Lessons from Habakkuk...

Here are some lessons gleaned from the book of Habakkuk:

Habakkuk 1:3
"Why do you make me see iniquity,
    and why do you idly look at wrong?
Destruction and violence are before me;
    strife and contention arise"

- You will not always have good leadership. You will probably (at some point) have a coworker who causes "strife and contention."
- Realize this (potential lack of good leadership) and plan accordingly. God will not always place us in comfortable situation. We may face unfairness and unrighteous people - but plan ahead and make god decisions about what situations you put yourself in. 

Habakkuk 1:13
"You who are of purer eyes than to see evil
    and cannot look at wrong,
why do you idly look at traitors
    and remain silent when the wicked swallows up
    the man more righteous than he?"

- if you see something fishy or dangerous - don't be afraid to speak up and say something. If you don't say anything you are a part of the problem. 

Habakkuk 2:1
"I will take my stand at my watch post
    and station myself on the tower,
and look out to see what he will say to me,
    and what I will answer concerning my complaint"

- Set yourself up to look for God's guidance, and expect Him to answer. Just be sure to remember that God will answer in His time, and the answer we get may not be the one we want. 

Habakkuk 2:3
  "For still the vision awaits its appointed time;
    it hastens to the end—it will not lie.
If it seems slow, wait for it;
    it will surely come; it will not delay."






- God's timeline for our lives may not coincide with the timeline we plan for ourselves.

Habakkuk 2:5
“Moreover, wine^[b] is a traitor,
    an arrogant man who is never at rest.^[c]
His greed is as wide as Sheol;
    like death he has never enough.
He gathers for himself all nations
    and collects as his own all peoples.”

- Be satisfied with what you have. Anything and Everything you have is a blessing or gift from God. You do not deserve it. When we seek worldly thing to satisfy ourselves, our focus is off God. 

Habakkuk 2: 6-8 

⁶ Shall not all these take up their taunt against him, with scoffing and riddles for him, and say,

“Woe to him who heaps up what is not his own—
    for how long?—
    and loads himself with pledges!”
⁷ Will not your debtors suddenly arise,
    and those awake who will make you tremble?
    Then you will be spoil for them.
⁸ Because you have plundered many nations,
    all the remnant of the peoples shall plunder you,
for the blood of man and violence to the earth,
    to cities and all who dwell in them."

- Know your limits financially. When you increase your means without the money to back it up, you dig yourself into a hole. You will have people (creditors, lenders, etc) shoveling the dirt in on top of you. Make wise choices and don't be put in this situation.

Habakkuk 2:15-16

¹⁵ “Woe to him who makes his neighbors drink—
    you pour out your wrath and make them drunk,
    in order to gaze at their nakedness!
¹⁶ You will have your fill of shame instead of glory.
    Drink, yourself, and show your uncircumcision!
The cup in the Lord's right hand
    will come around to you,
    and utter shame will come upon your glory!

- Do not tempt others (competitors) with their weaknesses... especially if you are willingly doing this for personal gain.

Habakkuk 2:19-20

  ¹⁹ Woe to him who says to a wooden thing, Awake;
    to a silent stone, Arise!
Can this teach?
Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver,
    and there is no breath at all in it.
²⁰ But the Lord is in his holy temple;
    let all the earth keep silence before him.”

- Do not put your faith in symbols that cannot respond ("wooden" or "stone" gods). Instead have faith in the Lord who is alive and willing to respond to your requests!

It's amazing the reminders we are shown from our own thoughts sometime... I'm thankful for those reminders from the Lord. 

Love y'all - KC  

Lessons on Leadership - from the book of Micah.

A few days ago I found this notebook... in 2008 I started reading through the bible and writing commentary based on what I can learn about leadership from the bible. I started rereading it and am thankful for the notes I wrote, because they pertain to me in my job, and anyone else who supervises others. Ultimately though... I think they maybe observations that may serve any Christian. I hope so... 

