Your home...who really owns it?

There was the old running joke about making sure you drove your new car past the bank so it's real owner could see it from to time to time...which always made me smile. While this is not a commentary about debt, it does set us up for the thought of who really owns your assets like your home?

I remember years ago the movie Crocodile Dundee where the main character Mick was talking about the land and how long it had been there. His famous quote was "So arguing over who owns it is like two fleas arguing over who owns the dog they live on."

It is an interesting thought when you apply it to wherever you call home. Whether it be a small apartment you rent or a million dollar estate...Does anyone actually really own their home, or are we really just stewards in time with blessings that have been stowed upon us so that they can be used for eternity?

My wife and I have been married 21 years, and in that time we have lived in 15 different residences due to moving around for my work (She is more than a Saint). Home ownership is a relative term for us. What we have learned over the years is that if we are open to it, God can do the most amazing things with the resources we are stewards of. It took a paradigm shift in our thinking that we actually don't own our home but rather are blessed to be a blessing.

So what does it mean to dedicate your home to the Lord?

It really starts with a heart change. Give thanks for the dwelling you have and the glory be to God for providing it. In each of the last 10 homes we have lived in, before we moved a single piece of furniture in to each house, we would go in as a family or even with friends and pray. We would give thanks for the home, ask God to keep a hedge of protection from evil around our doors and to dedicate it to Him to whom all things are owned. We then ask he would that God would show us how He could use it. I have been amazed at some of the ways he has taken us up on that offer. Sometimes it has come with inconvenience for the family but what an amazing ride to serve this way...

Some of the things God has used the house for: Small Group bible studies, the extra bedroom became a home for a wayward teen from our church, we have missionaries from all over stay with us, family who had medical challenges came and lived with us, a wedding for a woman at church who wanted to surprise her husband and renew her vows in our backyard (very cool), birthday celebrations, holiday celebrations, and most importantly a safe place to raise our children up in the Lord. Looking back I wish I could tell you my heart was always in the right place to give when the Lord came calling to take us up on our offer to let the house be His. The truth is there were times when I was down right grumpy about it. Yet, He reminded me of who owned it and my heart over time has softened. My wife has an amazing gift of hospitality and service and has always been open to giving all we had. I hold her with the highest regard when it comes to serving others and a model of stewardship. Thank you Rebecca for leading that way...

You might be thinking "I don't have the gift of hospitality and I don't like people in my home." It is true not everyone can make people feel welcome or don't have a place to entertain in, but read through some of the ideas below and challenge yourself to pray for God to show you how to be on purpose with the blessings in your life. If the place you live can be used to draw just one more soul to Christ and an eternity in heaven wouldn't you want to be that steward. The Lord promises to reward us for our stewardship once we have accepted Christ. Lets make the most out of what He has given...

Some ideas for your Home:

Start out with praying for God's direction on how to best use your home and your talents

Host a weekly Bible Study

Host missionaries when they travel home

Put the digital screens down for an hour and gather your family up for a devotion in the living room: Family Devotions Link

Consider tithing on any capital gains you make when you sell your home(remember he owns it all, including the proceeds if your value goes up)

Host and celebrate with family (Break out the fine china, we are only here for a while)

Be the safe house where the neighborhood kids can come and play and experience the love of Christ

If you have a green thumb with the nicest yard, host the neighborhood picnic (the grass will come back if you are as good as I think you are at maintaining it)

Give thanks everyday for the provision no matter the circumstance.

Golfing for God...is that possible?

It finally happened. The snow melted off the golf course. If you live in the Midwest you know this has been a long winter season and those that love to golf have been polishing clubs or headed south to scratch the golf itch.



The question once again becomes, how can you take a sport like golf that millions have a passion for and turn it into something that can impact eternity in a positive way?


The answer is always invite Him into the day and be on purpose. You know if you've accepted Christ that the Holy Spirit lives within you every day. We are a living testimony with everything we say and do to those around us. Let's take the time and be on purpose about what our impact is and potentially can be. Because of the snow, it was April 30th before I had a chance to hit my first round of golf in the new year with the Senior Pastor of my church, and two other brothers in Christ I really enjoy fellowshipping with.


That first outing I talked with my pastor, Keith, on the way to the course about this article and asked had he ever thought about being on purpose for God while golfing. He nearly jumped at the chance to share as he also really likes the game and had thought about the very subject quite a bit.

Here are some thoughts he shared and my commentary to go along:

1. No matter what, the first part of the day always starts in prayer. Here is a simple one from our day:

Lord, thank you for the gift of this spring day and a chance to experience your creation. We invite you into our time of fellowship and if there's an opportunity or an appointment you have for us to share the great news of Jesus, please reveal that to us today. Thank you for our time of relaxation and sport. We pray that our actions and words might be pleasing to you. Please watch over our family as we are away from them, and thank you for the provision to be able to play this round of golf today. Amen.

