Well, we made it to the end! Our month is over. Here is the final summary...
As Kerry Shook closes out his book he tells us that nothing ever great happens without passion. He says, If I were limited to only one thing that you would take from this book, it would be to ignite and restore passion to your life. If you only had one month to live, you would want to enjoy every single moment as the precious gift it is. And you would want to make every second count toward something meaningful and eternal, something that fulfills your purpose on this earth. The fuel for sustaining the one-month-to-live lifestyle over the long haul is passion. p. 222. Then Kerry tells us that there are four keys to passion: Love, Integrity, Forgiveness, Enthusiasm (LIFE).
Kerry closes out his book with these words...
One of the mysteries of life is that none of us knows when we're going to die. But it's a fact that we will die. "Man's days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months" (Job 14:5). If we're willing to accept this and trust God with the end point of our time on this earth, then we can focus on how we fill in the days between the year we were born and the year we will die. We can make our dash an incredible adventure of discovery, joy, and purposeful contentment. We can live.
My hope for you is that this book has changed your life, that it has made you think about what it means to live passionately and purposefully like never before. My prayer for you is that God will use all that is true on these pages to inspire you to a new level of living. My challenge to you is to live every day as if you had on month to live! page 225,226
Monday, May 05, 2008
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Day 29: Game Over
Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. Corrie Ten Boom
Two paragraphs best summarize this chapter...
As I've emphasized throughout this book, embracing our mortality can liberate us to live as fully as possible. In Ecclesiastes, we're told, "A wise person thinks much about death, while the fool thinks only about having a good time now." (7:4). It's wise to approach life with an end in mind. It's foolish to ignore the inevitable. Thinking about wha't's going to happen when the final buzzer sounds brings a sharpness of focus to life. It helps us to live a more intentional life anto make every moment count. page 216
[Many of us] act as if we are going to live forever. We concentrate on things that seem really important to us at the moment but ultimately don't last. Our focus needs to be redirected to the things that will pass the test of time, and really there are only two; God's Word and people. The Bible says the grass withers and the flowers fade, but the Word of God stands forever (Isaiah 40:8). So when you spend time in God's Word - building your character, becoming more like Christ, learning the values from God's Word, and applying them - that lasts forever. You take that with you into eternity. The other eternal investment you make is in people. People live forever in eternity. So anytime you make a difference in the lives of others, it will last forever. That's why relationships are the most important thing in life. page 219
How much time do you invest in eternal things and how much time do you invest in things that last only now? What can you do this week to put more time into things that last?
Two paragraphs best summarize this chapter...
As I've emphasized throughout this book, embracing our mortality can liberate us to live as fully as possible. In Ecclesiastes, we're told, "A wise person thinks much about death, while the fool thinks only about having a good time now." (7:4). It's wise to approach life with an end in mind. It's foolish to ignore the inevitable. Thinking about wha't's going to happen when the final buzzer sounds brings a sharpness of focus to life. It helps us to live a more intentional life anto make every moment count. page 216
[Many of us] act as if we are going to live forever. We concentrate on things that seem really important to us at the moment but ultimately don't last. Our focus needs to be redirected to the things that will pass the test of time, and really there are only two; God's Word and people. The Bible says the grass withers and the flowers fade, but the Word of God stands forever (Isaiah 40:8). So when you spend time in God's Word - building your character, becoming more like Christ, learning the values from God's Word, and applying them - that lasts forever. You take that with you into eternity. The other eternal investment you make is in people. People live forever in eternity. So anytime you make a difference in the lives of others, it will last forever. That's why relationships are the most important thing in life. page 219
How much time do you invest in eternal things and how much time do you invest in things that last only now? What can you do this week to put more time into things that last?
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Day 28: Footprint
We make a living by what we get;
We make a life by what we give. Winston Churchill
Kerry Shook starts today by noting that when we leave this earth we want to leave a small environmental imprint but a large spiritual imprint. Let me quote two of his paragraphs that look at God's power to change us so we can leave this kind of imprint.
God loves you just the way you are, but he loves you too much to let you stay that way. Phillipians 2:13 puts it this way; For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him. Our Father empowers us to live transformed lives when we admit our mistakes and their consequences. The Bible says God gives grace to the humble, but he opposes the proud (Proverbs 3:34). So when we humble ourselves and say, "God, I need You to give me the power to change; I need You to give me the power to love; I need You to give me the power to do the things You ask me to do,: then he fills us with his strength.
