Decisions

I have a number of friends in the process of making pretty big life changing decisions. No one wants to make the wrong choice, and all want to be in God's perfect will. I shared with them a saying that has served me well for many years. 

"Be where God wants you to be, do what He is calling you to do"! I know it's kind of simple but it has been a big part of all of my big decisions. Location and vocation are big in living out God's purposes. He cares deeply about where we are at and what we are doing. So ask yourself these two questions:

1. Where does God want me to serve, live, or use my talents?

2. What can I do that would please God the most?

Remember: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11.

Don't forget to ask God His plans for your future. It's the best direction you can receive. Amen?

Turn Your Mind (to Jesus)

It’s never too late to begin sharpening your mind for God. Let’s consider Jesus’ answer to the greatest commandment. “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. - Matthew 22:36-38

Here are some ways you can begin loving God with all your minds.

1. Keep asking questions  Learning in community is the best way to learn.

2. Continue your education  Challenge yourself.  

3. Learn outside your comfort zone We will drift into comfort, but schedule discomfort.

4. Learn from life  The frontlines of life are a school all unto themselves.

Learn as you engage in faithful ministry. Be deliberate and passionate about the work you are doing for the Lord. Amen?

Turn to Serve

A Christ follower is called to serve. A church (being a collection of followers) are called to serve. The good news is that Jesus doesn’t require us to be perfectionists but calls to be faithful! “The one thing required of servants is that they be faithful...” 1 Corinthians 4:2 (TEV)

Jesus models this faithfulness in completing the task of the Father. “I have brought You glory on earth by completing the work You gave me to do.” John 17:4 (NIV)

Our obedience “to do” is mandated. “Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.”  1 Corinthians 15:58 (MSG) All of this is to be done with love because of His great love for us. “He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other Christians.” Hebrews 6:10 (NLT)

The reward? 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things so; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!”             Matthew 25:21 (NIV) 

Be faithful and obedient to what God has called you to do – today and everyday!

Right Directions

I love the Wizard of Oz movie! Do you remember the part when Dorothy first met the Scarecrow and asked direction? He pointed both ways and said that's where people go. In life that is a true statement. People go every which way, but not all ways are the best ways.

James 1:5-6 says, “If you want to know what God really wants you to do, ask Him, and he will gladly tell you, for He is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask Him;but … if you don’t ask in faith, don’t expect the Lord to give you any solid answer.” (TLB)

So I think the best way is God's way. We just need to ask Him, listen well, and follow His instructions. Life is all about faith, and obedience to the Word will keep us on the right path.

Who do you listen to for guidance more - your GPS, Google, or God?

Always follow God's lead and voice and you'll never be lost. Amen?

Requirements

In order to be "born again" you must believe in Christ and you begin a new life. Using a page from the BGEA let's look at four things new Christians require:

New Christians need - Feeding

“Like new born babies, crave pure spiritual milk so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” -1 Peter 2:2

New Christians need - Protecting

“Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls about like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”- 1 Peter 5:8

New Christians need - Training

“Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught.”  - Colossians 2:6-7

New Christians need - someONE not something

 “But we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children.” - 1 Thessalonians 2:7

Take growth steps today and also help someone else grow in the Lord today. Amen?

TEAM

No matter how great a player you are, a team can make you or break you. I was reminded recently by an article from Jim Wiseman about how important teamwork is in church. A great acrostic is Together Everyone Achieves More! It's plain that a team can accomplish more than an individual. Yet ministry leaders still insist on doing things themselves rather than building a strong team. I believe every ministry leader should see himself or herself as a coach who builds a super team.

Here are four things to instill in a team and expect from each player.

1. Be on the ball. Team players must be alert to what's going on and able to assess the situation for themselves and the team. A team player puts the goals, needs and good of the team first, rather than individual goals, wants, and needs. Each team member must value the team.

2. Give…a lot! Rejoice in the abilities and accomplishments of those around you. An excellent team player's motto is: "It doesn't matter who gets the credit." Never complain but seek opportunities to motivate others. Being positive is a choice! A team player compliments other and hands out praise. Never be too busy to help others. The team that gives a lot accomplishes a lot.

3. Over-communicate. Let those who lead you know what's going on. Surprises hurt the team. Let those around you know what's happening and what they should be doing. Admit when you need help. Be teachable and open to correction, discipline, and advice. A good communicator is a good listener.

4. Do your job. Do what you know to do. Great basketball teams know how to do this. They keep the ball moving until someone has the opportunity to score. At the same time, they never forget who’s the shooter, who's the rebounder, and who's covering whom. A team player understands his or her role and does it with gusto.

Remember 2 Timothy 2:15: "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."

Share in the victories and learn from the losses. Value your team and you’ll enjoy the value of teamwork firsthand.

Community Minded

There was a show on for years about a place where people loved to go, because everybody knew your name. It's a shame the place was a bar and not the local church. Today let's consider God’s community. David gives us a glimpse of it in Psalm 133:1-2 says How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!  It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe.

The first verse is obvious when you realize that unity and community are synonymous in God’s eyes. The second verse refers to the “once in a lifetime” opportunity to see and experience the anointing of the High priest of Israel. They sprinkled other priests but for him they drench him with this special anointing oil that is only used in these occasions.

In other words authentic community with a few close friends gives off the same level of joy as the celebration of the anointing of the high priest. Pretty special in God’s eyes, and should be to us as well.

Soak in God’s anointing in His community - there's no better place to be! Amen?