O
olderisgood62
Guest
"And the winner is......?"
(12:13) And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.*
(12:14) And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?
(12:15) And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.*
(12:16) And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:*
(12:17) And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?*
(12:18) And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.*
(12:19) And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.*
(12:20) But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?*
(12:21) So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.*
*
Luke
*(9:62) And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.*
1Timothy
(6:8) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.*
(6:9) But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.*
(6:10) For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.*
(6:11) But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.*
(6:12) Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.*
**
1Corinthians
(9:24) Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.*
(9:25) And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.*
(9:26) I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:*
(9:27) But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.*
2Timothy
(4:7) I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:*
(4:8) Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.*
2Timothy
(4:17) Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.*
As I prepare to face my day I have the feeling that it could be an interesting day. As I was finishing up yesterday I had to make a choice. I was dealing with a customer who was not real satisfied with the way I had been told to palletize his order. It was made clear that it was not an acceptable thing for him to take the order as it was filled. This is not really a big deal, normally.....
There are two rules to customer satisfaction,
Rule 1) The customer is always right.*
Rule 2) When the customer is wrong refer to rule 1.*
Timing can be an aggravating thing. For me at that point timing was working against me. I knew it was getting close to the time I had to be getting ready to attend Wed. Night service. So I am faced with a choice. I know that if I take the time right then I would not finish reorganizing the order to his satisfaction in time to make the service. I must admit that this time it was pretty easy for me to make the decision. Though truthfully it was as much due to a feeling of getting even as much as it was my desire to attend the service. (hmmm, wonder if that ache in my head was related to that). I was already on edge, irritated could be a better term, this customer was supposed to pick up his order just after noon. He arrives at about 4:45. There just wasn't time to rearrange the pallets to his liking and still make it to church.*
I looked at the clock and stated to the customer; "I really have no problem restacking this order to the way you want it, but I cannot do it tonight. Tonight I have church and church is one of my priorities." it amazes me *how fast people's attitude can change at the mentioning of anything Godly. The first reaction is normally some kind of derogatory remark. This time it was not bad just a kind of "picking" comment. A statement about he could give me a lesson. Knowing this customer what little I do I am not sure how spiritually uplifting his idea of a lesson would be. I quickly deferred to my need to attend the lesson at church. His next comment kind of threw me a bit. "I want to here what the lesson was on when I come back tommorrow".*
Last nights message was "Fighting a good fight" I feel I fought a good fight. Though I am a bit nervous about what his reaction is going to be.*
This morning could be interesting!
As I wrote this morning I knew that the opportunity was coming to share last nights message was inevitable. I was also aware that when the subject did come up there would be perhaps a less than complete agreement on how we face our fight. Honestly though I really did not expect the barbed comments starting as soon as he stepped out of the truck. Though honestly his opening remark was nicely countered I think. The first words spoken were, "How's John the baptist this morning?" My first thought was here we go! How ever my first words were, "pretty good, thanks for the compliment, you know he was Jesus's cousin." I think that put him off his game because no ensuing rebuttal was forthcoming. He actually got pretty quiet.*
As we started his verifying count of his order I did notice he kept his usual language under control. This was a very welcome change. He normally has the irritating habit of using the Lords name in a way that I would have to call him out on. I am thankful that I did not have to face that issue as he was from my opinion trying to confuse the count *in his favor. which is his typical behavior and one of the reasons I "inherited" this job of filling an order. He already has burnt the bridge of cordial business with the other person who fills the customer orders. And honestly if it were not for the challenge I felt knowing what he had asked me to share, and praying for strength to deal with him, he would have burnt another one with me standing on it. I know it was only through Gods grace and answer to prayer that my temper did not flare.*
In his effort to ensure the count there arose the possibility that I had made a mistake in the count. As I was checking the count, for the third time, he became impatient, in a move that appears to me to be an attempt to further confuse things and potentially confuse the count in his favor he called in another person. Observing the ensuing count was almost amusing. Because the person he called was my employer. He is just as protective of his interest as the customer is of his. Fortunately it did not deteriorate into an unpleasant encounter. I admit to a degree of self satisfaction that my count was right. Though the customer did become rather quiet when there were no more bags added to his count. I must wonder if that was a reaction of disappointment.*
At this point there was a lull in the activity, the bosses phone rang, so I took that moment to bring up last nights lesson. "Fight the good fight". When I answered his challenge of the previous even with that opening, he was quiet for a few moments. Then he responded with "don't we all try to fight a good fight". My response to that was "yes, but are we fighting THE good fight" End of conversation. I find it amazing how quiet some people can get when faced with trying to answer a pointed question like that.*
It took two trips for him to take his seed to his farm. As he returned to pick up the remaining portion I was in the driveway working on a piece of equipment. He stopped and called me over to ask about how long before I would have it fixed. The boss was going to take him out in it to demonstrate some features for him. The equipment being refered to is a new sprayer, state of the art, with all the electronic and computerized controls that go with it. Something that can be fascinating to watch.*
As I finished answering his question, he started to leave. So I had to ask, "So, I answered your challenge to share last nights lesson, you were not very talkative about it. So I must ask, did I display that I was trying to fight the good fight?" there was a quiet moment as he contemplated his answer. And then in an almost forced tone, he replied, I would have to say yes."
