Are you wrestling with your faith?

My oldest son Michael is about to wrap up his short wrestling career. He started just 4 years ago and progressed significantly under the direction of a remarkably talented coach at the high school.

During one of his last matches, it occurred to me there is a strong parallel between what we were watching in athletic competition and what we as bleievers go through every day. I watched as one of our kids was really man-handling another wrestler, and by the look on his face, the other boy had no idea what to do to escape.

Truth be told, there was nothing he could have done. Our wrestler was far-too talented and skilled to be beaten unless he made a mistake. It was almost poetry in motion. Every move his opponent made he was already prepared to counter and then attack with a move of his own. It was so unfair I genuinely felt bad for the other boy. It seemed like no matter what he tried, no matter how hard he fought, he was stymied at every turn. There was no one there to help, only a passive judge (the referee) who kept tally of the contest.

I marvelled at the similarity of this competition I was witnessing and wondered if others saw the same symbolism as me. My guess is probably not.

But the good news is that is pretty much where the similarities end! If you are a Christian, you KNOW the Lord is with you (although sometimes we do forget that), and through Him, all things are possible. Have you ever been though? Feeling pinned down, physically exhausted and emotionally drained as you are attacked from seemingly every angle of your life? Why is it seems things go badly all at once? What do you do about it? Do you internalize and bottle everything up, let everyone else know about your difficulty, or pray?

I hope the answer is you pray. Praise Him for all the blessings you have, and for the strenght to weather this storm in His name. Pray to learn what He would have you to learn from this lesson, and to be able to reach out to others and lift them up as well.

This is not easy- when you feel like your boat is being tossed about on the sea and you are about to go under, one of the last things most people think of is reaching out into the cold dark sea to lift another one out of the water when it is all you can do to stay afloat. But that is exactly what God would have you to do!

It is easy to be cheerful and upbeat when everything is going great and your way. Who can't do that? But the real test of character is when things are tough, you are unsure yourself, and you think "I am the only one going through this". You may be the ONLY one going throught EXACTLY your circumstances, but truth is, you will be amazed at how many others who seemingly have it all together are in deeper water than you. All you have to do is ask

Years ago, when my professional career was spiraling out of control, I admired my next door neighbor. Dave was on his game- medical sales, working the phone, setting appointments, closing business and making a great living. I languished in several short-term jobs while he maintained a strong professional life. I was envious because I had been there not long before, and had it all taken away for some reason. I had let it embitter me, and felt how unfair it was to my family.

Then one day Dave shows up on my door step. He had been crying for some time. We sat down in my office and he told me his wife wanted a divorce. Their little boy was about 3 at the time and he was Dave's pride and joy, yet something had terribly gone wrong. His wife was very controlling, and finally things came to a head. I felt so ashamed of the envy I had felt, especially when he shared with me he had envied ME with the close relationship my wife and I enjoyed. I was sick to my stomach. I had lost sight of what was really important, and more to the point, during my distress, I had withdrawn and not been there for a friend of mine until it was too late.

I still struggle with having to carry the burden I have now and volunteering to take on others with my friends, but I force myself to. I am trying to do the same with this blog in the hopes it helps just one person with an "aha" moment.

We must remember when we are wrestling with our challenges, all we need to do is keep our eyes, heart, ears and faith upon Him, and we will become the champions, while witnessing to those around us. So many times I hear someone who was tested in a very difficult situation how they made it through the ordeal and they often say they knew God was with them all the way. It doesn't matter how much bigger your "opponent" is or how much more "skill" they have, for the Lord is your might,

Isn't it comforting knowing no matter what, He still loves you and WILL be there for you? All you have to do is ask.

Be blessed.

How Should I Pray?

One of the many questions I had when I first became a believer is how do I pray to God? What do I pray for? Matthew 6:5-13 answers the question, and tells us how NOT to pray.

"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full."

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. ⁷And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. ⁸Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him"

By the verse, here is what Jesus is telling us:

• Verse 5: We are to pray in secret, not the way people did in His day -- praying out loud publicly, primarily to just be seen, and heard.
• Verse 6: Jesus asks us to go to a private place since our Heavenly Father already knows what we are going to pray about.
• Verse 7: Jesus tells us not to ramble on and on, as people of other religions do, or be repetitious with words. God, our heavenly Father, would have us be specific about our prayer.
• Verse 8: Jesus reiterates that the believer is not to pray repetitiously like the heathen.

