Here is part 2 of the 2 part series, "Competition." For part 1, click here.
In the last post, I mentioned how we should embrace challenge and gravitate towards obstacles. By welcoming such competition, our true potential can be unleashed and a new level of self-awareness can occur...for example:
David slayed his Goliath
Noah rose above his Flood
Gideon defeated his Midianites
Moses parted his Red Sea
Joshua stepped into his Jordan River
Benaiah chased his lion
Jesus conquered His Cross
Embracing these challenges, accepting the "competition," and gravitating towards obstacles allowed these great Champions to unleash their potential. And through it, everyone else benefits!
Because Christ Conquered His Cross, we can conquer ours. As we conquer ours, others can conquer theirs...
These Champions names are remembered because of their attitude towards competition.
How will your name be remembered?
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Competition: Make Me Better!
Here is the first installment of a Two part series: "Competition"
Christian and I have a quote that we live, train, and compete by: "Make Me Better!"
The essence is this...When Christian does his best, it creates a desire for me to do my best, which in turn, fuels him to do his best...pretty cool cycle!
So the point is this: Competition brings out the best in us. We should embrace challenge and gravitate towards obstacles. If we want to be the best, we must compete against the best, and instead of getting nervous and psyching our selves out, we should allow competition and the "Make Me Better" principle drive us to a new level of living and performance.
W. Timothy Gallwey states the following in his book, The Inner Game Of Tennis:
"Competition then becomes an interesting device in which each player, by making his maximum effort to win, gives the other the opportunity he desires to reach new levels of self-awareness....and learning to welcome obstacles in competition automatically increases one's ability to find advantage in all the difficulties one meets in the course of one's life."
Who is making you better? Who are you making better?
Christian and I have a quote that we live, train, and compete by: "Make Me Better!"
The essence is this...When Christian does his best, it creates a desire for me to do my best, which in turn, fuels him to do his best...pretty cool cycle!
So the point is this: Competition brings out the best in us. We should embrace challenge and gravitate towards obstacles. If we want to be the best, we must compete against the best, and instead of getting nervous and psyching our selves out, we should allow competition and the "Make Me Better" principle drive us to a new level of living and performance.
W. Timothy Gallwey states the following in his book, The Inner Game Of Tennis:
"Competition then becomes an interesting device in which each player, by making his maximum effort to win, gives the other the opportunity he desires to reach new levels of self-awareness....and learning to welcome obstacles in competition automatically increases one's ability to find advantage in all the difficulties one meets in the course of one's life."
Who is making you better? Who are you making better?
Friday, November 28, 2008
Decisions
“In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” ~Teddy Roosevelt ~
“Be willing to make decisions. That's the most important quality in a good leader.”
~ General George S. Patton ~
“A wise man makes his own decisions, an ignorant man follows public opinion”
~ Chinese Proverb ~
“Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach.”
~ Tom Robbins ~
“Be willing to make decisions. That's the most important quality in a good leader.”
~ General George S. Patton ~
“A wise man makes his own decisions, an ignorant man follows public opinion”
~ Chinese Proverb ~
“Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach.”
~ Tom Robbins ~
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
The Giving Father
For the past two days, I have kept my beautiful 15 month old daughter. My wife went to work; my little friend and I went to play! Today, around 2:30pm, my wife's work at the office was slowing down. She called and wanted to be with our little gift from God. So, little cutie and I turned off the cartoon, packed up her milk, put her silver shoes on and left for moma's office!
I've got to tell you, spending all day and all night together with your little child will give you life. When I was giving her to 'moma' at 2:30pm, it was hard. Here's the deal. Selfishly, I wanted to keep her home and continue rolling around on the ground with her listening to her contagious laugh. It's not like I was giving her away to a stranger. I was giving her and her moma time to play in the afternoon since I had the chance to "hog" her for the past two days.
When I drove away. I missed her. We had spent all day and all night together...no day care...no work...just us. As I drove away I began thinking about God the Father giving us His One and Only Son Jesus Christ and then the Son giving His life on the Cross. The Father gave His Son over to death. For you, me, the church, the world!
As a dad, I think of my daughter and my son. Then I think of God the Father's Son. How much love is in God that He would give His One and Only Son for us. I had a hard enough time simply giving my daughter over to my wife for two half and hours :)
God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son...being a dad now, I have only begun to realize what kind of God we have who loves us that much....God have mercy on us for being numb to Your love, Oh Father...
I've got to tell you, spending all day and all night together with your little child will give you life. When I was giving her to 'moma' at 2:30pm, it was hard. Here's the deal. Selfishly, I wanted to keep her home and continue rolling around on the ground with her listening to her contagious laugh. It's not like I was giving her away to a stranger. I was giving her and her moma time to play in the afternoon since I had the chance to "hog" her for the past two days.
When I drove away. I missed her. We had spent all day and all night together...no day care...no work...just us. As I drove away I began thinking about God the Father giving us His One and Only Son Jesus Christ and then the Son giving His life on the Cross. The Father gave His Son over to death. For you, me, the church, the world!
As a dad, I think of my daughter and my son. Then I think of God the Father's Son. How much love is in God that He would give His One and Only Son for us. I had a hard enough time simply giving my daughter over to my wife for two half and hours :)
God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son...being a dad now, I have only begun to realize what kind of God we have who loves us that much....God have mercy on us for being numb to Your love, Oh Father...