Grace accepts me where I am, but grace also gives me the power to change. Titus 2:11-12 says, For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. When we're in the atmosphere of God's grace and feel totally accepted, we crave change. We want to know him and be more like him. page 212, 213
Do you crave change? Why or why not? What area of your life have you chosen not to change or thought you didn't have the power to change? Bring it to God and tell him that you are not only asking for the power but willing to receive it and act on it by faith.
We make a life by what we give. Winston Churchill
Kerry Shook starts today by noting that when we leave this earth we want to leave a small environmental imprint but a large spiritual imprint. Let me quote two of his paragraphs that look at God's power to change us so we can leave this kind of imprint.
God loves you just the way you are, but he loves you too much to let you stay that way. Phillipians 2:13 puts it this way; For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him. Our Father empowers us to live transformed lives when we admit our mistakes and their consequences. The Bible says God gives grace to the humble, but he opposes the proud (Proverbs 3:34). So when we humble ourselves and say, "God, I need You to give me the power to change; I need You to give me the power to love; I need You to give me the power to do the things You ask me to do,: then he fills us with his strength.
Grace accepts me where I am, but grace also gives me the power to change. Titus 2:11-12 says, For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. When we're in the atmosphere of God's grace and feel totally accepted, we crave change. We want to know him and be more like him. page 212, 213
Do you crave change? Why or why not? What area of your life have you chosen not to change or thought you didn't have the power to change? Bring it to God and tell him that you are not only asking for the power but willing to receive it and act on it by faith.
Day 27: Making a World of Difference
Today Kerry Shook looks at our willingness to get involved in helping others even when our impact seems insignificant. He retells the "Starfish" story...about the boy who came across a beach full of starfish. Even though there were hundreds of them stranded there, he threw back in as many as he could because he knew that everyone that he helped was at least one saved.
Kerry suggests three things we can do to create a world-conscious heart:
1. Pray for the needs of others. The more you pray about them the more your heart becomes soft to the issue and opens you to how you might actually be of help.
2. Invest your time, talent and treasure (money). Proverbs says, "If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered." 21:13. It's the old "golden rule". If you were in financial need, wouldn't you want others who had a surplus to help you? To those who have been given much, much is required. The Bible is full of commands to share our plenty with those who have less.
3. Work in community. No one is called to tackle the world problems alone. Join with others; your small group, your church, your neighborhood association, a non-profit organization, etc. to become a force of good in this world.
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. Edmund Burke
Kerry suggests three things we can do to create a world-conscious heart:
1. Pray for the needs of others. The more you pray about them the more your heart becomes soft to the issue and opens you to how you might actually be of help.
2. Invest your time, talent and treasure (money). Proverbs says, "If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered." 21:13. It's the old "golden rule". If you were in financial need, wouldn't you want others who had a surplus to help you? To those who have been given much, much is required. The Bible is full of commands to share our plenty with those who have less.
3. Work in community. No one is called to tackle the world problems alone. Join with others; your small group, your church, your neighborhood association, a non-profit organization, etc. to become a force of good in this world.
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. Edmund Burke
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Day 26: Preventing Life's Crashes
When was the last time you experienced a life collision, a season or experience in which you found yourself coming apart at the seams? How did you respond to it? How will you respond to the next collision differently based on what you learned from that experience?
Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this. Psalm 37:3-5
Kerry Shook uses Psalm 37 to suggest threes ways to avoid future crashes by staying in God's will.
1. Obey God. Kerry compares it to submitting to God driving your car while you ride in the passenger seat. We think we know better than he does. But you have to let him go where he wants to go. You need to trust that he knows what he's doing and obey him.
2. Delight yourself in the Lord. God wants us to long to be with him in the car more than we want to get to our destination.
3. Commit your way to the Lord. God's will isn't one option among many for us to consider. God wants us to commit ourself to his will BEFORE he reveals it to us. He expects that kind of trust.
Our time in this life is limited. If we truly want to ensure that we've fulfilled our purpose when it's our time to go then we must stay squarely in God's will, trusting, delighting, and committing to His path. He's the only One who can rebuild our lives and redirect us when our will collides with His.
If you only had one month to live, what three actions would you want to take to align your remaining time with God's will?
Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this. Psalm 37:3-5
Kerry Shook uses Psalm 37 to suggest threes ways to avoid future crashes by staying in God's will.
1. Obey God. Kerry compares it to submitting to God driving your car while you ride in the passenger seat. We think we know better than he does. But you have to let him go where he wants to go. You need to trust that he knows what he's doing and obey him.