But then, He tells us HOW to do it:

• Verse 9: Jesus says we should give honor to God and His name.
• Verse 10: We are to pray for His Kingdom to come, and for His will to be done, that there would be a heavenly or godly presence here on earth.
• Verse 11: We are to pray for daily provision.
• Verse 12: We are to pray and ask for forgiveness for our sins, and for others who have wronged us.
• Verse 13: We are to pray and ask God to keep us from being tempted, and to deliver us from Satan and his power.

This is where the Lord's Prayer originates from: Our Father who are in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your Kingdom, Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins (trespasses), just as we forgive those who have sinned (trespassed) against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one, for thine is the kingdom and the glory, forever and ever, Amen.

By reciting the Lord's Prayer, you prepare yourself to commune with God and open your mind and heart to the Holy Spirit so you might better understand the written Word, or to petition God for special requests. Next, thanking Him for your blessings (you have more than you think!) keeps you mindful of how God has provided for your basic needs already.

I always had a hard time imagining the Israelites forgetting what miracles they had seen to deliver them from Pharoah, including manna and water every day except the Sabbath. They had their needs covered every day, yet would follow the wicked in a moment with little hesitation.

Today, we are surrounded my much more wickedness and compelling things to pull us away from God. You must pray for strength and guidance to be a good witness and to be pure of heart.

The prayers you seek must be in your personal life must fit in your purpose. For example, I could pray all day every day to be a professional baseball player, but until I can throw a 95+ mile/hour fastball, I won't be in the majors any time soon. Why not? It is not in God's plan for my life. He has something else in store, so I pray to not miss what He would have me to see and learn.

And it needs to be relevant. Before a game, many players pray to be blessed with a win. I ask "Really?" Do you think God REALLY cares WHO wins this game? I say rather pray to be humble in victory and gracious in defeat so you may be a better witness.

Okay, okay, but when it comes to something real, like a job opportunity, what should I do? What should I pray?

This is difficult as every situation is different, and God frequently speaks very softly (He has not used a burning bush with me and I wish he would because I am a little slow!) so you must listen carefully to what he says. I am challenged by this because if there is a job I think I would do well with and want it, I have to ensure I am not talking myself into it in the guise or direction of God. This can get really tricky.

Don't be afraid to be specific. Pray for a signal. For example, if I am supposed to take this job, I will hear from them by 12:45 tomorrow, for example, and the offer will be for this, this and this, and this person is the one who will contact me. The more specific you become, the less likely it is you will miss the miracle God gives you with whatever you are praying for.

You must pray often, and be patient, for today, the answer maybe "no", "maybe" or "not yet". Remember, His will be done, not mine, and not yours.

And of course, when the blessing comes, all thanks and praise goes to Him.

Do we really worship One God?

One of the main attacks against Christianity is we really worship more than one God. The accusations state we are poly-theistic, or many god-worshipping.

Nothing could be further from the truth, yet it can be difficult to adequately explain in terms non-believers can understand and believe.

Many attempts have been made to equate the three personalities of God (God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit) in more pragmatic terms, like water, ice and steam. While the water molecule remains the same, the principle properties remain the same.

At first glance, this seems like a fair comparison, however, when you consider all three cannot exist at the same time (with the same sample of water), and all phases of water must go through some means of change. Without getting too scientific, the water molecule becomes slightly more displaced in ice than in water (this is what givers ice buoyancy), and very rarified or spaced apart in steam (which is why steam appears like a cloud and lifts up into the atmosphere).

So really, not a great example afterall. What to do?

It occurred to me one day the same question could be posed in every home in the world with a family. Surely, most people do not have 3 distinct men living in a traditional family (husband, wife, children) do they?

Absolutely not. However, there are 3 distinct personalities of a man living in my home.

First, I am my parent's son. This characteristic exhibits certain traits of me and a certain relationship with my parents. This is my first personality because it is the one with which I have the most experience. After all, I was their child first.

Secondly, I am my wife's husband. This is a totally different type of love and commitment than from my parents. Our relationship is much closer and intimate than that of my parents, as it should be. Our love is demonstrated differently, and we have a different love for each other. We would do different things for the other depending on the circumstances. For example, I would give my life for my wife and children, while I would be hard-pressed to do the same for my parents. Not out of selfishness, but because it is the parent's job to protect the child.

Lastly, I am the parent of my children. Again, a different love and different values attached to the relationship I enjoy with my children. The protector, teacher, spiritual leader, provider and foster of the house hold. This form of love is without values or conditions attached. It is unmitigated, unselfish love and a willingness to do anything to help them.

