It's Time to Evaluate

At the beginning of the year, I adopted some guiding principles that would serve as a compass for changing my life.

As we enter June, it's important to reflect on the past five months and assess the effectiveness of these guiding principles in my life.

Presence

The first principle is being fully present in the moment. I have stayed focused on my daily tasks, fully immersing myself in every detail and striving to excel in what I am doing in this moment. In fact, I have noticed that I am no longer searching for the next task I believe God wants me to undertake, but rather content with the current responsibilities he has entrusted me with. I have undergone a complete transformation due to this newfound liberation, and looking back, I deeply regret not giving it more importance earlier in life, as it has brought me immense joy and fulfillment.

Another aspect I cherish about presence, and honestly, the most important one, is the constant pursuit of God's presence in my life. Above all else, I prioritize nurturing my connection with the Lord, striving to strengthen our bond through prayer and reflection. It's the one thing I desire, like a thirst that cannot be quenched. I have made it a daily practice for the past year and a half to seek the Lord at the start of each day, and the impact has been profound.

Declutter

I have been committed to simplifying my life, and as a result, I have persistently decluttered, removing unnecessary items. It has had a positive impact on my mental well-being, physical health, emotional balance, and spiritual growth. For instance, my closet at home remains organized due to my commitment to promptly returning items to their designated spots.

My offices, both at home and at work, are astonishingly neat and well-kept, a true testament to my dedication to organization.

My work production is much better because of decluttering.  Balancing the demands of a full-time chaplain job and being a bivocational pastor to a wonderful congregation can be hectic, but I manage it by decluttering and organizing my life.

Self-awareness

I started off strong with cultivating self-awareness daily, but my commitment waned around mid April. This led to my involvement with residents at my workplace who were committed to their journey of overcoming addiction through the 12-step process. This past week, I rolled up my sleeves and tackled the fourth step, determined to make headway.

The fourth step urges us to courageously examine ourselves, delving deep into our moral inventory to unearth our personal shortcomings and foster self-awareness. We all have them, but only a few recognize their existence.

Relaunch

I have yet to fully grasp the depth and significance of this guiding principle. I am eager to find fresh challenges and chances to make a Jesus-like impact on people's lives, yet I lack a clear vision of what that entails. Lately, my heart has been filled with thoughts about recovery ministry, transitional homes, and how to effectively reach people in recovery. I have witnessed the Lord orchestrating a few relationships that serve as confirmation of what He is impressing on me. It's a time to wait on the Lord, eagerly anticipating what he will do next.

How are your 2024 goals going? 

See you in a few months. 

Principles for Spiritual Leadership from Exodus 14

Principles for Spiritual Leadership from Exodus 14

1. Our availability and willingness to follow the Lord's leadership and depend on the Lord's empowerment makes us spiritual leaders. Moses learned that leading is about what God can do in and through us, not what we can do for God.

2. God may allow us short-term failure in leadership to build character and dependence, and to reveal his power and glory. Moses did exactly what the Lord told him and it made the situation worse for the Israelites.

3. The key to leading people who are discouraged and won't follow is to keep focused on the Lord and follow his leadership. Moses would have to learn that Following the Lord is the only way to be a successful spiritual leader.

4. God allows adversity so that he can multiply his miracles and reveal his power and glory. God wants people to realize that he is Lord.

5. What may seem like aimless wandering in the wilderness could very well be a part of God's plan. (Ex.14)

6. People will question leadership when the direction seems detrimental to the cause. Don't give in to the naysayers, but allow God to prove Himself. (Ex.14) 

Are You Growing?

I have discovered a great tool for discipleship.  It’s called “Real-Life Discipleship Training Manual.”  It was written by Jim Putman, Avery T. Willis Jr., Brandon Guindon, and Bill Krause.  

In the third week, the study addresses how a disciple grows.  It gives five stages of spiritual growth: dead, infant, child, young adult, and parent.  Each one of these stages has a “phrase from the stage.  Our words and actions reveal where we are at in the spiritual growth journey.   Look at each stage and determine where you are at in your spiritual growth.   Contact me if I can help you with anything.

Dead Stage

This stage is characterized by unbelief.  Everyone is in this stage before they come to Christ.  They are dead in their sins and objects of God’s wrath.  Here are some typical phrases a dead person might say. 

·      “I don’t believe there is a God.”

·      “The Bible is just a bunch of myths.”

·      “God is just a crutch.”

·      I am not a Christian because religion is responsible for most of the wars in history.” 

·      “There are many ways to God.”

·      “There is no hell because God is a God of love.”

·      “I have been a good person, so I will be okay.”

·      “There is not absolute right or wrong.”

·      “I’ll take my chances with the man upstairs.”

Infant Stage

This stage is characterized by ignorance.  Everyone who comes to Christ begins in this stage.  Here are some of the phrases that characterize what a spiritual infant might say. 

·      “Why do I need to go to church regularly?”

·      “I’ve been hurt by a lot of people, so it’s just me and God.  I don’t need others.” 

·      “If I pray and read my bible, will I be good enough?”

·      “I didn’t know the Bible said that.”

·      “I know that Jesus is Lord and Savior, but is karma real?”

·      “I provide for my family, I don’t have time for church.”  

Child Stage

This stage is characterized by selfishness.  Here are some phrases that a child might say. 

·      “I believe in Jesus and my church is in the woods, just him and me.” 

·      “Don’t branch my group into two groups.  It is comfortable for me right now.”  

·      “Who are all these new people coming to our church? The church is getting so big.” 

·      “I love my small group; don’t add anymore people to it.” 

·      “If we do table groups, I will stop coming to church.” 

·      “I’m not being fed in my church, so I am going to a church that meets my needs better.” 

Young Adult Stage

This stage is characterized by a change from being focused on self to being focused on God and others. Here are some of the phrases that might characterize what  a young adult might say. 

·      “I love my group, but there are others who need a group like this.” 

·      I think I could lead a group with a little help.  I have three friends I have been witnessing to, and this group would be too big from them.”

·      “Look how many are at church today—it’s awesome! I had to walk two blocks from the closest parking spot.” 

Parent Stage

This stage is characterized by intentionality in feeding themselves and reproducing disciples.   Here are some of the phrases from this stage that a parent might say.

·      “I have a person in my small group who is passionate about children.  Can you have the children’s ministry people call me?” 

·      “This guy at work asked to go and explain the Bible to him.  Pray for me.” 

·      “We get to baptize someone from our small group tonight.  When is the next 101 Class? I want to get her plugged into ministry somewhere.”

·      “I realized that discipleship happens at home, too. Will you hold me accountable to spend time discipling my kids?”