Continuing on from Chapter 2 by Charles Stanley:
Falling Victim to Pride
A person falls victim to pride for several reasons:
Self Centeredness
Feelings of inadequacy
Immaturity and an inability to handle responsibility
Inability to handle wealth, position, and the gifts God has given
Overcoming Pride with Trust
Our sole goal should be to be the best right where God has placed us. "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time"
(1 Peter 5:6)
Specific signs tell us we are struggling with pride. While the list is long, it certainly includes the following:
Arrogance
Self-promotion
Lack of giving to God and others
A selfish attitude
Refusal to listen to the advice of others
Lack of submission to those in authority
A spirit of rebellion
Bragging
Lack of humble regard for God and others
The inability to receive a compliment or gift
Tomorrow we'll look at Chapter 3, Exposing a Prideful Heart. Again, take a moment and ask yourself if any of these apply to you. "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." (Romans 12:3)
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
Spiritual Warfare #4
Here's a great story that Charles Stanley tells:
Exposing the Landmine of Pride
God called a young man to the mission field. From the beginning one trial after another assailed him. Each time, according to him, the problem involved key leaders within his organization. Amakzingly, he refused to admit that he was part of the problem - it always was someone else. The young man began to tell others that those in authority over him could not do the work as well as he could do it. Soon he became wrapped up in getting credit for his work, but no one would acknowledge what he had done. He was too prideful, and while his friends and coworkers realized this, he did not. A short time later, he became discouraged, disgruntled, and disappointed.
Pride tempts us to believe we are better than someone else. Suddenly this young man felt as though he could no longer work with this organization. Without knowing it, his obedience to God was at stake. He was blinded by his pride and convinced that his only option was to leave the very work God had called him to do. Yet he overlooked one detail: God never rescinds His call. He may change our circumstances or location, but He will never ask us to abandon His will.
The first step this young man took toward defeat came when he did not submit himself to the authority over him. He mistakenly believed that he knew more than the leadership God had placed in his life. Once this man decided to follow the deceptive words of his heart, pride had fertile ground in which to grow.
The second step came when he was confronted over his actions and stood steadfast, thinking that he was right and everyone else was wrong. Pride never admits its failures. Instead, the prideful person continues to push forward, blindly seeking self-gratification.
Satan is overjoyed whenever we walk away from the very place God has put us. This is not limited to an office. We can walk away from relationships, responsibilities, and church and community service based on what we mistakenly believe about ourselves.
If you are setting goals without God's input, then you are on pride's trail, and you are heading for trouble.
That's a lot to think about for today. Have you or are you in a position where you aren't respecting and submitting to the authority over you? In work? In your marriage? Check your heart and ask God to illuminate any areas of pride in your life. As those who know you best if they see pride in you as well.
Exposing the Landmine of Pride
God called a young man to the mission field. From the beginning one trial after another assailed him. Each time, according to him, the problem involved key leaders within his organization. Amakzingly, he refused to admit that he was part of the problem - it always was someone else. The young man began to tell others that those in authority over him could not do the work as well as he could do it. Soon he became wrapped up in getting credit for his work, but no one would acknowledge what he had done. He was too prideful, and while his friends and coworkers realized this, he did not. A short time later, he became discouraged, disgruntled, and disappointed.
Pride tempts us to believe we are better than someone else. Suddenly this young man felt as though he could no longer work with this organization. Without knowing it, his obedience to God was at stake. He was blinded by his pride and convinced that his only option was to leave the very work God had called him to do. Yet he overlooked one detail: God never rescinds His call. He may change our circumstances or location, but He will never ask us to abandon His will.
The first step this young man took toward defeat came when he did not submit himself to the authority over him. He mistakenly believed that he knew more than the leadership God had placed in his life. Once this man decided to follow the deceptive words of his heart, pride had fertile ground in which to grow.
The second step came when he was confronted over his actions and stood steadfast, thinking that he was right and everyone else was wrong. Pride never admits its failures. Instead, the prideful person continues to push forward, blindly seeking self-gratification.
Satan is overjoyed whenever we walk away from the very place God has put us. This is not limited to an office. We can walk away from relationships, responsibilities, and church and community service based on what we mistakenly believe about ourselves.
If you are setting goals without God's input, then you are on pride's trail, and you are heading for trouble.
That's a lot to think about for today. Have you or are you in a position where you aren't respecting and submitting to the authority over you? In work? In your marriage? Check your heart and ask God to illuminate any areas of pride in your life. As those who know you best if they see pride in you as well.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Spiritual Warfare #3
Chapter Two by Charles Stanley
The Landmine of Pride
Of all the struggles discussed in this book, pride is the one that has the most devastating results.
God is very specific. He hates pride. In fact, it is at the top of His list of sins that He despises: "Pride and arrogance and the evil way / And the perverted mouth, I hate" (Prov. 8:13).
It is one of Satan's chief modes of operation and favorite weapons of warfare because it tempts us to take our eyes off God and place them on ourselves.
There's nothing wrong with having a sense of pride in doing things well. However, many people fail to honor the Lord with their attitudes. They believe Satan's lies, which tell them they can accomplish whatever they want apart from God. This line of thinking always leads us away from God. And Satan wins the battle.
The next section is pretty long so I'll save that for tomorrow. After reading this chapter, I asked Greg if I was prideful. I always want to keep a check on different attitudes to make sure I've got the right heart. He said, no, but I had an area that would crop up from time to time. We had a conversation the day before about people improving their lives by getting a college education. I'm pro-college because I got a Bachelor's degree and feel it was one of the best decisions I ever made. He, on the other hand, didn't finish his AA degree and isn't such a big advocate of college degrees for everyone. When we discuss the issue, he feels like I feel the way I do because of what I've done. I actually feel that it is beneficial for everyone before I went to college. You make and average of $10,000 more than someone with a high school diploma, right out of school. (That's a 20 year old figure, I'm sure it's more by now) I feel a person is more well rounded and it opens their eyes to more possibilities for career options. It also models a good example to their kids for the value of a higher education. Greg feels not everyone is cut out for college. Anyway, I guess I'll have to watch myself when expressing my opinion about college.
The Landmine of Pride
Of all the struggles discussed in this book, pride is the one that has the most devastating results.
God is very specific. He hates pride. In fact, it is at the top of His list of sins that He despises: "Pride and arrogance and the evil way / And the perverted mouth, I hate" (Prov. 8:13).
