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4forFRIDAY with Chuck Allen

January 6, 2023 by AChuckAllen

January 6, 2023

It’s just the first Friday of 2023 and although I wished to ease into the new year, I feel like I jumped off the high dive and got a wedgy. Here are four quick lessons for the new year.


1. Accomplishing something significant takes time, but time is made up of small Choices made moment by moment. Manage your time and energy well.

2. Getting up just 15-minutes earlier can radically improve your day.

3. Relationships matter far more than achievement. Prioritize people.

4. You will always have critics. The only way to avoid that truth is to do nothing, attempt nothing, or say nothing. It’s worth having critics.

For This Week’s 4forFRIDAY


1. One of the best books that I have read in years: A Beautiful Resistance, by Jon Tyson. If you claim to be a Christian, you should read this book! If you serve and lead people, you must read this book. If you are a volunteer or ministry leader, stop right now and order this book!


2. A fun show/series from Netflix: THE RECRUIT. It’s funny, fast-paced, adventurous, and sassy. Jenny and I are loving this edgy action-adventure series. You probably will as well.


3. A really good article for your new year: 12 Verses to Kickstart Your New Year, from Crosswalk.com


4. A Christmas gift that I am totally digging more than imagined: Blackstone Griddle. I’m having so much fun on this flat, outdoor cooktop. The amount of YouTube recipes and things to cook are amazing.


A strong quote from C. S. Lewis when he wrote of God’s redemption, “Whatever you do, He will make good of it. But not the good He had prepared for you if you had obeyed Him. That is lost forever.”


Go in Peace, Chuck

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4forFRIDAY Year End Edition

December 31, 2022 by AChuckAllen

12/31/2022

It’s been quite a year. Political strife, racial tensions, and really bad political ads. So, let’s leave a few things in the rearview mirror this New Year’s Eve.

1. Let’s leave our unforgiving attitudes in the past and move on with a choice to have a radically forgiving spirit in 2023.

2. Let’s leave the Herschel and Warnock campaign behind us. After all of the ads, I can’t stomach another ugly political free for all again.

3. Let’s leave our addictions to social media, smart devices, and texts in the past and actually call someone. Maybe even have an distracted conversation with a real human being.

4. Let’s watch fewer “news shows,” or for that matter, less Netflix, Huku, or television Read more, play more games, and chill. There’s a whole world of ways to enjoy this awesome universe without media.

For This Week’s 4forFRIDAY

1. Starting Tuesday, January 3, a NEW SEASON of the Weekday Podcast. In just 5 minutes a day, and 5 days a week, you can get the Bible in your soul, hear a word of encouragement, and seize the day!

2. A strong article about your new goals and resolutions. Revise Your Resolutions So They Truly Last is a helpful tool from BibleStudyTools.com

3. A don’t-miss mini series from Amazon Prime: Jack Ryan. If you haven’t seen the first two seasons, start there and work your way through all three seasons. It’s so good!

4. A fascinating article/slideshow of the years greatest archeological discoveries. It is pretty cool. Check it out.

And a powerful quote from Max Lucado: “You don’t influence God’s love. You can’t impact the tree-ness of a tree, the sky-ness of a sky, or the rock-ness of a rock. Nor can you affect the love of God.”

Happy New Year, and Go in Peace, Chuck

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4forFRIDAY with Chuck Allen

December 9, 2022 by AChuckAllen

1. An APP We Can All Benefit from ANXTY Widget (Panic Button)

This is most likely my favorite ap of 2022. I use it every day. It’s a simple way to connect and anchor your runaway thoughts to the intense love of God. It’s so, so good. If you are stressed, anxious, or fearful. Maybe even overwhelmed, this is a life-altering app. The folks from SoulSpace.co did it again. This is a must for every follower of Jesus!


2. A Gadget that I Use Every Single Day: Broadlink WiFi Plugs

Worshipful, powerful, inspiring, happy. I could go on and on. When you get to Revelation 19:1, just crank it up! BroadLink Smart Plug Mini, Smart Wi-Fi Timer Outlet Socket Works with Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT, Support Both 2.4G and 5G Wi-Fi.


3. An Article That Can Help Anyone, from INC. Magazine

I’ve been an evangelist for gratitude for years, but when you read an article designed for business leaders that supports your theology of gratitude, it’s hard to pass up. The article starts this way; “Everyone wants to be happier. Yet happiness can sometimes seem hard to come by.”


