This past week I have had the fortune to train under Bobby Soules. For those who don’t know Mr. Soules has a bit of a legacy. Here is an excerpt from the book eLeadership. "Bobby Soules is a hero at SBC. Fellow managers flock to see what he does. His employees love him. His supervisors extol his virtues." Not a bad way to start a chapter of a book. From day one I could see that Bobby Soules had something behind him. So I payed extra close attention and I’m thankful I did. Bobby was a difference maker and he started to make a difference when he walked in the room. He wasted no time either and let us know we needed to start with ourselves.
Change your thoughts.
Probably the most common excuse is people think they can’t make a difference. Well there is one important thing to remember about that. If you think you can, your right. If you think you can’t your right. You see everything you do starts with your thoughts. It’s quite a simple chain of events.
Though creates action.
Action creates habit.
Habit creates lifestyle.
Lifestyle creates character.
If you don’t believe that your thought life is that important check out what the Bible has to say about it.
For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly - Mark 7:21-22
Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death - James 1:14-15
Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature - Romans 13:14
Change Your Actions.
Another common excuse I hear when it comes to people not stepping out to make a difference is they say they don’t have the skill. Well the truth is most people don’t have the skill. However that is ok. When it comes to making a difference what you need to personally possess is about 30% skill, and 70% attitude. Think about Moses. He didn’t possess the skill that where needed to free his people from Egypt. He was a studdering, murderer who was confused about his heritage. What he had was the right attitude. So let’s look how you can change your attitude.
1.No Whinning – Be Grateful
Do all that you do cheerfully as unto the Lord and not unto men. - Colossians 3:23
2.No Frowning – Smile More
I will leave off my sad countenance and be cheerful – Job 9:27
3.No Grumbling – Have peace
Do everything without complaining or arguing – Philippians 2:14
4.Don’t show anger – Show joy
Better a patient man than a warrior; a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city – Proverbs 16:32
5.Don’t be disrespectful – Show reverence
Honor one another above yourselves - Romans 12:10
6.Don’t be selfish – Give willingly
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. - Philippians 2:3-4
7.Don’t be stubborn – Ask for forgiveness
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:8-9
Take Ownership
So if God has a plan for us, if we submit to that plan there is something very important to remember. If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me. Take one of Jesus’s parables found in Matthew 25:14-30. Here is a story of a ruler who when out of the land and left his servants with money. In the scripture the money was called talents which is more than a thousand dollars. Two servants took what they where given and made the best they could out of it. They increased the money they where given. They took action, took ownership and made a profit. One big one small but both where told "Well done good and faithful servants." The other servent took the money and hid it in the ground and did nothing with it. He was scared because it wasn’t his money. He didn’t take ownership and his thoughts and actions deceived him because he was stripped of the money given him and it was given to the other servants.
There is a serious lesson to be learned here. First off, if you want better things in life. Make better choices. It’s really clear that the wise choices lead to a measure of success and that those where both well rewarded. Also take care of your talents if you don’t it will be given to someone else. God has a goal for you and he has given you the talents to do it. If you don’t then someone else will be reaching your goals. It really comes down to taking ownership for your life and making better choices for it. You can’t do the same things over and over and expect different results.
But don’t worry. You don’t have to do this by yourselves. You have help, you have been given strength and the tools you need to make these changes.
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
- Isaiah 41:10
Lets face it without this help we are useless to try to change ourselves.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! - 2 Corinthians 5:17
So today I will pray that each of you have the strength to renew yourselves in Christ. As always if anyone has prayer request or need help, please contact me.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
I’ve Enlisted
No I didn't join the U.S. Army. I'm not going to Iraq, and this is not a blog about political view points. It's about being a part of God's Army.
Some might think that some of my past blogs about being obedient, running the race, and everything might mean that we just do what is obedient and God will guide us. Well it's not that simple and freeflowing. God has called us to action. He has called us to plans. He has called us to stand in the gap for friends and family. Jesus didn't just walk around hanging out all hippie like he got in there and got involved. He was on the frontlines. Let's look at a few scriptures.
