I ended yesterday's writing in part with a staggering statistic. Over 100,000 people die each year for representing Jesus Christ as their savior and risen Lord.
Having said that, I can promise you that in your life and walk as a Christian, you too, will face opposition. Death, probably not, but opposition in some shape or fashion will boldly knock at your door as you are bold in sharing the gospel.
Paul's life was forever changed when he began to preach that Jesus is and was the Messiah. In Damascus, not long after he began preaching in the synagogues, there was a conspiracy to kill him. Paul learned of their plan, and his followers were forced to remove him from the city, at night, by lowering him over and then through an opening below at the city gate. Paul remained fearless in his mission.
In Acts 9:26-28 it says, "When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of the Jesus. So Saul stayed with them and moved freely about Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord."
We immediately see that Paul faced opposition of dire consequences. There was a plot to kill him in Jerusalem, so his followers helped him flee to safety. In Jerusalem, he was met with opposition in the form of denial about who he had become and the unwavering commitment to his mission laid out by the Lord. Only twenty-four verses earlier, he was on a mission in complete opposition of the Lord, prepared to take prisoners to Jerusalem of those who believed. Opposition was met in the validity of his newly adopted belief in Christ. Moving on to verse 29, we see, "He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him."
This will become a running theme in Paul's life, just as I have spelled out in my writing that perspective has a huge effective in communication and decision-making for each and every one of us.
Paul faces a ton of opposition in his mission for Christ.
Paul always sees and finds a way. He is bold. He is relentless. He is fearless. He will win on the battlefield for Christ.
We will not all be as successful as Billy Graham, Joel Osteen or Paul. What is important is that we run the race!
One of my favorite sermons in my entire Christian life to date was about the "Five Crowns" that we can offer and lay at the feet of Jesus when we meet him. It was preached by Ian Walker at New Morgan Hill Baptist Church in 2013. Paul outlines 1 of the 5 in 1 Corinthians.
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 says, "Do you know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."
Would you run for Jesus to gain the prize of the "incorruptible crown?"
This prize is also known as the "imperishable crown." Just as Jesus was crucified and died for our sin, we are to crucify the flesh in ourselves, and look heavenward for direction and purpose in our own mission. For some, that will be making an impact in the life of a child in a public school. For others, leading a team of men safely through a day in the coal mines so that they can feed their families. You might be an advocate; perhaps for bringing water to those in a foreign land who have none readily accessible, or even a leader as a deacon or pastor of a church.
Whether missionary or layman, we all have a race to run. And, oh-by-the-way, we will be rewarded for our efforts in heaven.
Attempting to squash our selfish desires in the name of the Lord is not an easy task. Not by any measure. But in your growth as a Christian, working toward this goal is not only admirable, but is a strict instruction by God for those who desire to enter His kingdom. The point of the matter here, is that as growing and strong Christians, we must be willing to accept sacrifice. That sacrifice will vary near and far; a lot for some, and not as much for others. What God is really asking of us, is to accept the challenge in the mission that He has placed in front of us. We don't all have to be pastors or missionaries to "run a good race" for the Lord.
Begin anew this week. You may say to yourself, "What can I sacrifice today and this week in my mission for the Lord?'
Start small, and build aggressively from that point.
In 1 Corinthians 9:26-27, Paul continues by saying, "Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it a slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."
So there you have it. Opposition in our walk as Christians is a certainty - embrace it! Focus on your mission. Walk boldly in it; in your belief and be able to validate that belief with scripture. Define your audience based on your divine inspired mission, run with purpose and gain the prize!
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Friday, March 17, 2017
Man on Fire: Part II
Let's think about change for a moment...
How easily do we change our actions or the way we do things when we have had an "a-ha" moment?
For Paul, that change was immediate. In Acts 9: 20-23, we witness a complete one-hundred and eighty degree turn by Paul. "Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, "Isn't he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on his name? And hasn't he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?" Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah."
I see five moving parts in this passage that make me take pause when thinking about change. Each one is important, and the exact steps that they follow is not coincidental. Paul followed a process that would make his discipleship, and ultimately the development and deployment of his mission effective.
First we see that Saul sought counsel. He spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. From idea, to development and then practice and perfecting, an new skill must be refined. It makes perfect sense when adopting a new belief to seek wise counsel. It helps tremendously if this counsel comes from those who have "put their feet to the fire," immersed themselves in the belief of the idea, developed a system for effectiveness, and then putting that perfect recipe into practice. While verse twenty only mentions that Saul (Paul) "spent several days," I feel certain that Paul was diligent in learning, and then fully adopting his new belief.
Secondly, he did not delay. Verse 21 shows us that Saul "at once," immediately, began to preach. He wasted no time between adoption and deployment. It is first important to believe in a manner of conviction with respect to your new belief. For some, it may take research, and as in Paul's case, counsel to make that belief a reality, a conviction and move that from adoption to deployment. At the end of the day, we see Paul taking immediate action.
The time required to make a new and positive change a habit differs among experts. Some say twenty-one days and some thirty; or at least from what I have read, these 2 numbers seem to be the most common. We do not know what several days means in Paul's case, as a number is not written, but I would have to guess that it was less than 10. Paul had changed his mind about what he once believed, and he was completely prepared to put his new thoughts into immediate action.
The third step in the process is action. Paul did not go to one or two people to "test" the effectiveness of his new, adopted belief. He was convicted in its validity, and he desired to reach the masses. It says, "he began to preach in the synagogues." No small feat by any man. It is said that most people in our culture fear and would prefer only death before that of speaking in front of a large group of people. I see Paul's strength to immediately deliver his message to the masses as a direct result of the conviction in his belief.
