Run in Such a Way

Joe Brubaker

June 11, 2012 at 7:27am ·

God, direct my thinking today so that it be divorced of self pity, dishonesty, self-will, self-seeking, and FEAR. God inspire my thinking, decisions, and intuitions. Help me to relax and take it easy. Free me from doubt and indecision. Guide me through this day and show me my next step. God give me what I need to take care of any problems. I ask all these things that I may be of maximum service to you and my fellow man in the name of the Your Son, Jesus, I pray. AMEN

Facebook Memories can be enjoyable to reflect upon and are often nice to see.  They share where we were, what we were thinking, and how we were doing (mentally, spiritually, physically, etc.) during a certain cycle of life, had we chosen to post about it.  Sometimes, however, these memories cause more than a brief pause; instead they initiate more intensive reflection.  Thus was the case when I opened the "On This Day" link yesterday....

I am not sure if I was quoting this, or if it is a rephrasing of a famous prayer (a cursory Google search didn't reveal much), but I know it challenged me to think about my recent postings and current situation.  I also recall that this was posted just before I officially began my summer training the interns in the Bronx for Priority One, right after completing graduate school.  After the summer, I didn't have a job, I hadn't any major plans (outside of finding a job after my missions trip to Haiti), and I did not know where God was leading. If this sounds like a similar scenario to what I described in my last post, then you are tracking with me.  I was about to embark on a new part of a journey I had been on 4 years prior; just I was fulfilling a leadership role.

A brief overview of the prayer indicates that I was having a problem with wanting to be in control, to be the one that was right, and to be confident in my own abilities.  These may not sound all bad, but prioritizing these things (being addicted to them) makes them a Giant and idols ahead of God.  Apparently, these giant have again began to twitch and attempt to seize control of a portion of my life (specifically the part concerning the future).  I'll admit this, because asking for the prayerful support of overcoming this season of life begins with allowing others to help me "bear" my "burdens" (Galatians 6:2-3)  The prayer also petitions the Holy Spirit for Guidance in all areas of life and the direction for "maximum service" in honor of God.  This is something I surely need again, especially in light of recent events.

Before I left for NC, I was for the most part, fulfilling my desire to have maximum service (at least objectively).  I was a  Sunday School teacher, the missions committee Chairman, leader of the ministry to the nursing home, prayer chain member, and sometime solo-singer in addition to setting up the adult SS class chairs and other small, unnoticed acts of duty and service.  I certainly could have dedicated more time in the preparation of those roles, but I was doing what I thought best to fulfill my obligation to God and the church.  Yes, it was service, but I am not sure it was always God-inspired.  However, when I left, I surely allowed my spiritual disciplines (means of grace to Wesley) to weaken, especially in the areas of personal growth and reliance on God.   I did my devotions (sporadically), I prayed for God's help (compulsorily), and went to church.  It wasn't like I waned in my faith that God would act according to His good will, I had just been lax in my part of the commitment.  I considered it at times, but was not very constructive with attempting to change my complacency and turn it back to the full trust in the direction of God.  I sought comfort in other things and in knowing that I should be able to find a job (I mean I have a MEd, know many things, and there are open positions...who wouldn't hire me [oops])  My solace and peace were not in God, but I did relax and take it too easy.

Recently, I have had some conversations with my very close friends, and sermons from church, that led me to consider my dire straights. I considered their thoughts and saw some things that would revive my desires and increase my willingness to left God lead and take back the control of my direction.  The biggest catalyst was my best friend here was getting ready to transition to a new city, and we began to run together some (in part to get ready for a 5k--which I finally medaled in!!).  Spending time together became more precious to me, since distance would prevent the more common occurrence-which got me thinking even more deeply.  Our last run was on a particularly hot and rather humid Friday, where we actually paced more slowly.  In conversation, she mentioned slowing down and running for endurance and not just for timed completion.  It only struck me a few days later how the didn't just apply physically, but also spiritually. In part, it was due to reflecting on the day, but my thought on it deepened due to the Sunday School lesson and sermon.  I realized that my currently situation is not my last, but if I remained complacent, it would last much too long.  (The initial spark was probably from a phone call from my grandfather two mornings before.) It is the fruit that truly matters, but to grow to maturity, it must receive nutrients.  It reminded me of two sections of verses  1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and Hebrews 12:1b.

