Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Matthew 6:33
Ask yourself these questions. When was the last time you purposely took on a challenge? The last time you pushed yourself to do something new? Are you satisfied or would you like more? What’s your next goal in life?
This past week I began to teach Matthew how to ride a two-wheeler. It has been quite an undertaking. There have been flashes of triumph and moments of frustrations with plenty of bumps and bruises along the way. After one particularly nasty fall Matthew announced that he wasn’t going to try anymore. He just wanted to go back to his Big Wheel. A few minutes later he was ready to try again. He’s not satisfied to ride his Big Wheel forever; he wants to go to the next level.
In the lives of our children there are well defined stages of development with a variety of challenges to conquer along the way. In adulthood the challenges and development seem less defined. This can be especially true in our spiritual lives. That is why it so important to challenge yourself with spiritual goals you can only accomplish with God’s help.
Spend time in the Bible reading the life stories of ordinary people who become champions because they followed God’s purpose for their lives. Spend time reading and claiming the promises in Scripture. Put into practice seeking God and His kingdom first. Spend time listening in your prayer time for the voice of God to lead you. Join a 40 Days of Community Group with other believers to encourage and be encouraged in our spiritual journeys. Look to God for your next challenge so that you can continue to develop into the person He has called you to be
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Messages
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
John 10:27
I had to hide the answering machine, again. Its not because I don't like to hear my messages, it’s because Mark, my two year old, won't stop pressing the buttons. Apparently this pre-preschooler enjoys hearing the click, beeps and voices that come from the machine. However, those same noises to an adult, after a while, become quite annoying. Not to mention the countless messages I have probably missed over the last couple of months.The problem is that when I hide the answering machine I don't always remember to check my messages. When it’s not in plain site I forget to listen to sometimes very important messages that require my attention.As I thought of us having to hide our answering machine, I thought about my relationship with God. Many times I hide the answering machine. I know that God is always listening when I talk with Him but there are often times that I miss out on a message that He wants to share with me. Whether on purpose or simple forgetfulness I may miss out on something very important God is trying to communicate with me. I have to remember to check my messages when I get home. There maybe something important for me to listen to.
John 10:27
I had to hide the answering machine, again. Its not because I don't like to hear my messages, it’s because Mark, my two year old, won't stop pressing the buttons. Apparently this pre-preschooler enjoys hearing the click, beeps and voices that come from the machine. However, those same noises to an adult, after a while, become quite annoying. Not to mention the countless messages I have probably missed over the last couple of months.The problem is that when I hide the answering machine I don't always remember to check my messages. When it’s not in plain site I forget to listen to sometimes very important messages that require my attention.As I thought of us having to hide our answering machine, I thought about my relationship with God. Many times I hide the answering machine. I know that God is always listening when I talk with Him but there are often times that I miss out on a message that He wants to share with me. Whether on purpose or simple forgetfulness I may miss out on something very important God is trying to communicate with me. I have to remember to check my messages when I get home. There maybe something important for me to listen to.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Red Hat Society
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:12
I had a fun experience this past week; I was a part of a Red Hat Society get-together. In case you’re wondering, the Red Hat Society is a “social organization where there is fun after fifty for women of all walks of life.” There best known for their red hats, their red and purple outfits, and their incredibly lively get-togethers.
How did this happen, you ask? My son, Matthew, and I were traveling and stopped for lunch at a small town café in Iowa. We and a couple of old farmers were the only ones there at first, other tables began to fill up with different couples, and then a trickle at a time the Red Hats came in. As the restaurant got crowded and the noise level grew the waitress came over and said, “Don’t let those Red Hats chase you boys out of here.” And I’m glad we stayed.
At first we began to talk with the nearby farmers about the weather, traffic, and such. Then the conversation soon progressed to other tables. As the lunchtime rolled on, the conversation flowed to the point of not knowing where one table ended and another began. People moved freely about, from place to place, picking up and joining in on conversations all around.
We all came in at different times, for different reasons, with different people, yet we were all together.
As enjoyed the fellowship of young and old, male and female, I thought of the church and what is meant by being a unit made up of many parts, all working together. The second mission of our church is to connect people to people. We will work at this mission with our upcoming spiritual emphasis campaign, 40 Days of Community. I’m looking forward to many different people coming together, working together, to do something great together!
1 Corinthians 12:12
I had a fun experience this past week; I was a part of a Red Hat Society get-together. In case you’re wondering, the Red Hat Society is a “social organization where there is fun after fifty for women of all walks of life.” There best known for their red hats, their red and purple outfits, and their incredibly lively get-togethers.
How did this happen, you ask? My son, Matthew, and I were traveling and stopped for lunch at a small town café in Iowa. We and a couple of old farmers were the only ones there at first, other tables began to fill up with different couples, and then a trickle at a time the Red Hats came in. As the restaurant got crowded and the noise level grew the waitress came over and said, “Don’t let those Red Hats chase you boys out of here.” And I’m glad we stayed.
At first we began to talk with the nearby farmers about the weather, traffic, and such. Then the conversation soon progressed to other tables. As the lunchtime rolled on, the conversation flowed to the point of not knowing where one table ended and another began. People moved freely about, from place to place, picking up and joining in on conversations all around.
We all came in at different times, for different reasons, with different people, yet we were all together.
As enjoyed the fellowship of young and old, male and female, I thought of the church and what is meant by being a unit made up of many parts, all working together. The second mission of our church is to connect people to people. We will work at this mission with our upcoming spiritual emphasis campaign, 40 Days of Community. I’m looking forward to many different people coming together, working together, to do something great together!
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