Do not waiver would be the fourth step. Those in the synagogues in Damascus were astonished. How could Paul adopt a belief that only days ago was the polar opposite, and then be completely and utterly grounded in it that he began to spread the gospel to everyone that he possibly could get in front of?
There is a great example of this in the movie, "Jerry Maguire." Played by Tom Cruise, in his role as a sports agent, he has that "a-ha" moment. We see him write at his computer all night, run to FedEx early in the morning to print his memo and have it bound and placed in everyone's mailbox at the office before his colleagues arrive. Like Paul, he was so convicted in his newly adopted belief that he took immediate action to share it with the masses. At first, we see applause from the whole office as they have all gathered an read his memo. Then we see everyone gather at the watercooler and in their offices making statements to themselves and others privately, that he won't last another week with the firm if he deploys his new system for success.
Jerry, and Paul, ultimately succeed and win.
Finally it says in verse 22, "Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah." He was correct in his thinking. So much that it says in verse 23 that, "there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him."
I sincerely hope that you will not be killed for your views and beliefs, but that of the belief in Christianity bears that responsibility. A quick Google search reveals that more than 100,000 Christians are killed each year over their faith in Jesus Christ per the Vatican. I bet that based on this number, you will decide to become a missionary immediately; today. Probably not.
What I have laid out in the words above is that there is a proven system for success when adopting a new belief:
1) Seek counsel. It is prudent to have multiple advisor in any decision that you believe can provide positive change and a better and new direction for your life.
2) Begin immediately. If we ponder and "flail" instead of deploying our new idea, procrastination will thwart our chance of success.
3) Taking action provides you with a baseline. Yes, you will probably in essence "test" the validity of your adopted belief, but it will not take long to recognize the benefits thereof.
4) Believe. Others will challenge you. They will be astonished at your new course of action, but do not waiver. If it is positive for you, and those around you, your adoption will in time be recognized by others.
5) You will receive power. Especially when guided by Biblical principle, you will win! God wants to give us success. We were not made to fail. God wants to offer us grace. He wants to foster and grow us in our development as Christians.
All of these steps are important. The direct alignment in following them from step 1 to step 5 makes perfect sense. But at the end of the day, God wants us to be disciples.
What will you do today to spread the Gospel?
You will gain power in practice, become effective and win others for Christ.
How easily do we change our actions or the way we do things when we have had an "a-ha" moment?
For Paul, that change was immediate. In Acts 9: 20-23, we witness a complete one-hundred and eighty degree turn by Paul. "Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, "Isn't he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on his name? And hasn't he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?" Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah."
I see five moving parts in this passage that make me take pause when thinking about change. Each one is important, and the exact steps that they follow is not coincidental. Paul followed a process that would make his discipleship, and ultimately the development and deployment of his mission effective.
First we see that Saul sought counsel. He spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. From idea, to development and then practice and perfecting, an new skill must be refined. It makes perfect sense when adopting a new belief to seek wise counsel. It helps tremendously if this counsel comes from those who have "put their feet to the fire," immersed themselves in the belief of the idea, developed a system for effectiveness, and then putting that perfect recipe into practice. While verse twenty only mentions that Saul (Paul) "spent several days," I feel certain that Paul was diligent in learning, and then fully adopting his new belief.
Secondly, he did not delay. Verse 21 shows us that Saul "at once," immediately, began to preach. He wasted no time between adoption and deployment. It is first important to believe in a manner of conviction with respect to your new belief. For some, it may take research, and as in Paul's case, counsel to make that belief a reality, a conviction and move that from adoption to deployment. At the end of the day, we see Paul taking immediate action.
The time required to make a new and positive change a habit differs among experts. Some say twenty-one days and some thirty; or at least from what I have read, these 2 numbers seem to be the most common. We do not know what several days means in Paul's case, as a number is not written, but I would have to guess that it was less than 10. Paul had changed his mind about what he once believed, and he was completely prepared to put his new thoughts into immediate action.
The third step in the process is action. Paul did not go to one or two people to "test" the effectiveness of his new, adopted belief. He was convicted in its validity, and he desired to reach the masses. It says, "he began to preach in the synagogues." No small feat by any man. It is said that most people in our culture fear and would prefer only death before that of speaking in front of a large group of people. I see Paul's strength to immediately deliver his message to the masses as a direct result of the conviction in his belief.
Do not waiver would be the fourth step. Those in the synagogues in Damascus were astonished. How could Paul adopt a belief that only days ago was the polar opposite, and then be completely and utterly grounded in it that he began to spread the gospel to everyone that he possibly could get in front of?
There is a great example of this in the movie, "Jerry Maguire." Played by Tom Cruise, in his role as a sports agent, he has that "a-ha" moment. We see him write at his computer all night, run to FedEx early in the morning to print his memo and have it bound and placed in everyone's mailbox at the office before his colleagues arrive. Like Paul, he was so convicted in his newly adopted belief that he took immediate action to share it with the masses. At first, we see applause from the whole office as they have all gathered an read his memo. Then we see everyone gather at the watercooler and in their offices making statements to themselves and others privately, that he won't last another week with the firm if he deploys his new system for success.
Jerry, and Paul, ultimately succeed and win.
Finally it says in verse 22, "Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah." He was correct in his thinking. So much that it says in verse 23 that, "there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him."
I sincerely hope that you will not be killed for your views and beliefs, but that of the belief in Christianity bears that responsibility. A quick Google search reveals that more than 100,000 Christians are killed each year over their faith in Jesus Christ per the Vatican. I bet that based on this number, you will decide to become a missionary immediately; today. Probably not.
What I have laid out in the words above is that there is a proven system for success when adopting a new belief:
1) Seek counsel. It is prudent to have multiple advisor in any decision that you believe can provide positive change and a better and new direction for your life.
