Experiencing Purpose
"Speak Lord your servant is listening" 1 Sam.3:10
Most people think that God has no word, no calling, no vision fro them. Truth is every Christian has a calling. In fact every Christian has several callings as well as God given gifts, abilities, and blessings to respond to those callings.
Are you taking time to listen to his voice? Are you being obedient to his voice? Responding to His calling is the greatest and most rewarding thing you can do.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Day 3
Experience Purpose
As we begin this journey of discerning what each of our roles should be in the building of the community center here at Fairlawn I pulled this thought from day 3 of the 20 day devotional in the Maximum Impact Advance packet the church received.
No church builds a structure just to have a nice building. No church expands ministries just to be a bigger church. No person makes a sacrificial financial commitment just to get some kind of service or program benefit. People – and churches – do not give their lives or their resources or their selves to a building or to a program or to being bigger. What people will give their lives to is a God-given purpose, a higher calling. So the most important question to answer in any capital program is not what are you doing, but WHY are you are doing it.
Why is FMCchurch doing these things? In other words, what does God call this church to be and to do? What is the purpose God calls has called us to? And how does this capital program provide tools for Fairlawn to respond to that calling?
We have been called to go and make disciples. The building is not the vision the building is a tool we use to help us work toward the vision God has given us.
As we begin this journey of discerning what each of our roles should be in the building of the community center here at Fairlawn I pulled this thought from day 3 of the 20 day devotional in the Maximum Impact Advance packet the church received.
No church builds a structure just to have a nice building. No church expands ministries just to be a bigger church. No person makes a sacrificial financial commitment just to get some kind of service or program benefit. People – and churches – do not give their lives or their resources or their selves to a building or to a program or to being bigger. What people will give their lives to is a God-given purpose, a higher calling. So the most important question to answer in any capital program is not what are you doing, but WHY are you are doing it.
Why is FMCchurch doing these things? In other words, what does God call this church to be and to do? What is the purpose God calls has called us to? And how does this capital program provide tools for Fairlawn to respond to that calling?
We have been called to go and make disciples. The building is not the vision the building is a tool we use to help us work toward the vision God has given us.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
A Surreal Moment
I was reminded this week how quickly life can change. Monday was a normal day of doing normal stuff. That night I went to a leadership team meeting and about 7:30 I began having some minor discomfort in my chest and by 9:30 I was on my way to the emergency room experiencing severe chest pains. After several hours of tests, doctors came and told us that they thought I might be having a heart attack and
called life flight to transport me to Akron City Hospital.
In the moments following the news that I was being life flighted I had time to reflect on my life. As the helicopter lifted off and headed toward Akron my first thought was, what if the Lord was choosing to take me from this earth at this moment ? What would my first glimpse of eternity be like? What would I experience when I passed through from this life to my eternal reward? What would it be like to see Jesus face to face? What was I about to experience? I was excited, afraid and anxious all at the same time.
My thoughts moved to Verda and the children. Had I been a godly husband? Had I been kind of husband that Verda deserved? What about my children? Did I live my life in such a way that would impact their lives in a positive way? Did I give them a good foundation for them to build their faith? How would my family remember me? Yea a truly surreal moment.
In the early hours of Wednesday morning while sitting in the CCU unit I reflected on my experience a day earlier. I found it interesting that I never thought about material things like IRA's nice cars or a bigger house. I didn't think about ballgames, vacations, or work, no only the "most" important things came to mind on Tuesday morning.
Now as I looked forward I realize there need to be some changes made.I have to spend more time focusing on the "most" important things in my everyday life? I can't get so caught up in important things that I overlook the "most" important things like my Lord, my wife, and my children.and my friends. My heart needs work in more than one way.
Don't wait for a surreal moment to remember the most important things in your life. Begin today focusing more of your time and energy on the most important people in your life.
called life flight to transport me to Akron City Hospital.
