Assembling - on the Disc Golf Course ?!?

We are relational people. From the beginning of scripture throughout, we see evidence that God designed us to be relational. The first “not good” in scripture was regarding man being alone. Thank God for women :-).

In Hebrews, we see that God encourages us to be in relationship with fellow believers.

... let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another ... (Hebrews 10:24 − 25 NAS)

We are to be in relationship, encouraging one another.

Where? Does this only mean in church? I don’t think so. There are at least two instances where God communicates to us the concept of “as you go.” In Deuteronomy 6, he talks of spending time communicating with our children “... when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.” When we received the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, the phrase “Go” is literally translated “in your going.” So, we should spend time with one another in various ways encouraging one another in life and in our walk with God.

So, here’s my vote ... Disc Golf. Seriously, I really enjoy the sport. I’ve spent plenty of time on the course — alone, with family, with friends, and with general acquaintances. The time on course takes about 90 minutes. There’s plenty of time to talk. I’ve had at least four or five opportunities to use this time to encourage people who are struggling or looking for guidance.

It’s not about disc golf. Find something you enjoy doing and invite others to come along. “In your going” spend time with people, get to know them, and encourage them. If they don’t know Christ, invite them to experience life — and a relationship — with Him. In your time with them, you’ll find yourself encouraged — I promise.

PS. If you’re interested in Disc Golf, you’ll find opportunities all around you. And, I’ve found a cool site where you can order some nice discs online. Give it a try — http://www.discgolfstation.com/Disc-Golf-Drivers.html.

Live LOUD,

Russ

In the Arena?

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. - Theodore Roosevelt

Be an encouragement to those in the arena; or better, join them in the arena. Life can be tough — it’s better when it’s fought with someone alongside you. The context or circumstances that people may be dealing with was highlighted to me as I read “Same Kind of Different as Me” and “Shattered Dreams.” We rarely now the battles of others. In the beginning, God declared that it was not good for man to be “alone.” We need people in our lives who are on mission with us. Some will be warriors, some will be helpers, some will be in need, some will be providers ... God granted us gifts and talents. We have various experiences. When we use these together on mission with God, we can be “more than conquerors.” Better a conqueror than a critic. See you in the arena.

[Reference valiant warrior]

For God so loved ...

"Every Man, Woman, and Child" - The Infinity Alliance (http://www.theinfinityalliance.com/)

"Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation." (Revelation 5:9)

If Jesus died to purchase them, shouldn't we try to reach them?

Solitary Purpose

Solitary in habit
He runs alone
Inside himself
His mind races

No rest inside
The battle rages
The search is constant
Purpose drives him

Community at home
His love she strengthens
Together in life
The passion renews

Connecting in Christ
The purpose is realized
The future is hope
This day is mission

Happy in God's Will -- Not!

Joseph was born into a life of favor. He was the firstborn of Jacob's favorite wife, Rachel. Because she had been barren, Joseph was an answer to her prayers. At his birth, she said, "God has taken away my disgrace." Jacob loved Joseph and showed him favoritism.

Then, "all hell broke loose." At the age of 17, Jacob was sold into slavery by his brothers. Over the next 14 years, Joseph was a slave and spent years in prison. Was he happy -- not likely. Was he in God's will -- most definitely. On numerous occassions, the scripture states that the "LORD was with him."

Somewhere in modern Christianity we leave the impression that if you are in God's will, you'll be happy. At peace, maybe. Joyful, maybe. But, not necessarily happy.

Sometimes God positions us in difficult times in order to prepare us for what's next and to put us in a position to bring him glory through his work in our lives.

Ultimately, Joseph rose to the position of the second most powerful person in Egypt. From this position, he was able to rescue his people from famine. His path to get there wasn't fun or enjoyable. However, the path and God's work in his life shaped him. When Pharaoh asked for Joseph's help, he said, "I cannot do it, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires." Joseph, through his journey, came to place his trust fully in God -- even when it wasn't the path Joseph would have chosen for himself.

We often think that God owes us something. If we live for him, all should go well. That's not true -- at least, not by our definition. It's not about us. God chooses to work in our circumstances to conform us to his image so that we live in such a way that brings him glory and extends his kingdom gathering more people who will worship him.

Proverbs 3:
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.