In Search of...a God-focused Mission

I've been thinking a lot about Cedarbrook's mission lately...

• to first experience and then share the life-changing love of God.

That has been our mission from the beginning. The idea behind it is that we don't want to share anything that we haven't first experienced ourselves. We don't want to be religious, just sharing words and doctrine. We want to share something that not only changes lives but has changed OUR lives.

So, I heartily agree with our mission statement. But I think we might be able to improve on it. What I don't like about our mission statement has nothing to do what it says but what it does not say. There are two components that I'd like to somehow incorporate;

1. God's mission. As I reflect on what is often taught in churches I hear us talking a lot about inviting God into OUR lives. I hear how bringing God into OUR lives will improve us and make us more successful. But I think we have it backwards. God wants us to join HIS life. He wants us to join what HE is doing and not vice versa. Any casual reader of the Bible can see that God has a mission. God has a purpose and a plan. So we need to be calling people to align ourselves with God's life and not simply encouraging them to invite Jesus to come into their life. It's too self-serving and ultimately robs God of his glory - like he is some cosmic servant who runs around trying to make people happy and feel loved.
   
2. Community. Another thing missing in our mission statement is the sense of community. If you think about it you could fulfill our mission as it is stated all by yourself. You don't need others to first experience and then share the life changing love of God. I was shocked when I realized that because it is such a glaring oversight to something that I see as central to God and our humanity. And the thought of serving God in isolation is so far from the heart of God. God is relational. He's made us relational. And we will only walk in oneness with God when we are walking in oneness with his people.
   

So, in light of these things, I'm pondering an upgrade to our mission statement. How can we incorporate these concepts in one concise statement that will fit on a t-shirt? I'm open to suggestions and would love to hear your thoughts. There's no rush or timeline. But it warrants some thought.

Your Summer Pictures

I've already heard back from two folks with their summer vacation pictures. Plus I'll throw in one of my own. The first one is from Paul Warren. He says...

• This photo was taken last summer on our trip to Banff . We were there for our ten year anniversary. It is a photo of Lake Morraine which is surrounded by 10 mountain peaks. (Remy says...WOW!)

The next picture is from Kate Nolin. Kate was a part of Cedarbrook for some time and is now a distant "member" since she lives in Rice Lake. (Although surprisingly she still comes down quite often to join us on Sunday.) Kate says...

• These are the most meaningful summer vacation pictures we have. On May 27, (2008) my ex-husband Mark, and I re-married. The ceramony took place on the beach in Florida . It was a private ceramony with just Mark, our daughter Madisen, and me. Thanks to Cedarbrook, Divorce Care, and most of all God, this was the best summer ever! (Remy says, "Yeah God!")

The next picture is of Superior National Golf Course across from the Lutsen Resort on the North Shore of Superior. Towards the bottom of the picture is the tee and you shoot over the river to the green. I took my family here in mid-June for our annual family reunion (my mom, three siblings and spouses). I cheated with this picture. No, I didn't rent a helicopter to take it. My pictures were too small to post so I took it from SNGC's website. It's a very dramatic course, almost mountain like with a deep gorge and rushing river running through it.

Keep sending in your pictures. I think it's fun to see the ground we travel and learn a little more about each other.

Fishing pictures

Dave Johnson built a house on a small lake north of Eagle River, WI that his parents now live in. About 8 of us from Cedarbrook plus a few other friends (including a fishing guide friend of Dave's) spent Friday- Sunday traveling, fishing, eating and sometimes sleeping. Here are some of the pics from the weekend. Send me your vacation pics with a brief description and I'll post them too.

We've got the whole crew here. Tony Pember has the nice catch on the left. Tony and Barry Maxwell show off our boat's catch for the day. And Mark (fishing guide) brought home the trophy fish for the day. And then there's me...I'm holding the large minnow!

Why Living Together Doesn't Add Up

I might be just a voice in the wilderness on this point but I'd like to share some thoughts about the idea of couples living together outside of marriage. There is a lot I could say but a few thoughts are enough for today.

People often point to the Bible or the church as being restrictive when it comes to sex out of marriage. Absolutely. And for good reason. It doesn't take long in counseling people to see the variety of destruction and fallout that comes from getting things out of order relationally.

