Overcomers

During the years of one’s young childhood, there are many milestones a little boy or girl must triumph over as they grow up. Two positive achievements that many parents look forward to for their offspring are successful toilet training and being able to safely buckle themselves into a car seat.

In today’s world, we all need to be fastened into something stronger (and bigger) than ourselves. No matter how much the realities of this world crash into our interpretation of normalcy. The Almighty needs to be the solid rock we cling to in the midst of any challenge (good or bad).

Consider Romans 8:33-39 (MSG) below in our topic of achieving against anything.

“So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us?

And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us.

Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture: They kill us in cold blood because they hate you. We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.

None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.”

We all know our own doubts, fears, and obstacles that keep us from achieving all the Heavenly Father wants us to. Often in the midst of your life, being held by someone that cares about your well-being can make all the difference.

The receiver of the hug must give up control, and submit completely to the power of the giver’s embrace (for it to do any good). Now, think of this action in connection to God. What would an emotional embrace from the Almighty feel like? The lyrics of a song by Casting Crowns pictures this concept beautifully.

Verse One
Hold it all together     
Everybody needs you strong
But life hits you out of nowhere
And barely leaves you holding on
And when you're tired of fighting
Chained by your control
There's freedom in surrender
Lay it down and let it go

Chorus
So when you're on your knees and answers seem so far away
You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your world's not falling apart, it's falling into place
I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held
Just be held, just be held

There is no need to constantly feel like you are on some “divine elevator” that may (or may not) arrive at Heaven. Once you accept Jesus into your heart as your one and only Savior; it’s a done deal..

In a million years, you can never fall out of salvation. (John 6:39-40, 10:29) With this fact, your eternal destination goes from anxious to confident that you’ll make it to your heavenly destination (at the end of your life).

Jesus paid our sins (past, present, and future) with His blood sacrifice on the cross. As His followers, we do not stand guilty before Him. Our salvation is secure because of who Jesus is, and not because of anything we are. (Ephesians 2:8, 9)

Everyone experiences their own unique set of challenges. (Matthew 5:45) If we trust in our loving Heavenly Father, we are provided with the tools needed for victory (in every area of our life). His love (in every situation) is a constant.

As you interact with individuals in a sinful world, be encouraged by this chorus of a song from religious artist, Mandisa. Do you believe the lyrics below? (Better yet, are you living them?)

You're an overcomer
Stay in the fight ‘til the final round
You're not going under
‘Cause God is holding you right now
You might be down for a moment
Feeling like it's hopeless
That's when He reminds you
That you're an overcomer
You're an overcomer

*Inspired by the sermon “Because You Belong…You Can Conquer Anything!” (Installment Six, Final) Pastor Dave Jansen, August 21, 2016, CenterPoint Church Gahanna, Gahanna, OH

Growing Pains

“Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” (Proverbs 22:6, NLT) That verse has always been somewhere in my mind as Bobbi and I have raised Allena from infancy to adulthood. Life in the Kinker home has been a mixture of both good and bad for the three of us. There is no doubt that the Almighty has had His eye on our home and its happenings and inhabitants. (Psalm 32:8) We are important to Him.

Monday, August 29, 2016, was a crucially important date for Allena (and us as her parents).  We moved our daughter into her dormitory room at Ohio Christian University (OCU) in Circleville, OH, to pursue her double major in Business Management and Disaster Relief Management.

Some of you may remember that this is not Allena’s first experience in an extended time away from us. At the age of seventeen, our daughter’s mission’s trip in Costa Rica (for two weeks) made her more thankful for all she had in her life.

At the age of eighteen, Allena had a challenging six month venture with Youth with a Mission (YWAM) in Akron, OH, where she became intimately acquainted with worship, discipleship, and missions. OCU was different than the others because it seemed more important. (At 20, there was more for Allena to lose if she didn’t take this time of her life seriously.)

During the parent orientation, there were several items communicated to us that were of prime importance. We were all thanked for allowing OCU the privilege training our child. The instructors at OCU loved our child, and hoped to pour every bit of their experience into her time hear. They assured us that some of the parents hear would cry as they left their kids. Other would celebrate the departure with balloons.

Our time of Allena getting her settled into a dorm room (with her roommate) concluded with our dinner in the cafeteria. As we hugged our daughter, Bobbi was wiping away the tears in her eyes as I wondered where I could buy some balloons. (I was looking forward to once again becoming an empty nester with Bobbi.)