2) Begin immediately. If we ponder and "flail" instead of deploying our new idea, procrastination will thwart our chance of success.
3) Taking action provides you with a baseline. Yes, you will probably in essence "test" the validity of your adopted belief, but it will not take long to recognize the benefits thereof.
4) Believe. Others will challenge you. They will be astonished at your new course of action, but do not waiver. If it is positive for you, and those around you, your adoption will in time be recognized by others.
5) You will receive power. Especially when guided by Biblical principle, you will win! God wants to give us success. We were not made to fail. God wants to offer us grace. He wants to foster and grow us in our development as Christians.
All of these steps are important. The direct alignment in following them from step 1 to step 5 makes perfect sense. But at the end of the day, God wants us to be disciples.
What will you do today to spread the Gospel?
You will gain power in practice, become effective and win others for Christ.
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Man on Fire: Part I
Denzel Washington is one of the greatest actors of my era. In his movie, "Man on Fire" he had ceased doing work in law enforcement in the private sector. It was his career. He has been removed from his last few assignments due to a problem with alcoholism.
We see a man who was highly decorated and once recognized by his peers for his special skill-set. He was the "best of the best." But his love of Jack Daniels overtakes him, and therefore; his ability to be effective has been lost.
A long-time colleague and friend, Christopher Walken, finds him an assignment in Colombia. This particular assignment should be simple. As a friend knowing that he needs to work instead of befriending bourbon; that of being a errand-runner and bodyguard for a young school girl, Dakota Fanning, should restart his engine. This seemingly cushy job, turns into much more than he had "signed up" for. Events ensue that requires him to open up his playbook of mastery in law enforcement tactics, far beyond the initial scope of his duties. The development of a kidnapped child awakens and beckons the mercenary within him. He has to return to what he once was, a Man on Fire.
We see a man who was highly decorated and once recognized by his peers for his special skill-set. He was the "best of the best." But his love of Jack Daniels overtakes him, and therefore; his ability to be effective has been lost.
A long-time colleague and friend, Christopher Walken, finds him an assignment in Colombia. This particular assignment should be simple. As a friend knowing that he needs to work instead of befriending bourbon; that of being a errand-runner and bodyguard for a young school girl, Dakota Fanning, should restart his engine. This seemingly cushy job, turns into much more than he had "signed up" for. Events ensue that requires him to open up his playbook of mastery in law enforcement tactics, far beyond the initial scope of his duties. The development of a kidnapped child awakens and beckons the mercenary within him. He has to return to what he once was, a Man on Fire.
He must complete the mission he was hired to do. Return the child to the safety of her mother, Rhoda Mitchell; who retained him despite his honesty regarding his issue with drinking. Jack Daniels will have to wait.
The end comes as quite a surprise, but during the film we see a man who struggles with his faith in Jesus, wanting to believe in a return to a God that he once believed in.
Paul became a "Man on Fire", but we see him admittedly say in the spoken word that he was once the "chief of sinners."
One point to remember is how Paul's transformation took place. He was against the church; against Christ; a complete oppositional party. Paul was once Saul. Even a transformation, a renaming of the man himself comes about after his transformation from being blind, to seeing light; literally.
Acts 9:1-2 says, "Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem."
It was on the road from Damascus to Jerusalem that Saul's life would take a dramatic, transformational turn.
Starting in Acts 9:3, the Bible says, "As he neared Damascus on his journey, a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice around him say, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"
"Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked.
"I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.," he replied. "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."
The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything."
A few verses later, we see a man of God, Ananias, go to Saul of Tarsus as instructed in a vision from God. Prior to going to Saul, he explains to the Lord his knowledge of Saul's harm to the Holy people of God, citing his plan to imprison all who acknowledged God, the King.
Ananias went.
Acts 9:17-19, "Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord - Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here - has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up, and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
In the coming days, we will see the enormity and value to all of us, as we watch the transformation that Saul to Paul unfolds; bringing incredible value to all that can grab onto this "Man on Fire;" following his example in the formation of the early church as a disciple for the Lord.
One point to remember is how Paul's transformation took place. He was against the church; against Christ; a complete oppositional party. Paul was once Saul. Even a transformation, a renaming of the man himself comes about after his transformation from being blind, to seeing light; literally.
Acts 9:1-2 says, "Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem."
It was on the road from Damascus to Jerusalem that Saul's life would take a dramatic, transformational turn.
Starting in Acts 9:3, the Bible says, "As he neared Damascus on his journey, a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice around him say, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"
"Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked.
"I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.," he replied. "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."
The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything."
A few verses later, we see a man of God, Ananias, go to Saul of Tarsus as instructed in a vision from God. Prior to going to Saul, he explains to the Lord his knowledge of Saul's harm to the Holy people of God, citing his plan to imprison all who acknowledged God, the King.
Ananias went.
Acts 9:17-19, "Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord - Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here - has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up, and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
In the coming days, we will see the enormity and value to all of us, as we watch the transformation that Saul to Paul unfolds; bringing incredible value to all that can grab onto this "Man on Fire;" following his example in the formation of the early church as a disciple for the Lord.
Saturday, March 11, 2017
Adversity: Part VI
From time to time, we are going to have to do things that are solely a "means to an end." That exactly identifies the current period for me. My father always said, "Work the job you have, until you can find a better one."
I cannot say that I have always followed this practical, and simple piece of advice, as I have experienced a few bouts with unemployment. Even though the advice is sound, I have typically had jobs, that didn't last, as they were "below my pay-grade" either in the areas of compensation and responsibility; and often times, both. I have a certain set of knowledge, skills and abilities that not just your average employee has to offer. I therefore, typically become bored with the monotony and repetition of these extremely simple daily activities and responsibilities, and when bored I "give up the gig." This leads to a break in the income stream, and thus timely payment to current obligations. This is not a good thought process, or resulting outcome, but I desire to have work that at least has enough variation that requires some higher-level problem solving; promoting thought, analysis and action on my part. The more complex, the better.
