What get's you out of bed in the morning? Today, what made you to pull back the covers and plant your feet on the floor?
Maybe, it's your little ones that come running into your room looking for breakfast. How about the dog? She sits whining at the bottom of the stairs wanting to be let out to do her thing? Maybe, it's your boss that wants you at work by a certain time.
There are many reasons we get out of bed in the morning.
What if it was your personal mission that got you out of bed every morning?
If there is one thing that I have been learning about myself these days, it's that if I am not clear on my mission in life, then I am not fulfilling my purpose in life . See, we are not here on this earth to just collect stuff, make money and retire at 65. God has placed a greater mission within each and everyone of us.
When you discover your personal mission, it doesn't need to kick you out of bed in the morning, it stands beside the bed whispering, "let's go make a difference".
Just Sayin
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Christian Faith Disciplines
When you step back from the Christian faith and get some distance, you will notice that there are two important elements of the CF. One, is faith in Jesus Christ. It all starts with Jesus. If we are to have a right relationship with God it must start with him. His death and resurrection was his way of showing us the path to God.
As you take another step back, you will notice a second element to the CF. It would be the Christian Faith Disciplines!
There are these disciplines that we put in place as training tools to assist in the work of God in our lives. To be real clear, disciplines are not about us trying harder to change. They are the practices that God uses in the transformation of our lives.
Let me give an example: You don't like your boss (hypothetical of course). When you see your boss, you have some very strong thoughts and feelings about him or her. Now, the discipline to transform your thoughts is what would be the discipline of memorization of bible verses. Committing verses to memory. This helps in that moment when the negative thought enters your mind, you very quickly replace that thought with the verses that you have been memorizing. It's a training tool for those moments.
If that doesn't work for you, think about an athlete that trains over and over. They train their bodies to do something, so that in game situations, it becomes automatic for them to respond. Very little thought would go into that response. Why? Because they have trained.
Now, back to Christian Faith Disciplines. I believer there is a discipline that needs more air time. You might have heard a preacher talk about the discipline of bible reading, prayer or even giving. But, when was the last time you heard a message on the CFD of fitness? Yes fitness!!!
I am going to go to go public with this - Fitness is the missing discipline for many people who are seeking to follow Jesus.
The Apostle Paul is very clear about this. He tells us that we are to "honor God with our bodies." 1 Corinthians 6:20
When you honor someone, you give them your best. You give them a medal or an award that shows how much you honor them. You are not going to honor them with a dollar store ribbon or a plaque that was stored away in a box.
If I am to honor God with my body, then I better make sure it's in the best condition possible. I want to present it to him in a way that shows Him that I have taken care of it, not abused it or even mis-handled it. Imagine what it would be like to say to God everyday: I honor you God with my body and it's healthy and strong. Important to notice - I am not talking about being skinny or thin. I am not even talking about looking like the front cover of the underwear package :)
Not only do I believe that the bible supports this discipline, but I have experienced this in my own life. A few years ago I began the journey of taking care of my body. I started to exercise and eat healthier (cut back chip intake). I was surprised by how it transformed my life with God. There was a connection I did not see coming. It unlocked an area of my life that created a freshness in my ability to follow God.
I was taught growing up that reading my bible, prayer and church participation are important disciplines, and they are. But never did I hear anyone talk about fitness as a discipline.
This is a new year. I hope that you will move towards taking care of your body. Remember, your body is a gift from God. Will you honor him with the body he has given you?
Maybe this discipline is the one that is missing in your life?
Thursday, February 2, 2012
The Author
Most of us have read a book or two in life (not counting little kid books). Every book we read has a plot filled with suspense, tension, and even adventure. If it's a really good book, you can get swept away by the story line.
Recently, I read a book that I could not put down. When I did put it down, I couldn't wait for the next time I could pick it up again to find out what was going to happen next. My wife was the one that picked the book for me, so I kept telling her that she picked a great one. I read the thing in just over a day. You might laugh, but for me, this was a big deal.
It got me thinking...
This is an obvious statement to make, but I am going to make it anyway. Behind every book is an author. I know... profound. There was an author that imagined the entire story. The author is the one that determines what the tension will be. The author is the one that develops character. The author is the one that will even decide what the ending will be.