It is one of Satan's chief modes of operation and favorite weapons of warfare because it tempts us to take our eyes off God and place them on ourselves.
There's nothing wrong with having a sense of pride in doing things well. However, many people fail to honor the Lord with their attitudes. They believe Satan's lies, which tell them they can accomplish whatever they want apart from God. This line of thinking always leads us away from God. And Satan wins the battle.
The next section is pretty long so I'll save that for tomorrow. After reading this chapter, I asked Greg if I was prideful. I always want to keep a check on different attitudes to make sure I've got the right heart. He said, no, but I had an area that would crop up from time to time. We had a conversation the day before about people improving their lives by getting a college education. I'm pro-college because I got a Bachelor's degree and feel it was one of the best decisions I ever made. He, on the other hand, didn't finish his AA degree and isn't such a big advocate of college degrees for everyone. When we discuss the issue, he feels like I feel the way I do because of what I've done. I actually feel that it is beneficial for everyone before I went to college. You make and average of $10,000 more than someone with a high school diploma, right out of school. (That's a 20 year old figure, I'm sure it's more by now) I feel a person is more well rounded and it opens their eyes to more possibilities for career options. It also models a good example to their kids for the value of a higher education. Greg feels not everyone is cut out for college. Anyway, I guess I'll have to watch myself when expressing my opinion about college.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Loaded Questions
Last night we had some friends over for dinner and afterwards, were going to play Catch Phrase. Just as we were starting to explain it, our daughter piped up and said, "Why don't you play Loaded Questions? She had to refresh our memories a little about how to play, and we took her advice. It's a great game to get to know people better.
It's a board game and you take turns rolling a dice and reading a card that has questions corresponding to what color you're on on the board. Some of the questions are, "What's your greatest phobia?" Our responses were "Needles and tubes", "My kids not following God someday", "Heights", and "Freddie Kruger".
Another question was "If you could get a million dollars today, how would you do it?" Our answers were "Rob a bank", "Rob a casino", and "Call Oprah". Just to clarify, my answer was "Call Oprah".
The person reading the question has to guess which person had which answer, which are read of paper from the person next to them. (So you can't tell by handwriting)
For every right answer they move up a square on the board. There are twists to the game, like reversal. If you land on reversal, the reader of the question writes their answer and everyone else guesses what they wrote. The players get two squares ahead for every right answer and the reader gets two squares ahead for every wrong answer.
One of our guests blew us all away and won by at least two turns. It was a fun game, we laughed and laughed, and got to know each other even better.
It's a board game and you take turns rolling a dice and reading a card that has questions corresponding to what color you're on on the board. Some of the questions are, "What's your greatest phobia?" Our responses were "Needles and tubes", "My kids not following God someday", "Heights", and "Freddie Kruger".
Another question was "If you could get a million dollars today, how would you do it?" Our answers were "Rob a bank", "Rob a casino", and "Call Oprah". Just to clarify, my answer was "Call Oprah".
The person reading the question has to guess which person had which answer, which are read of paper from the person next to them. (So you can't tell by handwriting)
For every right answer they move up a square on the board. There are twists to the game, like reversal. If you land on reversal, the reader of the question writes their answer and everyone else guesses what they wrote. The players get two squares ahead for every right answer and the reader gets two squares ahead for every wrong answer.
One of our guests blew us all away and won by at least two turns. It was a fun game, we laughed and laughed, and got to know each other even better.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Spiritual Warfare #2
Charles Stanley gives us several ways we can uncover and defuse the landmines that have been laid out in our pathway. They are:
1. Realize you are in a spiritual war.
2. Trust God and know He will help you.
When you ask Him to reveal the enemy's landmines that are laid out before you, He will do it. He also will teach you how to disarm the ones that are set and ready to go off. Put on the full armor of God. Pray without ceasing.
3. Remember you are not alone. God wants us to remember that He is with us and will give us the wisdom we need for every situation if we will stop and pray. God has an answer for our every need. But far too often we become paralyzed by our circumstances because we do not call out to the Person who lives inside us.
4. Recall the strength, mercy, and goodness of God.
Tomorrow we'll look at chapter two, the landmine of pride.
1. Realize you are in a spiritual war.
2. Trust God and know He will help you.
When you ask Him to reveal the enemy's landmines that are laid out before you, He will do it. He also will teach you how to disarm the ones that are set and ready to go off. Put on the full armor of God. Pray without ceasing.
3. Remember you are not alone. God wants us to remember that He is with us and will give us the wisdom we need for every situation if we will stop and pray. God has an answer for our every need. But far too often we become paralyzed by our circumstances because we do not call out to the Person who lives inside us.
4. Recall the strength, mercy, and goodness of God.
Tomorrow we'll look at chapter two, the landmine of pride.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Five Things You Should Never Hear From A Staff Member
I grabbed this from Perry Noble's Blog. I just love it!
Five Things You Should Never Hear From A Staff Member
I have the privilege to serve with an incredible staff…a fired up group of “git ‘r done” men & women who love Jesus and NewSpring Church.
However, in my ministry experience, both in the life of NewSpring, working in other churches and conversations with many pastors and leaders I believe there are five phrases that we should NEVER hear from someone on staff.
#1 - “That’s Not My Job.”
When a staff member is asked to do something and they reply, “That’s not my job,” then you can be assured that he/she does not have a heart that is fully devoted to the ministry.
The staff we have here at NewSpring Church walk around with fire in their eyes…and when asked to do something they just make it happen. Now…I have seen this abused & do not think ANYONE should allow themselves to be ran over; however, when asked to do something that might not serve the person BUT WILL SERVE THE CHURCH…the answer should always be yes.
#2 - “That Can’t Be Done.”
I have noticed something about staff members that say something cannot be done…USUALLY the ones who say that are the ones who are going to be asked to do the particular project they are freaking out about…and it will require tons of work…SO, they just say it can’t be done.
I have a rule…I don’t ever want to hear can’t be done. One of the best people on the planet at this is Ken! He is one of the founding members of NewSpring Church as was hired to come on staff in 2002. I’ve NEVER heard him say, “we can’t do that!” HOWEVER…
He is realistic with me–he has often said, “Now we CAN do that…but it will require such and such and we don’t have that–and if we want it then it is going to cost this…so what do you want to do?” I LOVE HIS ATTITUDE!
