Friday, July 17, 2009
Delicate, fragile and wonderful
Your heart is soft, delicate and fragile. But it is also wonderful and capable of feeling so many awesome things. Imagine your heart is like a sponge. The reason a sponge can work is because it is soft. Because it is soft, it can absorb things. Also, because a sponge is soft, you can squeeze it and out comes whatever was absorbed. Just like a heart! A heart must be soft so that it can absorb love. It also must be soft so that it can be squeezed, like from a big hug, and the love can be given away.
Have you ever tried to wipe something up with a completely dry sponge? It doesn’t work very well and can’t absorb or be squeezed out. It only works when it is a little moist. Too many times, our hearts are hurt and become dried up and cannot absorb or give away love. When we learn how to take care of our hearts, we can keep them from drying up and causing us to live with no joy, hope, happiness or hunger to live life to the fullest. My hope is that we can learn how to live our lives in such a way that our hearts do what they are supposed to do. Wounded Heart pp. 29-30
I have one more example of what a heart is like. Your heart is like a beautiful crystal, finely cut, thin vase. Even if you’re a 6-foot, 3-inch middle linebacker, that describes your heart! Back to the vase: It is finely crafted, has great detail and is very valuable. Now if I took that vase and slammed it on the ground, what would happen? It would break into a million pieces. So we should just make sturdier vases, right?
Imagine this. My wife’s favorite flowers are tulips. When I buy my wife flowers, I will usually get her a dozen tulips. Just imagine if I was afraid of putting them inside a beautiful, fragile vase because I was afraid it would break. What if instead, on my way home, I pulled over to the side of the road and picked up a dirty, ugly rock, chipped a hole in it for the flowers, threw it in the back of my pickup truck and brought it home. On the way, I think about my new boulder vase with great pride. It will never break, we can have it forever and my wife will love it! Imagine that I walk into the house with those beautiful flowers in that dirty, old, ugly rock that I decided to turn into a vase. I’ve never tried it, but I don’t think that my wife would appreciate my creativity and everlasting vase. Wounded Heart pp. 30-31
The reality is for our hearts to be beautiful, they must be breakable.
This ends our introduction of Wounded Heart. We are now ready to get into some very practical keys to overcoming life's pain and disappointments. Remember that your heart is beautiful and so are you!!!
Tune in soon as we get ready for Key #1 Learn What True Love Is...
Monday, July 13, 2009
Preparing to Move Past the Pain of Today
Chapter 3
For many of us, pain has become a constant companion. It has become part of our lives and just seems normal. This is not God's will or plan. He is not the source or our pain, but He is the one who helps us overcome it and be healed from it. The more intentional we are in overcoming and moving past our pain, the sooner and deeper our healing will be. The first step is not accepting the pain. Your pain may be fresh or years old, but it has to go. Let's get ready for that journey. It may take time and will probably be painful along the way, but it is a road we have to travel.
Disappointment, failure, rejection, betrayal and broken dreams can wound your heart. This can be temporary or go on forever! p. 27 Wounded Heart
Chapter 3 of Wounded Heart deals with preparing to move past the pain of today. Most of us are probably more like, "Prepare??? Let's go, let's get rid of it!" But in reality, many people are often shaped, molded and even "comfortable" with their pain. Kind of like an old friend or family member who you put up with because you have to!
You don't have to walk in pain either on a regular basis or have it come and go in those lonely or stressful times. Let's get ready. God wants to do amazing things in your life, we have to be prepared for it. Let's pray...
Prayer - "Jesus you are my healer. I am ready for my healing journey. Today I give you my pain, my heartache and my disappointments. Help prepare me for all that you want to do in my heart. I pray this in Jesus name - Amen."
For many of us, pain has become a constant companion. It has become part of our lives and just seems normal. This is not God's will or plan. He is not the source or our pain, but He is the one who helps us overcome it and be healed from it. The more intentional we are in overcoming and moving past our pain, the sooner and deeper our healing will be. The first step is not accepting the pain. Your pain may be fresh or years old, but it has to go. Let's get ready for that journey. It may take time and will probably be painful along the way, but it is a road we have to travel.
Disappointment, failure, rejection, betrayal and broken dreams can wound your heart. This can be temporary or go on forever! p. 27 Wounded Heart
Chapter 3 of Wounded Heart deals with preparing to move past the pain of today. Most of us are probably more like, "Prepare??? Let's go, let's get rid of it!" But in reality, many people are often shaped, molded and even "comfortable" with their pain. Kind of like an old friend or family member who you put up with because you have to!
