A date with purpose

My wife and I date each other at least once a week.  Sometimes we just shoot the breeze and hang out, sometimes we dream together and sometimes we evaluate our lives to ensure that we are living on plan and in purpose. 

On our last date we did an impromptu exercise.  We both listed our passions as we saw them and listed what we observed the other’s passion to be, based on observation.  This was a very revealing exercise but we didn’t stop there. 

We then answered the following three questions.  How can I use my passions for the greater good?  How am I using my passions now and how do I aim to use it in the future? 

Today I listened to the instructions of a self-made millionaire and I discovered two more questions we will explore on our next date.  How can I use my passion to quickly increase my income? How can I use my passion to work for myself? 

I encourage you to do this exercise with your spouse or a close friend.  Life is so much better when you at least know the direction you are going in.  What do you think?  Was this a helpful exercise for you?  I would love to hear your ideas for interesting and fun things you do on dates with your spouse.

 

On This Day in Christian History by Robert Morgan

The book is designed to be read daily, as it introduces the reader to 365 truly intriguing Christ followers. I found it impossible to limit myself to only one biography per day so I read many of the entries in one sitting.  I love the approach of this book.  In its own unique way it gives the reader a sense of church history.  It reminds us that we are not the first, nor the only, to face the difficulty and adventure of our calling for great sacrifice as we demonstrate our love for God by love people. 

The range of these stories pulled on the range of my emotions, but the one overriding emotion I have every time I close this book, is a sense of Godly pride.  I leave the book inspired and proud to be apart of this great faith.  Ironically I leave this book looking forward, looking inward and looking upward.  I am reminded that following Christ requires a deep loyalty and trust. 

The book invites the reader to come close to God knowing he will respond by coming close to us. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

 

Words

A Few Well Placed Words.
Well Placed Words.
Placed Words.
Words.

Words
Change
The
World

Use your words.

 

Day 1 – The Crowd or The Climb

Matthew 5:1 & 2

When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions.

The Crowd

What does the crowd look like today?I think it looks pretty similar to what it looked like yesteryear. It’s a massive group of people who are following each other based on expectation.They may not have sound reasoning for going in the direction they travel. Some of them want to see the spectacular. Some are looking for a new experience, and some are just trying to get something, anything.It’s the world’s way of living — get all you can and can all you get.

I believe many of the people today, and back then, are in the crowd because they perceived that if they followed Jesus, they would be instantly blessed. Maybe he would give them wealth, health and prosperity, here and now — most importantly, now. The crowd often wants something for nothing, and the crowd wants it now!

I was once a part of the crowd, blasting the religious jargon, using the titles with pride and aloofness. I would show up every time the crowd gathered, but I was lacking in direction, purpose, conviction and commitment. You see, it was all about me.

Jesus, knowing exactly what He was after, decided to separate the courageous from the cowardly, the followers from the faithful, the charismatic from the committed, and he did it with simplicity and absolute resolve.He started climbing.

The Climb

Christ teaches them that the pleasures of this world are temporal, that real joy comes from above. Real joy comes from seeking the kingdom of God and sharing his love with others. He promises the Kingdom of heaven to those who serve now, love now, and suffer now.

The challenge remains the same today. Will we continue to climb, to live with a heavenly perspective?Will we deny ourselves?Will we serve and not be served? Or will we get caught in the trap of the crowd? The trap of the crowd says, prosperity now, healing now, glory now, power, position and possessions now!

Christ calls us to the hillside; he invites us to love those who are easily judged.Feed those who are conveniently forgotten, and touch those who are shunned and scorned in society today.It’s no cakewalk, and only the committed will climb. Are you in for a hike?

 

A Safe-house Season

Happy New Year to you, my friend.  Friends like you keep coming back and I continue to be amazed that you want to read these words I write.  Thank you.

I woke up this morning, and for the first time in the last five days, I could write.   I find myself, due to circumstances beyond my control, in what I’m going to call a safe-house season. 

Here’s the thing that makes this time difficult; I’m a frontliner by nature.  I’m the guy who wants to be up front when it’s time for a fight.  I’m that guy who finds it hard to see any Goliath as too big for me to fight.   If in battle, I don’t want to be a sniper.  I want to be the demolition expert, breaching doors and taking the enemy down with my hands. 

My past has positioned me to always be ready for a fight.  Now the season of my life has changed.  I’ve been through this season twice before that I can identify, and I would have to admit, I failed both times.  I say I failed because this is a season that looks more like witness protection than active duty.  This is a season where I am not allowed to protect myself but I need defending and protecting.  This is a season where I have to trust other people… really it’s about me trusting God to use others to accomplish His will in my life. 

There’s the feeling of uselessness and the temptation to be anxious.  There’s the uncertainty that comes with detachment.  If your personality is anything like mine, a safe-house doesn’t feel very safe.  I want to know, to do, to feel, to fight.  God wants me to be still and learn to be completely confident in Him.  It’s not always the right time for a fight, I get that.  Sometimes you find yourself stuck in an ark.  Sometimes you’re in a lion’s den.  Sometimes you’re in a cave, hovering over your enemy, yet holding your peace.  Sometimes you feel broken, alone, used, abused and forgotten.  I am never forgotten!  Wherever I find myself,  God is with me.  God, you are always with me.   

Father, I will be still, I know that you alone are God.  I will hold my peace and let you fight my battle.  I have no other choice but to trust you… You are with me, you are always with me.