Everything Has Changed, But Nothing Has Changed

Have you ever heard the saying that attitude is everything? Well, I want to suggest that perspective is everything. Recently, my perspective has changed even while all the external and environmental factors have remained the same.

Taking My Own Advice

I tell every one of my counselees, that you can only change yourself. One of the things we can change is our perspective. In God's Kingdom, I am like a single grain of sand that has it's place in God's grand design. Sometimes we attempt great things when we are only supposed to be faithful in small things. The grain of sand is supposed to do it's part in making a desert.

It has been proven that the air displacement from the wing-beat of a butterfly can be measured hundreds of miles away. How insignificant is the wing-beat of a butterfly? My part in God's kingdom should be hidden and seem insignificant to those around me. But it should be measurable in the Kingdom.

What's your perspective of your life? Is it measurable in the Kingdom?

Stay Focused!

Don't get caught up in WHERE you minister.

Don't get entangled with WHO you minister to.

Don't ever forget HIM who ministers through You.

Stay Focused!

Are Your Fields Prepared?

What are you praying for? What prayers are you asking God to answer? What are you doing to prepare for God's answer?

There is a scene in the movie, Facing The Giants, that tells the story of two farmers who were praying for rain and whose fields desperately needed some rain. One farmer; however, went out and prepared his fields to receive the rain. The character telling the story asks the question, "Which farmer displayed more faith?"

During those times when we are waiting on God, what could we be doing to prepare ourselves for his answer in his timing?

Just a thought for your day!

I'm Awake!

Like waking up from the longest dream.

How real it seemed.

Until Your love broke through.

And I was lost in a fantasy

That blinded me

Until your love broke through. (Randy Stonehill and Keith Green)

For the past month and a half, I have not felt like my normal self. A friend of mine quoted a poet and told me that I was going through a "dark night of the soul". I felt asleep, numb and out of touch.

Until Friday!

I was sitting in a tent at a Christian Music Festival, listening to a band when the Spirit of God fell over that place. I felt something tug at my heart. Later,at the David Crowder concert, I felt a complete release. The black skies parted and the SON began to shine! From that moment on, it became a party. I just started dancing and praising with the crowd of believers!

Saturday, I heard Phil Keaggy and Randy Stonehill do "Until Your Love Broke Through" The words described everything I had been experiencing. It really was like I was walking around asleep. Now I'm praising God that I'm finally awake.

Raising Contenders

Ps 127:3-5 NIV
Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.

Have you ever had one of those months when everything seemed to be going wrong and even when people rallied in support, you still felt alone, vulnerable and weak. My mothers death, one month ago, ushered in such a time in my life. Often, in these times, one feels distracted and is unable to concentrate. Even things that one typically enjoys doing have less appeal. Subsequently, ant-hills become mountains as the most simple problem appears to be unsolvable.

I have used the above passage before; however, I want to focus on the last line. With Father's Day approaching I want to emphasize that children raised to love and honor God will not be put to shame when they face their enemies. As Christians we have a common enemy and he always seeks to steal, kill and destroy every person and every family.

This week, I received a private message from one of my sons that simply stated that he loves me and is praying for me. With all that I have faced and am continuing to face, it is exciting to watch as one of my "arrows" is flying straight at the heart of the enemy on my behalf.

I cannot think of a better Father's Day gift.

Uncertainty and Steps of Faith

Heb 11:1 NIV

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Robin and I have learned a lot about faith in our lives. We live it. It's mandatory. Without it we wouldn't be able to get out of bed in the morning. Not having faith leaves room for nothing but fear. Understand; however, that a human being having faith doesn't eliminate uncertainty. We often call our actions steps of faith. Although we are confident and sure that God will provide, we have that human element of doubt in us.

I think it was Mark Batterson, in his book, In a Pit With a Lion On a Snowy Day", who wrote that if you are waiting until you are 75% or more sure of your decisions before making them, then you are missing opportunities. I cringe when people tell me that they are taking a step of faith by doing something that has already been provided or allotted for. It's like writing a check for $100.00 when you have $5,000.00 in your account. That's a non-step of Faith.

Non-Steps of Faith (in Practical Terms)

Ever felt God leading you to support a missionary, but you waited until you had the monthly amount in your checking account regularly?

How about hanging on to that secure job when God's vision for your life is burning in your heart.

Faith is a muscle, the more we use it the stronger it grows. In 1 Peter chapter One, Peter talks about 2 powers; the power of God and the power of one's faith in God. So if we lack faith, it's often because we let our "measure of faith" atrophy by the lack of use.

Facing uncertaint? Join the club! With uncertainty comes opportunity and the distinct possibility of the miraculous.

Uncertainty - gotta love the ride!

God's Wonderful People

Last week, a family blessed us with Sunday Dinner - Beef Stew in a crock-pot and bread. Today, my entire family was taken to lunch. And to top it off someone just showed up at my office and announced that he had brought his ice cream makers and wanted to bless us with ice cream.

God is always good! And his people are a blessing!

Lack of Creativity

I haven't blogged much lately. I've been a little slow in recovering my creativity and inspiration after the events of the past month. Hang with me, I'm working on it.