Daily Buffet

…but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage;

Posts Tagged ‘risk’

Eternal Swag

December 13th, 2011

I am getting this out late today because I had to take the kitty to the vet this morning – and then attempt to catch up at work. So just a short thought today.

This past weekend I was teaching some junior high boys about Ananias and Paul and how that Ananias guy was impressive risk taker. As we transitioned from a history lesson to life in the middle schools of America, they suggested the followers of the Christ had “no swag”.

The sad part is I understand what they are talking about somewhat, because as they put it sometime those that follow the Way, can be ”lame”. However, there’s not much lame, in my opinion about getting out and treating others the way they should be treating. It may not be as flashy or as exciting as some other things in life, but it probably makes a much larger impact.

Personally, I think the lameness of followers of the Christ come when they stop following the man who died on a cross for an act he didn’t commit and start after the judgements and short-term visions in their own hearts. And actually I think that is what they were talking about as well.

I dunno, this one is a real brain stumper to me, and the reason I even write about it is not as much for encouragement to you, as it is to challenge you today – in two ways.

First, why do those that follow the Christ come off as lame?

and Second, are you focused on having ‘swag’ here and now, or as I told the boys, are you thinking about have “eternal swag”. ( I am not even sure what that really is, but I know that is how the followers of Christ really live.)

¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 New International Version (NIV)

And I guess, the tertiary challenge is to think about how this next generation is thinking. I know it has stayed in my head all week so far.

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Tags: 2 Corinthians Paul risk swag

Be Risky

October 14th, 2011

Next week, a friend of mine and her family are heading off to China – for the week. It’s a quick trip to visit and encourage friends. That’s a risk and a challenge for anyone and she is taking her entire family and making a really really short trip.

Throughout this week when I have seen her, I have not said to her “Be careful” or “Be safe”, but “Be Risky”.

It’s sound ridiculous, but I think the purpose of her trip, and really the purpose of most of our days, is not to make it to the end safely, but to take the appropriate risks to encourage and build up others, and to make ourselves better!

So one simple thought on this Friday – get out there – enjoy the day – and Be Risky!

⁹Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 English Standard Version (ESV)

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Tags: Joshua risk

Donations

October 5th, 2011

Well, just so you know I probably should have stuck with Tacos yesterday. The golf game was pretty poor and I think I donated 18 balls to the Canyon Ridge Country Club. ( I wonder if I can claim those on my taxes?) But I had a great time with some guys and enjoyed a fantastic crystal clear October day up on the mountain. The clubs however, may need to head back down into the basement, then may have more value to the spiders then to me!

But overall, I am glad I took the risk, I am happy with my reactions to what could have been really really frustratingly bad golf, and I hope that the guys I played with had a great time, despite having only 3 balls to choose from on each play!

Overall that’s a pretty small risk, but it’s these little things like that then when we build on them we can really transform our lives. I hope you find some bit of motivation from my bad golf ( which is actually motivated by my friend Randy’s risk to do the same thing) and that you are intentional in your interactions today!

The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 New International Version (NIV)

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Tags: encouragement Psalm risk

Who Do You Fear

August 24th, 2011

Why is it that we use the excuse of fear so many times when we are trying to do something? We say “I am afraid of their response” or “I am afraid of how they will react” or “I am afraid of failure”. Yesterday I mentioned some words from the Christ in Luke 12. Today, I wanted to back up just a little in that same section of this book from the great doctor and see what else the Christ is saying.

⁴ “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. ⁵ But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. ⁶ Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. ⁷Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Luke 12:4-7 New International Version (NIV)

and here is the same thing from The Message

4-5″I’m speaking to you as dear friends. Don’t be bluffed into silence or insincerity by the threats of religious bullies. True, they can kill you, but then what can they do? There’s nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life—body and soul—in his hands.

6-7″What’s the price of two or three pet canaries? Some loose change, right? But God never overlooks a single one. And he pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head! So don’t be intimidated by all this bully talk. You’re worth more than a million canaries. Luke 12:4-7 The Message (MSG)

So why did I want to repeat the same thing two days in a row. Well I think it’s this thought that has been with me for several weeks, or maybe months. I was in a discussion with some people and one of the ladies said “It really comes down this. Do you fear God more than your fears?”. Hm. I think that is a tough thought. We are paralyzed by fear, yet the Son of God tells us that we should not be afraid of those on this world, but only be afraid of the creator of the world.
I find that when I live with this bold thought it becomes so freeing. It removes so many of the worries of life. Are you flying on a airplane? – no fear! teaching a kid to drive?, no fear! Talking to a new person – no fear! Stepping out on faith – No Fear! It allows me to life the radical risk filled life that continues to make me grow ( and avoid ruts).
But when I am fearful, oh, then I am full of the most creative kinds of anxiety that a person could ever imagine. And I a paralyzed into inactivity and non action, and I find comfort in the ruts of life.

I bet it is the same for you!

So, consider those words in Luke and the words of my friend as well – Do you fear God more than your fears?

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Tags: encouragement examples fear Luke risk transformation trust

Quotable Art

August 23rd, 2011

Early this morning I found this set of quite inspiring posters that I just had to share with all you you. Take a look at this group of thought provoking quotes and the accompany art that I think will help to move you out of your comfort zone and into a place of riskiness. Since this whole concept of transforming and leaving our comfort zone is what I write about a lot, it just seem good to share these.