Amazing Aristotle Articulations
"You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.”
"We become just by performing just actions, temperate by performing temperate actions, brave by performing brave actions.”
"First, have a definite, clear practical ideal; a goal, an objective. Second, have the necessary means to achieve your ends; wisdom, money, materials, and methods. Third, adjust all your means to that end
"Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.”
"The energy of the mind is the essence of life.”
"We become just by performing just actions, temperate by performing temperate actions, brave by performing brave actions.”
"First, have a definite, clear practical ideal; a goal, an objective. Second, have the necessary means to achieve your ends; wisdom, money, materials, and methods. Third, adjust all your means to that end
"Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.”
"The energy of the mind is the essence of life.”
Solomon Survey:Listening
It is the province of knowledge to speak,
and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.”
~ Oliver Wendell Holmes ~
Oliver Wendell is on to something with this brilliant quote. And you know, a book written over 2000 years ago, called The Holy Bible, tells us all about how listening is the wise thing to do...
If our Prayers are not being answered it could be that we are not listening to what God has to say. In Proverbs 4, there is an outline on why this is so important, and when you think about it,
Athletes listen to their coach, employees listen to their boss, students listen to their teachers...so when it comes time for us to live the lives God calls us to do, we need to listen to God...
1. Listening: My child, listen carefully to everything I say (Prov 4.1,10,20)
2. Meditate: "If you follow my teachings and keep them in mind, you will live. (Prov 4.4)
3. Think: Don't forget a single word, but think about it all. (Prov 4.21)
4. Knowing: Knowing these teachings will mean true life and good health for you. (Prov 4.22)
Trusting and Listening...Everywhere!
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track (From Proverbs 3.5-12 MSG). Emphasis added.
God Listens To Us
Each morning you listen to my prayer,
as I bring my requests [b] to you and wait for your reply. (Psalm 5.3 CEV)
I don't know about you, but it blows me away to know that The Carpenter of Creation listens to our Prayers!!!
God Screams
If you say that God does not speak I might actually agree with you...here is why...God does not speak, HE SCREAMS!!!
Think of all the "Burning Bushes" we have today. Scripture, Prayer, Church, Family, Friends, Technology through podcasts, internet Church Services, & television ministry, music, life and experiences, you name it...
The problem is that we spend more time listening to the tv and the news and other sources of junk instead of listening to God. Seriously, how much time do we spend Praying, Scripture Meditating, and counsel seeking when compared to watching tv and reading the daily newspaper?
The question is not, "Does God speak?" The question is, "Are we listening?"
So in the hard times of the economy, etc, we should be asking ourselves, "What is God saying to me during these times...I will listen and obey."
If our Prayers are not being answered it could be that we are not listening to what God has to say. In Proverbs 4, there is an outline on why this is so important, and when you think about it,
Athletes listen to their coach, employees listen to their boss, students listen to their teachers...so when it comes time for us to live the lives God calls us to do, we need to listen to God...
1. Listening: My child, listen carefully to everything I say (Prov 4.1,10,20)
2. Meditate: "If you follow my teachings and keep them in mind, you will live. (Prov 4.4)
3. Think: Don't forget a single word, but think about it all. (Prov 4.21)
4. Knowing: Knowing these teachings will mean true life and good health for you. (Prov 4.22)
Trusting and Listening...Everywhere!
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track (From Proverbs 3.5-12 MSG). Emphasis added.
God Listens To Us
Each morning you listen to my prayer,
as I bring my requests [b] to you and wait for your reply. (Psalm 5.3 CEV)
I don't know about you, but it blows me away to know that The Carpenter of Creation listens to our Prayers!!!
God Screams
If you say that God does not speak I might actually agree with you...here is why...God does not speak, HE SCREAMS!!!
Think of all the "Burning Bushes" we have today. Scripture, Prayer, Church, Family, Friends, Technology through podcasts, internet Church Services, & television ministry, music, life and experiences, you name it...
The problem is that we spend more time listening to the tv and the news and other sources of junk instead of listening to God. Seriously, how much time do we spend Praying, Scripture Meditating, and counsel seeking when compared to watching tv and reading the daily newspaper?
The question is not, "Does God speak?" The question is, "Are we listening?"
So in the hard times of the economy, etc, we should be asking ourselves, "What is God saying to me during these times...I will listen and obey."
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
OCD Christianity Part II
An article from Harbor Hawaii talks about how Psychiatrist Ian Osborn believes that modern treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder are (unintentionally) confirming the ancient biblical doctrine of imputation: in order to find healing, we need to trade our sin for Christ’s righteousness. From a review of his new book: "Can Christianity Cure Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?: A Psychiatrist Explores the Role of Faith in Treatment."
By examining the autobiographical accounts of Martin Luther, John Bunyan, and St. Thérèse of Lisieux, a popular 19th-century Carmelite nun, Osborn presents convincing cases that each struggled with OCD and overcame it through a deepening trust in God. This last point makes the book noteworthy, if not notorious, since the author is suggesting that Christian doctrine held the key to their cures.