My daughter will change (and mature) as a result of OCU. I hope Allena always knows that (in my own distinctive way) I love her. She is valuable to her mother and me (as well as God). She is    a kind-hearted daughter (and lady).

Proverbs 31:10 (MSG) says, “A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds.” I hope she can allow herself to feel the uplifting lyrics to the chorus of a Britt Nicole song:

This, this is for all the girls

Boys all over the world

Whatever you’ve been told

You’re worth more than gold

So hold your head up high

It’s your time to shine

From the inside out it shows

You’re worth more than gold

Who can you uplift today with kind words (or actions) as they move into a big mission in their life?

Everywhere

As an encouragement blogger, I’m consistently amazed with all the different places I find material that I feel will bless and challenge you. There’s a little voice in my head that is constantly verbally making me aware of information for ENCOURAGE ME that the average person might ignore.

By now I hope you have figured out that I am abnormal in a good way. Below are three items I have combined that I believe can pack a great deal of wisdom for you. Reading them together will help you receive their full value. (Be advised this is a rather long post):

Just for today, I will…

1.  Live through this day only, and not get far-reaching goals to overcome all my problems at once. I know I can do something for twelve hours that would app all me if I felt I had to keep it up for a lifetime.

2.  Live to be happy. Abraham Lincoln said, “Most folks are as happy as they make their minds up to be.” He was right. I will not dwell on thoughts that depress me. I will chase them out of my mind, and will replace them with happy thoughts.

3.  Adjust myself to what is. I will face reality. I will change those things I can change, and accept those things I cannot change.

4.  Improve my mind. I will not be a mental loafer. I will force myself to read something that requires effort, thought, and concentration.

5.  Do something positive to improve my health. If I’m a smoker, I’ll make an honest effort to cut down. If I’m overweight, I’ll eat nothing I know is fattening. And I will force myself to exercise – even if it’s only walking around the block or using the stairs instead of the elevator.

6.  Be totally honest. If someone asks me something I do not know, I will not bluff; I’ll simply say, “I don’t know.”

7.  Do something I’ve been putting off for a long time. I’ll finally write that letter, make that phone call, clean that closet, or straighten out those dresser drawers.

8.  Before I speak I will ask myself, “Is it true? Is it kind?” And if the answer to either of those questions is negative, I won’t say it.

9.  Make a conscious effort to be agreeable. I will look as good as I can, dress becomingly, talk softly, act courageously, and not interrupt when someone else is talking. Just for today I will not improve anybody except myself.

10.     Have a program. I may not follow it exactly, but I will have it; thereby saving myself from two pests: hurry and indecision.

11.     Have a quiet half hour to relax alone. During this time, I will reflect on my behavior, and will get a better perspective on my life.

12.     Be unafraid. I will gather the courage to do what is right, and take the responsibility for my own actions. I will expect nothing from the world, but I will realize, as I give to the world, the world will give to me.*

*Adapted from the article, “Dear Abbey: A Worthwhile Creed for 1986” by Abigail Van Buren.

The greatest…    

1.  Sin is panic.

2.  Day is this moment.

3.  Liar is the one who deceives himself.

4.  Mistake is refusing to engage fully in life.

5.  And most wasteful extravagance is disliking another human being.

6.  And cheapest stupidity is finding fault with another person.

7.  Troublemaker is someone who talks too much (and doesn’t know when to remain quiet).

8.  And most clever person is one who does what he is uncertain is right.

9.  The greatest teacher is one who provides a student with many opportunities to learn.

10.     Part of one’s spirituality is compassion and joyfulness.

11.     Fool is one who believes anything he reads (and hears). **

**Adapted from the article, “A Terrific List.”

7 Things You Have Learned In Life (but Already Forgot)

1.  Some people never change.

2.  You will be extremely grateful that some things didn’t work out the way you once wanted them to.

3.  You are growing. You are not same person you were a year ago.

4.  It is useless to stress yourself about things you cannot change. Move on. Let it go. Get over it.

5.  A strong friendship doesn’t need daily conversations. As long as the relationship lives in your heart…true friendship will never part.

6.  You have overcome challenges before. You have picked yourself up, dusted yourself off, and started again.

7.  There is always, always, always something to be grateful for. ***

***From the Law of Attraction Facebook page.

Guide Post

Without the orderliness and discipline of rules in our society today, life as we know it would become much more chaotic (than it already is at times).