So I guess you could say that every story has an author.
It's interesting, when you step back and look at life, your life story is being written by an author. It's true! For some, the author is all the voices in your head from the past. For others, the author is addiction and abuse. The author could be regret of past choices. A big author, that is hard to admit to, is worry, and in many of us this author is writing sequels.
I guess if I were to try to help us all to think about the author of our story, I would challenge you to not allow those authors anywhere near the pages of yours. Yes, they are part of your story, but they don't need to write the book.
One day, Jesus had these very pointed words: He told the listeners to seek first the kingdom of God. I think what he was trying to help them -and us- understand, is that we need to allow God to be the author of our lives. Let Him tell the story.
I think He is a better author!
Just Sayin
Recently, I read a book that I could not put down. When I did put it down, I couldn't wait for the next time I could pick it up again to find out what was going to happen next. My wife was the one that picked the book for me, so I kept telling her that she picked a great one. I read the thing in just over a day. You might laugh, but for me, this was a big deal.
It got me thinking...
This is an obvious statement to make, but I am going to make it anyway. Behind every book is an author. I know... profound. There was an author that imagined the entire story. The author is the one that determines what the tension will be. The author is the one that develops character. The author is the one that will even decide what the ending will be.
So I guess you could say that every story has an author.
It's interesting, when you step back and look at life, your life story is being written by an author. It's true! For some, the author is all the voices in your head from the past. For others, the author is addiction and abuse. The author could be regret of past choices. A big author, that is hard to admit to, is worry, and in many of us this author is writing sequels.
I guess if I were to try to help us all to think about the author of our story, I would challenge you to not allow those authors anywhere near the pages of yours. Yes, they are part of your story, but they don't need to write the book.
One day, Jesus had these very pointed words: He told the listeners to seek first the kingdom of God. I think what he was trying to help them -and us- understand, is that we need to allow God to be the author of our lives. Let Him tell the story.
I think He is a better author!
Just Sayin
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Heineken
Not too long ago, I was helping out a friend by speaking at his church. He was on a family vacation, and needed someone to fill-in while he was away. I was pretty excited about the opportunity to kick off the Christmas series called, "Be Present". I developed the whole message around this idea: "Have you ever been there, but not really there?" ( I talked about this in one of the other blog entries). I really wanted people to think about how easy it would be to let Christmas go by and miss the depth of its meaning.
The morning arrived. I was so excited to share what I had prepared. I was driving along one of the main roads in my city, and I noticed a billboard. I almost missed it, but caught it just as I was passing it. It said, with big bold letters, "What impression are you leaving?".
Have you ever had one of those moments when you know this particular thing is just for you?
I felt that way when I read the billboard!
See, we are all leaving an impression of some sort. We are all telling a story with our lives. Some of us are leaving an impression of worry, others stress. For some, it's the impression of having it all together. For some it's anger, regret, or an unforgiving heart. All of us are leaving an impression with our lives.
As you think about the day ahead of you, or, as you look back, what impression did you leave? If the people around you could tell you the imprint you left on them, what would they say?
It took a Heineken billboard to remind me that we are leaving an impression with our lives. I don't know about you, but I want to leave an impression of kindness, love, acceptance and grace.
Just Sayin!
The morning arrived. I was so excited to share what I had prepared. I was driving along one of the main roads in my city, and I noticed a billboard. I almost missed it, but caught it just as I was passing it. It said, with big bold letters, "What impression are you leaving?".
Have you ever had one of those moments when you know this particular thing is just for you?
I felt that way when I read the billboard!
See, we are all leaving an impression of some sort. We are all telling a story with our lives. Some of us are leaving an impression of worry, others stress. For some, it's the impression of having it all together. For some it's anger, regret, or an unforgiving heart. All of us are leaving an impression with our lives.
As you think about the day ahead of you, or, as you look back, what impression did you leave? If the people around you could tell you the imprint you left on them, what would they say?
It took a Heineken billboard to remind me that we are leaving an impression with our lives. I don't know about you, but I want to leave an impression of kindness, love, acceptance and grace.
Just Sayin!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Camp Fire
I don't know about you, but I love a camp fire setting. There is something about sitting around a fire with friends that is just so peaceful. The smell of the wood, the flames jumping into the air... it's such a great moment.
