Perfect

Hey all,

How would you define what your "perfect" life would look like?  Would you believe that it is today?

Check this out.

If God can take any part of our life and make it perfect, including our failures and our sin, AND if we believe that HE is with us......then how can our life be anything less than perfect right now? 

If God is with us, then how can it not be perfect?  We are perfect today. 

You see.........God doesn't make mistakes.  HE is a perfectionist.  HE always makes a masterpiece.  Always.

The problem isn't that we lack something that is keeping us from being "perfect" in our life.......the problem is our definition of perfect. 

The challenge is that we put a worldly framework around it. Our definition of perfect is way off.  God doesn't need us to possess certain things to live the perfect life.  HE only needs us.  And when HE has all of us, HE will make our life perfect.

Today.

Strength and Honor,

-S

 

Start Small

Hey All,

How do we make an impact on this world?  Have you ever thought about that?

I think deep down, we all have a desire to make an impact.  We want to do something significant.  We are captured by people that are doing something "big".  We wish we could do the same.  But how could we make a difference?  Our existence seems so small sometimes doesn't it?   

I was reminded this weekend that we don't have to start something "big" to ultimately make a "big" impact. 

Everything "big" starts "small".  A seed has to be planted.

It starts with a heart for something.  And that heart gets overwhelmed to do something.  And the first "something" is small.  It is an idea....then a conversation....then a "what if" moment happens.....then fear of the unknown sets in........then through courage another small action......then a small "win" happens......then comes a failure......then another......(and this is where most of us quit!).....but if we keep going.....then a another small "win"......then someone else catches on....then it starts to take shape.....then it becomes "something real"........then another scary moment of fear......then perseverance sets in.....we keep going with our "small" thing.......

And what started as something "small" now starts to have significance.  It grows.  And if the heart is overwhelmed enough......it keeps growing. 

And along the way we realize........it was never about being "big" at all.  It is about making a difference.  It is about making something beautiful out of something "small".  It is about acting on heart.......and allowing something beautiful to grow from it through God's hands.  It is about having the courage to plant the seed.

God doesn't measure things in "big".  HE measures things in beauty. 

Start small.  And watch it become significant.  Something beautiful......

S&H,

-S

The Rest of the Story....

Hey all.

My friend gave his testimony this weekend at Transformation Church.  His message is one that will change lives.  Check it out by watching the 2nd sermon of the "Because" series at www.transformationchurch.tc  He gives his testimony two times via video during Pastor Derwin's message so be sure to watch the whole thing if you have time.  I am not sure if it has posted yet so you might need to check on Monday if it is not up yet.

In Honor of my friend Scott's courage to share, I am re-posting the blog entry called "Deserve" that he inspired me to write over a year ago.  You can read it below.  The video you will see from this weekend is only some of the "rest of the story" for Scott. 

Thanks Scott.  You inspire me to use the journey that God has taken me on to glorify HIM.  God is going to change lives through your willingness and courage to share.  I am motivated to do the same.  I believe we all are called to take our story and use it to glorify "HIS" story.  God will take our past and turn it into a ministry if we allow HIM.  The good and the bad.  We just have to allow HIM.

What will be the rest of your story?

Strength and Honor,

-S



DESERVE

Hey all,

I had an interesting visit with a friend this weekend. He has been away since July and it was the first time that I have seen him since he left. It was nice to finally catch up.

We had a great dialogue about his new location and the environment. He summed up his perspective on the place as......"it is all about what people here deserve or don't deserve".

I asked him to elaborate.

He told me that....."everything that everyone feels here is grounded in what they deserve or don't deserve. They process everything from that perspective. If they did something then they deserve something in return. If something bad happened to them, they feel like they don't deserve the circumstance or situation. Everyone either deserves something or is a victim. There are two camps here and most are in either one or the other. You either feel you are entitled to something or you are the victim."

He went on to say...."what I have realized but most everyone else fails to realize is that both of these camps are wrong. We have to come to a place in our faith where we realize that we don't ever "deserve" anything. We deserve nothing. Nothing that we do should be based on what we are going to get for doing it or not doing it. We cannot live our lives feeling like it owes us something or that we deserve something. Conversely, we cannot be trapped as the victim for what we "didn't deserve". Our life cannot be all about how we are the victim of something that we didn't deserve.

