Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that will prevail. Prov. 19:21
One of my favorite scenes in the movie Rainman is when he does the old Abbott and Castello routine. As I watched it, I was captivated by his continual repetition of the question, "Who's on first?" I'd like to take a different perspective and rephrase that question. As you think about your plans and God's purpose, "What's on first?" Which has taken precedence in your life? The scripture above let's us know that God's purpose will prevail over our plans. But how many of us have gotten it twisted? We come up with our own ideas of what we want to be or do first and then come to God later.
For example, in my own life, upon entering college at the University of Southern Mississippi, I planned on being a physical therapist. For three years I took courses related to that field until it dawned on me that even though it would be a lucrative career, it was not my purpose or passion. If I had gone to God before I went to college, I would have found out that my purpose was tied to teaching and would have saved myself a lot of time. Make sure you consult God about your purpose prior to making your plans. If you do so you'll find the following:
1. Purpose is more vital than plans- God is more interested in His purpose for you than your plans.
2. Purpose should precede plans- Make sure you consult God for your purpose before you make your plans.
3. Plans should flow out of purpose- Finding God's purpose will enable you to plan more effectively.
Today I encourage you to let God's purpose for your life guide you along the right path.
PEACE!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
I Just Wanna Be Successful! Part 4
“Do not let this book of the law depart from your mouth but meditate on it, day and night, then you will be prosperous and have good success.” Joshua 1:8
Have you ever been driving, trying to get somewhere, only to find yourself totally lost? For me it’s happened on numerous occasions particularly on one outing to the beach. Prior to leaving, I had announced that our trip would take about three hours. However as we traveled my kids noticed that our journey had eclipsed the four hour mark. At that time they began to inquire, “Are we lost?” I must confess, in my manhood, one of the things that’s difficult for me is admitting being lost, so I was trying really hard to ignore them. Finally, one of them with childlike innocence remarked, “Dad, do you think we could have been there by now, if you would have studied the map?”
For the past week I’ve shared what it takes to be successful. Today, I’ve saved the best for last. We can find success by following God’s precepts. Of course these precepts are only found in the Bible. In the scripture above, as Joshua is faced with the huge responsibility of leading millions of people into new territory, God clearly tells Joshua that it’s His desire for him to be successful and this would only be achieved by following the map! How does it work?
1. Study the map. The scriptures give direction for every area of our life. As the psalmist said, “His word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our pathway.” Psalms 119:105.
2. Meditate upon the map. As we reflect, and let scripture sink in, it will begin to shape our thinking. Practice does indeed make permanent.
3. Follow the map. Most importantly, we have to obey what it says. Imagine how much farther you would be if you had just taken the time to follow the map! Instead of getting lost, let the map guide you to your destination.
Do you really wanna be successful? Achieve it God’s way by executing your purpose, maximizing your potential, blessing other people, and following God’s precepts.
PEACE!
Have you ever been driving, trying to get somewhere, only to find yourself totally lost? For me it’s happened on numerous occasions particularly on one outing to the beach. Prior to leaving, I had announced that our trip would take about three hours. However as we traveled my kids noticed that our journey had eclipsed the four hour mark. At that time they began to inquire, “Are we lost?” I must confess, in my manhood, one of the things that’s difficult for me is admitting being lost, so I was trying really hard to ignore them. Finally, one of them with childlike innocence remarked, “Dad, do you think we could have been there by now, if you would have studied the map?”
For the past week I’ve shared what it takes to be successful. Today, I’ve saved the best for last. We can find success by following God’s precepts. Of course these precepts are only found in the Bible. In the scripture above, as Joshua is faced with the huge responsibility of leading millions of people into new territory, God clearly tells Joshua that it’s His desire for him to be successful and this would only be achieved by following the map! How does it work?
1. Study the map. The scriptures give direction for every area of our life. As the psalmist said, “His word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our pathway.” Psalms 119:105.
2. Meditate upon the map. As we reflect, and let scripture sink in, it will begin to shape our thinking. Practice does indeed make permanent.
3. Follow the map. Most importantly, we have to obey what it says. Imagine how much farther you would be if you had just taken the time to follow the map! Instead of getting lost, let the map guide you to your destination.
Do you really wanna be successful? Achieve it God’s way by executing your purpose, maximizing your potential, blessing other people, and following God’s precepts.
