Category Archives: Christian Living
Full Throttle
Colossians 3:17
17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
This goes further than to who you represent. It is a call to individuallity. Most athletes have heard the phrase; there is no I in the word team, but there’s an I in the word WIN.
Your talent plus the hours you spend refining your craft multiplied by each team member doing likewise equals the victory over the opposing force.
If you are in right relationship with God. I want to encourage you to get out there and live! Live life as if your throttle is stuck at max power. Change your surroundings for the glory of God. Allow the Holy Spirit to help you become the change you seek. Dr. Tony Evans said in a mesage
people are crucified between two crosses: yesterday and tommorow.
It can be easy to think that you have time. Friend, that is further from the truth. Make an impact today. Choose today to show God thankfulness and live your life to the fullest.
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Friday Focus: The Great Investment
When I think about retirement, and I know for many that may seem like a far away time and place. For me, however I know that this part of my working life is closing and a new one is opening. It is a part of life.
Looking back I wanted to invest in the stock market. I wanted to play the game, if you will. I dreamt of making it big and have enough for my family and I. Then as I was reading my bible plan, the scripture hit me with this:
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”Matthew 6:19-21
Investment takes commitment. It requires you to give attention to the matter of interest. It requires your heart. You may have to research the company you bought shares in. You may be reviewing paperwork on a home purchase. Investment may take your time. It can consume you because it is of value to you.
When I read this in scripture I thought it was just about money or financial planning. But as I started to contemplate the Lord’s true intent of these words I was gripped with how I am investing my life in ministry? Or to put it simply what am I doing for God that is of true value to both Him and I in that our hearts are united? How is my ministry bringing value to the kingdom of God? What treasure have I stored in heaven that out of it’s dividends I am able to effectively minister?
One of my favorite Pastors Benny Perez once said in a message “it is ok to have things…. Don’t let those things HAVE you”. I can agree with that.
The treasures you value can have you invested. There is no wrong in that. How is your return on your investment? Does it surpass the confines of time?
My son receives a commision for the amount of tasks he does around the house and at the end of the period he is paid. He also is responsible (with help) to divide his earnings into three areas; Giving, Saving, and Spending
By doing so he is free to buy his toys, because he has put some money away for somthing he may need and has money for offering on Sunday. It allows him freedom. He enjoys buying his toy, I as his Father enjoy his learning of finances. Toys break, but financial wisdom is timeless.
As we serve this weekend continue to invest in treasure Jesus held of value. So that as our hearts grow full of heaven’s return we can minister out of them freely.
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Carpe “ME” um……
Not many self help books revolutionize your thinking like the Bible. If we looked at the bible as we look at self help books and not a history book, it’s pages become alive and the inspiration that fills this record, fills you!!
You look at wisdom differently. Finances differently, relationships, finding a mate, finding your purpose, finding Gods voice, oh yes, it’s in there. God cares much about you, not so you can be only be rich, He cares most for your soul. Period, the end game of this life is to be with Jesus in heaven. He leaves us His letter (the bible) in the hope that at the end of our appointed time we find Him.
Do we find him? Or should I ask , do we look for him? There Is a Greek phrase that has been quoted over many generations, carpe’ diem when translated it means “to seize the day.” To be proactive and control your day by not allowing the day to control you! To quote a familiar phrase; “Live FULL and Die EMPTY.” It means to be purpose-full. It is too easy to be into the regular day to day operations of what your tasks are that you can forget what pulled you to run the ministry or business in the first place. If your ever stuck here’s a couple “hacks” that have helped us out.
1. Recognize that you need to go to the manufacturer. Suppose your vehicle had an issue that was vital to its serviceability? I know for me I would take it back to the dealer in hopes the manufacturer would correct it. Life can be like that, this is where we must go to our manufacturer regularly to ensure we are living lives that are at peak LEVEL rather than weak LEVEL. Allow the Lord to seize your life’s direction and watch the adventure unfold. It’s only scary if your not in communication with God through prayer.
2. Commit to solution, reject pollution! When the solution is found commit to only thinking about the solution of the matter, everything contrary is irrelevant. Haters will hate, that is their nature. COMMIT TO SOLUTION!!!!
I hope these words have encouraged you. Maybe you could share this with a friend or even mention what you found to others. Listen, We are Praying for you! Have a blessed day!!
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