With a "means to an end" current situation, I have been able, this time, to change my perspective. In my maturity, I have come to the understanding of the importance of following my father's sage advice.
On a Tuesday morning, I started a job as a construction laborer on an apartment complex in downtown Asheville. It had been years since I had done manual labor and yet I found enjoyment and an uncanny peace about working toward my end-goal, no matter the cost. I am awake most mornings by 5:30 AM and travel to a local coffee shop to work on this project, (the book you are reading,) for an hour prior to my 7:30 AM start at the job site.
One of my favorite things to do is mowing the lawn. I have not had that luxury since the summer of 2013, when I moved into a home in July. I signed a lease-option agreement with an eighteen-month option. Admittedly, it was more house than I needed, but I was caring and providing a home for my fiancé and her two sons. Four bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms was comfortable, it seemed. We moved in at the end of May and were unfortunately forced out, for nonpayment as stated in the rental agreement, on November 30th.
The point I am making here, is that mowing the lawn and doing manual labor has its own unique benefit. At the end of the day, you can see a finished project. You know where yo started at the beginning of the day, and can see your progress as the day goes on and comes to a close.
But my mistake in late 2013 was not an uncommon occurrence in my life. I had "bitten off more than I could chew," financially, without the necessary income required to cover the monthly outlay.
Point 2: For every action, there is an eminent and definite reaction; be it positive or negative.
Paul writes in Acts 20:23, "I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me." How is that for action and the resulting reaction? Paul feels absolutely certain, by way of having a connection to the Holy Spirit, that not only hardship awaits him, no matter where he travels on his mission for Christ, but imprisonment.
Would you be prepared, bold enough and have the resolve to carry out the mission that Christ has set before you, knowing without a shadow of a doubt that such a level of adversity was an absolute certainty?
Putting what Paul was going to endure against the idea of shoveling red clay and picking up trash for 8 hours a day seems like a "cake walk." It also puts a little money in my pocket, allowing me to have gas to get to and from work and to eat out from time to time.
It also eliminates and relieves financial stress, which many times in the past led to vomiting daily in the morning. I knew I had bills to pay, and no progress was made the previous day (i.e. money made.) There are certain benefits in an hourly wage. I can see that more clearly, now more than ever, removing stress that leads to a relative peace, knowing that my obligations can be met while actively working on other things that will provide better results in the form of larger paychecks down the line; paying exponential and residual dividends.
Proverbs 24:10 says, "If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!" It is easy to tout our troubles to others instead of focusing on what we need to do to fix it.
I had a short conversation with my ex father-in-law recently. He, my fiancé and my publisher are the only ones who know about this book. I needed, desperately, to share my desire to write and publish my work to an outside, third-party, who would no pass judgement. My internal strife was heavy on my heart, with the current lack of positive relationships that I was experiencing with family. I can easily recall my actions that caused pain to others, but I was concerned with what I could do to repair them.
His advice was that I start small. Make small talk. Ask simple, genuine questions such as , "How are things?" Be prepared to accept the outcome when the conversation reaches a breaking or stopping point, and try again in a week, two weeks or even a month. Build from there until there is a positive, running dialogue. The point to take away here is that only I can control my actions. I can decide to pick up the phone and dial the number. What I can't control, is the reception, or lack thereof, on the other end.
The other point to share is the fact that what I am writing will go into print. I explained how excited I was, and the events leading up to, finding my publisher who will get the message to the world in print. I shared how I was encouraged by this positive development, and he agreed that it was not a small feat or accomplishment. My name will appear on the front cover of a book, written by me, read and touched by others and it is a dream come true. I can completely control the development of, and the resulting finished product, (the writing,) and I have a local expert that has agreed to take the reigns and do the rest. The final product will be on the shelves in November 2017.
The greatest benefit is that my publisher is indeed , local. Having published ninety-one authors to date, she is not lacking in experience. Perhaps even greater than working with someone local is her approach. It is a ministry of love, the simple goal being getting an author's message to the masses.
It is a Christian ministry, and my work as it is being Christian Non-Fiction. With those qualities and principles in place, my relative chance for success, greater than my small brain can imagine, presents the possibility of an entirely fruitful outcome. Again, I am encouraged by the opportunity and possibilities, great or small. The book itself, will be a success; in and of itself, whether I sell one or one hundred-thousand copies. At the end of the day, it is up to me to control the process and finished project. From there, I will be faithful in allowing God to take care of the rest; as He is within me. He will be along for the ride from idea to completion.
One of my top-5 favorite verses in the Bible is Romans 8:28. "And we know in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
So I march on. I can break my back Monday through Friday, write in the morning before work, (or after a short nap; my favorite time to write,) and finish my novel day-by-day, one step at a time.
When I put the pieces into the correct perspective, the "means to and end" idea seems small in comparison under the umbrella of adversity. I am weaving a beautiful web. I get to go to work. I get the opportunity to write every day. Working gives me peace knowing that I can pay my bills. I have food and housing; my basic needs are met.
It is no coincidence that doors were closed that I felt certain were wide open. Without doubt, I am encouraged by the journey. I was too quick to leave Asheville in 2016, even more quick to go to Atlanta and while the time spent in each was short and wonderful in their own way, I was ushered back to Asheville by the Lord. The divine purpose for my return was laid out long before I left; that of reconnecting with my publisher. An artist in training, brought back to a community of artists, with a message to create and present to an audience of an uncertain size; which will in His time be revealed by God.
