Bloom where you are planted…

…but don’t be surprised if where you are planted is in a nursery.

I used to lead a landscaping company when I lived in Albuquerque.  It was a great experience and it was an awesome opportunity to work for my friend there.  I learned a lot during that time of my life.  While working there I would take clients to a local nursery to get a better idea of the plantings I was suggesting for their landscape.  Once the selections were made I would place the order.

Those plants I am sure were very content staying right there in the nursery.  They had plenty of water and the appropriate lighting necessary for their growth.  But there would come a day for those plants to be relocated to another location… possibly their permanent home. 

Israel was taken care of by God while wandering in the wilderness.  God lead them with a cloud by day and fire by night.  They went were he lead.  They grumbled and complained a lot.  Yet the entire time Joshua was being raised up to lead them on into the Promised Land and out of the wilderness.

God has used wilderness experiences in my life to get my attention that it was time to go somewhere else.  Now – I’m not saying that He leads everyone that way… that’s just how He has gotten me to make a move in one direction or the other.   

No matter where you may be today in your walk with Christ – you will always be walking toward greater maturity.  In order to do so that may mean you will have to step out of the nursery and into the wilderness for a bit.  But take heart God will be there in the fog and will lead with fire.  Bloom wherever God plants.

Filed under: Calling, Conversation with God, Discipleship, Faith, Oswald Chambers, Random Thoughts, Trusting God

The greatest hope on earth…

…and beyond!             JESUS CHRIST

The day you heard the Gospel and responded by following Jesus – you didn’t respond to a moment in time or to a person presenting the message.  But rather the power of the Holy Spirit working through the surrendered life of another person.  Paul states,

I was unsure of how to go about this, and felt totally inadequate—I was scared to death, if you want the truth of it—and so nothing I said could have impressed you or anyone else. But the Message came through anyway. God’s Spirit and God’s power did it, which made it clear that your life of faith is a response to God’s power, not to some fancy mental or emotional footwork by me or anyone else. (1 Corinthians 2:3-5, The Message).

Now that you know Jesus – what steps do you take to share the hope you have been given?  Is it easy for you to share with others?  Do you fear having a conversation with someone else about your life in Jesus?  What are you relying on when you teach or lead your small group?  Do you rely on the Holy Spirit or do you rely on something you have taught in the past or some other experience you have had?

…as you give your explanation make sure that you are relying on the Holy Spirit. Rely on the certainty of God’s redemptive power, and He will create His own life in people.

Once you are rooted in reality, nothing can shake you. If your faith is in experiences, anything that happens is likely to upset that faith. But nothing can ever change God or the reality of redemption. Base your faith on that, and you are as eternally secure as God Himself. (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, December 3).

Filed under: Discipleship, Evangelism, Faith, Holy Spirit, Hope, Missions, Oswald Chambers

Are you being changed?

I don’t have the opportunity to see either of my parents very much.  In fact almost never.  It’s been a long time since I’ve seen either of my parents.  I was hoping to make the rounds this Thanksgiving and Christmas season to see them both.  My Dad is in South Georgia and my Mom is up in Virginia.  Conversations on the phone is about as good as it gets.  Seeing my Mom is off since I will be working the day after Thanksgiving and seeing my Dad is still on the table in the next 2 or 3 weeks.

So, yesterday I spent some time making the rounds talking with them over the phone.  I was out with my son yesterday afternoon riding bikes.  He is still using his training wheels up and down our long driveway.  As he drove past he asked, “Who are you talking to?”  It was his Meme (My Mom) in Virginia.

Once he was done riding he wanted to tell Meme about his bike riding…  That he had some mud on his pants… and more importantly the mud that was on his front tire.  My mother told him, “I bet you have changed so much that I wouldn’t recognize you.”  Walker’s response, “Well, I still have the same face.”