Trust me, when a staff member continually says that something cannot be done they either have a lazy work ethic OR a very small view of who God is…neither are beneficial for your team.
#3 - “All I Need Is More Staff & Money To Make This Happen.”
When people begin to use resources as an excuse for a stagnant or failing ministry then you can be sure they are in trouble and have most likely became spoiled, thus forgetting the art of being innovative.
#4 - “Recognize Me!”
Beware of the staff member who is always telling you how much work they did, how many hours they put in and how tired they are.
HOLD ON…as a leader it is our job to make sure that staff members are not sacrificed on the alter of ministry. We should pay them well and make sure they have adequate time off. More often than not we have to FORCE people around here to take time off.
BUT…when someone is always demanding attention for the work they’ve done then you can be sure that either pride or insecurity is coming out…and neither are good!
#5 - “My ministry needs BLANK to…and if we don’t get it then…”
When a staff member begins to focus on his/her ministry more than the church as a whole…trust me, you have a HUGE problem.
A good staff member does have passion and vision for their particular area of ministry; however, they have an even greater passion for the church as a whole and will gladly lay aside their plans if it means that it is best for the church.
The church will either operate as a loosely organized group of sub ministries…OR ONE BODY with many parts…and if a staff member cannot be a part of the body then they most likely do not have a kingdom mindset.
Five Things You Should Never Hear From A Staff Member
I have the privilege to serve with an incredible staff…a fired up group of “git ‘r done” men & women who love Jesus and NewSpring Church.
However, in my ministry experience, both in the life of NewSpring, working in other churches and conversations with many pastors and leaders I believe there are five phrases that we should NEVER hear from someone on staff.
#1 - “That’s Not My Job.”
When a staff member is asked to do something and they reply, “That’s not my job,” then you can be assured that he/she does not have a heart that is fully devoted to the ministry.
The staff we have here at NewSpring Church walk around with fire in their eyes…and when asked to do something they just make it happen. Now…I have seen this abused & do not think ANYONE should allow themselves to be ran over; however, when asked to do something that might not serve the person BUT WILL SERVE THE CHURCH…the answer should always be yes.
#2 - “That Can’t Be Done.”
I have noticed something about staff members that say something cannot be done…USUALLY the ones who say that are the ones who are going to be asked to do the particular project they are freaking out about…and it will require tons of work…SO, they just say it can’t be done.
I have a rule…I don’t ever want to hear can’t be done. One of the best people on the planet at this is Ken! He is one of the founding members of NewSpring Church as was hired to come on staff in 2002. I’ve NEVER heard him say, “we can’t do that!” HOWEVER…
He is realistic with me–he has often said, “Now we CAN do that…but it will require such and such and we don’t have that–and if we want it then it is going to cost this…so what do you want to do?” I LOVE HIS ATTITUDE!
Trust me, when a staff member continually says that something cannot be done they either have a lazy work ethic OR a very small view of who God is…neither are beneficial for your team.
#3 - “All I Need Is More Staff & Money To Make This Happen.”
When people begin to use resources as an excuse for a stagnant or failing ministry then you can be sure they are in trouble and have most likely became spoiled, thus forgetting the art of being innovative.
#4 - “Recognize Me!”
Beware of the staff member who is always telling you how much work they did, how many hours they put in and how tired they are.
HOLD ON…as a leader it is our job to make sure that staff members are not sacrificed on the alter of ministry. We should pay them well and make sure they have adequate time off. More often than not we have to FORCE people around here to take time off.
BUT…when someone is always demanding attention for the work they’ve done then you can be sure that either pride or insecurity is coming out…and neither are good!
#5 - “My ministry needs BLANK to…and if we don’t get it then…”
When a staff member begins to focus on his/her ministry more than the church as a whole…trust me, you have a HUGE problem.
A good staff member does have passion and vision for their particular area of ministry; however, they have an even greater passion for the church as a whole and will gladly lay aside their plans if it means that it is best for the church.
The church will either operate as a loosely organized group of sub ministries…OR ONE BODY with many parts…and if a staff member cannot be a part of the body then they most likely do not have a kingdom mindset.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Spiritual Warfare
Today we'll start looking at Charles Stanley's Landmines in the Path of the Believer, Avoiding the Hidden Dangers.
Chapter One, Facing the Hidden Threat
Face-To-Face With Our Enemy
"...It does not take long to realize Satan will do anything to prevent you from becoming the person God has planned for you to be. His strategic plan is laid out to entice you to sin and drift in your devotion to God. Satan uses many of the things we feel are harmless or unavoidable sins - gossip, feelings of unforgiveness, pride, and cynicism, to name a few. He also watches to see how we will react to a situation. If there is an opportunity for him to weave his evil mischief into our thoughts, he will take it.
The landmines in his arsenal include such sins as pride, jealousy and envy, disappointment, unforgiveness, compromise, sexual temptation, fear, and laziness - which God also calls slothfulness.
How do you uncover and defuse the landmines that have been laid out in your pathway?"
We'll look at that tomorrow.
Chapter One, Facing the Hidden Threat
Face-To-Face With Our Enemy
"...It does not take long to realize Satan will do anything to prevent you from becoming the person God has planned for you to be. His strategic plan is laid out to entice you to sin and drift in your devotion to God. Satan uses many of the things we feel are harmless or unavoidable sins - gossip, feelings of unforgiveness, pride, and cynicism, to name a few. He also watches to see how we will react to a situation. If there is an opportunity for him to weave his evil mischief into our thoughts, he will take it.
The landmines in his arsenal include such sins as pride, jealousy and envy, disappointment, unforgiveness, compromise, sexual temptation, fear, and laziness - which God also calls slothfulness.
How do you uncover and defuse the landmines that have been laid out in your pathway?"
We'll look at that tomorrow.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Identity in Christ #5
We've finished Holy Discontent by Bill Hybels. They book contains several stories depicting people's holy discontent with different things, like the AIDS pandemic. I've chosen to leave those out because they were so long, but they were very interesting. I highly recommend this book.
Back to Discovering Your Identity in Christ by Charles Stanley before the spiritual warfare book, which is great.
Chapter 5 is called Redeemed and talks about the forgiveness of our sins.
"To be forgiven is to be set free from any guilt and any consequences over one's past sins.
Sin is regarded throughout the Bible as a state of bondage that is the result of transgressions, iniquity, and evil. We commit sin because we are sinners. We were born with a sin nature. Our sinful actions further seal the fact that we are sinners. Our being and doing are cyclical.
