Mike Ashcraft is the senior pastor at Port City Community Church in Wilmington NC. Mike has an interesting way of looking at new year's resolutions. He says...
Our resolutions seldom work because they are based on the type of person we’re tired of being rather than who God wants us to become. Plus, resolutions can be “broken,” leaving no room for the process of growth. What if our hopes for the year ahead centered instead on who God wants us to become, and the transformation process?
As we process the value of Determination during the month of January, Mike's encouragement helps us understand that our determination cannot be founded in improving what we don't like about ourselves. Rather, I must be determined to find who God wants me to be and my determination must drive me to that goal. When I become who God wants me to be all of the other stuff takes care of itself.
How do we do that? Well, Mike Ashcraft has developed a simple way to formalize a plan and move ahead. It all comes down to one word. That's right. You can use one word to help you focus on who God wants you to be. Go to Mike's web site by clicking HERE.
I would like to hear from you. What is your word?
Don't get bogged down with resolving to change all the things you don't like about yourself. Be determined to become who God wants you to be.
It's always easier the second time.
I'm a golfer. I love the game. I hit lots of bad shots. Occasionally when no one else is around I'll drop a second golf ball down and give myself another try. Usually, I hit a better shot. Most things are easier the second time around.
This is true with both positive and negative things. I learned a great deal about parenting with my first child that made me a better parent with the second. Sounds like a bad deal for firstborn children but it's true!
Unfortunately, the same can be said about negative things. The first time I lie about something is much more difficult than the second time. Compromise is a dangerous game. It doesn't take long to add up a list of people who've ruined their lives. Each one of their stories begins with compromise.
The opposite is true about people who've done extraordinary things. Moses' story of leadership began by picking up the staff. Esther's courage led her to take the first step toward the king's chambers to ask for her people's freedom. Peter dropped his fishing nets and left the family business to become one of Jesus' understudies. Each of them took a hard first step but kept on going.
This month's family focus at LSCC is Determination: Deciding it's worth it to finish what you've started. Check out THIS VIDEO. Don't give up on God's calling for your life. Work as if you're working for God and not for men. (Colossians 3:23)
What has God asked you to do? Have you started? Are you working for His honor? Are you determined to finish well? Is compromise creeping in and knocking you off stride?
Remember, Dad/Mom/husband/wife/co-worker/friend/neighbor...you are leaving a legacy. They are watching you. More importantly, they are affected by your decisions. Most of all, you are a part of a living movement that is called to help rescue the perishing.
Work for God. Don't give up. Be determined to finish what you've been called to.
It's time to learn...from my child!?
Sounds strange. Learning life lessons is something we all must do. Watching for ways to grow and mature is part of the process. But learning from someone with less maturity and experience than me?
Before you draw a conclusion think about this. Jesus said we are to "receive the kingdom of God like a little child" in Luke 18:17! Since this is so, I need to watch how my child goes about her relationship with God. I'm very sure He can teach me a few lessons from her life.
Recently, one of our families at LSCC was challenged by their son's faith. He said he wanted to help those homeless people out there who were cold. So, he said, "Can we collect some blankets to help them stay warm?" Of course the answer was "YES!" But it was what happened next that challenged mom and dad. "Can we ask our church to help?" he asked.
GULP!
You've had those moments when your child's faith surpasses yours. I have. So, dad had a moment to ponder what to do. His conclusion? Why should I stand in the way of God using my child? Who am I to stand in the way of my child's faith?
The result - LSCC is collecting blankets for the homeless. Our goal is to help at least 100 metro area homeless people stay a bit warmer this winter. All because God moved in a boy's heart and a dad didn't stand in the way.
Over a year ago, Jon Acuff wrote a blog entry on this. Take a minute to read it. It may change the way you view your child. Click HERE!
And the next time your child asks, "Can we help by doing __________ ?" Listen closely. God may be growing your faith as well.
