Is The Church Maxing The Speedometer? June 30, 2005

Have you seen the new Ford Mustangs? My wife does not really like them…I am sort of indifferent. In fact, I haven’t really gotten a good look at one…until today.

I am cruising down the road and I roll up on this Mustang. Now I have to admit that I am an extremely impatient driver. I have one mission when I get in the car–get to my destination. I do not enjoy just “going for a ride.”

Anyway–I get behind this Mustang and I figure, “No problem–it’s a Mustang–it will hit the gas and be gone any second now…any second now…uh, any second now.”

We totally cruised down the road at 30 miles per hour…I wanted to scream. I was literally saying, “Hey buddy, it’s the oblong pedal on the right–use it, step on it–it’s a MUSTANG–it was built for speed…that car is capable of so much more!!!”

But I guess the dude didn’t hear me–we kept on cruising down the road–I literally felt that one of those dudes on a moped was going to pass us at any second. He finally turned and went another direction and I was left thinking, “What a waste of a good car.”

Please do not misunderstand me…I am not advocating speeding by any means–but if you have a car that will move–then don’t do 10 miles under the speed limit–let the car live up to its potential.

I am almost sure that is the way that God feels about the church. I do not feel when He designed the church that it was for the purpose of us to look good while cruising though the culture. I do not believe He designed us to be just another car on the road–we are the Lexus, we are the Porsche, we are the…well, whatever the fastest car is on the road…that is what we were designed to be.

That is why it bothers me when churches seem to merely cruising through the year. “No one in the community is being reached–but our Sunday school class picked some wonderful apples. No one has joined our church this year–but we are a close family and we love one another. We have had more burials than baptisms–but hey, at least our building is paid for.” It seems the church has done a marvelous job at excusing our cruising…while all the while the communities in which we are planted go unchurched and unreached.

I do not believe God has called us to be comfortable. I do not think God has called us to cruise. When we cruise (go slower than we are designed to go) then I feel we can get caught up in listening to backseat drivers (power hungry people in the church) and also begin to get caught up in meaningless activities (boycotting Disney and getting involved with video poker policing!)

I know that as a leader one of the biggest temptations that we can face is setting the cruise on a safe speed and just enjoying the scenery. Some have asked me, “Hey Perry, when we get into the new building I will bet things will slow down and get a little easier.” My response always shocks them, “Nope–that is when things will just be getting started!”

Why is cruising such a temptation? Answer–because it is easy!!! When you “cruise” and do not do what God intended you to do–you have time for all kinds of things that are meaningless. However, when the church begin to reach people who do not know Christ, well…it’s a little messy. They have questions–hard ones…ones that even cause us to think. They have problems, real ones–ones that you can’t simply say, “Well–let’s pray about that,” and then dismiss them as “just needing more Jesus.” They don’t know the Bible–so you can’t preach on Sunday’s and say, “You know the story of Johan and the fish…”–if you do they will give you this blank look. (PASTORS–you can’t expect them to KNOW things–take 15 seconds and explain what in the world you are talking about!)

As the pastor of New Spring I cannot let us merely cruise down the road and pretend that everything is ok–there are people to reach in this community–there are marriages falling apart–there are teens having sex–there are people in a heap of financial trouble–and our church will not turn our backs on these things and pretend that everything is OK just because we have built a building and have a place to call our own.

God has filled us up with high octane gas–His Spirit. He has given us an incredibly powerful engine–His Word. As a pastor, I refuse to be a part of a church whose biggest wish for the upcoming year it to repaint the restrooms! God has called us to maximize the RPM’s and go as fast as we can.

I am so thankful that our church both believes in a HUGE God and has grasped the vision of us being a change agent in this community. It is an honor and a privilege to pastor here. I sincerely believe we have the best people in the world coming to New Spring. (If you are a pastor and you do not believe your people are the best–then leave!!!) There are so many people who have committed to going fast in our church, to making a difference…and they eagerly support the vision with their time and money. To those of you who read this BLOG, thank you–and as I always say–THIS is just the beginning–let’s continue to put our foot on the gas pedal–God designed the church–let’s maximize the potential that we have been given.

This Might Be A Little Personal June 30, 2005

I have had a weight problem all of my life. I remember in the 6th grade having to buy pants that were a size 36 in the waist. (I have had some people say, “But you were tall, weren’t you?” Yes–but keep in mind I was 11!!! That is HUGE for a 6th grader!!!)