A Fun and delicious Dinner Downtown: Campagnolo

Last week, we joined a few neighbors for dinner at this fashionable and fun restaurant and thoroughly enjoyed our evening. It really is a great date spot and delicious Italian food! The lasagna was good,, but the Spaghetti a Cacio e Pepe was amazing!


A Wonderful Quote from Max Lucado

“You don’t influence God’s love. You can’t impact the tree-ness of a tree, the sky-ness of a sky, or the rock-ness of a rock. Nor can you affect the love of God.”


Go in Peace, Chuck

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 4ForFriday, Book Reviews, Emotional Health, Mental Health, Peace, Spiritual Growth

Why UVALDE Still Matters

December 8, 2022 by AChuckAllen

On May 24, 2022, evil stepped into Robb Elementary School and took the lives of 19 children and two teachers. Pure evil is the best way to define the senseless massacre of these precious children. I’ve been to Uvalde five times since the shooting, and each time I return, I’m reminded that evil could show up at almost any school in America and do the same thing. In most of the United States, measures have been put in place to make a similar attack much more difficult. I say more difficult because Uvalde was, and is so unique.

After reading the Texas Department of Public Safety’s final report regarding the shooting, I was struck by the systemic failure at every level. The most glaring failure wasn’t the police, school, or city, or leaders. The most glaring failure was a society that left a dirt-poor little city to fend for itself. Uvalde is a border town in Texas, and as such, it has a blend of primarily Latino citizens and blue-collared men and women. These are some of the most gracious, loving people I have ever been around. But let’s face it, in the hustle of this world, a little town like Uvalde is left in the dust. Yes, there were failures, but at the end of the day, you can trace every failure back to the fact that Uvalde is a city that nobody cared about. That is until they were the headline of the week in May 2022.

Like most things in America, a crisis happens, and the news anchors show up in droves. The cameras seek the worst possible story with the most graphic and accommodating video. They stay for a few days, then chase the next crisis, like tornado chasers in Kansas. Then a few weeks go by, and they descend again on the crisis area with reports of who is at fault and videos of people leaving courthouses trying to cover their faces. Then poof! They’re off again. After the media and political circus leave, the poor people of the crisis are left to sort out life as the rest of the world moves on.

But how do you move on from children shot so many times with high-powered ammunition that were only recognized by DNA results? How do you move on from the finger-pointing and media onslaught when you are a small city with limited resources and an entire world looking for your faults?

I’m jaded, I guess. I fell in love with this little city and its people. I found friends who share the common ground of decency, honor, integrity, and love. I’ve built lasting, meaningful relationships with leaders who care deeply about Uvalde’s future. I’ve seen the hurt up close, and I’ve felt people’s skepticism when you say you’ll be back with more help. Each time I can feel their stare as you say, “see you next time.” That stare is the one that burns into your soul the feeling that they’ve been lied to, over-promised, and under-delivered for decades. That is a systemic failure. As political leaders are fond of saying these days – full stop!

Enter Crossroads Academy. A school for dropouts. Last week, a team from Sugar Hill Church brought Christmas for about 160 kids – and their kids – and their parents. You read that correctly. Many of these kids dropped out of school and have their own kids. Hence the dropping out. They get on a bus from where they are sofa-surfing with their little ones and drop the babies off at childcare, go to school, work, and then to their kiddos. If you think it must be hard, you cannot imagine their stories.

One little girl is back in school and attended our party. She opened a box of diapers and just started weeping. She said, “I haven’t had a Christmas present since I was eight years old.” Then she learned that the diapers were essential and that she had a new set of clothes, shoes, and a purse just for her. And her baby had plenty as well. One young man graduated while our team was on the ground, and he is ready to contribute to making Uvalde stronger. One teacher was trying to find a student to give a gift to and was instructed that the gift was for her. She said, “nobody ever does anything for us.” The overwhelming question was this, “why are you all doing this?” The answer? Jesus said, LOVE ONE ANOTHER. He said that if we serve the least of these, we are actually serving Him.

Uvalde matters because the political circus left town and couldn’t care less. The media circus left town and won’t return unless something horrific happens. Nobody cares about the repaired buildings, new grounds, courts, and facilities provided in the wake of the massacre, but we should care. The government has proven that they cannot or will not step in to make a big deal about Uvalde unless it fits their political narrative – either way.