What we need to believe and put our faith in is that our Father, still loves us even though we don't deserve it. HE loves us anyway. HE forgives us anyway. We deserve nothing, yet HE loves us anyway. This is called grace. When we come to that place of belief, then we are set free of the selfishness that keeps us from being free. We are free of feeling entitled to things we think we deserve and free of being the victim for stuff that happened to us that we didn't deserve".

By the way......my friend is in Prison.

I think he in on to something here.

Strength and Honor,

-S

Go Big or Go Home

Hey all,

Don't quit!  You have what it takes!  Don't quit!

Wow....I was reminded of this in such a cool way this weekend.

Check this out.

About four years ago, I was leading a Men's group at a local church.  The message was one of "Freedom and Life".  At the core of the message, we (my friend Dan and I) were relaying the message of John 10:10 (the header of this blog).   The message is that while the "enemy came only to steal, kill, and destroy.......Jesus came that we could have life and have it to the full".  We wanted the men to know that they could be set free from the shackles of this world.  They could be free of the bondage.  And once they were free.....they could experience life.  Life to the full.  It was all through the power of Jesus.

But we also told them that it was opposed.  There is an enemy.  And it is real.  The enemy was against them.  If only they could recognize that....they could battle against it with the gospel of Jesus.  And they would prevail. Always.  Jesus defeated the enemy at the cross.  Sin was won.  The victory was done.  If we realize this....then we can really live.  A full life.  The life set out for us. 

Every man (and woman) in this world has a role to play....and if they don't do it....no one will.  Each of us are called to be all that God set out for us.  This is our destiny.  Again, if we don't do it, no one will. 

But how often we quit.  We just do.  It is too hard.

So back to the story. 

Attending that Men's group four years ago was a guy who has since become a great friend of mine.  He not only heard the message that weekend, but he had the courage to pursue the reality of the message of John 10:10.  He believed the message.  He believed that there was an enemy.  He decided to walk the path.  He didn't know what it would look like....but he walked in faith. 

And it didn't come easy.  But he stayed with it.  Already a believer, his wonderful bride came along side him.....encouraging and pushing him.  She was(is) his spiritual partner and his encouragement.  His biggest fan.  Again, it still wasn't easy.  But they pressed on.  Together. They walked the path.  The path they believed that God laid out for them.  Together.

And then it started to take shape.  They started to "hear" what they were to do.  They started to "hear" God calling them to action. They knew. 

But how?  How would they do it?  It seemed too big?  Who were they to do something like that?  How could they have an impact?  Why would God choose them to do something like that?  Was it worth it?  Surely, they could not make an impact on people's lives.  Why them?  It would be so much easier to just keep the "status quo" and just live their life.  SO MUCH EASIER. 

But it would not be living......and they knew it.

So they moved forward.  They acted.  They pressed on.  They took a step.......and another........and another. 

And guess what........it got harder.  Not easier.....but harder.  Alot harder. Remember...the enemy is against us, so it was opposed.  But in their heart they knew if was right.  They could not deny it.  But even they they knew it was a "calling"....they still often wanted to quit.  And they DID want to quit.  Many times.  It was too hard.  It was too much of a pain.  It wasn't worth it.  It wasn't meant to be.  The enemy constantly whispered this in their ears. "Just give up."  "Who are you to make a difference?"

But even when they tried to quit....the Lord reminded them that it was HIS plan and not theirs.  If they don't do it, no one will.  They have a role to play.  Something happened to get them "back on track".  A God thing.  So they pressed on even though they were opposed.  In faith. 

Along the journey......they started to really believe the idea that they had a role to play......and if they didn't do it.....no one would.  It started to become clear.  They knew it in their heart.  They had to do it.

And so they did.  And guess what...............God is fulfilling his plan through them. 

My friends spoke this week at my Church (which was literally broadcast world wide) about their journey of faith and the impact they are having on many, many kids lives here and around the country.  You can check it out at www.tc521.org. Click on the Blueprint series sermon from 2/3/13. 

Thanks to their faithfulness and testimony.......I was reminded of my own journey.  About not quitting.  I realized that during the years since that message my friend and I gave at the Church.....I have been told by the enemy to quit doing it.  That it is not worth it. It didn't really matter.  And in many ways......I have quit. 

Until now.

Thanks Ron and Laura.  I love you guys.  You are an inspiration to me and many others.  Don't ever give up.  You have what it takes.

Go Big or Go Home. 

Strength and Honor.

-S













 

Stealing what?