2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (NIV).  When we live a surrendered life to Christ he changes us on the inside.  Our heart changes and it takes on the heartbeat of God.  As we grow in God’s Word, our mind begins to think the thoughts of God. See Psalm 119:9-11.  The changes begin to take place inwardly.

As the changes begin to take place – we still have the same face.  Our thoughts, attitudes, and praise given to God will lead to a world of changes on the outside.  But we still have the same face.  People that know us will look at us and recognize us and they will see the change as it is lived out.  It is not for us to go about telling others, “Look at the changes, listen to how I pray, or see how I have sacrificed.”  Once we go about bragging spiritually speaking who gets the glory?

It’s one thing to go through a crisis grandly, yet quite another to go through every day glorifying God when there is no witness, no limelight, and no one paying even the remotest attention to us. If we are not looking for halos, we at least want something that will make people say, “What a wonderful man of prayer he is!” or, “What a great woman of devotion she is!”  (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, November 16).

…whatever you do, do all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31.

Today, spend some time thinking about your human life and how it is impacting your spiritual life.  What is it that you seek in life?  Who are you seeking in life?  Whose attention is it that you seek?  Are you looking for the approval of others or that of God?  Seek first His kingdom and is righteousness. Matthew 6:33.

In today’s devotion Chamber’s goes on to say,

The true test of a saint’s life is not successfulness but faithfulness on the human level of life. We tend to set up success in Christian work as our purpose, but our purpose should be to display the glory of God in human life, to live a life “hidden with Christ in God” in our everyday human conditions ( Colossians 3:3  ).

Filed under: Bible Reading, Bible Study, Calling, Discipleship, Faith, Family, Focus, Oswald Chambers, Spiritual Growth

Tripping over the same rock

So.  You think you have got it all together.  But there’s this thing that keeps you from moving forward.  It’s like you are tripping over the same old rock.  You know it’s there.  You’ve walked the path so many times before but you still keep tripping over the same rock. 

What are you going to do about the rock?  Have you identified the rock?  Is it something you can take care on your own?  I bet it’s something you will end up needing some help with.

C. C. DeVille of Poison has a couple of thoughts about it. 

 

Filed under: Bible Reading, Discipleship, Faith, Inspiration, Prayer, Spiritual Growth, The Bible

Sleepy Saturday, Gas Prices, and Thoughts on Personal Growth

Today is one of those sleepy-lazy days… I don’t feel like doing anything.  Gas prices are keeping me at home.  I left my Jeep at work yesterday because it was out of gas.  Gas stations were marking off pumps (saying they were out of gas… I kind of doubt it… I expect those to reopen once the others are out with much higher gas prices!!) If it gets as bad as the media hype!

I just went to my office and picked up the Jeep and found a Chevron station near my house with gas for 3.99/gallon (they are practically giving it away) with no limits on number of gallons allowed to purchase.  $85 dollars later my Jeep is full and parked!!

I am looking forward to October 9 and 10.  In fact, I can’t wait for these two days.  I will be attending the Catalyst Conference 2008 in Atlanta.  I have been hoping for an opportunity to get a way for something like this. God is good!

I want to grow.  I’m just not sure where to focus on my personal growth.  I know that all areas of my life are in need of challenge.  I know at the conference I will be challenged in all of these areas: (Spiritual, leadership, finances, and relationships). 

I’m reading Developing the Leader Within by John Maxwell this weekend.  This is the first book of many I have purchased by Maxwell.  Yet, it is the only one I haven’t read… I think I bought it in 1999.  It’s weird how at times I will buy a book and try to start reading it but for whatever reason it just doesn’t click.  I started on it this morning and the gears were engaged. 

As I read, I am reminded of successes and not so good experiences in leadership through the years.  It is really engaging my thoughts as it pertains to my work today and those I have the pleasure of trying to lead through my job.  It also is helping me think a bit more about my manager and things I can do to help myself maximize my time I get with him one-on-one each week. 

