Wisdom - Part 3

Where do YOU turn for advice?

This question can be read one of two ways:
“Where do you turn looking for advice?” or
“In what areas of your life do you look for advice?”

As we pursue loving life and prosperity (results of being wise according to Solomon) let’s ask the question the second way. In what areas of your life do you seek advice?

When I attend promotion ceremonies, an officer’s accomplishments and awards are announced as well as those the promoting officer counts as mentors. The question of “Who are your mentors?” at a promotion ceremony implies the understanding that to do your job well, to get better at your job...to promote, you need to know who to go to in order to learn. And the fact that officers list multiple mentors implies that different people impart knowledge in different areas (perhaps equipment/training proficiency, procedural knowledge, leadership, dealing with people...what other areas?)
   
Have you ever thought about how many of the skills or principles that help you on your job are transferable to your personal life as well? In what areas of your (personal) life to you look for advice (who are your mentors)? Who do you look to for relationship/marriage advice? If you’ve got kids, who do you learn from about parenting? You know officers who have planned well and some not-so-well for retirement. Where do you turn for financial advice? Job got you stressed? Who do you know who faces the same things you do but seems to be at peace? Can you talk to them?
   
My prayer for you this week is that you can get all of the advice and instruction you can, so that you will be wise for the rest of your life. May you choose excellent mentors on the job and in your personal life as well. Solomon said the one who gets wisdom loves life. Here’s to a happy life both on AND off the job!
   
Your service is appreciated, 
Pastor Rob

2021 Wisdom Series - Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4

Wisdom - Part 2

Do you like big dreams? How about this one...2,000 years ago there was a guy who thought he could change the world. As a matter of fact, he believed God told him to do it! This guy’s name was Paul and he ended up writing 2/3 of the New Testament in the Bible.
   
Paul figured one of the best ways to change the world in his time was to go to the capital where the rulers of the world were (Rome) and tell them God’s plan. Was this wise? Well, Paul DID make it to Rome, but not the he way expected...he arrived as a prisoner of Rome.

So what does Paul’s story have to do with Solomon and this quote about the beginning (foundation) of wisdom? The answer to that is found in the odd-sounding phrase “the fear of the Lord”...what is that? First, what it is NOT...it is not a trembling fear of God that would cause one to run away from Him, it is more like a “awesome respect”. Maybe similar to what we mean when we say we have a “healthy fear of electricity”. We don’t run away when a light is turned on, but we also make sure the power is shut off before installing new lights, changing electrical plugs, etc.
   
And this “fear of the Lord” is how Paul operated. When things didn’t go as he planned (he thought God sent him to Rome to convert rulers, instead he ended up appearing before them as a prisoner), rather than blame God, he had a healthy respect and looked for a different perspective. God gave him that different perspective. Paul recorded his new perspective in Philippians 1:12-14 (you can look it up in a Bible app or even Google it). Paul wanted to share his story and God’s plan to the Roman government. The government “supplied” soldiers who were literally handcuffed to Paul at all times (to keep him from escaping). Paul had a captive audience. And what do you think the chances were of Paul having an open invitation to speak to Roman rulers before this? But now, they had to hear him out because Paul was on trial. Not what Paul pictured, but it certainly put him before the government of Rome.  
   
Sometimes life does not make sense from our perspective. It’s been my experience that God has a MUCH larger perspective and I’ve found He ALWAYS knows better than me. When life didn’t make sense, Solomon (wisest man to ever live) and Paul (one of the most influential) decided the wise thing to do was to look to God for a different perspective.
   
Circumstances are almost always out of our control. We cannot control what happens to us, but we can control how we frame it. This week I'm praying for you to know where to look (wisdom) to reframe situations that don’t go according to plan.

Your service is appreciated,
Pastor Rob

2021 Wisdom Series - Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4

Wisdom Series - Part 1
The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.
~Solomon

{Officer friend} Rob, why do you like quotes from Solomon so much?
{me} Because he was THIS wise!

Two women came before King Solomon with this story: One woman said, “We live together and we both have infants. This morning, I woke up and found my baby dead. Upon closer examination, I realized the other woman switched our babies after hers died. She took MY child.” The other woman replied, “She’s lying”. No witnesses. No relatives. No DNA testing. How did Solomon’s wisdom help him decide which woman was the real mother?