Last week, my wife and I were invited to a friends house for a campfire. The evening was filled with great laughs, stories, and big questions.
One of the guys in the group, whom I had just met, turned to me at about 12am and said, "So, you are a man of God... tell me what the key to life is". Something you should know about me is that I don't focus well after 10pm (I have been given the label "party pooper" by many). At this moment, I am looking around the campfire to see who he is talking to. Man of God? Somebody else must have just showed up.
WOW! What a question for any time of the day. What is the key to life?
I dogged the question by asking a question about himself, but he was on to me. He picked up that I was trying to buy time to think about a response.
I looked at him and I said...
"The key to life is to figure out how to love God with everything you have and to love others!"
I don't know what you think the key to life is, and I don't know how you would have answered that question, but I believe with everything in my being that life is about seeking God and loving him with all that I have. One day, Jesus told some people that we are to love God with our heart, soul, mind and strength. The way I see it, that covers every area of life.
You can pursue a lot of things in life, like happiness, money, stuff, popularity, education, family... and there is nothing wrong with those things. That is, unless they get in the way of loving God with your whole life.
When you think about the key to life, I hope you will give consideration to loving God with your whole life.
When we live this way, we begin to discover the key to life.
Just Sayin!
Last week, my wife and I were invited to a friends house for a campfire. The evening was filled with great laughs, stories, and big questions.
One of the guys in the group, whom I had just met, turned to me at about 12am and said, "So, you are a man of God... tell me what the key to life is". Something you should know about me is that I don't focus well after 10pm (I have been given the label "party pooper" by many). At this moment, I am looking around the campfire to see who he is talking to. Man of God? Somebody else must have just showed up.
WOW! What a question for any time of the day. What is the key to life?
I dogged the question by asking a question about himself, but he was on to me. He picked up that I was trying to buy time to think about a response.
I looked at him and I said...
"The key to life is to figure out how to love God with everything you have and to love others!"
I don't know what you think the key to life is, and I don't know how you would have answered that question, but I believe with everything in my being that life is about seeking God and loving him with all that I have. One day, Jesus told some people that we are to love God with our heart, soul, mind and strength. The way I see it, that covers every area of life.
You can pursue a lot of things in life, like happiness, money, stuff, popularity, education, family... and there is nothing wrong with those things. That is, unless they get in the way of loving God with your whole life.
When you think about the key to life, I hope you will give consideration to loving God with your whole life.
When we live this way, we begin to discover the key to life.
Just Sayin!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
The ache
I use my blog to find everyday life happenings and connect them with God. If God is at work in my life and yours then it will be the everyday things that we experience Him in. This entry is a little different, it has a more personal feel to it as you are about to read (assuming you read beyond this opening) I post with some hesitation as well.
There has been something that has been aching inside of me now for some time. I could not put my finger on it but I think I am getting clarity.
My private ache is this: I have turned my walk with God into a profession. Because I work in a church I have seen how I have allowed my "public passion exceed my personal devotion to him" (I read that found myself identifying).
During an extended time away from work it became real clear to me that I was not loving God/Jesus with my whole heart, mind and strength. My job was getting in the way. Jesus tells us that we are to love him with our whole being and I was missing that.
Have I walked away from Jesus? Not at all but I know that I have allowed my walk with him to become professional. The intimacy of my walk with him was missing. My love for him had faded.
There is this funny movie that stars Will Smith and Kevin James. You might remember it - Hitch. It's a movie about this guy who has developed a business of hooking people up, essentially helping them find love. It's very funny if you have never seen it.
There is this scene where KJ character confronts WS character and he tells him he doesn't get love. WS character yells, "love is my life", KJ responds, "no love is your job." I was in a hotel room in Kentucky with my family when that scene unfolded and I thought this is me. My walk with God has become my job. (don't you hate it when movies reveal something about yourself)
You probably don't work in a church like I do but maybe you are a church going person, I want to ask. Have you allowed your walk with God to become routine or ritualistic? Is it so predictable that you are bored out of your mind?
Today maybe together we can find a new path that will have fresh new steps to it. Maybe today we can say no more ruts or routine. Maybe today it can become new and alive again.