Of greatest relevance to the author’s argument is a newly developed cognitive treatment for OCD called “responsibility transfer therapy” (RTT). In this model, the OCD sufferer is encouraged to hand responsibility for the problematic behavior over to another person. So, for example, a sufferer may allow someone else to monitor whether the oven is turned off, so they don’t have to obsess over whether it is. For reasons unclear, researchers have found RTT to be a successful form of treatment. Osborn conjectures that OCD sufferers may be helped by “transferring responsibility to God,” so to speak — a significant, untested shift in the application of RRT, it must be said — and he suggests the three Christian giants found their cure by doing that.
“In Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them… for our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:19-21)
By examining the autobiographical accounts of Martin Luther, John Bunyan, and St. Thérèse of Lisieux, a popular 19th-century Carmelite nun, Osborn presents convincing cases that each struggled with OCD and overcame it through a deepening trust in God. This last point makes the book noteworthy, if not notorious, since the author is suggesting that Christian doctrine held the key to their cures.
Of greatest relevance to the author’s argument is a newly developed cognitive treatment for OCD called “responsibility transfer therapy” (RTT). In this model, the OCD sufferer is encouraged to hand responsibility for the problematic behavior over to another person. So, for example, a sufferer may allow someone else to monitor whether the oven is turned off, so they don’t have to obsess over whether it is. For reasons unclear, researchers have found RTT to be a successful form of treatment. Osborn conjectures that OCD sufferers may be helped by “transferring responsibility to God,” so to speak — a significant, untested shift in the application of RRT, it must be said — and he suggests the three Christian giants found their cure by doing that.
“In Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them… for our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:19-21)
Over The Edge
What boundaries do you have set for you life? How far is too far? Where is your margin established?
Who do you listen to when it comes to creating margin? Is culture your main influence on deciding how far is too far? In his book, "The Best Question Ever," Andy Stanley talks about how he establishes boundaries and framworks in his life in order to have margin and not go over the edge. These boundaries will be different for everyone, but it is very important that you set these boundaries for yourself and not culture.
Here is why...
Culture says to get drunk and wasted, but if you push it too far and go over the edge by becoming an alcoholic, then you are shunned by society.
Culture says to have pre-marital sex and public schools pass out condoms to teenagers, but if teenagers get pregnant, they are labeled "sluts" and "used."
Culture says to accumulate things and prove your worth by the stuff you have, but if you go into debt and become bankrupt, you are labeled a loser.
The examples are endless, so why press the margins...If you get put in jail for embezzlement, put in rehab for drug addiction, or have to file chapter 11/13, I bet you would say to yourself, "I would do anything to get out of this mess."
Why not go ahead and establish boundaries for margin while you are ahead of the game?...
You decide the course of your life, dont allow society push you over the edge...
Who do you listen to when it comes to creating margin? Is culture your main influence on deciding how far is too far? In his book, "The Best Question Ever," Andy Stanley talks about how he establishes boundaries and framworks in his life in order to have margin and not go over the edge. These boundaries will be different for everyone, but it is very important that you set these boundaries for yourself and not culture.
Here is why...
Culture says to get drunk and wasted, but if you push it too far and go over the edge by becoming an alcoholic, then you are shunned by society.
Culture says to have pre-marital sex and public schools pass out condoms to teenagers, but if teenagers get pregnant, they are labeled "sluts" and "used."
Culture says to accumulate things and prove your worth by the stuff you have, but if you go into debt and become bankrupt, you are labeled a loser.
The examples are endless, so why press the margins...If you get put in jail for embezzlement, put in rehab for drug addiction, or have to file chapter 11/13, I bet you would say to yourself, "I would do anything to get out of this mess."
Why not go ahead and establish boundaries for margin while you are ahead of the game?...
You decide the course of your life, dont allow society push you over the edge...
OCD Christianity
Anybody out there obsessive compulsive? I think to a certain extent, everyone has some sort of OCD...one form of it may be where we do something over and over and over and over and over {sorry, got a little compulsive:)} again and we just seem to be going in circles...
I think one of the main reasons for this is because we try to have control. Nothing wrong with wanting a certain amount of control in our lives. We should all plan and set goals and analyze our strengths and weaknesses, but sometimes we can allow this to creep into our relationship with God. It can take on many forms. We lack trust in God so we have compulsive thoughts of worry and doubt. Our thought life can go crazy insane with coping mechanisms and superstitions because we try and "manipulate" God into our ways of thinking. We can even be Falling into sin and then try to control our guilt with sacrifices or rituals to overcome the guilt.
This is what The Prophet Micah told the people of Israel (Micah 6:6–8 ) as they were living far from the truth. Micah ends up telling the people of Israel that expressions of sacrifice and practicing "religion" are not what God desires.
Sacrifice vs Obedience
God does not want us in a circle of sin and sacrifice. If we sin and then sacrifce, then sin and sacrifice, then sin and sacrifice, all we do is go around in an OCD circle. What God desires from us is Fellowship. Or another way of saying it: God wants us to Obey, not to Obsess.
Here are a few Scriptures of what God requires. They will help us to Obey and Trust God instead of obsessing and trying to manipulate God:
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8 NIV). Emphasis added.
Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. (Matthew 22:34-40 NIV)". Emphasis added.