You can read here how Solomon solved this real life riddle: bit.ly/SolomonAndABaby.  Do you think we could still learn from Solomon’s wisdom today? I do, and that’s why I like to read and quote King Solomon.

Every job, if you want to keep it, requires a certain amount of wisdom. But there are some jobs, if you don’t have wisdom and can’t grow in wisdom (being more wise today than you were this time last year), you just may not be cut out for the job. I think being an officer is one of those wisdom-necessary jobs. On the job: Two different people tell you two different stories...how do you know who is telling the truth? This person is getting very fidgety...why and what are they about to do? You know the policy and you know the discretion you have...what’s the best call to achieve the best outcome in this situation? And you have a personal life, too: You know what your budget says and you know where your stress level is...what’s best for your family when the next part-time becomes available?
   
King Solomon, who was so wise that rulers of the world in his time traveled to visit him just to listen to his wisdom, said, “The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.”  Life is better for those who have wisdom (they love life!) and the one who loves wisdom (cherishes understanding) will prosper. Who doesn’t want that kind of life??
   
Over the next few weeks, I want to share with you 3 ways to be wiser...according to Solomon. Life is not always easy, but it’s sure easier when you’re wise! I’m praying for you this week, both on the job and in your personal life: may you LOVE life and prosper.
   
Your service is appreciated, 
Pastor Rob
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I was very thankful last week to see the Burleson officer going home from the hospital after being shot on duty. I am praying for a FULL recovery with no career-limiting rehab. As always, I am praying for YOUR safety this week & peace for your family as they send you out each shift.

2021 Wisdom Series - Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4

SERIES: Wisdom (6 of 6)
From Whom Do You Choose To Learn - Part 2

Six weeks ago I shared a riddle whose answer was “wisdom”. I’d like to end with a different sort of riddle today...one “solved” by the wisdom of King Solomon. 
   
Two women came before King Solomon with this story: One woman said, “We live together and we both have infants. This morning, I woke up and found my baby dead. Upon closer examination, I realized the other woman switched our babies after hers died. She took MY child.” The other woman replied, “She’s lying”. No witnesses. No relatives. No DNA testing. How did Solomon’s wisdom help him decide which woman was the real mother? 

You can read here how Solomon solved this real life riddle: bit.ly/SolomonAndABaby  Do you think we could still learn from Solomon’s wisdom today?

We’ve talked about wisdom and being teachable for several weeks now and shared from the book “The Key to Everything”. Today I will share the last two teachers Matt Keller suggests a teachable person will allow in his/her life.

In today’s world, it is perhaps easier than ever to allow experts to be a teacher in your life...someone Matt calls a “distant mentor”. This is someone you may never meet or interact with personally, but they can teach you through their books, teachings, podcasts, interviews or lectures. Matt summarizes it this way, “Find people who have lived your tomorrow and learn from them.”

Lastly, Matt suggests that a truly teachable person can find a way for everybody to be his/her teacher. Observe people whose lives “seem to work”, compare notes and learn how to ask questions. Look at people  whose lives don’t “seem to work”. Ask what they have learned. Observe what they missed. A wise and teachable person can learn from other’s mistakes as well as their examples.

In wrapping up thoughts about wisdom and teachability, I would like to recommend a “distant mentor” to you. When I refer to or quote King Solomon, it’s not because “he’s in the Bible.” He was literally a WISE  man we can still learn from. King Solomon wrote 29 of the 31 chapters in the book of Proverbs. May I suggest taking the next month and reading 1 chapter a day to see what you might learn from this wise man? You can start here bit.ly/ReadProverbs and just change the chapter # on the page each consecutive day.

Let me know what you think,
Pastor Rob

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Links to other posts in this series: Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5

SERIES: Wisdom (5 of 6)
From Whom Do You Choose To Learn - Part 1

When you think of growing up in school, what teacher do you remember? I remember Mrs. Irvin, my 4th grade teacher. She believed in me and made me want to learn. I liked her and learned a lot from her. Some of my other teachers...not so much. Not all school teachers are equal, and that is true in life, too. Learning from some people is easy, and from others...not so much. 