To a greater degree, God is willing to do anything to help US, even sacrificing his own Son for our sins, so His love is even greater than anything you and I can comprehend. All we can do is praise Him, accept the gift for what it is and be prepared to set the record straight when a non-believer accuses us of following more than one God.

You are going to do something great

I had a little difficulty writing this post. I have never shared this with anyone but my wife, and for those of you who know me, you'll understand why.

I am not one to tout myself and toot my own horn. In fact, that is an inherent weakness of mine in the business world as I don't concern myself with telling the boss what I am up to. Rather, I focus on the tasks he gave me and completing them. I abhore the person who is constantly trying to be the center of attention, telling everyone how great they are and what they are doing. Consequently, I do not care for subordinates who do the same, and have no place for them.

This is all about a conversation I had several years ago with a widow, and her comment has haunted me ever since. She was waiting for her vehicle to be finished in the service department, as was I and we started talking about something. What it was I cannot remember, but it was a warm, deep and thought provoking conversation. I do recall her mentioning her husband had died recently, and though she missed him, knew he was in a better place. I remember her face like it was yesterday- thin, middle-aged woman, short short hair with some gray in it. She was a beautiful, elegant lady with an aire of sophistication and perhaps aristocracy.

The bottom line, she was a magnificent lady, and I remember thinking to myself what a shame, at her early age, to have experienced the loss of her beloved husband.

At any rate, something happened that day in our conversation. After a few minutes, and after the discussions became deep and more meaningful, she paused, looking me in the eyes and said "You are going to do something great someday".

I thanked her for her kindness and time, and left. But her words did not sink in until later.

"You are going to do something great someday".

What did she see in me? What did she hear that prompted her to say that to a complete stranger after only a few minutes? At first I was complimented, but it soon turned to a dull echo in my head, sometimes consuming me as I struggled for an answer.

When I was very young, my grandfather took my hands and said "Those are the hands of a ball-player".

As it turned out, that was prophetic. I was gifted in baseball, though my grandpa never had the chance to see me play. I know he would have been proud.

It was in this context that this ladies' words affected me deeply. I had heard it before and it was prophetic, albeit from a relative.

The challenge is, has been and will be to determine what is in store for me, what is God's plan for me. I have had a servant's heart all my life. In fact, when I was 12, I made up my mind I wanted to serve my country as an officer in the military as my father had done, and the only other things that attracted me were similar missions- FBI, fire department, State Police. I hunger to make a difference, and that is something I have missed since I left medical sales. The ability to positively affect people in my profession.

So now what? Am I to run for a public office? Start a charitable organization or support one? Adopt foster children? I don't know, but I pray God to reveal to me what He would have me to do.

What about you? Are you doing God's work? Or are you resisting Him living for yourself and the moment? Nothing is sweeter than being in the blessings of the Lord, knowing you are a good child and faithful servant. In this capacity, you are a powerful witness for God. I pray you are there too.

You have not because you ask not

We were just watching Joel Osteen's message this morning about expecting a flood (#425R - Living Breakthrough Minded) . He said too many of us ask for a trickle or a stream, but few ask for a flood. Too many times we settle for what we have, what we had or what we think we deserve. We have no idea what God has in store for us, and the only way to get there is to pray and ASK for it.

During the message it struck me- I remember how when my children were younger they thought I knew everything, could do anything, could fix anything. I think they would have told you I could have built a nuclear reactor if you had asked them if I could. I remember how proud that would make me feel (even though now they don't think I know how to tie my own shoes!) and what a sense of validation that would give me. That anything they asked me to do I could (and would) do, if I could.

How much greater does God love you than you love your children or parents? How much greater are the blessings he could bestow on you? Knowing He is a jealous God, and He seeks an intimate relation with each of his children , how happy do you think He is when we challenge him to bless us mightily- more so than we dreamed? How proud do you think He is when we ask Him for help, with the faith and innocence my little boys had? Do you think for one second the Father would withhold ANY blessing from you?

Not possible. He wants more for you than you dreamed of. More than you dreamed of asking for.

We have been in this situation. We have been asking for a job to replace what we have lost. I have had many jobs, none of which approach what was taken from us, so recently I decided to start a consulting business to capitalize on my experience over the last several years and leverage it and my relationships to grow a business.

I approached a friend of mine a couple of weeks ago for some financial backing. My business plan is simple, straight forward, and with no overhead save our living expenses, I felt the amount I was asking for would be easy for him to approve and more than adequate for the business' needs.