This problem persisted until I was well into my Sophomore year in high school…I weighed close to 300 pounds and had to buy a pair of pants that were a size 50! Yes, again, I was tall–but I was HUGE–my underwear could have been used to show a movie on! (Sorry about that image!)

So I lost weight–really, I went from a size 50 to a size 36, from 300 to 215. I was serious, I ran, lifted weights–the whole nine yards…and I was in great shape and kept it…until I went to college.

College was great for me–well, all except for my health. I made several late night trips to Applebee’s for cheese sticks and onion rings, called Domino’s a lot–and also frequented a local restaurant called Stewarts that is NOT known for its healthy menu. (It’s the kind of restaurant where you are going to smoke two packs–regardless if you smoke or not!) You have heard of the freshmen 15–I think I put on the freshmen 50.

So I graduated college–I was pushing 265, I was in a size 40 pants and desperately needed to go to a 42…but I am a man…and men have a problem with this–so we push our pants lower and wear them until they just about dissolve!

But I thought, “No problem–I am going into the ministry.” Why did I think that–well, to be bluntly honest…I had seen a lot of preachers and it seemed that being overweight and out of shape was pretty much par for the course.

Then my world got ROCKED! I was sitting in a room one night that was full of preachers…and they were all ranting and raving about the social evils of the world and talking badly about the people in their church who abused alcohol, smoked, gossiped, cussed–you know, the really “bad” sins that get called out from the pulpit.

All of a sudden this dude named Derek stood up in the back of the room and said, “Guys, I know I am not going to be well liked because of this comment–but I feel as if that many here tonight are being hypocritical. You are talking about the people in your church as if you are so much better than them because they sin and you do not…but the reality is that most of you in this room have a belly that is hanging over your pants…and the Bible says that is wrong–it is abusing food–it is gluttony…and I think this bashing needs to stop right now.”

You could have heard a cricket in that room. Many of the men I knew got angry–but I was convicted. Derek was right…I was NOT worshipping God with my body. I made a decision that night to commit to honoring God with the body He has given me.

Since that time I have gone from a 40 to a 36 in the waist…and I have dropped 40 pounds. Please do not e-mail me asking my secret–there is no secret–the only thing I have found that works (and I have tried everything) is diet AND exercise.

American’s always want the easy way out…and some of you out there will swallow anything that people will say will remove fat from your system. (Keep in mind that most of that junk is just a laxative–so unless you want to poo-poo a lot you had better come up with another plan!)

And I didn’t lose the weight overnight…it was a process…it took me making myself go to the gym…and on a number of occasions I had to say no to second helpings and desert.

To those who say, “But I just can’t diet.” Please think about your future. I believe that unhealthy eating is a stronghold of the enemy and that many people are going to die early deaths because of abusing food.

There are those who say, “But I just can’t exercise.” I say bull–your problem is NOT an inability to exercise–it is laziness. I know, I know, you are busy right–or you just can’t find the time. The fact is this–we find time for what we want to do…and this happens to be important.

You know, I haven’t heard anyone have the guts, except for Ed Young at Fellowship Church, to speak on this subject. Pastors–if we are going to speak on the social evils of our day–then why not hit on the abuse of food, gluttony if you will. After all, it is mentioned in Scripture AND I do believe a stronger case can be made against gluttony than some of the other things we harp on.

(For those wondering–yes, I have done a message on the subject…yes, it was tense, I honestly believe people would have rather had me preach on hell or giving that particular Sunday!)

Here’s the bottom line…if you are overweight and/or out of shape–you CAN do something about it. Trust me, if I can do it then you can as well. Join a gym, find a workout partner–anything–but keep in mind that as followers of Christ that we are keepers of the temple (our bodies) and that He takes it seriously when His temple gets trashed.

Stop making excuses and go for it–you will feel better for it–I promise. And please do not go overboard…I am not saying that we all need to work out twice a day and commit to a steady diet of tree bark and granola. But some of the changes you need to make may need to be sort of extreme at the beginning–mine were–until you can get your eating and laziness under control.

People At The Gym Amaze Me June 29, 2005

I know I refer to the gym a lot–but you must excuse me…it is my hobby…and I noticed something the other day that was a little funny and disturbing at the same time.