2. Delight yourself in the Lord. God wants us to long to be with him in the car more than we want to get to our destination.
3. Commit your way to the Lord. God's will isn't one option among many for us to consider. God wants us to commit ourself to his will BEFORE he reveals it to us. He expects that kind of trust.
Our time in this life is limited. If we truly want to ensure that we've fulfilled our purpose when it's our time to go then we must stay squarely in God's will, trusting, delighting, and committing to His path. He's the only One who can rebuild our lives and redirect us when our will collides with His.
If you only had one month to live, what three actions would you want to take to align your remaining time with God's will?
Day 25: Eternal Building Materials
The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it. Henry David Thoreau
Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:12-14 that our work on earth will be judged as having been built with gold, silver or straw, etc. This isn't judging between heaven and hell as our destination. This is merely judging the eternal vs. temporary worth of our labor on earth. To those that build with gold and silver will be given great reward.
Kerry Shook tells us that... We're designed by our Creator to fulfill a vital purpose that no one else can accomplish but us. We're hard-wired with the longing to have an impact, to make a difference that will echo throughout eternity long after our bodies have turned to dust. p. 188
In order to make that lasting impact Kerry suggests three building materials:
1. Convictions. These are more than beliefs. A belief is something you hold on to but a conviction is something that holds you. A conviction is a core value from God's Word that anchors us, shapes us, permeates our lives, and becomes such a part of us that it's who we are. p. 189. Convictions are what drive you to want to leave a legacy.
Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:12-14 that our work on earth will be judged as having been built with gold, silver or straw, etc. This isn't judging between heaven and hell as our destination. This is merely judging the eternal vs. temporary worth of our labor on earth. To those that build with gold and silver will be given great reward.
Kerry Shook tells us that... We're designed by our Creator to fulfill a vital purpose that no one else can accomplish but us. We're hard-wired with the longing to have an impact, to make a difference that will echo throughout eternity long after our bodies have turned to dust. p. 188
In order to make that lasting impact Kerry suggests three building materials:
1. Convictions. These are more than beliefs. A belief is something you hold on to but a conviction is something that holds you. A conviction is a core value from God's Word that anchors us, shapes us, permeates our lives, and becomes such a part of us that it's who we are. p. 189. Convictions are what drive you to want to leave a legacy.
2. Character. This is the only thing that goes with us when we die. God is more concerned about your character than any achievement or possession you might have on earth. And that's why God uses problems, pressures and people in your life to shape your character to be more like Jesus. Character is what guides the formation of your legacy.
3. Community. Without fellow believers who share your convictions and character it's pretty hard to leave a legacy. But together - filled with God's Spirit - you are a force. Community is where the encouragement, innovation and celebration come from that are so necessary to creating a legacy. Are you flowing with a community of fellow believers to create a legacy?
If we build our lives on convictions, character and community then we will have established an eternal memorial that will benefit countless lives for untold generations. We will have spent our lives creating a bridge that ultimately leads others to God, and there's no more satisfying legacy than that. p. 192
Monday, April 28, 2008
Day 24: Planting Seeds
The metaphor today is planting seeds. My summary is primarily two long quotes from Kerry Shook in his book One Month to Live.
When people look at your life from the outside, they may be impressed because you're planting "big things"; a hefty bank account, major achievements, lofty goals, a weighty reputation. From all appearances, you're a successful farmer, but what fruit will these "big things" yield? It doesn't matter how significant your portfolio is or how ambitious your plans are. If all you're doing is accumulating things and trying to impress people, then the moment you die, your influence ends. The size of the rock doesn't matter. Whether it's a pebble or a boulder, [if it's not a seed and...] you plant it in the ground, it will beve be seen again. Zero Impact. p. 183
If you plant temporary things, you are going to harvest temporary things. If you plant eternal seeds, you are going to harvest eternal fruit. If you plant generosity, you are going to harvest generosity. If you give grace and compassion, you are going to get grace and compassion. Whatever you give out in life, you are going to get back. Accoording to the law of harvest, we reap what we sow, but we also reap much more than we sow. If I plant one seed, I don't get one seed or even one apple in return but a tree full of apples, season after season. A bushel of blessing comes from a tiny seed of faith. p. 185
So the question for today is...are you planting temporary things that reap a temporary one time harvest? Or are you planting eternal things that keep giving and giving?