The Army Has A Plan.
In life you need to have a mission statement. You need to have a plan. Submit the plan to God and obey him and he will bless your steps. We all have dreams and things we want to do but what are your marching orders? What is the desire that God has placed in your heart? What is your plan do follow that desire? A dream or desire without a plan dies and becomes a wish.
Habakkuk 2:2
Then the LORD answered me and said,
"Record the vision
And inscribe it on tablets,
That the one who reads it may run.
The Army Has Armor.
Seriously would it be just a nice stroll through life if we are to wear armor? I don't know about you but when I go for a walk I don't put on armor and carry a weapon. I surely would if I was going to battle. So if your going to put on the armor why are you just going to sit on the sidelines? You are called into action!
Ephesians 6:13-15
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
The Army Knows It's Enemy.
So if we are an army who are we fighting? The army has a whole intelligence section. Billions of dollars are devoted to things like sonar, spy satellites and tools for gathering enemy intelligence. How lucky we are that our commanding officer is all knowing and has already told us everything we need to know about the enemy. Be aware right now the enemy is plotting against you. He wants your daughter, your son, your wife, your parents, your friends. He also wants you so he can get to them through you. His weapons are lies, and temptations. Defend yourself and and defend others.
1 Peter 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
The Army Has The Power.
We are lucky to live in a country that has one of the most powerful Army's in the world. Just watch an episode of future weapons and you'll realize that our destructive force is incredible. However as an Army of God we are much more powerful. The power of the creator, God Almighty, resides in us. If we are faithful to God, he promises us his mercy, grace and power. Faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains.
1 Samuel 17:33-37
Then Saul said to David, "You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a youth while he has been a warrior from his youth."
But David said to Saul, "Your servant was tending his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock,
I went out after him and attacked him, and rescued it from his mouth; and when he rose up against me, I seized him by his beard and struck him and killed him.
"Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he has taunted the armies of the living God."
And David said, "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine " And Saul said to David, "Go, and may the LORD be with you."
The Army Suffers Hardship.
This is no easy task to be in the Army of God. It's not a walk through the park it is getting involved in life. Soldiers dig the trenches and fight in them for days on end. They do with out the luxuries that the citizens take for granted. The get wounded, and get back up again. They are not concerned with the trivial things that you and I get bound to. The what do I wear today, do I eat at Outback or Saltgrass tonight, what does my car say about me things in life are meaningless.
2 Timothy 2:3-4
Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please his commanding officer.
The Army Has A Purpose.
Christianity is not a fraternity or sorority where you and your "brothers" wear your Greek letter crosses and act superior to other frats. You don't blacklist those who don't fit just right in your click, and you don't use the safety of Jesus to pull pranks. We are all called to be part of the body. Read 1 Corinthians Chapter 12. It will help you out. We each are different parts of the body, with different gifts. We are called to work together. Discover your gift and grow in your position. The army has ranks so if your a Sargent be the best Sargent you can be. If your a General be the best General you can be, but make sure you are reporting to God the Commander and Chief.
2 Corinthians 12:27-28
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues
So what kind of soldier are you? If you are a Christian whether you realize it or not you are in the Army. So what are you? An enthusiastic enlistee, a draftee, an accidental soldier, or a draft dodger?
If you've come across this blog and are not a Christian the enlistment lines are open. I am not talking about being a Rambo or a soldier of fortune. I am talking about being a well balanced man or woman of God working together, standing in the gap for each other. I have your back do you have mine? More importantly does God have your back or is the enemy on your six?
As always I am praying for your Victory as I hope you are praying for mine. As some of you know I'm a wounded soldier but I'm not going home yet. I have faith for my victory and at the end of the War I want to hear not just for myself but for each one of you. "Well done good and faithful soldier."
If you need anything. Questions, concerns, or you just need someone to talk and pray with please contact me.