Since I have not been blogging as I should lately... I thought that posting these would be a good way to get back into it... and if nothing else, they would all be typed up. :) ** Also - I would like to point out that this commentary is not meant to be a political statement in anyway... they are my observations from the Word of God not my impressions of any leader in our country.**

I started these notes with the book of Micah. I will not post the entire chapters of reference, but the verses from which the specific lessons are derived. If you need a quick/easy online Bible reference... just click on this link... 

LESSONS FROM MICAH 3&4 (verses 1-5)

"And I said: Hear, you heads of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel!
Is it not for you to know justice?—
²     you who hate the good and love the evil, who tear the skin from off my people^[a]     and their flesh from off their bones,
³ who eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them,
and break their bones in pieces and chop them up like meat in a pot,
    like flesh in a cauldron.

⁴ Then they will cry to the Lord, but he will not answer them;
he will hide his face from them at that time, because they have made their deeds evil.

⁵ Thus says the Lord concerning the prophets who lead my people astray,
who cry “Peace” when they have something to eat, but declare war against him
    who puts nothing into their mouths. (Micah 3:1-5)

- How can we expect rulers (non-believers) with no moral code/compass of reference to be moral and just leaders?
- A leader should not cause their people to be unwisely unprepared for any situation (based on their pride or ignorance) - in doing so you only create chaos and confusion. 
- Throughout chapters 3 and 4, God had a plan for the good AND the bad. The bad were destroyed and the good were given instructions as to where they should go. Regardless of who or what faith you are (or are not) God is in control of you and your destiny.

LESSONS FROM MICAH 5: (verses 5:2-3, 7-9 ESV)

Micah

 ² But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
    who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
    one who is to be ruler in Israel,
whose coming forth is from of old,
    from ancient days.

- Big things don't necessarily have to come from big places. The Messiah was from a tiny, seemingly insignificant town called Bethlehem - He, well He did big things... *LEADERSHIP COMES FROM EVERYWHERE*

  ³ Therefore He shall give them up,
Until the time that she who is in labor has given birth;
Then the remnant of His brethren
Shall return to the children of Israel.

 - God does not forget those who feel forgotten. No matter how small or insignificant a person/group may feel - they are important and significant to their Maker.

⁷ Then the remnant of Jacob
Shall be in the midst of many peoples,
Like dew from the Lord,
Like showers on the grass,
That tarry for no man
Nor wait for the sons of men.
⁸ And the remnant of Jacob
Shall be among the Gentiles,
In the midst of many peoples,
Like a lion among the beasts of the forest,
Like a young lion among flocks of sheep,
Who, if he passes through,
Both treads down and tears in pieces,
And none can deliver.
⁹ Your hand shall be lifted against your adversaries,
And all your enemies shall be cut off.

A remnant is by definition the leftovers... scraps... well, in this case, God used the remnant of Jacob to do big things. He used a small group and ensured defeat of their enemies... I think this is definitely a Quality/Quantity example! 

LESSONS FROM CHAPTER 6: (verses 1-2, 6-7, 8, 15 NKJV)

6 Hear now what the Lord says:

“Arise, plead your case before the mountains,
And let the hills hear your voice.
² Hear, O you mountains, the Lord’s complaint,
And you strong foundations of the earth;
For the Lord has a complaint against His people,
And He will contend with Israel.

- There will always be other people who can speak up for your actions (good or bad) if you refrain from doing so... dirty laundry will be aired, so you might as well speak up and take responsibility for you actions. A leader should be willing and able to admit fault. 

 ⁶ With what shall I come before the Lord,
And bow myself before the High God?
Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings,
With calves a year old?
⁷ Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
Ten thousand rivers of oil?
Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,
The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

- Attitude is everything. It doesn't necessarily matter what you are bringing to the table, but rather how (in what attitude) you are bringing it.
- Remember when working as a group - if you bring the right attitude to any situation your news/opinions/etc... will be more readily accepted.

 ⁸ He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

 - Be an example of living, breathing Christian worship every day: 

1.  Do justly:  Do the right thing/ be accountable
2. Love mercy: Love others despite difference just as Christ loves us despite ourselves
3. Walk Humbly: As Pawpaw Cole told me once, "Remember who you are, what you are, and where you're from." Don't go throughout life acting like you deserve anything. In order to be a servant leader you have to put yourself on the back burner and sacrifice for others.