For example, when two people live together the idea behind it is that they want to try things out to see if marriage will work. But the very nature of living together defies the ability to see what marriage is truly like. Why? Because people live together as independent agents under the same roof - more like roomates than husband and wife. They live with the knowledge that any time the other person can walk. Money isn't pooled. They often keep their own schedules, jobs and friends and children are off limits (though they manage to sneak in there at times - complicating things). This is not marriage folks. This is not becoming "one flesh" unto death. There's no way to simulate that.

The sad thing is that the longer people live together the more they ingrain an independent lifestyle into their relationship and so, if they do proceed to marriage, they undermine the marriage with independence. No wonder more marriages fail after people live together than without living together.

My point here is that a stance against living together is not prudish but practical. It forces people to seriously reflect on the viability of a relationship and actually work on it to prepare themselves for such a huge commitment rather than moving in together to "see if it works". I understand the fear that our younger generation has in light of divorce...but this is not the solution. In many cases it's just a matter of convenience and economics. But that's not the way to approach relationships that last. I've never seen high quality evolve from taking the cheap and convenient way. The best things in life take a high level of sacrifice and investment. There are no shortcuts.

It's not always true but too often men like living together for its low commitment and easy escape plan and women look to it hoping that men will "see the light" and ease the man into marriage. But why would a woman want to enable a man like this? That's a dangerous pattern to lead to marriage. I can tell you where that train is headed. She should be calling for greater commitment, not less, even if that scares him away.

I'm sure there are exceptions out there...stories where disaster was averted, fears were overcome, etc. I realize that. There are always exceptions that don't fit a generalization. But just because disaster was averted doesn't mean it's the best way and the marriage that exists today is as strong as it could be had a couple not lived together.

I don't say these things to cast judgment. I don't think less of people who make this choice. I just think our culture has duped people into thinking this is wise and harmless. It is neither. And so I say these things simply as a caution to young couples that trip into living together thinking that it's no big deal because everyone does it. But there are consequences, many that are irreversible. So, please, count the cost if you are considering this move.

Prince Caspian Review

Lisa and I took in "Prince Caspian" last night with some of our kids (as in married kids). I have to confess that I have never read beyond "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" (TLWW)in the Narnia series so that affects my movie experience. I'd imagine that most people go to a movie version of a book to see how it compares to the written text. I didn't have that comparison to make like my three fellow movie goers did so factor that in my comments. You should also know that I'm not big on fantasy or science fiction, so that also affects my perspective.

I thought this movie was much more interesting than the first movie. The first movie seemed too fairy talish for me...like it was for small children. This movie had more depth.

Before you go, I'd defininely read TLWW (or see the movie) just to be up to speed with the movie's background. They don't do anything to help the uninitiated understand Aslan, Narnia, etc.

I was surprised at how little Aslan was in the movie. He doesn't show up until the last twenty minutes or so. The movie is primarily a variety of medieval battle scenes ala Braveheart but without the blood and dismemberment. It's almost comical to see people dying all over the field but every sword is spotlessly clean and shiny. I guess that's required to get a PG rating.

The spiritual analogy doesn't come into play much until the very end when Aslan shows up (although there is some mild reference to faith as Lucy sees Aslan while others doubt and appear to be willing to operate on their own power rather than wait for Aslan. Plus there is a general sense of the Narnians having given up on Aslan because they hadn't heard from him for so long). When Aslan arrives the message is one of salvation for believers and wrath for those who war against God's people. Plus there is a confusing offer of mercy in the closing moments.

The acting was better than TLWW. More believable. Maybe it helped the main characters to have two more years of experience under their belt. The special effects (talking animals, battle scenes, etc.) were also believable and not cheesy.

Would I recommend it? If you read the book I'm sure you'll want to see it. As is often the case, the movie wasn't as good as the book (according to Lisa). It put almost all of the emphasis on battle while in the book the emphasis was on finding Prince Caspian and the relational interplay. If you didn't read the book I'd only go if you have friends or family members who want you along! It's just too one dimensional. And if you don't want your kids to see lots and lots of people killed (albeit bloodlessly) then it's not a good pick either.

So, it's a ** movie for me out of ****. I hope this helps you decide!

What is the Baptism in the Spirit?

As I move into teaching the book of Acts we are going to get an up close and personal look at the baptism in the Spirit. It's a fascinating topic AND confusing! There is so much bad teaching in the church about it. My guess is that many of us have been hurt by people insisting that we do this or that in order to be baptized in the Spirit. I think the baptism is much bigger and much more diverse than people make it out to be.