Philippians 4:6-7
6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.


2. Creation is all around you when you are on the course. Take the time to breathe and take in all that you see and experience that day. God's fingerprints are simply amazing to witness, and whether you are a scratch golfer or a weekend warrior, give thanks and gratitude for the wondrous world He has created.(I have never been so thankful for green grass until this year)



3. Pastor Keith made the wise quote that "Golf isn't a game that shapes character, it reveals it." (If you ever managed to take more than one shot to get out of a sand trap you might have found some insight into your own character).




One of the stories our good friend Bill told me that April outing was of a man he had witnessed last year on the 18th hole of the same course we were playing. On that last hole the man hit his ball into the water. It must have been a frustrating round as the he drove up to lake where the ball went in. He went around the back of the cart and instead of pulling the ball retriever, he pulled the entire bag of clubs and threw them in the lake. In disbelief Bill watched the man drive to the parking lot and then back down to the lake 5 minutes later. He took his shoes off, rolled up his pants, and retrieved the bag. He then proceeded to pull his car keys out of the side pocket and once again pitched the entire bag back into the lake.




While the event makes for a good story, what does is say about character? As we grow in our walk we will all make mistakes and have shortcomings, but what can you do to become more Christ like? The answers are throughout the Bible.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

1 Timothy 6:11
But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.

4. Golf can be refreshing to the body and soul. As a pastor, Keith talks about how on the course he likes to unplug from the cell phone and pressures of the world. Now, I know some of you would like to use that reasoning on your spouses for more time on the course, but if you garnered the time away from work and your responsibilities ...make the most of it. Remember your responsibilities, but keep things balanced, unplug and take in the gift of time.



5. I would like to throw in a personal challenge for us all; Lose the potty mouth.
I am simply blown away these days by the language you hear coming out of the mouths of every age and gender. It doesn't help your golf and it makes for a lousy witness to those who may not know Christ. It is not about being "holier than thou" but letting the grace of a life born again in Christ shine through. Dare to be different in your language and remember what the scripture teaches:

Colossians 3:7-10
7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.


6. My personal tip, Smile. In your interactions on the course, the clubhouse, the watering hole, gas station, or anywhere along the way you as a Christian represent the greatest story and gift every given. Let your smile and glow be infectious. Hold doors for others as you walk in. Thank the course attendants, clerks and servers using their names. Show the grace that has been given to you (no matter how close the 4some behind you drove the ball to you). You have already won in Christ before you step on the course, play golf on purpose for Him that created you so that others might be drawn to that same victory of salvation.




Here are some other ideas to consider being on purpose with your passion for the sport of Golf that will find all over the net:

1. Organize a local tournament for missions
Link to an Mission Tournament Example

2. Start your own fellowship Group like this one I found:

Golf and God Link


3. Imprint a Scripture on your golf ball to inspire you, possibly prompt others to ask a question, and if lost/found the new owner may be impacted.

5. Take a pastor golfing. The resources and time you have may make all the difference for pastor in need of some R&R and inspire you to write about it.

Some Links to others living out their faith on the Golf Course:


Tim Tebow, Ben Crane and Bubba Watson Bible Study Article Link



God and Golf on the PGA Tour article

The Miracle of Sarah...God's Little Princess

Here is our testimony from last year and the miracle we experienced...



Rebecca and I have lived a very blessed life. We grew up together in the same neighborhood 5 houses away, dated through high school and college and in March celebrated 21 years of Marriage.



We have been blessed with two amazing children Paris who is 13 and Noah who is 9.



It has taken time but over the years Rebecca and I have worked to understand God’s plan and tried to make Him the center of our marriage and home. We seek His direction for our family and lives but have been just blown away by the gift he has given and the miracle of His hand in our lives recently.

After Noah was born 9 years ago, I felt a tug on my heart from God that we were supposed to have another child. I tried to ignore it and run from it a bit as his birth was tramatic with the cord wrapped around his neck and I simply had fear and anxiety from that day. As I turned 40, I felt like that window of being new parents again had come and gone and perhaps it was not God who had been whispering to me. In August of 2010 I woke up one morning with more like a shouting in my ears that we were supposed to have another child and God did not mean for us to adopt…but that there was a “3rd amazing child”…we were supposed to have. When I shared the vision with Rebecca, she informed me she had not gotten that message… but was willing to go on the journey together. For several months we prayed and tried for a baby knowing the risks over 40 were much higher for complications.

In January of 2012 I was returning from two weeks on a mission trip to Mali West Africa and one of the greatest experiences I have ever had sharing the gospel when I got confirmation that we would be having the baby God had spoken of. The jet wheels had just touched down and I turned my phone on and there was a text picture of the pregnancy test from Rebecca… I had the entire back of the plane high fiving me as we waited to exit and return through customs.