Do you not 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. ²⁵ 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. ²⁶ Therefore I do not run like  a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. ²⁷ No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us

According to these verses action must be taken to gain the rewards God has in store for those who desire to follow Him.  If we want to be a significant impact on others and further the kingdom of God, we must have strict discipline-we must complete our training to the fullest.  For me, this means to "run in such a way" as to receive the prize must take a new direction. The way I do it must be improved, I am still evaluating some things to make this happen, but I have reached some conclusions.  In addition to events previously mentioned, I have been taking a greater role in my current church (sporadically leading songs and prayers--when asked), but may be asked to do more. {Our current pastor is leaving in about a month, and we have yet to have a candidate that responds.  If we do not get a full-time shepherd, we will be given a supply minister, meaning that we will have only a Sunday morning preacher, but he will fill no other roles.  Sunday evening, I was informed that my name has been considered as someone to take over the duties of bringing the message for the evening service, if and only if, this happens...} I am unsure of God's full plan, but since this prayer popped up, I will surely be using it more often.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

I understand that my audience is small, but I am about to declare some plans that need some prayer warriors and those willing to support me to consider adding my petitions to their consideration, because in fellowship, we must not go alone.  I need people to keep me accountable for my actions.  Primarily, I need to get back on the right path spiritually, I have followed some rabbit trails and searched for new avenues, but have not sought God before I ventured forth.  I neglected to hear and listen to the voice of the Counselor in choosing my next steps, so I surely must do this while returning to strict training. I pursued my own goals and tried to fix the problems I caused, and again it has not been successful.  These changes will only successful with the adherence to God's Word and to the direction of the Holy Spirit.  I want to return to the ways of the first believers in Acts 2:42-47 and believe that it is possible.  I must Fully Rely on God while this all takes place.  Less importantly, but a physical and mental discipline that will help me maintain spiritual patterns, is a commitment to actually running/training.  Last Friday, we were pushed to endurance limits, by running until it wasn't possible to go further; yesterday, I found a loop to run that is about 4 miles, with chances to run further later, that I ran in 38 minutes (just before it poured rain).  I want to be consistent in my running (before work and after devotions) and maybe more exercise, but for now I just want to built my endurance, improve my distance, and not run within limits.  These are my goals.

Were I able to come to this realizations sooner, I could have avoided some disappointments, but now is the time to apply the learning, so that I can get some rest during this time as well.  There are things I must accomplish, tasks I have to complete, and directions I need to follow, but I must pray this prayer above so that I know I am doing right.  I may declare my plans, but it must be God who reveals the way I should go.  I need to "run in such a way" that trials are not hardships and temptations and doubts do NOT become sins and problems  I need the wisdom and endurance to make it, and I know that God provides that when I ask (James 1).  Going forward, I must not allow these weak giants from preventing my maximum service to God.  In my search for significance,  I cannot try to be in control and demand success my way.  To receive God's blessings, I cannot just feed on the milk of his word, I must mature and run with perseverance in such a way that pleases God.  No more side quests, I need to search for God, know him, honor and fear him, and decide to follow where he leads.  Clearly, in this world of self-centeredness, this is not easy, but for me, it is a necessity, now more than ever.  I cannot let recent disappointments keep me from receiving/following God' plan.  Now is the best time.

Consider for yourself, see where you find your relationship with God.  Is it where it should be?  Is it less than it could be?  Maybe your life is filled with means of grace, but not with the full mercy and grace for others.  Evaluate carefully if you are running with endurance or just sprinting toward the goal.  We must train to receive the prize and do as God desires.  Take it one step at a time; just because you think you are where you need to be, does not mean that you are.  It was difficult for me to realize and especially to admit, but don't give up.  God is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made (which includes all y'all)..Just do it (Ya Gotta Wanna).

I was gonna post this later today, but not sleeping well, sometimes makes you blog... thanks for sticking with me.  God bless you on your new discoveries!


Joeyb

The Challenge of Changing Circumstances

(Resurrecting the Blog for now...)

Proverbs 12:

v17--"A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies."

v19--"Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment."

v22--"The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful."

Proverbs 13:3 "He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin."

As some of you may know, I left the comforts of PA (and a great home church congregation at Mowersville BiC) to venture to Rockingham, NC to FINALLY begin my teaching career.  My dreams had come true; despite my non-traditional path and thanks to the prompting of Megan Hahner, who had started her career in Richmond County Schools a year earlier, I was going to get that opportunity to prove my college degrees had paid off.  It all happened in less than a month (from interview, to hiring, to finding an apt. half a mile from the middle school and moving {the last step in 10 days]), and showed God's amazing planning.

However, the transition was a greater struggle than I imagined.  My structure was less sound than I suspected, my planning was weak, and I was constantly struggling with discipline management, as I relied own my abilities to fulfill my obligation to teach students.  These issues became evident with a few negative incidents with the behavior of specific students.  Unfortunately, these experiences taught me startling lessons:  I was not as ready for some disciplinary realities, I could have had better plans to create a safe place to share ideas, and I should have been more consistent in my responses to students.  Had I learned these lessons earlier, my first teaching experience could have been more successful.  After careful evaluation, consideration, and correction, I enhanced my knowledge of classroom management and familiarized myself with better methods of understanding teaching.  Yet, these realizations came too late; as this is not an evaluation of the entire school-year of progress.