In the moments following the news that I was being life flighted I had time to reflect on my life. As the helicopter lifted off and headed toward Akron my first thought was, what if the Lord was choosing to take me from this earth at this moment ? What would my first glimpse of eternity be like? What would I experience when I passed through from this life to my eternal reward? What would it be like to see Jesus face to face? What was I about to experience? I was excited, afraid and anxious all at the same time.
My thoughts moved to Verda and the children. Had I been a godly husband? Had I been kind of husband that Verda deserved? What about my children? Did I live my life in such a way that would impact their lives in a positive way? Did I give them a good foundation for them to build their faith? How would my family remember me? Yea a truly surreal moment.
In the early hours of Wednesday morning while sitting in the CCU unit I reflected on my experience a day earlier. I found it interesting that I never thought about material things like IRA's nice cars or a bigger house. I didn't think about ballgames, vacations, or work, no only the "most" important things came to mind on Tuesday morning.
Now as I looked forward I realize there need to be some changes made.I have to spend more time focusing on the "most" important things in my everyday life? I can't get so caught up in important things that I overlook the "most" important things like my Lord, my wife, and my children.and my friends. My heart needs work in more than one way.
Don't wait for a surreal moment to remember the most important things in your life. Begin today focusing more of your time and energy on the most important people in your life.
Monday, August 31, 2009
The power of cardboard
WOW! It is amazing how a piece of cardboard with a few words on it can be so powerful. Sunday I experienced the power of cardboard. Sometimes 2 words told a powerful story. As believers in Christ we all have a story to tell. Our journey toward Christ and walk with Him is the story. We are called to tell our story because it challenges and encourages others to walk with Him. Sunday we experienced the impact our story has on people. It gave someone the little nudge they needed to go to the alter and ask Jesus Christ to become their Savior, it gave hope to a hurting marriage and a desire to rededicate a life to Christ. Yes your testimony is powerful but only if you share it.
The testimonies were powerful in part because of the the of thought that went into the 2 or 3 words scribbled on the cardboard. Thinking through your journey with Christ is something that every believer should do several times a year. Take time this week to write out your "story" it will be one of the most impactful things you will ever do.
Ephesians 5:19-20 ( TEV ) 19 Speak to one another with the words of psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing hymns and psalms to the Lord with praise in your hearts. 20In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, always give thanks for everything to God the Father.
The testimonies were powerful in part because of the the of thought that went into the 2 or 3 words scribbled on the cardboard. Thinking through your journey with Christ is something that every believer should do several times a year. Take time this week to write out your "story" it will be one of the most impactful things you will ever do.
Ephesians 5:19-20 ( TEV ) 19 Speak to one another with the words of psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing hymns and psalms to the Lord with praise in your hearts. 20In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, always give thanks for everything to God the Father.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Refreshing Still Waters
When was the last time you were completely still before the Lord? No music,TV, or cell phone. When was the last time you heard nothing but chirping birds or peaceful splashing of a flowing fountain. A place where you could hear God. The bible says Be still and know that I am God. We need a place where we can quiet our minds from the busyness of life and focus on getting to know Him. David wrote in Pslam 23 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. Just as David's soul was restored, ours can to, if we take time to lie down in green pastures and sit by the still waters. Each of us needs to find that special place to quiet our hearts and hear God.
I find that place on our deck in the back yard of our home. It is my oasis, a place with beautiful flowers, flowing fountain, chirping birds, and most of all serenity. When I take time to go there and be still, God speaks. It is there that God encourages me through His word and still small voice. That is where I go to have my soul refreshed and restored. I quiet my mind and allow Him to speak to me. It is by the refreshing quiet water that I "stand still and consider the wondrous works of God" (Job 37:14) When I do my soul is refreshed. Try it! I guarantee it will refresh your soul.
