I’ve started teaching my daughter to drive. It’s been a great experience and I have cherished every moment with her behind the wheel. I can tell with each day she sits down in the drivers seat she is gaining more confidence.

In Andy Stanley’s message, “Pray until the peace comes,” he asks, “What drives your prayers?” I answered, “Fear and worry.”

As my daughter got behind the wheel for the first time I know she was afraid. I’m not sure what she was most afraid of (the car, messing up, or how I might react to her messing up). Over several days she has gotten better with more and more confidence.

As I’ve observed and coached my daughter, I’ve thought about my own fears and how often I don’t allow God to coach and train me through my fears. I am not like my daughter learning to drive as I tend to grip the steering wheel of life too tightly, step on the gas too hard, and when it comes to braking – I haven’t quite managed how to delicately apply them. I’m getting concerned that maybe I’m frustrating God with my inability to overcome my fears.

“If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and want be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who ‘worry their prayers’ are like wind-whipped waves.” (James 1:5-7, The Message).

“…get serious, really serious. Get down on you knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet,” (James 4:8b-9, The Message).

2009 has been a great year for me. It has also been a very difficult one. I know a week ago God began leading me to focus on prayer for the remainder of this year. A much different kind of prayer.

“The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.” (James 5:16b, The Message).

The title of the talk I heard Andy Stanley give, “Pray until the peace comes” has become my personal theme for the rest of this year. I must let God in on what my deepest fears and desires are.

The words of Paul sum it up,

“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers. Letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” (Philippians 4:6-7, The Message).

I’m praying until the peace comes.

I’m reading a lot these days. In the past 6 weeks I’ve read: A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller – Scouting the Divine by Margaret Feinberg – The Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley – and It by Craig Groeschel. I have also mixed in a bit of the Bible.

Putting all of this into one package equals WOW! I’m still in the midst of reading It and let me tell you it is challenging me to the core.

Donald Miller has shown me that I need to edit my life to write a better story. Because if I don’t I’m on a path that Andy Stanley has told me I’m on that has a destination. And when I look in my rear-view mirror I don’t like the wreckage that I see.

So, as I come to understand the path I’m on and that I’m in need if a better story for my life I realize that in the midst of it all that really at the center of it is God. Margaret Feinberg has given me the eyes to see I need to Scout the Divine in all things. (I have eaten honey all weekend… Get the book to know what I’m talking about).

Bring all of the things I’ve gained through Miller, Feinberg, and Stanley and wrap it all up with “It”. I know I’m on the right path for writing a better story. Because I know I have it and I have what it takes to make life around me better.

The Holy Spirit has spoken to me through Paul in 1 Thessalonians chapter 1, “God not only loves you very much but also has put his hand on you for something special.” (The Message)

Praise the Lord!

I hope that as you think about your life today I pray that others can say of you what Paul said of the Thessalonians in chapter 1, “The news of your faith in God is out. We don’t even have to say anything anymore – you’re the message.” (The Message).

So, what is it you are reading I must add to my library and life?

Let’s all live out that something special He has in mind for us!

…depended on me?

On October 25, I will be sitting down with the students of Tapestry Church. The goal of our conversation will be to begin the dialogue of what the mission of this ministry is all about. As I’ve prayed and listened the following questions came to mind:

1. What if the world depended on ME to hear the Gospel?
2. How did the first disciples feel when Jesus ascended into heaven and were left with the task to spread the Good News?
3. What if the Tapestry Student ministry were the only one in town – what would we do to reach this generation?

Go back to my first question. How do you answer it?

Luke 24:45-49 in The Message reads:

45-49He went on to open their understanding of the Word of God, showing them how to read their Bibles this way. He said, “You can see now how it is written that the Messiah suffers, rises from the dead on the third day, and then a total life-change through the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name to all nations—starting from here, from Jerusalem! You’re the first to hear and see it. You’re the witnesses. What comes next is very important: I am sending what my Father promised to you, so stay here in the city until he arrives, until you’re equipped with power from on high.”

Have you waited… Has the power of the wind passed you by… Have you been filled with the Holy Spirit?

We have been chosen to be God’s instruments to show the way to a complete life… A life in Jesus Christ.

Can the world look to you?

I’m having a beautiful moment with the Lord. I’ve wondered if this is one of those moments I should keep to myself or not. Obviously, I’ve decided to share a bit of it.

I’m worlds apart from the person I am to the person I dream of becoming. I wake everyday hoping that today I become more like the man I have entrusted every bit of hope I have… The man is Jesus Christ.

