What does living a GREAT life mean to you?
You do know a GREAT life doesn’t just happen, don’t you?
It seems to me that a GREAT life has at least 3 components:
One, a GREAT life is one that is chosen and is lived in the service of something greater than self. What greater purpose is there than the Kingdom of God and sharing the Good News?
Second, a GREAT life makes a contribution to something larger than self. A GREAT life stands up, speaks out, and gets things done. A GREAT life makes a difference and leaves this world better than we found it.
Third, a GREAT life leaves a path for others to follow. A GREAT life leaves a legacy and inspires the next generation to go further and achieve more than we did. This is the crux of discipleship.
I love the story of the "star thrower," about a man walking on the beach after a storm, throwing starfish back into the ocean so they won't die on the shore. Someone criticizes him for wasting his time, noting that there are millions of starfish, and the few he saves won't make much difference. The man silently bends over, throws a starfish into the surf and replies, "It made a difference for that one."
Set your minimum standard to live a GREAT life: to know your purpose, make a contribution and leave a legacy. Make a difference for “that one” already in your life.
Some day each one of us must look back and assess our life, and when that time comes we want to know it was a GREAT life, with a certain purpose, contributions, and those who can carry the message on.
Showing posts with label priorities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label priorities. Show all posts
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Saturday, October 4, 2008
A Focus on God and His Instructions
- Ephesians 6 gives us of some important instructions; obey your parents, honor you father and mother that it may go well with you and you may enjoy a long life; it also states not to exasperate your children but to train and instruct them in the Lord
- Regardless of how…the important thing is that Christ is preached (Philippians 1)
- Philippians 2 asks the question; are you looking out for your own interests or Christ’s?
- Heaven is God’s throne and Earth is God’s footstool (Isaiah 66)
- Philippians 4:6 instructs us to pray about everything…
Sunday, September 28, 2008
How Are You? Are You Living In Christ?
Thoughts from my quiet times this past week:
- Galatians 5 reminds us to use of freedom to demonstrate our love for one another
- Get wisdom, discipline and understanding (Proverbs 23:23)
- In Isaiah 38 King Hezekiah become deathly ill and pleaded with God for his life; God, in His mercy, replied that He would 1) give him 15 more years of life and 2) deliver the city from the king of Assyria
- Galatians 6 states that we are to carry each other’s burdens (more than a backpack), carry our own load (your backpack) and don’t become weary in doing good
- Isaiah 39 tells us that Hezekiah’s storehouse had silver, gold and oil in it. What does my/your storehouse have in it?
- Ephesians 1 declares our riches in Christ
- Ephesians 2 says we are dead unless we are alive in Christ; we are created to do good works…
- Ephesians 4 instructs us to put off ourselves and to put on Christ; to put off lies and to put on truth
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Things that Matter
Galatians 4:15 asks “What has happened to your joy?”
Find your rest in God alone (Psalm 62)
Galatians 5 thoughts: Following the law will separate you from Christ; faith expressing itself through love is what counts; use your freedom to love one another
Get wisdom, discipline, and understanding (Proverbs 23:23)
Find your rest in God alone (Psalm 62)
Galatians 5 thoughts: Following the law will separate you from Christ; faith expressing itself through love is what counts; use your freedom to love one another
Get wisdom, discipline, and understanding (Proverbs 23:23)
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Financial Guidance from God
This week it seemed like several passages from Scripture were speaking directly to me about financial issues and what we trust in.
What does Ecclesiastes 10:19 mean when it says “…and money is the answer to everything”?
The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. Ecclesiastes 12:13
Sow sparingly, reap sparingly, sow generously, reap generously; you are made rich in every way so you can be generous, which results in thanks to God (2 Corinthians 9:6-11)
Isaiah 2:22 reminds us to stop trusting in man
2 Corinthians chapter 11 says to me that boasting in self is foolish
When I am weak, then I am strong because of Christ (2 Corinthians 12:10)
And finally, a great reminder from Proverbs 23:4-5; don’t pursue riches, show restraint, understand that riches are fleeting
What does Ecclesiastes 10:19 mean when it says “…and money is the answer to everything”?