[Freedom From Human Regulations Through Life With Christ] So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."- Colossians 2:6-7. Emphasis added.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Solomon Survey: Salt
Here are some amazing thoughts from one of Christian's powerful, world-rocking, trailblazing Sermons that I just got done reading, thought I would apply them to the Solomon
Survey:
Survey:
Salt speaks of goodness (Mark 9:50)
Are the words you speaking "salty?" Are they offering up encouragement or tearing down in criticism? Mark Twain said that he could live for a whole month on one good compliment!
Have you heard of the Proverbs 31 woman? She is the "textbook" definition of the perfect woman. Why is she so perfect? Why so Noble? Perhaps it could be from the "salt" she received from her children and her husband:
"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” (could that be her secret to nobility?)
An unbelieving world is listening to the words we say to the people we are around. If your Prayers are going unanswered, it could be due to your lack of saltiness.
It has been said, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink. What you can do, however, is salt his oats and make him thirsty!”
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Random Thoughts: Success
Some thoughts off the top of my head...without God (who created us to begin with), without Jesus (who came in order for us to have life in the full), and without The Holy Spirit (who counsels us and breathes His Breath of Wisdom Over Us), we can do nothing...but with Him, we can do anything and everything!
And I am talking about doing life ethically and legally, for any other way is not worth it.
So how do we live successfully? (and my definition of success is not accumulating so much crap, yes I said crap, that I have to go and rent a storage facility in order to have a place to put all my crap)...I love where the apostle Paul talks about crap, he uses the word "dung"...take a look:
1. We must define success, and here is my Humble definition for success:
Success: Glorifying God and Fulfilling down to the last detail what Christ has called us to do.
And I am talking about doing life ethically and legally, for any other way is not worth it.
So how do we live successfully? (and my definition of success is not accumulating so much crap, yes I said crap, that I have to go and rent a storage facility in order to have a place to put all my crap)...I love where the apostle Paul talks about crap, he uses the word "dung"...take a look:
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung,
that I may win Christ,
~ Philippians 3:8 (King James Version) ~
that I may win Christ,
~ Philippians 3:8 (King James Version) ~
1. We must define success, and here is my Humble definition for success:
Success: Glorifying God and Fulfilling down to the last detail what Christ has called us to do.
I glorified you on earth
By completing down to the last detail
What you assigned me to do.
From John 17.1-5 MSG
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
~ 1 Corinthians 10:31 (New International Version) ~
2. We must remain in Him
I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him,
he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5 (NIV)
By completing down to the last detail
What you assigned me to do.
From John 17.1-5 MSG
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
~ 1 Corinthians 10:31 (New International Version) ~
2. We must remain in Him
I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him,
he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5 (NIV)
If we want to "bear fruit" and become successful, we must remain in Christ, because anything we do that does not glorify God is worthless. What legacy will we leave if all we accomplish are things apart from The Vine?
The way you remain in The Vine is through Prayer, Bible Study, Serving, and Fellowship. If we are trying so hard for success, if we are trying so hard to determine what God's Will is for our lives, it is probably because we have become detached from The Vine...we are probably reading gossip magazines and the newspaper more than The Bible, we are probably watching t.v. more than we are spending time in Prayer, and we are probably serving ourselves instead of serving God.
3. We will reap what we sow.
Do you ever wonder why so many people like dogs? It's because the dog FREAKS out (in a good way) when you walk in the door. The dog acts like you are the most important person he/she will ever see. So what do people do? They return the love to the dog. Sow Good seeds and you will harvest a crop of real life!
4. We must pursue Wisdom
In order to understand God's Word and become "successful," we must have God's Wisdom:
The way you remain in The Vine is through Prayer, Bible Study, Serving, and Fellowship. If we are trying so hard for success, if we are trying so hard to determine what God's Will is for our lives, it is probably because we have become detached from The Vine...we are probably reading gossip magazines and the newspaper more than The Bible, we are probably watching t.v. more than we are spending time in Prayer, and we are probably serving ourselves instead of serving God.
3. We will reap what we sow.
Don't be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he'll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God's Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.
~ Galatians 6:7-8 (MSG) ~
Do you ever wonder why so many people like dogs? It's because the dog FREAKS out (in a good way) when you walk in the door. The dog acts like you are the most important person he/she will ever see. So what do people do? They return the love to the dog. Sow Good seeds and you will harvest a crop of real life!
4. We must pursue Wisdom
In order to understand God's Word and become "successful," we must have God's Wisdom:
With your very own hands you formed me;
now breathe your wisdom over me so I can understand you.
~ From Psalm 119:73 (The Message) ~
now breathe your wisdom over me so I can understand you.
~ From Psalm 119:73 (The Message) ~
The Book of Proverbs tells us there are 4 types of people, and I learned this from Andy Stanley, in his Book, "The Best Question Ever."
A. The Wise - leads to success
B. The Naive - due to lack of experience
C. The Fool - knows between right and wrong, good and bad, but just does not care
D. The Mocker - critical, ridiculous, will not accept instruction, nobody likes them
Seeking and Obtaining God's Wisdom is HUGE in our efforts to seek and obtain Success!
What is your definition of success and how do you obtain it?
A. The Wise - leads to success
B. The Naive - due to lack of experience
C. The Fool - knows between right and wrong, good and bad, but just does not care
D. The Mocker - critical, ridiculous, will not accept instruction, nobody likes them
Seeking and Obtaining God's Wisdom is HUGE in our efforts to seek and obtain Success!
What is your definition of success and how do you obtain it?
