Just Continue That Thought...

A thought by Kyle Idleman, (2013-02-19) from his book, Gods at War: Defeating the Idols that Battle for Your Heart (Kindle Location 387). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. That makes sense doesn’t?   Not comforting sense but challenging, honest introspective sense.   It is too easy to put our intense hope and longing in the wrong things. Kyle continues, “So if you were to identify your greatest disappointments, where would you point? The realm of career? The lives of your children? Your marriage or your sex life? Erwin Lutzer writes, ‘Have you ever thought that our disappointments are God’s way of reminding us that there are idols in our lives that must be dealt with?’” I have been looking at some of the disappointments that I have had as a retired pastor.   I mean there was so much more that I wanted to do and therein is my problem, that I wanted to do.   God has been so good to me.   I didn’t deserve the opportunities that I have had and that I today have.   He is so graciou

A thought by Mark Batterson, (2013-09-24) from his book, All In: You Are One Decision Away From a Totally Different Life (Kindle Location 1126). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. A scientific study on the brain seemed to come up with that fact and I’m sure if you looked at your life you would also say that is true.   But it doesn’t need to hold us back even though for many it does. Think about the successes that you have had at your work but then think of that time when you were reprimanded.   Or when you were in school and the A’s and B’s but it is that D or C that you really remember.   It was Latin, Chemistry and Biology that I got my C’s.   Or in your relationships and all those good friends you have who would be there but it’s that one person who didn’t want to be your friend.   There is still pain after all these years.   That memory many times holds you back from reaching out to someone new.   But it doesn’t need too. Yes it is easier to remember your losses.   That is t

A thought by Mark Batterson, (2013-09-24) from his book, All In: You Are One Decision Away From a Totally Different Life (Kindle Location 1106). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. We each have to make decision every day.   Sometimes they are life changing decisions.   Mark was talking to an influential man in Washington D.C. where Mark is the pastor of National Community Church.   At the end of the conversation he asked the man if he could pray for him.   Mark said, “…his profoundly honest response was the result of some serious introspection. He looked me in the eye and said, ‘Pray that I don’t let fear dictate my decisions.’” That is a prayer that we each need to make because so many of the decisions we make in life are dictated by fear.   Mark continued, “You have to choose a dictator. You can let fear dictate your decisions, or you can let faith dictate your decisions.” What decision do you have to make today?   It may be a defining moment in your life decision.   O

A thought by Mark Batterson, (2013-09-24) from his book, All In: You Are One Decision Away From a Totally Different Life (Kindle Locations 996-997). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. Margaret and I watched the Oscar’s last night and I was taken back there when I read this quote.   I was thinking of all the people who were sitting in their front rooms watching the show and criticizing everyone on there.   Of course they had never risked doing anything out of the ordinary but they can criticize from the comfort of the front room. We go to a very large church that has a very large sanctuary.    Margaret wasn’t feeling well so I went along but sat with my son, Brett and my daughter-in-law. Marissa.   And we sat in the last row because Brett had hurt his ankle and was on crutches.   Now not all people who sit in the back have crutches but many do.   They have the crutches of non-involvement except for criticizing those up front.   Now not everyone does that back there.     Right now

A thought by Mark Batterson, (2013-09-24) from his book, All In: You Are One Decision Away From a Totally Different Life (Kindle Location 945). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. I at the age of five on a Sunday morning in my Grandma Williams’ church in Fairview, Oklahoma asked Jesus to come into my heart.   It was a very real experience even though I was very young.   Now I asked Him to forgive my sins because I knew that was a part of the process but at five I was not a great sinner.   So for many years forgiveness was theoretical until I went through what I call my three year jerk time.   After asking God to forgive me it was more than a theory it was an experience.   I realized what it meant to be forgiven.   1 John 1:9 (NIV), “ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins   and purify us from all unrighteousness” became very real to me.   I like how Mark puts it.   “When you first read a verse of Scripture, it’s nothing more than a theory because

A thought by Mark Batterson, (2013-09-24) from his book, All In: You Are One Decision Away From a Totally Different Life (Kindle Location 866). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. I wish we were like that.   But as Mark says, “We give people political labels, sexual labels, and religious labels.   But in the process, we strip them of their individuality and complexity. Prejudice is pre-judging.   It’s assuming that bad stories end badly, but Jesus is in the business of turning bad beginnings into happily ever afters.” I understand the complexities of living today.   I understand our fears but perfect love casts out fear and we get that love from God. I understand our fear of homosexuality but God sees past their sexual orientation to the individual.   What about other races?   He created all races.   What about the political parties?   Did you notice that communal living was the preference of the early Christians?   Giving it all into one big pot.   God sees both Republicans and D

A thought by Mark Batterson, (2013-09-24) from his book, All In: You Are One Decision Away From a Totally Different Life (Kindle Location 780). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. That is so true in so many areas of our lives.   We want all the benefits that our job gives us but we don’t make an all-out effort to do what needs to be done.   I mean if they ever asked us to work on Saturday we would tell them, “That isn’t fair.”    We expect them to sacrifice but not me. What about being in a relationship?   So many want the benefits without the commitment.   If you really loved me you would give me this but no way do I want to get married.   What about church?   I love the pastor and his sermons.   The music is great.   I love our building but, no way do I want to become a member or tithe, or serve.   I want the benefits but not the commitment. What about friendships?   We want them to jump whenever we need them but what if they are having struggles and they need us.