Why do people go to the gym? To exercise, right? (Well–there ARE some who go to socialize and then brag about the hour they spent in the gym–none of time was spent working out though–but that is another post for another time.) Sorry I digressed–back to my point.

So I am cruising around the parking lot the other morning and I noticed something I have never seen before in my life…a car waiting on a parking place that is about three or four spaces closer to the door than the one they could have had. This amazes me–people go to the gym to run, to sweat, to work out–and yet we want to park as close to the entrance as possible. WHY? So we won’t have to walk as far?

I will admit that I have done this in the past…I want to get in the gym…but I want to be close to the door…I want for it to be as easy as possible for me to get in there and then get out. God forbid I have to walk a lot–that would be a challenge. I am laughing right now–seriously, think about it this way…people will go into the gym, get on a treadmill, run at 7 mph for 45 minutes; however, they don’t want to walk an extra 20 feet when it comes to actually getting into and out of the gym.

This happens every day at gyms all across the nation…AND it happens in the lives of people who claim to follow Jesus everyday as well.

Ask any Christ Follower and you will probably get the same answer from most of them, “Yes I DO want to follow Christ. Yes, I do want God’s will for my life. Yes, I do want to serve Jesus.” As a pastor I have NEVER received any pushback when I speak on people getting involved in church or asking God to show them His plan for their lives. Seriously, I spoke on that this past Sunday and people were pumped UP!

The problem is this–many of us DO want God’s will–but we want an easy and convenient way in…and just in case we don’t like it…an easy and convenient way out. Somewhere along the way someone told the church a lie…and the church bought it. The lie is this, “Following Christ is ALWAYS easy…it will always feel good…it will always be anything and everything YOU want it to be. And if you are not completely happy then you are probably not following Christ.”

This, in my opinion, is one of the most destructive thoughts within the church today.

I have stated before on this BLOG that I am happy, that I feel as if I am in God’s will, that I would not trade places with anyone, anywhere, for any reason. But I do not want to mis-lead anyone by conveying that what I do is always easy and always makes me feel good. And I definitely do not always get my way when it comes to following Christ–I had to learn early on that HE does not exist to serve my needs…I exist to serve His. If you really do think it is God’s job to make you happy–friend, you have problems.

Following Christ is awesome…but it does mean at times we have to do things we might not enjoy doing. (That is another destructive thought…if you don’t completely enjoy it then it must not be God’s will.) I have had to release staff members before–I did not enjoy that. I have had to tell staff members “no” when they wanted to do certain things or make certain purchases–I did not enjoy that. I have had to speak at funerals of dear friends who have passed away…and that has NEVER been fun! But in no way am I thinking that by not enjoying certain elements of my job OR by having to do things that are difficult that I need to get out of this profession…or give up my pursuit of knowing Christ.

Take Jesus for example–in the Garden He asked God to “take the cup” from Him. He knew the cross would be painful–it was not going to be fun–but it was a part of following His Father & so He did it…AND He did it with the proper attitude. (Philippians 2:5)

Keep in mind that following Christ is the best decision anyone could ever make. However, we must get past this notion that it will always lead to us doing whatever is most convenient and happens to give us butterflies in our tummies. Sometimes it is rough…sometimes it will take extra effort…sometimes we may be inconvenienced…but if we stay the course then the Kingdom advances, we mature, and everyone wins!

What Should The Church’s Focus Be? June 28, 2005

This one is going to be fun!

So yesterday I get home and I am sort of chillin’ in my HUGE recliner (every man should have one!) and a reporter from our local newspaper calls. (The Anderson Independent). She informs me that the Southern Baptist Convention will be partnering with SLED in an effort to crack down on illegal video gambling machines.

How do they recommend that we partner? Simple–they will post pictures of the machines on their website and then ask the pastors to speak to their congregations about this matter, encouraging them to go to the website & get a good glance at the illegal devices…and then become super sleuths in their community so that this oppressive wave of illegal gambling can be stopped.

Then she asked me the question, “Mr. Noble, will you take this issue before your congregation & urge them to get involved in this matter?” I didn’t even have to think about my answer…or even pray about it–the answer was, and always will be, NO!

Let me share with you several reasons I am taking this stand…

#1 – I am under the conviction that everything we do on Sunday matters–everything. I am also under the conviction that people matter to God and that He wants myself and the staff I serve with to make the best use of His and their time by presenting the Gospel in a clear, compelling, creative way. It REALLY bothers me that when it comes to many churches you can definitely tell what they are against…but they rarely declare what they are for.

