I Just Wanna Be Successful!

the son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28

If I were to ask you to identify successful people that have lived in any era of time who would make your top 5? The better question is, what is it that makes them a success in your eyes or the eyes of others? I'm sure many names would be called because throughout history there are numerous examples of successful individuals. However I've discovered that our definition of success makes a huge difference in determining whether one is really a success. The word "success" itself means the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. So in essence, what we find ourselves aiming at is a key factor in our being successful. For instance, we live in a culture where many individuals are aiming at gaining position, possessions, popularity, or pleasures. If you don't believe me check out the lyrics of Drake in his song entitled Successful, "I want the money, and the cars, and the clothes, I just wanna be successful." In view of this perspective, success is interpreted as having status and symbols. However we all have known people who did not have a whole lot of stuff but that didn't mean they were not successful. For the next couple of days I want to share with you how to be successful. Before we go there, I first want you to know that God desires for you to be successful. He has actually determined for you to be a great success. Then why isn't everyone successful? Mainly because we misinterpret the true meaning of success. By unpacking the above scripture we can get a clear picture of success from the most successful person I know, our Lord Jesus Christ.

First of all, success is executing your purpose. Real success can only be attained by accomplishing God's purpose for your life. That's why knowing your purpose is so essential. More than anyone who has ever lived, Jesus operated completely in His purpose. From a youth He walked in step with His Father's will. On one occasion when He was only 12 years old and his parents were frightened because they didn't know where He was, He remarked, "Did you not know that I must be about my Father's business?" (Luke 2:49) In the scripture above He clearly gives us his purpose statement; to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Everything that he did was centered around him fulfilling his purpose. Notice as we discover our purpose we also better understand those things that are not a part of our purpose. Jesus stated that his reason for coming to Earth was not to be served. Given who He is, He could have easily decided to have people bow before him day and night, but that wasn't his assignment. One of the mistakes that we tend to make in life is trying to succeed in the wrong assignment. Let me make this plain. Imagine as a student your teacher wanted you to complete page 28 as a homework assignment. However, instead you complete page 38. Even if you get every answer correct on page 38 you would still fail because you completed the wrong assignment. Jesus did not make that mistake. He was able to stay focused on fulfilling the right assignment and then eventually say, "It is Finished!" (John 19:30)

As a former basketball player and coach nothing was more exhilirating than scoring a basket by executing a set play correctly. In the same way, executing your purpose brings much fulfillment. Do you really wanna be successful? Well achieve it God's way by executing your purpose and staying in the right assignment!

PEACE!

Are we there yet?

"David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned for forty years." 2 Samuel 5:4

During my summer break, one of the things that I enjoy is taking family vacations. The quality time that we spend on these occasions is satisfying, especially the car ride to our appointed destination. During these times we get to talk, laugh, and listen to our favorite music. It is also at these times that my kids in their impatience often ask their favorite question which is, “Are we there yet? “ Has this question ever filled your mental skies as you make your journey thru life day by day. On the one hand you know that you have a purpose, or intended destination in mind. However you are wondering when will it happen, or better yet when will you get there? Morever you are wondering what shall I do in the meantime? I believe that we can gain helpful hints from looking at the life of King David. In my last post I pointed out that David lived life in high definition. He lived life on purpose. From an early age he knew that his purpose was to shepherd or lead the nation of Israel. Although he was anointed to be king as a youth, he wasn’t appointed to the palace for many years. His experience shows us how to get to the destination that God has determined for us.

