Sometimes things that don't really matter, matter too much. And there's things that really matter that don't matter to us.
So you're on your way with a friend or spouse to dinner, and the question comes up: "What do you want for dinner?" The typical answer is... "I don't know, it doesn't matter to me."
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Vision - Get Up and Go!
Sundays have been amazing! Our message series of GET UP has been one of my favorites of 2009. We've been looking at Saul (the apostle Paul) and the influences that changed in his life. Saul was once zealous to kill those of 'the Way' of Jesus Christ (Acts 1:2), but was enlighted by the truth of God's love and went from a "no way" to a champion of "the Way".
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Vision continued... Everything
John 4:38 NIV "I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor."
Jesus was speaking to His disciples and told them to look to the fields and see that they were white, ready for harvest. The essence of vision is to hope, believe, or have faith for something. We cherish the opportunity to reap a harvest, the rewards in life. We understand that desired results don't happen over-night, and that work is required; but are we willing to give it everything that we've got... EVERYTHING?
Jesus was speaking to His disciples and told them to look to the fields and see that they were white, ready for harvest. The essence of vision is to hope, believe, or have faith for something. We cherish the opportunity to reap a harvest, the rewards in life. We understand that desired results don't happen over-night, and that work is required; but are we willing to give it everything that we've got... EVERYTHING?
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Beyond Sight... Vision
Helen Keller was once asked; "What's worse than being blind?" Her response was; "Having sight but not having vision."
I don't know if I would call myself a "visionary", but I certainly do have floods of ideas, dreams and aspirations. At times it's really difficult to know what to do, when to do them and how to go about doing these things. Many of the thoughts that consume my heart come as I observe things around me; some inspire me, others dissastisfy me because I can see them as being so much more than what they currently are.
I don't know if I would call myself a "visionary", but I certainly do have floods of ideas, dreams and aspirations. At times it's really difficult to know what to do, when to do them and how to go about doing these things. Many of the thoughts that consume my heart come as I observe things around me; some inspire me, others dissastisfy me because I can see them as being so much more than what they currently are.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Why... not...How
This one word question is a powerful and important to discover the deeper meaning to situation or a circumstance. It it establishes reason, purpose and mission. As a kid, I wanted to know why I couldn't go outside, or have that piece of candy or have a friend come over. I also asked WHY I had to be the one to take out the trash, do my homework, brush my teeth, etc.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
TGIS - Thank God It's Sunday!
Sunday is my favorite day of the week... and it's not because of football!
I'm anxious to get back to Acts 9 and look at our GET UP series. Last week we looked at how the early church had a difficult time embracing the fact that Saul the 'slaughterer' (he got this name for killing so many Christians), could ever become a fully devoted, TRUE follower of Christ. In essence, they said... "Saul, NO WAY!"
I'm anxious to get back to Acts 9 and look at our GET UP series. Last week we looked at how the early church had a difficult time embracing the fact that Saul the 'slaughterer' (he got this name for killing so many Christians), could ever become a fully devoted, TRUE follower of Christ. In essence, they said... "Saul, NO WAY!"
The Greatest Thing!
What would it be like to be one of the greatest? Being a great fan of sports, athletes today are compared to "the greatest of all times": Muhamud Ali and boxing, Michael Jordan with basketball, Brett Farve in football, Tiger Woods and golf, Billy Graham and world evangelism...
The apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians give us another measure of greatness, one that we all can, or should, strive for in life. He starts it off by saying: "And now I will show you the most excellent way." (1 Cor. 12:31), and ends it all by saying: "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." (1 Cor. 13:13)
The apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians give us another measure of greatness, one that we all can, or should, strive for in life. He starts it off by saying: "And now I will show you the most excellent way." (1 Cor. 12:31), and ends it all by saying: "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." (1 Cor. 13:13)
Monday, October 12, 2009
The Spirit Behind Our Words
Ephesians 4:26, 27 NIV "In your anger do not sin". Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
Each Sunday my wife and I gather with other couples with the purpose of strengthening our marriage and building relationships with others (we call it our community). This portion of scripture sparked some great discussion related to how we honor our spouse, and for me, it really got me thinking about why is it so important to not just guard our words, but the spirit from which our words are spoken.