Baptism in the Spirit is not a new concept. John the Baptist talked about it.

• I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire. Matthew 3:11,12

In the book of Luke Jesus talked about how he longed for the day he could send his Spirit.

• I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! Luke 12:49

It's interesting that the metaphor both John and Jesus used for the baptism of his Spirit is fire. Fire cleanses. It burns up and eliminates what was - making way for what is to come. Think in terms of a forest fire that scorches the earth but is followed by new growth.

So the baptism isn't just power to do something for God. It's also closing the book on the past and opening a window into an entirely new era. Sounds like something we could use.

If you would like an email from me 2-3 times a week with thoughts on Acts, please email me and let me know.

Last Words to Cedarbrook

On Sunday I gave my "last" sermon - that is, the sermon I would preach if I knew I was going to die. When I closed I asked people to share THEIR last words for Cedarbrook. Forty five people responded (so far...I keep adding new ones). If you'd like to add your thoughts you can add a post at the very bottom or email me directly and I'll add it myself...

Thank you for the atmosphere of love and acceptance; growth and challenge; and worship and healing that we have experienced in your midst. It has been a breath of fresh air that was much needed in our lives. We have been blessed by the honesty, authenticity and humbleness of the people we have come to know at Cedarbrook. We look forward to seeing God work and move even more!

This church came into my life when I needed it most. God knew what trials I would encounter over the last few years. I thank him & Cedarbrook for helping lift me back up when I couldn’t do it alone. I can now be there to “lift” others and I praise God every day.

I really have enjoyed the past 2 months coming here. I got a divorce 23 April and have been blessed with a closer relationship with God/Jesus. God has worked through many people… Jesus has been carrying me through the deep water.

Healing upon healing, upon healing, upon healing. After 2 years at Cedarbrook, I ham barely recognizable. I can barely comprehend it. Very strong, very powerful, very real.

I look forward to coming here. I am facing my sexuality confusion by meeting with your prayer ministries. For the first time, I want to give my life to God. It’s scary, but I don’t have a choice. It’s the only way.

Thank you for inspiring me to live the life I have always wanted. I am connected with God. I am much happier since I have been coming to Cedarbrook. I enjoy Sundays. Thank you for being a loving and accepting church.

Yes – I pray Cedarbrook is ready for the next level! Thank you for amazing sermons and practical applications! Great things are happening and will continue to happen in Menomonie!

I never felt God’s love ‘til I got to Cedarbrook and now I realize I am a display of His splendor. You (Cedarbrook) have taught me to live intentionally, to make life changes, to live for Him, to love from the overflow of His love in my heart. Words can’t express my gratitude to Cedarbrook! Thank you, Remy, Christine, Jayne & Jane…to all of you sitting next to me!!

I am more on God’s track – deeper in His stream!

Please don’t build a building and become “another church”. As I leave, I ask this last thing. The mold that this group of believers broke will tend to reform if conformed to that shell. Focus on the eternal, not the building. I’ll see you on the other side.

The meaning of life has become deeper – the Spirit has been life-giving – time with people has been more meaningful.

This is the first series I’ve experienced at Cedarbrook. It has allowed me to reprioritize my life and change parts of my life that God has been trying to change for some time and I’ve been delaying hoping He’d change His mind. Thank you for helping me trust God in EVERY aspect.

I would thank Cedarbrook for giving me a joyous place to go on Sundays. Everything else and all the stress and difficulties of the week are put aside, yet faced and realized as I hand them over to God, if only for a while. Thank you for that gift of peace and acceptance.

Before I go, I need to tell you all how grateful I am for all the ways Cedarbrook was a blessing to me. Words just can’t express how much every song, every message, every smile, every kind word and every hug meant to me. You all accepted me at a tough time in my life, when you could have judged me. Many of you showed caring for me when you could have been indifferent. You prayed for me and held me when I cried. You helped me discover and get intimate with Jesus in a new amazing way. I had never experienced before. You helped to lift me to my feet again when I had gone down for the count, grow strong in Christ, find out who I am in Him, and believe in myself again. Always remember how precious you are to Jesus – each on of you. He can carry you through any tribulations in the world, and He will carry you into eternity and hold you in His arms forever. Love only Him and give His love to all.

I have felt completely accepted for who I am and have been embraced and helped along in all seasons of my walk here. Thanks!