God-Ordained Vision
In order to lead your family, your organization, even yourself, you must have God-Ordained Vision. Leaders know that there mind and their thoughts ultimately determines their character:
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.
Proverbs 23:7 (New King James Version)
Proverbs 23:7 (New King James Version)
Basically, our thoughts determine our character....What are you thinking of today? Do you see those thoughts developing through your character? What would others say about that?
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Wrestling of Blessing
I want to call "half-time" on the questions from Solomon's Survey for a moment and bring to mind a great message from Scripture about our persistence and how sometimes our Blessings come through wrestling with God!
Not Letting Go
In Genesis 32.22-30, we see how Jacob wrestles with God...
Not Letting Go
In Genesis 32.22-30, we see how Jacob wrestles with God...
A man came and fought with Jacob until just before daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he could not win, he struck Jacob on the hip and threw it out of joint. 26 They kept on wrestling until the man said, "Let go of me! It's almost daylight."
"You can't go until you bless me," Jacob replied...And he blessed Jacob.
Do you feel as though you are in a Wrestling match with God?...keep going, your Blessing could be right around the corner!
Don't Give Up: The Book of Proverbs gives us a dose of wisdom...
Don't give up and be helpless in times of trouble. (Proverbs 24:10 CEV)
If you fall to pieces in a crisis, there wasn't much to you in the first place. (Proverbs 24:10 MSG)
Are You In The Match?
Are you wrestling right now?...are you in the match of your life?...keep going...be persistent and don't give up...we want to hear about your wrestling of blessing!
Thanks for reading...God Save You and Grant You Success! Psalm 118:25 (NIV)
Are you wrestling right now?...are you in the match of your life?...keep going...be persistent and don't give up...we want to hear about your wrestling of blessing!
Thanks for reading...God Save You and Grant You Success! Psalm 118:25 (NIV)
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Solomon Survey: Stumbling Blocks Part 4
I will make this short and sweet...Christian sent me this verse and it blows me away...meditate on it...ask yourself if you live it...
Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.
~ Proverbs 18:21 (New King James Version) ~
What did we say today? What will we say tomorrow? Death and life hang in the balance...the way I look at it is this: I want to reserve what I say by Praising God and Encouraging others. I Pray I do not condemn with the same tongue I Praise God with...let's speak of life and life only!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Solomon Survey: Stumbling Blocks part 3
Welcome back to The Solomon Survey!...I want to hit on some more stumbling blocks to see if perhaps certain things in our lives are keeping God from entrusting us with certain Blessings, but some quick info first...
Mark Batterson has a great post on "Broken Windows," the theory of how small things can create huge disasters...it talks about how we must strive for excellence in all areas of our lives. That is what this survey and these questions of stumbling blocks are all about...where are some broken windows in our lives?...we must find them and repair them in order to be set apart for God's Purposes!
So off to the questions we go. Today's subject is on Sowing and Reaping. This verse says it all...
1. What are we "planting?"
Do you see how it comes back down to what we are "planting?"
3. Do we help those who are less fortunate?
Mark Batterson has a great post on "Broken Windows," the theory of how small things can create huge disasters...it talks about how we must strive for excellence in all areas of our lives. That is what this survey and these questions of stumbling blocks are all about...where are some broken windows in our lives?...we must find them and repair them in order to be set apart for God's Purposes!
So off to the questions we go. Today's subject is on Sowing and Reaping. This verse says it all...
Don't be misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants, he will harvest. The person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of others—ignoring God!—harvests a crop of weeds. All he'll have to show for his life is weeds! But the one who plants in response to God, letting God's Spirit do the growth work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.
~ Galatians 6:7-8 (MSG) ~
1. What are we "planting?"
You harvest what you plant,
whether good or bad.
whether good or bad.
~ Proverbs 14:14 (CEV) ~
What we plant can come through how we treat those we are around and what we say to them. Are we criticizing, complaing, or condemning? Do you make fun of people on television, around town, or in person? Take a look around...do people enjoy being around you? What about other areas.... Are you in shape? How are your finances? What about our strategies in life, business, creativity, etc? Maybe we need to do a 're-plant' in order to receive all that God has for us.
2. How do we plant new seeds?
The Book of James tells us this:
But the wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere. When peacemakers plant seeds of peace,
they will harvest justice.
~ James 3:17-18 (CEV) ~
Do you see how it comes back down to what we are "planting?"
3. Do we help those who are less fortunate?
Caring for the poor is lending to the LORD,
and you will be well repaid.
and you will be well repaid.
~ Proverbs 19:17 (CEV) ~
Most of the time we are always wanting more and we wonder why we have less than someone else. But have you ever ask the opposite question: "Why do I have so much?" Who can you and I help this week, this year?
The Lord says we will be repaid as lending to the poor is lending to The Lord....here is a link to a great organization called Compassion International....completely legit...tons of Churches and individuals are involved...you can sponsor a child through Prayer, Letters, Finances, Art work, you name it...great way to get involved with people all over the world...
4. Are you living out The Golden Rule?
The Book of Matthew tells us an amazing way to sow seeds of righteousness and reap what we sow....
Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them.
Add up God's Law and Prophets and this is what you get.
I am not saying there is some formula for God's Blessings, but I don't think are any "accidents" either...If there is an area in our lives that is not how we want it, then there is probably a "broken window" that needs replacing.