The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. Ecclesiastes 12:13
Sow sparingly, reap sparingly, sow generously, reap generously; you are made rich in every way so you can be generous, which results in thanks to God (2 Corinthians 9:6-11)
Isaiah 2:22 reminds us to stop trusting in man
2 Corinthians chapter 11 says to me that boasting in self is foolish
When I am weak, then I am strong because of Christ (2 Corinthians 12:10)
And finally, a great reminder from Proverbs 23:4-5; don’t pursue riches, show restraint, understand that riches are fleeting
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Long Time, No Hear
So, a couple of months ago I fell off the proverbial blogging wagon about my time in Scripture. Yep, I got lazy and just posted links or articles written by others. Well, I’m back now writing to you thanks to the accountability provided by my MasterMind partners.
Side note: in August my wife and I celebrated our 20th Wedding Anniversary and our first born celebrated his 17th birthday.
Okay, here are some specific Scriptures that impacted me during the last few weeks.
Side note: in August my wife and I celebrated our 20th Wedding Anniversary and our first born celebrated his 17th birthday.
Okay, here are some specific Scriptures that impacted me during the last few weeks.
- The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor and life (Proverbs 22:4)
- 1 Corinthians 4:1 reminded me that any ministry we have is due to God’s mercy
- In reading through the book of Ecclesiastes, all seems meaningless in life until you get to chapter 12 verse 13 where it states that the conclusion is to fear God and keep His commandments.
- Psalm 46 is such a great passage on God being our refuge and strength. Therefore we should not fear because the Lord is with us.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Fulfillment in Your Work
by Fred Smith
My friends and associates who experience fulfillment in their work have several common denominators.
1. They have realistic expectations. They do not waste time fantasizing about some perfect situation, oozing with excitement, pleasure, high visibility, a six-figure salary, and no problems. They expect some pain, some drudgery, and even disappointments. They develop routines for the doldrums, preventing procrastination and bottlenecks.
2. They work in their strength. They have identified their talents and their gifts. They work easily because they focus on their giftedness. What we do best we do easiest. Likewise, they avoid their weaknesses. Productive people seldom waste time working in the areas of their weakness – it frustrates them.
3. They are challenged by their work. They look for something new to do, to learn, to experience. They don’t drive down dead-end streets. Their own creative interests open up opportunities that less engaged people miss. They see the potential, not the limitations.
4. They know they are making a difference. They do their work well, faithful to their employers and/or employees, are loyal, cooperative, and accommodating to change.
5. They are satisfied with their share of the money. Through the years in manufacturing plant operations, I have found it is more the distribution of the money than the amount that causes dissension. Money is important, but it is not the most important thing. Adequate money helps one concentrate on the work.
Fulfillment is personal. I am not trying to lay down a formula, but making observations. Fulfillment is doing what you can do well…doing something you feel is worthwhile…something with a continuing challenge and adequate financial remuneration, working on a team you respect, working in an environment where you are respected and encouraged, working with a product or service with integrity, and having peers who help you mutually create and enjoy a productive work environment.
This week carefully consider: 1) How do I define fulfillment in my work? 2) Who in my life truly represents fulfillment? 3) What did I do today to make a difference?
To read more writings of Fred Smith go to www.breakfastwithfred.com
My friends and associates who experience fulfillment in their work have several common denominators.
1. They have realistic expectations. They do not waste time fantasizing about some perfect situation, oozing with excitement, pleasure, high visibility, a six-figure salary, and no problems. They expect some pain, some drudgery, and even disappointments. They develop routines for the doldrums, preventing procrastination and bottlenecks.
2. They work in their strength. They have identified their talents and their gifts. They work easily because they focus on their giftedness. What we do best we do easiest. Likewise, they avoid their weaknesses. Productive people seldom waste time working in the areas of their weakness – it frustrates them.
3. They are challenged by their work. They look for something new to do, to learn, to experience. They don’t drive down dead-end streets. Their own creative interests open up opportunities that less engaged people miss. They see the potential, not the limitations.