Many people experience God's forgiveness but then suffer from lingering guilt over their past sins. To continue to hang on to guilt after receiving God's forgiveness is to say to God, "Your forgiveness wasn't enough." And surely it is!
The challenge for many of us is to accept God's total forgiveness and then to forgive ourselves and to move forward in our lives. To hang on to guilt and shame is to devalue what Christ Jesus did on the cross.
Those who have received God's forgiveness, however, have the Holy Spirit dwelling within them, and they are compelled to act in a righteous way because of His presence."
I especially like what Stanley said about hanging on to guilt. This is just what the enemy would like us to do. If we sit and spin in guilt over the past, which is dead and gone, we are ineffective in the present and are threatening our effectiveness of our future. Let you love for Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit be the things that keep you from continuing to sin. Though we are all in the process of sanctification (I call it the purification process) we have the strength and power to stop sinning, stop looking at our past to comdemn ourselves and move forward with confidence as a child of the King.
Isaiah 43:18 Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past."
Back to Discovering Your Identity in Christ by Charles Stanley before the spiritual warfare book, which is great.
Chapter 5 is called Redeemed and talks about the forgiveness of our sins.
"To be forgiven is to be set free from any guilt and any consequences over one's past sins.
Sin is regarded throughout the Bible as a state of bondage that is the result of transgressions, iniquity, and evil. We commit sin because we are sinners. We were born with a sin nature. Our sinful actions further seal the fact that we are sinners. Our being and doing are cyclical.
Many people experience God's forgiveness but then suffer from lingering guilt over their past sins. To continue to hang on to guilt after receiving God's forgiveness is to say to God, "Your forgiveness wasn't enough." And surely it is!
The challenge for many of us is to accept God's total forgiveness and then to forgive ourselves and to move forward in our lives. To hang on to guilt and shame is to devalue what Christ Jesus did on the cross.
Those who have received God's forgiveness, however, have the Holy Spirit dwelling within them, and they are compelled to act in a righteous way because of His presence."
I especially like what Stanley said about hanging on to guilt. This is just what the enemy would like us to do. If we sit and spin in guilt over the past, which is dead and gone, we are ineffective in the present and are threatening our effectiveness of our future. Let you love for Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit be the things that keep you from continuing to sin. Though we are all in the process of sanctification (I call it the purification process) we have the strength and power to stop sinning, stop looking at our past to comdemn ourselves and move forward with confidence as a child of the King.
Isaiah 43:18 Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past."
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Holy Discontent #7
Starting Chapter 8 by Bill Hybels:
"Just imagine if pastors and other leaders let go of pride, fear, the need to please, and the need to control! What would happen if we took greater risks rather than staying married to the status quo? Or if all of us invited our colleagues and teams to engage on a consistent basis in purpose-finding instead of problem-solving . . . asking not "What do we want" but rather "What results do we want to create?"
What if leaders and teams joined hands and got on the same page so that trust could accelerate, accountability could increase, blaming could disappear, and learning through trial and error could actually be acceptable behavior?
What if church leaders of every temperament and background and denominational persuasion were wide open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and said, "God, we want your mind on the decisions in front of us, and we already say yes to whatever it is you'd have us do!"
Friends, can you imagine what might happen in corporations and churches and families all over the world if we all got serious about becoming fundamental-state people? I'm just naive enough to believe that it's possible. I believe we can all get better at seeing what ought to be and then working like crazy to actualize it.
As you can tell by now, I believe the fundamental state is a real place. Moreover, I believe that the fundamental state is where the white-hot inner flame of your holy discontent is hiding! Boundaries get expanded there. Leadership competencies get ennobled there. Fear gets stamped out there. Insecurities get upended there. Passion pursuits get clarified there. And depression is asked to take the slow boat home.
If it's up to us to decide how often we'll enter the fundamental state, then let's agree together to frequent it more and more so that the hope God has asked us to spread to this broken world does not die before we get there. Deal?"
"Just imagine if pastors and other leaders let go of pride, fear, the need to please, and the need to control! What would happen if we took greater risks rather than staying married to the status quo? Or if all of us invited our colleagues and teams to engage on a consistent basis in purpose-finding instead of problem-solving . . . asking not "What do we want" but rather "What results do we want to create?"
What if leaders and teams joined hands and got on the same page so that trust could accelerate, accountability could increase, blaming could disappear, and learning through trial and error could actually be acceptable behavior?
What if church leaders of every temperament and background and denominational persuasion were wide open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and said, "God, we want your mind on the decisions in front of us, and we already say yes to whatever it is you'd have us do!"
Friends, can you imagine what might happen in corporations and churches and families all over the world if we all got serious about becoming fundamental-state people? I'm just naive enough to believe that it's possible. I believe we can all get better at seeing what ought to be and then working like crazy to actualize it.
As you can tell by now, I believe the fundamental state is a real place. Moreover, I believe that the fundamental state is where the white-hot inner flame of your holy discontent is hiding! Boundaries get expanded there. Leadership competencies get ennobled there. Fear gets stamped out there. Insecurities get upended there. Passion pursuits get clarified there. And depression is asked to take the slow boat home.
If it's up to us to decide how often we'll enter the fundamental state, then let's agree together to frequent it more and more so that the hope God has asked us to spread to this broken world does not die before we get there. Deal?"
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Holy Discontent #6
Chapter 7, Magnetic Living by Bill Hybels
University of Michigan business school professor Robert Quinn wrote a book and the theory of a "fundamental state" resonated with Bill Hybels.
"Essentially, it says that when a person is gripped by a powerful passion (or driven by a holy discontent, you might say), he or she literally enters into a completely different state of mind; in fact, they shift mental gears altogether and begin operating on an entirely new level.
According to Quinn, people can actually migrate at will from what he calls the "normal state" to a place known as the "fundamental state." this is helpful to know, especially since you may be stuck in the "normal state" without even knowing it. Here's how to tell: in the normal state, you're almost entirely self-absorbed. You have a reactive approach to life. And you try to maintain the status quo, regardless how unbearable the status quo is. Professor Quinn puts it this way in his book, Building the Bridge as You Walk On It: "When we accept the world as it is [by living in the normal state], we deny our ability to see something better, and hence our ability to be something better. We become what we behold." What's not normal, Professor Quinn says, is embracing the fact that another state exists.
