Sheep Food

  Have you ever found yourself taken back and at a loss for words when you heard someone say something, or maybe witnessed their questionable actions…and asked yourself: “What in the hell were they thinking?” Truth be told, not only have I thought/asked myself that very question when seeing what others might have done or said, but I’ve even asked that of myself …in times past (‘What was I thinking?’). True story. And if we are being honest here, I’d imagine most of you can look back and recall instances where that was a fair question to ask yourself regarding things you may have said or done, yes? Where we can make matters worse for ourselves though is when we are quick to ‘judge’ others during those times that we are astounded by what we are witnessing; and I say ‘make matters worse for ourselves’ because Jesus reminds us that we ought not to be ‘quick to judge’…for in the same way we judge others…so shall we be judged’ (Matt. 7:1-2). Also true story. One long overdue trait that I...

  I hope we are all on the same page of understanding when it comes to this word ‘incentivize’. Whether you do this with your children, your employees, or your dog… we like to encourage folks to make good positive and productive decisions by ‘rewarding’ them with favor, which can come in many forms. Now you may disagree with me here, but I don’t believe this is a ‘bad’ thing to do with people, children (or pets). In fact, you can find plenty of examples in scripture where God does this very thing with us. “He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Heb. 11:6) “No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly before Him.” (Ps. 84:11) “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things (daily needs/provisions) will be added to you…” (Matt. 6:33) What many people fail to realize is that while God’s love for us is ‘unconditional’…many if not most of His promises are ‘conditional’; i.e. – “If you do this, I’ll do that.” And if it’s ‘abundant...