That was the pinnacle of joy for some time…

The next morning I headed back to work after being gone for a couple weeks only to find a mystery meeting on my calendar for 8am. I found out I was graciously being offered a promotion to move my family to China and run operations as Vice President for 3 years. While I was flattered, I wanted the time to think and pray through it. At 11am the same day I had a second mystery meeting letting me know my current role was being eliminated in 90 days and that I had some time to try and land a new role within the company.
After praying diligently about China I heard a clear “no“ we were not supposed to go and we would trust Him and ride out the 90 days looking for the right position. In the mean time we would focus on preparing for the new baby we would have.

Then our world changed again. In March we went in for our second ultrasound and the analysis was not good. The pictures showed something called a Cystic Hygroma and our baby’s fluids were not draining well causing pressure on the heart and potentially the brain.There was also a leaky heart valve. The room began to spin as we were informed that there was the very real possibility that our baby would not survive to term and if it did we would be need to prepared for a child with special needs.

We were also informed of our right to terminate the pregnancy. While that was never an option in our minds…there were so many “what ifs” and tearful moments that we knew nothing else but to pray. We called our pastor and friend Keith Missel as well as our prayer network and asked people to cry out for our child’s life and health.

For 7 weeks we went with prayer from around the country and were to return on week 20 to find out how the baby was doing. We had prepared our hearts for whatever God had in store for us and we would accept his plan but continued to ask for his hand of favor on us.

On week 20 we met up with the same technician who had discovered the problem 7 weeks earlier and prayed our way through the ultrasound. For 45 minutes there was only mention of good measurements and we continued to hold our breath. (Literally at times). Rebecca finally asked about the Hygroma and the tech looked puzzled as she looked at the old pictures and then the new, but her response was that she no longer saw any sign of it and would inform the doctors. When she left the room tears streamed and praise began. The doctor came in the middle of our tears and informed us there was still a leaking heart valve and to come back at 30 weeks but they were very encouraged and surprised the problem had disappeared.

At 23 weeks some more amazing things happened. On my last official day with the company I been with for 13 years the call came in that I was being asked to lead a large portion of the change we were implementing. It was my ideal job and something I had prayed about for almost 100 days. Again these were answered prayers beyond anything that I could have hoped for.

At week 30 we went in for our ultrasound and both doctors there came quickly to the conclusion they could no longer see any issue with the heart or any sign of the hygroma and that we should expect a healthy baby girl in 10 weeks. The emotion of joy overwhelmed that day.
It was our two children who chose the baby’s name. They chose Sarah, which means “God’s little Princess”.




On September 6th 2012… Sarah came two weeks early breech and though we had an emergency c section, she is God’s little princess. We are not sure what God has planned for her life but we do know he has already used her for His glory in teaching us to rely on Him, that miracles do happen, and all things are possible through Christ who strengthens us…

Meet Sarah Elizabeth Dirscherl … To God be the Glory!

The Sport of Fishing...Used for Eternal Purposes???

The greatest gift ever given is that of grace and salvation through Jesus Christ. It is a gift that cannot be earned, but only freely accepted.

In my experience the challenge for many who accept grace then becomes what to do with that gift and where to go from there. A bible centered church is the first step to connect and prayer time with God is essential... As we all continue to grow, you may come to realize God has provided each of us as the body of Christ with specific talents and passions in life that when focused can serve Him. This blog is designed to help people accelerate and ecourage them in their journey with some simple ideas on how to make every day count for eternity. What are your passions in life...?

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him


So today let's talk about the sport you may have not considered for kingdom purposes: Fishing.



It happened when I least expected it. It was June of 2010 and the Musky Fishing Opener in Minnesota. After two hours of nonstop casting giant lures without even a follow, I threw in the towel. I picked up my bass rod and decided to make things interesting. It was my seventh cast that it happened. The previous six had all caught a largemouth bass and put a smile back on my face. But when the seventh hit the water the monster fish knocked my Rapala 2 feet into the air. Based on the explosion in the water I knew it wasn't a bass and quickly reeled in, set down the bass rod and picked up the giant lure again. As soon as it splashed down I could see the fish coming like a torpedo just under the surface. It was the first musky I had ever hooked and eventually landed. I was fortunate that my good friend Tom was able to capture the entire event on video. Muskie Goes Airborne Video Link

It's just one of those moments I will never forget experiencing God's creation. While every fisherman dreams of a fish of a lifetime like that, the question becomes what happened throughout that day that could make a difference for the Kingdom of God?

I know what you're thinking, that this is going to be some analogy about fishing for men. You would only be partially right. Being on purpose and being available is what God asks of us in respect to the great commission and commandment to share the incredible news of Jesus. Apply that availablity to a day on the water and you will be amazed how God can use you.

