It's A Law of the Universe

January 19, 1998 – Roy Miller wrote in his Monday Morning Memo – “Moments of emotional recovery are the best times to think about problems you have not been able to solve. Great, creative insights follow times of great stress. It’s a law of the universe.”

Some of you are on the verge of some of the greatest, most creative moments of your life. Some of you have had long…trying…draining…moments of stress. Unlike anything you have ever experienced in your life or perhaps unlike anything you will ever experience again. You have to know and you have to realize that while the moment you have been enduring may seem incredibly tough…you are about to experience one of the most creative and perhaps the greatest moment of your life.

The moments that follow the stressful time you have been enduring will be one of the greatest times of your life. You’re thinking will be expanded, your endurance will be greater, and your mental stamina will be at its peak. The challenge is to keep your focus clear while enduring the challenge. Allowing yourself to dream of what you will accomplish when your through the challenge while still maintaining a clear focus on the challenge at hand.

When you begin to recognize the stress of today as a launching pad for greater success tomorrow you will no longer look at stress the same way. While it may still be tough and it may not be all that fun you begin to see it as a good training program…much like the training program that a runner embraces on their way to their first marathon. Much like the challenge that the freshman college student embraces when they leave home for the first time…living in a dorm with a stranger…taking a full load of classes and working a part-time job that involves almost full-time hours. Much like the challenge a child embraces learning to ride their bike without training wheels for the first time.

Why do we lose our willingness to embrace the challenges that will take us to the next point in our life? Do we grow up so much that we no longer want anyone to see us falling down? Do we lose our enthusiasm for growth and learning? Do we instead decide that we can somehow bypass the natural “law of the universe” as Roy Miller puts it…and find a way that we can “buy” our experience? Or do we think that we are able to forego the schooling process because of a certain family that we are born into?

The truth is that when you understand the quote above…you begin to understand that there are no shortcuts. And as long as you have a desire to experience more and to go places that you haven’t been before you will have moments and periods of stress. You will have challenges that you don’t understand because you are traveling somewhere that you haven’t been before. Don’t fret and worry about it. Instead, embrace it as a soon-to-be marathoner embraces a proven training program.

John 8:12-14 – “’When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’ The Pharisees challenged him, ‘Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.’ Jesus answered, ‘Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going.’”

Here we read of Jesus...at the point of his greatest challenge and just moments after experiencing stress to the point of sweating blood. And yet just moments away from his greatest triumph and most creative insight known to this world. A law of the universe? I don't know if it proven enough to earn that title...but then again...perhaps?

Have a blessed day,

RodZ

© 2008 – Rodney Zimmerman – All rights reserved

Are You Out of YOUR Mind...yet?

I believe one of the greatest struggles we face is the struggle to focus on the right thing. The struggle to look at the process and not the reward. The struggle to look at what we were created for and NOT focus on what doing what we were created for may fetch us in this world.

As we go through life and as we face the various challenges that come our way we tend to focus on what we perceive to be the most critical items rather than considering what God tells us is the most essential. Lately…in our country, there has been one overwhelming item that has taken the forefront position in the minds of most people. The economy and the overall crumbling of our financial system has been the lead topic of most news programs. And as I have mentioned before…I believe this leaves us as Christians with an incredible opportunity to be a witness and to be a comfort to the rest of the world around us.

I know some of you are thinking that you don’t seem prepared to be a witness or to be in a position to minister to others because you have more than enough issues of your own. I understand and I know what you are talking about. But your own current financial position has nothing to do with your ability to minister and be an example to those around you. It isn’t just about the position you are in…it is about how your attitude and how you deal with your position that becomes your testimony.

As Christians we have the “mind of Christ…” and as such we have to realize that we have the ability to think and see everything around as Christ himself sees it. Our Lord doesn’t ever worry…he sees the things that would cause worry as an opportunity for us to build our faith. He never sees the lack of ability in a person…he always sees the potential the perceived inability represents. Our Lord cannot recognize lack…instead he calls us to create. There was absolutely nothing prior to first day of creation…and out of this, just seven days later there is an earth and living creatures and us. The mind that created this world out of nothing is the same mind that we have been blessed with. So when we say we are lacking or short of anything and you are complaining to God about it…it is good for you to remember that God created all of this from nothing. And we now have this same mind of Christ within us.