Some might think that some of my past blogs about being obedient, running the race, and everything might mean that we just do what is obedient and God will guide us. Well it's not that simple and freeflowing. God has called us to action. He has called us to plans. He has called us to stand in the gap for friends and family. Jesus didn't just walk around hanging out all hippie like he got in there and got involved. He was on the frontlines. Let's look at a few scriptures.
The Army Has A Plan.
In life you need to have a mission statement. You need to have a plan. Submit the plan to God and obey him and he will bless your steps. We all have dreams and things we want to do but what are your marching orders? What is the desire that God has placed in your heart? What is your plan do follow that desire? A dream or desire without a plan dies and becomes a wish.
Habakkuk 2:2
Then the LORD answered me and said,
"Record the vision
And inscribe it on tablets,
That the one who reads it may run.
The Army Has Armor.
Seriously would it be just a nice stroll through life if we are to wear armor? I don't know about you but when I go for a walk I don't put on armor and carry a weapon. I surely would if I was going to battle. So if your going to put on the armor why are you just going to sit on the sidelines? You are called into action!
Ephesians 6:13-15
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
The Army Knows It's Enemy.
So if we are an army who are we fighting? The army has a whole intelligence section. Billions of dollars are devoted to things like sonar, spy satellites and tools for gathering enemy intelligence. How lucky we are that our commanding officer is all knowing and has already told us everything we need to know about the enemy. Be aware right now the enemy is plotting against you. He wants your daughter, your son, your wife, your parents, your friends. He also wants you so he can get to them through you. His weapons are lies, and temptations. Defend yourself and and defend others.
1 Peter 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
The Army Has The Power.
We are lucky to live in a country that has one of the most powerful Army's in the world. Just watch an episode of future weapons and you'll realize that our destructive force is incredible. However as an Army of God we are much more powerful. The power of the creator, God Almighty, resides in us. If we are faithful to God, he promises us his mercy, grace and power. Faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains.
1 Samuel 17:33-37
Then Saul said to David, "You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a youth while he has been a warrior from his youth."
But David said to Saul, "Your servant was tending his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock,
I went out after him and attacked him, and rescued it from his mouth; and when he rose up against me, I seized him by his beard and struck him and killed him.
"Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he has taunted the armies of the living God."
And David said, "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine " And Saul said to David, "Go, and may the LORD be with you."
The Army Suffers Hardship.
This is no easy task to be in the Army of God. It's not a walk through the park it is getting involved in life. Soldiers dig the trenches and fight in them for days on end. They do with out the luxuries that the citizens take for granted. The get wounded, and get back up again. They are not concerned with the trivial things that you and I get bound to. The what do I wear today, do I eat at Outback or Saltgrass tonight, what does my car say about me things in life are meaningless.
2 Timothy 2:3-4
Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please his commanding officer.
The Army Has A Purpose.
Christianity is not a fraternity or sorority where you and your "brothers" wear your Greek letter crosses and act superior to other frats. You don't blacklist those who don't fit just right in your click, and you don't use the safety of Jesus to pull pranks. We are all called to be part of the body. Read 1 Corinthians Chapter 12. It will help you out. We each are different parts of the body, with different gifts. We are called to work together. Discover your gift and grow in your position. The army has ranks so if your a Sargent be the best Sargent you can be. If your a General be the best General you can be, but make sure you are reporting to God the Commander and Chief.
2 Corinthians 12:27-28
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues
So what kind of soldier are you? If you are a Christian whether you realize it or not you are in the Army. So what are you? An enthusiastic enlistee, a draftee, an accidental soldier, or a draft dodger?
If you've come across this blog and are not a Christian the enlistment lines are open. I am not talking about being a Rambo or a soldier of fortune. I am talking about being a well balanced man or woman of God working together, standing in the gap for each other. I have your back do you have mine? More importantly does God have your back or is the enemy on your six?
As always I am praying for your Victory as I hope you are praying for mine. As some of you know I'm a wounded soldier but I'm not going home yet. I have faith for my victory and at the end of the War I want to hear not just for myself but for each one of you. "Well done good and faithful soldier."
If you need anything. Questions, concerns, or you just need someone to talk and pray with please contact me.