The people coming in our doors do not need to get involved in political protests. Seriously, where in the world do you EVER see Jesus organizing His apostles together to protest the illegal occupation of the Roman armies? No you do not! And that, my friends, is one of the reasons He was crucified. The people thought He was going to be a political Messiah & that He had come to free them from the oppression of their Gentile rulers–but He had a higher purpose and refused to immerse Himself in arguments that might have won a battle–but would not have resulted in kingdom advancement.

Do you ever see the Apostle Paul encouraging the churches to picket pagan businesses for selling idols? No you do not! Paul had a simple message, Jesus Christ crucified, buried, and raised again on the third day–THAT is what changes lives–not a boycott on Disney or trying to rid society of the perils of evil. For too long the church has tried to change people from the outside in…and Scripture is clear that before there is a change on the outside that there must be a change on the inside.

I love the way our home groups pastor, Trevor Cox, put it once during a conversation with someone. He said, “We choose to bleed over the issues that Jesus bled over.” Well said my friend!

#2 – Where do we draw the line? If we are asked to report these machines then why aren’t we asked to report other things. In my opinion, drinking and driving is a MUCH bigger problem. Why aren’t we being asked to report it when we are at a restaurant and we see someone who has had too much to drink and then attempts to operate a vehicle? Are we going to be asked to report it when people speed? After all, that is illegal and is, once again, more dangerous than a poker machine.

Do you see my point? I do not believe that the Great Commission urges us to be the morality police for our communities…it tells us to go and make disciples. If we focused MORE on Jesus and LESS on social issues I really do believe the issues that we are so concerned about would be taken care of.

#3 – I do not believe that the illegal poker machines in stores are the problem…I think gambling is the problem. I think that by removing the machines from the stores several years ago that the state DID NOT solve the problem. Why? Because gambling is an addiction–just like smoking and alcoholism. If you take away one method of gambling–a person with an addiction will just find another way to remedy it.

For instance…look at our lottery. Whether you are for or against our state lottery you have to agree on one thing with me–it is a gamble. I would love to see a research project done on the people who used to dump their paychecks into poker machines & now simply take their paychecks and dump it into the lottery. I guess that isn’t such a huge issue since the state is making money though–it’s just when it is “illegal” that is seems to ruffle feathers.

Please do not misunderstand me in this post. I am in no way encouraging civil disobedience. I am in no way encouraging people NOT to report illegal activities. In fact I told the reporter that if I personally saw an illegal machine that I would probably report it because I do think it is wrong AND I have several friends in law enforcement.

But what I will not do is take time on a Sunday when I can be presenting the life changing message of Jesus Christ to people who desperately need Him to present yet another social issue that the Southern Baptist Convention has decided to immerse itself in.

Jesus Christ, crucified, buried, risen, and alive today–that is what will make a difference–and that is where I think our focus should be!

I Don’t Want Your Stupid Card!!! June 27, 2005

That’s it–I have had it…I have to vent yet again. Lucretia and I went shopping this past weekend. Lee McDee hooked me up with a gift card from a bookstore here in town…which shall remain nameless. Anyway, I found the book I wanted…and ‘Cretia found a book as well–then IT happened.

The lady behind the counter rang me up & then asked the question that sends chills up my spine, “Do you have one of our discount cards sir?” I smiled and politely replied, “No ma’am.” She then began her sales pitch, explaining to me all of the money I could save right then AND in the future if I would become a member of their card carrying club. Once again I declined…but she would not be denied. She kept on until I finally handed her some bills for the purchase…I think she got the hint…I didn’t want the stupid card.

Forgive me for sounding so harsh…but I am a little disgusted with the card fever that is sweeping the nation. Bookstores have cards, grocery stores have cards, drug stores have cards…and if they don’t have cards they have those little things you put on your keychain. Some of you have them on your keychain right now…trust me, it really looks ridiculous when you take your keys out and then search among the discount thingys for your keys!!!

Some may wonder, “Hey P, why are you so against the cards?” One main reason, if the store can offer a discount–then give it to everyone. Don’t make me sign on a dotted line so you can get my personal information and then sell it to mail companies and telemarketers. Truth be known…I try my best to shop at places that you don’t have to have a card for the discount.

Some of you are wondering, “What in the world does this have to do with the church, God, leadership, etc.?” Glad you asked…here we go.