If we want to be in The Presence of God, then we must aim for excellence. Just as oil and water don't mix, God and sin don't mix either. So if we want God and The Blessings of God in our lives, then we must plant great seeds...we must sanctify/consecrate ourselves so that God will do His Miracel Wonders and Amazing things through us:
Then Joshua addressed the people:
"Sanctify yourselves. Tomorrow God will work miracle-wonders among you."
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Solomon Survey:Stumbling Block Questions Part 2
Welcome Back to Solomon Survey, today we will hit on Stumbling Block questions, part 2 and see if any of these areas are blocking our Prayers to God. Click the following to review part 1: Solomon Survey:Stumbling Block Questions Part 1
The following questions focus on our respect to God, our thoughts, and our words. Emphasis is added to all to all the following Scriptures where certain words are in bold.#1. How do you treat the poor?
If you mistreat the poor, you insult your Creator; if you are kind to them, you show him respect.
~ Proverbs 14:31 ~
#2. What thoughts are you thinking? What words do you use around others?
The LORD hates evil thoughts, but kind words please him.
~ Proverbs 15.26~
Carefully guard your thoughts because they are the source of true life.
~ Proverbs 4.23 ~
#3. How do you treat God? How do you treat people?
These two issues are directly related...Are you always in a hurry, never listening to people? Do you make time for them? Do you invest your life with your family, being intentional about how your relationship is with them, or are you always in a hurry only concerned with your own agendas?
It comes down to respect. If we respect God, He will respect our prayers. If we respect the people in our lives, they will respect us. Take a look around. Do people naturally gravitate towards you? Do they want to spend time with you? I am a firm believer that in relationships, there are no accidents. You will have friends if you are a friend. You will have trusted business contacts, classmates, and teammates, if they find you trustworthy. Sure, people may not always get along, but if you always make it all about you and do not respect the other person's point of view, then you probably do not respect God's point of view either.
Ask yourself, "How are my relationships with other people?" and I bet you will find that you have a similar relationship with God. Because if you don't take the time to listen to other people, then I can imagine you do not take the time to listen to God....and if you are always criticizing people or judging them on what kind of clothes they wear, if their hair is messed up, or how big their nose is, then I can almost guarantee you criticize God more than you Praise Him.
Respect and obey the LORD! This is the beginning of knowledge. [a] Only a fool rejects wisdom and good advice.
~ Proverbs 1.7 ~
If we truly love God, our sins will be forgiven; if we show him respect, we will keep away from sin. ~ Proverbs 16:6 ~
This will lead us to part 3 next time, where we will converse about 2 HUGE areas that deal with our Prayers being answered:
1. Sowing and Reaping
2. Fruits of The Spirit and what exactly are we filling our minds with and meditating on?
God save you and grant you success! Psalm 118.25
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Are others willing to follow you?
Why would anyone follow you or me as a LEADER?
They will NOT...
UNLESS...we ARE COURAGEOUS!
Leonidas was Courageous
Simply put: LEADERS are COURAGEOUS.
In his book: Leadership Secrets of the 300, James Whitley says that King Leonidas showed incredible courage and integrity. By word and deed, he let nothing coward him into submission of mediocrity.
The result? His fellow Spartan warriors followed him, get this, into DEATH!
Leonidas was courageous.
Jesus was Courageous
No one; HOWEVER, was more courageous than the TRUE KING JESUS CHRIST. While discussing His death to come, Jesus said, "The hour has come for the Son of Man t
o be glorified...Now My heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save Me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your Name!" (John 12:23;27; NIV)The Hour Had Come
It was time: The HOUR had come to be a Leader with reckless courage. Jesus was recklessly courageous. The HOUR will come for you and for me to exercise courage as well! It will be for that hour that God has sent us to make a difference in someone's life and in the world. Even our own life...our families life...our churches life...our countries life! The only way we can be courageous in that hour is this: we must have a "GOD FOCUS". Jesus had a "GOD FOCUS". He said, "FATHER, GLORIFY YOUR NAME!"
FOCUS
Leonidas had a focus: Sparta.
Jesus had a MUCH BETTER focus: His Father.
May God the Father be your focus and my focus as we courageously follow the Lord and Savior, King Jesus into life and into death! May others follow us as we follow the Lion of Judah!
"My king. It’s an honor to die at your side. It’s an honor to have lived at yours."
- 300
Friday, November 7, 2008
Solomon Survey:Stumbling Block Questions Part 1
Your frustrated...you feel as though God is silent and you want Him to stop "working behind the scenes" and start answering your Prayers now...not tomorrow, but now....so why is it that sometimes our Prayers go unanswered or that we feel as if God is silent in our lives?
Their are many answers to this question, but the one I want to focus on for this post has to do with 'stumbling blocks.' I like to think of stumbling blocks as "sin block." Sort of like when you go to the beach and you put on a "sun block." The purpose is to keep the light out...to keep you the sun's radiation from getting to your epidermis. That's what a "sin block" does. It keeps the light out of your life and hampers your Prayer life...
I will divide these blocks up over the next one or two posts...this post will focus on three types of blocks.
