There always seems to be a million things going on in our lives. We are always being pulled in so many directions with so many distractions. It simply becomes hard to maintain focus. And worse yet, when we feel the call to take a step of action or step of faith, it seems that all logic and reason comes against our plan. Take a look at Ecclesiastes 11:4: He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap. The Bible spends a lot of time discussing the idea of sowing and reaping. You definitely do not need to be a farmer to understand the analogy and the foundational truth that if you never plant anything, you will never receive anything. With that in mind, I think this verse speaks to the idea that there will always be an excuse of “why not” to …
Tag: Purpose
I recently saw this tweet by Dominic Russo: “The next generation of Christian leaders are largely invisible right now. They are being prepared in ‘caves’ and ‘dungeons’ like David and Joseph.” There is so much good truth in that statement; And not just pertaining to our future Christian leaders. I believe there is something even deeper to this statement. It seems to me that the large majority of “influencers” for the kingdom experienced some type of desert experience. Even Jesus himself spent 40 days in obscurity and solitude in the desert before His mission was activated. But even beyond that, there are countless others that had to develop their calling in what many would call less than ideal circumstances. David was told he would be king…but then he spent many years hiding in caves. Joseph saw his future, but was then forced into slavery and even prison. If you know …
There is something impressive about big buildings. The great feat of architecture and the amazing end result. It is fun to watch from the beginning when it is just bare dirt and then bit by bit, piece by piece, a great structure is formed. And then, to think about all the various jobs that are involved in making it all happen. Each person has their own task. Their craft or talent. Each one is needed to make the final product. There are some jobs in the process of constructing a building that I personally would rather not participate in. Some of those jobs are just downright hard. Only through sweat, blood and pain are some tasks completed. And then there are others that can’t be fun. Like plumbing for example – I am SO thankful for plumbers…but personally, I don’t know that I can stomach the smell. But each one …
Decisions points are an interesting time in life. We are constantly faced with them. Small decisions, large decisions. Some just impact our day, and others might impact our life as a whole. There are times when the right answer is directly in front of us…but there are also those times when it seems to be just out of reach. No matter the size or weight of the decision, the Word is very clear on the right process for decision making: Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. (Psalm 37:4, 5 NKJV) The promise: He will give you the desires of your heart. The preface: Delight yourself in Him, trust Him, commit your way to Him. I am not going to spend too much space …
One thing I have really enjoyed in my career is interviewing people. I really enjoy sitting down, asking questions and digging into their resume. What always amazes me, is the extent that people will go to to really make themselves sound perfect. Always trying to brush over any sign of weakness. But how quickly that changes when it comes to something God calls us to do. We pull out our weaknesses, our excuses and the “why we are not the right ones” or “why now is not the right time”. We are SO fast on whipping out that list of “why-nots”. Just look at some of the great men of the Old Testament, starting with Moses in Exodus 4:10: Then Moses said to the Lord, “O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” And then …
Seeing that the Olympics just finished, I think it is fitting to share this great video I saw awhile back from Francis Chan: Have you ever found yourself clinging to the balance beam of life? Holding on tight…just waiting for things to stabilize? Have you ever caught yourself getting too comfortable…almost to the point where you become complacent in your journey? I know I am guilty of that! I know there have been times where I would rather close my eyes and hold on – just let me know when the shaking is over. However, with that said, I know that is NOT who I want to be. It is NOT who God created you to be. God calls us to live a challenging, exciting, adventure of a life. The adventure is here, now! Why are we so scared to step out and try something new for Him? Isaiah 43: …
I have been thinking about seeds a lot lately. All kinds of seed. Seed to produce crops, babies – you name it – seed. I know that might sound odd, but truly, they are amazing things. The fact that something could grow from seed form just takes my breath away. In John 12:24, we see Jesus speak to the amazingness of seeds. I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains [just one grain; it never becomes more but lives] by itself alone. But if it dies, it produces many others and yields a rich harvest. (John 12:24 AMP) Jesus had a way of making it simple. But did you catch it? Don’t read it too fast. Read it again. If a grain does not die, it will not produce a harvest. That marvels me a bit. It seems contradictory …
This week I had the opportunity to go to enjoy a concert from Raul Midon. This was my first time seeing him, and I must say, he is very impressive. If you have an opportunity to see him, I would recommend it. One thing really stuck out to me, specifically his lyrics to his song “Everybody”. Here are just a few lines: Everybody is free to make a difference Everybody can be somebody Everybody is free to make a difference in this world. You don’t have to be a big celebrity To feel the power, the power in your soul …To realize that in your eyes there’s a view that only you can see There was something so powerful in those words when he sang that song. Something so simple, yet so profound. Sometimes we let our challenges hold us back. We let our “disabilities” hinder our progress. But yet …
I love the Olympics. There is something fun and exciting about them. The competition, the drive, the determination of all the athletes representing their country is something to be admired. The other night we joined the world in watching the opening ceremonies that kicked everything off. I always enjoy the creative ways the host country uses to show what they are all about. Icons and figure heads always come forward; and this year was no different. From James Bond to Sir Paul McCartney and Mr. Bean to The Queen herself (parachuting out of a helicopter mind you) – everyone played their part. On the main field there were hundreds (if not thousands) of volunteers who also wanted to take part in this momental occasion. Without each and everyone of those volunteers – it just would not look the same. The big vision that the creator had for this particular production …
For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them. Psalm 139:13-16 For me, these verses have defined my life. These words are my safe place; where I return when I need to be refreshed. Let’s be honest, this was a very hard concept for me to grasp in my early days as a follower of Jesus…that He saw my unformed being. That He intricately and meticulously formed every part and laid out in advance of me setting one foot on this earth, a …