I remember growing up having my parents having some pretty good "fights", not physical by any means, but verbal. As a child it impacted me, feeling like things weren't stable in the home, afraid and uncertain. I really don't recall what words were spoken, but distinctly remember how the impression it left on me... it left me with a spirit of fear, lacking peace. Even when the yelling was over, the silence continued to scream out for days and even weeks.
Our words are a powerful force. They create or manifest something that I didn't realize till now, a certain spirit that affects the atmosphere, and ulitmately in the lives of those who hear it. It's one things to speak when your angry (which doesn't mean you have to yell), and it's another to speak with a spirit of anger, which typically wants to wound and rather than lead to healing.
I'm BIG on communication. Every week I speak to hundreds of people and try to communicate the turths of scripture in a simple and applicable way that allows people experience the power of God's Word in their life. My wife and I constantly work on our communication in our home, and try to communicate to/with our kids to bring training. What I really discovered tonight goes beyond what words we say to bring understanding, but the spirit with which my words are spoken with.
The words we use to speak are received by others in accordance to the spirit that's behind it. If my spirit is angry, or speak from a wounded spirit, my words are laced with that spirit and imparts the seeds of that spirit, stirring anger or wounding the other. Likewise, if my spirit is compassionate or desires to obtain a spirit of peace, even words of correction will produce compassion and peace.
If you read further in Ephesians it says: Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption (4:30). The Holy Spirit longs to edify and build up, that's the nature of the Holy Spirit. If I allow the my spirit to come in alignment with the Holy Spirit, my words (regardless of how difficult the converstation my be) will bring about desire of the Holy Spirit. I will eitehr give the Holy Spirit (and His fruit) a foothold or the devil (and his fruit)!
So whats the characteristics or fruit of the Spirit?
Ephesians 5:9 for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness and truth.
Galatians 5:22, 23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfullness, gentleness and self-control.
I Can't just choose my words carefully... I must carefully choose the spirit in which I speak my words! Is my spirit truthfull, desiring goodness, is it loving, am I patient, being kind and gentle, faith-filled and self-controlled?
Each Sunday my wife and I gather with other couples with the purpose of strengthening our marriage and building relationships with others (we call it our community). This portion of scripture sparked some great discussion related to how we honor our spouse, and for me, it really got me thinking about why is it so important to not just guard our words, but the spirit from which our words are spoken.
I remember growing up having my parents having some pretty good "fights", not physical by any means, but verbal. As a child it impacted me, feeling like things weren't stable in the home, afraid and uncertain. I really don't recall what words were spoken, but distinctly remember how the impression it left on me... it left me with a spirit of fear, lacking peace. Even when the yelling was over, the silence continued to scream out for days and even weeks.
Our words are a powerful force. They create or manifest something that I didn't realize till now, a certain spirit that affects the atmosphere, and ulitmately in the lives of those who hear it. It's one things to speak when your angry (which doesn't mean you have to yell), and it's another to speak with a spirit of anger, which typically wants to wound and rather than lead to healing.
I'm BIG on communication. Every week I speak to hundreds of people and try to communicate the turths of scripture in a simple and applicable way that allows people experience the power of God's Word in their life. My wife and I constantly work on our communication in our home, and try to communicate to/with our kids to bring training. What I really discovered tonight goes beyond what words we say to bring understanding, but the spirit with which my words are spoken with.
The words we use to speak are received by others in accordance to the spirit that's behind it. If my spirit is angry, or speak from a wounded spirit, my words are laced with that spirit and imparts the seeds of that spirit, stirring anger or wounding the other. Likewise, if my spirit is compassionate or desires to obtain a spirit of peace, even words of correction will produce compassion and peace.
If you read further in Ephesians it says: Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption (4:30). The Holy Spirit longs to edify and build up, that's the nature of the Holy Spirit. If I allow the my spirit to come in alignment with the Holy Spirit, my words (regardless of how difficult the converstation my be) will bring about desire of the Holy Spirit. I will eitehr give the Holy Spirit (and His fruit) a foothold or the devil (and his fruit)!