Rather, I was disappointed when he rejected my plea, saying instead he felt I was thinking too small. He felt I should be seeking some serious start-up capital (the sum makes me queasy), and that would allow me to hit this business hard and grow fast.

The bottom line, as crazy as I think it sounds, I think he was right, and I have redone the plan showing rapid growth and allowing me to bring on several people, a couple of whom have had similar challenges, giving THEM a chance to escape the rat race. (Thank you for your vision and advice George).

I have longed to be able to make a difference in peoples' lives and by thinking big, I will be able to do so sooner, and impact more people than if I just went for what we need.

What is happening in your life, or your families' lives that requires an adjustment in your thinking, in your altitude? Do you need a different perspective? Will it require you to step outside your comfort zone and learn new skills, to push your abilities?

Good! God will not only show you the way, but He will give you the strength, courage and wisdom to make it. He will put people in your path to mentor, assist and guide you. Just ask Him, pray patiently and wait for your answers to appear supernaturally.

Merry Christmas

It is hard to believe, but it is Christmas morning already. 2009 literally FLEW by despite the economic challenges it presented so many people. Perhaps that was a tender mercy.

During this time of year, as the carols are played on the radio, many of the songs speak of the birth of our LORD, and rest of the coming of Jesus Christ to this world.

For me, one song in particular strikes a chord, and seldom fails to cause me to well up thinking about that day so many years ago. I am speaking of The Little Drummer Boy . The version, as we know it, was written in the 1950's and as you are probably already aware, talks to the impoverished conditions in which the King of kings is born- in utter humility.

The thing that strikes me most is the image of the new-born Christ, rosy cheeks, in all His splendor, so innocent and tender, and what his fate is to be, yet He is full of love for all mankind. I think back to the birth of my children and the sense of awe I had at the miracle of birth. Anyone with any spirituality whatsoever whom has witnessed a child's birth has to be moved in the same way. For me, especially with my daughter's birth, I sensed something else- an angelic presence in her eyes and smile. I got the distinct sensation she had just been with God and came to us. It was uncanny and almost palpable; surreal for certain.

But there is more to the story of Jesus' birth.

Today, child birth is relatively predictable. We have hospitals, nurses and doctors, clean environments, and so much information to ensure a healthy baby which begins with gestation. There t.v. shows, magazine articles, websites and even parents sharing tips and notes of what to expect.

Mary and Joseph did not have the benefit of any such advantage. Ostracized as an illegitimate pregnant woman, this woman was barely a teen-ager when she was saddled with the greatest responsibility of anyone in the history of man- to raise the savior and Son of man. Even Joseph I think had some doubts about the conception, but he accepted his role as her husband and when they departed their community with great uncertainty.

With nowhere to go, not even a room in an inn, this young, scared mother and father settled down in a cave with farm animals to give birth. Can you imagine? No idea of what to do, no support, no warm bed, no family, not even the benefit of having visited a doctor, and all with the highest degree of uncertainty: Why me? How am I going to do this? How will we provide for Him?

Questions all new parents face- the doubt and uncertainty, but most at least have communal support if not familial support.

As with any birthday celebration, I hope you will remember who we are celebrating, and not be sucked in by all the hype of commercialism during the holiday. Remember HE is the reason for the season. And don't be afraid to wish someone MERRY CHRISTMAS. It is YOUR faith and your belief. If a "friend" is offended, they weren't your friend in the first place.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Team USA Baseball does a vet right

Here is a feel-good story from the World Baseball Classic that took place after the climactic win by the U.S. over Puerto Rico, Jeff Passan from Yahoo! Sports filed the following report. The link to the story is here: http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=jp-perezteamusa031809&prov=yhoo&type=lgns


MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The flag traveled around the world and through the deserts of Afghanistan and Iraq. Sgt. Felix Perez brought it from home as a reminder and an amulet. The flag never left his Army backpack.


Photo courtesy Perez Family

It accompanied Perez to Dolphin Stadium on Tuesday night. He needed some luck for his team, the United States, in its must-win Baseball Classic game against Puerto Rico. Perez wore a Team USA hat and a Team USA hoodie, and his little sister, Jessica, draped his flag across her shoulders. The United States’ 6-5 come-from-behind victory in the ninth inning sent them into a frenzy. She danced around. He sat in his motorized wheelchair and roared.

On the way out, the 27-year-old Perez placed the flag in his lap and leaned over to a security guard manning Gate G. He was hoping some players from Team USA might sign it. The security guard led Perez and his sister to the U.S. clubhouse, and the flag went inside.

“The next thing I know,” Perez said, “I’m getting called to come back in there.”

