Wilmore, Kentucky

As I sit here at this crossroad in life, I wonder why God has called me off the expressway. I now can see that he has prepared a new path or direction for my life. His path does not have the flashing lights or wide shoulders but is purposely designed for my part of His plan. He has shown me this path many times before but today He has invited me to take my first steps on this path that promises adventure into a life that He has called me to.

Before I take my first steps, I look at the path behind me. I reflect on the times God has touched my life. He has opened so many doors of opportunity for me. For the last nine years, I have had the opportunity to serve others in the banking industry. God has placed new opportunities to allow me to grow and succeed very quickly in a short period of time. After graduating from college and withdrawing from a masters program, I was working as management in retail sales at a local department store chain. God opened a position looking for college graduates to train in the banking industry. This training provided a solid total picture look at the processes of banking. These firm foundations lead to great success as I climbed the corporate ladder.

I feel strongly that God used this time to help me to grow in service to others by training my ability to listen to hear not what is wanted but what is needed in a persons life and build confidence in being able to counsel people especially when what they need to hear is not what they want to hear. God used this time to train me to desire calling on people in their place of work offering my services and listening to their concerns or dreams.

Looking back begs me to ask, “Where is this path leading me?” The path has been wide, mostly smooth. It is familiar, easy. His path appears narrow, as a way of drawing me closer to His side as we walk together. His path shows promise of beauty and wonder, unlike the blur of the old expressway. He is showing me how my training may be used for His glory.

He has shown me this path many times before, yet He had more work to do in my life to prepare me for the acceptance of the life He has chosen for me. He brought my family back to the United Methodist church even when I wanted to find a church outside of the Methodist doctrine. He continually places Asbury alumni in my path.

Shortly after declaring that I would not be interested in joining another Methodist Church, my wife, Amy, was invited by the Bergmans to visit their small Methodist Church. I was not interested, but trying to be considerate accepted the invitation. My first impression was what I had expected and confirmed my decision to avoid the Methodists. However, God, through the Bergmans and Amy, was persistent. The Bergmans were infectious. I found myself becoming drawn to these “strange” people. I found myself looking at his life wondering if it would be something I would want or could do. Could I find satisfaction or pleasure in the role as a pastor?

I was raised in the Methodist tradition. My parents attend another Methodist congregation in town. So my walk with Christ began with my dedication and baptism. Like Terah, Abraham’s father, my father became complacent and missed his calling. So I believe God has called me to fulfill this mission. God has spoken to me in various ways. Often the “voice” of God has the familiar sound of my wife’s voice. Regrettably, I often fail to hear Him through her. In anticipation of the journey ahead, Amy has begun preparations for our family and patiently waiting to be led down His path by her husband.

My earliest memory of God showing me this path was when I was very young and still in grade school. Our family went to visit a great aunt in a nursing facility. She was very sweet and a Godly woman. I remember the shock of only being introduced to this person and having her inform me that I was to become a pastor. Why would she say something like that? I wanted to be an ambulance driver… so I could drive fast!

Christ made himself very real to me this past February. While on a “Wild at Heart Boot Camp” in Buena Vista, Colorado, I had it placed on my heart to prepare my household for He was calling me to ministry. Amy and I have been obedient in our preparations and have many more to attend to and I have just now come to this crossroad in acceptance, in peace of the path we should take. However, He has warned me that I have some rough edges that need polishing. He also promised healing from my brokenness.

When it came to deciding where to apply to seminary, I felt the choice had already been made on my behalf. Oh sure, I looked at schools in the Colorado Springs area because that is where I would like to live or someday work. However, God being who He is, has prompted me to apply to Asbury and in doing so was required to complete this narrative. The first topic asks to address my compatibility with the Seminary’s Statements of Faith, Ethos and Educational Mission. Not that I doubted, but God has chosen wisely. He has chosen a platform from which I can build a solid foundation on principles and beliefs that I hold as truth.