 ¹⁵ “You shall sow, but not reap; You shall tread the olives, but not anoint yourselves with oil;
And make sweet wine, but not drink wine.

- Recognition is not the be all, end all... and it should never be your motivation. As a Christian living in an unchristian world we often contribute to projects wholeheartedly, but we do not get equal support or recognition. A Christian should not be upset because of lack of recognition - for what do the accolades of the world equal in comparison to the recognition by Christ.

LESSONS FROM MICAH 7 (v. 4, 7, 14, 18) NKJV

- Rather than focusing your attention on the watch for enemies (negativity)... 

⁴ The best of them is like a brier;
The most upright is sharper than a thorn hedge;
The day of your watchman and your punishment comes;
Now shall be their perplexity.

- Focus your watch on the Lord (positivity). 

 ⁷ Therefore I will look to the Lord;
I will wait for the God of my salvation;
My God will hear me.

 ¹⁴ Shepherd Your people with Your staff,
The flock of Your heritage, Who dwell solitarily in a woodland,
In the midst of Carmel; Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, As in days of old.

 - "Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock of your heritage..." In leadership positions you work to shepherd others in the right direction. You leadership (or lack thereof) will ultimately leave behind a legacy or heritage, and we must always be conscious of our heritage and how it speaks for us.
 

¹⁸ Who is a God like You, Pardoning iniquity
And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage?

He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in mercy.

- Don't burn bridges, hold grudges, or stay mad. 
- Be merciful and show grace to those under your supervision who have failed/disappointed in some way.  

The impact of your leadership does not stay in one city or on one campus. As those you lead move and travel, the lessons you teach go with them. Always look for a chance to make any situation a teaching situation. 

I know this was long... but I hope someone gathered something from reading it! Leave me a comment and let me know what you think! 
Love Y'all,
Kacey

A lesson from those who are radical...

As I have been reading more and more about the radical Islamic protests which were spurred by an anti Islamic christian's video, I have really had to think about my position regarding radical christians as well... because I don't think there is much of a difference in the man that made this video and the people who killed our Ambassador to Libya. The reason I believe they are similar, is because I actually watched the 13 minute video that has caused riots throughout the Middle East and was disgusted by it. I understand the outrage it caused... not to the extend of murder... but if the subject of that video was Jesus and not Mohammed I'd be pretty pissed off too.

So... what's my position here... well, I think the best way to describe it is this: 

I'm not anti - Islam... 

... and I'm not anti-Hindu. 

Nor am I anti - Buddha or anti -Taoism... 

or even anti - Scientology or anti - Krishna.

I'm Pro-Jesus.

that.is.all.

Because here's the deal - we were told to spread the Gospel... and Jesus is the Gospel. Why do we tend to tell people why what they believe is wrong when we should be telling them, and focusing on, why what we believe is RIGHT! Jesus sells himself in His Word... and we should show Him in our actions.

The Gospel is faith, love, hope, forgiveness, service... and so many other things. The one word that does not fall anywhere close to the Gospel though is Hate... and Hate is what feeds these radical religious extremists. 

But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness 

and walks in the darkness, 

and does not know where he is going, 

because the darkness has blinded his eyes. 

1 John 2:11

These radicals who hate... regardless of the G/god they follow are in the dark. And as for me, well...

"Again Jesus spoke to them, saying,  

“I am the light of the world. 

Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness,

 but will have the light of life.” 

John 8:12

love y'all - KC

The most important things...

I have been heartbroken as I watch the news of the families who are losing their homes out west in these fires. So many are now homeless... 32,000 evacuated and I think around 350 homes destroyed per the last report I read. As I watched the footage, as these people are having to evacuate the homes that they built and the belongings they have worked hard to own, it got me to thinking... 

If a fire was coming my way... 

and I had time to grab a few things I knew I could save, 

what would those things be?