Leadership is Influence. That’s it.  Nothing more; nothing less.  My favorite leadership proverb is:  He who thinketh he can leadeth and hath no one following him is only taking a walk. (John Maxwell, Developing the Leader Within You. Pg. 1).

Another way I desire to grow is by being coached by my good friend Jason through Ministry Coaching International.  I’m not sure when I will be able to get this going… but it is something I do want to pursue.  If you are looking for a way to grow I encourage you to check out Ministry Coaching International.

What are you doing to grow?  What are you reading?  Who are you meeting with?  In what areas do you see the need for growth?

Filed under: Books, Discipleship, Focus, John Maxwell, Leadership, Random Thoughts, Spiritual Growth

Do you have a habit of being tasty?

On Friday of last week, Tonya picked up Walker from school for us.  She sent a txt message to let me know that over the afternoon snack they were talking about habits.  Walker stated,

Well, this applesauce has a habit of being tasty!

Their conversation has had me thinking about habits.  Walker is right (if you like applesauce) applesauce does have a habit of being tasty.  When you take that first spoonful of applesauce and put it in your mouth you can bet that it’s going to taste like applesauce.  Applesauce has the habit of tasting the same every time.  I prefer my applesauce heated with a little bit of cinnamon sprinkled on top.  Yum!

As a believer in Christ, there are certain things about me one should expect.  My lifestyle, vocabulary, beliefs, actions, and the habit of growing daily… should all reflect Jesus Christ. 

There are some things I do on a daily basis that one could consider a “habit” or a discipline.  In order for anyone of us to grow spiritually, we need to develop some consistent habits (a plan of sorts) in order to grow. 

We are all responsible for feeding ourselves physically as well as spiritually.  Just like with your body if you don’t eat you will get sick and ultimately die for lack of nourishment.  The same is true for our spiritual life.  We must feed ourselves by reading God’s Word.  Surrounding ourselves with others who will challenge us in our daily pursuit of God.

By developing daily habits, we will grow into a consistancy in all aspects of our lives.  When someone hurts us… when we hit our finger with the hammer… you name it… we will respond with the character we have developed through our daily habit of growing closer to Jesus.

When someone talks about you that just might say,

Well, (your name) has a habit of being tasty!

Filed under: Discipleship, Family, Quotes

I just want to “be”

God, you are amazing!. I am so thrilled that You love me. I know sometimes I get so caught up in my desire to “do” but today – I just want to “be.” I like the wording of Oswald Chambers today, “The only thing that exceeds right-doing is right-being.” If I could I would be somewhere without all the distractions life brings and just sit in Your presence – being. Lord, I know one day I will meet You face to face… it’s on that day that the ultimate state of being will be… for eternity.

“Sometimes it’s hard to see. Sometimes it’s hard to get through to me. But, I want to do all that You ask me to. Help me to follow through. Make everyday a devotion to you. ‘Cause it’s dust to dust until we learn how to trust…”

…I’m putting Your armor on. I’m finding myself so suddenly drawn. Like a moth to a flame whenever I hear Your Name… Keith Green, “Dust to Dust”.

“If you are My disciple, you must be right not only in your actions, but also in your motives, your aspirations, and in the deep recesses of the thoughts of your mind.” Oswald Chambers, Utmost for His Highest, July 24. See Matthew 5:20.

Filed under: Discipleship, Inspiration, Keith Green, Oswald Chambers, Prayer

Time to shine

I have always valued the opinion of others tremendously. I understand there is a lot of value in the counsel of others when it comes to making decisions. Over the years, I have probably put too much stock in what others have had to say. To the point of not doing anything – out of fear of what someone may say about what I was attempting to do. (Writing on this blog has helped me some what with this).

There is a place we all must come to in following Christ. The place where we need to be is where we put aside the many voices telling us what we “ought” to do and follow what, “Thus says the Lord.”

I wonder how many believers there are filling up churches in America who are not living out God’s potential in them because of what someone else has said that discouraged them from living in obedience.

