It's All about our heart: Mark 7:6

This past week I was challenged to consider the condition of my heart.  I find it easy to hide from others and from sharing what is really going on in my heart. At times, I need to be asked how my heart is doing with specific questions from friends.  Because it is so hard for men to do this, we have used an activity called "The Hot Seat".   I was with 5 students last weekend on our way home from Michigan and for almost 4 hours we each went on "The Hot Seat". This meant we could ask any question we wanted of each other.  This activity is an excellent way to probe areas in your life that  are challenging to go to .  Obviously, this needs to be explored in the context of a safe group of people who you can trust.  But I recommend it.  So how is your heart today? Have you ever put yourself on "The Hot Seat " with a group of your friends?  "The people honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me." (Mark 7:6)  It would seem that to finish well, I need to allow others to ask hard question in order for me to get to what is going on in my heart.  I long for what I say and do to match what is going on in my heart. 

Couple Married 72 Years Dies Holding Hands - Des Moines News Story - KCCI Des Moines

This is the way I want to finish!

Couple Married 72 Years Dies Holding Hands - Des Moines News Story - KCCI Des Moines

Ralph Egli, age 88 runs 5ks

This past weekend I met a friend's dad, Ralph Egli. I was struck by the energy and vibrancy he possessed.  Not only does he know Jesus, it seems as though he has not neglected the one area that many do: the physical area.  Steven Covey argues that we need to sharpen our saw on a daily and weekly basis. This includes developing yourself mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.  At age 44, I am only half way to Ralph's age.  Yet I want to be asking my middle aged sons and daughter if they would like to join me in a 5k at age 88.  How do we get there?  We need to sharpen our saw physically now.  What you do in your 30's, 40's, 50's physically will effect your 60's, 70's, and 80's.  It seems so counter intuitive to spend time sharpening your saw physically now. But it is not. In fact, the energy and stress relief that occurs through aerobic and anaerobic exercise far out weighs the sacrifice of time. So, what have you done today to sharpen your saw?

Investing in Family with Friends! Awesome Weekend...

COURAGEOUS TRUTH IS NEEDED IN OUR CULTURE, ask Steve Jobs...

This  past weekend I saw the movie "Courageous" with my family.  And while I know some will refuse to watch movies from Sherwood Pictures, I would like to say that it is worth both your time and money.  The Biblical truth this movie promotes hits our culture right between the eyes.  How do we get to the end of our lives without regret?   We invest in that which is eternal.  Think about this past week. How often were you encouraged to invest in eternity? If you are a father, how often were you encouraged to be a great father?  The movie "Courageous" is calling men to step up and be fathers who take their responsibility seriously  to lead their family spiritually and invest in eternity.  Namely, we are challenged to invest in people.  After living on planet earth for 56 years, Steve Jobs was arguably one of the most innovative men of our time. Yet, it came at a price.  He gives the following reasons (From MSNBC.com)  for writing his anticipated autobiography:


"I wanted my kids to know me," Jobs was quoted as saying by Pulitzer Prize nominee Walter Isaacson, when he asked the Apple Inc co-founder why he authorized a tell-all biography after living a private, almost ascetic life.

"I wasn't always there for them, and I wanted them to know why and to understand what I did," Jobs told Isaacson in their final interview at Jobs' home in Palo Alto, California.

Steve Jobs obviously had regret. He had accomplished more in this life than most will ever. But it came at a price.  Let's be men and women who invest in eternity.  This moment, this day, this week, this month, this year because Finishing is better then starting!  Check out the "Courageous" trailer.

Is it possible to finish well without a Jonathan?

Sunday, my friend and pastor Jeremy Carr, preached an excellent sermon on the need for a Jonathan in our lives from 1 Samuel 18:1-5. http://obf.org/media.php?pageID=25&itemID=204  As I reflect on this challenging  sermon, I do believe that it is necessary to have a Jonathan in our lives if we desire to finish well.  Genesis 2:18 says that it is not good for man to be alone.  This need is pointed out by God to Adam prior to the fall.  In other words, there is a need in all of us for people to be in our lives.  What does a Jonathan do?  In 1 Samuel, Jonathan not only loved David and was committed to him, but he encouraged him and pointed him to God.  I need another man in my life to push me, to encourage me, to love me, to help me when I am in need.  This is true if I desire to finish well.   There really is only 1 question:  Do you have a Jonathan in your life?  If you do not have one, pray that God will provide that man in your life. I think for most men this area can be like a 6th grade dance. At a 6th grade dance there are all the boys on one side  of the gym and all of the girls on the other side of the gym.  Each side wondering who will make the first step. Men need to initiate with other men.  Don't wait for the other guy to initiate!  I have personally made it a goal to initiate with other men in my life until I die.   Will you join me in being an initiator?  Hebrews 3:13 says "But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called today..."  Have you ever run into someone who is over encouraged?  If you have a Jonathan in your life, take a moment today to encourage him.  If you have a friend who is not yet a Jonathan, try to go deeper then just the weather and sports. Talk to him about his marriage, his kids, and His God.  May we be men who finish well!