“But here’s the truth both about school and our life today. Everybody has something to teach us. If we choose, we can learn from anyone. But we have to choose.” This is another quote by Matt Keller in the book I have been referring to the past few weeks, The Key To Everything,. He suggests there are four kinds of teachers we should allow in our life  if our goal is to be teachable. I’d like to mention two this week and two next week.

The first kind of teacher we all need in our life is the “Say Anything, Anytime Teacher”.  This is very similar to what we talked about a few weeks ago with people we allow to point out blind spots in our life. We have to pursue people like this in our life and specifically give them permission,  encourage them to speak up about the hard things we may not want to see in our lives. This teacher may be a best friend or somebody we respect and trust their judgment.

The second kind of teacher is “New Voices That Will Stretch You”. Think about a subject where you are knowledgeable. When is the last time you let someone younger or less experienced than you share what they think for an extended period of time without interrupting or correcting them? Matt Keller describes his approach to new ideas from new voices like this, “I don’t agree with everything they are saying. But I think we have to give them permission to stretch the balloon a little bit so that it never quite goes back to the same shape it was before.”

On your job, you learn to deal with people from many backgrounds and different ways of thinking. Having those skills, you can tell a lot of people what all YOU know, or you can learn a lot from what OTHER people know. Which do you do? 

Your service is appreciated,
Pastor Rob

BOOK GIVE-AWAY: Congratulations to Phil who won a copy of Matt Keller's The Key To Everything in last week's book give-away.

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Links to other posts in this series: Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 6

SERIES: Wisdom (4 of 6)
Intentional Teachability

I watched a video about some of the differences between Finnish  and American teaching styles. One contrast was the way that Finnish teachers are allowed to customize their curriculum vs the way US teachers often have to tailor their curriculum towards standardized testing. The belief was the Finnish style makes for happier teachers and students more eager to learn.

The author of the book, “The Key To Everything” suggests that the default attitude toward learning and being teachable for most people is indifference...not going out of their way to seek out learning opportunities. He says people “believe that being neutral toward learning is acceptable.” He goes on to question whether our US education system fosters this way of thinking when, “for 13 years, children are taught that when something is really important for them to know, an authority figure will make sure they know it.”

What is YOUR default attitude toward being teachable?  Matt Keller has said, “Intentional teachability makes life a party with a thousand gifts to be opened every day. Each new insight, once opened, gives you a greater perspective on who you are, who you were created to be and how you can be the best you possible.”

On the job,  you have to remain teachable to update your training, to learn new systems and to deal with the vast array of personalities that cross your path every day. But this week, I am praying that your personal strides toward wisdom and teachability would be rewarding. I have met officers with a love for languages, several who are pursuing advanced degrees and even one who has mastered the process of hydrographics (water transfer printing).  This week, I pray as you pursue these kinds of opportunities personally that life would offer you a thousand gifts to be opened every day, each revealing a greater perspective of who you are and who you were created to be.  I believe it is when you discover who you were created to be that life is truly fulfilling and rewarding. 

Your service is appreciated,
Pastor Rob

BOOK GIVE-AWAY: I am giving away a free copy of The Key to Everything: Unlocking the Secret to Why Some People Succeed and Others Don't, Matt Keller's book I have been referring to in this series. You can click on the book above for details. To enter the give away, click on the the Subscribe/Contact Me tab above and sign up to have this blog's post delivered to your Inbox each Monday. If you are already a subscriber, simply let me know you want to be added to the drawing (reply the email or use the Contact Me option on the blog). I will contact the winner this week and post the winner (first name only) next Monday.

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Links to other posts in this series: Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 5, Week 6

SERIES: Wisdom (3 of 6)
Blind Spots

As a teenager, my daughter caught the bug to drive, so she got a job to pay for her insurance and we did parent-taught driver’s ed. One of the first things she really caught onto was checking her blind spots before changing lanes. As a matter of fact, I had to teach her how to glance over her shoulder because she was turning her whole body to make sure she didn’t miss anything. 

In life, we have blind spots, too...places where danger is hidden if we don’t know where to look. My daughter learned to check her blind spot before changing lanes because she chose to listen when I pointed out a blind spot to her. Who do you have in your life that you allow to point out your blind spots?  Who could tell you, “That house IS a lot nicer than what you have, but do really need to go increase your debt for that right now?” or “You would be a GREAT fit for that position, but what about the extra time away from your family?” or “Dude, you’re married. Hanging out like that is not a good idea”? Along these same lines, who would stick with you and help you if you messed up big time?