I sat on my couch thinking about it... and as I looked around the room I couldn't think of much. I live by myself, so I don't have all that much... and my first thoughts were basic - purse, laptop, cell phone/charger, some clothes and sturdy shoes. Those things just seem necessary... the purse to pay bills, laptop/phone for communication, and clothing/shoes to have something to wear. The only posessions I would try my best to save are those that are already kept in a fireproof box - Daddy's Bible and a Q&A journal I gave him for Father's day once, Pawpaw Cole's dog tags, Mawmaw Scarbrough's wedding jewlery, and some old family pictures that I don't have scanned on to my conputer. That all seems pretty simple, and could be contained within a suitcase, but like I said... I don't have kids to think about... which would add to the list of necessities I'm sure would be needed. 

Confusion...

CONFUSION?

by Dannon Cole

Think of your favorite hymn. Or at least one of them. Imagine if you will that you are in a very large crowd and they do the same. Then everyone sings their favorite song at the same time. That’s right, all at one time and all together.

=============================

Now you may think: “That makes no sense at all”, but it does. Have you ever stopped to realize amid all the apparent confusion of our singing God had no problem at all sorting it all out. It wasn’t the least bit confusing to him. At any given time there are thousands, maybe millions of Christians all over the world singing, praying, preaching, and talking to God at the same time! Not to mention all the other things he can and does watch moment by moment.

In our finite way we tend to place limits on the infinite one. When our lives, as they often do, become crowded up with apparent confusion, we shortchange the Lord of all creation. Does life sometimes seem, like our singing, like it makes no sense? Do you seem to get lost in the “noise” of it all? Just you remember: You are never “lost” to God. He ever sees, ever hears, and he always can hear you. He can hear your singing” THROUGH IT  ALL. He can hear your praying: THROUGH IT ALL.  He can see your feeble efforts to communicate with him: THROUGH IT ALL. And when you feel insignificant, and small, when you feel that you are being overpowered by so many others, He sees, he hears, he knows.

So sing, even if others sing louder and better. Pray, even if you feel your prayer is feeble and you are unworthy. Don’t give up if the crowd is in the way, because just as Jesus felt the touch of the sickly woman with the “issue of blood” he will “feel” your touch when you reach out to him, and he IS within your reach, ALWAYS. He will feel your touch for the same reason. The “issue” is still “BLOOD”. If you are his, it’s because of the BLOOD. If you wish to belong to him, your issue is still “BLOOD”. You need it, Jesus gave it for you at Calvary, and without it there is NO HOPE! 

So today, reach out to him. Reach out with your voice, reach out with your heart, Give him the confusion, the noise, the heartache, this load you are bearing. He offers peace, forgiveness, escape, and yes even confidence. Then after you have experienced his presence you will say as Isaiah of old.

"Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion, for great is the Holy one of Israel “ IN THE MIDST OF THEE”! (Isa. Chapter 12:6)

Celebrate his gain...

I don't really know how to start this blog, but I felt like I needed to write it. Maybe as therapy for me... maybe to be helpful to someone else... I don't really know, but after a nearly 3 month blog sabbatical - here goes... 

It's officially June 20th, which means we hit another year... another year without Daddy here with us. 

I was praying earlier to not relive that day... I just don't want to think about the details... but I think it may be inevitable. Ultimately, the biggest detail is that unavoidable one - My life changed on June 20 2009, and it won't ever be the same. 

I don't want this to sound depressing... there is no hiding that I'm sad. In fact, if you saw me right now you would witness a big tear sitting on my cheek and the sniffles that always accompany crying. But I cannot be depressed, because my prayer... my mantra for today is... 

{Celebrate his gain, not mourn his loss}

Easier said than done, of course... but it's a little goal. I miss so many things about him... but I know that his work here on earth was done and on the morning of June 20th it was time for him to reap the reward of the seeds he had sown on this earth... and he sowed many, literally and spiritually. 

I can't describe the blessing he was... it just isn't possible to put him into words which he so gracefully and creatively used to write his songs and observations on life. I wish I could... so that I could explain to all of you who never met him what a truly amazing and unique person he was... a one of a kind without question. Daddy wrote in his bible (my most precious possession) a type of mission statement for himself which I think describes his attitude toward his place in this world so well. 