Your existence today is completely saturated by a standard of guidelines whether they apply to work, school, home, morality, are posted somewhere in print (or electronically), or are unspoken. (God is the ultimate guide post that leads us all in the right direction.)

By their very nature, rules imply “submission” to someone else (or a greater good). Some specific guidelines can be hard to accept at times especially by those willing to challenge the reason for their initial creation.

In certain situations, do you obey guidelines when you don’t understand them, or don’t wish to stand out from everyone else? Is that always the appropriate thing to do (in all circumstances)? Is there a right time to challenge authority ever? Do you ask for clarification?

When receiving guidance from a divine Source, it would be beneficial to keep these precepts readily available in your mind. (What have you got to lose with this free therapy session courtesy of the ultimate Life Coach/Guidance Counselor combination, your Heavenly Father and The Message)?

1.  “So what a blessing when God steps in and corrects you; mind you, don’t despise the discipline of Almighty God!” (Job 5:17) God is always confident of what He needs to do in your life.

2.  “The Blessing: if you listen obediently to the commandments of God, your God, which I command you today.

The Curse: if you don’t pay attention to the commandments of God, your God, but leave the road that I command you today, following other gods of which you know nothing.” (Deuteronomy 11:27-28)

Listening to the voice of God (in your heart) is always the smart thing to do. (The Almighty refuses to be ignored by you. Eventually, He will get your attention.)

3.  “Be responsive to your pastoral leaders. Listen to their counsel. They are alert to the conditions of your lives, and work under the strict supervision of God.

Contribute to the joy of their leadership, not its drudgery. Why would you want to make things harder for them?” (Hebrews 13:17) When possible always seek to be an encourager.

4.  “Wisdom is better than warheads, but one hothead can ruin the good earth.” (Ecclesiastes 9:18) A good leader knows how to carry out his duties accurately by unwavering principles (rather than ever-changing emotions).

5.  “Turn your back on sin; do something good. Embrace peace – don’t let it get away!” (Psalm 34:14) Always avoid creating chaos (of any kind).

6.  “And when two or three of you are together because of Me, you can be sure that I’ll be there.” (Matthew 18:20) Your Heavenly Father is with you to give guidance in making the right decisions.

7.  “Don’t go along with a crowd in doing evil…” (Exodus 23:2) Avoid eliminating your principals just to be accepted by others. Don’t lose the person you really are inside

8.  “Count yourself blessed every time someone cuts you down or throws you out, every time someone smears or blackens your name to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and that that person is too uncomfortable.

You can be glad when that happens – skip like a lamb, if you like! For even though they don’t like it I do and all of Heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company; my preachers and witnesses [having] always been treated like this.” (Luke 6:22-23)

Know that if there is a time that you need to take a stand on your godly principals (in any situation) that God is right there next to you to support you.

9.  “Out of respect for Christ, be courteously reverent with one another.” (Ephesians 5:21) When it comes to the important guidelines of your life, try to make your preferences known in loving words and not angry insults.

*Adapted from two articles written by me on September 16^th and 23^rd of 1981, on school rules.

The Questionnaire

A little boy wanted one hundred dollars to buy a bicycle. Since his parents were poor and unable to afford the money, being a very good little boy who always went to church on Sundays and prayed every morning and night, he decided to go to [God] directly…..

So he wrote a letter to God, asking for one hundred dollars so that he could buy the bicycle; however, not knowing God’s address, all he placed on the envelope for an address was the following: God/ the United States of America

When the postal clerk received the envelope, not knowing where else to send it, she dumped it in the outgoing mail to the United States government. 

And when the government mail room received it, again not having a clue as to where it should go; it forwarded the envelope to [the president] since he was the head of the government and the closest person to God.

Upon receiving and reading the little boy's letter, being a father, and both amused and touched by the child’s request, [the president] put a five dollar bill in an envelope and mailed it to the little boy.

When the little boy received the money, he was understandably disappointed since it was not enough money to buy the bicycle.

Determined to buy that bicycle, he put pen to paper and wrote another letter to God, asking for the remaining $95, but he did not hesitate to offer the following advice to God:

“Dear, God, this time please do not send the money from Washington, D.C., because the last time you sent me the one hundred dollars from there, those [government] crooks…withheld ninety-five dollars for income taxes.”*

*Adapted from an article, “A Little Boy's Letter to God,”  by William Brighenti, written on March 29, 2013.