I cannot say that I have always followed this practical, and simple piece of advice, as I have experienced a few bouts with unemployment. Even though the advice is sound, I have typically had jobs, that didn't last, as they were "below my pay-grade" either in the areas of compensation and responsibility; and often times, both. I have a certain set of knowledge, skills and abilities that not just your average employee has to offer. I therefore, typically become bored with the monotony and repetition of these extremely simple daily activities and responsibilities, and when bored I "give up the gig." This leads to a break in the income stream, and thus timely payment to current obligations. This is not a good thought process, or resulting outcome, but I desire to have work that at least has enough variation that requires some higher-level problem solving; promoting thought, analysis and action on my part. The more complex, the better.
With a "means to an end" current situation, I have been able, this time, to change my perspective. In my maturity, I have come to the understanding of the importance of following my father's sage advice.
On a Tuesday morning, I started a job as a construction laborer on an apartment complex in downtown Asheville. It had been years since I had done manual labor and yet I found enjoyment and an uncanny peace about working toward my end-goal, no matter the cost. I am awake most mornings by 5:30 AM and travel to a local coffee shop to work on this project, (the book you are reading,) for an hour prior to my 7:30 AM start at the job site.
One of my favorite things to do is mowing the lawn. I have not had that luxury since the summer of 2013, when I moved into a home in July. I signed a lease-option agreement with an eighteen-month option. Admittedly, it was more house than I needed, but I was caring and providing a home for my fiancé and her two sons. Four bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms was comfortable, it seemed. We moved in at the end of May and were unfortunately forced out, for nonpayment as stated in the rental agreement, on November 30th.
The point I am making here, is that mowing the lawn and doing manual labor has its own unique benefit. At the end of the day, you can see a finished project. You know where yo started at the beginning of the day, and can see your progress as the day goes on and comes to a close.
But my mistake in late 2013 was not an uncommon occurrence in my life. I had "bitten off more than I could chew," financially, without the necessary income required to cover the monthly outlay.
Point 2: For every action, there is an eminent and definite reaction; be it positive or negative.
Paul writes in Acts 20:23, "I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me." How is that for action and the resulting reaction? Paul feels absolutely certain, by way of having a connection to the Holy Spirit, that not only hardship awaits him, no matter where he travels on his mission for Christ, but imprisonment.
Would you be prepared, bold enough and have the resolve to carry out the mission that Christ has set before you, knowing without a shadow of a doubt that such a level of adversity was an absolute certainty?
Putting what Paul was going to endure against the idea of shoveling red clay and picking up trash for 8 hours a day seems like a "cake walk." It also puts a little money in my pocket, allowing me to have gas to get to and from work and to eat out from time to time.
It also eliminates and relieves financial stress, which many times in the past led to vomiting daily in the morning. I knew I had bills to pay, and no progress was made the previous day (i.e. money made.) There are certain benefits in an hourly wage. I can see that more clearly, now more than ever, removing stress that leads to a relative peace, knowing that my obligations can be met while actively working on other things that will provide better results in the form of larger paychecks down the line; paying exponential and residual dividends.
Proverbs 24:10 says, "If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!" It is easy to tout our troubles to others instead of focusing on what we need to do to fix it.
I had a short conversation with my ex father-in-law recently. He, my fiancé and my publisher are the only ones who know about this book. I needed, desperately, to share my desire to write and publish my work to an outside, third-party, who would no pass judgement. My internal strife was heavy on my heart, with the current lack of positive relationships that I was experiencing with family. I can easily recall my actions that caused pain to others, but I was concerned with what I could do to repair them.
His advice was that I start small. Make small talk. Ask simple, genuine questions such as , "How are things?" Be prepared to accept the outcome when the conversation reaches a breaking or stopping point, and try again in a week, two weeks or even a month. Build from there until there is a positive, running dialogue. The point to take away here is that only I can control my actions. I can decide to pick up the phone and dial the number. What I can't control, is the reception, or lack thereof, on the other end.
The other point to share is the fact that what I am writing will go into print. I explained how excited I was, and the events leading up to, finding my publisher who will get the message to the world in print. I shared how I was encouraged by this positive development, and he agreed that it was not a small feat or accomplishment. My name will appear on the front cover of a book, written by me, read and touched by others and it is a dream come true. I can completely control the development of, and the resulting finished product, (the writing,) and I have a local expert that has agreed to take the reigns and do the rest. The final product will be on the shelves in November 2017.
The greatest benefit is that my publisher is indeed , local. Having published ninety-one authors to date, she is not lacking in experience. Perhaps even greater than working with someone local is her approach. It is a ministry of love, the simple goal being getting an author's message to the masses.
It is a Christian ministry, and my work as it is being Christian Non-Fiction. With those qualities and principles in place, my relative chance for success, greater than my small brain can imagine, presents the possibility of an entirely fruitful outcome. Again, I am encouraged by the opportunity and possibilities, great or small. The book itself, will be a success; in and of itself, whether I sell one or one hundred-thousand copies. At the end of the day, it is up to me to control the process and finished project. From there, I will be faithful in allowing God to take care of the rest; as He is within me. He will be along for the ride from idea to completion.
One of my top-5 favorite verses in the Bible is Romans 8:28. "And we know in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."
So I march on. I can break my back Monday through Friday, write in the morning before work, (or after a short nap; my favorite time to write,) and finish my novel day-by-day, one step at a time.
When I put the pieces into the correct perspective, the "means to and end" idea seems small in comparison under the umbrella of adversity. I am weaving a beautiful web. I get to go to work. I get the opportunity to write every day. Working gives me peace knowing that I can pay my bills. I have food and housing; my basic needs are met.