So take a look at the next few questions and see if you can identify any of these areas in your life. You and I must be honest in these areas...analyzing ourselves is extremely difficult, no one likes to point out "sin blocks" in their lives, and maybe you need a trusted person to help point them out to you, but you must identify these areas and correct them if you want to understand what God is teaching you through these times of unanswered Prayer or lack of direction for your life so that you can open yourself up to all of His Blessings!
1. Confession and Repentance
Are you going to God and confessing your sin? Are you repenting? You may not know what sins your are committing...so ask God to reveal any dark areas in your life so that you can become aware of them. Good starting points are Psalm 51 and Psalm 32.
2. Husbands, Honor Your Wife...Wives, Respect Your Husband
I am not married but man does this verse slap me in the face!!! So men, if you are married, wow, you need to meditate on the following verse:
Their are many answers to this question, but the one I want to focus on for this post has to do with 'stumbling blocks.' I like to think of stumbling blocks as "sin block." Sort of like when you go to the beach and you put on a "sun block." The purpose is to keep the light out...to keep you the sun's radiation from getting to your epidermis. That's what a "sin block" does. It keeps the light out of your life and hampers your Prayer life...
I will divide these blocks up over the next one or two posts...this post will focus on three types of blocks.
So take a look at the next few questions and see if you can identify any of these areas in your life. You and I must be honest in these areas...analyzing ourselves is extremely difficult, no one likes to point out "sin blocks" in their lives, and maybe you need a trusted person to help point them out to you, but you must identify these areas and correct them if you want to understand what God is teaching you through these times of unanswered Prayer or lack of direction for your life so that you can open yourself up to all of His Blessings!
1. Confession and Repentance
Are you going to God and confessing your sin? Are you repenting? You may not know what sins your are committing...so ask God to reveal any dark areas in your life so that you can become aware of them. Good starting points are Psalm 51 and Psalm 32.
2. Husbands, Honor Your Wife...Wives, Respect Your Husband
I am not married but man does this verse slap me in the face!!! So men, if you are married, wow, you need to meditate on the following verse:
If you are a husband, you should be thoughtful of your wife. Treat her with honor, because she isn't as strong as you are, and she shares with you in the gift of life.
Then nothing will stand in the way of your prayers.
1 Peter 3:7 (CEV) (emphasis added)
Then nothing will stand in the way of your prayers.
1 Peter 3:7 (CEV) (emphasis added)
And for the ladies out there, Ephesians 5.33 says....
".... and the wife must respect her husband." (emphasis added)
".... and the wife must respect her husband." (emphasis added)
3. The Three C's and Relationships
In his amazing book, "How To Win Friends & Influence People," Dale Carnegie writes a MEGA important principle about the fundamentals in handling people and Scripture shows how these fundamentals can become problems in our relationship with God. In the very first chapter, Mr. Carnegie says, "Don't criticize, condemn, or complain."
So the question is, are you criticizing, condemning, or complaining? Their is a difference between criticizing and critiquing. A critique is an observation meant to build up or improve. Criticism is negative and usually reflects back on the insecure person who makes the criticism.
Every time you and I make fun of someone's nose or ridicule someone we see on T.V. for their hair, etc, what we are really doing is saying that God is not a good artist...and in turn we are condemning ourselves. (See Romans 2 reference below). Being critical of others and making fun of them is a hallmark sign of INSECURITY. We are not comfortable in our own skin and so we deflect this reality by criticizing other people...what do you think God would have to say to us when we are making fun of someone that He created??
Many verses in The Holy Scriptures point us to these "sin blocks" in our lives that deal with the three C's. They are very important to meditate on because they may not just reflect our view of people we never speak to, but they bleed into how we treat our family members, our co-workers, our teammates, and people in our community.
Here are some amazing references that we can check ourselves on:
In his amazing book, "How To Win Friends & Influence People," Dale Carnegie writes a MEGA important principle about the fundamentals in handling people and Scripture shows how these fundamentals can become problems in our relationship with God. In the very first chapter, Mr. Carnegie says, "Don't criticize, condemn, or complain."
So the question is, are you criticizing, condemning, or complaining? Their is a difference between criticizing and critiquing. A critique is an observation meant to build up or improve. Criticism is negative and usually reflects back on the insecure person who makes the criticism.
Every time you and I make fun of someone's nose or ridicule someone we see on T.V. for their hair, etc, what we are really doing is saying that God is not a good artist...and in turn we are condemning ourselves. (See Romans 2 reference below). Being critical of others and making fun of them is a hallmark sign of INSECURITY. We are not comfortable in our own skin and so we deflect this reality by criticizing other people...what do you think God would have to say to us when we are making fun of someone that He created??
Many verses in The Holy Scriptures point us to these "sin blocks" in our lives that deal with the three C's. They are very important to meditate on because they may not just reflect our view of people we never speak to, but they bleed into how we treat our family members, our co-workers, our teammates, and people in our community.
Here are some amazing references that we can check ourselves on:
Do you really love life? Do you want to be happy?
Then stop saying cruel things and quit telling lies.
Every time you criticize someone, you condemn yourself.
Romans 2 (emphasis added)
Kindness is rewarded--but if you are cruel, you hurt yourself.
Meanness gets you nowhere, but goodness is rewarded.
Try hard to do right, and you will win friends;
go looking for trouble, and you will find it.
Prov 11.17-18, 27 (emphasis added)
Stop all your dirty talk. Say the right thing at the right time and help others by what you say. Don't make God's Spirit sad. The Spirit makes you sure that someday you will be free from your sins. Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don't yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.