That is why a church from Sugar Hill, Georgia, has been making good on promises to Uvalde, Texas. Because the people that claim to love Jesus must act on that love and make the world a more loving, grace-filled place. Uvalde matters because these kids matter. The educators, administrators, counselors, and coaches matter. Uvalde matters! I’ve invited more than a dozen churches to participate in the work in Uvalde. I haven’t asked them for a dime, just people and prayer. Not a single church has stepped into the fray as of yet. Please hear me. I know that every church isn’t equipped to go and do this work, and not every church should. But friends, whether it is Uvalde or Sugar Hill, we must care enough to serve hurting people! Uvalde matters because those folks need to know that America doesn’t see them as a newsreel but as people that God loves. Uvalde matters because they represent all of us. We are all potentially one day away from needing the rest of America to help.

I’m honored to be a small part of rebuilding Uvalde, and I thank God for the men and women that are serving in the schools of Uvalde, Texas. They are serving in some really difficult seasons and are champions. The champions that are the faculty of Crossroads Academy are some of my favorite people on the planet, and I pray for them each morning that God would infuse them with strength, wisdom and power.

Uvalde matters because people matter. God’s ultimate purpose is people. The redemption of mankind. If you are desirous to be a part of God’s plan for your life, you, too, will be about people. That’s why Uvalde matters.

Chuck

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Filed Under: God and Country, Life and Happiness, Missions, Politics, Southern Border, Uncategorized Tagged With: Leadership

4forFRIDAY with Chuck Allen

December 2, 2022 by AChuckAllen

1. A GREAT Article from Scott Sauls: Jesus and Women During Advent and Always

I loved this article. It might offend you, but give it prayerful consideration. Here’s a snippet from Scott:
“It is clear that God esteems and elevates women and men. For this reason, I am sharing something I have previously written about the place of women in the world, in the church, and in the story of God. The following excerpt was posted after we decided to commission our first class of Deaconesses at Christ Presbyterian Church. It isn’t explicitly about Christmas, but I hope it will nonetheless enrich our understanding of God during the Advent season.”


2. A Christmas Album that I Cannot Stop Listening to. A Very Maverick Christmas, Especially Revelation 19:1

Worshipful, powerful, inspiring, happy. I could go on and on. When you get to Revelation 19:1, just crank it up!


3. A Powerful Article from Crosswalk: 7 Things We Regularly Get Wrong about Worship

Don’t read this unless you are ready to be challenged a bit regarding your heart towards worship. Here is a clip from this excellent article. “

“I didn’t get anything out of that today.” “I didn’t get anything out of the sermon.” “I didn’t get anything out of that service.” “I guess her song was all right, but I didn’t get anything out of it.”

“Sound familiar? Not only have I heard it countless times over these near-fifty years in the ministry, I probably have said it a few times myself.”


4. A Powerful List of Seven Commands for a
Peace-Filled Life from Psalm 100

In Psalm 100, we find seven such imperatives in Hebrew, seven commands related to gratitude.

One: “Make a joyful noise to the Lord.” The Hebrew means to “shout,” to actively and publicly vocalize your praise to God. To “shout” involves your voice, mind, emotions, spirit, and body in personal, passionate worship. This is an act of public praise.

Two: “Serve the Lᴏʀᴅ with gladness.” “Serve” here means to focus your entire life and existence on your sovereign Master, giving him your whole heart and surrendering your entire life to his service. This is for every moment of every day, not just an hour at church. It means to yield your life all day, every day, to his Lordship. Do this with “gladness,” rejoicing for the privilege in a lifestyle of praise.

Three: “Come into his presence with singing.” God’s “presence” refers to his “face.” This command calls us to seek personal, transforming intimacy with our Lord.

Four: “Know that the Lᴏʀᴅ, he is God.” “Know” means to acknowledge or confess, to testify publicly that the Lord is God over all the world. This is a public confession made proudly and boldly.

Five: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise.” We learn that gratitude allows us to experience God’s presence, power, and grace.

Six: “Give thanks to him.” Once you are in his presence, find specific reasons to express your gratitude to your Father.

Seven: “Bless his name.” The “name” of God denotes his presence, personality, and very essence. This means to thank and praise God himself.


5. Another Great Article: Benefits of Gratitude: 28+ Surprising Research Findings from PositivePsychology.com

This is a powerful, secular perspective that also aligns with all that the holy scriptures describe regarding gratitude and serving others. Here’s a sample: “

The benefits are split into five groups:

  • Emotional benefits
  • Social benefits
  • Personality benefits
  • Career benefits
  • Health benefits

There are many benefits of gratitude, but these categories cover quite a few.

BONUS: A POWERFUL QUOTE FROM GIL HOPKINS

“Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely, in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘Holy Crap, what a ride!’”