Thank you for the joy – fun you’ve brought to my family’s life. We have loved the teaching, worship, opportunities to serve and incredible opportunities to grow through TPM prayer. Our lives have been enriched & strengthened in God here. We are so grateful!

You have changed my life in ways I never imagined. Thank you for your acceptance of diversity. Thank you for not judging people. My family values have always been strong but they are even stronger now. This church is awesome, and very community oriented. God bless you and the Cedarbrook family. I had a horrible experience at my church of almost 40 years. This church has made it FUN to come every week. My dad never went to church when I was growing up. It is so heartwarming to sit next to him and my mom every Sunday and see him want to go to church every week.

I have struggled with an addiction for the past 3 years after college. Although this road has been a tough one, I have truly learned how to love and appreciate all the people in my life. Most important, I have allowed God into my heart. Life is full of struggles, it’s how you handle what is handed to you that makes you the individual you are. I pray that everyone at Cedarbrook lives their life loving unconditionally, helping your neighbor, and living as though you only have 30 days to live.

I have been blessed by those who have selfless giving back to me much more than I deserve. Moreover, I have been blessed by the opportunity to serve others alongside loved ones.

Thank you for providing me the opportunity to reconnect with my faith and further explore the idea of always going deeper with God. Before I started coming to Cedarbrook I was just “going through the motions” of church and only calling on my faith when I thought I needed it. Now I am learning how to live in Christ in all that I do – and that has been a precious gift for me. Thank you!!

Inspirational books and topics stir peoples hearts; tickle people’s ears. The BIBLE deepens ones soul. The Bible is the foundation that can’t be rocked.

I want to say thank you to Cedarbrook for the good teaching and wonderful worship services. I’ve gotten my feet wet and am ready to jump in! Thanks!

Thanks for Cedarbrook Church. I feel like they are my extended family. Also thanks for our North Menomonie small group. What a life saved.

Just want to say thanks for offering this study and opening it up to the community. It has been a good study & good to look at how we are living our lives. Your talk today was very encouraging. It helped to see how we can bring heaven to earth in simple concrete ways. I loved the river picture.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Proverbs 1:7

Thank you for allowing me to open my mind, heart & soul to the Lord and creating an environment that is safe to let my guard down and completely turn myself over to Christ. Cedarbrook truly makes me so “thirsty” for more…. I feel so connected to God and constantly seek more knowledge about myself as well as Christ and how I can continue to walk on his chosen path. THANK YOU. .

Enjoy the details! If there’s one thing I’ve soaked up from God, it’s that life & joy & beauty & peace & all the riches of God are in the tiny, tiny places: a baby’s smile, chocolate cake with thick frosting, holding hands, sunshine on your back, the still sleep of your children. God made every bit of it for us! Enjoy it & enjoy a deeper place with God.

I know that if Pastor Remy died today, regardless of what he thinks, he has touched many lives, including mine and our family’s. A lot of food for thought has happened to us at Cedarbrook.

Be real, rejoice. Although people pass on, life goes on and so does the body of Christ. So grow, build, carry on. Thank you! Lord bless you. God is awesome. Cedarbrook is great. Give. Keep following Jesus and reaching out to his people. See you in heaven, I’ve been returned to sender.

Thanks for saving my life! For the first time ever, I crave church & having God in my life ever minute of every day. Thank you!

Remy’s last words were very heart touching. Great job, Remy. You will be missed. P.S. Did Remy say who will now be our preacher?

Death? What death? It’s a transition. Sadly I can no longer attend Cedarbrook, but I wonder, maybe I can come down in spirit form and visit, and watch out when that great resurrection hits, what a reunion! Thank you for the aim and focus you have given me….

I want to be a part of this community of God that goes deeper. Thank you.

I have truly been blessed by this whole set of lessons plus small group. I keep thinking it can’t get better but it does. I do have at list I want to change and have done some – the rest will happen. Cedarbrook – keep being obedient to Christ. You’re great.

I thought the concept of 40 years on earth equals approximately one hour in heaven was neat. To be able to say, “I’ll see you in an hour or two” on your death bed seems a powerful message to your survivors.

Live for Him. Die for Him. Bring others to Him! Do not mourn my passing. Celebrate it.

The One Month to Live series caused me to take more Christ/religious risks. Also it called me to trust God in every way with everything I do. Also love more completely!!