"To remain in the normal state us ultimately to choose slow death," asserts Quinn. The normal state is so self-seeking that you can spin your wheels for a lifetime and never once impact the world around you. In the fundamental state, however, people care so much about getting results that they begin to move and breathe in a totally different realm. They operate with intentionality. They act with massive doses of enthusiasm and persistence. They surrender their ego because the cause simply can't afford their pride. They open themselves up to any and all new ideas and forms of input - regardless where those suggestions come from.
People who operate in a "fundamental" state of mind concentrate at higher levels and focus more intensely because the goal they're pursuing demands it. They take risks they wouldn't normally take . . . because they have to - there's too much at stake not to! Their creativity kicks up a notch. Their energy soars. Their passion swells.
The moral of the story is that a bad day lived from the energy of your holy discontent is far better than the best day lived anywhere else.
...When you step into the fundamental state, not only will you change "states," abut you will draw others into that new state too. Think about this for a moment: when you spend time in the fundamental state, you become an increasingly attractive person. ... you experience a buzz that you'll never want to end, a marvelous dynamic I call magnetic living."
No comment for today, I think Bill said it all!
University of Michigan business school professor Robert Quinn wrote a book and the theory of a "fundamental state" resonated with Bill Hybels.
"Essentially, it says that when a person is gripped by a powerful passion (or driven by a holy discontent, you might say), he or she literally enters into a completely different state of mind; in fact, they shift mental gears altogether and begin operating on an entirely new level.
According to Quinn, people can actually migrate at will from what he calls the "normal state" to a place known as the "fundamental state." this is helpful to know, especially since you may be stuck in the "normal state" without even knowing it. Here's how to tell: in the normal state, you're almost entirely self-absorbed. You have a reactive approach to life. And you try to maintain the status quo, regardless how unbearable the status quo is. Professor Quinn puts it this way in his book, Building the Bridge as You Walk On It: "When we accept the world as it is [by living in the normal state], we deny our ability to see something better, and hence our ability to be something better. We become what we behold." What's not normal, Professor Quinn says, is embracing the fact that another state exists.
"To remain in the normal state us ultimately to choose slow death," asserts Quinn. The normal state is so self-seeking that you can spin your wheels for a lifetime and never once impact the world around you. In the fundamental state, however, people care so much about getting results that they begin to move and breathe in a totally different realm. They operate with intentionality. They act with massive doses of enthusiasm and persistence. They surrender their ego because the cause simply can't afford their pride. They open themselves up to any and all new ideas and forms of input - regardless where those suggestions come from.
People who operate in a "fundamental" state of mind concentrate at higher levels and focus more intensely because the goal they're pursuing demands it. They take risks they wouldn't normally take . . . because they have to - there's too much at stake not to! Their creativity kicks up a notch. Their energy soars. Their passion swells.
The moral of the story is that a bad day lived from the energy of your holy discontent is far better than the best day lived anywhere else.
...When you step into the fundamental state, not only will you change "states," abut you will draw others into that new state too. Think about this for a moment: when you spend time in the fundamental state, you become an increasingly attractive person. ... you experience a buzz that you'll never want to end, a marvelous dynamic I call magnetic living."
No comment for today, I think Bill said it all!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Holy Discontent #5
Chapter 6, Wherever It Takes You, Whenever It Takes You There, by Bill Hybels
"...I believe my primary job is to teach what the Bible says about the great issues of the day. Not just some of the issues, but all of them. The number of times Scripture mentions God's passionate concern for the poor, the oppressed, the widows, the orphans, those who are incarcerated, and those who have no voice is astounding!"
Tomorrow we'll talk about magnetic living, the normal state, and the fundamental state. Good stuff!
Today I'll start reading my book on spiritual warfare. I talked with a friend a few times this week and as she reaches out to meet the needs of people with dire needs, she's been feeling something odd. She's had moments of fear, urgency to make decisions, confusion, etc. The enemy is never happy when we step outside of ourselves and stretch our faith to make a difference in the world. Even though this is normal and totally expected, it sure makes you feel 'weird'. I find it encouraging, sometimes tiring, but also exciting.
"...I believe my primary job is to teach what the Bible says about the great issues of the day. Not just some of the issues, but all of them. The number of times Scripture mentions God's passionate concern for the poor, the oppressed, the widows, the orphans, those who are incarcerated, and those who have no voice is astounding!"
Tomorrow we'll talk about magnetic living, the normal state, and the fundamental state. Good stuff!
Today I'll start reading my book on spiritual warfare. I talked with a friend a few times this week and as she reaches out to meet the needs of people with dire needs, she's been feeling something odd. She's had moments of fear, urgency to make decisions, confusion, etc. The enemy is never happy when we step outside of ourselves and stretch our faith to make a difference in the world. Even though this is normal and totally expected, it sure makes you feel 'weird'. I find it encouraging, sometimes tiring, but also exciting.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Holy Discontent #4
Chapter 4 by Bill Hybels:
Feeding the Frustration
The tendency for most of us when we encounter stuff that creates dis-ease and frustration in our souls is to push it away. And fast! We feel the discomfort of holy discontentedness coming on, and reflexively we want to medicate it.
But the truth is this: the best thing you can do is to move toward your area of holy discontent until you have clear direction from God as to what action you should take to resolve it.
Get close to your holy discontent because when you feed rather than flee it, God will birth new visions in you to become part of the solution. Stay near it so you can pick up fresh sights and fresh sounds that will stoke the firestorm of frustration in your soul.
If you want to be a force for good, then, like David, you've got to choose to take action in the area of passion God has placed inside your heart.
I've found this to be so true. I remember early on in my walk with God, having my ministry interview with Pastor Allen. One of the questions was "If you had all the resources, time, and no restrictions, and you knew you wouldn't fail, what would you attempt to do for God?" For my at that time, my holy discontent was feeding, clothing, and training poverty-stricken and homeless families so they could get back on their feet. I still have that passion today, to help those who need help. I'm blessed to have the opportunity to give food bags to those in need. That's a very small action, and I crave to do more.
What's you're area of holy discontent? What drives you crazy in the world?
Feeding the Frustration
The tendency for most of us when we encounter stuff that creates dis-ease and frustration in our souls is to push it away. And fast! We feel the discomfort of holy discontentedness coming on, and reflexively we want to medicate it.