Hey all,

Check out this story I heard recently.  It is reportedly true.

Back in 1900's, the industrial revolution was in full swing and the factories were experiencing major growth.  One of the by products of the growth, however, was the occurrences of theft.  Surprisingly, the majority of the theft was actually being done by the workers.  In an attempt to curb the theft, most factories hired guards to place at the exits to check the workers when they left each day. 

At one particular furniture factory, a worker was leaving for the day.  He was pushing a wheelbarrow full of sawdust and wood chips.  As he approached the exit, he was stopped by the guard. 

"What do you have here?" the guard asked. 

"It is just sawdust and wood chips" said the worker. 

The guard poked around in it.  "I don't believe you. You must dump it out so I can see what is in it." said the guard.

So the worker dumped it out.  As the worker said, it was nothing but sawdust and wood chips.  So the guard let the worker leave. 

The next day, the worker came again with more sawdust and wood chips.  Again, the guard had him pour it out.  And again, he found nothing.  This went on for nearly two weeks until the guard could no longer take it.  He was convinced that the worker was stealing.  It was driving the guard crazy.  He thought about it constantly.  He finally became so aggravated that he had not been able to catch him, he decided he would approach the worker with a deal.  The guard told the worker that he was convinced that he was stealing from the factory, but since he could not catch him, he would agree not to turn him in if the worker would agree to come clean.

"I will let you go, but you have to tell me what you are stealing." said the guard.

After considering it, and realizing that the guard was sincere, the worker agreed to tell him.

"I am stealing wheelbarrows." said the worker.

S&H,

-S

 

  

Explore

Hey all,

Wouldn't it be cool to be an Explorer?  To go out and explore the unknown.  To blaze a trail for others to follow.  To go where no man has gone before.  The images of Columbus and Lewis and Clark bring us visions of adventure and risk.  We are drawn to it and it captures our heart.

I think deep down we are all born with a desire to explore. It is in our DNA to seek new places, new things, and new adventures.  God designed us for adventure and to explore.  He wants us to experience new and different things.  He created us to conquer the unknown. 

But sometimes in life, I don't feel much like an explorer or a pioneer.  I often feel more like a settler than a pioneer.  I feel like I am "settling" in to what others have long ago discovered.  It's the routine and same ole, same ole.  Sound familiar?

But it shouldn't be that way.   

I believe life is meant to be explored.  I believe that life gives us the opportunity to experience new places, new things, and new adventures every day.  It is right there for the taking and we are designed to go for it.  Our life can be as new, exciting, and adventurous as we want. 

But we have to choose it.  Adventure and new experiences don't "find" us............we have to find "them". 

The question is.........are we willing to look for it.  Are we willing to explore?  Are we willing to get out of our comfort zone and go to new places?  To do new things? To go on an adventure?  For most...the answer is no.  Our duties and responsibilities seem to get in the way.  We don't have time to seek new things.  We don't have time to explore.  We don't have time to be adventurous. 

I don't know about you.......but I don't want to live that way.  I want adventure.  I love new things.  I want new experiences.  I don't want to be comfortable all the time.

So why don't we do it then? Why don't we act on our pioneer spirit?  I believe it is because we often make it too big.  We think that to live the adventures of life,  we have to do something grand.  We have to climb a mountain or go on a mission trip.  We have to do something "significant".  While those things are certainly adventurous.......I believe most of us can start "smaller" and still get a wonderful taste of the adventurous life that is right in front of us to explore.  And once we taste it.....we want to explore it more and more.

It really doesn't have to be complicated.  And exploring life isn't just places either.  Check this out. Exploring is;

- Be a mentor.
- Talk to a stranger. 
- Take a long drive and get lost.
- Sing out loud. 
- Sleep under the stars. 
- Take a walk in the rain.
- Volunteer (outside your comfort zone).
- Take a hike.
- Take off with no plans or destination. 

You get the idea.  It's up to you.  You get a choice.  Everyday.  Start small.  Get a taste.

And start exploring life.

S&H,

-S

  

Just a Little Sin

 

Hey all,

I ran across this tonight in an old email I received a long time ago.  I don't know who wrote it or when, but it's really good stuff for us to remember as parents and mentors.  Here you go.