300? No Way Check Out 600.
So how big is your problem? Is it so big that you and 300 of your friends have to go marching off to face a thousand nation army who's archers can blot out the sun? You know that's a great story, but it has a problem... They all die. Instead lets look at someone who knows a few things about properly fighting battles.
David, as we all know killed one of the biggest men in history, Goliath. Now lets put things in perspective. David was a teenager, a shepherd boy, who killed a 9ft. 7in. head warrior of one of the most feared army's in the world at that time. David knew a few things about keeping things in perspective. Goliath was big, but God was bigger.
However, we all know about David and Goliath. So lets talk about David and his 600 men. Saul was still on the thrown and had gone mad because David was suppose to be the next King. So David and his army of 600 men became a group of bandits who took care of Israels neighboring enemies on their own. In 1st. Samuel Chapter 30 David comes home to find that the Amalekites had sacked their camp and taken everything. Their families, posessions, I mean everything. After David hand his 600 men cried until they could cry no more, God told them to go after the Amalekites.
Two things here. First, it is ok to cry. God mourns with you, but don't let that be your focus. David immediately from crying to praying. He didn't wallow and loose perspective. He knew God was bigger than his problem.
Second, David was a warrior, he played the guitar, and was not afraid of a good cry. HELLO guys reading this. Do you have any question why the girls where really into David?
The end of this story is much better. David's men went to the Amalekites capital where they fought the whole nation and won. They got everything back. Every person, every possession that was stolen was returned. They lost no one and wiped out a threating nation to Davids future thrown.
I know there are several of my friends who are going through similar things that I am. I know that everyone on here is going through problems of their own. I want to offer you encouragement today, that you are going through it. It's going to change. The Bible said though I walk THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death. Don't make camp there. Don't stay, but walk through it. To do that you have to keep the right perspective.
Your problems are big but God is bigger. David knew this and it is why he was so victorious. So are you magnifying your problems to God? or are you magnifying God to your problems? It's hard trust me I know. God says no weapon formed against you will prosper. Your best days are not behind you but they are in front of you.
Praise God he is bigger, get your joy back in your life, get Gods fire back in your heart. He already said he has delivered you. He already promised you something better. Have faith because all things are possible through faith.
I believe for your victory today.
David, as we all know killed one of the biggest men in history, Goliath. Now lets put things in perspective. David was a teenager, a shepherd boy, who killed a 9ft. 7in. head warrior of one of the most feared army's in the world at that time. David knew a few things about keeping things in perspective. Goliath was big, but God was bigger.
However, we all know about David and Goliath. So lets talk about David and his 600 men. Saul was still on the thrown and had gone mad because David was suppose to be the next King. So David and his army of 600 men became a group of bandits who took care of Israels neighboring enemies on their own. In 1st. Samuel Chapter 30 David comes home to find that the Amalekites had sacked their camp and taken everything. Their families, posessions, I mean everything. After David hand his 600 men cried until they could cry no more, God told them to go after the Amalekites.
Two things here. First, it is ok to cry. God mourns with you, but don't let that be your focus. David immediately from crying to praying. He didn't wallow and loose perspective. He knew God was bigger than his problem.
Second, David was a warrior, he played the guitar, and was not afraid of a good cry. HELLO guys reading this. Do you have any question why the girls where really into David?
The end of this story is much better. David's men went to the Amalekites capital where they fought the whole nation and won. They got everything back. Every person, every possession that was stolen was returned. They lost no one and wiped out a threating nation to Davids future thrown.
I know there are several of my friends who are going through similar things that I am. I know that everyone on here is going through problems of their own. I want to offer you encouragement today, that you are going through it. It's going to change. The Bible said though I walk THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death. Don't make camp there. Don't stay, but walk through it. To do that you have to keep the right perspective.
Your problems are big but God is bigger. David knew this and it is why he was so victorious. So are you magnifying your problems to God? or are you magnifying God to your problems? It's hard trust me I know. God says no weapon formed against you will prosper. Your best days are not behind you but they are in front of you.