This "blow by blow" account is not so that I can "build myself up". It is just an account of how I dealt with a particular event. Now comes the real question.*
Was my behavior the result of my normal attitude. Or was I "on my best behavior" because I knew he was watching. Being brutally honest with myself I would have to say that was a 50/50. When my behavior should be fighting the good fight no matter what. Even if I am not aware that someone is watching. Truthfully our actions are always being watched. Even the results of your actions is something that allows people to see your fight. They do not have to see every little thing you do to know wether you are "fighting" the way you should.*
Years ago I started a practice that has really helped me personally with this "fight". As I am faced with the many things through my day, I "watch God" watch me. I make myself aware that God does see every thing I do. When I first started this it took conscious effort. Though with continuing practice it has become a regular part of my actions. "every action begins with a thought". I am currently at the 50/50 point, I am successful about half the time. My personal goal is to keep raising that level. I doubt I will ever achieve 100%, but that doesn't mean I should give up trying and settle for anything less. If I did that, even that little action would be a failing in my attempt of "fighting the good fight".*
"And the winner is......."
Anyone challenged by this!
(12:13) And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me.*
(12:14) And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?
(12:15) And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.*
(12:16) And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:*
(12:17) And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?*
(12:18) And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.*
(12:19) And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.*
(12:20) But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?*
(12:21) So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.*
*
Luke
*(9:62) And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.*
1Timothy
(6:8) And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.*
(6:9) But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.*
(6:10) For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.*
(6:11) But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.*
(6:12) Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.*
**
1Corinthians
(9:24) Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.*
(9:25) And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.*
(9:26) I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:*
(9:27) But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.*
2Timothy
(4:7) I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:*
(4:8) Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.*
2Timothy
(4:17) Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.*
As I prepare to face my day I have the feeling that it could be an interesting day. As I was finishing up yesterday I had to make a choice. I was dealing with a customer who was not real satisfied with the way I had been told to palletize his order. It was made clear that it was not an acceptable thing for him to take the order as it was filled. This is not really a big deal, normally.....
There are two rules to customer satisfaction,
Rule 1) The customer is always right.*
Rule 2) When the customer is wrong refer to rule 1.*
Timing can be an aggravating thing. For me at that point timing was working against me. I knew it was getting close to the time I had to be getting ready to attend Wed. Night service. So I am faced with a choice. I know that if I take the time right then I would not finish reorganizing the order to his satisfaction in time to make the service. I must admit that this time it was pretty easy for me to make the decision. Though truthfully it was as much due to a feeling of getting even as much as it was my desire to attend the service. (hmmm, wonder if that ache in my head was related to that). I was already on edge, irritated could be a better term, this customer was supposed to pick up his order just after noon. He arrives at about 4:45. There just wasn't time to rearrange the pallets to his liking and still make it to church.*
I looked at the clock and stated to the customer; "I really have no problem restacking this order to the way you want it, but I cannot do it tonight. Tonight I have church and church is one of my priorities." it amazes me *how fast people's attitude can change at the mentioning of anything Godly. The first reaction is normally some kind of derogatory remark. This time it was not bad just a kind of "picking" comment. A statement about he could give me a lesson. Knowing this customer what little I do I am not sure how spiritually uplifting his idea of a lesson would be. I quickly deferred to my need to attend the lesson at church. His next comment kind of threw me a bit. "I want to here what the lesson was on when I come back tommorrow".*
Last nights message was "Fighting a good fight" I feel I fought a good fight. Though I am a bit nervous about what his reaction is going to be.*
This morning could be interesting!
