Delivery Man

Sounds like such a low paying, glory-less title; doesn't it?

What was the first position that popped into your head?

Was it the postman/woman that delivers our glorious bills and all of the junk mail we don't want?

Was it the UPS man delivering our recently purchased goodie? Has brown really done anything for you lately?

"Here comes the windup, the delivery... STRIKE THREE-yooour'e OUT!!!!" How about that delivery? 

How about in the 'olden' days when the milkman stopped by the house? If only that delivery came with Oreos.

Pizza or Chinese tonight? Delicious!! 

The stork has always been synonymous with a 'drop and fly' routine... 


I think considering the season, it would be appropriate to mention good old Santa. Who doesn't enjoy that delivery? I guess we should give mention to the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy while we're at it. 

Which leads us to the Virgin Mary and the single greatest 'delivery' of all times, next to whom she delivered of course, Jesus - who delivered to us the single greatest gift of all times.

How about the image looking back at you in the mirror? Do you see yourself as a delivery man or woman?

Are we not called to deliver the most important message of all? No postage necessary, that's been prepaid. It's the one gift Santa cannot deliver and we don't have to purchase it or sign for it. Sorry to rustle your feathers stork, you're out too.

The Great Commission has us charged with a great responsibility.

Matthew 28:16-20 18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,[b] baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

We have all been equipped with God given gifts and have been blessed with a life tale designed to be spoken into the lives of those God so sends our way. We need only to deliver this gift and unwrap it for all to hear.

This is the one gift that you need not feel guilty about re-gifting.

Who around you can use the gift of salvation: of peace and hope? What had God gifted your with that you can use to re-gift? Do you have the courage to make this delivery? As the scripture commands ... GO!

Gift the gift of encouragement.
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Wearing Down

How does your day begin?

Each morning I rise, I start my day with a prayer and some quiet time with God and the Bible. As I'm not exactly a "morning person" it gives me just the boost I need on most days to it get going.

Then there's the joyous ride to work. There was a time that South Florida driving would bring out the 'best' in me, but Christ has given me peace and Way-fm (Christian music station) sustains it.

By day, I'm a claims adjuster for a Tire & Wheel insurance company. On the average I take 45-55 calls per day - mainly from individuals who haven't read their policies. I have realized pretty quickly that my job offers an opportunity to grow my patience/endurance while also recognizing on the problematic calls that it's not about me.

As a Christian, I believe my work environment offers me a place to 'encourage', or witness to all those around me in a unique way - after all we are all facing the same callers.

I will admit however, that the only perfection still to this day is Jesus.

Walking into the office in a positive mood goes a long way ... until eventually there's that one caller who is just a bit more difficult than the rest and the tide turns. I can feel the 'monster' within begin to awake, and if I don't refocus soon, attitude enters followed by talking under my breath and it all just unravels from there.

Then I get to thinking ... which can be scary. Why am I letting this get to me? Why am I allowing this one thing to ruin my witness? Why am I wearing down?

Did Jesus complain? Did Jesus allow the suffering he endured for me change His witness or willingness to fulfill His purpose? I don't think so. He did ask God in Gethsemane, “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

Jesus knew what task lied before Him, and willingly chose to fulfill the task - without complaint.

So why can't I face the silly, little, uncomfortable things that happen throughout my work day, or any other part of the day without dropping my guard or losing focus? Why do I let the little things wear me down?

Oh yeah! I'm not perfect - but I'm better now with Christ in my heart than the worldly man I was before.

Here's a verse that can help in that time of need.

James 1:2-4
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 

What a journey it has been thus far! Years ago, three close friends (you know who you are) and I decided to begin sharing with one another what the Lord was speaking to us as individuals on a daily basis.

It was the pebble in the pond, and I never thought about how far the ripple effect would go.

Years later, a book is born and an ordinary man is humbled.

God has revealed a lot to me over the journey and I have grown in so many ways ... and that process continues. I am flesh and am riddled with flaws, yet God still loves me and gives me the encouragement I need daily to continue on.

I look forward to the things to come and pray that God remain the focus and be glorified.

I also look forward to sharing the journey with all of you. Let us encourage the world we live in together!!

We are the pebbles of the Lord. 

Just how far does the ripple effect go?