Ephesians 4.29-32
Romans 2 (emphasis added)
Kindness is rewarded--but if you are cruel, you hurt yourself.
Meanness gets you nowhere, but goodness is rewarded.
Try hard to do right, and you will win friends;
go looking for trouble, and you will find it.
Prov 11.17-18, 27 (emphasis added)
Stop all your dirty talk. Say the right thing at the right time and help others by what you say. Don't make God's Spirit sad. The Spirit makes you sure that someday you will be free from your sins. Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don't yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.
Ephesians 4.29-32
Are we making God's spirit sad? When it comes to having our Prayers answered, it may not be that God is quiet, it may be that our criticizing is loud.
It comes down to relationships and viewing others through the lens of Christ. By meditating on The Scriptures, it looks as if the way we are Treating our spouses, our family, our friends has a direct effect on our Relationship with God. We need to Confess and Repent and then be radically changed...
It comes down to relationships and viewing others through the lens of Christ. By meditating on The Scriptures, it looks as if the way we are Treating our spouses, our family, our friends has a direct effect on our Relationship with God. We need to Confess and Repent and then be radically changed...
But all who do right will be rewarded with glory, honor, and peace,
whether they are Jews or Gentiles. God doesn't have any favorites!
Romans 2.10-11 (CEV)
whether they are Jews or Gentiles. God doesn't have any favorites!
Romans 2.10-11 (CEV)
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The Solomon Survey - Questions 1&2
Welcome to the first part of the "Solomon Survey" where the questions begin and the self-analysis digs deep!
In the last post, I mentioned how we were going to begin the conversation with the fact that we are not accidents....I want to retract that (we will still cover this topic) and instead begin with how we start our Prayer life, when do we pray and how are our prayers structured?
In the last post, I mentioned how we were going to begin the conversation with the fact that we are not accidents....I want to retract that (we will still cover this topic) and instead begin with how we start our Prayer life, when do we pray and how are our prayers structured?
First Things First
#1. When do you Pray?
Jesus Prayed bright and early in the morning. Of course He prayed at all times and without ceasing, but Scripture is very clear that He went to God first thing in the morning. Doing this helps to frame our mind and prepare us for the day ahead! I know the sports section is tempting, but dig in to Prayer and Scripture first!
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house
and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Mark 1:35-39
Structure Of Prayer - Out Of The Blocks!
#2 Do you begin Prayers with Praise or do you just jump in thinking it's all about you?
We need to start out our Prayers with Praises To God! Our Prayers are not based on religion, they are based on a relationship. Prayer is not something you get done with and check off of your to-do list. Prayer is conversation with God, through Jesus, led by The Holy Spirit.
Solomon's Example
Remember the story about Solomon from First Kings? Solomon is having a conversation with God, he's not just going through some monotonous ritual that he needs to hurry up and get over with. Notice that even when God asks Solomon what he wants, see 1 Kings 7-8, he still begins the conversation by praising God...saying that God is loyal, reminding himself that it is God who gives, and understanding that he is God's Servant. Then in verse 9, Solomon makes his request understanding that it is impossible to live God's Will for his life without God's help.
Self Reminder
Don't get me wrong, there is not a formula for Prayer...all Prayers should be led by The Holy Spirit. However, we must Praise God first and foremost. It's not that God needs to hear us brag on Him, it's that we need to remind ourselves that He is The Almighty who can do anything and everything, and that nothing will block His plans. Take a look at the 'model' Prayer that Jesus teaches us to Pray and notice how it starts with Praise:
"This, then, is how you should pray:” 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.'
So Instead of starting out with the typical Prayers of, "Lord, Bless me, bless me, bless me," begin with Praise. For Example, Start with Ps 145 to remind your self how AMAZING God is...verse 18 says: God's there, listening for all who pray, for all who pray and mean it. Come to God in Praise and mean it!
Nothing Wrong With It
There is nothing wrong with asking God to Bless you, you will see Prayers for Blessings through out Scripture...we are even told in Matthew 7.7, and Thanks Be To God, to Ask, Seek, and Knock. In fact, God wants to Bless us and that is why Praise is so important. Take a look at the first book in The Bible, Gen 28.13-18 tells us how God wants to Bless our families and that He will be with us wherever we go..He already knows what we are going to Pray for anyway, so what Praise does is remind us how much He wants to Bless us and allows us to Pray with Confidence and Boldness!
Relationship Parallel
Can you imagine talking to your spouse, your boss, your team, etc and all you do is say, "Me, Me, Me, it's all about me...here is what I want you to do for me...." That would not be a very good relationship....So next time in Prayer, Start with Praises to God...you will be amazed at how much Peace will flood your soul as you are reminded how powerful God is and how awesome it is when Christ is at the center of your life!
Stumbling BlocksPlease tune in to the next post of "The Solomon Survey" and see what may be causing a stumbling block in your Prayer Life. How do you treat others? The Bible tells us that we "reap what we sow." Are you sowing good seeds? Are you criticizing? Romans 2 is very clear about criticism. If you criticize, you are saying that God is not a good artist....so tune in and see if you need to hold your self accountable and remove any stumbling blocks so that God will be able to prepare you with Blessings that He can trust you with!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)