It is no coincidence that doors were closed that I felt certain were wide open. Without doubt, I am encouraged by the journey. I was too quick to leave Asheville in 2016, even more quick to go to Atlanta and while the time spent in each was short and wonderful in their own way, I was ushered back to Asheville by the Lord. The divine purpose for my return was laid out long before I left; that of reconnecting with my publisher. An artist in training, brought back to a community of artists, with a message to create and present to an audience of an uncertain size; which will in His time be revealed by God.
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Rejection: Part 3
How often do we reject God's goodness?
This question, in itself, is a tough one to answer. Many times without necessarily knowing it, I personally, have rejected God's goodness. I have missed opportunities that I feel certain were right in front of me, had I sought his wisdom, prayed for discernment; prior to making important, key decisions.
However, the truth of the matter remains - everything happens for a reason. The word coincidence should not even be in the vocabulary of a strong Christian.
So what do we do instead? While the answer to the question is simple in nature, it is not uncommon to make the mistake in letting God "take the lead," in even the most seemingly insignificant and small decisions daily.
What follows, is that we should pray fervently. The decisions may be inconsequential, so we think; or life-altering. All decisions are not either great or small, at the complete opposite ends of the spectrum. Plenty are in the middle. Even more disturbing are the ones that "hang in the balance" as we look for time to decipher and decide.
I am currently facing some of those "in the middle" questions with respect to relationships. There is a quote that says, " The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them." - Maya Angelou
But it is not so easy in practice. Knowing the importance of these relationships to me personally; I want to immediately repair them, or immediately dispose of them. I have, in the process, come to the realization that it may be a short process, with respect to time; and in other cases, much longer. Only time, and my effort, will tell.
In an attempt to "put my first foot forward," I sought the counsel and wisdom of a strong, Christian advisor. His advice was not revolutionary in nature, but it hit me like a "ton of bricks," upon receiving the answer to my question. I felt a desperate need to repair these relationships, but I was unsure of where to start.
He suggested that I start small. Ask trivial, but open-ended questions. What's new? How has the weather been this winter? The second question works only because I am now in an entirely different climate from where I grew up, so it is not one that does not make sense.
I tried this simple method within minutes of hanging up the phone. I called a family member, and I was surprised at the response on the other end. On another attempt, I was met with no answer to my outreach, by phone and email. I am finally going to try a letter, as his birthday is soon to come.
I cannot control how my attempts at repair will be met. Will it produce enthusiasm, something positive, or the exact opposite? The only action I can control is my own.
I used to take a friend to NA meetings, several times, on a weekly basis. Two, actually. I found that there was something I could take away from each meeting. One example is that which one of my friend that I would take says, "Wherever I go, I've got to take me with me." There have been examples from the group that have also been enlightening. In one instance, an African American spoke up in almost an angry and very bold nature. She stated, with many expletives before, in between and after (paraphrasing), "You all are NOT my friends, you are my LIFELINE. We ain't goin' to dinner, we ain't gonna hang out, nothing of the sort. "Expletive all ya'll, you are my lifeline, not my friends."
This provides an appropriate and important example with respect to rejection. Some we may hold in high-regard, some close, some at an "arms-length" and some we must choose to let go. The important part comes in the analysis of the relationship, which is not always an easy task. This is where I would suggest that you pray for wisdom and discernment, seek guidance and wait for the answer. It can't always be as easy as the aforementioned quote by Maya Angelou, but yet sometimes it is. Unfortunately, as humans with flaws and patterns, the past is at times the greatest indicator of the future.
For some, that last sentence will immediately make sense; and for some, like myself, we are prone to giving people multiple chances to improve upon their past. I can't say that either approach is right or wrong; and it differs by relationship and situation, but sometimes we are the worst judge of our own character and past decision making in forming our own perspective. This is where we should enlist the wisdom of others, and especially the wisdom found in passages upon passages in the Bible; not only found in Paul's writings.
Start with the idea that you only have control over your actions. I can control the outbound calls to family members. The reception on the other end, however, is not something I can control.
In starting small with the questions that we ask or present to others, it is absolutely critical to be genuine. It should also not be invasive, at least not when your goal is to rebuild. Doing so right away, may cause "walls" to be put up, and that is the exact barrier, or the opposite in the obstacle that is the process that it takes to reform strong bonds.
Step two is equally as simple. Start small, and then take small steps. Ask leading questions that can prove to be representative of the relationship desired. Think about it this way...entirely different is the relationship with your mother, as opposed to a close friend or first cousin. All require different levels of attention, based on the outcome desired; but in the long-run, it is your dedication to, and your desire thereof that will prove to be worth the effort.
The harsh reality, is that continued rejection is a distinct possibility. You have to be cognizant and recognize that fact "going in."
Winning battles will not always win the war!
This question, in itself, is a tough one to answer. Many times without necessarily knowing it, I personally, have rejected God's goodness. I have missed opportunities that I feel certain were right in front of me, had I sought his wisdom, prayed for discernment; prior to making important, key decisions.
However, the truth of the matter remains - everything happens for a reason. The word coincidence should not even be in the vocabulary of a strong Christian.
So what do we do instead? While the answer to the question is simple in nature, it is not uncommon to make the mistake in letting God "take the lead," in even the most seemingly insignificant and small decisions daily.
What follows, is that we should pray fervently. The decisions may be inconsequential, so we think; or life-altering. All decisions are not either great or small, at the complete opposite ends of the spectrum. Plenty are in the middle. Even more disturbing are the ones that "hang in the balance" as we look for time to decipher and decide.
I am currently facing some of those "in the middle" questions with respect to relationships. There is a quote that says, " The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them." - Maya Angelou
But it is not so easy in practice. Knowing the importance of these relationships to me personally; I want to immediately repair them, or immediately dispose of them. I have, in the process, come to the realization that it may be a short process, with respect to time; and in other cases, much longer. Only time, and my effort, will tell.