God means freedom. I’m finding it easier to let go and really put God first and in control of my life. Wow! What true freedom! Praise God!

Thank you for welcoming my family and I. We found the home we needed to worship. You have blessed us more than we can express. I hope you will continue to bless other lives.

Live boldly and courageously!! Love completely: God & others. Leave a legacy.

Please Lord, bring my son & daughter closer. Like they used to be. Watch over my family when I’m gone. Bring them back to your Son, Jesus Christ. I’m going to listen online to your entire series regarding my last words to Cedarbrook. I’m so worried about a young woman that took her own life. I met her a couple times and please, dear Lord, comfort her family – it’s so sad. She never got over the trauma of being mugged or raped. Watch over a friend now who is in rehab – strengthen him, oh Lord. Be with my brother and his family with all they’re going through. Grant your healing power to him. And to the wonderful woman battling ovarian cancer, grant her your healing power. Pastor Remy, you are a great pastor and I’m so glad I’ve gotten a chance to be at Cedarbrook & will watch your sermons online, too. God bless you.

This series has been hard for me and yet very good, too. It’s putting my focus back where it was once – God first! I have been doing some real searching of my heart and pray that God would continue to restore my relation ship with Him and others.

Pursue knowing God’s Word more and more.

I have gotten closer to God and friends. I used to hate going to church; now I love it. This is the best church that I have ever been to. I have never been to a church that is sooo uplifting! Thank you! Don’t stop worshipping life & Jesus. You can bring heaven to us but I hope one day I can bring heaven to other people as well.

The first time I attended – I felt at home here. I had moved back to the area from Colorado and hadn’t found a church yet, when someone introduced me to Cedarbrook. I love the worship music. After that first service I attended, Jane came up to me and told me my worshipping that morning impacted her. It took me by surprise. I am in my own world when I am worshipping. Cedarbrook is doing great things. I’m happy to serve at Cedarbrook. Two years ago I was at a low point in my life, then I went on the first New Orleans trip. God, through Cedarbrook, brought me out of that low point. It amazes me when I look back at where I was and where I am now. I now live in Hudson after getting married in December. I’m sure we could find a church closer and maybe one day we will, but Cedarbrook is home for us. So thank you, Remy and Cedarbrook. This is an awesome church and we are glad to be part of it.

Thank you for showing me the loving God that I always knew existed. Keep showing others the way and never give up on anyone. I love you all for giving HOPE!

I have been attending your church since August 2007. And out of churches I have been to, Cedarbrook is the best. I look at life so differently now. I feel a change in me. Getting to know Christian people. And now I have a friend from high school who is a Christian who is back in my life again. I love the band, and I get the sermons. I went to Sunday school and I got confirmed, but stopped going to church after being confirmed. Then tried other churches over the years – but never paid attention. So therefore, I am learning all over again about God, and I get it now, more than ever! I honestly want a no regret life.

My time at Cedarbrook has been the loneliest church experience that I have ever had. I love to worship God here and like the teaching, but would like to get to know people better.

A poem by Allen Crow

Thank you with all my heart for allowing me to serve you right here.
These are the greatest moments in my life.
These treasured memories I’ll always hold close and near.

Just the opportunities to be who I am.
Thank you for warmly welcoming my family and me.
It has truly been a pleasure and honor to serve in the capacity I do.
Serving God and Jesus are the greatest blessings, would you agree?

From ushering to praying for you and this church,
To greeting and welcoming you coming through the front door,
From helping with chairs, helping where I’m needed and helping at Thursday’s Table,
These golden opportunities allow me to enjoy life to the very core.

These experiences I will always savor from now until my very last day.
Most importantly God and Jesus –
Thank you for creating all of your precious brothers and sisters and me.
Thank you for creating them to serve others in their own unique way.

Thank you also to the men and women of our nation’s military.
These precious people that have bled, sweat and gave their lives
To protect and serve the red, white, and blue-
These people are blessings – they’ve sacrificed all, and have paid the price
So we may praise and worship God and Jesus the way we do.

So if my days on this earth are numbered and my time of serving others here are through,
I just pray that I’ve made an impact here,
Part of a lasting legacy just a simple man offering my word of thanks
And to all of you, I just need to say “God bless” and “I love you.”

Day 30: Game On

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

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?

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.

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

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?

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.

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

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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.

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?