When people look at your life from the outside, they may be impressed because you're planting "big things"; a hefty bank account, major achievements, lofty goals, a weighty reputation. From all appearances, you're a successful farmer, but what fruit will these "big things" yield? It doesn't matter how significant your portfolio is or how ambitious your plans are. If all you're doing is accumulating things and trying to impress people, then the moment you die, your influence ends. The size of the rock doesn't matter. Whether it's a pebble or a boulder, [if it's not a seed and...] you plant it in the ground, it will beve be seen again. Zero Impact. p. 183
If you plant temporary things, you are going to harvest temporary things. If you plant eternal seeds, you are going to harvest eternal fruit. If you plant generosity, you are going to harvest generosity. If you give grace and compassion, you are going to get grace and compassion. Whatever you give out in life, you are going to get back. Accoording to the law of harvest, we reap what we sow, but we also reap much more than we sow. If I plant one seed, I don't get one seed or even one apple in return but a tree full of apples, season after season. A bushel of blessing comes from a tiny seed of faith. p. 185
So the question for today is...are you planting temporary things that reap a temporary one time harvest? Or are you planting eternal things that keep giving and giving?
Friday, April 25, 2008
Day 23: Creating a Legacy
Today marks the beginning of the last section of One Month to Live. You are on the home stretch!
Today we look at a number of ways to evaluate the kind of legacy we are leaving behind.
First is the influence test. Our greatest investment in life is in people. So who are the people that you have committed to invest your life in? Who are you influencing for good? To whom are you passing on what has been given to you?
Second is the affluence test. Passing this test is not as dependent on the amount of money you have so much as what you do with it. The only way to pass this test is by giving. We must learn to be givers rather than takers so we can make a difference while we are on this earth. God wants us to be channels of his blessings. As long as we are good channels, he will continue to send affluence to us and through us.
Third is the obedience test. Obedience to God should be your first priority because he gives you just enough time on earth to do everything he's called you to do. Don't waste a second. Listen for his direction so you can walk in his ways.
In regard to these three tests, how are you doing? At which one are you most/least successful? What do you need to do to turn things around?
Today we look at a number of ways to evaluate the kind of legacy we are leaving behind.
First is the influence test. Our greatest investment in life is in people. So who are the people that you have committed to invest your life in? Who are you influencing for good? To whom are you passing on what has been given to you?
Second is the affluence test. Passing this test is not as dependent on the amount of money you have so much as what you do with it. The only way to pass this test is by giving. We must learn to be givers rather than takers so we can make a difference while we are on this earth. God wants us to be channels of his blessings. As long as we are good channels, he will continue to send affluence to us and through us.
Third is the obedience test. Obedience to God should be your first priority because he gives you just enough time on earth to do everything he's called you to do. Don't waste a second. Listen for his direction so you can walk in his ways.
In regard to these three tests, how are you doing? At which one are you most/least successful? What do you need to do to turn things around?
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Day 22: Road Signs
Today Kerry Shook looks at what needs to happen for God to move in your life. He refers to the story of Elisha and the poor widow in 2 Kings chapter 4.
One way signs: The first thing this woman did was admit her need. She was almost broke, only having a little oil. Second, she turned to God (or at least to God's prophet) for help. These are two streets you have to go down to see God move in your life.
Stop sign; Stop and see what you already have that God might want to use. In this case, the woman had a little bit of oil. So, rather than looking at what you don't have, look at what you do have.
U-Turns: The woman didn't see that she had anything at first but then saw the oil. Kerry says this is her U-turn, she went from being negative to being positive...showing a little hope that God might do something.
Yield sign; Elisha told the woman to pour out what little oil she had left into another jar. As she poured, the oil kept coming and coming, filling as many jars as she could find to fill. The point? You need to be willing to give first if you want to receive. You need to be willing to risk pouring out your life if you want to be filled.
What are some ways that you are holding back right now for fear that you won't have enough for yourself? How might God be asking you to step out in faith to bless others rather than just focusing on your own need?
One way signs: The first thing this woman did was admit her need. She was almost broke, only having a little oil. Second, she turned to God (or at least to God's prophet) for help. These are two streets you have to go down to see God move in your life.
Stop sign; Stop and see what you already have that God might want to use. In this case, the woman had a little bit of oil. So, rather than looking at what you don't have, look at what you do have.
U-Turns: The woman didn't see that she had anything at first but then saw the oil. Kerry says this is her U-turn, she went from being negative to being positive...showing a little hope that God might do something.
Yield sign; Elisha told the woman to pour out what little oil she had left into another jar. As she poured, the oil kept coming and coming, filling as many jars as she could find to fill. The point? You need to be willing to give first if you want to receive. You need to be willing to risk pouring out your life if you want to be filled.
