Great Quote Thursday

This much I know. You can't put a price tag on being obedient to the Holy Spirit's promptings. Even when you are the only person who understands why you are doing what you are doing, walk confidently along the path God paves for you- Bill Hybels

Elijah- Mountain Showdown

On Sundays, we're continuing our look at the life of Elijah, the Old Testament prophet.

In I Kings 18, Elijah calls the prophets of Baal to Mount Carmel for a showdown to prove once and for all who is the one, true God. In verse 21, we learn that the children of Israel are divided in their loyalties between Jehovah and Baal. Elijah says they must choose one.

Though his followers prepare a sacrifice and call for him, Baal doesn't show up; "there was no voice; no one answered, no one paid attention" (v. 29). But Elijah prepares a sacrifice to Jehovah, has the wood and the sacrifice repeatedly covered in water, and then he calls for God to consume the offering and God does (v. 36-38).

But it is verse 39 that stands out to me. Only after God did something amazing did the people believe Him and choose to follow Him.

Here's The Point: How many times do we want God to something "big" for us to trust Him? When, in reality, the fact that He gives us breath to breathe is amazing. And undeserved.

Book Review- Scott Dickson's Never Give Up

Scott Dickson is an airline executive who served as the CEO of Vanguard Airlines, a regional air carrier based out of Kansas City, prior to its demise in the months following the 9/11 tragedy. Already dwarfed in debt, the effects of 9/11 as well as the tightening of credit as Vanguard tried to recover were more than the airline could overcome, ultimately leading to its shutdown.

Never Give Up- 7 Principles for Christians Leading in Tough Times offers the following wisdom:
Principle #1: Put Fear in its Place
Principle #2- Remember to Pray
Principle #3- Get God's Perspective
Principle #4- Provide "Front-Line" Leadership
Principle #5- Communicate- Often and Honestly
Principle #6- Persevere through Everything
Principle #7- Focus on the "Bigger Picture"

Dickson draws from Biblical examples as well as his own personal experiences to share wisdom to those who lead in and through difficult situations. What makes Dickson's writing more interesting is that Vanguard did not survive. There was no happy ending for Vanguard.

This is a good, but not great, book. However, the wisdom shared is beneficial.

Fun on Friday

Recently purchased a bag of Harvest Cheddar Sun Chips in what claims to be the first 100% compostable bag. But the interesting thing is how loud the bag is. It even states on the bag "this bag is louder because it is compostable". While the "green" goal of a compostable bag is admirable, I'll be surprised if this concept catches on simply because of how loud the bag is.

How is it possible for traffic to completely stop on the interstate? Not that I want to see a vehicle broken down on the side of the road. I certainly don't want to see a bloody crash site. But I continue to be amazed at how often you can be driving down the interstate at 70 MPH and then a half mile later you're sitting perfectly still. For seemingly no reason.

Not usually a breakfast eater but recently I found myself driving our family through a McDonald's drive-thru to get some jelly biscuits. I ordered the jelly biscuits at $1.25 each until I noticed that sausage biscuits were only $1.00. I then cancelled my jelly biscuit order, ordered sausage biscuits for $1.00 each and then requested and received free packets of jelly. Go figure.

Great Quote Thursday

If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of itself- Dwight Moody

Elijah- A Man Named Obadiah

On Sundays, we're continuing our look at the life of Elijah, the old testament prophet.

In I Kings 18, we meet a man named Obadiah. A follower of God but also a leading servant in the house of the wicked King Ahab. A man with a job that no one would really want. But a man who risked his own certain death by hiding and subsequently providing for 100 prophets of God during a period of drought and famine. A man who played a significant role in the history of Israel with very little historical notice. And therein lies a great lesson.

Here's the Point: God used Obadiah where he was. In a place that wasn't easy. In a difficult work environment. To have a major impact.

Often people wish for a better or different job because their current job is hard and/or the coworkers are difficult. But the Bible consistently tells us of people (Joseph, Daniel, Nehemiah.....Obadiah) who worked in very difficult work environments but people for whom God had a great plan and used them where they were.

Happy Father's Day

Today, Father's Day, is one of my favorite days of the year. Being Daddy to our two young sons is a great honor and privilege.

I know several guys who are celebrating their very first Father's Day this year. To them, and to me, Happy Father's Day!