So whats the characteristics or fruit of the Spirit?
Ephesians 5:9 for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness and truth.
Galatians 5:22, 23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfullness, gentleness and self-control.
I Can't just choose my words carefully... I must carefully choose the spirit in which I speak my words! Is my spirit truthfull, desiring goodness, is it loving, am I patient, being kind and gentle, faith-filled and self-controlled?
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Selah - stop and ponder
I was reading Psalm 67, a short passage of scripture containing only 7 verses. Through out the Psalm you will find the word Selah at the end of certain passages. It's a word that gives instruction to 'stop and ponder' or meditate on. Twice in this short passage Selah appears:
vs 1 - May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, Selah
vs 4 - May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for You rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. Selah
These verses seem simple enough that to stop and meditate could seem to over complicate it. I believe that by taking the time to meditate on them, it actually makes it more overwhelming and huge. Here's some of my thoughts...
* God is God, and He doesn't have to bless us. It's not like we deserve it. He has already been gracious to me, and I don't really have too much to complain about. If I never recieved another 'blessing' from God, I wouldn't have any room to complain.
* I'm not entitled to God's blessing, so demanding Him to bless me would be arrogant and a slap to His face.
* Humility and gratitude is the attitude of heart that makes me want to bless my own kids. Am I humble and grateful?
* When was the last time I did truly ask God to bless me? I understand He has already done so much... is that wrong?
* God demonstrates over and over that He desires to bless me. Not because I deserve it, maybe because He simple wants to. My face shines because of HIm.
* Why does God bless me? Because I then can be a blessing to others. My face will then reflect His face, like the moon shines because of the reflection of the sun.
* Who benefits from God blessing me? Everyone... I am instantly. Others are eventually blessed through me, and ultimately God is blessed because it reflect and enhances who He is!
* Am I hindering, blocking or limiting the blessing of God in my life? Am I hindering others from being blessed? Through selfishness, ignorance, disobedience, etc?
* Do I have a desire and the ability to bless something as big as the nations? Is my vision too small?
What do you think... what do you Selah?
vs 1 - May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, Selah
vs 4 - May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for You rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. Selah
These verses seem simple enough that to stop and meditate could seem to over complicate it. I believe that by taking the time to meditate on them, it actually makes it more overwhelming and huge. Here's some of my thoughts...
* God is God, and He doesn't have to bless us. It's not like we deserve it. He has already been gracious to me, and I don't really have too much to complain about. If I never recieved another 'blessing' from God, I wouldn't have any room to complain.
* I'm not entitled to God's blessing, so demanding Him to bless me would be arrogant and a slap to His face.
* Humility and gratitude is the attitude of heart that makes me want to bless my own kids. Am I humble and grateful?
* When was the last time I did truly ask God to bless me? I understand He has already done so much... is that wrong?
* God demonstrates over and over that He desires to bless me. Not because I deserve it, maybe because He simple wants to. My face shines because of HIm.
* Why does God bless me? Because I then can be a blessing to others. My face will then reflect His face, like the moon shines because of the reflection of the sun.
* Who benefits from God blessing me? Everyone... I am instantly. Others are eventually blessed through me, and ultimately God is blessed because it reflect and enhances who He is!
* Am I hindering, blocking or limiting the blessing of God in my life? Am I hindering others from being blessed? Through selfishness, ignorance, disobedience, etc?
* Do I have a desire and the ability to bless something as big as the nations? Is my vision too small?
What do you think... what do you Selah?
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Today...
Today I have a something valuable and powerful... choices. The most powerful choice I have each day will need to be answered over and over again throughout my day. Not because it is never answered, but because it always requires an answer. That choice is my attitude.
Today my most difficult task was, and is, to monitor my attitude. Throughout the day, my attitude is challenged and put to the test. Sometimes I pass, and other times I fail.
I liken this to bull riding (not that I every have). I see the arena of the day that awaits me. I position myself in the gate: praying, thinking positive things, wanting the best, ready to ride the bull. My grip seems tight and secure. I nod my head to affirm that I am ready to swing this gate open and ride the full course of the day with victory in mind. The gate swings open the ride is underway!