What are some ways that you are holding back right now for fear that you won't have enough for yourself? How might God be asking you to step out in faith to bless others rather than just focusing on your own need?
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Day 21: Developing Integrity
What's the difference between school and life? In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson. Tom Bodett
In this chapter Kerry Shook looks at integrity. He defines it as living a whole integrated life rather one that is fragmented, fractured and inconsistent. One who lacks integrity acts differently with different people. But a person with integrity is the same person no matter who they are with. You can count on them to be the same. Does that describe you?
Proverbs says that it is better to be a poor person who has integrity than to be rich and double-dealing. 28:6
Some people can be fully honest in one area of their life while being dishonest in another. For example, they might never cheat on their taxes but cheat on their spouse or vice versa. These people lack integrity...wholeness. In what areas of your life are you most likely to cut corners or put aside your values? Relational? Financial? Spiritual? What part of your life is most challenging to integrate with the other parts?
In this chapter Kerry Shook looks at integrity. He defines it as living a whole integrated life rather one that is fragmented, fractured and inconsistent. One who lacks integrity acts differently with different people. But a person with integrity is the same person no matter who they are with. You can count on them to be the same. Does that describe you?
Proverbs says that it is better to be a poor person who has integrity than to be rich and double-dealing. 28:6
Some people can be fully honest in one area of their life while being dishonest in another. For example, they might never cheat on their taxes but cheat on their spouse or vice versa. These people lack integrity...wholeness. In what areas of your life are you most likely to cut corners or put aside your values? Relational? Financial? Spiritual? What part of your life is most challenging to integrate with the other parts?
Monday, April 21, 2008
Day 20: Surviving the Storms
Pain is inevitable, but misery is optional. We cannot avoid pain, but we can avoid joy. Tim Hansel
Kerry Shook says that one of the most difficult lessons in life is how to accept loss. He compares it to being shaken by a storm. And so, how do you prepare for the storms of life?
First you need a strong foundation and he said that's God, of course. The Bible says, "In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success." Proverbs 3:6. You can tell if God is your foundation by the amount you worry. Whenever you worry you are revealing that God doesn't have your full trust. God says in Psalm 50:15, "Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you."
What is your life resting on now? Your family? Your job? Make sure that you are resting fully on God.
Second, in order to survive the storms of life you need a strong support system and for that God has given us the church. You need a group of people around you who will walk into your life when everyone else walks out. Do you have those people? If not, what can you do to find those people?
Kerry Shook says that one of the most difficult lessons in life is how to accept loss. He compares it to being shaken by a storm. And so, how do you prepare for the storms of life?
First you need a strong foundation and he said that's God, of course. The Bible says, "In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success." Proverbs 3:6. You can tell if God is your foundation by the amount you worry. Whenever you worry you are revealing that God doesn't have your full trust. God says in Psalm 50:15, "Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you."
What is your life resting on now? Your family? Your job? Make sure that you are resting fully on God.
Second, in order to survive the storms of life you need a strong support system and for that God has given us the church. You need a group of people around you who will walk into your life when everyone else walks out. Do you have those people? If not, what can you do to find those people?
Day 19: Antidotes to Soul-Sickness
Kerry Shook says that we all suffer from a dis-ease of the soul and offers four antidotes:
The Sickness: An over busy life.
The Antidote: Silence. The Bible tells us to "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10. When was the last time you sat before God in silence? When was the last time you spent an evening at home without the television or stereo filling the sound space? When was the last vacation that you didn't check email or bring your cell phone?
The Sickness: A need to control
The Antidote: Solitude. The Bible says, "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength." Isaiah 30:15. If we stop trying to control everything in our life, quietness will fill our soul with strength.
The Sickness: Comparing ourselves to others. This causes us to focus on the outside...our appearance and what we have.
The Antidote: Service. When we focus on what others don't have and how we can meet their needs we find true joy and fulfillment.
The Sickness: A craving for comfort and a continual dissatisfaction with what we have.
The Antidote: Suffering. You don't have to go looking for this. Suffering will find you. But the question is; How do you respond to it? The Bible tells us... "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. " James 1:2-4
Silence, Solitude, Service and Suffering - not exactly what people in the 21st century are crying out for. But if your soul is sick you might want to consider the value that each of these have in your life.
The Sickness: An over busy life.