4. They know they are making a difference. They do their work well, faithful to their employers and/or employees, are loyal, cooperative, and accommodating to change.
5. They are satisfied with their share of the money. Through the years in manufacturing plant operations, I have found it is more the distribution of the money than the amount that causes dissension. Money is important, but it is not the most important thing. Adequate money helps one concentrate on the work.
Fulfillment is personal. I am not trying to lay down a formula, but making observations. Fulfillment is doing what you can do well…doing something you feel is worthwhile…something with a continuing challenge and adequate financial remuneration, working on a team you respect, working in an environment where you are respected and encouraged, working with a product or service with integrity, and having peers who help you mutually create and enjoy a productive work environment.
This week carefully consider: 1) How do I define fulfillment in my work? 2) Who in my life truly represents fulfillment? 3) What did I do today to make a difference?
To read more writings of Fred Smith go to www.breakfastwithfred.com
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Does God Care How Much We Give?
God didn't just give a little for us; He gave His best. He gave Himself. John says that it is no different for us: True love requires sacrifice.
Read the full article here
Read the full article here
Monday, May 26, 2008
The Blueprint for Happiness
Do you want to be a happy person? Live God's way. Do you want to be an unhappy person? Live your own way.
Read the full article here
Read the full article here
Sunday, April 13, 2008
7 Tensions Common to Christians in the Marketplace
- Serving God versus pursuing mammon
- Love versus competition
- People versus profits
- Family versus work
- Perspective in the face of success
- Charity versus wealth
- Faithful to God versus pluralistic
See Ecclesiastes 3 for perspective
(from the book Halftime by Bob Buford)
Friday, April 11, 2008
The Bookends of Success by Dr. John C. Maxwell
NASCAR drivers know the importance of starting in the right place. Before a race even begins, they compete with one another in the hopes of earning the best starting position. At qualifying runs, held the week prior to the official race, each driver speeds around the racetrack in a timed performance. The driver with the fastest time earns pole position - or the right to begin the race in front of the other cars. A driver in pole position doesn't have to be concerned about passing anyone in order to win the race. All he or she must do is hold their position in order to win.
Conversely, a driver who does poorly in the trial run must begin the race in the worst possible position - at the very back of the pack. Stuck behind the other race cars, the disadvantaged driver has virtually no chance of winning. To finish first, he or she would have to pass every other car on the track during the course of the race.
In addition to starting strong, a NASCAR driver understands that his or her performance depends on finishing well. In a 500-mile race, leading for 499 miles is meaningless if a driver isn't in front at the checkered flag. Regardless of a driver's skill maneuvering the car early in the race, if he or she crashes or loses focus toward the end, the driver will forfeit the lead and lose the race. Nobody wins points for their position in the middle of the race; rather, each driver is assigned a place based on how he or she finishes.
THE BOOKENDS OF SUCCESS
Great leaders understand the two bookends of success: starting and finishing. We generally think about them in terms of doing a task or project. However, what's true in our approach to projects is also true in our approach to each day. How we spend our mornings and evenings has a tremendous bearing on the course of our leadership.
I use my morning to set up a game plan for the day. During this time, I allow no interruptions. I never schedule breakfast meetings, and I isolate myself from distractions. I do not permit myself to strategize years down the road or to project my thoughts months into the future. Rather, I narrow my focus to the upcoming 24 hours. I ask myself: "Just for today, how can I be a success?" Viewing life in 24-hour increments, I place a premium on each day. I try to make each one a masterpiece.
During the evening, I reflect on my day. By reflecting, I translate my day's experiences into learning opportunities. This process solidifies in my mind the lessons I've discovered or bits of knowledge I've uncovered. Reflecting also gives me the space to assess my progress on the goals I made during the morning.
Relaxation is another important part of my evening routine. I make a point to put my leisure time into activities that replenish me by refueling my energy. For me, such activities include spending quality time with my wife, reading a book, or studying Scriptures. Relaxation puts me in a good emotional state, lifts my spirits, and reminds me of the joys of life.
