Monthly Archives: October 2022

Honoring Lavontraon “Trey” Smith

Paul Luckett | Brainflurry.com Honoring Lavontraon Trey Smith #DueHonor

I don’t know what the deal was but I was in Popeyes in Starkville on a Tuesday and the line was wrapped around the door.

So, I couldn’t help but notice this young man named Trey who served each and every last guest with patience & a smile.

They were hopping and Trey rolled with it. This guy is a diamond under pressure.

Hat tip. I thought someone should know. #duehonor

Originally posted by Paul Luckett to Facebook here.

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Goats Cannot Be Convinced

Paul Luckett | Brainflurry.com Goats Cannot Be Convinced
Photo Courtesy: Guru Thodime on Flickr

After 20+ years of studying, teaching and preaching, I am almost embarrassed to admit what I’m just now learning:

Goats cannot be convinced.

Sheep hear the Shepherd’s voice and follow Him. So, my sole focus should be to speak with His voice as I follow Him.

Not only should I speak His words but with the Spirit in which they were spoken. Love.

“He will not cry out, nor raise His voice, Nor cause His voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed He will not break…”
Isaiah 42:2-4

In short, I’ve got to stop yelling at goats. It’s futile.

And, I also should not be surprised nor discouraged that there few sheep and many many more goats.

But, my desire should be (and is) to get connected with every sheep that I can.

References:
Isaiah 42:2-4
John 10:26-27
Matthew 7:13-14
Acts 26:28
1 Corinthians 11:1
Romans 8:7

Originally posted by Paul Luckett to Facebook here.

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Honoring Elsie Short

Paul Luckett | Brainflurry.com Honoring Elsie Short #DueHonor

It’s a Sunday and all the florist shops are closed. I needed a custom item the same day and visited Kroger’s floral section hoping I could find a suitable substitute.

I asked someone working in the section if they had any and she responded they could make one if ordered at least 24 hours in advance. A lady who normally works in that section, happened to be in the store doing her own grocery shopping and overheard our conversation.

She asked me what I was looking for and WHILE OFF THE CLOCK, put her own grocery shopping on hold, begin pulling flowers together and made it on the spot.

She handed me the item with a smile. I told her how deeply grateful I was for her kindness. And, as quickly as she appeared, she left.

Her name is Elsie Short.

She has no idea about the impact she made today (the item was not for me). But as for me, I wouldn’t care if Kroger were more expensive than every other grocery store. What Elsie Short did today was more than enough to make me a Kroger customer for life!

I thought someone should know.
#duehonor

Originally posted by Paul Luckett to Facebook here.

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We Must Always Fight

I believed this just a few days ago, but I grew up.

I felt that I shouldn’t have to fight for what belongs to me, like love from my wife for example. But the Spirit revealed that would be true were it not for the enemy.

Because of our enemy, Satan, who lives to divide, steal, kill and destroy, we must ALWAYS fight for EVERYTHING.

In fact, to have ANYTHING good, EVEN FREE things such as the Love of God, I MUST FIGHT to receive it and fight to keep it because Satan opposes me and raises all kinds of Hell to get between me and good.

That is why it is written, “The Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force.” -Matthew 11:12

Have I then made grace works? Certainly not!

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9

Faith is the key but even belief does not come without opposition.

“Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.”
Luke 8:12

In short, a reality of this life is that I MUST ALWAYS FIGHT.

That is one of the things that makes the promise of heaven so sweet. There will be no enemy and I will have to war no more.

But until then, I MUST FIGHT for all the good God offers.

And this is the fight, to stand in the light, to keep all that I am and bring all that I have into the light where darkness cannot dwell. Jesus is the Light. (John 8:12)

“Jesus answered, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.'”
John 6:28-29

Plot twist:

God allows Satan’s interference.

Why?

There are reasons unknown to me but I believe two are:

1. It makes me stronger and molds me to the image of His Son, Jesus.

2. We’re not as quick to hand over what we’ve fought for unlike what Adam did with a kingdom that was just given.

God uses the fight to perfect us to rule with Him.

Therefore, I will FIGHT with joy!

Originally posted by Paul Luckett to Facebook here.

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52 Weeks of Gratefulness #20 – John “J” Jefferson

Paul Luckett | Brainflurry.com 52 Weeks of Gratefulness #20 – John "J" Jefferson
Paul Luckett | Brainflurry.com 52 Weeks of Gratefulness #20 – John "J" Jefferson

In Week 20 of 52 Weeks of Gratefulness, I give thanks for John Jefferson aka “J”.

Ok. I’m breaking rules by taking pictures of people in the gym but this is for a good cause and I wanted you to see him in the context where I usually encounter him.

My wife sent me this little quip a couple of weeks ago about how we can either be thermometers or thermostats. We can either take on the temperature of the room (thermometer) or we can change the climate of the room (thermostat). “J” is definitely a thermostat.

Years ago, I’m in the gym and this dude walks up to me out of the blue with one of his fists extended and simply says, “You aight, bro?” We bump fists, exchange greetings and then get on with the next set. That simple exchange changed the entire atmosphere of the gym. He didn’t just do that with me, he does it with everybody. And now, all the guys greet each other. We’ve become more mindful of each other, more courteous about how we use stations and put up equipment. We spot each other and encourage each other. I have made real friends like Daniel Russell all because one guy was intentional and consistent about saying, “Hi” which encouraged me to follow suit.

But, there’s even more about “J” that I’m thankful for beyond this powerful act of leadership. J’s entire attitude is culture shifting. You’ll often find him in the gym early, at 5 AM, fully alive. He’s going all out, often looking like Bane using some apparatus of tortue (elevation training mask, vertical jump training belt, weight vest, etc.), all while singing or dancing or both! He exudes joy.

I’ve had the privilege of getting to know him a little and I know he’s faced some serious and difficult challenges in the last couple of years. But, it appears he takes the same approach to that as he does his workouts, even in the midst of adversity he seems determined to enjoy every minute of life and to take others with him.

He’s also a soldier, serving our country at the highest level (to put one’s life on the line). I see him leading in so many ways that I want to follow. He inspires me to step out of my comfort zone and to live with joy for the benefit of others.

I’m grateful. #52WoG

Originally posted by Paul Luckett to Facebook here.

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