas-type people are the only ones who will inherit the earth. It is you and me—the average everyday little guy.

That is my only hope, because if I tried to eat nails, I would weigh twenty pounds more, and if I tried to pull a train with my teeth, well, you probably know the outcome there. I am not all that tough. I am tame as a purring cat on your lap. I am strong enough to know that I am not very strong. I don’t need to be. God will provide my strength, and He will do it for you, too.

 

Something to Ponder

Isn’t it funny how tough we can act, and yet hurt on the inside?

 

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If Pregnancy Were a Book, They’ed Cut Out the Last Chapters

Thanks to all of you who have been signing up for the RSS fed to this site. There have been over 190 of you who have done this recently. This has helped us climb up in the Google Search Rankings. Help us climb even higher by signing up today if you haven’t already. Just click on the icon right after the title to do that.

__________________________________________________________

We have been sharing excerpts from my new book, “Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World.” This book reaches out to those who may suffer from anxiety, fear, depression, addictions, self-doubt, hopelessness, and the many other usual suspects.

This book is on sale right now in our bookstore. It is only about a week away from Easter, and this book is ideal to give as a gift. Just click on the “Bookstore,” tab at the top of this page to check it out.

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Today’s is a somewhat humorous approach to child birth, but it also talks about the responsibility that comes with parenthood.

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                                                                               Chapter 59

                                                                                                                     

If Pregnancy Were a Book, They Would Cut Out the Last Two Chapters!

 

Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.

They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.

Psalm 127:3-5

 

I think one of the most traumatic events I ever had to go through was the birth of my first son, Greg. I’m not saying that I had to go through what my wife went through by any means. But while in the waiting room, I was “reading” a magazine upside down! I thought I needed something in front of me to show I wasn’t nervous.

The fellow next to me blew my cover. “First baby, huh!” he remarked. I was much better with my second and third children, but that first one was almost too much.

Now that I’ve made you feel sorry for me, please understand what the mother must go through. There is no pain on this earth that can compare. But, the joy we get from having our children around seems to cover up the pain and anxiety parents have to go through.

Now I am a grandfather and get to watch my children go through the process of having children. It seems even more special when your own children are giving birth to new little people. It brings back fond memories of when my own were just small. And I get to have a grandchild to love (and sometimes spoil), and then send home! (Mean Grandpa.)

I think all newlyweds ought to consider what they are doing before they have children. It was once said: “People who sleep like a baby usually haven’t had one.” There are a lot of responsibilities in having children, and being up all night is one of them. A perfect example of minority rule is having a baby in the house. The one thing children can wear out faster than shoes is parents.

It is a tremendous responsibility to become a parent, and people need to think it about it long and hard before becoming one. Robin Clements was once quoted as saying, “No one who cannot train a dog to heel, sit and stay for at least ten minutes in command should be allowed to raise children.”

Now, after much tongue-in-check joking about parenthood, let me make sure we understand that children are God’s gift to us. It says in the scripture above: “Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them” (Psalm 127:4-5).

There is pride in watching your children grow. You anticipate their future with joy.

Our children are very important to God, too. He loves the little children. The Bible tells me so. Our mandate is to raise them up in a way that God will be pleased. It is very important to show them the way Christians should act even when they are little. That means being a good role model. Our actions do speak louder than our words!

I have even more joy now that I’m a grandparent. I have my children, and they have presented me with their children. It says in Proverbs 17:6: “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.” I am very proud of my children for the way they grew up. They are now the silent heroes for their own children, and I know my grandchildren are in very good hands.

As an aside: A little girl was visiting the maternity ward with her father who was a little on the heavy side. “Dad,” she asked, “Are you having a baby, too?”

 

Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.

Proverbs 17:6

 

Further Adventures

If you are a young person, and have just married, sit down with your spouse and plan your parenthood. I realize that this sounds ridiculous to some, but it is very important. We sometimes rush into having children and end up feeling overwhelmed. You may want to get to know each other and travel some before the children start coming.

Another thought should be the ramifications of the expense it will place on your budget. Most newly married couples are not swimming in a pool full of money. Children are very expensive in their early years. It seems small people need a new pair of shoes every week! After you have settled these two issues, then have many children and enjoy each and every one of them!

 

Something to Ponder

Isn’t it funny that those who can laugh at themselves will never cease to be amused?

 

Kids’ Thought

If you’re going to fight, use pillows.

 

 

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Suffering From Truth Decay? Brush up on the Bible

 I want to thank each of you who have signed up for the RSS feed to this site. It has helped us climb in in the Google Search Rankings. Over 190 of you have done that recently.

Help us climb even higher by signing up now if you haven’t already. Just click on the icon right after the title to do that.

_________________________________________________________

We have sharing excerpts from my new book, “Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World. ” This book reaches out to those who may suffer from anxiety, fear, depression, addictions, self-doubt, hopelessness, and the many other usual suspects.

The book is on sale right now, so check it out by clicking on the “Bookstore,” tab above.

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Today’s excerpt talks about finding all the truth we need, by reading the Bible.