I find that place on our deck in the back yard of our home. It is my oasis, a place with beautiful flowers, flowing fountain, chirping birds, and most of all serenity. When I take time to go there and be still, God speaks. It is there that God encourages me through His word and still small voice. That is where I go to have my soul refreshed and restored. I quiet my mind and allow Him to speak to me. It is by the refreshing quiet water that I "stand still and consider the wondrous works of God" (Job 37:14) When I do my soul is refreshed. Try it! I guarantee it will refresh your soul.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Be Contagious
Last week I visited a friend in the hospital. Before I was allowed to go into his room I had to put on a lovely yellow gown and latex gloves in to protect myself from getting what he had. He was highly contagious and I didn't want what he had. (nothing personal)
As I was driving home I began to think about being contagious. As Christians we're contagious. The question is do people want what we've got? Or will they do what I did before I walked into that hospital room and takes steps to protect themselves from being exposed to us?
Jesus was contagious, people wanted what He had. They were attracted to Him because of the way he lived His life and love people from all walks of life. When we have an intimate relationship with Christ we will become more like Him. We love people the way he loved them, as a result people will want what we have, rather than go to great measures to protect themselves from getting what we've got. Be like Jesus! Be contagious!
Ephesians 5:15-17 ( NLT ) 15So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
As I was driving home I began to think about being contagious. As Christians we're contagious. The question is do people want what we've got? Or will they do what I did before I walked into that hospital room and takes steps to protect themselves from being exposed to us?
Jesus was contagious, people wanted what He had. They were attracted to Him because of the way he lived His life and love people from all walks of life. When we have an intimate relationship with Christ we will become more like Him. We love people the way he loved them, as a result people will want what we have, rather than go to great measures to protect themselves from getting what we've got. Be like Jesus! Be contagious!
Ephesians 5:15-17 ( NLT ) 15So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Keeping your soul weed free
I really enjoy the challenge of keeping my yard green and weed free. It's sort of a hobby of mine. (I know I need to get a life) So last week I took a walk on the church property to check out our yard. From my office the yard looked farely green. But after a closer look I realized that the newly planted areas were being overtaken by weeds and the grass was sparse at best.
What happened, the landscape company came cultivated, fertilized and planted grass shouldn't it just grow? I was sort of disappointed, because I like lush green lawns. Then I thought about how much TLC I put into my yard, I have to constantly be working on it to make it look good. I have to thatch (rake out the dead grass) and aerate (poke holes to allow it to breathe) which makes it look really bad for a few days. I also fertilize and regularly check it for uninvited weeds that pop up. Keeping my yard healthy is an ongoing process.
It made me think about my spiritual life, I am like a yard. I must constantly be feeding my soul, thatching out the dead unnecessary stuff so that the grass that is alive can thrive. I always have to be on the lookout for the cares of this world that grow up in my soul that will choke me to death if I don't keep them plucked out. It is hard work but, God rewards our faithfulness.
Like our church lawn we as Christians can sometimes look good from a distance but when you get up close there are lot of weeds choking the growth that God desires. It takes a lot of commitment to have a keep our spiritual lives vibrant and growing, but the end result is a productive and exciting relationship with Jesus Christ that will be attractive to the people that we encounter on a daily basis.
Matthew 13:7-8 ( NLT )
7Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. 8Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!
What happened, the landscape company came cultivated, fertilized and planted grass shouldn't it just grow? I was sort of disappointed, because I like lush green lawns. Then I thought about how much TLC I put into my yard, I have to constantly be working on it to make it look good. I have to thatch (rake out the dead grass) and aerate (poke holes to allow it to breathe) which makes it look really bad for a few days. I also fertilize and regularly check it for uninvited weeds that pop up. Keeping my yard healthy is an ongoing process.
It made me think about my spiritual life, I am like a yard. I must constantly be feeding my soul, thatching out the dead unnecessary stuff so that the grass that is alive can thrive. I always have to be on the lookout for the cares of this world that grow up in my soul that will choke me to death if I don't keep them plucked out. It is hard work but, God rewards our faithfulness.
Like our church lawn we as Christians can sometimes look good from a distance but when you get up close there are lot of weeds choking the growth that God desires. It takes a lot of commitment to have a keep our spiritual lives vibrant and growing, but the end result is a productive and exciting relationship with Jesus Christ that will be attractive to the people that we encounter on a daily basis.
Matthew 13:7-8 ( NLT )
7Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. 8Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!
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