Do you want to be effective and productive?

There is a pretty cool promise at the end of this challenge in 2 Peter 1. After you read through it, pick the one on the list that you’ll work on throughout today. Don’t wait…TODAY!

“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 

For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ”  (2 Peter 1:5-9 NIV)

How many days do you have?

For the next 43 days we want to make sure the way we talk about politics doesn’t CLOSE THE DOOR for our opportunities to talk about JESUS!

Yes, politics have an important role in our lives. The issues are important. We can’t, as Christians, put our head in the sand and believe evil will just stop taking territory.

However, even when we’re passionate about this election and the issues, the most important thing is that people get to know Jesus. So, let’s work at keeping those doors open by conducting ourselves in a Christ-honoring way!

“Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”  (Colossians 4:5-6 NLT)

Here’s another WHAT IF…

What if we spent AT LEAST as much time with God’s Word as we do with social media? Seriously! What/who is shaping your worldview, your values, your principles?

If we’re not active in the Word of God, then every other voice will speak into our heart and life. Let’s not let the world dictate the trajectory of our life, but rather give God full control.

“And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. As a result, many Jews believed, as did many of the prominent Greek women and men. ”  (Acts 17:11-12 NLT)

A Big Day!

Yesterday was the big day, but I wanted to take a minute and reflect on it today. Michelle and I celebrated 36 years of marriage!!! How did we celebrate? I’m glad you asked. While we have a little get-a-way planned, we celebrated last night with our ROOTED group!

Let me share just a few of the blessings I’ve experienced these past 36 years.

   I’ve had a friend for 36 years.

   I’ve had a co-parent for nearly 34 years.

   I’ve had a ministry partner for 36 years.

   I’ve had a co-grandparent for 5+ years.

   I’ve had a beautiful, fun, active, kind, loving, unique wife the whole time. Thank you God!! And…thank you Michelle!!

“The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord.”  (Proverbs 18:22 NLT)

How do I love my neighbor?

If my neighbor is anyone God puts in my path or on my radar, how do I love someone I don’t know? Here’s a couple of things to think about…then start doing:

1-LISTEN. Before you move into action, find out what the needs are. Find out what the connecting points and common ground might be with this person God loves. Don’t guess. LISTEN!

2-LISTEN some more! Yes, you may know enough to move into action…loving action, but never stop listening. People’s stories are complex, so give it time. Find ways to serve them as you get to know them even better.

God put this person in your path so that you can share His love for them. There may be very unique and specific ways His love can powerfully be shared. So please, listen.

Now, go and BE a NEIGHBOR!

“‘Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?”’Jesus asked.”  (Luke 10:36 NLT)