But the truth is this: the best thing you can do is to move toward your area of holy discontent until you have clear direction from God as to what action you should take to resolve it.
Get close to your holy discontent because when you feed rather than flee it, God will birth new visions in you to become part of the solution. Stay near it so you can pick up fresh sights and fresh sounds that will stoke the firestorm of frustration in your soul.
If you want to be a force for good, then, like David, you've got to choose to take action in the area of passion God has placed inside your heart.
I've found this to be so true. I remember early on in my walk with God, having my ministry interview with Pastor Allen. One of the questions was "If you had all the resources, time, and no restrictions, and you knew you wouldn't fail, what would you attempt to do for God?" For my at that time, my holy discontent was feeding, clothing, and training poverty-stricken and homeless families so they could get back on their feet. I still have that passion today, to help those who need help. I'm blessed to have the opportunity to give food bags to those in need. That's a very small action, and I crave to do more.
What's you're area of holy discontent? What drives you crazy in the world?
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Holy Discontent #3
Holy Discontent by Bill Hybels:
Continuing on from yesterday. "They have a constant awareness that what is wrecking them is wrecking the heart of God. Refusing to stay fed up, though, they instead get fueled by their restless longing for the better-day realities God says are coming soon. They listen to the soulish instinct inside them that says life just doesn't have to be the way that most people experience it. Most importantly, they suit up and jump into the game when God says, "If you'll hook up with me, I'll involve you in effecting some much-needed change around here!""
Bill then talks about his own holy discontent and describes when it first hit him. "The church I was attending in those days was so unbelievably self-absorbed that it didn't give a flying rip about people who lived close to us but far from God. In my estimation, the church leaders and members preached compassionate love; they just didn't see the need to practice it."
Bill recounts the time his father was going to ask a man to church with his family, and Bill begged his dad, "Oh, no, dad, not our church! We'll lose him for sure!" That's how much he disliked his church growing up. That's so sad. What do your youth think of your church? They are the future. Can they tell you your church's vision? Do they come up with ways to reach the lost and heal the broken? Do they have a holy discontent, not for their church, but for those outside their four walls? Are they sold out to God?
Continuing on from yesterday. "They have a constant awareness that what is wrecking them is wrecking the heart of God. Refusing to stay fed up, though, they instead get fueled by their restless longing for the better-day realities God says are coming soon. They listen to the soulish instinct inside them that says life just doesn't have to be the way that most people experience it. Most importantly, they suit up and jump into the game when God says, "If you'll hook up with me, I'll involve you in effecting some much-needed change around here!""
Bill then talks about his own holy discontent and describes when it first hit him. "The church I was attending in those days was so unbelievably self-absorbed that it didn't give a flying rip about people who lived close to us but far from God. In my estimation, the church leaders and members preached compassionate love; they just didn't see the need to practice it."
Bill recounts the time his father was going to ask a man to church with his family, and Bill begged his dad, "Oh, no, dad, not our church! We'll lose him for sure!" That's how much he disliked his church growing up. That's so sad. What do your youth think of your church? They are the future. Can they tell you your church's vision? Do they come up with ways to reach the lost and heal the broken? Do they have a holy discontent, not for their church, but for those outside their four walls? Are they sold out to God?
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Holy Discontent #2 and School
Last night Greg and I attended our first session of Old Testament Survey at Global Bible Institute in Modesto. It was great! My brain got exercised very well. It was fast paced, which I love. I took so many notes my hand was sore. Fascinating. I'm actually looking forward to the homework, though I'm just auditing the class, I might just do all the work anyway and switch to taking the class for credit. Who knows?
Onward to Holy Discontent. Bill Hybels says that the powerful, spiritual congruence that connected Moses' priorities to the priorities of God as his "holy discontent."
"If you expose yourself to all that's broken in our world but neglect to view the brokenness from heaven's perspective (which promises that everything is in the process of being restored), then you'll get sucked into an impossible, downward spiral of aggravation and anger. Things will seem so bleak that you'll wind up taking up residence inside your firestorm of frustration instead of allowing it to propel you toward positive action.
Once that frustration and anger is understood as being your holy discontent, though - your spiritual connection to the God who's working to fix everything - it's as if an enormous wave of positive energy gets released inside you. Much like Popeye in his spinach-infused state, you become an unstoppable force for good in the world. This energy causes you to act on the dissatisfaction that's been brewing deep within your soul and compels you to say yes to joining forces with God so that the darkness and depravity around you gets pushed back. This supernatural supply of energy allows you to move forward past all the natural human-nature responses and enter instead into a life viewed from God's point of view. In other words, your perspective shifts from that which your eyes can see to that which God tells you is true."
Onward to Holy Discontent. Bill Hybels says that the powerful, spiritual congruence that connected Moses' priorities to the priorities of God as his "holy discontent."
"If you expose yourself to all that's broken in our world but neglect to view the brokenness from heaven's perspective (which promises that everything is in the process of being restored), then you'll get sucked into an impossible, downward spiral of aggravation and anger. Things will seem so bleak that you'll wind up taking up residence inside your firestorm of frustration instead of allowing it to propel you toward positive action.
Once that frustration and anger is understood as being your holy discontent, though - your spiritual connection to the God who's working to fix everything - it's as if an enormous wave of positive energy gets released inside you. Much like Popeye in his spinach-infused state, you become an unstoppable force for good in the world. This energy causes you to act on the dissatisfaction that's been brewing deep within your soul and compels you to say yes to joining forces with God so that the darkness and depravity around you gets pushed back. This supernatural supply of energy allows you to move forward past all the natural human-nature responses and enter instead into a life viewed from God's point of view. In other words, your perspective shifts from that which your eyes can see to that which God tells you is true."
Monday, February 25, 2008
Nightmares #2
I was a little too affected yesterday to blog about these two dreams I had Saturday night so I'll share them now. If you know what they mean, feel free to let me know.
The first one was on a staircase. There were several flights. It was narrow and everything was made out of wood. My mom was there, and since she seems braver than me sometimes I let her go down the stairs first. At every landing as we descended, a different scarry animal would come out from behind the wall. I only remember two. The first was an anteater/armadillo looking thing, but it was actually a snake coiled up in the shape of that animal. There were two bright blue spots on it, at the tail and head. It didn't hurt me, it just gave me the willies. The second one was a spider dangling on a web string held by my daughter. She didn't seem scared. It had little black ball feet and body. It looked more like a daddy longleg. I told her to get rid of it because it could be poisonous.