A few times since my move, I came back to PA and visited Mowersville on my way back "home".  It was in one of these times I acquired a book, from the adult Sunday School class, called Goliath Must Fall.  Boy was the book a challenge to read, especially in my changing circumstances.  Two of the main giants that the author, Louie Giglio, addresses are Anger and Addiction.  Anger is something that I had thoroughly confronted in the past and defeated with few return encounters, but the advice still struck a strong chord.  Still the Giant of Addiction was very much left to its own devices.  I partially took this teaching job to feed my addiction to success and approval of others, showing that I could educate students and do it the way I saw fit.  I finally got the control of the career I had long-desired, I finally received the blessing of the secure employment I had hoped for, and I finally proved that my hard work had paid off (in getting the approval for the excellent work I was about to perform).  While I have always acknowledged my addictive personality, until I read the direct chapter, I certainly did not see my addiction to sharing only my accomplishments to gain acceptance and accolades of others.

Sadly, since I recently (about 2 weeks ago) read the chapter, that elaborated my personally addiction of using selective truth to promote my social standing and respect, I must admit I have knowingly been less than honest about my current career trajectory [especially on social media].  Since I began reading a chapter of Proverbs daily (for the umpteenth time), I encountered the verses that begin this long-anticipated post...Very convicting, especially in conjunction with the book I have been absorbing.  I saw that I have been not forthcoming and finally needed to be totally truthful with anyone who cared to read a post.  I was going to make a random Facebook Note to say that I shared my woeful failures and willing negligence, but I decided a blog would be more open and less vague. (I am pretty sure I am still more vague than I should be.)

This is my honest news, which is so old it is really sad:  My career as a 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher at Rockingham Middle School lasted a mere two moths and one week.  Nothing seemingly impressive, and far from social expectations, I didn't even make 45 school days.  I made a mistake in NOT reporting a major issue in classroom mismanagement and student accusation; due to my unfortunate decision I was asked to resign or be left with a mark of harassment on my record (and other veiled assumptions that I dare not address).  I was told that I would never regain control of my classroom (although I had JUST [the day before] been given professional counseling by a specialist).  The whole situation was so unexpected; it shocked my principal, who saw the situation as a formality, that I decided to veil my disappointment by never formally addressing my extreme failure so as to not affect the praise and support I had received from the approval of others and acknowledge my giant of addiction.   What A. Festering. Mistake.


For the next 4.5 months, I dealt with constant interview failure, rejection and neglect from human resource offices without the friendly support I could have received, while feeding and empowering this giant.  I missed out on personal encouragement and faced constant personal doubt of ever finding a teaching position again. (at least my church here and my school-teacher friends were available to support me.)  It took me too long to tell my extended family and even some close friends, who will sadly find out via this blog posting...(sorry y'all).  I never meant to be dishonest for so long, but I hate failure and disapproval.  This dishonesty forced me to miss the positive impact I had on many of my 95 students, especially personally blessing at least 3, who trusted me as their first adult confidant.  The addiction of social approval and seeming success led me down a path which I do NOT ever wish to venture again.  While I never approached a "victim mentality", I did not trust that I could share my failures again without retribution or losing respect from others.  I hope to find that I am wrong, but shall not know until time passes.

I have at least found a temporary job, for the last two months, at a local BBQ grille while I continue to pursue my educational position in other NC counties (I love it most days!! :) and they have amazing food! ).   I still want to impact the lives of public school students and lead them to be better citizens; I want to direct them in learning and developing, even if I have to deal with the immaturity of middle school.  I must face the challenge of my changing circumstances.  God knows why I was plucked from PA to be moved to extreme uncertainty here in NC; I still need to discover that myself (so prayers are surely needed).  I have had other interviews in food service, but if teaching is where God needs me (even in a private school), I will answer his call. (Hold me accountable someone...thanks in advance.)  I know that I am supposed to stay here in Rockingham, but I must deal with my giants, let Christ kill them, and draw closer to his leading. 

My life will never meet the perfection of my standards (I have already failed in some major facets), but I can certainly fully rely on God, let him meet me where I am, and carry me to where I should be.

That is where I am; may I ever move forward in the quest for piety and obedience to God.

Strength from God

²⁸ Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
²⁹ He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
³⁰ Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
³¹ But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

--Isaiah 40:31

Perhaps you have recently found yourself to be experiencing weariness, weakness, and worthlessness.  Maybe something in your life has caused you to need a strength that is beyond what you are capable of handling with your own power.  This is not a time to turn inward and wonder "WHY me?!?", nor is it the time to give up on trying because "I'm incapable".  Trying and failing does not mean that you cannot do it; it either means you were not meant to do it that time, there is another way to complete the task, you need help/assistance to move forward, or you must find another path to follow.  God has given us discernment and ability to figure out with method to use.  We just have to learn to trust him more.