I was not familiar with the term “Ethos.” I realize that I may not know the term, but I can see that it is all too often missing among Christ’s disciples. As one who is pursuing God’s heart, not as a prospective pastor or professional minister, I must choose to follow His instructions provided to us in the scriptures. My name, Mark, I have been told means “warrior.” I am proud of this name and its forgotten meaning. When I think of edifying or lifting up our brothers and sisters in discipleship, I think of the Marines’ motto, “Never leave a man behind.” We must not give up on our fallen comrades. As followers of Christ, we must band together to survive and conquer evil amongst us.

As I read through the Educational Mission of Asbury, the phrase “a Spirit-filled life” jumped off the page. I have functioned in the natural far too long. My personal pursuit of God has led me to exploring what it truly means to live a Spirit-filled life. I feel God has laid it upon my heart to work towards becoming fluent in the spiritual realm. I do not pretend to understand what He is asking of me, but am excited that I will have the opportunity to grow and further explore this prompting under the careful watch of people that God has chosen to support me as I grow in His ministry.

Concerning the Statement of Faith and being raised in the Methodist tradition, I read through the information as reading a checklist. Amen, Yep, That’s right… These are the foundational truths that were fostered into my belief system in my impressionable years as a Disciple of Christ. One would be hard pressed to get me to confess to the contrary of these statements.

Before I reached this crossroad, I could see it lying ahead in the distance. In order to prepare for the decision lying before me, I attempted to prepare myself by “trying on” different aspects of ministry. About a year and a half ago, Pastor Bergman decided to step down from teaching our adult Sunday school class to focus on other areas he felt led to pursue. I had no desire to “teach” this class and my family was still new to the congregation so I had my reservations. After receiving some direction from my pastor and support from my wife, I thought I would try my hand at facilitating this adult class. Since then, I have found it to be tremendously rewarding. On the rare occasion I am not available to facilitate class, I find myself missing it. Also since February, I have been asked to lead worship and provide the message in my pastor’s absence on two separate occasions. Each message provided two very different lessons in developing a comfort with proclaiming God’s message to others. Currently God has been having me focus on my prayer life and asking me to pray confidently over others. I look forward to continuing this quest in seminary.

I am still working towards an understanding of Christian ministry. I believe it takes on many forms. I feel that most opportunities are subtle in nature and sadly missed due to the subtlety. On the other hand, a few are called to more overt expressions of Christ’s ministry. These expressions are more familiar as preacher, missionaries even teachers of God’s Word. Simply put, I believe what is stated in the Asbury’s Ethos statement is a huge part of ministry. We need to commit ourselves to purity and service to others as Disciples of Christ. Ministry is simply a leadership position in following Christ’s example. Jesus was a “Servant Leader” and ministry is any opportunity to express his example to others so others may know Him.

I am now taking steps from this crossroad in life towards the path that God has placed before my family. Amy and I look forward with anticipation for what God has in store for us as we take this journey together.

Simon Peter

I ordered a new lesson guide for Sunday School and was reviewing it last night. It explores the follower of Christ, Simon Peter. In reviewing lesson 1 (Luke 5:1-11), a question struck me. What do you think Jesus was teaching from the boat that made him decide to use the catch as a way to get the point across?

Hmm... the author does not tell us what Jesus is teaching from the boat. We just know that he was sitting in the boat a little ways from shore... teaching. What was he teaching? We know he used the "catch" to illustrate. We know that Simon confessed himself as a sinner.

In the movie Kingdom of Heaven, Balian (Orlando Bloom) is taking an oath to become a knight. After the oath, he is slapped (unexpectedly) and told "so he remembers." How often must we be slapped or shocked or wowed before we can hear the message. Do we not remember what Jesus said before he amazed us with his amazing catch?

I pray that I hear what God tells me without having to be "slapped."

You Are the Way You Are Because of the "Why" You Are

For those of you who missed or would like to review my first appearance in the pulpit, here you go...

