Leadership Archives - Page 8 of 18 - Alive and Active Life

God’s Humor – Scripture Dissection

Posted onAugust 28, 2023August 28, 2023

Alive and Active Life

God's Humor - Scripture Dissection

00:00 / 16:54

What situation comes to your mind when you hear that old saying – “God has a sense of humor?” I have numerous scenarios that come to mind. Oddly, it seems God’s humor is at play more often than we realize. And it’s a brilliant sense of humor. As humans, we try to develop a sense of humor, especially in teen years. And since we are made in God’s image, the quality of humor is there to be developed. I want to look at God’s humor as we continue Part 2 of our Scripture dissection of 1 Kings 18. (See Part 1 in a recent article – God’s Timing.)

I Am “They”

Posted onAugust 14, 2023August 14, 2023

Alive and Active Life

I Am "They"

00:00 / 15:22

Many people feel invisible today. Some work hard and long to do the right thing – often behind-the-scenes – not for recognition or glory, but because it must be done. As a result, many folks with noble commitment go unnoticed. You’ve likely felt invisible in your hard work, faithfully doing what God asks each day. And “they” don’t seem to notice. But God notices. In fact, He says – “I Am They.”

God’s Timing – Scripture Dissection

Posted onAugust 7, 2023August 11, 2023

Alive and Active Life

God's Timing - Scripture Dissection

00:00 / 19:43

Surely you’ve wondered at least once – “what’s the deal with God’s timing?!” He seems to be on a completely different time schedule. Admit it with me: there are times you’ve wondered when God is going to answer your prayers. Whether it’s personal or global tragedies that happen without warning, waiting years for God’s intervention in a difficulty, healing a relationship, providing for a need, or personal matters of the heart – all certainly involve God’s timing.

This Is It!!

Posted onJuly 24, 2023July 24, 2023

Alive and Active Life

This Is It!!

00:00 / 16:52

If you were to say – “this is it!!” – when would you say it?

After looking for years, you meet the person you want to marry.
You just found the house of your dreams.
Your friend serves the most mouth-watering dessert.
Political parties finally decide to work together for the good of a nation.
A tool you only dreamed about – but needed on occasion – is on the store shelf in front of you.
You made it to your 65th birthday and can retire.
The job of your highest hopes becomes yours.
The weather cooperates enough to “get out there and pull your crops in.”
After years of caring for patients, science finds a cure your patients need.
You find the perfect puppy for your kids.
After shopping for weeks – you find the exact outfit for a special occasion.
Plus – so many other times in life!

That’s right! This is it!!

Tear Into It!

Posted onJuly 17, 2023August 7, 2023

Alive and Active Life

Tear Into It!

00:00 / 18:08

In graduate school, I had a stark realization as first semester syllabuses were handed out in class. It reminded me of a similar eye-opener in college-level classes after high school – but this was definitely a step up. As I began to digest graduate school expectations, I noticed a panicky feeling inside. There would be no reminders, no pace set for us, no little “clues.” Set your own reminders, pace, and “get a clue!” The level of expectation was much higher. There was no option except to tear into it, and hope for the best!

Live For More

Posted onJuly 10, 2023July 11, 2023

Alive and Active Life

Live For More

00:00 / 17:15

It was the final episode of a TV series, and I’d been waiting for weeks for find out what would happen. So, with a cuppa and my TV glasses, I sat in my favorite chair with eager expectation. About half-way through, I thought – “What?! Surely not! I know it’s going to end better than this!” Incidentally – it didn’t. And I was so disappointed. Over weeks of anticipation, I really did hope for more than that! In a similar way of hope, we can live for more – and have more – each day.

Boundaries Help

Posted onJuly 3, 2023July 3, 2023

Alive and Active Life

Boundaries Help

00:00 / 17:09

We live with boundaries every day. Some examples: Your yard ends, and the neighbor’s yard begins. Countries have boundaries to define territory. Speed limits keep traffic in check to prevent accidents. The zoo has walls, cages, and glass to keep children safe as they enjoy animals. Walls and doors form rooms – helpful when you need to sleep or take a shower. Banks with safes protect money. Oceans caress the beach only to a certain distance. If boundaries are so common all around us, then why is it hard to place and keep boundaries to protect our hearts and minds? Afterall, boundaries help.

Overcome Circumstances

Posted onJune 19, 2023June 19, 2023

Alive and Active Life

Overcome Circumstances

00:00 / 19:15

Pause with me and ponder stories of people who have overcome circumstances. History is filled with these heroes.

A man in prison named Dietrich overcomes risky circumstances as he does what he believes pleases God. Mr. Bonhoeffer overcomes by penning invaluable resources. One of his best known is The Cost Of Discipleship. Also Letters and Papers From Prison. Fascinating works of character and insight. Finally, he overcomes the circumstance of being hanged and dies with dignity.
A woman overcomes her disappointment over a life she’d rather have had. She addresses continually – difficult circumstances for decades as she wields her authority to bring about strategic solutions and peace. Her incredible character makes Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth one of the world’s greatest leaders.
An actor overcomes the odds – and wins to preside over a country, and then over a devastating war of aggression. With circumstances beyond imagining, in the face of grave danger, President Zelensky applies creative strategy and fresh thinking to preserve his country’s freedom. Volodymyr has won respect of world leaders and citizens everywhere.
Medical students overcome the strain and sleeplessness of grueling requirements – only to graduate to residency with even more pressures – unknown to the patients they care for. With strategies and discipline, these trainees becomes physicians – to train others and help the sick, suffering, and dying.
A mother overcomes circumstances of losing her child to leukemia.
Children overcome circumstances of poverty and lack of opportunities. Some become leaders in government and business.
After a spouse dies – or perhaps walks away, the remaining partner overcomes circumstances to support and raise the family, launch children into a level of success, and find a new purpose.

God’s Narrative Of You

Posted onJune 12, 2023June 12, 2023

Alive and Active Life

God's Narrative Of You

00:00 / 16:07

Narrative is a word that has “ticked up” in usage recently. We’ll explore that. But this content is about God’s narrative of you. What is that narrative? Because you hear many different messages daily about your life and value, it’s tricky to determine which narratives are true and which are lies. So – do you know the truth? Comfortingly, God’s narrative about you is based in truth – and love.

What you think about what God thinks about you – matters! God is interested in you, in blessing you, and in your friendship.

Fresh Start

Posted onJune 5, 2023June 5, 2023

Alive and Active Life

Fresh Start

00:00 / 16:40

I remember a season a couple decades ago when I felt things were falling apart. By that time in my life, I’d already noticed an interesting development. Despite a lot of hard work, regardless of best intentions, even after applying good counsel and working to apply Scripture – things don’t always turn out. That’s when you discover the value of a fresh start.