Last week we read a quote that said a wise person chooses teachability, and that means choosing NOT to be ignorant.  Few of us would say, “I choose ignorance”, so here is a question to consider: “Who have you chosen as a close friend and what do you allow them to ask/point out in your life?” Looking back on his younger life, King Solomon said this, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” 

On the job, you rely on your fellow officers to have your back and cover your blind spots. I continue to pray for your protection and theirs as you serve. This week I am praying that your friends would do the same for the blind spots in your life and that they would stick by your side even if a blind spot catches you off guard.  Solomon said it well when he said, “PITY anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” 

Your service is appreciated,
Pastor Rob

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Links to other posts in this series: Week 1, Week 2, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6

SERIES: Wisdom (2 of 6)
Are You Teachable?

Several years ago, A&E Network introduced us to Antonio and Steve in a reality show called Barter Kings. The premise of the show was following these two guys as they made a number bartering trades to get from a common item like a cordless drill to something big like a pontoon boat.  An interesting side note, Antonio had Tourette Syndrome which could make bartering interesting.

What was true of Antonio and Steve on Barter Kings is true of our lives as well. Each and every day we trade our lives for something. Some people choose to trade their life for stuff (cars, houses, clothes), for financial security, for fame, for power or prestige.  Other trade their lives for a cause or to serve others. Trading always involves choices.

In his book, The Key to Everything, Matt Keller suggests trading our life for wisdom, what he also calls teachability, is the best choice. Why? Because when you trade your life for wisdom, all that other stuff takes care of itself. 

This is what King Solomon found to be true when God asked him what one thing he wanted in life. Rather than ask for riches, long life or victory in battle, Solomon asked for wisdom to lead his nation. His request was granted and not only did he become the wisest man ever to live, but he also gained riches, long life and victory in battle. He said it this way:, “The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.”

Matt Keller said “I believe the pursuit of wisdom is one of the most underrated quests in the world today.” He suggests to become wise me must 1) choose not to be ignorant, 2) choose not to be indifferent but 3) choose intentional teachability. (More on these choices the next three weeks).

As I pray for wisdom for you this week, I would ask these two questions (one to ponder, one to practice): If God told you, like Solomon, that He would grant any one request, what would you ask for? Secondly, the next 168 hours equals one week of your life. What will you be trading your life for this week?

Your service is appreciated,
Pastor Rob

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Links to other posts in this series: Week 1, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6

SERIES: Wisdom (1 of 6)
What Is The Wise Thing To Do?

Joyful is the person who finds her,  the one who gains understanding. For she is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her;  happy are those who hold her tightly.

Who is “she”? According King Solomon, She is Wisdom.  Author Matt Keller has called wisdom “the secret weapon to success” and goes on to point out, “There is no decision you will ever make that you won’t benefit from having it. And the opposite is also true. Every decision suffers when it is made without wisdom.”

Think about it. According to Solomon (whom ancient rulers traveled great distances just to hear his wisdom), if you could ask for just one thing in life, the wise choice would be...wisdom! In fact, he said as much in the book of Proverbs, “The beginning of wisdom is this - get wisdom" Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”

Over the next few weeks, I’d like to look at choices we can all make to help ourselves be teachable and more capable not only of making wise decisions, but also of becoming wise. For today, I’d like to leave you with a thought from pastor and author, Andy Stanley who came up with what he called “The Best Question Ever”. According to him, the best question anyone can ever ask when making a decision is, “What is the wise thing to do?” Not what is the right, smart, legal or even moral thing...what is the WISE thing. What a great question...but how can we know what is the wise thing to do? Andy suggests asking the question in three different ways: 1) In light of past experience, 2) In light of present circumstances, 3) In light of future hopes and dreams...what is the wise thing to do? After hearing that, I had to agree, it is the best question ever! 

So WISDOM is what I am praying for you this week . There is no decision you will ever make that won’t benefit from having it.  

Your service is appreciated, 
Pastor Rob 

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Links to other posts in this series: Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6