You Are the Way You Are Because of the “Why” You Are

Scripture Lesson:

Jeremiah 29: 11-14

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity…”

Prayer:

My dear Lord Jesus, I come to you now to be restored in you, to renew my place in you, my allegiance to you and to receive from you all the grace, all of the mercy I so desperately need this day. I honor you as my sovereign and I surrender every aspect of my life, totally, completely, unreservedly to you. I give you my body as a living sacrifice. I give you my heart, soul, mind and strength. I give you my spirit also. I cover myself now with your blood; my spirit, my soul, my body and I ask you holy spirit to restore my union with you, to seal me in you and to guide me now in this time of prayer.

Holy Spirit, I sincerely receive you as my counselor, my comforter, my strength, and my guide. Thank you for sealing me in Christ. I honor you as Lord and I ask you to lead me this day into all truth. To anoint me today for all of my life and my walk, and to my calling and to lead me deeper into Jesus today. I fully open up my life to you, Holy Spirit, every dimension and aspect of my body, my mind, my heart, my will, my spirit, choosing to be filled with you, to walk in step with you in all things. Apply to me, Holy Spirit, all the work, all the triumph of Pentecost. Fill me afresh. I receive you with thanks and I give you total claim to my life.

Amen

The Daily Prayer
Taken from Waking the Dead by John Eldredge



Many of you are aware that my family and I just returned from Colorado and that while we were there I attended a men’s retreat. The prayer I prayed is an excerpt from some of the material I received while at “Boot Camp” based on John Eldredge’s Wild at Heart and much of my material this morning is either draw from or inspired by that particular experience. The Daily Prayer to its entirety can be found in Waking the Dead by John Eldredge.

“You are the Way you are because of the “Why” you are”

“Huh?” “What is he talking about?” “What is he saying?”

In a nutshell, God has placed the desires, passions, skills, personality traits, and curiosity needed to carry out His plan or purpose for your life.

Max Lucado in Cure for the Common Life says it all too well. “You cannot be anything you want to be, but you can be everything God wants you to be.”

Someone who doesn’t get great satisfaction out of balancing a check book “to the penny” most likely should not pursue an accounting position. Are you someone who is good with their hands, loves to tinker, fix, tear down or build? Aha! What excites you? What are you passionate about? What are you good at? These are really good questions to ask yourself. Will this give you answers? No, just perspective.

A GPS unit is able to give you your position on the globe by triangulating your position with at least three known positions in space. To help to discover your position in God’s story, you also need three reference points. STORY/DESIRE/JOURNEY.



STORY
What have you done in your past well? that made you come alive? Your childhood? Young adulthood? What are some of your accomplishments? What have you done?

DESIRE
What are you passionate about? What makes you come alive? What do you enjoy doing? How do you spend your free time?

Radio host Gil Bailey has said, “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do that. What the world needs are men that are alive!”

Psalm 139: 15-16

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

These are built in. They are a part of His plan.
Philippians 2: 13

For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

He uses those desires as a part of His story/plan.

Ephesians 2: 10

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Your part of the story is already built into His strategy. St. Augustine said, “Without God, we cannot. Without us, God will not.” He needs us to do our part. He is counting on us. He trusts us because He put it within us to do so.

JOURNEY (I should’ve titled the message “The Journey”)
Where are you? Where are you in God’s Plan? Where do you want to be? But understand there is a process or journey to get there.

Of the four speakers at my Wild at Heart weekend, one truly spoke to me. His name is Gary Barkalow. He is an average height, small framed man in his early 60’s. He seemed most reserved of the four. He identified himself as a pack mule er I mean horse. Meaning he carried the burdens of many in order to try to prove his worth. He spoke on our three reference points. He feels strongly about our Calling or purpose. While listening, my heart sank. Throughout the weekend I had begun identifying times in my life where I had let Satan sideswipe my life and steal my hopes and desires. I thought to myself, “I could be that guy. I can see myself doing exactly what he is doing.”