God does not wear out, he will continually encounter us and provide ways to give fearlessness in our lives.  Do not give into the temptation  to blame yourself for failures and mistakes.  Moe forward and allow Him to work on/in your life.  Even though God may not have revealed all parts of his plan, following his guidance is fruitful.  He is there all the time for you to provide the strength you need.












All throughout Scripture, men of faith encountered God and received a bountiful gift as they followed Him.  Abram left his comfortable homes in both Ur and Haran and went to Canaan, becoming Abraham and the father of God's people.  Moses departed from Egypt and the peace of pharaoh's place eventually to return and to defend the honor of God's people and lead the millions of complaining people for 40 years in the desert to God's Promised Land.  Daniel and his friends stood for the standards of God, refusing to eat the king's rich food, which had been offered to idols.  They were each rewarded a  strength, keenness, and knowledge that was 10 times greater than that of the other students.  Saul, a scholar to the highest degree and highly skilled man, encountered God in a most powerful way.  From that time, he left his comforts and power to spread the Gospel all around the known world.  Following the direction of God through literal and figurative storms, stonings,  imprisonment, and persecution, he witnessed to countless individuals, including his guards. Each of these heroes of the Christian faith made their decisions in spite of the trials and struggles they may have to face, because they understood that God knew what he was doing.








Paul wrote in Philippians that "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."  It does not mean that I can do whatever I want and get Christ to help us,  but rather in context, indicates that as we follow the will of God, and turn our eyes upon Jesus, he will take us through the affliction, pains, sufferings, and anything else and help us to flourish instead of muddling in the midst of malcontent and malfunction.  We are called to abide in Him through everything.  He is not just there when we need him, God, though the Holy Spirit, is always there.  We must depend upon His word, and fight the feelings of fruitlessness, functionlessness, and fear; knowing that he is more powerful than anything that stands in the way of his will.  IF we are in his will, it will not be always be an easy journey.





Eagles are soaring birds, because of their bulky nature, and have to take much effort to initiate flight from the ground.  Gravity holds them back, but once they reach heights where the wind is powerful, the force of gravity actually propels them in soaring flight.  They glide for 58 of 60 minutes, but that is only after they have overcome the struggles of what they are and their nature.  Even if they could try eagles could not become a goose or hummingbird.  The bird is still huge and weighted by its personal burden of self, yet it moves forward in flight.








So it must be with us. We cannot allow our personal struggles to hold us to the ground.  Just because we feel weak and worthless does not mean we cannot spiritually thrive. The great men of the faith constantly dealt with physical and mental issues, but with the strength of God, they were able to follow his guidance.  Though we may not be able to grasp how eagles fly we now they do.  It is the same with God:  How he is omniscient and omnipresent is beyond our finite human understanding, but we certainly can experience it.  It is a picture of what we cannot see or fully comprehend; the richness and pureness of God's love gives us the strength to carry on, and help us in our mission to follow Him.








All God wants is for us to abide with Him.  Placing our trust in Him, not just because of what he can do for us, but rather of how we can serve Him and do his will. How do we express his love in spite of our struggles?  How do we move forward when there is something that holds us back?  We do NOT do it on our own; it is not possible.  It is only what God does in us that allows us to stand firm and completely devote our lives to Him.  It is not on our own; through the Holy Spirit we receive the ability to overcome out problems and soar, to move forward and not stop, and to take each day step-by-step and never faint back into worry and weariness. When we fully trust him and rely on God to bring us through every trial and tribulation, it is then that we can truly experience the love of God and receive the joy and peace that comes by trusting in Him.

 Today is the day to consider the truth of God's Word and evaluate where you stand in allowing Him into every part of your life, not only so that he can have control, but so that he can have your back in any and every situation.  Let Him go with you every step of the way and guide you on life's journey.

 

What is the Motive of your Effort?

Hiatus over...not that I really have regular readers, but I know that before I begin I must admit one thing:  If given the choice of laziness, I would no doubt choose it.


Yet, my new job does not allow that at all.  For the last month-and-a-half, I have been an employee at a creamery.  I am at the bottom again, the newest member of the crew and not given the most respect from some of the crew, all younger than I (my supervisor being almost 10 years younger).  But since I have I job, out of many I applied to, I will not complain.


The greatest thing is that this job allows me to be home in the evenings and a chance to relax at the end of the day.  I must say that I have not used my time too wisely, but in light of recent events I am changing that.  One of the things I can now participate in is our Wednesday evening prayer meetings at church.  That has been a challenge to my lazy evenings, and the studies in Ecclesiastes have been amazing!


Last week, I was struck by the personal message I received from the meeting last week, hit me between the eyes:  "What is the motive of my effort?"




I knew I took shortcuts at work.  I knew that my evenings were filled with laziness-sitting at the lappy and binging on online shows and consuming social-media(aka Facebook).  I knew that I had mentally prepared myself to work in a less physical environment, so I can check out sometimes at work.  I never stop working, while at work, but I just didn't put the most effort into the task of running milk and putting it into the right order.  I never used my skills to the mostest, but I would use them kind of.  My focus was on getting the job done, not doing it to the best of my effort.