Praise God he is bigger, get your joy back in your life, get Gods fire back in your heart. He already said he has delivered you. He already promised you something better. Have faith because all things are possible through faith.
I believe for your victory today.
Are you ready to tap out?
That's right I'm talking about submission. You see in wrestling or other forms of fighting one opponent will put strain on the joints of the other opponent in order to get him to submit defeat. It is a very powerful and strategic tactic. In fact the biggest winner in the Ultimate Fighting Championship uses Brazilian Jujitsu which is noting but grappling for submission holds. So think about this what are you submitting to?
Life is a wrestling match. People don't do what they should. Circumstances are the worst. You have the world trying to put you in a arm bar and wrenching it as hard as it can. There is constantly something that can steal your joy and make you feel defeated. So are you submitting to life or are you submitting to God?
Think about it. Make your plans, and submit them to God. Say this is what I would like to accomplish today, but God I know your in control. Whatever comes today I will stay in peace knowing that you are directing my steps. Then when life comes against you you have already submitted. You have tagged your partner and he is in the ring for you.
Remember this, there are hundreds of places that the Scripture states that no one can steal your Joy if your a Christian. No one can force you to get upset, but how is this possible?
The first key is to take responsibility for your own happiness. There are excuses everywhere. I could be happy if my job didn't suck. I could be happy if this person did what they where suppose to. Well guess what you have the strength to handle it. God will never let you go through a situation that you cannot handle.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Next key. Learn you don't have to have your way to be happy. I mean seriously grow up. Your not three years old. Even my two year old can find something to make her happy even if she doesn't get her way.
1 Thessalonians 5:16 Be joyful always;
Paul never prayed to get people out of situations. He prayed that God would give them the strength to get through it with a good attitude.
Next key. Don't wait for other people to change. Change yourself. It's simple even businesses have this one down. It's called controlling the controllables. You can't control other people. Even God doesn't control other people. He gave us free will. You can't change people, you can encourage them. Some people don't want to be joyful or happy, they won't make the right choices so they just stay defeated. You have to be the one to bear the fruit. That's right Joy is a fruit of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Notice that Joy is right after love. If love is the greatest commandment, then joy would be the second. Are you starting to get the picture that it's important?
Let me give you a example. In my current situation there is something major coming up this week. I learned something major last week. There where things that where physically making me sick to my stomach. None of this is in my control. Instead of laying in bed, I got up and went to Church and had a great morning. I was lying here thinking and instead of feeding the situation with worry. I decided to type this message and I'm feeling joyus. You see I'm not in control but God is. I am going though the roughest point of my life but I can see where God is guiding me and I am right where I'm suppose to be. His miracles just keep coming. He has something better for me. So why have I gone on this long winded blog?
1 John 1:4
We write this to make our joy complete.
Each day is a gift from God. Make changes now before you waste years without joy and peace. Submit to God so that he is directing your steps so that you can live the life of victory that God has in store for you.
I make this a prayer for each one of you.
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Life is a wrestling match. People don't do what they should. Circumstances are the worst. You have the world trying to put you in a arm bar and wrenching it as hard as it can. There is constantly something that can steal your joy and make you feel defeated. So are you submitting to life or are you submitting to God?
Think about it. Make your plans, and submit them to God. Say this is what I would like to accomplish today, but God I know your in control. Whatever comes today I will stay in peace knowing that you are directing my steps. Then when life comes against you you have already submitted. You have tagged your partner and he is in the ring for you.
Remember this, there are hundreds of places that the Scripture states that no one can steal your Joy if your a Christian. No one can force you to get upset, but how is this possible?
The first key is to take responsibility for your own happiness. There are excuses everywhere. I could be happy if my job didn't suck. I could be happy if this person did what they where suppose to. Well guess what you have the strength to handle it. God will never let you go through a situation that you cannot handle.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Next key. Learn you don't have to have your way to be happy. I mean seriously grow up. Your not three years old. Even my two year old can find something to make her happy even if she doesn't get her way.
