With God we can achieve more.

2 Corinthians 6:11-13 (The Message)

"Dear, dear Corinthians, I can't tell you how much I long for you to enter this wide-open, spacious life. We didn't fence you in. The smallness you feel comes from within you. Your lives aren't small, but you're living them in a small way. I'm speaking as plainly as I can and with great affection. Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively!"

Monday officially start the athletic season for my high school teams.  Everyone gets a fresh start and there is always a great optimism and excitement. All the plans have been made and finally we get to start implementing that plan. Will we reach our full potential?

Every August after a month or more of rest and vacation, I share the same enthusiasm as the kids.  I have renewed my spirit and am ready for a great school year.  What would happen if I approached every day the same way?  After getting a good night sleep, (I have to confess this does not always happen), I should feel renewed and ready to achieve the potential God expects of me. Sadly, I do not always reach that potential. Who's to blame?  Certainly not God. It usually is my own doing.  I don't get the rest I should,  I don't renew my body, I don't renew my mind, and my attitude suffers. I usually live smaller than I am. In order to "Live Openly and Expansively", I need to take care of myself physically, mentally, and more importantly spiritually. God wants so much more for me and my sinfullness makes me so much less.

Lord, help me to reach the riches and the blessings you have in store for me each day.  May your spirit prompt me to prepare myself by reading your word, sharing time with you and taking care of myself. Please renew my spirit each night so I can be a servant for you in everything I do. Thank you Lord for the limitless possibilities if I remain in you and follow your plan.  Amen!

Cheerfully pleasing God

July 30, 2010

"Cheerfully pleasing God is the main thing, and that's what we aim to do, regardless of our conditions." 2 Cor. 5:9-10 (Message)

Since the beginning of the year I have been reading the new testament - The Message. I really like to read many different Bible translations/versions. I have found this one to be most enlightening.

Everything for God, Cheerfully? Are you kidding me? Don't get me wrong, I can't get enough of God. I study the bible and have a special prayer time with God every night. I read a devotional before leaving for work in the morning. I subscribe to Chuck Swindoll's Insight for Living Daily Devotional that I study during the middle of my day. I pray for people and situations throughout my day. I do all these things, not because I am this amazing christian. I do it because I realize how far I am from "cheerfully pleasing God, regardless of my conditions."

I am sure my daughters (all 3 of them) would tell you that I am classified as a "Grump". I don't really know how this came about in my life. I truly love life. I love my wife, my family, my grandkids, my work, the people at work, the kids at our school, and the community I live in. O really don't like to be thought of as a "Grump". I prefer to think of myself as "focused". But I would say being "focused" does sometimes get in the way of me cheerfully pleasing God. Even though God designed me, I am not satisfied with who I am. I want to change, but the change is slow. The funny thing, God is happy with who I am. God is happy with who we are but he is still trying to change me. As a matter of fact, I can't change on my own. I can only change through the power of Jesus Christ and the working of the Holy Spirit in my life. My family has always been patient with me and so much more. God is patient. In fact, he has forever. As long as I rely on him to change me and stay focused on him, I will get better. God knows I have a long way to go. I am truly thankful to have a God who is trying to change me, but loves me as I am. That is truly Amazing Grace!

Lord, please help me be a cheerful follower. Help me to show on the outside what amazing changes you are making on the inside. Help me to lighten up and trust you through all circumstances. Amen!

Daily conversation with God

Well, we're going to try to make this happen. About 2 years ago I started journaling about my daily bible reading. I have kept it up for two years. I really can't believe it. But, it has really been helpful in focusing my walk with the Lord. That doesn't mean I am anything special. As a matter of fact, it has proven one thing to me. I am a sinner and have a long way to go to be where God wants me to be.

What I have done can be done by anyone. I hope that these posts will encourage you to do the same thing. I had a hard time getting started. Now that I have done it for 2 years, I can truly say it has become a big part of my life. I also hope that God can speak to you through me. How amazing would that be.

CMA Events

Stephanie and I will be working the Cross'nDagger Motorcycle and Car Show at Life Bridge Church in Fort Wayne. Great outreach event. 12719 Corbin Road in Fort Wayne. Come out and enjoy the fun Sunday services are 930 and 1100.