While at work, I would often think that I was working hard. I mean I was pouring sweat after a few hours, I was completing the tasks, I was working overtime with little complaints, and doing what I thought was my best. I was definitely working for the pleasure of my supervisor and letting him feel that I was doing my best.  Looking back however, it was not the case.


This past Wednesday, our pastor was in Florida, our one deacon was ill, and at the last minute our other deacon prepared the session.  He said that we shouldn't expect much, but in reality that is when God seems to speak the most.  I do not even remember the exact topic of discussion and the true direction of his message to the few of us that gathered, but I know that I took away two verses that will stick with me for a while:  Colossians 3:23-24 and James 4:17.


I know this verse is quoted constantly, and while most versions do Colossians justice, the Amplified Bible gives a unique perspective that enforces the message that I am putting forth in this post:

²³ Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men,

²⁴ Knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The One Whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (the Messiah).

We mentioned this in our service and talked about how our workplace (the marketplace) is the most-often neglected area of effort toward God as opposed to pleasing men. We are coached to please the company, to make sure we follow their rules, to listen to the boss/supervisor.  Yet, oftimes we forget that we can go beyond this.  As Christians, we are called to actually serve the Lord, above all.  Meaning that like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, Azariah, we should do what God desires of us, not just what we are "expected" to at our jobs. Not just because we will be given a reward and blessed for what we do, but rather because we love God and know others are looking to us as an example and reflection of Christ.


I knew this already, but it was the next verse that made me rethink my habits at work (especially the part of taking shortcuts).  I know that I still would be tireless, but I would also complain less (on the inside) about the attitude and motives of any of my co-workers that did not seem to be putting the same effort in as I did,  I knew what I had to do, I knew that was right, I just wasn't doing that, and I was sadly ok with it.  (I mean, I get paid by the hour, right?)


Consider the second verse:

"Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins."

Well, isn't that just a slap in the face to the "know-it-all" self I can be...Seriously, though, this is one of those "amen-ouch" connections that Christians can have, especially if they believe they are living a life that is PERFECTLY acceptable to God as it already is....


Think how this affects the modus operandi, the M.O., the motive, the actions of anyone.  If you know the GOOD you ought to do, you must do it, or you are disobeying God.  You are doing something that displeases Him, If the thought occurs to you to help someone, but because it will be inconvenient to your "effective and efficient" plans, you do NOT, it is saddens God.  It is not enough to know what is good to do, but you must actually act upon the impulse that the Holy Spirit places in our hearts.  At work, we must not just work to appease our bosses, but rather make an effort to please God.  When we see someone in need, we must offer to assist by any means we can.  Just let that sink in, marinate in your mind; God has expectations/standards which he desires us to work toward, but we must follow his commands and love him (Deuteronomy 7:9).


Following in God's Steps and thinking with the servant's heart of Christ is a good way to renew our desire to whole-heartedly work at the tasks in front of us.  Daily, Christians are responsible for every action they take, but more importantly for the actions they know they should have taken and yet did not.  That is the wisdom I am trying to apply to my life, and I challenge you to do something similar.  My challenge started at my workplace; yours can be in another part of the marketplace, but do NOT forget to have following Christ and acting through the guidance of the Holy Spirit as your motive for every single effort. 

7 Habits of Less Effectual People

Authors have been writing books for a long time, and often they create ideas and patterns for people to feel good about improving themselves.  I have not read much of any of these books, but I do know that while positives are helpful, sometimes it takes seeing the negatives before the positives can be effective.  For this reason, I have come up with a list and commentary concern seven things I know have made me ineffective and less than productive.  Perhaps you, the reader, can reach a personal conclusion from my remarks.

7.  Sitting around when there are tasks to complete.

In this age of Information, the Internets have provided us with a great way to access the bits and pieces of knowledge that was not easily accessible even 15 years ago.  It allows us ways to find past TV shows, games, toys, and things that help us relive memories.  The internet is a useful tool in instantly sharing information that was once shareable only through letters and boxy video cameras and tapes.  Yet, if it is not balanced, and it consumes the majority of our time and energy (Netflix season marathons and World of Warcraft gameplay etc.) and replaces the physical interaction with live people, it is not right.  Sitting around watching hours of your favorite shows that you missed the night before and staring at the screen to find out what others are doing, via Facebook or other social media, certainly makes a person less effective in completing tasks at hand or even tasks unknown. Go out and make new friends, invite people to your house/apartment, volunteer at a local food bank or literacy council, just get out of the house, and you can make someone's day (maybe even your own). Taking action is the first step to becoming more effectual.