In an attempt to "put my first foot forward," I sought the counsel and wisdom of a strong, Christian advisor. His advice was not revolutionary in nature, but it hit me like a "ton of bricks," upon receiving the answer to my question. I felt a desperate need to repair these relationships, but I was unsure of where to start.
He suggested that I start small. Ask trivial, but open-ended questions. What's new? How has the weather been this winter? The second question works only because I am now in an entirely different climate from where I grew up, so it is not one that does not make sense.
I tried this simple method within minutes of hanging up the phone. I called a family member, and I was surprised at the response on the other end. On another attempt, I was met with no answer to my outreach, by phone and email. I am finally going to try a letter, as his birthday is soon to come.
I cannot control how my attempts at repair will be met. Will it produce enthusiasm, something positive, or the exact opposite? The only action I can control is my own.
I used to take a friend to NA meetings, several times, on a weekly basis. Two, actually. I found that there was something I could take away from each meeting. One example is that which one of my friend that I would take says, "Wherever I go, I've got to take me with me." There have been examples from the group that have also been enlightening. In one instance, an African American spoke up in almost an angry and very bold nature. She stated, with many expletives before, in between and after (paraphrasing), "You all are NOT my friends, you are my LIFELINE. We ain't goin' to dinner, we ain't gonna hang out, nothing of the sort. "Expletive all ya'll, you are my lifeline, not my friends."
This provides an appropriate and important example with respect to rejection. Some we may hold in high-regard, some close, some at an "arms-length" and some we must choose to let go. The important part comes in the analysis of the relationship, which is not always an easy task. This is where I would suggest that you pray for wisdom and discernment, seek guidance and wait for the answer. It can't always be as easy as the aforementioned quote by Maya Angelou, but yet sometimes it is. Unfortunately, as humans with flaws and patterns, the past is at times the greatest indicator of the future.
For some, that last sentence will immediately make sense; and for some, like myself, we are prone to giving people multiple chances to improve upon their past. I can't say that either approach is right or wrong; and it differs by relationship and situation, but sometimes we are the worst judge of our own character and past decision making in forming our own perspective. This is where we should enlist the wisdom of others, and especially the wisdom found in passages upon passages in the Bible; not only found in Paul's writings.
Start with the idea that you only have control over your actions. I can control the outbound calls to family members. The reception on the other end, however, is not something I can control.
In starting small with the questions that we ask or present to others, it is absolutely critical to be genuine. It should also not be invasive, at least not when your goal is to rebuild. Doing so right away, may cause "walls" to be put up, and that is the exact barrier, or the opposite in the obstacle that is the process that it takes to reform strong bonds.
Step two is equally as simple. Start small, and then take small steps. Ask leading questions that can prove to be representative of the relationship desired. Think about it this way...entirely different is the relationship with your mother, as opposed to a close friend or first cousin. All require different levels of attention, based on the outcome desired; but in the long-run, it is your dedication to, and your desire thereof that will prove to be worth the effort.
The harsh reality, is that continued rejection is a distinct possibility. You have to be cognizant and recognize that fact "going in."
Winning battles will not always win the war!
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Rejection: Part 2
Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10, "But he said to me, "My grace is
sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that
Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight
in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in
difficulties. For when I am weak, I am strong."
If I were a betting man, I would confidently say that many of us, and a large percentage at that, take rejection extremely personal.
That begs the question, "Why?"
What is it about rejection that causes us severe pain? Is it a mirrored reflection of our insecurities? Do insults really matter? Does being rejected, at the end of the day, matter that much?
In these two verses written by Paul, we see bold claims. "Delighting in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecution-which he knew on an ongoing and personal, daily level-, and in difficulties.
What can we draw from Paul's ability to embrace the variety of forms that as humans we will undoubtedly face?
If you have heard it once, you will certainly hear it as a continual, running theme in this book. It was ALL in his perspective.
The key to Paul's endurance and resolve in his race to relay the message of the "Great Commission" and the love which God has to offer is in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He was not just a man like us who appeared and vanished in a period of thirty-three years.
We are human. We are subject to a sinful nature because of the mistakes of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Knowing that, first and foremost, can help us form a foundation for personal growth in Christ.
Be reminded of the promises of God. Paul says in Philippians 4:19, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Is it not awesome and humbling that we can trust a mighty God to bless us will all of our needs? Who else can do that? We must believe in that, and have faith in that, as in God's time, and according to His glory, our needs will be met.
Placing too much emphasis will slant our view of how God will meet those needs. Not only your immediate and basic, necessary needs, but also the desires of your heart that lie squarely in the plan that God has you on. And our plans are not always His. A harsh reality, but another strong principle for us to "wrap our heads around."
Rejection is part of life. Plain and simple. As in other things, it is what we do with it. We can choose resolve, look for wisdom, cherish our advisors; especially those whose beliefs align with ours. Our God is an "on time God." Never take for granted the promises.
Your needs WILL be met.
If I were a betting man, I would confidently say that many of us, and a large percentage at that, take rejection extremely personal.
That begs the question, "Why?"
What is it about rejection that causes us severe pain? Is it a mirrored reflection of our insecurities? Do insults really matter? Does being rejected, at the end of the day, matter that much?
In these two verses written by Paul, we see bold claims. "Delighting in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecution-which he knew on an ongoing and personal, daily level-, and in difficulties.
What can we draw from Paul's ability to embrace the variety of forms that as humans we will undoubtedly face?
If you have heard it once, you will certainly hear it as a continual, running theme in this book. It was ALL in his perspective.