The second dream was at home. The kids were 5 and 8. Greg and I were married but he wasn't home. I came out into the livingroom in the morning and the glass in the top half of the front door was broken. The bottom half was wood. As I looked out, an Impala with three Hispanic males between 18 and 20 drove up and parked in front of the house. They were laughing. When they started to get out of the car, I picked up the phone to call the police. The car turned into a semi and the passenger got something out from between the trailer and box and they came up to the door. The police were asking way to many questions and weren't here yet. One of the men reached into the door and unlocked it and they came in. They sat on the sofa. Mark said he thought he saw one get a handgun and the young man pulled it out of his jacket and said, "This one?" I immediately told him to put it away or get rid of it. He took it apart to show me it couldn't be used and put it back in his jacket. I asked them if I could make them cereal for breakfast and when I tried, the milk was dark. Inside there was some thick, black and green thing at the bottom like mold, so I couldn't make them breakfast. I then called Greg. A repair man knocked on the garage door to tell me what was wrong under my hot water heater and said it would be $250 to fix it. I told him I didn't call him or authorize him to fix it. He said a lesser fix was $150. I told him to talk to Greg and handed him the phone.
That was it. The second dream didn't freak me out nearly as much as the first and I understand why certain things were in it. I know why I get snake dreams but don't know the significance of the individual elements of the dream.
Tomorrow we'll get back to Indentity in Christ and/or Holy Discontent.
The first one was on a staircase. There were several flights. It was narrow and everything was made out of wood. My mom was there, and since she seems braver than me sometimes I let her go down the stairs first. At every landing as we descended, a different scarry animal would come out from behind the wall. I only remember two. The first was an anteater/armadillo looking thing, but it was actually a snake coiled up in the shape of that animal. There were two bright blue spots on it, at the tail and head. It didn't hurt me, it just gave me the willies. The second one was a spider dangling on a web string held by my daughter. She didn't seem scared. It had little black ball feet and body. It looked more like a daddy longleg. I told her to get rid of it because it could be poisonous.
The second dream was at home. The kids were 5 and 8. Greg and I were married but he wasn't home. I came out into the livingroom in the morning and the glass in the top half of the front door was broken. The bottom half was wood. As I looked out, an Impala with three Hispanic males between 18 and 20 drove up and parked in front of the house. They were laughing. When they started to get out of the car, I picked up the phone to call the police. The car turned into a semi and the passenger got something out from between the trailer and box and they came up to the door. The police were asking way to many questions and weren't here yet. One of the men reached into the door and unlocked it and they came in. They sat on the sofa. Mark said he thought he saw one get a handgun and the young man pulled it out of his jacket and said, "This one?" I immediately told him to put it away or get rid of it. He took it apart to show me it couldn't be used and put it back in his jacket. I asked them if I could make them cereal for breakfast and when I tried, the milk was dark. Inside there was some thick, black and green thing at the bottom like mold, so I couldn't make them breakfast. I then called Greg. A repair man knocked on the garage door to tell me what was wrong under my hot water heater and said it would be $250 to fix it. I told him I didn't call him or authorize him to fix it. He said a lesser fix was $150. I told him to talk to Greg and handed him the phone.
That was it. The second dream didn't freak me out nearly as much as the first and I understand why certain things were in it. I know why I get snake dreams but don't know the significance of the individual elements of the dream.
Tomorrow we'll get back to Indentity in Christ and/or Holy Discontent.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Prayer Drive and Holy Discontent
Yesterday Greg and I went for a prayer drive partly because we've been trying to go for a prayer walk for a month, but due to us being sick and also because we didn't have much time and the weather was threatening and starting to rain, we drove. We went to a school on the west side and parked and prayed. I have to say I didn't hear anything from God like I did on the prayer walks, but it was good.
I've also been reading Holy Discontent by Bill Hybels and absolutely resonate with this book. I think I've said that before. Here's what I've loved recently about this book.
Bill talks about Moses and the frustration he felt at the mistreatment of his people.
"Because God couldn't stand the Israelistes' mistreatment either, he used what I call a "firestorm of frustration" that was brewing in Moses' soul to launch this unlikely leader into a prominent role that resulted in the nation of Israel eventually inhabiting the Promised Land.
I believe the motivating reason why millions of people choose to do good in the world around them is because there is something wrong in that world. In fact, there is something so wrong that they just can't stand it. Like Popeye, they too experience a firestorm-of-frustration mement when when they grow so completely incensed by the present state of affairs that they throw their hands up in the air and shout, "That's all I can stands, and I can't stands no more!"
The point is, the irresistible attraction to a specific cause that compelled these people to invest joyfully of their time, their money, and their energies always linked back to a single spark of frustration that fueled what is now a raging fire in their souls."
Have you ever felt frustrated by the things you see around you? By the attitudes of people or the way things are done sometimes? Is there a group of people you see are not being served by the local church? Do you see a need that if you had all the resources, you would gladly meet? How about trusting God to meet that need with the resources He'll provide? They question then becomes, are you frustrated enough to be willing to do something about it? To research the situation, to plan, to jump in and go for it? What is brewing in your soul, your purpose, that you can pray to God, the all-capable, to help you do? Think about that. What bugs you?
I've also been reading Holy Discontent by Bill Hybels and absolutely resonate with this book. I think I've said that before. Here's what I've loved recently about this book.
Bill talks about Moses and the frustration he felt at the mistreatment of his people.
"Because God couldn't stand the Israelistes' mistreatment either, he used what I call a "firestorm of frustration" that was brewing in Moses' soul to launch this unlikely leader into a prominent role that resulted in the nation of Israel eventually inhabiting the Promised Land.
I believe the motivating reason why millions of people choose to do good in the world around them is because there is something wrong in that world. In fact, there is something so wrong that they just can't stand it. Like Popeye, they too experience a firestorm-of-frustration mement when when they grow so completely incensed by the present state of affairs that they throw their hands up in the air and shout, "That's all I can stands, and I can't stands no more!"
The point is, the irresistible attraction to a specific cause that compelled these people to invest joyfully of their time, their money, and their energies always linked back to a single spark of frustration that fueled what is now a raging fire in their souls."