6.  Not being organized or living with a messy space.

Now obviously if you want to invite someone, or a group, to your abode, it is important that your home is inviting.  A little clutter is ok, especially if you are cooking for your special guests, but having a clean space is more important than having friends and family for a visit.  Being organized is a pattern that I find to be very difficult; I am organized in my head, but physically I am certainly NOT organized.  I have tried many times to break the bad habit of never keeping a calendar/schedule in written record, and each time I have failed.  I bought three calendars for the new year, and one month into the year, I only wrote in a week of entries combined. I left my two pocket calendars at home, when I visited, and have not gotten them back yet.  I keep falling back into the pattern of pure laziness with that, but especially with cleaning.


I find the best excuses when it comes to not readying up my apartment.  Sure I am a male, and my "level of clean" is visual, but I could do a lot better, although #7 keeps getting in the way.  I see what I have to do: wash the week's worth of dishes in the sink, dust the table tops and bureaus, sweep the floors, and the other things that go with tidying up a place.  Most people don't like living in dirtiness, but they just don't take the time to clean.  A clean house not only makes the place look nicer, it makes you feel better.  It enlightens your mood, gives you a better outlook, and knocks a task off your list, therefore, giving you the confidence to focus on other issues for which to find a solution.

5.  Focusing on the problem and not finding a solution.

There is one man issue with doing the same thing over and over again: when it is not effective.  That is trying the same thing and expecting different results; sure the situation may be different, but if the motives and methods are the same, the result will most likely be the same.  When problems arise, looking at the issues caused by the problem is a good first step, but should not be a big step or even the last one. Analysis should not take long, rather you should move toward a solution quickly by seeing how a solution should take place.  Sure there may be set backs when attempting to reach goals and new heights, but you got to keep working hard to push through it.  IF you do well, you will excel, even if it takes longer than anticipated because of a small bump in the road.  Don't make a mountain out of a molehill.

4.  Letting the negative critics getting into their head.

Sometimes there is a need to prove your worthiness and skill level to those who are more skilled than you, or you are faced with tasks that require the criticism of a professional.  I recently began a marathon watching of the cooking show called "The Taste".  On this show homecooks and professional chefs are teamed with a mentor that teaches them strategy and skills.  Mentors advise the teams, both together and individually, and most of the members are humble and listen. However, despite the positive encouragement of a mentor, one team was too stubborn to be open to the directions given.  They constantly mentioned how comfortable they were, how many skills they had, or how everything was fine...yet things were not.  Within 3 competition episodes the entire team imploded and was eliminated from contention.  Attitude makes all the difference.


Even if someone attacks everything that you believe in, and yet you are willing to learn and flexibly open about receiving the criticism, then you can move beyond being ineffectual.  If you allow their negativism to plague your thoughts and actions, you will probably fall flat and never improve-ending up like the team.  Instead you should keep the positive portions of advice, be willing to listen, even if you have to be a phoenix that must rise from the ashes. However, being cocky, and thinking that you do NOT need any help is just the same as the allowing negativity to get into your head. It has the same lasting effect, delusions of grandeur and potentially foreshadowing of failure (at least until there is an attitude adjustment.)

3.  Creating a plan of attack without a strategy.

My most famous strategy is to attack with a wing-and-a-prayer, not always the best idea, but it has been successful for me.  I know that I am a procrastinator (I wanted to complete this post last month), but I can change my plan when necessary.  Each plan of attack must come with a plan for success.  Today in church, my pastor spoke about the cost of being a disciple in Luke 14 and verses 28-30 state this:

²⁸ “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? ²⁹ For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, ³⁰ saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’

Sitting down and looking at the pros and cons, discovering small steps and big advances, determining a cost of the process and the risks, and then beginning to complete the task is a necessary step in the creation of a plan.  Laying down a plan leads to effectiveness, plain and simple, but even with a completed plan some things are outside the scope of prediction.

2.  Trying to control the things beyond your control.

Enough said just with this statement, just don't do it, you cannot be effective if you try to control the things you can't predict.  Playing chess and predicting the moves of your opponent is one thing in a game, but that same prediction is truly another in life;  just go with the flow and leading of the Holy Spirit.

1.  Not talking to God before taking action.

If you are listening to the Comforter and following the will of God for your life, you will be constantly asking for his advice and praying to Him.  When doing this, don't ask for what you want, ask for how he can guide you.  Right now, my biggest thing is that I was asked to be a Sunday School teacher, appointed to the missions committee, and volunteered to be the janitor for the church...it is all new to me, but wow, God is guiding, but I still have trouble following...  He is still working on me, I just have to be ready and willing.  IF I do so, I will be much more effectual in life and for the Kingdom of Heaven, here on Earth. Hopefully, as a reader you were able to take something away from this post.

