The Big Story--Where are you?

Here s a unique presentation from youtube. Think about it.

Part One

Margin

Margin – it has been defined as the space between our load and our limits. We live in a hurry up, pressure cooker world. Get it done yesterday would seem to be the motto of the day. Margin is a rare commodity and getting slimmer all the time. It is something I struggle to maintain, often living without any margin between my load of responsibilities and my human limitations.

As I look at the life of Jesus Christ, seems to me He lived differently. He lived life with pace and balance. He worked, cared for people, ministered to many needs, but never appeared to move at a frenetic pace. He maintained margin. He gave us an example to follow.

This is an area where I still need to grow; to understand my limitations, to set wise, Godly priorities, allowing for needed margin in my life.

I would be interested in hearing how you maintain priorities and keep margin between your load and limitations.

Training

I just got in from a short bike ride. It provides good prayer time as I clear my head and prepare my heart for Sunday.

Currently I am training for a bike tour later this year. This week I rode nearly 60 miles, normally in 10-15 mile rides early in the morning before I begin my day’s responsibilities. Part of the routine is just to get in the miles, but even more important is to get in some hill time; to specifically push myself to get better at what is hard to do. I guess you could say I want to be more like Lance.

I am also training myself for Godliness. I want to be more like Jesus. Seems to me this also involves specific training, moving beyond the desire to specific actions that develop my spiritual life.

Sometimes it is fun, sometimes it is hard, but training has its rewards.

Rainbow Head

We called him Rainbow Head. For a couple years he seemed to show up anywhere a major sporting event was being televised. His energetic movement with bobbing rainbow-colored wig had a way of attracting the camera’s attention. Once he was the focus of attention you would see his message: JOHN 3:16.

Although you may not care for his method, you have to appreciate the message. Probably the most familiar Bible verse of all time, John 3:16 speaks of how much God cares for people. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

While we should be good managers of the resources of our planet, the context of this verse reveals it is not mountains, rivers, giraffes, zebras, whales, cats or dogs that God loves but it is people. Jesus is telling us that people matter to God! In the midst of a crazy world radically affected by sin, where sometimes it is difficult to comprehend God’s love, He has tangibly expressed it for us by sending Jesus to die on the cross for us.

You matter to God. Every person you meet today matters to God.

How To Prevent Spiritual Drainage

I read a great post yesterday by Pastor Nate Elarton and thought I would share it with you today.

"How To Prevent Spiritual Drainage"

Paying the Price

“No pain no gain.” “You have to pay your dues.” “The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.” We have all heard the catchy phrases. The challenge is to apply them.

The other day I was on the bike with the wind whistling through my helmet. Everything was great, until I hit the hills. I was trying to ride with a friend who is an accomplished rider. When we hit the hills, I hit the wall; my speed and energy dropped significantly and I just could not keep up. I had not paid the price – miles and miles on the bike with quads and lungs burning.

When it comes to spiritual things there is a price to pay also. The bad news is that the price to connect with God and spend eternity with Him is greater than you or I can pay. The good news is Jesus has already paid the price for us. Sounds like great news to me! I’ll keep working on the biking.

Legacy

I am up late tonight preparing to officiate and preach at the funeral of a friend tomorrow. Memories of his life whirl through my brain like confetti thrown on a windy day. One by one they begin to fall into a pattern, a picture of a life well lived; a life lived for God.

It makes me think about "legacy". We all are creating one. What will yours be?

Minimum Daily Requirements

I just finished a late night bowl of cereal. Ever look at that little listing on the side of your cereal box or the one on the back of the bottle of vitamins? It reveals how the contents stack up against the minimum daily requirements.

I have to admit it; I am paying more attention these days. With maturity (Judy will question that comment) comes the need to take greater care of my body.

However, it takes more than just healthy nutrition to live a vital life. Friends, family, and time with God all play a significant role.

Seems there are certain minimum requirements to living the life God intends for us, including connecting with God through time in the Bible – allowing it to speak truth into our lives, and prayer - speaking and listening to God.

Think about it. What are the minimum daily requirements for your wellbeing? Are you getting them?

Investing In One

This summer I have challenged the people of our church to strategically invest in the lives of one or two other individuals. That investment of time and prayer can make a huge difference and lead to even greater things.

A good illustration of that is the story of Grayson Rosenberger, a teen who took the time to care about one other person. It turned out that he helped many. I hope you will read the short article about his story on the following link:

http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2008/001/27.11.html