{I am God's creation, unique from all others. I am what I am because God needed me like this. I am better suited for my place in this world than anyone in this world. No other can take my place, Do what I can do, Be what I can be. -DC}

I pray that we can all have Daddy's attitude about ourselves as individuals. Do your best at being who you are and always recognize that you are God's unique creation. I also think that there is a challenge in that statement as well. If the Lord loved you enough to create you with unique talents, skills, personality, and abilities... you sure as heck better not waste them on anything lest than being your best at those things... because using what He gave you for

His glory, well... that's our job as Christians. 

I know that Mom, Shane, and I aren't the only ones who shed tears over missing Daddy... he had a slew of family members and a heap of friends. I truly don't think he knew how much he impacted others... but that certainly never stopped him from trying. I think I'll spend some time blogging some of his writing and my thoughts on them in the days to come...

I hope that as the years add up... as we get to 4, 5... 10 that June 20th eill continue to be a day of rememberance and reflection with less and less sadness every year. For me this day will forevermore serve as a reminder of the type of person I should be... more like my daddy. Loving, Hardworking, caring, creative, a leader, a friend to all... just a few of his attributes that I hope to always strive for. 

There are many more things I could say but only a few more I will add. For those of you who have prayed for us and been there for us - thank you, and please continue them... especially tomorrow. 

I want to leave you with something Daddy wrote that shows his wisdom on life... and a thought we all need to consider... because we will all experience these realities in life. 

"The only guarantees in life are death and failure! 

They are unavoidable and certain. 

It is how we deal with these two realities 

that will in fact determine out degree of happiness, 

fulfillment and success! 

- Dan"

Love y'all so much... 

KC

A lesson about Discipline...

When I was a kid... I chose to get a spanking.

I chose them because I disobeyed rules set forth by my parents, and therefore deserved chose to commit an action which deserved correction.

What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love  how they would react with love and a spirit of gentleness? {1 corinthians 4:21}

Just as Paul did for the Corinthians Daddy set his example through "love and a spirit of gentleness" and I was the one who made the rod of disciple necessary because I chose it. I chose to disobey - Paul gave the Corinthains a choice in verse 21 - their actions (good or bad) reflected their choice and consequently how they would be dealt with by their "father."

I write not these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children. 15 For though ye have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet [have ye] not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I begat you through the gospel. (1 corinthians 4:14-15)

A challenge for parents here - from this passage is to be someone who your kids should imitate. Paul advises his "children" to "imitate me."

  I beseech you therefore, be ye imitators of me.(1 corinthians 4:16)

 Would you do the same? If not then that is a warning sign for you - because if your behavior as a father (or mother) is not that which you would want your child to imitate - the that behavior should probably change. I believe it is important for parents to create behaviors and habits which you would want your son or daughter to imitate... whether that is studying God's word, helping a neighbor, or making healthy choices as simple as playing outside in God's creation rather than playing a video game or watching TV.

Hopefully if your behavior is that which your child should imitate and they follow your example - then the rod will be unnecessary. Always remember though, that it is their actions make the decisions as to if they should be dealt with in love/gentleness or the rod of disciple - not yours. You should act accordingly to their actions as the responsible and caring parent.

Did I deserve all those spankings I got as a kid... I'm sure I did. But with as many moments of discipline that I received, there were many more moments where my parents simply sat me down and showed love and gentleness by teaching me through those moments. I learned why what I did was wrong and why I should not commit that action again. I guess that is where the challenge of parenting truly lies... when to be gentle and when to use the rod of discipline.I think ultimately though the goal is to just make sure your kids are making the right decisions, and follow the two rules they are children are given by God:

1. Honor your Father and Mother

Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee. (exodus 20:12)

2. Obey your Parents

 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right (Ephesians 6:1) Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing in the Lord (Colossians 3:20)

I know I'm not a parent, but God keeps teaching me these little lessons and showing me these things I just want to share with others... they are insightful for me, and hopefully helpful for some of you.

Love y'all,
Kacey