Evaluating the Inventory

This past year and one half have been life-altering and simply interesting.  I have learned that while being a stick in the mud can be enjoyable for a time, sometimes an individual can change, for a positive.  Not saying that everything I have done is wonderful, or even great for that matter, but I know that I have completed shifts in my resolve to be resolute. Still posted on my corkboard in my kitchen are the list of 8 changes that I decided to focus on this year.  Those were certainly some major shifts that began to actually take place, some more than others, but at least I kept to my commitment.

I now I could have done better, seeing I have probably been out of this recliner for about an hour of the 7 that I have been home since church this morning.  It was in church that Pastor reminded us to evaluate our lives, goals, and beliefs, as we walk through everyday, but specifically here at the end of the year when it is common to set "resolutions" for the upcoming year.  He mentioned how the United States professes to be about 70% Christian, yet more than half of those individuals are "in name only".  It is important for each one of us to be on our guard and focus on shifts/decisions that need to be made to bring us closer in our relationship to God and other believers.  That was certainly on my mind as I evaluated the choices I made with regard to my list.

I did very well with being straightforward and being much more expressive, which has allowed me to increase/solidify my relationships with other believers, even some with differing systems of thought.  The best thing I did this year was begin Paying It Forward, especially at Shippensburg Produce and Outreach, in tipping and handing out free tickets for Frosties.  The last time I did it was Saturday, and the look on those young families' (especially the little girl) faces, is priceless. Handing out the bracelets each time I do it, has proved to be a wonderful tool in spreading cheer and happiness, hopefully they continued the passing of good deeds.  I also know that without trying to improve this area of my life I would never have consented to relinquishing my role as a learner and becoming a Sunday School Teacher. Or so I thought I was relinquishing that role; I was enhancing it, because I knew that I had to return to my CEF roots and relearn all I knew to make it understandable for the elementary children.  It is awesome the new information that I have learned by hearing the reason the students give for Jesus coming to Earth, why to be a friend, and performing Christmas plays after a month of Sundays spent practicing.  Along with that I am trying to teach them to grow in prayer as I have, but that is probably a lesson for later.

I myself have improved in that area, but I still have to remember that Everything works out when we listen to God (Romans 8:28).  Something I am certainly needing to work on, but I know that as I pray and hand things over to His care, He will be faithful to help me in all circumstances, not just the ones I want help in.  But I can choose my attitudes and perspectives in every situation...as my friend Amy pointed out. "Will this be important a year from now?...Do I really need to worry that much about it."   Just being positive can change everything.  I know I am still working on placing my passions through productive emotions, but since being called out (last month) on my "anger" at work, I have certainly reached positive progress...

Yet there are many, many more things that must be adjusted/drastically changed for me to be more well-rounded, kind, and loving.  I know that I am nice to everyone, unless they don't listen to me or allow at least some credence when I speak.  I shared this with a friend who dared poke into my wound further to define the real cause:  selfish pride.  Not just the "WHOOOOOOO---HOOOO-I-am-awesome" type of pride, but the deep down I-know-better-than-you-do kind. I don't feel I belittle people, but I have now been told that people are scared of me (thanks...it was truly a wake-up).  Yet it was not really what I expect to hear, since I cannot even see that about myself (silly nohari window blind spot http://kevan.org/nohari?).  It is just that I figured that if I didn't think about it (my anger) it would go away...and that is why my past decisions still come into play so often.  I played the role of the insensitive, intolerant individual so well, that I began to become those qualities without seeing it; but I know now how to fix it, and have been letting God do it, with the help of near and far away friends praying for me.  That is my one major goal for life-changing directionality shifts.

My second major resolve is due in part to my reading of Robert Rogers book, Into the Deep, which is available from his ministry Mighty in the Land. (http://files.tyndale.com/thpdata/FirstChapters/978-1-58997-378-7.pdf).  He came and spoke at Roxbury Holiness Camp, and the message hit me hard and stuck with me:  Give everything to God, Live with no regrets, and Make memories with the special people in your life.  (Wow...it still gives me the chills, just trying to imagine how he dealt with everything that happened to him and his family.)  Simple, yet profound; easy to say, yet even harder for me to do.  I have surely begun to work on the memories part already (a 5k and a 10k with Megan Hahner this year), and I plan to finally meet Amy Sickles face-to-face on the 4th of January...but I certainly can do more to improve in that area.  It is those other two that I specifically offer as a challenge to anyone who reads this post:  Let God control ALL of your life, and Live focusing forward only.  God knows what happened, and He has a plan to care for you, in every step of the way.  I still have plenty of regrets that I must lay to rest, but I know that with God's help and guidance, those things with definitely be put to rest sooner that later...within the next year.  It is time for me to stop putting it off.  God has already blessed me with a good job and loyal Christian friends, it is past time to allow Him to bless me with what he has prepared in advance (Ephesians 2:10 ).  Perhaps I will get a jump start by purchasing Rogers guide to living without regrets, but before that happens I can launch myself into better devotional and prayer time with God.  Yet in taking a full inventory, I know I am missing some things.