If you are fisherman who loves the great outdoors and have accepted Christ into your life you know that the Holy Spirit lives inside you each day. Here some thoughts on how to honor Him and impact the world around you:



1. Begin the day in prayer. Here is one that I say repeatedly:

Lord thank you for the beauty of this day and a chance to experience your creation. We invite you into this time and ask if there might be any work for us to do that you reveal it to us along the way. We ask for your watchful hand to be over us and our families as we travel on the water and that our attitudes and spirit might reflect the incredible gift you have given us. Be a part of this fellowship and time on the water. Thank you for the provision and the opportunity to be able to fish today. We give you praise and glory and ask that you help us catch some of the beautiful creatures you've created.

You really can't go wrong with inviting the Lord into the beginning of the day. And yes I'm sure there are some of your friends who don't know Christ, but take the time and pray to start the day even at the risk of making someone uncomfortable. The goal isn't necessarily to influence them but rather to honor God. To this day I have yet to have somebody call me out saying my prayer was inappropriate or offensive. Take the risk. Invite God into your day of fishing.



2. Let the glory of the Lord shine through you. If you're like me your day of fishing starts with some sort of trip either to the bait shop or a gas station for a hot cup of coffee and bait. Remember this gift of salvation that you've been given as you walk through the door and interact with all kinds of people. You might be tired and it might be early in the morning but say "good morning," open the door for others, and stay upbeat. Your most powerful tool is a smile, and yes men, we can smile. Watch the effect that it has on people.

Isaiah 60:1-3 Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. 2 See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.




3. Demonstrate the patience the Lord has shown with you to others. Boat Launches are stressfull enough with people trying to back their boats in and get their kids safely aboard without laying on the horn to speed them along. I am always amazed at the danger and pressure other people create at the launch and it certainly isn't going to bring anyone closer to Christ. Jump out, offer to help where appropriate. Wish people a blessed day on the water. It may seem simple but people will see something different in you.





4. Obey the law. Imagine you're one of your children or unsaved friends and the first thing that they see you do is go over your limits or break one of the fishing laws. What is that saying about who we are in Christ. If we want to draw people to Him, then we just have to be better and different. If you think the law is wrong then get involved through the legal process to change it, but don't lead people astray. Nothing causes people to question your faith more than someone who is not living it out. I once had a business friend on my boat one day when he told me he would never become a Christian because they were the biggest hypocrites he had ever seen. While none of us are perfect, working towards becoming more Christlike is critical for others to see.

Titus 3:1-3 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another





5. Lose the potty mouth. I have to admit I fail once in a great while with this one. But it was the Colossians verse that really convicted my heart to change. Last year one of my good Christian brothers stepped on one of my expensive rods and snapped it while we were fishing. My reply was a four letter word. I later went back and apologized to my friend. This isn't about being holier than thou, but trying to be more Christlike. Have you ever noticed some of the most foul mouthed people will try and clean it up when there's a Pastor or Reverend at an event? If we have accepted Christ than the Holy Spirit lives within us each day. God sees and hears everything we do. Making it pleasing and honoring to Him is the first step, as well as the impact it has on others who see the difference in your life. Foul language is probably one of the worst witnesses we as Christians fail at daily. Would you believe someone's life is transformed if they're swearing every other sentence???

Colossians 3:8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.


While these may not seem dramtic ways to witness to people, just spend a day being on purpose for the Lord in your fishing. The blessing for me has sometimes simply been enjoying the creation He has made. Most other days, He has divine appointments waiting. What does He have in store for you?



Here are some other ways that you can be on purpose in making a difference in eternity while fishing:
1. If you own a boat, and your church has an annual silent auction, offer a fishing trip to be bid on. Even though I own a boat, my wife for Father's Day bid on a trip offered at our church in 2012 to go cat-fishing with a gentleman who offered his time and resources to serve the Lord. I had never been catfishing on the river and it was a blast. It inspired me so that this year I'll be doing the same around offering a bass fishing trip for auction.

2. Invite a neighbor and their children that perhaps you don't know that well for a day on the water. Live out your faith planting the seeds of grace God has given you by serving them a day to remember.

3. Host a fishing tournament to gather some of the men/women in your community for a cause like missions work. You may ask your pastor or another influential christian leader to share their testimony and pray for the event before the kickoff. (Make sure you fill out any necessary paperwork as most local tournaments do require a permit.)

4. Take a pastor fishing. Never underestimate the need of the pastoral staff to have a break and experience what you may be able to provide.

5. Start a fishing blog to inspire people!

There are all kinds ways to serve, but doing it with something that you're passionate about and the Lord has given you skill to do is one of the great joys in this life. Be on purpose and may God bless your week!