The biggest problem I see with many people today is that they have no outlets. No, I am not talking about the receptacles in your home where you plug in your lamps, TV's, phones, etc. I am talking about those "release" points in your life that enable you to function at a higher level. Let me use the acronym E.P.I.C to illustrate the outlets everyone needs to have in their lives. Today's post will deal with the first letter E.
E-This stands for an emotional outlet. Every person walking out there needs one. Ideally, this would be a few people in your life that you could "spill your guts" to. What I mean by this is that there should be people in your life that you can share your raw emotions with without the fear of judgment, ridicule, or opinion. If you are married, your spouse is #1 on this list.
If you can't go to your spouse and openly share your feelings on a wide variety of issues, there is a serious communication problem that needs to be addressed. However, there are some things that your spouse cannot understand and you should seek to process your emotions with a trusted friend. Now, before you start telling me "you should tell your spouse everything," let me expand on this:
As a pastor, there are things I deal with and emotions that I go through that no matter how hard my wife may try to understand, there is a gap. She has not had those experiences to help me process those particular emotions I am going through. To process those parts of my emotions, I go to trusted friends that are in ministry. That is not to say I don't share other aspects of my ministry with my wife. We talk about many things going on and how I am feeling about certain issues. However, there are things that only someone who has walked the same paths that I have can help me with.
Most people are unwilling to have this outlet in their life because they are afraid of truly opening up. They wear their "masks" and hide who they really are. To experience true freedom, you must not fear being yourself. Be the person God made you to be. Find those in your life that can be your emotional outlet. It will give you freedom you never imagined.
Expecting Great Things,
Bryan
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
Painting Your Preferred Future
We are making an agreement in writing; and on the sealed document are the names of our leaders, our Levites and our priests....The rest of the people...are joining with thier kismen, thier nobles...to keep and to observe all the commandments of GOD our Lord, and His ordinances and His statues (Nehemiah 9:38; 10:28-29).
What I am about to share is an axiom for life. Don't miss this lesson.
In the book of Nehemiah, the people gathered together and made a covenant to which all the nobles, elders, and leaders affixed their signatures. This covenant would establish their trajectory toward a God-oriented preferred future. This was done at a time when they had spent nearly a whole day before the Lord in praise, worship, and listening to His Word.
Then with clarity of mind, they set these covenant standards on paper and committed themselves to carrying them out. It was written down because they knew that when their emotions changed about how they were to live and conduct themselves, they could refer back and navigate by these standards. Even when they could not see, they would pilot their decisions by these markings.
Commitments to a preferred future do not come randomly. They are intentionally established at times when you are thinking clearly and are close to God. They are not made impetuously, nor when you are in a slump, discouraged, depressed, or in a physical setback. Neither are these course markers established when you are overly optimistic or in some idealistic mood.
In the clearest of times, when you are near to Christ and thinking with insight rather than ambiguity, imagine your ideal future. Write down that picture and how it can best be attained. You must write it down. Write down what your priority relationships will be that must remain healthy regardless of how you feel or what happens: your relationship with Christ and your relationship with spouse and family.
Answer these questions:
How do you want to be seen in ten years?
What do you want to be good at or known for?
What kind of personality do you want to have?
What do you want your family to look like?
The more clearly defined your target, the more apt you are to hit it!
Expecting Great Things,
Bryan
What I am about to share is an axiom for life. Don't miss this lesson.
In the book of Nehemiah, the people gathered together and made a covenant to which all the nobles, elders, and leaders affixed their signatures. This covenant would establish their trajectory toward a God-oriented preferred future. This was done at a time when they had spent nearly a whole day before the Lord in praise, worship, and listening to His Word.
Then with clarity of mind, they set these covenant standards on paper and committed themselves to carrying them out. It was written down because they knew that when their emotions changed about how they were to live and conduct themselves, they could refer back and navigate by these standards. Even when they could not see, they would pilot their decisions by these markings.
Commitments to a preferred future do not come randomly. They are intentionally established at times when you are thinking clearly and are close to God. They are not made impetuously, nor when you are in a slump, discouraged, depressed, or in a physical setback. Neither are these course markers established when you are overly optimistic or in some idealistic mood.
In the clearest of times, when you are near to Christ and thinking with insight rather than ambiguity, imagine your ideal future. Write down that picture and how it can best be attained. You must write it down. Write down what your priority relationships will be that must remain healthy regardless of how you feel or what happens: your relationship with Christ and your relationship with spouse and family.
Answer these questions:
How do you want to be seen in ten years?
What do you want to be good at or known for?
What kind of personality do you want to have?
What do you want your family to look like?
The more clearly defined your target, the more apt you are to hit it!