The lyrics of Worlds Apart by Jars of Clay are more beautiful than anything I could ever write on my own:

I pray… “To rid myself of all but love, to give and die… Take my world apart – I am on my knees – take my world apart – broken on my knees… All I am for all you are because what I need and what I believe are worlds apart.” (Jars of Clay).

I pray God takes my world apart and uses me for His glory. I ask him to use the breath He has given me to glorify Himself however he chooses.

I’m understanding today a little bit about obedience thanks to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. I am am rejoicing today with the words of David found in 2 Samuel 22:21-25,

“God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him. When I cleaned up my act, he gave me a fresh start. Indeed, I’ve kept alert to God’s ways; I haven’t taken God for granted. Every day I review the ways he works, I try not to miss a trick. I feel put back together, and I’m watching my step. God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes.”

God take my world apart and let me change the world for your glory…

While reading in The Message this morning, there are three verses that stand out to me:

• Grace and peace to you many times over as you deepen in your experience with God and Jesus, our Master (2 Peter 1:2).
• Jesus resplendent with light from God the Father as the voice of Majestic Glory spoke: “This is my Son, marked by my love, focus of all my delight.” (2 Peter 1:17).
• The main thing to keep in mind here is that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of private opinion.  And why? Because it’s not something concocted in the human heart. Prophecy resulted when the Holy Spirit prompted men and women to speak God’s Word. (2 Peter 1:20-21).

If we are to “Rise to the Occasion…“, we must have these three truths found in 2 Peter evident in our lives from the inside out:

1. We must be deepening in our experience with God and Jesus.
2. We must be marked by God’s love.
3. We must speak when prompted by the Holy Spirit. Not holding back but speaking God’s Message with love and grace.

I love these two words used together, “inside out”.  Our lives are hungry…  There is a deepening desire within us all to be changed from the inside out.  There is a hunger that can only be fulfilled by God’s love and grace found in Jesus. 

As I read 2 Peter this morning, I was reminded of the ways sin tries to destroy us and to keep us focused on feeding those desires of our flesh.  The Holy Spirit comes and changes us from the inside out.  I didn’t realize this until someone took the time to speak God’s love to me with love and grace.  Are you making the most of every opportunity?

As you go through this day and the rest of this week ask yourself:

1. Am I deepening in my experience with Jesus?
2. Is my life being marked by God’s love? 
3. How can I be used by the Holy Spirit to speak of God’s love and grace with words and actions?

Have you ever ridden the log ride at Six Flags or at some other park? 

Lately my life has seemed much like I am riding a log ride (just not as fun).  My life is in motion bumping up against the parameters (or shall I say the principles) of life.  All the while, I know there is a destination out there that I will arrive at.  As Oswald Chambers puts it, I’m living my life based on principles rather than vision.

There is a difference between holding on to a principle and having a vision. A principle does not come from moral inspiration, but a vision does.

Our own idealistic principles may actually lull us into ruin. Examine yourself spiritually to see if you have vision, or only principles. (My Utmost for His Highest, May 9).

How do you live your life?  Do you get up everyday and hop onto the log ride of the expected routine in life or do you live it a bit more dangerously with a spiritual vision?  I know it seems like I have settled into the log ride and today am being challenged to get off of the ride and jump into a raft and conquor an uncharted river.  The Holy Spirit will be the guide and he will provide the vision.

Many years ago I went white water rafting on the Ocoee River in Tennessee.  I was nervous and stressed the entire time.  The water was freezing, the rapids were rough, and I had to trust the guide.  At times, I even got angry with the guide because I thought he was intentionally sending us through rougher water when it wasn’t necessary.

I realize in life I do the same thing.  At times, I get upset and angry with where this course is taking me.  I want to point a finger at the Holy Spirit and say, “Why didn’t you tell me to dig earlier?”  I’m quick to forget that He is teaching me as I go.  He allows the rough waters in my life and I need to learn from them. 

I have come to know when He is telling me to do something.  I have learned His voice.  But I haven’t overcome my fear of taking risks in following Him.  I like the log ride.  I know what I will experience in the log.  As for the the raft, there’s a risk and I will have to trust the Guide.

Have you lost the excitement for living?  Your job? Ministry? Family?  Read Proverbs 29:18,

  If people can’t see what God is doing,
   they stumble all over themselves;
But when they attend to what he reveals,
   they are most blessed. (The Message)

I know the following quote is from a message on marriage.  But it is applicable to any aspect of life that pertains to personal passion.  Job. Family. Ministry.  Whatever!  We all get involved in doing something based on how it makes us feel but to keep it going and alive there must be a plan… a vision.  It’s the plan that will keep you moving forward.

“Falling in love requires a pulse, staying in love requires a plan.” (Andy Stanley).

Are you following the vision for your life?  Or have you decided to remain comfortable with where you are?