It might just be me but I know I need to change something.
Just Sayin!
There has been something that has been aching inside of me now for some time. I could not put my finger on it but I think I am getting clarity.
My private ache is this: I have turned my walk with God into a profession. Because I work in a church I have seen how I have allowed my "public passion exceed my personal devotion to him" (I read that found myself identifying).
During an extended time away from work it became real clear to me that I was not loving God/Jesus with my whole heart, mind and strength. My job was getting in the way. Jesus tells us that we are to love him with our whole being and I was missing that.
Have I walked away from Jesus? Not at all but I know that I have allowed my walk with him to become professional. The intimacy of my walk with him was missing. My love for him had faded.
There is this funny movie that stars Will Smith and Kevin James. You might remember it - Hitch. It's a movie about this guy who has developed a business of hooking people up, essentially helping them find love. It's very funny if you have never seen it.
There is this scene where KJ character confronts WS character and he tells him he doesn't get love. WS character yells, "love is my life", KJ responds, "no love is your job." I was in a hotel room in Kentucky with my family when that scene unfolded and I thought this is me. My walk with God has become my job. (don't you hate it when movies reveal something about yourself)
You probably don't work in a church like I do but maybe you are a church going person, I want to ask. Have you allowed your walk with God to become routine or ritualistic? Is it so predictable that you are bored out of your mind?
Today maybe together we can find a new path that will have fresh new steps to it. Maybe today we can say no more ruts or routine. Maybe today it can become new and alive again.
It might just be me but I know I need to change something.
Just Sayin!
Monday, March 21, 2011
HMMMM…
Every once in a while you might find yourself in a conversation that makes you go…hmmm!
It was in a coffee shop around the corner from my office (I like to meet people over coffee. It’s not an addiction but an appreciation). The guy I was meeting with told me the reason why he left his secure, good-paying job to start his own business.
He said, “I found myself thinking and dreaming about retirement, hanging on for 20 more years so I can get full pension.” It hit him that this is not what he wanted from life; he wanted to live his dreams now. So he quit his job and started his business. He said, “I have not regretted one minute of it. I am living the dream”.
He took a tough business call when we were meeting and I asked, “Still living the dream?” He responded, “Yes, even with this stuff.”
The twinge of “hmmm…” hit me. A few weeks ago I met with my financial guy to see if I could ever actually retire at all. I figured I would need to work until I am 120 years old. He told me I will be fine and I will be able to retire about 65. I found myself dreaming after I met with him. I only have 24 more years and I can stop working.
Today I went “hmmm…”
What am I doing that I love? What I am doing today to fulfill that God-sized dream that is screaming to get out of me? I literally thought, “Stop living for the future and start living now”.
Let me ask. Are you living for that retirement number or are you living in the now?
The way I look at it, God has placed great dreams inside all of us and we need to discover what they are. It might not be quitting your job but it might be as simple as take a risk, step out of your comfortable and see what happens.
Just sayin!
It was in a coffee shop around the corner from my office (I like to meet people over coffee. It’s not an addiction but an appreciation). The guy I was meeting with told me the reason why he left his secure, good-paying job to start his own business.
He said, “I found myself thinking and dreaming about retirement, hanging on for 20 more years so I can get full pension.” It hit him that this is not what he wanted from life; he wanted to live his dreams now. So he quit his job and started his business. He said, “I have not regretted one minute of it. I am living the dream”.
He took a tough business call when we were meeting and I asked, “Still living the dream?” He responded, “Yes, even with this stuff.”
The twinge of “hmmm…” hit me. A few weeks ago I met with my financial guy to see if I could ever actually retire at all. I figured I would need to work until I am 120 years old. He told me I will be fine and I will be able to retire about 65. I found myself dreaming after I met with him. I only have 24 more years and I can stop working.
Today I went “hmmm…”
What am I doing that I love? What I am doing today to fulfill that God-sized dream that is screaming to get out of me? I literally thought, “Stop living for the future and start living now”.
Let me ask. Are you living for that retirement number or are you living in the now?
The way I look at it, God has placed great dreams inside all of us and we need to discover what they are. It might not be quitting your job but it might be as simple as take a risk, step out of your comfortable and see what happens.
Just sayin!
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