You don't have to walk in pain either on a regular basis or have it come and go in those lonely or stressful times. Let's get ready. God wants to do amazing things in your life, we have to be prepared for it. Let's pray...
Prayer - "Jesus you are my healer. I am ready for my healing journey. Today I give you my pain, my heartache and my disappointments. Help prepare me for all that you want to do in my heart. I pray this in Jesus name - Amen."
Sunday, July 12, 2009
We Can't Depend on Own Thinking and Wisdom
When speaking to groups, I often ask questions like: "How many have ever done something that seemed right or felt right, but later regretted it?" I usually get a bunch of hands and a lot of smirks, laughs and other funny faces and comments. Much of life's pain is actually caused by us doing what seems right at the time. I discuss this on our way to learning how to let God lead us in our lives.
The second condition is "not leaning on our own understanding." This means that we can not just trust our own thinking, wisdom and decisions. This can be difficult because society teaches us to be self-reliant and that we are weak when we depend on others. The reality is that when we compare ourselves to God, we are weak, lack wisdom and at times are terrible decision makers. We must acknowledge that God knows us and the world around us a whole lot better than we do.
Acknowledging God
God's Words says, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6) This means when we acknowledge we need Him, He helps us. p. 24
God doesn't lead us into pitfalls and failures. Humility is key in experiencing God's power and presence in our lives. Each day, bring your issues to Jesus, lay them at the cross, ask for help. God wants to help you more than you want to help yourself!
It begins with laying down pride and acknowledging not only your need for a Savior but for a Lord.
The second condition is "not leaning on our own understanding." This means that we can not just trust our own thinking, wisdom and decisions. This can be difficult because society teaches us to be self-reliant and that we are weak when we depend on others. The reality is that when we compare ourselves to God, we are weak, lack wisdom and at times are terrible decision makers. We must acknowledge that God knows us and the world around us a whole lot better than we do.
Acknowledging God
God's Words says, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6) This means when we acknowledge we need Him, He helps us. p. 24
God doesn't lead us into pitfalls and failures. Humility is key in experiencing God's power and presence in our lives. Each day, bring your issues to Jesus, lay them at the cross, ask for help. God wants to help you more than you want to help yourself!
It begins with laying down pride and acknowledging not only your need for a Savior but for a Lord.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Trusting the Lord
Chapter 2
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV)
Most people read this scripture and picture God as a happy crossing guard who points you in the right direction so that you can continue on your merry way. It can mean this, but it also means that we are to trust God when we don't understand what is going on in life. People often ask themselves questions like: "How did this happen?" or "How did I get into this?" It is in these moments where God becomes more real to us than ever before. He promises to make our paths straight. That is a poetic way of saying that He will lead us in the right and best direction. The issue is that for Him to do that we have to do our part. Our part is to acknowledge Him in all our ways. We often don't receive His direction because we don't really acknowledge Him and seek His input into our lives. Wounded Heart pgs. 22-23
I wrote about this scripture after describing my experiences after my wife miscarried twins. It was our dream to have twins. Trusting God is a easier to do in good times. Acknowledging, trusting and seeking His guidance takes on a whole different meaning during pain and crisis. This was one of those times in life where I learned to trust God at some of the worst moments of my life.
There is a lot more to that story but the bottom line is that I have learned to trust God at all times. In Wounded Heart, I delve much deeper into this. All I can say is that God is available at all times and especially during the worst times. He will never leave you or forsake you.
We live in a fallen world where many things happen that are not part of God's will for our lives but He is there to help us through these times. God is not the author of our pain, but He is the one that gets us through our pain and onto healing. We must trust Him to get there!
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV)
Most people read this scripture and picture God as a happy crossing guard who points you in the right direction so that you can continue on your merry way. It can mean this, but it also means that we are to trust God when we don't understand what is going on in life. People often ask themselves questions like: "How did this happen?" or "How did I get into this?" It is in these moments where God becomes more real to us than ever before. He promises to make our paths straight. That is a poetic way of saying that He will lead us in the right and best direction. The issue is that for Him to do that we have to do our part. Our part is to acknowledge Him in all our ways. We often don't receive His direction because we don't really acknowledge Him and seek His input into our lives. Wounded Heart pgs. 22-23
I wrote about this scripture after describing my experiences after my wife miscarried twins. It was our dream to have twins. Trusting God is a easier to do in good times. Acknowledging, trusting and seeking His guidance takes on a whole different meaning during pain and crisis. This was one of those times in life where I learned to trust God at some of the worst moments of my life.
There is a lot more to that story but the bottom line is that I have learned to trust God at all times. In Wounded Heart, I delve much deeper into this. All I can say is that God is available at all times and especially during the worst times. He will never leave you or forsake you.