I’m afraid the number would be great. I think often times its human pride – the fear of failure – that keeps most from launching out into the deep waters of obedience. The fear of what others may think or say leads us to pleasing others and not the Lord.

Paul explained his meeting with the leaders about his call to preach to the Gentiles. He was sold out on what he was to do and yet felt compelled to make sure that James, Peter, and John were on board with him. But at the end of the day – Paul was going to do what, “Thus says the Lord.” Galatians 2:2 lets us know Paul’s meeting with them was out of obedience to God’s leading. “I went there because God revealed to me that I should go.”

I know I have had some crazy ideas and dreams during my lifetime. Some have been encouraged and some have been questioned with the thought, “I hope he knows what he’s doing!” Some dreams have been fulfilled and others well… who knows what happened to them? 

I was having dinner with a friend the other night. His college aged daughter was there too. She was making her plans for her next trip overseas. His comment to me was, “Don’t you just wish you could go back to her age and dream like that?” Her response was, “These aren’t dreams – these are plans!”

Well, she shut both of our mouths wide opened!

But that’s just it… too often we operate our lives off of our dreams (fantasies) we have. When in reality we need to live in what, “Thus says the Lord.”

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Filed under: Discipleship, Future, Obedience

Before you tell Him, “No.”

 James 4:17, “To know to do good and not do it is sin.” 

I don’t want to find myself in a place where I am out of touch with God and His working in my life.  I don’t want to get to a place where the needs I have are the first thoughts I have each day.  There are people all around in need of help… in need of God’s love and encouragement.  I don’t want to be like the words in the song Beautiful Day by U2:

You’re out of luck and the reason that you had to care,
The traffic is stuck and you’re not moving anywhere

I don’t want a traffic jam in my life to be the thing that slows me down so that I can actually have the time to be available to help someone else in need.  The best way to not get stuck in traffic is to choose a road less traveled.  Sometimes it is necessary to step back away from the crowd and do something against the grain to be used by God. 

Just like James says… to know to do something for good and not do it is an act of evil.  To make a decision to not do the right thing is to communicate to God and tell Him, “No.”

The next time you have the opportunity to do something for someone else remember the words of Jesus, “If you’ve done it unto the least of these you have done it unto me.”  Matthew 25:40. 

Filed under: Discipleship, Faith, Serving, U2

Are you ready?

If God were to speak to you right now would you be ready to listen?

Several years ago I was Youth Pastor at First Baptist Church in Aztec, NM.  I took a group of Juniors and Seniors from high school down to Wayland Baptist University in Texas to check out the college and to hear Third Day in concert.

One of the students at the college from Aztec was walking with me across the campus.  His name is Clint Staj.  He is now a part of a great ministry in Australia and has a band named Zuigia.  As we walked across the campus we talked about God speaking.  He told me how God would speak to him at the strangest moments.  So, not to miss a word of what God had to say he carried a little note pad in his pocket anticipating that next conversation with God.

I thought about that this morning as I was responding to an email from Kevin.  Kevin was on that trip.  Kevin was a part of that youth ministry and was a leader traveling with me on that trip.  Kevin has been a great friend and someone I have missed over the years.  He also worked with me at Harvest Church (now Soul Rio) in Albuquerque. 

God has taught me a lot through both of those two guys!  I’m thankful to God for the friendships He has given to me in Clint and Kevin. 

These two guys (in my mind) have always stood alone.  They have stood out from the crowd.  In the way I mentioned in May FOCUS: Determination.  To live as Christ is to live against the crowd.  It’s traveling a road many will not dare to travel.  Because that road is not safe.  It’s dangerous.  It’s lonely and away from family.  It’s for the sake of Christ the bringing together of His people for His purpose out of LOVE…

He brings His people together through those who will commit to stand alone. Are you ready?

Filed under: Discipleship, Friends, Memories, Spiritual Growth