I was relaying this story with my buddy Jon who invited me and my family to stay with his family in Colorado. He reminded me. The Journey. Don’t forget the journey. He asked me how old I was. I started to take offense. You see Jon is several years younger and I hate to admit wiser. However he pointed out that Gary has several decades on me and he has only there because of his journey. Your journey could yet take you there. God hasn’t been able to spend the time to prepare me for that position or assignment.

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn a Russian writer and social activist who stood up against the Soviet Union talks about his role and his voice:

“I felt as though I was about to fill a space in this world that was meant for me and had long awaited me, a mold as it were, made for me alone but only realized and found by me at this very moment.”

Wow! Talk about being in tune with God’s plan.

Psalm 25: 12, 14

Who, then is the man that fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him. The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.

Psalm 32: 8

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

Jeremiah 29: 11-14

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity…”

All verses say that He will instruct us or show us the way or be our guide. If that is all we see here we will miss out. Probably most of us are missing out. Notice the action required by us… in order to receive that direction. We must “confide,” “seek His counsel,” and “call upon Him.” This is what we studied in grade school called “two-way communication.” This is not, “God, please tell me what to do.”

As I mentioned earlier Gary Barkalow, really spoke to me through his message.

Gary was working in a ministry prior to the Ransomed Heart team. That ministry had hired a new employee and we will call him “Ted.” Ted had been assigned to work with Gary in his department. Gary wanting Ted to know his mind and heart would have many conversations relating to their goals. Gary would then ask Ted, “How do you think we should pursue these goals? What action should we take?” After several weeks, Ted said, “That is enough! Just tell me what you want me to do, and I’ll do that.” Gary had realized that was how Ted dealt with God and how many of us approach our walk with God.

This is all too often how we seek God’s will. We often seek God to tell us what He wants from us. “What is it that you would have me to do?” We fail to realize that He seeks to engage us into conversation. He knows the desires of our heart. He trusts us. He put those desires into our hearts. God would prefer to hear, “God, I really would like to start this new ministry at our church. How do you feel about the timing or need or whatever detail?” He put that desire into your heart. He desire to give direction such as “think of this before jumping in” or “you’re not ready, you need to work in this area of your life” or “have you thought of so-and-so or so-and-so to help.”

I challenge you to pursue God’s heart. Ask him to reveal areas in your life that need healing or direction. Then repent and ask Jesus to come in and heal those areas. Finally you’ll need to bind the powers of Satan against that area in your life through the work and blood of Christ Jesus. Kick Satan out let God in. This is the Journey. Taking ground for Jesus Christ in your own life.

I don’t mind sharing a little of what God said to me in my journey that wonderful weekend outside of Buena Vista, Colorado. He told me to sell off excess to reduce and payoff all my debts. That was not His yoke. He did not desire me or my family to live under my debts. I responded basically “yeah God that sounds pretty good, but what is your calling on my life?” What is your plan for me?” I felt Him tell me, “you’re not ready for me to tell you just yet. I need you to unload and be ready and we will continue to work on your heart and the pain/wounds you carry. I want to give you healing. I have something wonderful planned for you.” And He treated me with great delight as a father would his son. I felt His loving embrace as He watched me grow.

He is our father and we all know “Father Knows Best.” He is waiting for you. You have been invited. He gave of Himself for you so that you may know Him. Come let us seek Him in prayer.

The Blessing of the Lion

A friend forwarded this daily devotion to me this morning and it spoke to me. I thought I might share it with you...




"And there came a lion"
(1 Sam. 17:34).

It is a source of inspiration and strength to come in touch with the youthful David, trusting God. Through faith in God he conquered a lion and a bear, and afterwards overthrew the mighty Goliath. When that lion came to despoil that flock, it came as a wondrous opportunity to David. If he had failed or faltered he would have missed God's opportunity for him and probably would never have come to be God's chosen king of Israel . "And there came a lion."

One would not think that a lion was a special blessing from God; one would think that only an occasion of alarm. The lion was God's opportunity in disguise. Every difficulty that presents itself to us, if we receive it in the right way, is God's opportunity. Every temptation that comes is God's opportunity.