We live in a fallen world where many things happen that are not part of God's will for our lives but He is there to help us through these times. God is not the author of our pain, but He is the one that gets us through our pain and onto healing. We must trust Him to get there!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Trusting God in the Middle of Pain
Chapter 2
It is very difficult to trust anyone when we are in pain. Our natural instinct is to protect ourselves. When we trust someone, we must be vulnerable to them. That's what trust is. Trust is letting down your guard to someone who you believe will help and protect you. In times of pain this is hard, if not impossible. I have struggled with trusting people. When people let us down or hurt us at very crucial times in life, it can have a way of burning something into our soul, causing us to not be willing or able to trust others. It is not healthy if we have no one to trust. For me, learning to trust people began with learning to trust God in some painful situations. Wounded Heart pg. 19
One of the mistakes that people often make is that they judge God based on what people have done. This causes us to look at God through the flawed character of man. If we view God this way we will not trust Him because of what a person did.
The next thing that often happens is that this distrust of God becomes permanent. Then the reality kicks in that we have to trust somebody. We often forgive man and hold a grudge against God! At this point, people then are trusting imperfect and flawed man but either refuse or aren't able to trust God! This creates a cycle of ongoing disappointment.
The key is learning to trust God in the middle of our pain. I often tell people that: "God is not the author of you the situation you are in, but He is the way out". God does not cause all things. In our free will, we often set ourselves up for failure or to be hurt or to hurt others.
God does not change, He is available and He wants to help you. In your pain, run to God, not away from Him. He is the Healer, He is the source of wisdom that we need.
Yes, we must have people to trust in our lives, but most importantly, we must trust Jesus day in and day out.
It is very difficult to trust anyone when we are in pain. Our natural instinct is to protect ourselves. When we trust someone, we must be vulnerable to them. That's what trust is. Trust is letting down your guard to someone who you believe will help and protect you. In times of pain this is hard, if not impossible. I have struggled with trusting people. When people let us down or hurt us at very crucial times in life, it can have a way of burning something into our soul, causing us to not be willing or able to trust others. It is not healthy if we have no one to trust. For me, learning to trust people began with learning to trust God in some painful situations. Wounded Heart pg. 19
One of the mistakes that people often make is that they judge God based on what people have done. This causes us to look at God through the flawed character of man. If we view God this way we will not trust Him because of what a person did.
The next thing that often happens is that this distrust of God becomes permanent. Then the reality kicks in that we have to trust somebody. We often forgive man and hold a grudge against God! At this point, people then are trusting imperfect and flawed man but either refuse or aren't able to trust God! This creates a cycle of ongoing disappointment.
The key is learning to trust God in the middle of our pain. I often tell people that: "God is not the author of you the situation you are in, but He is the way out". God does not cause all things. In our free will, we often set ourselves up for failure or to be hurt or to hurt others.
God does not change, He is available and He wants to help you. In your pain, run to God, not away from Him. He is the Healer, He is the source of wisdom that we need.
Yes, we must have people to trust in our lives, but most importantly, we must trust Jesus day in and day out.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Coming to the End of Ourselves
Life has it's ups and downs. Below is how Chpt. 1 of Wounded Heart ends. It's about coming to the end of ourselves and learning to lean on and rely on our Creator.
When people come to me after they've been fired, failed at something or been betrayed, I talk with them and comfort them. But most importantly, I point them to Jesus. I understand that I am limited, but God is limitless. When we come to the end of ourselves, we are just getting to the beginning of God. This is something the you must experience for yourself. My goal is to help you connect with God. He will not only heal you, but guide you to make right choices that will help you avoid failures, pitfalls and wrong people. It's about having a relationship with Jesus. He promises that when you seek Him, He will be found! So don't travel this bumpy road alone. Invite God to be a part of your journey and surround yourself with people who are for you and not against you.
Yes, pain is a harsh reality, but God is bigger than your pain. With God there is hope. Each day is a new opportunity. The healing of a wounded heart is a journey, so let's get ready to take the next step. Wounded Heart - pg. 17
Process, process, process - this is the key to change in life. If we embrace the process that God wants to bring us through our lives will be changed. No process = no change.
Take a moment and just ask Jesus to help you. Take the things that are weighing heavy on you and surrender them to Jesus. Let Him take away the weight of yesterday's pain.
Pain is real but so is the healing power of Jesus Christ.
There is a peace that comes when we admit that we can't solve everything and invite Jesus into our situations. Take the journey one step at a time!
