3 Books

I have been reading three books for awhile now. One I started around a year ago, another 6 months and the other it seems like forever.

These three books give me a firm basis for what I am wanting to do in life. I have a heart for a young, dying generation in my city and want to reach them(Unchristian), I am constantly wanting to communicate more effectively (Communicating for a Change), and of course I need something to talk about (The Bible).

There are millions of books out that are filled with thought provoking, challenging, creative, inspirational, interesting words, but it is good to focus on your strengths instead of being spread too thin. I highly recommend these books if you have passions that are similar.

How to save a life

How do you save a life? There are many ways to look at it. You could save a life by rescuing someone from drowning. Giving good advice, could save someones life from a life of strife. How do Christians save lives? How do we rescue people? The song "How to save a life" by The Fray, was a theme song for Greys Anatomy for a little while. Of course they are doctors literally saving lives.

Can Christ followers literally rescue a dying generation? Is it possible to drive down the road to a drug store, build a conversation and a relationship with someone and "lead them to Christ"? Is it really possible? What do you think? And if yes, what is stopping us today? What is stopping me?

My kid is famous: Kylie and Jesus

It seems as if my kid is famous. We went to Wal Mart and picked up a few things. It was just me and Kylie, hanging out. It seemed like everyone stopped and smiled and said "Aren't you just cute". The guy helping us with our electronic needs at the Mart was making some weird "Habuchie Whoochie" noise. It was kind of annoying. Even a van in the parking lot stopped and said something.

What attracts someone that much to a 17 month old child? I think one thing is that she is pure, real and innocent. OK this may be a bad parallel, but what attracted people to Jesus? I think we can say He was pure, real and innocent too(among many other things). With Kylie what you see is what you get: A cute kid that says funny things, that is being herself. What about Jesus? He is a real man, doing amazing things and "the crowd" as put in scripture was attracted to Him.

Application: I need to be like Jesus and my daughter; be pure, real and innocent.

Predestination vs. Free Will

Let us rephrase the always controversial statement to predestination and free will opposeed to verses. Even from the start when we put the statement as "Predestination vs. Free Will", it implies someone is right/wrong, or better or worst. Is it our goal to divide the word of God? No. I encourage you to always phrase this statement as predestination and freewill instead of verses. Anyway, here are my thoughts:

Predestination and free will: God is Sovereign; follow Him.

Family

Hanging with the family.

Great day... free laptop.

I have always seen people running around with their bags with their laptops in them. I always thought the idea of carrying a computer around with you was a good idea, but could not come up with $1,000+/-. Well today all of that has changed. My mom called me out of nowhere and asked if I wanted a laptop. A brand new one at that. Obviously I said yes. Praise God! New, free laptop.

Bring your best every time by Steven Furtick

From time to time when I hear a blog that is really good for me, I like to share it. Here is Pastor Steven Furtick (28year old pastor) in Charlotte, NC.

Someone paid me a meaningful compliment recently:
“I’ve noticed that you give your very best every time you’re preaching…whether there are 5 people in the audience or 5000.”

It meant a lot that he noticed that, because it’s a practice I’m very intentional about. It’s a part of my theology:
God deserves my very best every single time.
Since He’s my only true audience in ministry, I’m always playing to a packed house. Every show is sold out.

I can’t think of a more sure fire way to attract the power of God in your life and ministry than to bring your best to every single encounter. Every single experience. Every sermon you preach, every song you sing, every diaper you change, every lawn you mow…God is always worthy of your most worthy offering.
And Jesus gives assurance that your heavenly Father, who sees what is done in secret, also knows how to reward you openly-when you bring Him your very best…every single time. (Matthew 6:2-6).