When the "lion" comes, recognize it as God's opportunity no matter how rough the exterior. The very tabernacle of God was covered with badgers'skins and goats' hair; one would not think there would be any glory there. The Shekinah of God was manifest under that kind of covering. May God open our eyes to see Him, whether in temptations, trials, dangers, or misfortunes.

--C. H. P.

Boot Camp Day 1: February 8, 2007

I have arrived a boot camp here at Frontier Ranch outside Buena Vista, Colorado. We had our first session this evening and I anticipate a powerful weekend. I feel my emotions boiling below the surface. I don't typically feel "weepy" watching Braveheart clips. I so desire to add that warrior passion to my life. I feel God calling me to His service. I have yet to understand His plans for me. I must prepare myself.
I still have visions of me standing at war unarmed. I do not have all the tools I need to fight in His war. Amy D. prayed over Amy(my wife) and I last night after her husband Jon had left for camp. Her word for me was that she saw me as a defeated warrior whose armor had been lost. What an affirmation of how I feel!
Oh Lord, prepare me for your service. Provide me the armor and weapons I need to pick up your fight. I desire to enlist into your service. I pray for a hedge against the enemy and his lies and distractions. I pray to hear your voice.

My First Deer

Well my cousin & I traveled Friday evening to Harper County (Oklahoma) to set up camp. We settled in around 11:00 or 12:00. The next morning we got up before sunup and set up our blind. We saw several deer on the adjoining property early but, they would be the last that morning. We took a break for lunch then, I went out for a few more hours myself. Later, I headed back to camp for a little nap. When we got up from our little siesta, we had about two hours left of legal light. So, we headed back to our blind. We had just got settled in when Al realized that he had left his grunt call back at camp. He didn't want to be without it so... he headed back to camp. No sooner had he left the blind that I noticed a deer about 150-175 yards out. I put the scope on him & saw antlers (yeah!). However, I soon noticed that he had only one set of antlers. I decided that if he wandered off, I wouldn't worry about it. It was still just the first day. However, he walked right toward me quickly closing the distance between us. When he was about 40-50 yards away, he paused and turned broadside. You only have one chance at your first deer. He fell where he stood. It was a bitter sweet moment. I had taken life and watched as it passed. Yet, I was excited. I had done what I had come to do & look forward to the taste of venison.

The Outsiders

I was reading another blog earlier (This Isn't What I Ordered). The author, Brian, has been discussing the expectations of a pastor. The entry provided a lot of insight for me as I consider what God's plan for my life may be. What struck me as odd or something that I hadn't considered was item #4.

"A pastor can't always be alone. This is a tough one. In so many ways, this is a lonely way of life, and I will always be an "outsider." This means I have to work harder to develop meaningful relationships, especially as an extrovert who needs to get out sometimes."

It reminds me of how often I see/hear of people in the presence of a pastor or minister change their behavior/speech upon realizing the minister's occupation. I find it very humorous. Do they feel they are less likely to go to hell if they don't cuss or swear in the presence of a pastor? Everyone wants to be the pastor's friend at church, but they don't want to invite them into their lives. They don't want to let the pastor know that they have failings in their lives and don't always live up to their own beliefs as Christians. Do they think pastors have a special "red line" phone system where they can call God and revoke their blessings? "Hey God, Bob ain't gonna' make it. Go 'head an' cancel his reservation. My pastor authority # 911777."

I hope more pastors can breach this "outsider" stigma and reach out to those who need to hear His voice. I pray more pastors develop the ability to lead by serving those who do not know Christ.

Open for Discussion

I received the following in an email. I dare not pretend to know if anything stated here is based on fact. However, it generates some interesting thought processes. What do you think?

Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia, as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks. A day after a group of mainstream Muslim leaders pledged loyalty to Australia and her Queen at a special meeting with Prime Minister John Howard, he and his Ministers made it clear that extremists would face a crackdown. Treasurer Peter Costello, seen as heir apparent to Howard, hinted that some radical clerics could be asked to leave the country if they did not accept that Australia was a secular state, and its laws were made by parliament. "If those are not your values, if you want a country which has Sharia law or a theocratic state, then Australia is not
for you", he said on national television. "I'd be saying to clerics who are teaching that there are two laws governing people in Australia: one the Australian law and another the Islamic law, that is false. If you can't agree with parliamentary law, independent courts, democracy, and would prefer Sharia law and have the opportunity to go to another country, which practices it, perhaps, then, that's a better option", Costello said. Asked whether he meant radical clerics would be forced to leave, he said those with dual citizenship could possibly be asked to move to the other country. Education Minister Brendan Nelson later told reporters that Muslims
who did not want to accept local values should "clear off". Basically people who don't want to be Australians, and who don't want to live by Australian values and understand them, well then, they can basically clear off", he said. Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques Quote: "IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians." "However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the 'politically correct' crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others. I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to Australia." "However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand." "This idea of Australia being a multicultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. As Australians, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle." "This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom" "We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, Learn the language!" "Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, rightwing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture." "We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us." "If the Southern Cross offends you, or you don't like " A Fair Go", then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet. We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from. By all means, keep your culture, but do not force it on others. "This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'." "If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted."

Baby Steps

This past Sunday I had the anxiety producing privilege of leading our Sunday Worship. Other than the nauseating symptoms, I really enjoyed the experience. I am not a detailed individual so I was a little concerned about getting the flow of worship in the same format my fellow worshipers are used to. Looking past that, I felt a inner calm about doing something outside of my "comfort zone." I knew that it was a step that God had called me to take (even though it was not totally my idea).

Lessons Learned from this Experience:
- I did not feel comfortable praying for/over other people
- Have confidence, speak up
- I learned about the Lay Speaker Training offered by the Methodist Church

Reflections:
My discomfort in praying over others is most likely routed in my lacking prayer life in the privacy of my own home. I am out of practice. Practice... with time and repetition I believe I could have more confidence in speaking in front of my worshiping peers. I hope to get the opportunity to participate in the Lay Speaker Training to explore further God's prodding in my life.

Dream a little dream

I have been giving a little thought about my dreams and passions in life and am discouraged to realize that I have forgotten or given up on most of my dreams of the past. In school, life was just an opportunity waiting to happen. I was excited, alive and ready to tackle my loftiest ambitions. Then, life happens. I began operating in "emergency management." I am merely trying to survive life's little circumstances. I have failed to pause and look around to see where I am going. Am I even going in the direction I wish to go?

My wife, Amy, is much better at this than I and it frustrates her to no end to see me so entrenched in my "ruts" that I am high centered and just spinning my wheels. I need to get out of my "ruts" and engage in life to see what really drives me. I have been leading a Sunday School Class discussing Max Lucado's Cure for the Common Life: Living in Your Sweet Spot. My thoughts derived from my reading/discussion: I am seeing some success in my current occupation because I am operating within my skill set. I am not as satisfied with my current occupation as I desire because I am not utilizing enough of my skills in my "knacksack." I also fear failure because I am having to function in areas that are not my strengths.

Dear Lord,

Guide me as I look to free myself from life's "ruts." Prod me to engage in my life and discover my drive/passion. Speak to me about my calling in life for your plan. Pour your love upon me so, that I may pass that love to others in my life. Shield my heart from the enemies arrows. Watch over my life and my family. Thank you for being a compassionate father providing abundant blessings for me. I thank you for always trying to speak to me, offering encouragement or correction. I pray that my own concerns fail to interrupt your voice in my heart. I pray that my actions speak of your love and wisdom. I pray that I engage into the life you have called me to.

Mark

Cure for the Common Life

I have begun a Sunday School class reading/discussing Max Lucado's "Cure for the Common Life: Living in Your Sweet Spot. " Through this book/discussions I hope to determine how to use my "you"niqueness "to make a big deal out of God." I became interested in reading this book after reading a review by my good friend Jon Dale. You can read it by clicking on the link below.