The Antidote: Silence. The Bible tells us to "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10. When was the last time you sat before God in silence? When was the last time you spent an evening at home without the television or stereo filling the sound space? When was the last vacation that you didn't check email or bring your cell phone?
The Sickness: A need to control
The Antidote: Solitude. The Bible says, "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength." Isaiah 30:15. If we stop trying to control everything in our life, quietness will fill our soul with strength.
The Sickness: Comparing ourselves to others. This causes us to focus on the outside...our appearance and what we have.
The Antidote: Service. When we focus on what others don't have and how we can meet their needs we find true joy and fulfillment.
The Sickness: A craving for comfort and a continual dissatisfaction with what we have.
The Antidote: Suffering. You don't have to go looking for this. Suffering will find you. But the question is; How do you respond to it? The Bible tells us... "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. " James 1:2-4
Silence, Solitude, Service and Suffering - not exactly what people in the 21st century are crying out for. But if your soul is sick you might want to consider the value that each of these have in your life.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Day 18: Facing Reality
If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain. Maya Angelou
Too many people are devastated by change. The unexpected blows them out of the water and leaves them beached on dry land. How can you prevent that from happening?
It doesn’t come by avoiding change because change is everywhere. The solution to change is learning to adapt to it - learning to make mid-course corrections rather than sticking to a course no matter what. It might even involve throwing cargo overboard to lighten the load (like the ship that the apostle Paul rode in the book of Acts).
As painful as change is God uses it to develop your character. The immature person demands reality to change to meet their needs. But the mature person changes to meet the demands of reality. The immature person thinks to themselves… “If reality goes my way, I’m happy. But if reality works against me, I’m miserable and will let the world know about it.”
If you only had one month to live what reality do you need to recognize and face? What are some situations that you need to stop complaining about and start resolving? What are some things in your life that you need to “throw overboard” to help lighten your load so you can focus on the important things in life? God is looking for you to rise above your reality and show people how to overcome with God’s power. Are you willing to live that life?
Too many people are devastated by change. The unexpected blows them out of the water and leaves them beached on dry land. How can you prevent that from happening?
It doesn’t come by avoiding change because change is everywhere. The solution to change is learning to adapt to it - learning to make mid-course corrections rather than sticking to a course no matter what. It might even involve throwing cargo overboard to lighten the load (like the ship that the apostle Paul rode in the book of Acts).
As painful as change is God uses it to develop your character. The immature person demands reality to change to meet their needs. But the mature person changes to meet the demands of reality. The immature person thinks to themselves… “If reality goes my way, I’m happy. But if reality works against me, I’m miserable and will let the world know about it.”
If you only had one month to live what reality do you need to recognize and face? What are some situations that you need to stop complaining about and start resolving? What are some things in your life that you need to “throw overboard” to help lighten your load so you can focus on the important things in life? God is looking for you to rise above your reality and show people how to overcome with God’s power. Are you willing to live that life?
Friday, April 18, 2008
Day 17: Finding God's Purpose
The place where God calls you is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet. Frederick Buechner
Kerry Shook compares a GPS (global positioning system) guiding our every move to God’s desire to do the same thing. He says… “In life we need a clear signal from God so we can discover our place and position in this world. Until we discover our place, our niche, our purpose in life, we’ll always feel lost, even when surrounded by a crowd.” (page 128)
He goes onto further explain…”If we’re going to find our way through the many circumstances and choices in life, we must be willing to use three crucial resources; our Gifts, our Passions and our Struggles”.
Gifts: Ask your friends and family to tell you those areas in which your talents seem to stand out. We often minimize our strengths but those with an objective eye can see what we can’t.
Passions: God gave you these passions. Don't think that he wants to ignore them. Like the Buechner quote says above God wants to wed your deepest passion with some need in this world. Our goal should be to find that “match” made in heaven.
Struggles: These cause us to learn our limits and remind us to look to God for strength.
God wants to guide you to be his agent on earth. But you must be willing to learn from your Creator how he crafted you and how he wants to use you.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Day 16: Remember Who You Are
Today begins the third section of the book One Month to Live talking about Learning Humbly. Learning humbly begins by understanding who you are. And to do that you have to look to your Creator. He alone knows your purpose because he alone designed you.
We so often forget where we came from. We know intrinsically that God is the Source of all things but we tend to see ourselves as being separate from God. Shook quotes The Lion King to give us some insight. Mufasa speaks to his wayward son from the grave reminding him of who he is. “Remember who you are.” In so many words he reminds him that because he is the son of the king that makes HIM the king and so he needs to start living like that.