Before I know it... the day jumps and shifts and throws me back and forth... I'M HANGING ON TIGHT!
Still more things unfold... the dirt gets in my eyes, my hat flies off and I begin to slip out of position... I'M OFF BALANCE.
I dig my spurs in and the bull response with more intensity, throwing me more violently than before... I CAN'T HOLD ON!
Before I know it I'm tossed to the ground thinking it's over, only to see this raging bull in the air with the horns come straight at me... I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO.
The weight of the bull lands right in my gut, and the pain is overwhelming... I'M IN PAIN!
Although I'm off the bull, it still continues to kick and jump, looking for the clown as the next target.
The bull is gathered back behind the gate, and I go to my resting place to recover.
I reflect on the ride and think of all those things I could of, should of done, to stay on top of the bull. I attempt to mend my body that has been beat up and still feels every injury that came from the ride... it's been a long day!
And as I go to sleep I say a prayer...
God, I fell off the bull today. My body aches and I'm not sure if I'm going to get over this one. I need your strength and healing tonight because tomorrow I want to ride that bull again. I don't know how long it's going to take before I break this bull... but I'M NOT GOING TO QUIT! Amen...
Today my most difficult task was, and is, to monitor my attitude. Throughout the day, my attitude is challenged and put to the test. Sometimes I pass, and other times I fail.
I liken this to bull riding (not that I every have). I see the arena of the day that awaits me. I position myself in the gate: praying, thinking positive things, wanting the best, ready to ride the bull. My grip seems tight and secure. I nod my head to affirm that I am ready to swing this gate open and ride the full course of the day with victory in mind. The gate swings open the ride is underway!
Before I know it... the day jumps and shifts and throws me back and forth... I'M HANGING ON TIGHT!
Still more things unfold... the dirt gets in my eyes, my hat flies off and I begin to slip out of position... I'M OFF BALANCE.
I dig my spurs in and the bull response with more intensity, throwing me more violently than before... I CAN'T HOLD ON!
Before I know it I'm tossed to the ground thinking it's over, only to see this raging bull in the air with the horns come straight at me... I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO.
The weight of the bull lands right in my gut, and the pain is overwhelming... I'M IN PAIN!
Although I'm off the bull, it still continues to kick and jump, looking for the clown as the next target.
The bull is gathered back behind the gate, and I go to my resting place to recover.
I reflect on the ride and think of all those things I could of, should of done, to stay on top of the bull. I attempt to mend my body that has been beat up and still feels every injury that came from the ride... it's been a long day!
And as I go to sleep I say a prayer...
God, I fell off the bull today. My body aches and I'm not sure if I'm going to get over this one. I need your strength and healing tonight because tomorrow I want to ride that bull again. I don't know how long it's going to take before I break this bull... but I'M NOT GOING TO QUIT! Amen...
Meant to Live
People wonder what HISTORY MAKER is all about, so let me give some clarity. HISTORY MAKER is all about living to my potential and fulfill my God given destiny... to allow HIS-story to be lived out in every facet of my life. It is my desire:
There's no way I can live up to such a high standard in myself. It would be absolutely arrogant and impossible to even think I can do this on my own. I've already messed up and failed in every aspect of my life. So how can this even be possible? Why would I aim for such a lofty task?
I believe that life is a gift... not something I'm entitled too. Think about a watch. It didn't just come to exist on its own. Someone had envisioned this watch, and created it to fulfill a specific purpose. A watch-maker believed that this invention would revolutionize the way that ever person would live life. I could be used as a paper weight, but it wouldn't be fulfilling the purpose or the potential in which it was designed for. If I were a watch-maker, I would feel greatly disappointed because that's not why I created the watch.
This is no different with our life. Embedded deep within me are dreams and aspirations. I'm drawn to things, consumed with thoughts of what could be. I have talents and abilities that can be used to add value and meaning to life... mine and others. There's no one else like me on this earth. I'm different, unique, and incapable of living to my potential if left to my own. So, I go to the 'MAKER' of this watch, and rely on Him to help me understand how all these gears work together to display the purpose and plan for my life. To tell time... to tell HIS-story about life.