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Chapter 60

 

Suffering from Truth Decay? Brush up on the Bible

 

From infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy3:15-17

 

The way the world is going, it will not be long before all references to the Bible in any public places will be outlawed.

The Supreme Court’s interpretation of the law seems to be chipping away at our (so-called) rights, and the pace seems to be picking up.

At one time, the Bible was the most important book in a home and was kept in a prominent place for all to see. Now the most important books in the home are ones about wizards, weight, warriors and war.

Bookcases bulge with books on how to succeed, save, spend, sail and survive, but a Bible is nowhere in sight. Maybe there’s one in the hall closet or in one of the boxes in the garage—one of those boxes that hasn’t been opened since the family’s last move. Or it might be used to help junior sit higher in his chair. And a Bible is a nice gift to give when a child is dedicated, confirmed or baptized. But has it been opened recently? Probably not.

People have forgotten what book they can read to find happiness. They want to read books that make them a better person without having to give anything up. “Why should I read the Bible when I can have a happy life studying books on the stars and the horoscopes?” they would argue.

This may sound familiar to some of us. Do you have a Bible close at hand—one that you read every day? You don’t? Then you are suffering from truth decay!

All anyone needs to be happy is to read all the wonderful things that God has promised us in the Bible. We can read about what Jesus has done for us and what He has in store for believers. We can step into a world that is not a fairy tale and not about wizards or horoscopes.

What the Bible does not promise is success by stepping on someone else, which is the undercurrent of so many self-help/success books. What the Bible does promise is that we will have everything we need to live the lives God intends for us. The Bible does say that we will have eternal life if we accept His gift of salvation. It does say that we can have eternal joy, happiness, peace and love. I can’t seem to find any other book that can make (and keep) all those claims.

All in one book—the Bible, God’s Word. If we think the earth is a pretty nice place to hang out, try streets covered with gold. Try no more pain, no more death, and no more worries. How about the fact that we will be given new bodies?

Sound too good to be true? I have an assignment for you. (The former teacher in me is coming out!) Search all the books at your local bookstore and send me a list of the books—other than the Bible—that promise the above luxuries.

Now don’t flood me with book titles that don’t promise all the things God has for us. You may find some book that says, “If you follow the advice or formula in this book, you will have special powers, or you will be able to put a curse on someone. You will be able to … you will … you will!”

That is not from God! That is from Satan. That is from the prince of darkness. And there are many books like that one. They lead to eternal death. Eternal life alone trumps all of your dreams of power and lust.

I have read books by famous authors. They were very entertaining, had marvelous story plots, and kept me in suspense. I realized, however, that I was getting hooked on them. I couldn’t get enough. I read a couple of books every week. The problem was that I wasn’t growing as a Christian. I had put my Bible away; in fact, I didn’t have time for it. I was being entertained, but I was slipping away from my Christian standards and the way of the truth.

I still read a good mystery book once in awhile, but my first priority is reading Christian books (like this one) and the Bible. There are a lot of thrilling things in the Bible that can’t be found anywhere else.

Part of the issue is what we allow into our minds. In Philippians 4:8, Paul outlines the diet we should be feeding our minds: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

How would the following fare if held to that standard? Video games that let you destroy everything in sight. TV shows that have violence and sexual overtones in almost every scene. Novels and other books that glorify sensual themes or are just so much fluff to put into our minds.

The Bible—God’s holy Word—is the only thing I know that fulfills all the criteria Paul lists in Philippians 4:8. Everything else pales in comparison.

We need to stop and take a breath—to stop and think about the direction we’re going. If we’re going the wrong way, God allows U-turns. (I know, good bumper sticker. I use it in another chapter.) As long as we have breath, we still have time to get back into that Bible, and start learning about how to find true happiness.

There are many wonderful stories in the Bible. One is about a wall falling down just from the force of trumpets and people yelling. Another is about a giant who is killed by one little stone. There is a great story about the sea being separated and people walking on its instantly dry bed. That also happened with a river. Then there are the stories about voices coming from the strangest places—once from a bush that was on fire and once from a donkey. But the most unusual story is about a man who is crucified on a cross and then comes back to life three days later. This book is a must-read. It’ll knock your socks off!

This sounds like a best-selling novel that was created in the mind of a great author. Well, that’s partially correct. The author is great. He is God. Unlike novels, where the characters are made up by the author, the stories in the Bible are true and about real people. I have read the book, and I must tell you that there are many wonderful stories that are there to point us to God.

 

Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Romans 15:4

 

Further Adventures

Where are your Bibles? Look for them when you finish this chapter. Are they in places where you can see them? Do you ever open any of them? Try putting them in spots where not only you see them, but also where others who visit you can see them.

How about the coffee table in front of the couch? Do you have one there? Is there one on the bookshelf in the den? Do you keep one in your car? How about by your bed? As you can see, there are many places to put your Bibles. If you don’t have one, splurge and get one. It will be the greatest book you have ever read.

 

Something to Ponder

Isn’t it funny that even though not many people read the Bible, it has been one of the number one bestsellers in the entire world?