Have you ever felt frustrated by the things you see around you? By the attitudes of people or the way things are done sometimes? Is there a group of people you see are not being served by the local church? Do you see a need that if you had all the resources, you would gladly meet? How about trusting God to meet that need with the resources He'll provide? They question then becomes, are you frustrated enough to be willing to do something about it? To research the situation, to plan, to jump in and go for it? What is brewing in your soul, your purpose, that you can pray to God, the all-capable, to help you do? Think about that. What bugs you?
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Identitiy In Christ #4
Yesterday I blogged a little about chapter 4 and went off on a little tangent about love. Today I want to explain the 3 types of love I eluded to yesterday and continue with chapter 4.
Philos is brotherly love. It's where we get the word Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. Eros is sexual love. It's the love between a husband and wife and is where we get the word erotic. Agape is unconditional love. It is a love based on commitment, not on feelings or shared interests like the first two. There is actually another type of love, but I can't remember it. If you know it, please share!
Here are some other things I highlighted in this chapter. "... God does not pour out His Spirit on what God does not love. God does not reside in a vessel He does not love."
If you've ever doubted God's love for you as a child of His, these two statements should really correct that. Since every believer receives the Holy Spirit upon asking Christ to be Lord and Savior of his or her life, his love for you is cemented. It also speaks of his love for you forever. The Spirit is there for the duration of your life. No matter what you do, say, or think, God continues to love you in spite of yourself. He wants His best for you because he loves you so deeply. God is love.
Philos is brotherly love. It's where we get the word Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. Eros is sexual love. It's the love between a husband and wife and is where we get the word erotic. Agape is unconditional love. It is a love based on commitment, not on feelings or shared interests like the first two. There is actually another type of love, but I can't remember it. If you know it, please share!
Here are some other things I highlighted in this chapter. "... God does not pour out His Spirit on what God does not love. God does not reside in a vessel He does not love."
If you've ever doubted God's love for you as a child of His, these two statements should really correct that. Since every believer receives the Holy Spirit upon asking Christ to be Lord and Savior of his or her life, his love for you is cemented. It also speaks of his love for you forever. The Spirit is there for the duration of your life. No matter what you do, say, or think, God continues to love you in spite of yourself. He wants His best for you because he loves you so deeply. God is love.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Identity in Christ #3
Yesterday's reading was about Love. It was titled Beloved Child. It talked of the Characteristics of God's love and says that God chooses to love. He initiates love. He does not "react" to love; He loves first.
A question was asked, "Have you had an experience of loving another person unconditionally, even though that person may not have seemed "worthy" of love in the eyes of some people?"
This question made me pause. I thought about people in my life. I thought about someone who has tried to discredit me with some people and so far has succeeded. Do I love them? I wish them no harm. I'm nice to them when I see them, serving them with my best. Acting as if I don't even know what they've done. Is that love? I've forgiven them. I'm physically loving them with my actions and attitude, but does my heart love them, deep down inside? Hmmm. I think the hurt and betrayal are keeping my heart from feeling love for them. There are different kinds of love you know. Three in fact. But that's another blog.
Then I thought of another person. Similar situation, but this person stole from me and didn't even tell me until we were sitting in a group situation. They didn't even correct the situation and return the item, the person they gave it to did. For this, I felt victimized and not trusting of them. I do forgive them for this. I'm still nice to them, wish no ill will, but I don't seek opportunities to be around them. Do I love them? Physically yes, in my heart, not really.
Does God call us to love people with our actions, or with our heart, or both? Is it a sin to not feel love for some people who are unsafe for us? What if someone was raped? Are they called to love their rapist? We are called to love everyone. I know we don't have to like everyone. Where are you on this one?
A question was asked, "Have you had an experience of loving another person unconditionally, even though that person may not have seemed "worthy" of love in the eyes of some people?"
This question made me pause. I thought about people in my life. I thought about someone who has tried to discredit me with some people and so far has succeeded. Do I love them? I wish them no harm. I'm nice to them when I see them, serving them with my best. Acting as if I don't even know what they've done. Is that love? I've forgiven them. I'm physically loving them with my actions and attitude, but does my heart love them, deep down inside? Hmmm. I think the hurt and betrayal are keeping my heart from feeling love for them. There are different kinds of love you know. Three in fact. But that's another blog.
Then I thought of another person. Similar situation, but this person stole from me and didn't even tell me until we were sitting in a group situation. They didn't even correct the situation and return the item, the person they gave it to did. For this, I felt victimized and not trusting of them. I do forgive them for this. I'm still nice to them, wish no ill will, but I don't seek opportunities to be around them. Do I love them? Physically yes, in my heart, not really.
Does God call us to love people with our actions, or with our heart, or both? Is it a sin to not feel love for some people who are unsafe for us? What if someone was raped? Are they called to love their rapist? We are called to love everyone. I know we don't have to like everyone. Where are you on this one?
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
For the Love of the Lost
Remember the story of the Good Samaritan?
Luke 10:30-35
In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'
We had a similar situation Monday night near our church. As people (me included) drove kids to youth group, we saw a woman walking along the road crying, with a car and a man nearby trying to get her into the car. I was with my daughter and planned to stop on the way back and see if I could help her, but by the time I came back, the police were there. I'm happy to say my Pastor and his wife stopped and he got out and asked her if she needed help. Just then the police came and assisted her. My Pastor was ready to risk physical harm to help this woman on the side of the road. Now, it helps when you're 6'5" and in great shape from running and cycling.
Let me ask you. If you came across the same situation, would you stop? If not, then the question is, how big is your God? Do you trust him to protect you in risky situations with people you don't know and are in need of Jesus' hands and feet? What if God is calling you to stop? What if stopping is a step in maturity, and something bigger awaits you down the road of life?
Luke 10:30-35
In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'
We had a similar situation Monday night near our church. As people (me included) drove kids to youth group, we saw a woman walking along the road crying, with a car and a man nearby trying to get her into the car. I was with my daughter and planned to stop on the way back and see if I could help her, but by the time I came back, the police were there. I'm happy to say my Pastor and his wife stopped and he got out and asked her if she needed help. Just then the police came and assisted her. My Pastor was ready to risk physical harm to help this woman on the side of the road. Now, it helps when you're 6'5" and in great shape from running and cycling.
Let me ask you. If you came across the same situation, would you stop? If not, then the question is, how big is your God? Do you trust him to protect you in risky situations with people you don't know and are in need of Jesus' hands and feet? What if God is calling you to stop? What if stopping is a step in maturity, and something bigger awaits you down the road of life?
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