  

    Some years ago, I walked into my office after a Sunday morning service to find a sandwich bag on my desk containing three chocolate brownies.  Some thoughtful and anonymous person who knew my love for chocolate had placed them there, along with a piece of paper that had a short story written on it.  I immediately sat down and began eating the first brownie as I read the following story:

    Two teenagers asked their father if they could go to the theater to watch a movie that all their friends had seen.  After reading some reviews about the movie on the Internet, he denied their request.

    "Aw dad, why not?" they complained.   "It's rated PG-13, and we're both older than thirteen!"

    Dad replied, "Because that movie contains nudity and portrays immorality as being normal and acceptable behavior."

    "But dad, those are just very small parts of the movie!  That's what our friends who've seen it have told us.  The movie is two hours long and those scenes are just a few minutes of the total film!  It's based on a true story and good triumphs over evil, and there are other redeeming themes like courage and self-sacrifice.  Even the movie review websites say that!"

    "My answer is 'no,' and that is my final answer.  You are welcome to stay home tonight, invite some of  your friends over, and watch one of the good videos w e have in our home collection.  But you will not go and watch that film.  End of discussion."

    The two teenagers walked dejectedly into the family room and slumped down on the couch.   As they sulked, they were surprised to hear the sounds of their father preparing something in the kitchen.  They soon recognized the wonderful aroma of brownies baking in the oven, and one of the teenagers said to the other, "Dad must be feeling guilty, and now he's going to try to make it up to us with some fresh brownies.  Maybe we can soften him with lots of praise when he brings them out to us and persuade him to let us go to that movie after all."

    About that time I began eating the second brownie from the sandwich bag and wondered if there was some connection t o the brownies I was eating and the brownies in the story.  I kept reading...

    The teens were not disappointed.  Soon their father appeared with a plate of warm brownies which he offered to his kids.  They each took one.  Then, their father said, "Before you eat, I want to tell you something: I love you both so much."

    The teenagers smiled at each other with knowing glances.  Dad was softening.

    "That is why I've made these brownies with the very best ingredients.  I've made them from scratch.  Most of the ingredients are even organic.  The best organic flour.  The best free-range eggs.  The best organic sugar.  Premium vanilla and chocolate."  The brownies looked mouth watering, and the teens began to become a little impatient with their dad's long speech.  "But I want to be perfectly honest with you.  There is one ingredient I added that is not usually found in brownies.  I got that ingredient from our own back yard.  But you needn't worry, because I only added the tiniest bit of that ingredient to your brownies.  The amount of the portion is practically insignificant. So go ahead, take a bite and let me know what you think."

    "Dad, would you mind telling us what that mystery ingredient is before we eat?"

    "Why?  The portion I added was so small.  Just a teaspoonful.  You won't even taste it."

    "Come on, Dad!  Just tell us what that ingredient is."

    "Don't worry!  It is organic, just like the other ingredients."

    "Dad!"

    "Well, OK, if you insist.  That secret ingredient is organic...dog poop."

    I immediately stopped chewing that second brownie and I spit it out into the waste basket by my desk.  I continued reading, now fearful of the paragraphs that still remained.

    Both teens instantly dropped their brownies back on the plate and began inspecting their fingers with horror.

    "DAD!  Why did you do that?  You've tortured us by making us smell those brownies cooking for the last half hour, and now you tell us that you added dog poop!  We can't eat these brownies!"

    "Why not?  The amount of dog poop is very small compared to the rest of the ingredients.  It won't hurt you.  It's been cooked right along with the other ingredients.  You won't even taste it.  It has the same consistency as the brownies.  Go ahead and eat!"

    "No, Dad.  NEVER!"

    "And that is the same reason I won't allow you to go watch that movie.  You won't tolerate a little dog poop in your brownies, so why should you tolerate a little immorality in your movies?  We pray that God will not lead us unto temptation, so how can we in good conscience entertain ourselves with something that will imprint a sinful image in our minds that will lead us into temptation long after we first see it?"

    I discarded what remained of the second brownie as well as the entire untouched third brownie.   What had been irresistible a minute ago had become detestable.  And only because of the very slim chance that what I was eating was slightly polluted.  (Surely it wasn't...but I couldn't convince myself)  

    What a good lesson about purity!  

    Why do we tolerate any sin?  

    On the day of the Passover, the Israelites were commanded to remove every bit of leaven from their homes.  Sin is like leaven - a little bit leavens the whole lump. (1 Corinthians 5:6-7)

A Christian Patriot

Hosea 4:6

 

 

Dead on isn't it?

 

Strength and Honor,

 

-S