The thing to do when you feel you need more and when you feel you are experiencing lack…the call then is for you to create. Follow the example that we are called to follow and create. We have the ability within us. We have been blessed beyond measure. The challenge is there for us to respond to. Are you going to sit there and complain or are you going to start fishing? (See last weeks Word if you don’t get this statement.)

One of the great stress producers in our own lives is when we are living incongruent lives…when our actions don’t line up with our values. I believe we also create stress and conflict when we are striving to make decisions based on God’s word but we don’t allow our minds to operate in the Christ mode that they now have as Christians. When you switch to the worlds way of thinking for your answers, while you are praying for God to give you your answer…you are bound to run into conflict.

Proverbs 19:20-21 – “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.”

Have a blessed day,

RodZ

© 2008 – Rodney Zimmerman – All rights reserved

Security

It is incredibly interesting to me how different people react to situations that threaten their perceived security. I say perceived only because any security that comes apart from the security we have in Christ is only perceived. It is not real…and it is not going to last.

Lately there have been many opportunities to make these observations. Every day newspapers, websites, and tv have all been screaming at us about the lack of security…the lack of financial stability, and overall failing of our economic system. The reaction of one middle-aged man was particularly gut-wrenching when he took the life of his three children, his wife, and his mother-in-law before taking his own life. In the notes he left behind he blamed his actions on his inability to deal with the difficulties he was experiencing financially.

In another survey it was found that more than 80% of Americans are now stressed over finances and the economy. Granted…it is hard to ignore. If you even look at a newspaper or walk through a restaurant that has a tv on…you are going to be bombarded with news stories and articles relating to these items.

So how should we deal with this? What should our role be? The truth is that the tougher things get for the world…the greater our ability to shine comes through. While we certainly live in this world and we are aware of what is going on around us, we do not have to succumb to the same stresses that the world experiences because our security is not actually tied to this world. Our security is in Christ.

If you find yourself seriously stressing over what the economists are saying, or what you neighbor is complaining about, or what you are hearing on TV…put some serious thought into the question of “What is your security linked to?”

John 16:33 – “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Enjoy a blessed day,

RodZ

© 2008 – Rodney Zimmerman – All rights reserved

Are You Going to Complain or Fish

I recall a familiar story about a game warden that received a shocking lesson on fishing.

It seems he noticed how this one particular fellow named Sam consistently caught more fish than anyone else. Whereas the other guys would only catch three or four a day, Sam would come in off the lake with a boat full. Stringer after stringer was always packed with freshly caught trout. The warden, curious, asked Sam his secret. The successful fisherman invited the game warden to accompany him and observe. So the next morning the two met at the dock and took off in Sam’s boat
.
When they got to the middle of the lake, they stopped the boat and the warden sat back to see how it was done.

Sam’s approach was simple. He took out a stick of dynamite, lit it, and threw it in the air. The explosion rocked the lake with such a force that dead fish immediately began to surface. Sam took out a net and started scooping them up.
Well, you can imagine the reaction of the game warden. When he recovered from the shock of it all, he began yelling at Sam. “You can’t do this! I’ll put you in jail buddy! You will be paying every fine there is in the book!” Sam, meanwhile, set his net down and took out another stick of dynamite. He lit it and tossed it in the lap of the game warden with these words, “Are you going to sit there all day complaining or are you going to fish?”

The poor warden was left with a fast decision to make. He was yanked, in one second, from an observer to a participant. A dynamite of a choice had to be made and be made quickly!

Life can be like that at times. We are thrown into a situation where we have to make a decision and we have to make it now. Before things blow up in our laps. In business it could be the ability to make some extra cash by bending the rules a bit further then they should be bent. At home you are faced with a decision your spouse made and you don’t agree with it; so you lose your temper in a fit of frustration. At an office party you are caught in a group that is talking about the boss…in a not so good way. Do you join in or walk away? You’re in a business meeting that affords a great opportunity, but the people you will be partnering with conducts their business in a way that you don’t agree with…but the opportunity is huge. What do you do?

