Tag Archives: #purpose

Spirituality

Rote Religion

The recurring theme throughout the Bible is that God wants the heart of man. He gives us free will to love and worship Him. It’s never forced upon us. It’s our choice.

There has been a trend over the last twenty years or so. People refer to themselves as “spiritual but not religious.” That’s a safety net because people don’t know God, really know Him. Many believe if they start to get to know God then they would turn into religious freaks or weirdos. God created us to be who He created us to be, not a weirdo.

My encouragement to you is to spend some time in Scripture. Study the life of Jesus that’s found in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. You will see the character of our Creator. Then allow God to work on you and through you.

Then you will have crossed the line from rote religion to a meaningful relationship…

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Spirituality

Are You In The Boat?

When Jesus walked on the water to get to the boat the disciples were in, the disciples thought they were seeing a ghost. Peter said, “Rabbi. If it’s really you, then let me walk out to you.” Jesus told him to “come on.”

Peter stepped out of the boat and took a few steps toward Jesus. Then Peter got scared, took his eyes off of Jesus and started to sink. He cried out, “Lord. Save me!” Jesus pulled him out and they got in the boat.

Life can be a bit like this story from Scripture. Staying in the boat, playing it safe might get you to your destination. That’s merely existing. God wants more for our lives. He wants us to use our unique talents to help others. We must get out of the boat and take chances. Otherwise we will miss our calling.

If you choose to pursue your dreams, then you must get out of your own boat. Take a risk. But remember to keep your eyes on God. Then you won’t sink…

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Spirituality

Frozen

Sometimes I see people posting about the past, those times when life was simpler. But was life really that different from today? Maybe it just seems like it was.

Life is a progression. We grow and evolve. We marvel at technological advances which make our lives more efficient. To stay young we must use our minds in productive, challenging ways. Living in the past, longing for an earlier age can paralyze us.

Perhaps the people who regularly post about the past are reflecting on the opportunities they missed. It’s happened to all of us. We know that we are here for a great purpose. Eventually we will run out of time.

There is nothing random about your life. God didn’t create us and then forget about us. If you are reading this it’s not too late.

Find your purpose and live it…

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Spirituality

Just For Today

Every day we have an opportunity to not only make a difference, but we can make a change in our lives. We might want to eat better, get some exercise or begin writing the book we have been thinking about. Why not begin today??

None of us are getting younger. We have a limited amount of time on this side of eternity. God wants us to use it. He gave us special talents to use which will bring glory to Him. You know in your heart that what I’m saying is true.

Since childhood, you knew you were here for something great. You would set the world on fire. No one could stop you. Then life happened. You got knocked down and knocked around. It is time to pick yourself up and get back in the game of life.

There’s no one stopping you from pursuing greatness. Keep God in your plans. He can remove every obstacle placed in your way. Start today…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Your Flight Is Now Boarding…

The airlines have an agreement with me that they sometimes break. When I buy a ticket they agree to honor the ticket with a flight to where I’m going. My part of the agreement is to show up on time. Sometimes I break my agreement, too!

But what about people? There are many people who are going here and there in their lives while not having a destination in mind. They are drifting at light speed. Every new shiny toy catches their attention, at least for a short time.

You must have a dream to propel yourself to greatness. Dreams are powerful. But they are only passing thoughts unless we take action. Putting your dreams in motion ignites something inside of you, an unstoppable force.

If you have lost sight of your purpose, take some time to recapture it. You have greatness inside of you. Feel it in your spirit. Then take action.

The flight of your dreams is taking off. It’s time to board the plane…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Measuring Up

God has a purpose for you to accomplish in this world. He has fully equipped you to do His will. But the question remains, will you accept the assignment?

Many people doubt they could ever be used by God. They feel like they don’t have their act together, aren’t educated enough or worthwhile. If you are in this group, I want you to know that it’s a lie. God never created anyone He couldn’t use. There is a great design at work we cannot understand. We don’t have to understand it. We just need to know we have a part in it.

In your heart, you know what I am saying is true. You have always known. Consider today’s message to be a reminder.

You don’t need to have everything figured out beforehand. Just begin. God will guide you and no earthly power can stop you…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Bad Days

Every morning when I wake up, I’m either in Texas or Heaven. Even I can’t screw this up, and I can royally screw stuff up! Regardless, there is no such thing as a bad day. Stay with me.

All of us have had periods where things went smoothly. Those don’t last. Difficult periods will come. We were never promised this life would be easy. This is a broken, imperfect world we are inhabiting for just a short time when compared with our time in eternity.

Jesus told his disciples that “their faith would be shaken.” I believe he meant that for us, too. There are times I have wondered if God knew what He was doing. His redirections in my life weren’t in my plans. Yet, when I stay the course, over time I realized that God knew better than I did.

God doesn’t lose patience with us when we doubt or question Him. This happens all the time. Consider this: the Israelites wanted to throw in the towel within a very short period of time after witnessing supernatural power in the natural world. We can be short-sighted. God plays the long game.

My encouragement to you is, replace the term “bad day” with the phrase “difficult day(s).” Remember who is in control. And especially remember He is on your side, even to the end of the world…

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Spirituality

Awards

This morning I will be receiving the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award as the Windham School District Volunteer of the Year. It’s a great honor, but the true honor goes to the Windham employees.

Inside most Texas prisons, there is a school that inmates can attend. This is Windham’s district. I wish everyone could see what I get to see. People’s lives are redirected through the blood, sweat and tears of the teachers in Windham. This is where the magic happens.

Horace Mann, the man who founded the school system in America, set the curriculum to teach the head, the heart and the hands (intellect, emotion and application). Windham accomplishes his vision for public education. It works!

Today is a nice day, and the work continues. I will continue volunteering in the prisons as long as I have a breath in me…

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Spirituality

Waiting on the Weekend

It is estimated that about 80% of the population goes to a job they don’t enjoy. They are simply getting a paycheck and living for the weekend. My question is, how can anyone be effective in a job they aren’t finding fulfillment in?

People get comfortable in their lifestyle, I understand. There’s a mortgage to pay, food to buy and family vacations are expensive. But you can still afford all of these things and more when you are engaged in your career. It’s possible if you believe it is. The only battle is in your mind.

What did your dream life look like when you were younger? It’s not too late to create it. You might have to take a step or two backwards, but the short term pain will reap great benefits if you stay committed.

The life you want is there for the taking. It will take time to create but remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. But it did get built…

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