The 3 A's of Awesome--Attitude

Life's circumstances bring us down. Sometimes life throws us a curve ball that the best baseball player couldn't come close to hitting. Our reaction to our circumstances is very visible to those around us. Saying we have the attitude of Christ is totally different than showing others we have the attitude of Christ. In Philippians 2:5, Paul reminds us that "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. This is extremely difficult because everyone thinks and prioritizes things differently. The circumstances that we face are sometimes unbearable, but we know we should and can lean on the Lord. Paul reminded the church in Thessalonica to "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus". What things can you change in your life right now to reflect the attitude of Jesus?

The Three A's of Awesome

I recently watched Neil Pasricha's "The 3 A's of Awesome". His speech was inspiring and described how how overcame various adversities in his life. The three A's he discussed were: attitude, awareness, and authenticity. Each of these A's can easily be applied to the Christian walk. A Christian must strive to have the attitude of Christ. A Christian must be aware of opportunities around them to serve. A true Christian must be authentic. The next few posts will explore the 3 A's of Awesome.

The Reward

I decided to follow the theme of my previous two posts that focused on the movie "Field of Dreams. Through various struggles and nearly losing his farm, Ray continued to follow and listen to the voice. **MOVIE SPOILER ALERT** At the end of the movie, Ray receives a reward for following the voice. The reward is being able to see and play catch with his father one last time. The reward allows Ray to mend his "rocky" relationship with his father. Just as Ray received the reward for following the "voice", we will receive a great reward if we follow the leading and the calling of the voice of God. Jesus tells us in John 14:2, "My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you"? As we walk this life, we struggle and fall. We must turn to the one who created us for guidance. Jesus' promise is clear. If we follow him, our reward awaits us in heaven.

Love + Respect = Great Marriage

In my last post, I discussed "The Voice" in the movie Field of Dreams. I want to continue discussing the movie, but this time look at Ray's wife, Annie. Annie was very supportive of Ray's decision to "follow" the voice. Ray loved Annie enough to seek her input on the decisions he was making. She respected and supported him despite not knowing what would happen based on the decision Ray made. Our lives are much the same. We do not know what tomorrow brings. My wife is very similar to Annie. I love her and she supports me in all my endeavors. She asks difficult and thought provoking questions to make me think about things before a I make a crucial decision. Above all, she respects and supports me. In Ephesians 5:24-27, Paul wrote, "Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless". Paul's words paint a clear picture of marriage, using Christ and the church as an illustration. Love and Respect is a vital part in a successful marriage.

The Voice

Dreams can be powerful life changers. I recently watched the movie "Field of Dreams". Click Here to view the movie trailer. I love Ray's (Kevin Costner) passion for listening to the voice. Ray fulfilled his dream by building the field and was obedient to the voice. How do you respond to something you are passionate about? Do you listen to the "voice" inside you? When reflecting on the voice, I am reminded of Moses and his response to the burning bush. In Exodus 3, Moses asked God on three occasions if he was the right person for the job. I wonder how I would have responded to the voice of God. Would I have been obedient? Would I make up excuses like Moses? Listen for the voice. It exists within you. Follow your heart, but above all be obedient to the voice of God.

The Supermoon + Earthquakes + Tsunamis = The End of the World....ONLY God knows

The last few years our world has seen its share of natural disasters. Earthquakes, flooding, droughts, and tsunamis, just to name a few. Some are saying that we are in the "end times". The "end times" began the day that Jesus was crucified. Many people believe that the world will end with the Mayan calendar in 2012. I think I'm going with what the Bible says. In Mark 13:32-33, Jesus said, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come". Jesus tells us that no one will know the day or the hour of his return. Jesus also says that we should be prepared and watching for His return. So, until Christ returns, we must do what He calls us to do in the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:20, Go and make disciples.

#2 Bathsheba Admission---To be Famous in my Profession

I had a major problem with the desire of becoming "famous" in my field. However, the last two months, through prayer and mediation on God's Word, I have begun the process of getting rid of this Bathsheba, once and for all. My desire to be the "guru" in the area educational technology is slowly diminishing. This desire consumed me. It was all I thought about. I stressed and worried about my success in my profession. The desire of becoming a "guru" did take me to some interesting places, but I had very little time for the things that really matter in life. I had very little time for exercise, family, or hobbies. We are warned of this worldly view of "becoming" someone or desiring success in the eyes of the world. In Romans 12:2, Paul writes, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will".