When people come to me after they've been fired, failed at something or been betrayed, I talk with them and comfort them. But most importantly, I point them to Jesus. I understand that I am limited, but God is limitless. When we come to the end of ourselves, we are just getting to the beginning of God. This is something the you must experience for yourself. My goal is to help you connect with God. He will not only heal you, but guide you to make right choices that will help you avoid failures, pitfalls and wrong people. It's about having a relationship with Jesus. He promises that when you seek Him, He will be found! So don't travel this bumpy road alone. Invite God to be a part of your journey and surround yourself with people who are for you and not against you.
Yes, pain is a harsh reality, but God is bigger than your pain. With God there is hope. Each day is a new opportunity. The healing of a wounded heart is a journey, so let's get ready to take the next step. Wounded Heart - pg. 17
Process, process, process - this is the key to change in life. If we embrace the process that God wants to bring us through our lives will be changed. No process = no change.
Take a moment and just ask Jesus to help you. Take the things that are weighing heavy on you and surrender them to Jesus. Let Him take away the weight of yesterday's pain.
Pain is real but so is the healing power of Jesus Christ.
There is a peace that comes when we admit that we can't solve everything and invite Jesus into our situations. Take the journey one step at a time!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Taking a Journey of Healing
Overcoming pain is often a journey. For many people, they think overcoming pain is a drink away or whatever there own self-medication system may be. The next relationship, the next adventure, the next....
When I was 17 I made a declaration that I would never let anyone or anything hurt me again. It was one of the worst decisions I ever made. I began to walk in a world of numbness that was only broken by pain or sorrow. In trying to shut out pain, I shut out joy and happiness. Following is from Chpt. 1 of Wounded Heart as I explain how my journey of healing began.
"I was walking up a steep hill in New York City around Broadway and 123rd Street on a very cold day. The wind was burning my face, and all of a sudden I realized that this was the first time I had felt anything in a long time. I was actually happy to feel the pain - to feel anything. At that moment something hit me and I decided I wanted to live and love again. I accepted the fact that I might have to go through pain. I knew that feeling joy, pleasure and love would only be possible if I were willing to take a chance at being hurt. I was tired of being a tough guy. So the journey began.
They say the longest journey begins with a single step. I took my first step on that cold winter night." WH - pg. 12
It seems funny now but my declaration of never feeling pain was the result of losing a football game at 17 and a few bad choices that I made. It was the start of 10 years of a growing emptiness within me. I have learned a lot since then.
Whatever the source of your pain, God can heal it. My sources started out as simple disappointments but grew because I did not deal with them. In my disillusionment with life, I just kept on making bad choices and decisions. Much of my life was on track but all it takes is occasional bad choice and life will not go the way that it could. Don't make the same mistake I did.
Let's take a journey over the next 8 weeks to a better place. A place of healing, wholeness, victory and joy. You don't have to know all the steps, just take one at a time and let God do the rest!
Share your comments online and share this blog with others. People need healing, please share this resource. This is not theory to me, I have lived it.
Be blessed!
Jack
When I was 17 I made a declaration that I would never let anyone or anything hurt me again. It was one of the worst decisions I ever made. I began to walk in a world of numbness that was only broken by pain or sorrow. In trying to shut out pain, I shut out joy and happiness. Following is from Chpt. 1 of Wounded Heart as I explain how my journey of healing began.
"I was walking up a steep hill in New York City around Broadway and 123rd Street on a very cold day. The wind was burning my face, and all of a sudden I realized that this was the first time I had felt anything in a long time. I was actually happy to feel the pain - to feel anything. At that moment something hit me and I decided I wanted to live and love again. I accepted the fact that I might have to go through pain. I knew that feeling joy, pleasure and love would only be possible if I were willing to take a chance at being hurt. I was tired of being a tough guy. So the journey began.
They say the longest journey begins with a single step. I took my first step on that cold winter night." WH - pg. 12
It seems funny now but my declaration of never feeling pain was the result of losing a football game at 17 and a few bad choices that I made. It was the start of 10 years of a growing emptiness within me. I have learned a lot since then.
Whatever the source of your pain, God can heal it. My sources started out as simple disappointments but grew because I did not deal with them. In my disillusionment with life, I just kept on making bad choices and decisions. Much of my life was on track but all it takes is occasional bad choice and life will not go the way that it could. Don't make the same mistake I did.
Let's take a journey over the next 8 weeks to a better place. A place of healing, wholeness, victory and joy. You don't have to know all the steps, just take one at a time and let God do the rest!
Share your comments online and share this blog with others. People need healing, please share this resource. This is not theory to me, I have lived it.
Be blessed!
Jack
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