Reb Rev's Blog

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” – Philippians 4:8

While out on a walk the other evening, Murphy found a copperhead. Murph was stretched out to what appeared to be about 8 feet long as he leaned toward the snake, yet he kept some distance between them (not far enough for my taste though!)

The snake was about the biggest copperhead I’ve ever seen. To my knowledge it was the ONLY copperhead Murphy has ever seen, or any poisonous snake for that matter. Yet, he seemed to know there was danger there.

I can only surmise this ability to detect danger is a God given trait given to protect critters. I know God has given us that ability.

There are things which will slither into our lives to tempt us, to harm us and our family, and our reputation. God has given us the ability to detect those things and the sense to stay away from them – if only we will heed His warning.

If you feel you must lie about something, hide it or cover it up  – that’s a sign you need to stay clear of it!

The verse above gives us the alternative list – the things we should pursue. I’m pretty sure if we devote our time to the things on that list, we won’t have time for the things we should stay away from.

My prayer for us this week is we will heed those warnings to stay clear of those things which may harm us, our families, and our character – and go after those things which will strengthen us in all those areas.

“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.”– Psalm 51:12

I just returned home from a couple days away on business. Every time I awoke last night my dog Murphy was right up next to my face. A couple of times I woke up because he was licking my face.

No, I didn’t have bacon grease on me and while he often gives me “kisses,” it usually isn’t during the middle of the night. (Some of you may have seen him in the “kiss a pit challenge” video).

He often likes to sit on my lap with a paw on each of my shoulders.

Someone asked me the other day why he does that.

I said the only thing I can think of is that he just hasn’t gotten over being rescued.

At one point, he was on his way to certain death, and I think somehow in his little doggy mind he knows his life is much different than it would have been – and he is grateful, and isn’t afraid/ashamed to show it.

Those of us who have experienced God’s grace ought to be as grateful. We should be as devoted, but sadly, we often seem to have gotten over being “rescued.”

My prayer for us this week is that the joy of our salvation would be renewed and we would never get over it!

I recently read “Leadership Lessons – Avoiding the Pitfalls of King Saul” by Ralph Hawkins and Richard Leslie Parrott, and as one who studies and teaches leadership, I was pleasantly surprised.

This book is not light reading. There are some very thought provoking points based on the mistakes, missteps, and missed opportunities from the failed leadership of King Saul.

A sampling of chapter titles:

• Saul Failed to Handle Authority Humbly
• Saul Failed to Think Before He Spoke (ouch!)
• Saul Failed to Act When the Time Was Right
• Saul Failed to Promote or Make Necessary Changes
• Saul Failed to Consult God

These lessons are applied in a variety of stings and are not limited to the church.

Each chapter is followed by discussion notes and questions – some for personal reflection and some for group study.

I plan to incorporate some of this material in my leadership training.

“Leadership Lessons – Avoiding the Pitfalls of King Saul” by Ralph Hawkins and Richard Leslie Parrott is well worth the time it takes to read it, but don’t plan on going through it in one sitting.

It needs to be digested in manageable potions in order to reap the greatest benefit. In short, I recommend it.

(I will be posting a few of these book reviews as a member of Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger Program – they provide the book at no cost in return for a review – I am not required to post a positive review, just a review. J )