Expecting Great Things,
Bryan
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Dealing With Critics
In my devotional studies, I am going back through the book of Nehemiah. Where leadership and vision casting are concerned, you will not find a better biblical model than Nehemiah. As I was reading chapter two, I was impressed by this fact: whenever God gives you a vision, Satan will always send someone to attack it.
God gave Nehemiah a vision to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and bring the people back to God. However, Satan sends Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem to bring opposition and ridicule to Nehemiah and the people. In v.19 of chapter two, Nehemiah says these men, "mocked and despised us..." Think about that for a moment and let it sink in. When God gives you a white hot vision to do something great for His kingdom be prepared. The Sanballats, Tobiahs, and Geshems are going to come out of the woodwork. They are going to try to discouraged you. They are going to mock you. They are even going to despise you. However, you must not let that prevent you from achieving the purpose God placed you here on this earth for.
I want you to notice Nehemiah's reply in v.20: "The God of heaven is the One who will grant us success." If you are obsessed with the critics, then you cannot be obsessed with Jesus! It is not up to us to silence the critics. God is the one who will grant us success when we completely and totally follow Him regardless of what others around us are saying. Don't listen to the critics, listen to God. Trust me, your life will be much better for it.
Expecting Great Things,
Bryan
God gave Nehemiah a vision to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and bring the people back to God. However, Satan sends Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem to bring opposition and ridicule to Nehemiah and the people. In v.19 of chapter two, Nehemiah says these men, "mocked and despised us..." Think about that for a moment and let it sink in. When God gives you a white hot vision to do something great for His kingdom be prepared. The Sanballats, Tobiahs, and Geshems are going to come out of the woodwork. They are going to try to discouraged you. They are going to mock you. They are even going to despise you. However, you must not let that prevent you from achieving the purpose God placed you here on this earth for.
I want you to notice Nehemiah's reply in v.20: "The God of heaven is the One who will grant us success." If you are obsessed with the critics, then you cannot be obsessed with Jesus! It is not up to us to silence the critics. God is the one who will grant us success when we completely and totally follow Him regardless of what others around us are saying. Don't listen to the critics, listen to God. Trust me, your life will be much better for it.
Expecting Great Things,
Bryan
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The True Measure of a Life
This past Sunday, I went to the funeral of my mentor and spiritual father. As I looked around the full sanctuary, the thought occurred to me "this is the true measure of a life." There were hundreds of people there to celebrate the life of a man who had touched their life in some special way.
In our society, we think the true measure of a life consists in the success of someone's chosen profession, or what their net worth is, or how much "stuff" they are able to accumulate during their life. Jesus said in Luke 12:15, "Watch out and be on guard against all greed because one's life is not in the abundance of his possessions."
The true measure of a life is how many people you impacted for the kingdom of God. As I look back on the life of my mentor and friend, he impacted countless lives for God. He selflessly poured himself into the hearts and lives of others without thinking of what he would receive in return.
It is so easy to get wrapped up in our own lives that we forget the opportunities that surround us to touch people for Jesus Christ. Whether it be our children, spouses, family members, friends, or a stranger, pour yourself into the lives of others. It will not make you wealthy. It will not make you "successful" by the world's standards. However, it will allow you to see the fruits of your labor for all eternity.
Expecting Great Things,
Bryan
In our society, we think the true measure of a life consists in the success of someone's chosen profession, or what their net worth is, or how much "stuff" they are able to accumulate during their life. Jesus said in Luke 12:15, "Watch out and be on guard against all greed because one's life is not in the abundance of his possessions."
The true measure of a life is how many people you impacted for the kingdom of God. As I look back on the life of my mentor and friend, he impacted countless lives for God. He selflessly poured himself into the hearts and lives of others without thinking of what he would receive in return.
It is so easy to get wrapped up in our own lives that we forget the opportunities that surround us to touch people for Jesus Christ. Whether it be our children, spouses, family members, friends, or a stranger, pour yourself into the lives of others. It will not make you wealthy. It will not make you "successful" by the world's standards. However, it will allow you to see the fruits of your labor for all eternity.
Expecting Great Things,
Bryan
Monday, May 18, 2009
Having an Eternal Impact
My mentor and spiritual father is only days from passing from this earth. He has fought leukemia for over two years now. As I have began to process this, I am reminded of how much he has meant to me and so many others. I have admired his strength, integrity, and composure under difficult circumstances. Most of all, I have admired his faith.
It is not easy to tell someone you love good-bye. In fact, it has been one of the most heart-wrenching things I have ever been faced with. My consolation is that one day I will get to see him in heaven. That does not ease the pain. But it gives me something to look forward to.
I pray that I can have the same impact on people's lives that Pastor Dean has. If I can be half the man and pastor he is then I will have accomplished something worthwhile in this life.