First, we must recognize that God gives us preparation for our destination. As stated above, David’s purpose was to shepherd Israel. Although he had many gifts and talents which included being an armorbearer, musician, and warrior, his main gift or ability was always shepherding. Whenever he is mentioned early on in scripture he is always with the sheep. These times out in the pasture with stubborn sheep would prepare him for his role in the palace. How else would he learn patience in dealing with difficult people or how to be compassionate and tender hearted? Listen, just because you have a purpose does not always mean you are ready to fulfill it right away. There is a process that God designs to get us our purpose. In other words, God often prepares us for what He has already prepared for us. Let me make this plain. Many of my brothers have spent time and retired from the military. When they first went in, they were determined to be good soldiers. However in order for this to happen they had to go thru boot camp, basic training and numerous schools, all of which were specially designed to help them become good soldiers. Initally they were even given small assignments, menial tasks and had to spend time out in the field. All of these experiences helped them to become good soldiers. Although our initial assignments may seem to be small, insignificant and obscure, they are vital for they give us a chance to develop. As you examine your life, what experiences have prepared you for where God is taking you? Recognize that all of life is preparation for your purpose.

Secondly, we must understand that it takes dedication to get to your destination. Imagine what it took for David to go back into the pasture after he was anointed to be King. Not only did he know that he would be king even his family understood that he was anointed to be king. Most of us would have wanted to go straight to the palace, that day. Or better yet, we would have flaunted around giving orders to everyone. Instead David went right back to the pasture and did as he had always. Instead of pouting or throwing a pity party, David just kept working on his stuff behind the scenes trusting that God knew when he was ready for a larger stage. Do you have that kind of dedication? Are you committed to refining, polishing and developing your gifts in the meantime? As Longfellow said, "The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night." Nobody becomes an overnight success unless it's a long night! If you are able to view where you are right now as preparation and not your final destination it will enable you live with a higher level of dedication.

Finally, is you stay with it, there will be elevation to your destination. David was able to stay the course because he knew that the anointing on his life was larger than his present assignment. His present assignment was tending sheep and taking snacks to his brothers on the battlefield. However he knew he was powerfully anointed to rule and to reign. You have got to see yourself beyond where you currently find yourself. Believe that what you will do in the future is larger than what you are currently doing! I encourage you to just keep at it! As I mentioned earlier, David had multiple gifts and talents. Interestingly, it was not his main gift of shepherding that initailly brought him to the palace. He first arrived there as Saul's musician and armorbearer. What am I saying? Go ahead and use the abilities and talents you may have right now even if you feel that they are not your primary gifts. Who knows how your gifts will make room for you? Although it was probably a 10-15 year journey to get there, David was appointed king at the age of thirty. He went on to reign and to rule for forty years. Likewise rememeber that God is taking you on a journey. Instead of tripping out on the journey, start trusting, knowing that He has a destination in mind. Where He's taking you is worth the wait!

PEACE!

High Definition Life

"Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep... "Acts 13:36

Over the last couple of years one of the more popular forms of technology has been HDTV or High resolution digital television. One reason why is because HDTV can display images at a substantially higher resolution than those found in a standard television. A higher resolution means a crisper, clearer picture. In contrast to a standard TV whose picture is fuzzy, a HDTV has a brighter, more brilliant and beautiful picture. HDTV has literally taken watching television to a whole new level. Similarly, I believe that God has designed us to live high definition lives. He wants us to live with clarity and a sense of purpose. Now I know that the word "purpose" is one that causes many individuals to scratch their heads so what exactly does it mean? Purpose by definition means the original intent or reason for being. Your purpose is the reason that you were placed on the planet. The good news is that you have been given an assignment to accomplish while you are here on Earth. The verse above says that David knew his assignment, accomplished it and then died. As someone has said, "One of life's greatest tragedies is not to live and die but to live with no sense of purpose." However God doesn't want us to live fuzzy low definition lives. Instead He desires us to live brilliant, bright, beautiful lives for His glory. So the million dollar question is how does one discover his/her purpose?