1 Thessalonians 5:16 Be joyful always;
Paul never prayed to get people out of situations. He prayed that God would give them the strength to get through it with a good attitude.
Next key. Don't wait for other people to change. Change yourself. It's simple even businesses have this one down. It's called controlling the controllables. You can't control other people. Even God doesn't control other people. He gave us free will. You can't change people, you can encourage them. Some people don't want to be joyful or happy, they won't make the right choices so they just stay defeated. You have to be the one to bear the fruit. That's right Joy is a fruit of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Notice that Joy is right after love. If love is the greatest commandment, then joy would be the second. Are you starting to get the picture that it's important?
Let me give you a example. In my current situation there is something major coming up this week. I learned something major last week. There where things that where physically making me sick to my stomach. None of this is in my control. Instead of laying in bed, I got up and went to Church and had a great morning. I was lying here thinking and instead of feeding the situation with worry. I decided to type this message and I'm feeling joyus. You see I'm not in control but God is. I am going though the roughest point of my life but I can see where God is guiding me and I am right where I'm suppose to be. His miracles just keep coming. He has something better for me. So why have I gone on this long winded blog?
1 John 1:4
We write this to make our joy complete.
Each day is a gift from God. Make changes now before you waste years without joy and peace. Submit to God so that he is directing your steps so that you can live the life of victory that God has in store for you.
I make this a prayer for each one of you.
Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Are you Excellent or Obedient?
What kind of question is that. Are you excellent or are you obedient? It's the question that tonight slapped me across the face in a realization that only comes with truth. It came from "Everyman's Battle," and I don't care if your a man or a woman I recommend this book. It is filled with vital information for anyone living in America today.
So as I was reeling from this sudden shock I wondered, shouldn't I be an excellent Christian? isn't that what I'm trying to do? The book also posed this question. Isn't excellence also perfection? Not always. Here is an example. Excellence in business terms means that your product or service is satisfactory to the consumer so that you appear to do a perfect job. I mean you can have a great laptop but it is going to have problems. It might be excellent but it's not perfect.
So what is wrong with excellence? I mean I'm human, I'm not perfect and I can't be. While this is true you also have to understand that excellence is a mixed standard, that changes and can be compromised. So what do you do then?
You strive to be obedient. That is a fixed target, a non-compromising goal that isn't mixed with your own compromises. I'll put it in the way that made since to me. When I was skeet shooting I shot 24 out of 25 targets out of the sky. That was excellent. However when I was at the shooting range firing at a non-moving target every single shot hit the target. They may not have all been bullseyes but they all hit the target.
So my prayer tonight is that I will be obedient. That is something that requires humility and meekness. Which to this worlds backwards thinking is a bad thing but let me back this up a bit.
Matthew 18:4
Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Ephesians 4:2
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Isaiah 1:19
If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land;
1 Peter 1:14
As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.
So as I was reeling from this sudden shock I wondered, shouldn't I be an excellent Christian? isn't that what I'm trying to do? The book also posed this question. Isn't excellence also perfection? Not always. Here is an example. Excellence in business terms means that your product or service is satisfactory to the consumer so that you appear to do a perfect job. I mean you can have a great laptop but it is going to have problems. It might be excellent but it's not perfect.
So what is wrong with excellence? I mean I'm human, I'm not perfect and I can't be. While this is true you also have to understand that excellence is a mixed standard, that changes and can be compromised. So what do you do then?
You strive to be obedient. That is a fixed target, a non-compromising goal that isn't mixed with your own compromises. I'll put it in the way that made since to me. When I was skeet shooting I shot 24 out of 25 targets out of the sky. That was excellent. However when I was at the shooting range firing at a non-moving target every single shot hit the target. They may not have all been bullseyes but they all hit the target.
So my prayer tonight is that I will be obedient. That is something that requires humility and meekness. Which to this worlds backwards thinking is a bad thing but let me back this up a bit.
Matthew 18:4
Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Ephesians 4:2
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Isaiah 1:19
If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land;
1 Peter 1:14
As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.
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