The key to Paul's endurance and resolve in his race to relay the message of the "Great Commission" and the love which God has to offer is in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He was not just a man like us who appeared and vanished in a period of thirty-three years.
We are human. We are subject to a sinful nature because of the mistakes of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Knowing that, first and foremost, can help us form a foundation for personal growth in Christ.
Be reminded of the promises of God. Paul says in Philippians 4:19, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Is it not awesome and humbling that we can trust a mighty God to bless us will all of our needs? Who else can do that? We must believe in that, and have faith in that, as in God's time, and according to His glory, our needs will be met.
Placing too much emphasis will slant our view of how God will meet those needs. Not only your immediate and basic, necessary needs, but also the desires of your heart that lie squarely in the plan that God has you on. And our plans are not always His. A harsh reality, but another strong principle for us to "wrap our heads around."
Rejection is part of life. Plain and simple. As in other things, it is what we do with it. We can choose resolve, look for wisdom, cherish our advisors; especially those whose beliefs align with ours. Our God is an "on time God." Never take for granted the promises.
Your needs WILL be met.
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Rejection: Part 1
How do we feel when we are rejected?
The very definition of rejection does not conjure up "warm, fuzzy feelings," for anyone. Nor does its related synonyms: refusal, declining, turning down, dismissal, spurning and more...
Often, under the guise of these words with a negative connotation, we "refuse to hear" or "refuse to accept" the resulting outcome that came to us through rejection.
Recently I was passed over, or rejected, as a candidate for a position with a company in Atlanta that I felt sure I was a perfect match. As part of the interview process, there was a three-and-a-half hour writing test. Only one other time in my life had I taken a test quite as intense, and it was that same amount of time in the morning, followed by an hour lunch, and then another block in the afternoon for a total of 7 hours. In that exam in 2001, I scored in the eighty-seventh percentile nationally, while the large majority of people fail the exam.
This time, referring to the one recently in Atlanta, I had an additional sixteen years of experience in the field of finance. I was tasked with sharing my experience in writing on a specific, blind subject, given to me on the day of the exam. The topic was health insurance benefits offered by an employer. Since it was a relatively basic topic to write about-given the fact that there are thousands of others more challenging to present in a clear and concise manor-I felt sure that when the timer reached zero, even more confident that I had passed the exam.
I had a short conversation, after, with the human resources manager about the job requirements. She then explained the pay and benefits and the process from offer-to-employment timeline. Again, I felt sure I had been sitting in an office that would become a familiar sight, for many years to come.
I finished my writing exam and initial interview screening on a Wednesday morning. A panel of three writers at the firm then would evaluate my work. I was told to expect a response on Friday. Friday came and went. Monday was a holiday. On Tuesday at 3:00 PM, I reached out to my recruiter. An email came to me in my inbox thirteen minutes later that I had been rejected.
The very definition of rejection does not conjure up "warm, fuzzy feelings," for anyone. Nor does its related synonyms: refusal, declining, turning down, dismissal, spurning and more...
Often, under the guise of these words with a negative connotation, we "refuse to hear" or "refuse to accept" the resulting outcome that came to us through rejection.
Recently I was passed over, or rejected, as a candidate for a position with a company in Atlanta that I felt sure I was a perfect match. As part of the interview process, there was a three-and-a-half hour writing test. Only one other time in my life had I taken a test quite as intense, and it was that same amount of time in the morning, followed by an hour lunch, and then another block in the afternoon for a total of 7 hours. In that exam in 2001, I scored in the eighty-seventh percentile nationally, while the large majority of people fail the exam.
This time, referring to the one recently in Atlanta, I had an additional sixteen years of experience in the field of finance. I was tasked with sharing my experience in writing on a specific, blind subject, given to me on the day of the exam. The topic was health insurance benefits offered by an employer. Since it was a relatively basic topic to write about-given the fact that there are thousands of others more challenging to present in a clear and concise manor-I felt sure that when the timer reached zero, even more confident that I had passed the exam.
I had a short conversation, after, with the human resources manager about the job requirements. She then explained the pay and benefits and the process from offer-to-employment timeline. Again, I felt sure I had been sitting in an office that would become a familiar sight, for many years to come.
I finished my writing exam and initial interview screening on a Wednesday morning. A panel of three writers at the firm then would evaluate my work. I was told to expect a response on Friday. Friday came and went. Monday was a holiday. On Tuesday at 3:00 PM, I reached out to my recruiter. An email came to me in my inbox thirteen minutes later that I had been rejected.
How could such an awesome opportunity come my way only to vanish four short days later?
It didn't seem to add up. I had been in Atlanta for the past six weeks, had grown to love the city, despite seeing a single snowflake over the holidays and I was at this point much more qualified. Twenty years from a practice point-of-view, and ten writing.
It would be a few weeks after the news that I had been "rejected" as a candidate, that I would have a clear picture of where I was truly supposed to be putting my "writing muscles" into practice. For His purpose, not mine!
Psalm 34: 17-20 says, "When the righteous call for help, the herd hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all of his bones; not one of them is broken."
Psalm 118: 22 says, "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone."
I had been rejected as a stone for the firm in Atlanta. It caused me to return to a state and place I thought I had left behind. But clarity was waiting in the wings. God had bigger plans. Our God has bigger dreams.
I would be given a miraculous and magnificent gift, just a few weeks later, as the cornerstone on a much larger platform, with the potential to reach the masses of all men; not just those in finance.
Christ is a perfect example of someone who was falsely accused and rejected. He was beaten, stoned and bludgeoned; unrecognizable. He wore a crown of thorns while carrying His own cross up the hill of Golgotha. In rejection, he paid the ultimate price for humanity. Through rejection, he became the cornerstone for all, that anyone who would choose a personal relationship with God, shall surely live, eternally!
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