Number 1- If you want to know what you are made for asks your Manufacturer. Many people waste time their time asking Lotti, Dotti, and everybody what they should be doing. However, only the One that made us knows what we are here for. James 1:5 says "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." Listen, God wants you to know your purpose. He does not want you to live a frustrated, fruitless and unfulfilled life. He wants to tell you what on Earth you are supposed to be doing. Let me make this clearer. Let's say you bought a new HDTV today, and you were trying to assemble it. Would you settle for asking someone off the street? No, you wouldn't take a chance like that! Instead you would grab the manual that came inside the package and begin to follow the instructions which tells you how the equipment is supposed to operate. In the same way, God has a manual called the Bible which outlines how we are supposed to function. Doing what it says can help us better understand how we are supposed to operate. Your life is too important for you to take chances. Follow the manual!

Number 2- If you want to know what you are supposed to do, there is something you have got to do. God will only reveal your purpose only if you are serious about accomplishing it. In other words, you have to first demonstrate a willingness to follow and obey God. Many people say, "God tell me what you want me to do and I'll do it." Instead God basically says, "Show me that you will do what I say and then I can tell you more." Romans 12:1-2 summarized says that as we surrender our lives to God, not follow the world's way and begin to think God's thoughts that we will be able to know His will for our life. I guess the question is how bad do you want it?

Number 3- If you want to know what you are called to do check out how God created you. What talents, gifts, and unique abilities do you have? What are you passionate about? What is it that you do with ease that is not very easy for others to do? All of these are clues about your purpose. Why? Because when God made you on purpose for a purpose, He also gave you the potential or ability to accomplish it. Any wise manufacture would do the same. Every vehicle, piece of technology or equipment has inside of it the ability to do what it was made to do. No one would make a boat that couldn't float. Since a boat is made for water it designed in such a way to handle the water and waves. In the same way, you have been designed in a way so that you can do what you are supposed to do. There are many talent/gift inventories available today. One of my favorite can be found at http://www.rwuniversity.com/?page_id=50. Take your time and honestly complete it.

My friend, you have been made to do something that only you can do. That makes you unique. Like David, choose to do what you were made to do in this time in which you live. Fulfilling your purpose will give you ultimate fulfillment. Why settle for low definition when you can live a high definition life?

PEACE!

Passing the Test!

"Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham..." Genesis 22:1

On January 8, 2002 the United States signed into law the No Child Left Behind Act. This act is based on the belief that setting high standards and establishing measurable goals can improve individual outcomes for students. NCLB has a couple of key features one of which is that it requires states to administer annual assessments to all students. The law also requires all government operated schools receiving funding to have highly qualified teachers administer these assessments or tests.

My friend, I would like to submit to you that just as our government supports the creation of tests for its students, the Government of the Kingdom of God also designs tests for its subjects. In a real sense, we all face tests, some can be compared to small quizzes, others seem to be enormous exams. All of life is a series of tests. The reality for many of us is that we really don't like taking tests. This is especially true of the kind it seems that the teacher created so that everybody would fail (lol). For some just the idea of taking a test can cause anxiety to fill their mental skies. However, today I want to encourage you by reminding you that the test you are experiencing has been developed by a Highly Qualified Instructor (God) who wants you to pass!

If anybody understood this truth it had to be the Father of the faith, Abraham. In Genesis 22 he is taking his final exam for in vs. 1 the Bible says that God tested him by telling him to kill his son. Now that's a serious test! Interestingly the word for "test" in the orignial Hebrew means "to prove". Of course, God didn't want Abraham to commit murder but in essence He was developing Abraham's faith by proving the genuiness of it. In the end, Abraham was able to pass the test and today he teaches us how we also can pass any test that comes our way. Let's look at the cliff notes version of his experience.

First, we must remember that we have been Prepared for our tests. Vs. 1 begins by saying, "After these things". Abraham's life illustrates the idea that life is a series of tests. This was not the first test for him because he had experienced multiple tests in the previous chapters of his life. If you are honest, this is not your first test neither. As a teacher I often tell my students before a big test, 'What the teacher teaches, the teacher tests." In other words, the instruction, activities, guided practice, homework , and quizzes that I give are all designed to prepare them by giving them repeated practice. In the same manner, God has been instructing and preparing you for your test so that can excel and not fail. So even though it may feel like it's a pop test- you've been prepared for it!