We are faced with decisions every day of our life. Decisions that often are unexpected and unplanned…yet they require an answer immediately. Putting off a decision is an answer of its own. No matter what you do you are giving an answer. How do you handle that? How do you prepare ahead of time for such situations.

The disciples found themselves in such a situation. They had gone to pray with Jesus. Jesus was facing his destiny. The culmination of his purpose was here…and it wasn’t going to be pretty or easy. He was preparing spiritually and mentally for what he was going to face. A few times he had gone back to check on his disciples, only to find them fast asleep. The last time they were awakened it wasn’t by the gentle nudge on the shoulder from Jesus it was from unfamiliar voices…well, except for the voice of the one who gave Jesus a kiss.

They had found Jesus. His moment had arrived. The disciples, with sleep still in their eyes had to make a choice. Peter made his quickly. He drew his sword, he took a swing…and a miss…he only got the ear. Jesus rebuked Peter for his actions. Now what does he do?

The others all fled.

This was an incredibly tough situation that required an immediate decision. How do we prepare for such events? What can we do to better ready ourselves to make the right decision in potentially explosive situations?

Jesus had some advice for the disciples just prior to these events.

Mark 14:38 – “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the body is weak.”

Jesus, who was talking to Peter here, knew the situation that Peter would face. He knew that the loyalty Peter had pledged would be challenged and Jesus was telling him to watch and pray so that he would not fall into that temptation.

We all need to watch our situations. We know our weak points. We know what areas are vulnerable. Jesus tells us to watch these situations.

Also, we need to pray. Keep the dialogue going between God and us. Let him know our struggles. Tell him what is bothering you. And go forward with the realization that he has already blessed you with the ability to make it through…victoriously!

Watch and pray. Let’s do it!

Have a blessed day,

RodZ


© 2008 – Rodney Zimmerman – All rights reserved

Confidence + Perseverance = Reward

Hebrews 10:34-39 – “You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, ‘He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith, and if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.’ But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.”

“So do not throw away your confidence.” Wow…what a great statement. “You need to persevere so that…you will receive what he has promised.”

Confidence + Perseverance = Reward

When our confidence and our perseverance are aligned with the will of God we will receive our reward. That is a promise I can sink my teeth into.

What does it mean for us? How does this play out in our world today?

I think the first few sentences of this passage bring this into our own world in which we live. It tells us that in spite of the prison and confiscation of property that these people held onto their confidence. They persevered. And they never lost sight of the reward that awaited them. What reward is that? It tells us the reward is the one he promised.

How important to know what promises are given to us in scripture so that we can believe and have faith in them and not lose sight of them. Some homework for you today…study the promises given us in scripture. But for the sake of today “Word” know that the promises given to us by God are good. In fact all of them are good. A God that is only good and has no evil within him is not going to promise his creation bad things for persevering in his ways.

So why do so many seemingly miss out on these promises? Why are there good people all over living good lives, but yet struggling day after day? Let me ask you this…Paul (the presumed writer of Hebrews), was writing to people who had loved ones in prison and had just had their property confiscated…yet he was commending their confidence and their perseverance and telling them their reward was on its way. The big difference is this…these folks had not taken the victim mentality I talked about a few days ago. In fact many of them I am sure were living with the champion mentality…in spite of what their circumstances were screaming at them.

Our mindset is not to be determined by the physical circumstances surrounding us. Our mindset is to be set by the promises given us in the Word of God. Our mindset should be the mindset of God. That is why scripture tells us we have “the mind of Christ.” (1 Cor. 2:16) On the way to the cross did Jesus see himself as a victim or as a champion? When he was standing before Pontius Pilate did he see himself as one defeated or as The Champion? Even while he hung on the cross…was he a victim or was he even then still showing people the amazing life that awaited someone just moments before their physical body expired?

