We do live in a very self centered society today.  Almost everything we do basically is to make us comfortable and happy.  We are so particular about what we eat.  We complain if it's not perfect, refuse to pay for the bill and let our blood pressure rise the whole time.  I recently complained to a company about some issues that I confronted while on vacation.  The Customer Service woman was so sweet and understanding, I felt like she really cared and I didn't have to push the complaint.  She actually listened!  I had to let my guard down and relax.  She was not going to pass me on to someone else. 

Why is it that we don't care if we hurt other people with our attitude?  She didn't deserve to be mistreated. Yet, we have allowed ourselves to be so demanding especially when it comes to Church.....that was too long....it's too hot in there....those noisy kids need to move.....where's the usher when you need him....why do they have to talk about money.....you can tell he didn't study....the list goes on.  Your pastor isn't there to make you comfortable.  He is there to be a voice from the Lord to challenge you to change.  He needs respect and understanding.  He is just the messenger!  If you have issues with God, you may have issues with the leadership!  The pastor can't be all things to all people.  He needs you to get connected with other people and be a part of a family with which to grow and learn.  Encourage him.  Believe me, he gets beat up enough by other people who do not even realize what they are doing. Get to know him beyond his weaknesses.  Look deep into his heart and see that he bleeds and needs healing that may only come from you.  Don't just appreciate him on Pastor's Appreciation Day.....surprise him and bless him.  Encourage him and pray for him.  Proverbs says that a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.  It may be just what he needs!
What words will you share with your pastor this week?  Ask the Lord what he needs....listen closely....it's not much different than what would bless you.

Have you ever purchased an item to replace something damaged, broken or outdated?  We recently purchased a large screen television after watching the old monster with a petite screen.  Everything has changed!  High definition, vibrant colors and we can actually see what's really going on.  We are living now.  A young man came over and moved the monster out of it's home, hung up the flat screen TV, hooked up the PS3 and life has never been more fun. 

While cleaning the other day, I noticed that when the monster TV was moved, it was placed on the floor near one of our doors overlooking the deck.  That door is seldom used, so no one noticed that it was still there!  No one even took the time to move it or even get rid of it.  The monster is now looking out the window collecting dust! 

I thought that when something gets replaced it should be disposed of, you know, get rid of it once and for all.  Many times in life we have a great exchange and for some reason, things seem to hang around and we do life as usual and learn to live with it.  Are you ready to make a great exchange in your life? Those things that pop up in your memory bank from the past, those words you hear in the back of your mind that scream loudly in the silence or those people that you know never lead you in the right direction, but, well, they seem to care about you.  When you are given God's plan for your life, you must rid yourself of those old things that He wants replaced....He knows what you really need and He wants the old to be dead and gone so the new can flourish.  It's just taking up space anyway....by the way, tomorrow the TV will be gone!

What are you dealing with?  What should you trade in?