Second, we must respond to our test with a Posture of trust. Abraham's response to this test is so amazing. He doesn't compalin, cry, cause a commotion or even ask God why? Instead, he was compliant and began to do as he was instructed. Wow! After reading this passage I found out that he was able to be so compliant because of his confidence in God. Though he couldn't trace God's hand, he still trusted God's heart! He knew that God was working things out according to plan. How do we develop that type of faith? The Bible says, "Faith comes by hearing the Word of God". As a younger student I liked it when the teacher gave us open book tests. I understood that all I had to do was know the book and I could do well. The good thing about all God's tests is that they are Open Book! Go ahead and open up His book, the Bible, so that you can ace the test!

Well if you remember that you are prepared for your tests and your respond with a posture of trust, Abraham's story teaches us that you can rely on Provisions for your tests. The text says that just as he was about to sacrifice his son, an angel told him not to do so. Instead, he was shown a ram that was caught in a thicket. He sacrificed the ram and called the name of the place, "The Lord Will Provide", vs 14. Abraham learned a powerful lesson that day that he never would have learned had he not been tested, that God will provide somehow, someway. That's good news for you as you are being tested today, be encouraged knowing that where God guides, He always provides!


PEACE!

Comeback Player of the Year!

He can best described as a man who had it, lost it, and got it back. The person I’m referring to is named Michael; not Michael Jones, Michael Jordan, or Michael Jackson but Michael Vick. As an avid sports fan like many of you I was memorized by his rise to fame as he would razzle and dazzle football fans with his phenomenal physical ability. However in 2007 his meteoric rise was only eclipsed by is colossal fall as in 2007 he pled guilty to an illegal dog-fighting. This felony charge came with two years of prison, the loss of his multimillion dollar NFL salary, and product endorsement deals. Combined with previous financial mismanagement, legal fees, and his having to pay the falcons back close to 20 million dollars, Michael Vick was forced to file for bankruptcy. During this time, many people and pro organizations wrote him off and never expected him to regain his prominence and position.

However, earlier this year Michael Vick was named by the Associated Press as the Comeback Player of the Year for the 2010 football season. After being given a chance by another group of birds, the Eagles, Michael Vick returned to his place as one of the best QB’s in the NFL. Now Vick is using his new opportunity to help others who have made mistakes. On yesterday, he did the commencement speech at a local school which serves students with emotional, disciplinary, and academic problems. In addition, he presented two scholarships to help students pursue their dream. I like that! For his life illustrates that it is possible to comeback from a setback. Maybe that’s just what someone needs to hear today; your failure does not have to be fatal but it indeed can be fruitful.

How does it work? Well it’s as simple as A-B-C. First you have to be willing to admit that you made a mistake. That sounds so easy, but this first step has been known to trip up many individuals. Saying we have been wrong is sometimes a difficult thing for us to do. However, you can’t fix what you won’t face, and you can’t conquer what you won’t confess. So go ahead and face yourself so you won’t continue to disgrace yourself. Secondly you must believe that your failure is not the end of you. Sometimes we make the mistake of defining ourselves by our failure. This mentality will render us captives of a cycle that will cause us to continue to experience the same failure. However you must believe that there are brighter days ahead. Finally you must make another choice. I believe that much of where we are in life has to do with the choices that we make. Our choices all have consequences connected to them. Just as it took a choice to get you into the situation, it will take a choice to get you out of it. Today you have been given another chance to make another choice! In closing, I would like to give you the words that Vick gave to those students on yesterday, “''Use me as an example at how to become an instrument of change ... you can do it as well.''

PEACE!

