Archived Thoughts for the week

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine" Proverbs 17:22

Some Christians cannot enjoy a meal because the world is starving or thank God for their clothes because the world is naked or smile because the world is sad. They can’t spend an evening at home because they feel they should be out saving souls. They know nothing of balance and they’re miserable because of it. They have little motivation to bring people to Christ because that would make others as miserable as they themselves feel.

Make sure these words don’t describe you! Give yourself permission to laugh; it’ll keep you healthy and make the experience you talk about a lot more attractive to others.

Are you tucked up in your comfort zone?

Are you sitting there longing for things that could have been? It is not too late to move zones and identify what God is calling you to do. God’s not limited by your IQ, he’s limited by your "I will". If you think you are beaten, you are. If you think you dare not, you don't. If you like to win but think you can't, it’s almost certain you won't. The person who succeeds has the "can do" spirit.

Have you got it, or is it the rocking chair for you until the grim reaper calls?

Someone close to you needs what you have got.

They may not know it or even want it, but they need it nonetheless. What is it they need? Christ!

But before others will be attracted to Christ they must first see Him working in your life.

Every experience you have had with God is for one purpose; to make you his servant and his witness. That's your assignment! If you are serious about it, guard your tongue. You will never win people to Christ if all they hear coming from your mouth is 'whats wrong' with the church, the priests, Christians etc. Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven! The church is a hospital where Jesus makes wounded people whole, and while some people are doing well, some are in critical care. Properly understood and presented this should draw people, not drive them away.

So what's you job? Be positive about your church, Be His servant and His witness and introduce people to Christ. He will do the rest!

If you've ever built a fire you know that its tendency is to go out. You must feed and protect it. Not everyone will help you do that. There are two kinds of people you'll meet in life: fire fighters and fire extinguishers.

Fire Fighters
   The first group will inspire you, encourage you, and go out of their way to help you.

Fire Extinguishers.
   The second group will throw cold water on you.

How can you tell the difference? Fire extinguishers use phrases like:

• its not in the budget....
• its not practical...
• we've tried that before and it will not work...
• if it ain't broke don't fix it....
• who will do all the extra work?...
• we don't have enough experience, talent, education etc....

If you've heard one or more of these excuses coming from people around you, pray for them, love them, but don't let them influence you.

Fire extinguishers focus on what's wrong rather than what's right. They doubt, they resist change. They keep you from reaching higher by trying to put out the fire of your passion. Sometimes they do this deliberately, other times unknowingly. Handle them with care! Instead, spend more time with fire lighters who view you not as you are but as you could be; who fuel your faith and ignite your passion.

Are you a fire extinguisher? Are you happy with that role?