Do I continue to find new things to learn?  Not enough.  Do I read  like I used to?  Not with the internet distraction (Facebook and online programs).  Should I visit/call/Skype friends more?  Probably, yes.  Should I exercise/run more?  You bet!  Nap?  less...lol. I certainly need to get out of the apartment-to-job and job-to-apartment pattern of laziness.  Should I cook for myself more?  For sure..(Although eating out is ok.)  Should I be more clean/organized?   YES, hands down.  Should I focus more on my work and use more effort?  Definitely!  Should I become who God wants me to be?  That is the plan.  Could I go on?  Yes, but I won't....because reading it would be tedious, but these questions are to start your critical thinking.  Hopefully I stirred your neurons and got you thinking about resolving to be resolute about the future, giving you a platform from which to launch, and add more to you inventory in the next year.

Happy New Year!
Joeyb

Ya Gotta Wanna

This post is for thinking about how much God wants to be Immanuel (With Us).  If we take time to read the Scriptures, it is obvious that God loves us (Jeremiah 31:3, Romans 5:8, Ephesians 2:4-5) and he desires fellowship with us (1 Corinthians 1:9).  God has given us the opportunity to reciprocate that love.  We are given a choice if we would like to return it, as he will always love us, but we can choose not to as well.  God has given us the free will to choose Him over following another, and he as been the closest to us as he has ever been.

God walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden, but when they broke that fellowship by sinning against Him and disobeying His rules, God only made a few appearances to righteous men.  He came to Abraham many times, walked in front of the former slaves guiding them, spoke with the prophets giving them signs and warnings, and sent his angels at other times throughout the Old Testament.  The Israelites, his people, needed Him to bring them words and statements of comfort, but at times they missed God's warnings or refused to heed.  Yet all those centuries between Adam and Mary (14 generations times 3), God was waiting to fulfill his promise to Eve at the proper time.  When that time came, Jesus would walk among us.  We celebrate that occurrence around Christmas time.

Now think about the Olympic Athlete.  Each one works toward a specific goal, a certain race, that all comes down to the one chance on the biggest stage.  These men and women focus on the minute details and the big picture and work tirelessly to become "the best".  While it may come naturally to some and they may not have to work as vigorously, everyone still has to work to get closer and closer to the goals of success and a gold medal.  These individuals want to win, they want to achieve, they want to be the best they can be, to beat the others that believe that they are the best.  Their dreams carry them, their motivation is always different, but each athlete has the same focus.

The want to work, because they know that the end result will probably be amazing and potentially record breaking.  Our desire to be with God should surpass the desires these athletes have.  He gave up everything to be Immanuel (Philippians 2) just so that He would be closer to us.  No longer do we have to go to a priest to speak with God, BUT we still must choose to spend time with Him.  We must choose wisely how we spend our moments, how we live, and how God becomes the force that moves our lives.  We gotta wanna allow Him to have that complete control.

Just like the athlete, who wants that medal so badly he will do whatever it takes (within reason or not) to achieve,  it takes time and effort to learn to let go of our problems, issues, and circumstances and let God have complete control.  While it can happen overnight, it is not always the case.  God works on us, but we gotta wanna let Him  God sent his son to be with us, so that the Holy Spirit could come and dwell among us.  We are his children, and he takes us back when we fall, but we gotta wanna let Him do his bidding.  We gotta wanna follow his leading and be willing to do what he asks of us, IF we want his promised blessings.  And not just in the good times either, in the hard times it may be harder, but we gotta wanna trust God even more.  We must fully rely on his loving-kindness and patience as He molds us.  Yet before this transformation can take place, we gotta wanna let him do it.

Sure we will struggle at times, there will be problems, but we can have peace, as God is "with us."  Jesus promised many things to his disciples.  One that I cling to most often is in John 16:33 where Jesus says this: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  God is greater than our struggles and fears.  Our hearts gotta wanna allow Him to care for our struggles, we must turn our hearts toward our Heavenly Home and be heaven-minded, because the fourth quarter is coming.  While this is not a post about the last days, it is important to note that we draw nigh the time of Jesus' return.  When that happens God will no longer walk on this earth "with us", as he has for the past 2,000 years, but rather we will either be taken to walk with Him in Heaven or be separated forever from Him.   Yet, for now we gotta wanna bring our minds to focus on God, our hearts to desire His will, and our bodies to follow the direction the Holy Spirit leads.

God has had this plan for the last 6,000 years, we cannot thwart what He has set in motion.  We just need to learn to follow Him, and we cannot do it, if we are not willing.  We must choose to loyally follow his guidance and be led to his throne, until he comes for us.  Faithfully serving God will bring benefits beyond our understanding, but we gotta wanna.  It is just that complexly simple...or as Nike says "Just Do It".  Ya just gotta wanna.