It is not easy to tell someone you love good-bye. In fact, it has been one of the most heart-wrenching things I have ever been faced with. My consolation is that one day I will get to see him in heaven. That does not ease the pain. But it gives me something to look forward to.
I pray that I can have the same impact on people's lives that Pastor Dean has. If I can be half the man and pastor he is then I will have accomplished something worthwhile in this life.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Well, I am back at it.
I took a hiatus from blogging, but now I believe the time is right to start again. This blog will allow me to share some things that I pray will benefit and encourage people.
An incident happened today that brought 1 Peter 3:15 to life for me. The whole idea of that verse is "to be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you."
I had the opportunity to encourage someone who was going through a very difficult time. It was at a moment that was totally unexpected. God used this event to impress upon me the huge responsibilities we have as believers in Jesus Christ.
Christ did not die for us so we could sit comfortably back and watch others struggling in this dark world we live in. We must actively engage others, even if it means we get uncomfortable in the process. Jesus did not pay the penalty for our sins so we can watch others drift in a sea of hopelessness and despair.
We have the answer. And His name is Jesus. My prayer is God will use me every day to reach out to others, even if I am not aware of it. Even if it makes me uncomfortable. Even if it is inconvenient. Christ deserves no less. We must give our all.
In His Grace,
Bryan
I took a hiatus from blogging, but now I believe the time is right to start again. This blog will allow me to share some things that I pray will benefit and encourage people.
An incident happened today that brought 1 Peter 3:15 to life for me. The whole idea of that verse is "to be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you."
I had the opportunity to encourage someone who was going through a very difficult time. It was at a moment that was totally unexpected. God used this event to impress upon me the huge responsibilities we have as believers in Jesus Christ.
Christ did not die for us so we could sit comfortably back and watch others struggling in this dark world we live in. We must actively engage others, even if it means we get uncomfortable in the process. Jesus did not pay the penalty for our sins so we can watch others drift in a sea of hopelessness and despair.
We have the answer. And His name is Jesus. My prayer is God will use me every day to reach out to others, even if I am not aware of it. Even if it makes me uncomfortable. Even if it is inconvenient. Christ deserves no less. We must give our all.
In His Grace,
Bryan
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
When Life Hands You Lemons, Make Lemonade
Have you ever had those seasons in life where everything that could go wrong does? Of course you have. Everyone inevitably goes through times like these. I am in one of those seasons right now. The temptation when we are "handed lemons" in life is to become bitter by the sour taste that is left in our mouths by people, circumstances, and situations.
By God's sovereignty, I happen to be studying the book of Job. Now understand, I began this study before "the lemons" came pouring in. However, I believe God was preparing me beforehand by allowing me to see how another one of His servants handled adversity. Job was the most righteous person on earth. By Job's standards I would fall far short. Then God allowed Job to go through the most difficult season of his life. He lost his children, possessions, and health. The only thing Job was left with was a nagging wife! I was struck by chapter 1, verse 22 where it says, "Throughout all this Job did not sin or blame God for anything."
I am learning more each day, that the greatest times of spiritual growth are not when things are going great, but when everything seems to be falling apart. I am sure that when Job was going through these things growing spiritually was not on his mind. However, once he got on the other side of his trial, Job experienced God in ways he never had before when he was riding high in life.
What is the one thing that will sweeten a sour lemon? The answer of course is sugar (or Equal, Splenda, Sweet'N Low, etc.). Now when life hands you lemons through adversity, instead of growing bitter, grow better. Sprinkle in some prayer, study in God's Word, and specifically ask God, "What is it that you want me to learn in this trial?" When you do that, you will find the lemonade tastes especially sweet.
In His Grace,
Bryan
By God's sovereignty, I happen to be studying the book of Job. Now understand, I began this study before "the lemons" came pouring in. However, I believe God was preparing me beforehand by allowing me to see how another one of His servants handled adversity. Job was the most righteous person on earth. By Job's standards I would fall far short. Then God allowed Job to go through the most difficult season of his life. He lost his children, possessions, and health. The only thing Job was left with was a nagging wife! I was struck by chapter 1, verse 22 where it says, "Throughout all this Job did not sin or blame God for anything."
I am learning more each day, that the greatest times of spiritual growth are not when things are going great, but when everything seems to be falling apart. I am sure that when Job was going through these things growing spiritually was not on his mind. However, once he got on the other side of his trial, Job experienced God in ways he never had before when he was riding high in life.
What is the one thing that will sweeten a sour lemon? The answer of course is sugar (or Equal, Splenda, Sweet'N Low, etc.). Now when life hands you lemons through adversity, instead of growing bitter, grow better. Sprinkle in some prayer, study in God's Word, and specifically ask God, "What is it that you want me to learn in this trial?" When you do that, you will find the lemonade tastes especially sweet.
In His Grace,
Bryan
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