Chasing the Wild Goose


Dear God,

Be with our group as we explore our lives and your purpose for our gifts/talents. Guide us and comfort us as only you can. Thank you for all the blessings you have given us.

Mark

Blog Bla

Feeling compelled to write today although I am not sure what I want/need to say. After sharing with some trusted friends about God's calling on my life, I came to some very strange thought processes. Does the audible voice of God sound similar to my wife's voice? I wonder if God has been trying to reach me through those I love. My entire life people/family have been reporting to me what they see as God's calling on my life. Why don't I feel it? Am I ready? Do my insecurities/fears contribute to my lack of heading? How to obey a calling when you are not sure what that calling is?

I also wonder if God needs to work on me before he reveals his plan. I am aware that I fall short of the person God wants me to be. I struggle daily and sadly fail more than I care to admit. Does God want me to step out in faith first to reveal his plan? I want to step out but what steps does he want me to take. Why am I afraid of falling short?

Dear God,

I heard you have been trying to reach me. Please forgive me for not being there to receive your message. Help me to discover your calling for my life. I am thankful that you have called me into your plan. Please give me the courage to step out and actively pursue you. Please be patient with me when I stumble. Please help me to remove the obstructions I have in my life to better serve you. Please comfort me and prod me when I am reluctant in my stubbornness. Please deal with me in my personal struggles to be the man you have called me to be. I long to delight you and make you proud. I wish for your loving embrace when my work has been fulfilled. Please heal the wounds that have been inflicted on my heart as I begin to fill it with a passion to serve you. Please give me the wisdom to deal with the powers that wish to stop your plan.

A Warrior in the Making

Can You Hear Me Now

My wife, Amy, has recently taken over the Children's Ministry at our home church and is extremely excited about what God has called her to do. I envy her enthusiasm and passion. As a result of my jealousy, I am committing to actively pursue God's plan for my life. I have felt my entire life that God has a special calling for my life, but as of yet, He has not revealed that plan to me. This does not come as a surprise to me because I haven't been as faithful as I should and desire. I am reminded of the potter. A potter must place the clay exactly in the center of his wheel in order to bring his pot to shape. Likewise, I must put God in the center of my life so He came shape and mold me into his vision.

Dear Lord,

I am excited about putting you first in my life. I am looking forward to your loving hands molding and shaping me into your vision of me. I understand that not all your adjustments will be comfortable. I look forward to becoming the man of God you have called me to be. I pray that you open my ear to your calling and reveal you plan to me as I am ready to obey.

Your Humble Servant

Serenity

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

As I continue to contemplate the balance I seek in life, I am reminded of this simple prayer most often associated with 12 step recovery programs. I feel strongly that it is relevant for all. The flesh is addicted to sin. My commitment to Christ is significant in my recovery from sin. By breaking down the complications of life into simple categories, "can change or cannot change," we can find comfort. By allowing God to handle those things I cannot change, I can focus my energies on those things in which I can change. Me. My heart, attitude, actions...

Lord be with me and my loved ones this week. Help me to hear your calling for my life. Thank you for the peace or serenity you desire for my life. Guide me in my decisions. Thank you for your wisdom and blessings that allow me to do your will. I pray for a sincerity of heart, motivation to heed your call, and action in my life.

Humbly,

Your Servent

Old Bankers Never Die...

The adventure begins...

As a husband and a father of two little men. I am forced to contemplate the balance of life. I am finding success in the world of banking and enjoying the fruits of my labor and I have been blessed with a wonderful wife, Amy and two handsome boys, Ethan and Logan.

I find myself balancing on the edge of a sword. As the sole provider for my family, I must work deligently to continue advancing myself. To be the Godly husband and father I desire, I must conserve my energies so I am able to participate fully in life. Balance.

Lord, I pray for your guidance as I seek balance for my life. I thank you for all the blessings that you have given me. Watch over me and my family.

In Christ

Amen