The reason I think this is so frustrating for me is because I see signs of this in Christian marketing. Please do not misunderstand me…I am not against Christians marketing their products. I frequently purchase books, CD’s, DVD’s, and a host of other things as well.

The thing that always seems to bother me is when a person takes an angle like, “Buy this book and it will unlock the secrets of Scripture.” Or, “In this message series are the five secrets to a successful marriage.” (The underlying theme here is, “If you do not purchase this series then your marriage is going to crash.”)

And I see this all the time…and it reminds me of people at these stores saying, “Here is my card–you need my card–it will provide you with tremendous discounts.” And then I see a dude on television selling me the secrets of wisdom…and it’s always funny that the secrets have something to do with me “sowing a seed” into someone’s ministry. Let me make you a promise…if God does decide to reveal “secrets” He has never revealed before–I REALLY do not believe He will reveal them to a televangelist with BAD HAIR! (But that’s just my opinion!)

We’ve all see this take place. Do you remember a few years ago when The Prayer of Jabez came out? OH MY GOSH!!! All of a sudden it was like the Christian mantra. People were amazed that for thousands of years this little prayer had been tucked away in obscurity in the OT just waiting to be discovered. All of a sudden Christians everywhere began to say, “Have you got The Prayer of Jabez card?”

Don’t get me wrong–there was some great wisdom in that book–but I think we all went a bit overboard, you know…Prayer of Jabez journals, pencils, stickers, underwear…you get the picture.

As followers of Jesus I think we would all be much more effective if we would stop searching for the “secrets” that people try to sell us…I think we could do a much better job if we would quit hopping from card to card and all begin to take up the basic command that Jesus has for all of us, “Follow me.” We do not grow because we have purchased all of these secrets from the people on television…but because we daily hang out with Jesus and He shapes us all along the way.

Once again, and let me be very clear here, I am not against purchasing Christian products–but I am very cautious when people begin to say that they have a HUGE secret from God, that it will change your life…that it will increase your finances…and ALL you have to do is write in…and send a HUGE check…and this key to success will be sent so you can unlock your potential.

Just my thoughts…what are yours? E-mail me

Random Things On My Birthday June 24, 2005

Today is my birthday…the one day that I feel people give you presents for managing to stay alive one more year. I kind of view it like, “Hey–great job on not dying this year–here’s $20.”

It’s been a good day so far. I had several errands to run this morning and did manage to make it to the gym for an intense hour of cardio. (Yes, the puddles of sweat were all over the place!)

Then I went to lunch with Dale Sellers, one of my best friends. This is the dude who asked in 1999, “What would you be willing to attempt for God if you knew you could not fail.” I replied, “I would start a church.” And here we are today–thank you Dale for always being willing to ask the tough questions.

The lunch was awesome…we ate at one of my favorite restaurants in Anderson–Sullivan’s. I was REALLY looking forward to this desert that Nat made the other day called “Twinkie Tiramisu.” I promise you it was awesome…and she told me that if I would come in today that she would have me some.

Well–it seems that twinkies could not be located. (I am not sure if there is a twinkie shortage in Anderson or not.) BUT let me say this–NAT more than made up for not having twinkie tiramisu…she made me a pound cake…her grandmother’s recipe…a whole one…and she gave it to me. WOW! Dale and I began to chow down on this thing…and then we began distributing the cake to a table of people whom I knew from my previous church. It was awesome…and I still have some at my house. Yes, I will be eating cake this evening.

Then something happened to me that bothered me…please allow me to rant. I had a friend offer to pay for me and Lucretia to go to an event here in town this coming Saturday night. I replied that I wanted to spend some time with Lucretia…and just Lucretia…on that particular night, no crowds–just she and I on a date. Then another dude at the table commented, “They must be newlyweds.”

That ticked me off–I am still ticked…and if I think about that comment five years from now I will be ticked.

I want to tell people that just because you might have a miserable marriage then please do not think that everyone else is just like you. This dude obviously wanted to do things to get away from his wife. I say if he would probably love her like Christ loves the church and serve her then she would treat him in a way that actually caused him to want to be around more.

Men…if you do not want to be around your wife for an extended period of time…reality is it is probably not her fault…it’s yours. Love her like Scripture tells you to love her. Men are the initiator and women are the responder. And if we meet in public…don’t you EVER tell me that one day my marriage will be bad!