Developing a "Mentoring Mentality"

Imagine a world that didn’t include the musical mastery of Mozart, the passion and perseverance of Helen Keller, or the charm and charisma of Denzel. Such may be the case if these prominent figures had never been impacted and influenced by a mentor. Various individuals consistently conclude that they are who they are and where they are because of the support they have received from a mentor. This is extremely important in the day in which we live as many youths are experiencing social, academic, and behavioral difficulties. According to the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation, today many youths have limited access to adults due to high rates of divorce, single parent households, and fewer institutions and activities that are geared to support youth. With this in mind, mentors can step in and meet a signinficant need.

What exactly is a mentor? Well according to Webster, a mentor is "a trusted counselor or guide". The word originates from a character in the Odyssey who was named Mentor. King Odysseus entrusted Mentor to watch over his son Telemachus and to prepare him to reign, rule and sit on the throne. This, in essence, is the goal of a mentor today, preparing individuals to maximize their potential. As the anonymous poet said, "With help from a friend, you can reach the stars."

Therefore it is imperative that we make a commitment to mentoring our youths. Research has shown that mentoring programs can assist in the reduction of peer violence, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and gang membership. In addition, mentoring as been shown to increase academic achievement and school participation. Not only are youths impacted but by sacrifically giving, mentors also benefit from these relationships. When mentors commit to mentoring they are in essence enhancing their schools, churches, and communities. As Zig Ziglar suggested, You cannot help someone get to the mountain without getting to the top yourself."

Practically speaking, how can this be done? Well, first one could serve as a volunteer in an already existing program. Schools, recreational programs, churches and other programs are always looking for help in this manner. Of course the traditional one to one approach is always an option. Maybe there is someone you know that needs a little push or perhaps even reminds you of a younger you that needs some guidance and direction. Either way, it doesn't take a huge amount of time, just a willingness to give back. As I close, that's what I want to remind you to do today. Take a moment to remember the investment that someone made in you yesterday, so that you can do the same for someone today. I promise, it will make a huge difference for everyone tommorrow!

PEACE!

What will you leave behind?

If I can help somebody as I pass along,
If I can cheer somebody with a word or song,
If I can show somebody he's traveling wrong,
Then my living will not be in vain.

These luminous lines, often used by my mother, were also quoted by the venerable Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in his speech entitled “The Drum Major Instinct". In this segacious speech, Dr. King identifies the drum major mentality, one which desires to be first, important or great. He contrasts this familiar attitude with a far less common but greater mindset, one which seeks to serve others. In so doing, he reminds us that "everybody can be great, because everyone can serve." As I reflect upon that statement, I can't help but think of my mother Mrs. Ora L. Jones. For my mother was great, not in size, stature, or status symbols, but great in service. She devoted her life to reaching out to the least, last, lost, and left out. In every role that she fulfilled, rather as a wife, mother, employee, ministry leader, or friend, she demonstrated a willingness to serve others. As I mourn her passing, I am thankful that I was priviledged to have such a mother to model and mimic. I am also grateful that she has left a legacy for me and also others who would follow in her faithful footsteps.

First, her life reveals that we gain significance in this life by serving others. My mother never attended college or authored any books yet her name is highly respected in various communities. Anyone that knew her would agree that she was an influential individual because of the impact that she made in so many lives. We gain meaning in life not by what we get but by what we give.

Lastly, her life illlustrates that the service you render to others is never in vain. It's never in vain becuase it can continue to make a difference for years to come. At my mom' s funeral, in which many people gathered to celebrate her life, she received three honors in her name that will continue to live on. First, the city of Montevallo named June 4th as Ora L. Jones day, a fitting honor especially since that was also her marriage anniversary. In addition two scholarships will be dedicated in her name in order to help some student fulfill their dreams. However, I believe her highest honor was given to her in heaven as she was rewarded for all the service that she rendered to others. In conclusion, as I salute my mother for being a great woman, I also encourage you to enlist in a life of service to others knowing that what matters most is not the duration of your life but the donation of it!

PEACE!