A few years ago, Rick Warren wrote a book that was all the rage in Christian circles. I read it, you might have as well. It was The Purpose Driven Church. I learned some valuable lessons from reading that book. He followed it with what some contend a book that should have been written first ~ The Purpose Driven Life.
I read that one, too. I learned even more valuable lessons. We were placed here for a purpose. God has a plan for each of us. There are some plans that are obvious, some are not quite so obvious. For instance, in Peter's New Testament letter that bears his name, he wrote that God was not willing that any should perish, but that all of us should come to repentance. Paraphrasing, God's plan would be that each person on earth would trust Him with their lives and believe in Him for salvation.
Other plans God may have for us are not quite so obvious. Do I go to this college or that one? Do I take this job or stay where I am? Those are not answered directly in Scripture, and since God does not choose to send e-mails or attach notes to His lightning bolts, we must make those decisions with the information that we do have that best meets the needs we are experiencing.
Not long ago, on Wednesday nights at our church, we used Andy Landers video series about Finding God's Will. Never fear, I learned a lot of lessons then, too. In fact, I just read back through the study guide to review some of the principles he shared. What a challenge to earnestly seek what God wants in our lives! One of the brightest thoughts I was reminded of is that God wants to reveal His plan to us probably more than we want to discover it!
God has no desire to make His plan some mystical, hard to find deal. He wants us to enjoy the life He has given us; living it in such a way as to build His Kingdom here on earth til He returns. Along the way, our job is really quite simple. Honor God with everything we have. Love Him supremely, and our fellowman in such a way that would show His love to them.
Be encouraged to make that your goal today. Live your life today with the intentional focus of following the plan He has outlined for you. Love God with all your heart, love your neighbor as yourself.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
Friendship
As a PK (Preacher's Kid), I moved around quite a bit while growing up. While I was younger, I despised that. It seemed that I was always moving away from friends. Today, with hindsight being 20/20, there are some pros and cons to that upbringing.
Sure, I'd like to look at one place and have the memories and roots to be able to call 'home', but I have to accept the fact that will never be the case. There is absolutely nothing that can be done about it now. Rather than dwell on the negatives, I choose to think about the positive results of my nomadic youth.
In every place I lived while growing up, I was fortunate to have a buddy to pal around with. There was Mark and Bruce, Jim and Chad, Billy and George, David, Wendell, Mal, Jamie, and Greg. Then, I went to college! The awesome people God strategically placed in my life have taught me to be able to adapt to various situations and accept people for who they are.
Adapting to differing locales has enabled me to relate to the diverse population I now encounter. In my work, I come in constant contact with people from all over the world. Many times, I have been able to relate to a person's home area because I've been there, have friends who live there, or I may have even lived there myself!
With the advent of all the social media these days, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc., my friends are rarely more than a mouse click away. Whether I speak directly with them daily or weekly, I still have a general idea of how they are doing. For example, a college friend is experiencing the grief of losing a loved one. I learned through Facebook, and was able to communicate to him that our family is praying for him and his family.
Scripture teaches that a friend loves at all times. God has granted me the opportunity to have friends all around the globe. I am so fortunate to have those whom God has used to positively shape and mold me with their influence. Be encouraged to love your friends as God loves you. Then, send a note or give them a call. Let them know you love them and appreciate them. They'll be encouraged, and you will, too!
Sure, I'd like to look at one place and have the memories and roots to be able to call 'home', but I have to accept the fact that will never be the case. There is absolutely nothing that can be done about it now. Rather than dwell on the negatives, I choose to think about the positive results of my nomadic youth.
In every place I lived while growing up, I was fortunate to have a buddy to pal around with. There was Mark and Bruce, Jim and Chad, Billy and George, David, Wendell, Mal, Jamie, and Greg. Then, I went to college! The awesome people God strategically placed in my life have taught me to be able to adapt to various situations and accept people for who they are.
Adapting to differing locales has enabled me to relate to the diverse population I now encounter. In my work, I come in constant contact with people from all over the world. Many times, I have been able to relate to a person's home area because I've been there, have friends who live there, or I may have even lived there myself!
With the advent of all the social media these days, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc., my friends are rarely more than a mouse click away. Whether I speak directly with them daily or weekly, I still have a general idea of how they are doing. For example, a college friend is experiencing the grief of losing a loved one. I learned through Facebook, and was able to communicate to him that our family is praying for him and his family.
Scripture teaches that a friend loves at all times. God has granted me the opportunity to have friends all around the globe. I am so fortunate to have those whom God has used to positively shape and mold me with their influence. Be encouraged to love your friends as God loves you. Then, send a note or give them a call. Let them know you love them and appreciate them. They'll be encouraged, and you will, too!
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