PEACE!
Saturday, July 9, 2011
I Just Wanna Be Successful! Part 3
whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant. Matthew 20:26
A few years ago, in one of my graduate courses, I participated in this activity where the instructor told us to imagine that we were stranded on an island. She went on to ask, “Which 3 people, who have lived in any era, would you call to help you on the island?” Of course we were not allowed to call Jesus (He alone could rescue us!) Many great names were given such as Einstein, the Wright brothers, and Bill Cosby. Even Macgyver and the famous chef Gee Gervin were mentioned. As we compared our lists we found out that each individual would be called upon because they had a specific gift that would benefit us in our time of need. This brings us to our third ingredient in being successful. Success is blessing other people. In the scripture above Jesus basically says, “Look, I’m going to show you how to be great.” Notice that He doesn’t have a problem with anyone being great or successful. Rather, He desires us all to be great and this is how, by “serving our gift to the world.”
God has blessed each of us with a wealth of expertise, talents, and gifts not for us to abuse but to use to impact the lives of other individuals. The truth about our experience is that we are all standing on somebody’s shoulders and we owe it to them to turn around and help someone else. Begin to open your eyes to see the people God has placed in your path. Someone needs your gift! Today decide to use your blessings to bless someone else!
So do you still wanna be successful? Well achieve success God's way by executing your purpose, maximizing your potential, and blessing other people!
PEACE!
Friday, July 8, 2011
I Just Wanna Be Successful! Part 2
"You are more than what you have become!" Mufassa
I just can’t wait to be king. Those are the words of a character in one of my favorite movies- The Lion King. Simba understood early on that he was destined to lead his lion pride. When he uttered those words he was only a young lion cub, however he knew that he possessed an enormous amount of potential that would one day enable him to rule the jungle. In my last post I mentioned that success is executing your purpose. Today I want to share something else about being successful. Success is also maximizing your potential. God not only gives us a purpose, but He also gives us the potential to complete it. What is potential you may say? I'm glad you asked! Potential can be defined as untapped possibility, unmet capability and unused power. In other words, it is all you can do but have not yet done. The good news is that God not only gives us an assignment but He also gives us the ability to accomplish our assignment, which is called potential. Within each and every one of us is a powerful amount of potential just waiting to be used.
Sadly, many individuals never tap into this potential and end up taking it with them to their grave. That's why it's said that the richest place on Earth is the graveyard, for there lies so much untapped potential. However, as you read the Gospels you find Jesus over and over again maximizing his potential by serving and giving. It's vital to first believe that you have the potential or ability to do something great. My dad always tells a story about this young boy and his dad who were out playing basketball. Despite the fact that the boy was much taller than his dad, the dad would always jump higher than the son. Day after day the dad would encourage the son to jump higher only to hear the son reply, "I'm jumping as high as I can!" The boy would never jump any higher than about 3-4 feet. However one day, as they were both walking in a fenced in pasture, suddenly a bull came out of nowhere and began charging. They both began to run for the fence but there was a problem, the fence was at least six feet tall. While running the dad looked at the boy and said, "Son I love you, but the only way out is to jump over the fence." To his amazement the son not only jumped over the fence, out jumping him, but cleared it with room to spare. Afterward the son replied, "Dad, I guess I didn't know what I had inside of me!” My question for you today is, “Do you really know what you are capable of?” I want to encourage you to begin to use all of your God-given potential.
Now, you also need to know that the opposite of maximizing your potential is called mediocrity, or settling for average. That’s exactly what Simba did as he dealt with the devastating death of his father. After leaving his pride for a period of time, he found himself kicking it with Timon and Pumbaa, chomping on grubs, and singing Hakuna Matata (no worries). Can you see Simba on the youtube screen of your imagination as he is not living up to his potential? However, one of my favorite scenes in the movie is when he sees his father, Mufassa’s face, in the clouds and hears him say, “You are more than what you have become!” From that moment, Simba remembered who he was and began to maximize his potential until he eventually became the Lion King. The truth is, as long as we are living, there is more for us to accomplish. We can never park in the area of our potential and think that we have arrived because all of life is a No Parking Zone!
Do you still wanna be successful? If so, achieve it God’s way by executing your purpose and maximizing your potential!
PEACE!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
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)
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!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
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!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
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!
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!
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