When I neglect to carve out time in the morning to plan my day, I notice adverse effects. First, I don't live my day on purpose. Instead of choosing where to invest my time, I cede control of my schedule to whatever circumstances happen to arise. Second, I squander my energy. Since I don't outline clear goals for my day, I float from one activity to another without getting anything done. Finally, when I skip my morning planning time, I feel overwhelmed. Since I'm ambitious, I have a propensity to bite off more than I can chew. If I don't focus my attention, the weight of my numerous involvements begins to drag me down.
When I am not intentional about setting aside evening time for relaxation, I encounter negative symptoms, too. First, I get uptight. My times of reflection and relaxation act like valves that release stress from my life. If I don't guard those times, I get tense, my thoughts are more negative, and my health suffers. Second, I lose passion. My leisure times fuel me. If I am not intentional about putting time into my favorite activities, then life loses its luster. Third, I miss chances to grow. When I don't reflect on the meaningful moments from each day, I rob myself of the benefits of experience.
SUMMARY
Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is out of reach. That's why today matters. Leaders who value each day know the importance of starting well and finishing strong. In the mornings, they focus their energies on key tasks, and in the evenings, they replenish themselves. By mastering the bookends of success, leaders position themselves to make an impact every day.
"This article is used by permission from Dr. John C. Maxwell's free monthly e-newsletter, "Leadership Wired," available at www.injoy.com."
Conversely, a driver who does poorly in the trial run must begin the race in the worst possible position - at the very back of the pack. Stuck behind the other race cars, the disadvantaged driver has virtually no chance of winning. To finish first, he or she would have to pass every other car on the track during the course of the race.
In addition to starting strong, a NASCAR driver understands that his or her performance depends on finishing well. In a 500-mile race, leading for 499 miles is meaningless if a driver isn't in front at the checkered flag. Regardless of a driver's skill maneuvering the car early in the race, if he or she crashes or loses focus toward the end, the driver will forfeit the lead and lose the race. Nobody wins points for their position in the middle of the race; rather, each driver is assigned a place based on how he or she finishes.
THE BOOKENDS OF SUCCESS
Great leaders understand the two bookends of success: starting and finishing. We generally think about them in terms of doing a task or project. However, what's true in our approach to projects is also true in our approach to each day. How we spend our mornings and evenings has a tremendous bearing on the course of our leadership.
I use my morning to set up a game plan for the day. During this time, I allow no interruptions. I never schedule breakfast meetings, and I isolate myself from distractions. I do not permit myself to strategize years down the road or to project my thoughts months into the future. Rather, I narrow my focus to the upcoming 24 hours. I ask myself: "Just for today, how can I be a success?" Viewing life in 24-hour increments, I place a premium on each day. I try to make each one a masterpiece.
During the evening, I reflect on my day. By reflecting, I translate my day's experiences into learning opportunities. This process solidifies in my mind the lessons I've discovered or bits of knowledge I've uncovered. Reflecting also gives me the space to assess my progress on the goals I made during the morning.
Relaxation is another important part of my evening routine. I make a point to put my leisure time into activities that replenish me by refueling my energy. For me, such activities include spending quality time with my wife, reading a book, or studying Scriptures. Relaxation puts me in a good emotional state, lifts my spirits, and reminds me of the joys of life.
When I neglect to carve out time in the morning to plan my day, I notice adverse effects. First, I don't live my day on purpose. Instead of choosing where to invest my time, I cede control of my schedule to whatever circumstances happen to arise. Second, I squander my energy. Since I don't outline clear goals for my day, I float from one activity to another without getting anything done. Finally, when I skip my morning planning time, I feel overwhelmed. Since I'm ambitious, I have a propensity to bite off more than I can chew. If I don't focus my attention, the weight of my numerous involvements begins to drag me down.
When I am not intentional about setting aside evening time for relaxation, I encounter negative symptoms, too. First, I get uptight. My times of reflection and relaxation act like valves that release stress from my life. If I don't guard those times, I get tense, my thoughts are more negative, and my health suffers. Second, I lose passion. My leisure times fuel me. If I am not intentional about putting time into my favorite activities, then life loses its luster. Third, I miss chances to grow. When I don't reflect on the meaningful moments from each day, I rob myself of the benefits of experience.