Can you hear the ticking inside you? Do feel like you're merely existing as a paper weigth in life, or will you pursue to know the purpose of what stirs your heart, the passions and dreams that can't be reasoned? There's a story that your heart was intended to tell and live out. It's HIS-story!
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them cam to be.
Psalms 139:13-16
- to declare the reality of God, and
- to inspire others to love life and life it to the fullest.
There's no way I can live up to such a high standard in myself. It would be absolutely arrogant and impossible to even think I can do this on my own. I've already messed up and failed in every aspect of my life. So how can this even be possible? Why would I aim for such a lofty task?
I believe that life is a gift... not something I'm entitled too. Think about a watch. It didn't just come to exist on its own. Someone had envisioned this watch, and created it to fulfill a specific purpose. A watch-maker believed that this invention would revolutionize the way that ever person would live life. I could be used as a paper weight, but it wouldn't be fulfilling the purpose or the potential in which it was designed for. If I were a watch-maker, I would feel greatly disappointed because that's not why I created the watch.
This is no different with our life. Embedded deep within me are dreams and aspirations. I'm drawn to things, consumed with thoughts of what could be. I have talents and abilities that can be used to add value and meaning to life... mine and others. There's no one else like me on this earth. I'm different, unique, and incapable of living to my potential if left to my own. So, I go to the 'MAKER' of this watch, and rely on Him to help me understand how all these gears work together to display the purpose and plan for my life. To tell time... to tell HIS-story about life.
Can you hear the ticking inside you? Do feel like you're merely existing as a paper weigth in life, or will you pursue to know the purpose of what stirs your heart, the passions and dreams that can't be reasoned? There's a story that your heart was intended to tell and live out. It's HIS-story!
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them cam to be.
Psalms 139:13-16
Friday, October 2, 2009
One Thought on Marriage
This weekend will by my last wedding ceremony for 2009. It's been a busy spring and summer for weddings, 8 total. I meet with each couple anywhere from 4 - 8 times leading up to the day of the wedding. It's a lot of work, but it's worth it and I enjoy each opportunity.
Angie and I have been married for 14 years. I can honestly say that I love her more now than ever before, and absolutely enjoy sharing my life with her. We compliment each other, laugh a lot, still date regularly, and bring out the best in each other. We work hard at our marrige... learning, growing and investing regularly into our marriage. God has been faithful in our marriage... mainly by working in our hearts as individuals to be the person we need to be... THEN we can be the spouse we desire to be for each other. We are looking forward to the many more years!
Here's one thought for anyone planning a wedding, thinking about marriage, or wonder if marriage is really worth it. DON'T GET MARRIED! Let me explain... If you're not fully committed to WORK every single day... don't get married. What does this work look like?
Angie and I have been married for 14 years. I can honestly say that I love her more now than ever before, and absolutely enjoy sharing my life with her. We compliment each other, laugh a lot, still date regularly, and bring out the best in each other. We work hard at our marrige... learning, growing and investing regularly into our marriage. God has been faithful in our marriage... mainly by working in our hearts as individuals to be the person we need to be... THEN we can be the spouse we desire to be for each other. We are looking forward to the many more years!
Here's one thought for anyone planning a wedding, thinking about marriage, or wonder if marriage is really worth it. DON'T GET MARRIED! Let me explain... If you're not fully committed to WORK every single day... don't get married. What does this work look like?
- sacrifice - placing more value on the other person than yourself
- forgive - if you have expectaitons, you'll be disappointed, if you have feelings; warm fuzzies go away and hurts will happen. Don't get married if you're not willing to forgive over and over again.
- no ideal conditions - if you're waiting for Mr/Mrs. perfect, you'll never get married, because you're not perfect. If you want financial stability, there's no such thing.
- no vacations - you can't call in sick, there's no time outs, and even when you're apart or by yourself, your actions will always have an impact on your spouse.
- long meetings - this is about communication. If you're more concerned about being right or proving your postion, don't get married. If you aren't willing to share your thoughts and feelings and work through the differences... don't get married. If you want to talk more than listen... don't get married. If you make excuses and don't take responsibility... D.G.M.!
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