Forget Your IQ...What's Your KCP?

Last weekend I heard someone with the Windsor Police Services speak about my friend, Chuck Congram's work as police chaplain. They spoke of his "presence on the perimeter"...being there but not getting in the way. Three (3) key words were mentioned as being essential for a chaplain...he/she must have a knowledgeable, compassionate presence. So true!

We can have all the knowledge in the world yet lack compassion or the reverse...being very compassionate but have no idea what to do. Have you ever had a doctor or a nurse who was very informed but had a terrible bedside manner? Of course you have. It's not nice! At times just being there is the best gift for the one we're ministering to.

Jesus is the Perfect Example. He was and is omniscient, all knowing, knowledgeable. Without question He was a compassionate Savior! And He was ever-present or omnipresent.

What is your KCP quotient? Let's work on all three so we can be effective agents of encouragement and hope to those who desperately need us. Let's point them to the One who "looked with compassion on them as sheep having no shepherd".

"God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble." Psalm46:1 (NLT)

Try to just "be there" for someone today!

Our Dwelling Place

Our Dwelling Place is a Safe Place

Welcome to the Encouragement Headquarters, dear friends:

This morning, while searching for another scripture passage, I came across Psalm 90:1,2 which, in turn, reminded me of Psalm 91:1,2. Both Psalms begin with a declaration that those who find their dwelling place in God will be safe and find shelter and rest. Where is your dwelling place today, friend? Do you find refuge in the arms of the eternal God or do you seek satisfaction, fulfillment and peace in places that are fleeting and temporary? I'm thankful this morning that we can "pitch our tent" in the yard of our eternal Father who is "from everlasting to everlasting". No need to pull up stakes tomorrow and move on. He is our final dwelling place! The safe environs of His dwelling should be our final destination. Where are you abiding today?

"Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God." Psalm 90:1,2 (NIV)

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Psalm 91:1,2 (NIV)

Your Safe Place

Where is your safe place? A spot where you can find rest and peace in the midst of life’s storms? Perhaps you have a place that you retreat to where you can unwind and relax and clear your mind. Maybe it’s just a place you wish you had, a place that dreams are made of, a mountain cabin, a warm beach in the Caribbean or, if those are impossible, just an empty booth at the back of a smoky restaurant.

I’m so glad we can look to our loving Father when the storms of life surround us and troubles rush in like a flood. God is a REFUGE we can run to when life’s circumstances seem overwhelming. I know, I’ve been there many times. During these discouraging moments, GOD certainly is our:

R – Rock of Strength
E – Energizing God
F – Faithful Friend
U – Unchanging One
G – Gracious Father
E – Eternal King

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” - Psalm 46:1

R – Recognize the problem and admit it
E – Escape (or pull back) from the situation to get a better perspective on it
F – Find someone to confide in who can help us in the situation
U – Unburden our hearts to that person
G – Grow through the circumstance
E – Equip ourselves to help others when they face the same struggles

“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” – Deuteronomy 33:27

My prayer is that you would look to God in “every” circumstance of life and find that He is everything you ever needed and more. He loves you and cares for you! He will be your safe place!