The changeableness (and unpredictability) of our world is not always a laughing matter (as above). Does the chorus of the song “Why” by 4Him describes the somber condition revolving around your anxious approach towards the Almighty’s choices? (What are your list of inquiries for a Divine Father?)

Why I wonder why

Do the rainy days have to come?

When the storm clouds hide the sun

I wanna know why.

Why I wonder why

When the reasons aren’t clear to me

When it’s all a mystery

I want to know why.

The Almighty is not afraid of your tough life questions. He actually welcomes them. (Read Job 37-42 for a biblical example of this.) King David and Bathsheba’s second son, King Solomon, in Ecclesiastes 9:11 (MSG) finally realized this painful truth about his existence. Most of us will eventually come to this awareness.

“I took another walk around the neighborhood and realized that on this earth as it is -  The race is not always to the swift; nor the battle to the strong; nor the satisfaction to the wise; nor riches to the smart; nor grace to the learned. Sooner or later bad luck comes to us all.”

On our planet today,  we have this assurance from our Heavenly Father as given in Philippians 4:19 (MSG) “You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need; His generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus.” Remember there is a difference to the Almighty between your wants, your needs, and His desire for your well-being. Can you tell the difference between these three?

Tomorrowland

When I look back at all the memories I have from my experiences at Northside Christian School (in Westerville, OH) and Bob Jones University (in Greenville, SC), it makes me realize just how much my education has shaped me into exactly the man God intended me to be today.

There is one item that stands out among the rest that I received for congratulating me for completing my education. The greeting card picture and welcome on the front are vague enough that it could apply to either my high school (or college graduation).

Both my mother and I are uncertain as to the time period it was sent from Suzanne Leezer (signer of the card) gave it to me, and entered the environment of the Kinker family.

I lost contact with Suzanne a long time ago (because of the business of my life). At this time, Suzanne was a good family friend and a unique personality from the church my family of four attended, Fellowship Baptist Church, in Columbus, OH. The inside of her card was a takeoff of the 1895 poem “If” by Rudyard Kipling:

If you can keep your head when life’s temptations

Are bidding you to heed their beck and call,

If you can dream and have high expectations

Yet not mind working hard to win it all.                

If you can take advice from those who love you

Yet learn to make decisions for yourself,

If you can cheer as others pass above you,

And put your disappointments on the shelf.

If you can work and not make toil your master,

If you can gain and not make gold your aim,

If, whether you meet triumph or disaster,

You can be proud of how you “played the game”.

If you can smile when all odds are all against you,

Determined to try even harder still,

If, when your foes have practically convinced you

“You can’t” – you buckle down and say – “I will”.

If friends count more with you than wealth or power

And you’re at home alike with great and small,

If you can you can know success’ finest hour

Yet place respect and honor over all.

If you can be unselfish and forgiving,

And give thanks for the blessings you’ve received,

If you can face the challenges of living

And, chose right from wrong, are not deceived.

If you can put your heart into attaining

The goal you seek, and do your best each day

Yet, without hesitating or complaining,

Help others gladly as you go your way.

If you can live the Golden Rule each minute,

And shape your course according to God’s plan,

Yours is the world – and everything in it

And, what is more – you’ll really be [wise].*

It is always important to plan for one’s future. (Proverbs 23:19, 29:18) No one (except the Almighty) knows what tomorrow holds. In His all-knowing wisdom, the Heavenly Father may choose to take your life down an alternate direction that you could never have anticipated.  Be emotionally flexible. God knows the “big picture” of where your life will progress. (Psalm 139:1-6)  

The Christian group, 33 Miles, expresses a needed view on the future that we should all be reminded of in the song, Today. Do the following lyrics apply to you?

Verse One

Worry keeps waking me up

Calling me at 3am

Fear wants to shut me down

Telling me what might happen

Doubt plays with my mind

Trying to twist the truth

All these distractions, beg a reaction

Here’s what I’m gonna do

Chorus

I know you hold

The things I can’t control

So I am letting go

Right here, right now

I’m living for You and nothing else

Yesterday is history

And tomorrow’s gonna write itself

All I got is the moment I’m in

And I don’t ever want to waste

This gift, this chance, right here

Verse Two

Today - joy is what I choose

When my blue sky turns to gray

Faith is where I turn

When the world says there’s no way

And peace is what I find

Resting in Your hands

And Your love is more than enough

To keep my heart content

Chorus

*Adapted from the Buzza Greeting Card, “If” (For a Fine Young Man at Graduation).