These are the examples of the champion mentality we are called to. These are examples of what Confidence + Perseverance = Reward really means.

Embrace it. Live it. Reap it.

Have a blessed day,

RodZ

© 2008 – Rodney Zimmerman – All rights reserved

You Need a Gear Change, Son

You know…sometimes when you’re doing something that just doesn’t seem to be working you have to be willing to make a change. This weekend I had scheduled myself for a long training run. I am contemplating a very late fall race to participate in. But…anyways…I had my support crew with me which consists of my two sons on their bikes. At about mile 5 one of them began complaining about muscle soreness…not a good thing when we are looking to cover 20-miles. As we went along I asked him a few more questions as the soreness seemed to be persisting. Finally it clicked in my mind. He was pedaling in a low gear and his cadence on the pedals was just too high. This can be good…but only to a point. If you are pedaling too quickly it will begin to wear on your joints just as pedaling too slowly will begin to fatigue your muscles prematurely. What he was thinking was muscle soreness was really pointing more towards a tiring of the joints. Well, Mike made a gear change and within a couple of miles there was no more complaints. He finished strong. And even at mile 19.5, when I was beginning to feel some soreness from the long run…he looked over at me and reached out from his bike and patted me on the back and said, “You’re going to make it dad. You’re almost there.” You gotta love it!!

The point here is this; my son had to make a gear change. What he was doing may have worked in some applications but it wasn’t working for the ground we were looking to cover on Saturday. It was actually too easy of a gear, and while that may have been fine when we were covering only 5-10 miles wasn’t going to work for 20-miles. Some of you have grown accustomed to a gear that you are used to operating in and you have switched gears for a brief moment but quickly went back to the easier, lower gear because you didn’t like the resistance you felt when you made the change. But I am telling you that if you are going to actually be successful in covering the ground that you were meant to cover you are going to have to use all the gears that you have been blessed with. And sometimes that means using some of the gears that offer a bit more resistance.

What gear have you been operating in? Are you feeling some soreness from pedaling along in too low a gear…or maybe you have switched gears too quickly and you are dealing with muscle fatigue? Whatever the case…sometimes we don’t have to change directions, we just have to keep heading the same way and all we need is a gear change.

Whatever the case may be with where you are at…keep pedaling. Keep moving. Adjust as necessary and keep the forward progress.

Psalm 112:1-2;7-8 – “Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands. His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.”

Have a blessed day,

RodZ

© 2008 – Rodney Zimmerman – All rights reserved

The Mindset of a Champion

The thing that differentiates so many is the mindset that a person chooses to embrace day after day. Every day that we wake up we have to choose how we are going to approach the day. Will we approach it with the mindset of a champion? Or will we approach it with the mindset of simply a survivor or worse yet a victim?

Champion – Someone who is in control of their future. Decisions are made by what will get them to their destiny in the most efficient and beneficial way. Champions understand that their may be challenges or people that don’t share their enthusiasm to reach their destiny but they will not allow this to slow them down or distract them. In fact…their focus on their destiny prohibits them from spending too much time on distractions.

Survivor – Is someone who has made it through simply by their refusal to give in…yet they haven’t yet embraced the focus on their destiny just yet. They have faced the challenges, they are hanging in there, but they haven’t quite yet realized that they are in control of their future. Once they take that next step they will realize that they are more than just a survivor, they are a champion that is destined for greatness.

Victim – Is someone who has taken a chance, they have stepped out but when the challenges came from those who didn’t share their enthusiasm for the greatness destined for them…they became a victim of their attacks. They stepped down from the champion ranks, skipped survivor mode, and became a victim of those that didn’t want to see someone else survive where they had previously failed.

We all start our day with a mindset that fits into one of these three categories…perhaps in varying degrees…but still very present. In what way are you going to approach your day? Which mentality are you going to take hold of today? Which role will best describe you this evening when you play the recap of your days activities?

This morning…make the decision of how you will take hold of the day…and then make it happen.

Psalm 23:18-19 – “There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path.”

Have a blessed day,

RodZ

© 2008 – Rodney Zimmerman – All rights reserved