SUMMARY
Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is out of reach. That's why today matters. Leaders who value each day know the importance of starting well and finishing strong. In the mornings, they focus their energies on key tasks, and in the evenings, they replenish themselves. By mastering the bookends of success, leaders position themselves to make an impact every day.
"This article is used by permission from Dr. John C. Maxwell's free monthly e-newsletter, "Leadership Wired," available at www.injoy.com."
Friday, March 7, 2008
They Love Jesus; They Don't Like the Church
by Michael Craven
This appears to be a growing sentiment among many younger Christians in America today.
They love Jesus but they want little to do with His Church. Read the full article
HERE
This appears to be a growing sentiment among many younger Christians in America today.
They love Jesus but they want little to do with His Church. Read the full article
HERE
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Another New Year!
Like most of you, this week started a brand-new year in my journey through life. Welcome to 2008!
My time in Scripture this week has been focused on starting the books of Genesis, Matthew, Psalm, and Proverbs in my One-Year Bible. Key thoughts this week include:
Brunch (breakfast/lunch) and Lupper (lunch/supper) were enjoyed with the family the first half of the week since Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday were vacation days. Saturday morning was set aside for a brief date (brunch!) with my wife while my son was in physics class.
The trusty Franklin Covey notebook / calendar got cleaned out and refilled. New month at a glance pages for 2008 were completed along with updated daily pages, and personal goals. “Big rocks” for me this year include maintaining an eternal perspective, selling the house or finishing the basement, a renewed focus on relationships, keeping better notes on the Scripture and books I read, continuing to exercise to maintain weight, and taking a couple of family trips this year.
A Very Important People (VIP) list was started for the first time this year. These are people I will interact with throughout the year that make an impact on my life. This tool will help me implement the thought that “the only differences in my life a year from now will be from what I read and the people I interact with.”
Consider the following as we begin another year: 1) What are you committed to reading / learning? 2) Are you spending enough time with your family and other VIPs? 3) Have you organized your calendar and priorities for the New Year ahead?
My time in Scripture this week has been focused on starting the books of Genesis, Matthew, Psalm, and Proverbs in my One-Year Bible. Key thoughts this week include:
- I am created in God’s image
- 6 days a week are for working and the remaining day is for rest
- I am to delight and meditate on God’s law
- Am I currently listening to God or Satan?
- God made garments for Adam and Eve even though they disobeyed Him which illustrates His love
- God drove Adam and Eve from the garden which demonstrates His justice
- Fools despise wisdom and discipline
- Noah waited on God’s instruction before leaving the ark (Genesis 8)
- Jesus was popular because he healed people who were ill (Matthew 4)
- God noticed that when people spoke the same language and started working together they would be able to accomplish whatever they desired (Genesis 11)
- Those who practice and teach God’s commands are called great in the Kingdom (Matthew 5)
- In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation (Psalm 5:3)
Brunch (breakfast/lunch) and Lupper (lunch/supper) were enjoyed with the family the first half of the week since Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday were vacation days. Saturday morning was set aside for a brief date (brunch!) with my wife while my son was in physics class.
The trusty Franklin Covey notebook / calendar got cleaned out and refilled. New month at a glance pages for 2008 were completed along with updated daily pages, and personal goals. “Big rocks” for me this year include maintaining an eternal perspective, selling the house or finishing the basement, a renewed focus on relationships, keeping better notes on the Scripture and books I read, continuing to exercise to maintain weight, and taking a couple of family trips this year.
A Very Important People (VIP) list was started for the first time this year. These are people I will interact with throughout the year that make an impact on my life. This tool will help me implement the thought that “the only differences in my life a year from now will be from what I read and the people I interact with.”
Consider the following as we begin another year: 1) What are you committed to reading / learning? 2) Are you spending enough time with your family and other VIPs? 3) Have you organized your calendar and priorities for the New Year ahead?
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