As I wrote this morning I knew that the opportunity was coming to share last nights message was inevitable. I was also aware that when the subject did come up there would be perhaps a less than complete agreement on how we face our fight. Honestly though I really did not expect the barbed comments starting as soon as he stepped out of the truck. Though honestly his opening remark was nicely countered I think. The first words spoken were, "How's John the baptist this morning?" My first thought was here we go! How ever my first words were, "pretty good, thanks for the compliment, you know he was Jesus's cousin." I think that put him off his game because no ensuing rebuttal was forthcoming. He actually got pretty quiet.*
As we started his verifying count of his order I did notice he kept his usual language under control. This was a very welcome change. He normally has the irritating habit of using the Lords name in a way that I would have to call him out on. I am thankful that I did not have to face that issue as he was from my opinion trying to confuse the count *in his favor. which is his typical behavior and one of the reasons I "inherited" this job of filling an order. He already has burnt the bridge of cordial business with the other person who fills the customer orders. And honestly if it were not for the challenge I felt knowing what he had asked me to share, and praying for strength to deal with him, he would have burnt another one with me standing on it. I know it was only through Gods grace and answer to prayer that my temper did not flare.*
In his effort to ensure the count there arose the possibility that I had made a mistake in the count. As I was checking the count, for the third time, he became impatient, in a move that appears to me to be an attempt to further confuse things and potentially confuse the count in his favor he called in another person. Observing the ensuing count was almost amusing. Because the person he called was my employer. He is just as protective of his interest as the customer is of his. Fortunately it did not deteriorate into an unpleasant encounter. I admit to a degree of self satisfaction that my count was right. Though the customer did become rather quiet when there were no more bags added to his count. I must wonder if that was a reaction of disappointment.*
At this point there was a lull in the activity, the bosses phone rang, so I took that moment to bring up last nights lesson. "Fight the good fight". When I answered his challenge of the previous even with that opening, he was quiet for a few moments. Then he responded with "don't we all try to fight a good fight". My response to that was "yes, but are we fighting THE good fight" End of conversation. I find it amazing how quiet some people can get when faced with trying to answer a pointed question like that.*
It took two trips for him to take his seed to his farm. As he returned to pick up the remaining portion I was in the driveway working on a piece of equipment. He stopped and called me over to ask about how long before I would have it fixed. The boss was going to take him out in it to demonstrate some features for him. The equipment being refered to is a new sprayer, state of the art, with all the electronic and computerized controls that go with it. Something that can be fascinating to watch.*
As I finished answering his question, he started to leave. So I had to ask, "So, I answered your challenge to share last nights lesson, you were not very talkative about it. So I must ask, did I display that I was trying to fight the good fight?" there was a quiet moment as he contemplated his answer. And then in an almost forced tone, he replied, I would have to say yes."
This "blow by blow" account is not so that I can "build myself up". It is just an account of how I dealt with a particular event. Now comes the real question.*
Was my behavior the result of my normal attitude. Or was I "on my best behavior" because I knew he was watching. Being brutally honest with myself I would have to say that was a 50/50. When my behavior should be fighting the good fight no matter what. Even if I am not aware that someone is watching. Truthfully our actions are always being watched. Even the results of your actions is something that allows people to see your fight. They do not have to see every little thing you do to know wether you are "fighting" the way you should.*
Years ago I started a practice that has really helped me personally with this "fight". As I am faced with the many things through my day, I "watch God" watch me. I make myself aware that God does see every thing I do. When I first started this it took conscious effort. Though with continuing practice it has become a regular part of my actions. "every action begins with a thought". I am currently at the 50/50 point, I am successful about half the time. My personal goal is to keep raising that level. I doubt I will ever achieve 100%, but that doesn't mean I should give up trying and settle for anything less. If I did that, even that little action would be a failing in my attempt of "fighting the good fight".*
"And the winner is......."
Anyone challenged by this!