Do you remember who you are? So many of us merely “get by” in life, content to leave this world having had no impact because we think of life in terms of survival. But if you grasp who you are – God’s gifted child - you realize that whether you have 30 days to live or 30 years you can make an impact before you leave this world. You can leave a legacy. You can make a mark on this world by pouring yourself out to the benefit of others. For some it will be in big noticeable ways. For others, it will be quietly behind the scenes. But either way you’ll leave your footprint in this life.
Take time to reflect on what it means to be a child of the God of the universe. How should that impact your life today? Over the next 30 days?
We so often forget where we came from. We know intrinsically that God is the Source of all things but we tend to see ourselves as being separate from God. Shook quotes The Lion King to give us some insight. Mufasa speaks to his wayward son from the grave reminding him of who he is. “Remember who you are.” In so many words he reminds him that because he is the son of the king that makes HIM the king and so he needs to start living like that.
Do you remember who you are? So many of us merely “get by” in life, content to leave this world having had no impact because we think of life in terms of survival. But if you grasp who you are – God’s gifted child - you realize that whether you have 30 days to live or 30 years you can make an impact before you leave this world. You can leave a legacy. You can make a mark on this world by pouring yourself out to the benefit of others. For some it will be in big noticeable ways. For others, it will be quietly behind the scenes. But either way you’ll leave your footprint in this life.
Take time to reflect on what it means to be a child of the God of the universe. How should that impact your life today? Over the next 30 days?
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Day 15: Revealing Your Heart
Kerry Shook looks to the book of John to make his point today.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14).
God went out of his way to reveal his heart to us so we would understand him. In the same way, we need to open up our hearts to those we love if we want to experience a communication breakthrough. We have to risk vulnerability – exposing our heart – to the point of possible rejection.
Kerry says that one simple way to open your heart is to share your time with those you love. Love is not efficient. Love “wastes” time on those you love...simply being with them and not necessarily accomplishing any tasks or even having significant conversations.
Opening your heart also involves sharing your trouble and your needs. This kind of vulnerability exposes your humanity - your weakness - and everyone can relate to that. Sharing your need invites people into your world and says, "I'm not an island. I need you. Please share with me your strengths."
And third, opening your heart involves being honest, not holding back but sharing what’s on your mind. Too often we carefully screen and package our thoughts in ways that are safe but will never lead to intimacy in relationship.
Revealing your heart is a risk. But God will help you if you ask him to. Take time to be with those you love this week and open your heart.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14).
God went out of his way to reveal his heart to us so we would understand him. In the same way, we need to open up our hearts to those we love if we want to experience a communication breakthrough. We have to risk vulnerability – exposing our heart – to the point of possible rejection.
Kerry says that one simple way to open your heart is to share your time with those you love. Love is not efficient. Love “wastes” time on those you love...simply being with them and not necessarily accomplishing any tasks or even having significant conversations.
Opening your heart also involves sharing your trouble and your needs. This kind of vulnerability exposes your humanity - your weakness - and everyone can relate to that. Sharing your need invites people into your world and says, "I'm not an island. I need you. Please share with me your strengths."
And third, opening your heart involves being honest, not holding back but sharing what’s on your mind. Too often we carefully screen and package our thoughts in ways that are safe but will never lead to intimacy in relationship.
Revealing your heart is a risk. But God will help you if you ask him to. Take time to be with those you love this week and open your heart.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Cafe Reconcile Update
Our first of two teams just returned from Center City New Orleans where they are helping to build a dormitory for a Drug Addiction facility based in Living Witness Church. Down the street is Cafe Reconcile that our crew had the benefit of sitting in on a staff meeting to learn more of what this business/ministry is all about. Read our New Orleans team blog here.
Here's a recent article about Craig Cuccia and Cafe Reconcile. And another one with even more detail about their various programs.
Why care about a small restaurant in the armpit of New Orleans? Well, I love the vision that Craig Cuccia has for restoring both a neighborhood and lives wholistically. I want Cedarbrook to help in their vision and then bring that vision back to Menomonie to do some similar things.
So, let's keep our eye on what Craig is doing down there and become his students! I'd love to see a Cafe Reconcile North!
Here's a recent article about Craig Cuccia and Cafe Reconcile. And another one with even more detail about their various programs.
Why care about a small restaurant in the armpit of New Orleans? Well, I love the vision that Craig Cuccia has for restoring both a neighborhood and lives wholistically. I want Cedarbrook to help in their vision and then bring that vision back to Menomonie to do some similar things.