And so began the coolest 30 minutes of Felix Perez’s life. On an evening when he felt especially proud to be an American – when a group of his sporting heroes wearing his country’s name across their chests banded together to win a game they had no business winning – Perez found himself surrounded by them, doused with celebratory Miller Lites, with the American flag that was with him during the worst moment of his life passed around the room and signed by every player on the team.

“Everybody,” Perez said.

Then they handed him a ball filled with signatures.

“Everybody,” Perez said.

The half-hour went too fast. Jimmy Rollins, who scored the winning run, wanted to chat more. David Wright, who drove it in, couldn’t hear enough about how the New York Mets are Perez’s favorite team. Almost half the team surrounded Perez for a photograph, the flag draped around his torso, a smile on every face, and none brighter than his.

“I’m just happy to see him happy,” Jessica said.

It’s been four years since Perez returned from the Middle East, where he spent four years. He enlisted after his 17th birthday and was in Afghanistan by the time he turned 20. He doesn’t like to talk about his injury. Some wounds don’t heal.

Perez played ball growing up in North Bergen, N.J., and still loves watching the sport. He attended Team USA’s first WBC game here, an 11-1 mercy-rule loss to Puerto Rico. When the Americans beat the Netherlands to stay alive, Perez woke up at 9 the next morning, called the box office and bought three tickets.

The stadium, practically empty at first pitch, filled to 13,224 by game’s end. It deserved more eyes. Puerto Rico scored in the sixth inning to break a 3-3 tie and tacked on an insurance run in the ninth for a two-run lead. The Americans, about to get bumped from the second straight WBC before the semifinals, needed something divine. Shane Victorino singled to right field. Brian Roberts singled to center. And then Roberts, who had joined Team USA just two days earlier to replace the injured Dustin Pedroia, stole second base – even though coaches laid down the hold sign. Roberts hadn’t quite learned the signs yet.

A walk to Rollins, and another to Kevin Youkilis, and the U.S. had cut the deficit to one run. Wright laced a 2-1 pitch from Fernando Cabrera down the right-field line, and out charged all of Team USA, from the bench and the bullpen, in a bull rush to home plate, then to greet Wright. His teammates kept pushing Wright, joyous and unbridled shoves, until he fell down and they buried his face in the dirt.

“I never thought that we’d be dog piling in March,” Wright said.

No one did. The malaise that clouded the previous games involving Team USA seemed infectious. For every Felix Perez, there were dozens, sometimes hundreds, of fans rooting for the opposing team. Every WBC game thus far, even the ones in Florida, felt like it was on the road.
Not even that dampened the Americans’ enthusiasm. They play Venezuela on Wednesday to determine seeding in Los Angeles, where they’ll face either Korea or the winner of Wednesday’s Japan-Cuba knockout game – and perhaps with a few more supporters who can appreciate what Team USA accomplished Tuesday.

“That was the greatest game I’ve ever been a part of,” catcher Brian McCann said. “Ever.”
Same went for Perez. He said he would rather Team USA win the WBC than the Mets win a World Series.

“We’re the U.S.,” Perez said. “This is our game. … This is the world. You’re representing your country. What is more honorable than representing your country?”

Team USA’s manager, Davey Johnson, grew up an Army brat, his father a prisoner-of-war in World War II.

“There is nothing more honorable,” he said.

Wright was raised near Naval Station Norfolk, one of the largest military bases in the country.

“When you see those guys and get a chance to see how much it means to them, that makes it extra special,” he said. “They take a lot of pride in that red, white and blue, and to have USA across your chest and have supporters like that – that’s what this tournament means.”

Outside the clubhouse, Perez started moving toward the stadium exit. His dad, Felix, had called. He was wondering where Perez and Jessica had gone. They were headed back to the car, Jessica said. They had a pretty amazing souvenir.

A minute later, Rollins walked by and spotted Perez.

“All right, baby,” he said. “Keep a smile on your face.”

“Hey,” Perez said, “as long as you keep swinging the bat, I’ll be happy.”

Perez lifted his right arm as high as he could to wave goodbye. He wasn’t sure he’d see these guys again. He said he might fly to Los Angeles for the finals. He doesn’t know.

Perez moved his hands onto the flag. It’s a struggle, but he wanted to touch his prize. He plans on hanging it next to his other American flag, the one his friends in the 82nd Airborne sent to him when he was injured.

The old flag’s traveling days are over. Sgt. Felix Perez brought it to his home Tuesday night as a reminder and an amulet. The flag never will leave his heart.