A Certain Few

In his book, A Resilient Life, Gordon MacDonald notes that “God does much of His work in our lives through personal relationships.” It is certainly a biblical principle that we are to do life together. In fact, it is through the insight and impact of others that enables us to go farther and faster toward our potential.

MacDonald asks the following questions, which I found them quite challenging.

1. Who coaches you? (This person gives you the truest picture of yourself.)
2. Who stretches your mind?
3. Who listens to and encourages your dreams?
4. Who will protect you? (Example—Barnabas to the newly converted Paul)
5. Who will share your tears?
6. Who rebukes you?
7. Who plays with you? All of life cannot be serious. However, it is interesting to note that the root word for the English word “play” primarily has to do with learning. MacDonald says, “Good play is a learning experience.”
8. Who is it that seeks after God with you?

Who are the certain few that you have allowed into your life? Who are the certain few that desire to see you finish well? Surround yourself carefully because, as Andy Stanley says, “Your friends will determine the quality and direction of your life.”

I highly recommend this book, as it helped me through a difficult season in my life. One must be resilient not to quit; you cannot finish well if you continue to quit! Strive to the end.

Day 50

Today is the fiftieth day of the year, so let’s use it as an opportunity to do a spiritual examination.

2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV)
5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? —unless indeed you fail to meet the test!

Consider the following questions:

1. How is your relationship with God? Is it growing, or are you drifting?
2. Who is speaking into your life and what are you learning? Have you had any “A-ha” moments lately?
3. Is there something you are doing that you need to stop? Is there something you are not doing that you need to start?
4. Do you have any ongoing sin issues? What are you doing about it?
5. Is your current trajectory taking you toward your potential?

Give yourself regular spiritual checkups to insure you are tracking toward Christlikeness!

STOMP!

Steph and I got to go see Stomp Friday night at Memorial Auditorium. Steph has wanted to see the show for a long time and it did not disappoint. It was awesome! Our friends, Jeff & Emily, were able to get us tickets through a friend of theirs--who happens to be the star of the show!

Here is a picture of me on stage with Justin Myles--the star...and that garbage can lid...its now in my study! Following the show, Jeff, Emily, Steph and I got to hang out with Justin and enjoy some of the downtown culture and cuisine.

Here is a shot of the set. Very cool. I recommend you taking your family to the show, but you will have to hurry, the final performances are Sunday.

Great

This week at Explore Church we are starting a new series entitled “Great.” Most people tend to think of greatness in terms of power and position, or connect it with being great at something. During this three week series, we will discover what true greatness really looks like and how we can achieve it.

You can prepare in advance by reading the following passages from the Bible.

Week 1—Luke 9:46-50

Week 2—Matthew 20:20-28

Week 3—Philippians 2:3-11

I would also recommend C. J. Mahaney’s book, Humility, as supplemental reading.

Happy Birthday Abraham Lincoln

Today is the 200th year since the birth of our 16th president. In honor of this I am reading Ronald White's new biography titled A. Lincoln.

A couple other books to consider are Doris Kearns Goodwin's Team of Rivals and David Herbert Donald's Lincoln. Both authors have won the Pulitzer Prize.

The Theologian's Task

The following is a quote from my reading today in Calvin's Institutes:

"The Theologian's task is not to divert the ears with chatter, but to strengthen consciences by teaching things true, sure, and profitable."

What to Pray for Your Church Leaders

At Explore Church we have recently transitioned to a plurality of Elders leadership model. While the Bible gives much latitude on church government style, I believe that this best lines up with Scripture.

Now to my point—the leaders of the church need much prayer…your prayer support is vital to the success of the church. Please pray for us in the following areas:

1. For wisdom to lead, feed, and protect the congregation.

2. For physical health.

3. For spiritual growth and insight.

4. For healthy God-honoring marriages.

5. For a clear vision of what could be and should be.

6. For boldness to share our faith.

7. For moral purity.

8. For biblical and doctrinal faithfulness.

9. For creative energy.

10.For an opportunity to be a part of a world-wide movement of God.


1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV)—“pray without ceasing.”