Go in Peace, Chuck

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Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: 4ForFriday, Book Reviews, Emotional Health, Leadership, Mental Health, Productivity, Reviews

The Rush from Thanksgiving to Christmas

December 1, 2022 by AChuckAllen

It’s a full-out sprint from Thanksgiving to Christmas Day. Every year, I tell myself that I’ll be better prepared for the mad dash of the season next year. And yet, here we go again. I have been fighting pneumonia this week and receiving daily IVs to feel better. Yet, through it all, life keeps racing on.

But in this crazy season, it seems critical to note that the problem isn’t the season. Instead, the problem is how we approach and experience the season.

Here are three things that I am trying to build in my life during this busy season. I trust that they might assist you as well.

What if we were to reestablish our agency over our calendars and build a few simple boundaries to guard our hearts and attitudes?

1. Get Serious About Sleep. Every study on the planet supports that you cannot sustain a healthy physical, emotional or mental life without adequate sleep. Break your pattern of thinking you can power through with just 5-6 hours of sleep. I can assure you that you are not the exception to this rule. Do whatever is required to get your sleep. I went to bed at 8:30 the other night to ensure I got some rest. Before you blow me off with the typical line of “I have no time to rest well,” hear me say that should you choose not to, the universe will ensure that you do – one way or the other. And ‘the other” isn’t the best route – get some sleep!

2. Get Serious About Getting Scripture In Your Soul. When we don’t take the living, breathing Word of God and ingest it daily, we say, “God, I’ve got this. I don’t need you today.” Friends, we have answered that question with a resounding – “not so good!” Even as a pastor, I’ve gone through seasons when I haven’t been disciplined or passionate enough to get God’s Word in my soul daily. Every season I allow that to happen, I suffer from more significant anxiety, negative self-talk, unhealthy relationships, and poor decisions. Every time I am faithful, even to get 5 minutes of scripture in my soul daily, I function at a far higher level. Keep this in mind – The prescription for a messy, hectic life is the calming, directive guide in the Bible – Take your medicine. The more you taste and see that it is good, the more you experience its very nature of love, power, and peace. We all need more love, strength, and peace this season.

3. Get serious About Service. If this is the most wonderful time of the year, why have we made Christmas all about us? The first Christmas was founded as a gift. God the Father sent God the Son as a gift to humanity. A gift designed to be given and received and shown again and again. Friend, if you want to experience the joy of Christmas, give! Serve someone in any way you can, and watch how God uses that gift to bless the one you are serving and you!

There is an old saying that goes:

“If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.”

Here is an excellent list of reasons to serve others this Christmas season:

1. Helping Others Feels Good

When you help others, it promotes positive physiological changes in the brain associated with happiness. These rushes are often followed by longer periods of calm and can eventually lead to better well-being. Helping others improves social support, encourages us to lead a more physically active lifestyle, distracts us from our problems, allows us to engage in meaningful activity, and improves our self-esteem and competence.

2. Helping Others Brings a Sense of Belonging and Reduces Isolation

Being a part of something other than ourselves leads to a feeling of belonging and provides people with a sense of purpose. It allows people to see beyond their own experiences and builds camaraderie among neighbors, family, and community.

3. Helping Others Helps to Keep Life in Perspective

Many people don’t realize the impact a different perspective can have on their outlook on life. Helping others, especially those who are less fortunate than yourself, can provide a real sense of perspective and make you realize how blessed you are, enabling you to stop focusing on what you feel you are missing – helping you to achieve a more positive perspective on the things that may be causing you anxiety.

4. Helping Others Makes the World a Happier Place Because It’s Contagious

Acts of service have the potential to make the world a happier place. An act of kindness can improve confidence, control, happiness, and optimism. It can also encourage others to repeat the good deeds they’ve experienced – it contributes to a more positive community. We can all agree that is a good thing, can’t we?

5. Helping Others is As Much About You as it Is About Them

Scientific studies prove that the benefits of helping others can last long after the act itself by providing a ‘kindness bank’ of memories that can be drawn upon in the future. It is, in a sense, a long-release medication for the soul.

The Dash from Thanksgiving to Christmas can be brutal, but remember – The problem isn’t the season; the problem is how we handle it!

Get serious about your sleep.
Get serious about scripture.
Get serious about service.

And have a very merry Christmas!

Go in Peace, Chuck

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Busy, Christmas, Emotional Health, Hectic, Mental Health, Peace, Personal Development, Spiritual Growth

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