Last night I went to Dave Ramsey’s Townhall for Hope.  I realized how much influence fear has on my life last night.  It was a rather bizarre moment to see how my future has limits as long as I live in fear.  Why is it so easy to settle down in fear?  Rather than live in the real hope of the world – Jesus Christ.

I worked in Dalton this afternoon (which I really enjoy).  Maybe it is the ride home that is always so nice.  Several conversations I had today were running through my mind.  I prayed about several situations and circumstances as I drove.

I’m praying about several things very personal right now.  Fear is what has been keeping me from taking a step in my life.  But as I prayed this afternoon I left that fear behind for a moment and experienced the Holy Spirit’s peace and love.  What wonderful peace!  As I continued to drive, pray, and listen to Third Day I looked up and saw a billboard that spoke to me.  It was a picture that let me know I am in His hands.

A few miles later another billboard looked much like this:

It’s decision time:  Do I step up to the plate with faith?  Or do allow my fears keep me from taking that step?  What do you do to overcome your fears?

Does your life pull people, “into the center, deepening faith and obedience”?  (See 1 Timothy 1:3-4).  We are living in some very difficult times.  In fact, I don’t think we have seen anything close to the worst of it!  As this battle continues to heat up, I believe God wants to pour out His Spirit unlike any other time.

I heard Joel Rosenberg on Glenn Beck tonight say that the purpose of the Christian during the end times is to share the Gospel with the world around us.  That needs to be our mission…  our passion and reason for living. 

Paul writes in 1 Timothy 1:5,

The whole point of what we’re urging is simply love—love uncontaminated by self-interest and counterfeit faith, a life open to God.

Love should compel each of us to a deeper faith in Jesus and a life of obedience to love those we come in contact with everyday.  How can you best reach those you see everyday?  Does your life allow the Holy Spirit to share the love of Jesus with those around you?   

There are many people who are looking for answers – we are asked to simply love in Jesus Name.

For two days in a row I have been awakened about 40 minutes prior to the alarm.  Yesterday I thought I needed to get up, pray, and read the Bible but I didn’t.  Today, I did.  This morning I was reading in Joshua 6.  After reading verse 2 I thought I had read all I needed to read, “Look sharp now.  I’ve already given you Jericho…” 

I walk with so little faith way too often.  I am one to allow the circumstances of the moment to rob me of the faith God would rather me walk in.  This morning was a great moment for the Holy Spirit to bring encouragement into my life.  I sense that I’m on the brink of a major breakthrough.  I have no idea what this means and am reluctant to even discuss it here.  But I do anyway…  I am ready to move on in life and conquer new territory. 

The words “Strong and Courageous” are words that are repeatedly spoken to Joshua.  He is on the brink of taking new steps in his life by conquering a new territory.  The people of Israel have just eaten for the first time something other than Manna and now getting ready to take Jericho. 

As Joshua approaches his first obstacle, God greets him with great encouragement, “Look sharp now.  I’ve already given you Jericho…”

Remember – whatever the battle – the Lord is with you.  He has already given you – your Jericho.  Now move forward in obedience and be Strong and Courageous!

I’m in the midst of a project with the company I work for.  It’s called a “Kaizen Event.”  Kaizen = incremental changes for the better.  So far, our meeting has transpired over five days.  (With several more weeks to go).  After a week of this my brain is fried!  This event has really challenged my thinking about the processes that we were asked to evaluate and to bring about change. 

During my drive time home each day I have debriefed the days discussions, this process, and my own life in the light of this process.  Before going to bed each night I have been reading Erwin McManus’ book Wide Awake.  I have been in Chapter 3,  Adapt,all week long.  The focus of this chapter has been on change or as McManus writes, “reinventing yourself” by the power of the Holy Spirit.  See 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Romans 12:1-2.

What is it about change that you like or dislike? 

At work we are wanting to take something that is a good thing and make it better by walking through this process.    As I look at my own life and evaluate it - I want to bring my good life to the foot of the Cross and give it to my Lord and say, “Jesus, bring about the incremental changes in my life for the better so that I may be pleasing in your eyes.”  In this chapter McManus challenges,

If you’re not living the life of your dreams, if you wake up with that little bit of sadness in the mornings because you know you’re underachieving, living a life of mediority, and chooosing average, it’s easy to blame everyone else for your condition.  Especially when your condition is really good, but not the dream God has for you.  You’re not called to settle for the good life; you are called to a life of greatness. (Wide Awake, 67). 

What is it that you must do to bring your life from good to great?  Living the dream is to live a life of greatness.  It’s a humbling invitation given by God to be transformed by the renewing of your mind so that you can live, test, and approve what His perfect will is for your life.

Are you living the dream?