One more thing men…it is NOT funny when you crack on your wife in public–not funny at all. You may think it makes you look good–but in actuality it makes you look like a loser. She is your bride…you are one…and to crack on her is to crack on yourself. Maybe you should learn how to lift her up in public–wow, there’s a thought that could improve marriages!!!

Well, that’s about it…that was random wasn’t it–but the way I see it–it’s my party and I will be random if I want to.

Have a great weekend.

Confession Time… June 23, 2005

They say that confession is good for the soul. (Have you ever really discovered who “they” are…if so then please inform me.) So here I am…I have something to confess. I admit that by doing this that it may cause a great deal of confusion in some people and may even cause some of you to lose respect for me…but I can’t hold it in…I’ve got to let it go–here’s my confession…

I’m happy! I am living an abundant life! I can’t get over how good God has been to me. I can’t get over how He has changed my life. I can’t get over how He has given me direction. I can’t get over the fact that He allowed me to marry WAY over my head. I can’t get over the fact that I get to pastor New Spring Community Church. I can’t get over the fact that He has surrounded me with so many awesome people to partner with. I can’t get over the fact that I am blessed…seriously folks, I am happy!

I know to some that may not sound like a spiritual thing. It really bothers me that there is a group of people out there who think that unless you are miserable, poor, hungry, and getting beaten up every day then there is no way you can be in God’s will.

But I happen to think a little differently here.

I think a life dedicated to following Christ is exciting. I also think following Christ is dangerous. But I think that if someone is truly following Christ then joy will be evident…it has to be, there is no way around it.

I have been hearing lately people say things like, “I really love what I do, I can’t believe how blessed I am…BUT that makes me wonder…because I love what I do and because I am so blessed–that probably means that I am not in the will of God. I mean, if you are in the will of God you have to suffer a lot, right?”

I don’t buy that!

I know, I know–those that hold to this line of thinking are going to immediately get your Bible’s and begin to e-mail me Bible verses where God told the apostle Paul that he was going to have to suffer. But hold that thought…I want you to remember something–this is what God told Paul! He wasn’t saying, “Every Christian is going to have to go through what you go through.” He was saying, “Hey Paul, I have determined that YOU will suffer for MY name.” He didn’t say everyone–but with Paul he got specific.

But please don’t miss the point…I have read the writings of Paul on numerous occasions and I have came away thinking the same thing every time, “This dude was radically in love with Jesus and was full of JOY!!!” (For those who think this might be false thinking please do an experiment, read the book of Philippians, count the number of times the word “joy” appears in there…and then keep in mind that he wrote that book while in prison!!!) He DID suffer–but he was joyful through the whole process!

There are some that would still want to argue, “But Perry–what you do is easy…you enjoy it too much…in order to be following God you really need to do the things you do not like to do.” If this is your thought pattern I would encourage you to put your crack pipe down! God has wired each of us to de certain things…and I honestly think when we arrive in our sweet spot that we will enjoy what we do.

For example, I have two friends, Todd & Lisa, that live in Romania. The first time I met Todd all he could talk about was Romania. (I had to look it up on a map–I didn’t know where it was.) He and Lisa and their two beautiful girls moved there over a year ago. They left a comfortable life in the United States and embraced a call of God and a culture of people that God had given them a heart for. I receive e-mails from them often…and you know what–they always seem to be FULL OF JOY!!! They are not, “Hey Perry, life here is miserable, we hate the weather, we can’t understand what these people are saying, we have yet to find a restaurant that serves sweet tea…” NO!!! They are full of excitement because they know they are exactly where God wants them to be!

But in the same respect I am not thinking, “Todd & Lisa are in Romania…and I am happy here and that can’t be godly–maybe I should go over there with them.” No–what God has for them and for me is totally different–but it brings joy to all of us.

Keep in mind that God’s plan will ultimately bring joy to your life. Following Christ is not, “Welcome to the Kingdom–you will be miserable until one day you die…then it will all get better.” No way–following Jesus means we can get the most out of life NOW AND IN ETERNITY!

So if you are in a place where you are fulfilling your God given potential, God is using you to change lives…and you are excited about what you do…AND you know that God has put you where you are…here’s my advice–drop the martyr complex and thank God that you get to do what you do. Stop saying, “What I do is too easy–this can’t be of God.” Then if He does decide to move you one day…go for it…because following Jesus always results in incredible joy!