The inspiration

Better than the Rest

I do not choose to be [an uncommon person]. It is my right to be uncommon if I can. I seek opportunity not security. I do not wish to be a kept…humbled…by having the state look after me.

I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build;
to fail or succeed. I refuse to live from hand to mouth, I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence; the thrill of fulfillment to the calm state of [apathy].

I will not trade freedom for false promises, or my dignity for a handout. I will never [cringe before any boss] nor bend to any threat.

It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid; to think and act for myself; to enjoy the benefits of my creation, and to face the world boldly and say, [“I am able to do anything with God’s help.”]* 

*Adapted from “The Uncommon Man” by Dean Alfange

Do you always strive to do the best that you can? No one is perfect. In this life, mistakes are inevitable. The important question is always when you make a mistake (emotionally), do you strive to right it (or remain in defeat)?

The (abbreviated) chorus of a song by Christian artist, Bob Carlisle states this, “We fall down; we get up, and the saints are just the sinners who fall down and get up.” Is that a description of you? King Solomon in Ecclesiastes 2:13 (CEV) professes the following (from experience):

“And I discovered that wisdom is better than foolishness, just as light is better than darkness.” Emotionally is your light bright or dim?

Matthew 5:14-16 (MSG) adds additional to the above verse. Can you relate to this? “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill.

If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in Heaven.”

The Fault Line

 “It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else that will cause your brother or sister [in Christ] to fall.” (Romans 14:21, NIV) More than I any other verse in the Bible this one both confuses (and irritates me all at the same time).

As both a father, husband, and Christian, do I have the right to be the unique man the Heavenly Father wishes me to be, or must I restrict my actions (wherever I might be) so as to not to possibly offend someone? Are others always responsible for their own actions?

Let’s take the following two examples between close adult friends, Karina and Lilia, who enjoy spending lots of time together in each other’s company (doing a variety of activities). Is anyone at fault? (This is all your opinion as I will not be providing my input on the two scenarios below.)

1.  Karina lives a healthy lifestyle. Whenever she spends large amounts of time with her outgoing close friend, Lilia, she finds that she feels tired, cranky, and overweight (because she eats all the wrong stuff).

2.  Because of the violence, profanity, and sexual content of many movies, Lilia prefers viewing only PG-13 (or religious-based) movies at her local movie theater. Karina knows this, and still chooses for the two of them to attend many of her movie choices (as close friends) that are rated R or higher (NC-17).

On the topic of being a hindrance to someone (in causing them to falter in their Christian walk), the scripture below (from The Message) provides adequate material as you come to your own decision (on this topic):

1.  “But God doesn’t grade us on our diet. We’re neither commended when we clean our plate nor reprimanded when we just can’t stomach it. But God does care when you use your freedom carelessly in a way that leads a fellow believer still vulnerable to those old associations to be thrown off track.”                    (I Corinthians 8:8-9)

Are your priorities to protect the values of a friend or live your existence (as you wish) in front of them?

2.  “It’s God we are answerable to – all the way from life to death and everything in between – not each other. That’s why Jesus lived and died and lived again: so that He could be our Master across the entire range of life and death, and free us from the petty tyrannies of each other.” (Romans 14:8-9)

Wouldn’t you like out of all the daily dramas you involuntarily find yourself in from those you are often linked together with?

3.  “Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life to pieces.” (Proverbs 13:20)

As a side note, you often become the kind of person that you associate with friend-wise. If you wish to be upbeat, connect with positive individuals.

If you want to be the kind of human being that consistently finds fault with everything (and everyone) in your world, complainers (of every kind) are everywhere you look (and listen). Only you can draw the line for yourself between what’s acceptable (and what’s not).

Isaiah 57:14 proclaims, “And it will be said: ‘Build up, build up, and prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of My people.’” (Isaiah 57:14, NIV)

Another one of my great passions is to help individuals remove any kind of problem (from their life path) so they can succeed beyond what they thought was possible.

I never want to become a “stumbling block” (or a problem) in any way that sets someone back in what they want to reach for in life. Personally, are you a member of the encouragement brigade (or discouragement task force)? Once again, your words (and actions) will make your decision for you?

*Adapted from the article “Stupid Stumbling Blocks” written by me on September 30, 1981.