So, let's keep our eye on what Craig is doing down there and become his students! I'd love to see a Cafe Reconcile North!
Day 14: Be Thankful
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Now, this quote is worth the chapter alone…
Now, this quote is worth the chapter alone…
Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.
It turns what we have into enough, and more.
It turns denial into acceptance,
Chaos to order, confusion to clarity.
It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home,
a stranger into a friend. Melody Beattie
Kerry says that’ it’s hard to be thankful in a consumer culture that is always telling us that we need more. So we have to actively work against that temptation by developing our sense of gratitude. Gratitude has the power to change us completely. It has the ability to expand our capacity to enjoy life.
Don’t take your gratitude to the grave. It won't encourage anyone there. If you had one month to live make sure that the people who blessed your life receive your thanks and appreciation. Fire off an email or note soon and make their day!
It turns what we have into enough, and more.
It turns denial into acceptance,
Chaos to order, confusion to clarity.
It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home,
a stranger into a friend. Melody Beattie
Kerry says that’ it’s hard to be thankful in a consumer culture that is always telling us that we need more. So we have to actively work against that temptation by developing our sense of gratitude. Gratitude has the power to change us completely. It has the ability to expand our capacity to enjoy life.
Don’t take your gratitude to the grave. It won't encourage anyone there. If you had one month to live make sure that the people who blessed your life receive your thanks and appreciation. Fire off an email or note soon and make their day!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Day 13: Sandpaper People
Kerry brings us into the workshop today and talks about negative people being like sandpaper against our skin. But he carries the analogy further by comparing them to different tools. There’s …
- The Measuring Tape; these are people that are always showing you how you don’t measure up.
- The Hammer; they push their agenda by being loud and demanding, even manipulative.
- The Skill Saw; these are super blunt people whose words cut deep and leave you bleeding emotionally.
- Vise Grips; These are people that lock on to you and suck the life out of you because they are so needy.
- The Grinder; these are the people that have explosive personalities and feel it’s their personal responsibility to cut people down to size.
- The Hatchet; is the person who holds on to past hurts and grudges, using them against you.
- Putty People; are those that have no backbone. They are people pleasers who blow with the wind.
How do you respond to these people? Or, maybe a better question is; are you one or more of these people? It’s easy to criticize others but Jesus told us to not worry about the speck in our friends eye when we’ve got a 2x4 in our own (Matthew 7:1). And besides, finding perfect people shouldn’t be our goal. God wants to use imperfect people to develop character in our lives. Our goal should be to respond well – revealing the character and love of Christ – in every relationship.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Day Twelve: Fighting Well
Today Kerry has us in the boxing ring learning how to fight well because he says that most of us have no idea how to resolve conflict.
His first piece of advice is to stay in the ring and off the ropes. Too many people either run from the ring or choose to not engage in the fight by resting on the ropes. Men are especially good at this slipping into the garage or the basement or the boat, etc. to withdraw from their wife.
Kerry gives us five styles of fights:
His first piece of advice is to stay in the ring and off the ropes. Too many people either run from the ring or choose to not engage in the fight by resting on the ropes. Men are especially good at this slipping into the garage or the basement or the boat, etc. to withdraw from their wife.
Kerry gives us five styles of fights:
- The Rope-a-Dope fighter. They avoid conflict, refuse to engage, and retreat when emotions arise, avoiding conflict whenever it surfaces in a relationship.
- The Knock-Out Artist. The people insist on winning and will do whatever it takes to conquer their opponent.
- The Take-the-Fall fighter. They throw in the towel early looking for a false peace. But they often stuff their anger and develop severe cases of resentment.
- The One-Two Puncher is the fighter who is committed to give and take. This style is a bit more healthy because this fighter is willing to stay in the ring an exchange blows until they establish a clear winner.
- The Sparring Partner. This fight is not "to win" but to make both people better. No one is looking for a knock out. Both fighters see themselves as team mates.
Kerry also suggests a few ground rules for fighting;
- Affirm your commitment to the relationship...that you are not out to hurt the person.
- Wear a "mouthguard" - be careful that you don't use words that inflame or wound.
- Don't attack, causing the other person to go on the defensive and shutting down.
- Own your own feelings. Acknowledge them and seek to express them in contructive ways.
- Don't bring up past history but focus on the present issue at hand.
- Bring the Prince of Peace (Jesus) into the ring to make sure it's a good fight.
As you think about your last 30 days on earth what are some unresolved fights that need resolving? What are some unfair fights that you need to apologize for?
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