This past Sunday at Merger we continued on in our "Heart Invaders" series as we took a look at the invader of greed. Here are some thoughts:
*Greed says: "I owe me"
*Greed is the result of placing greater value on a possession than a person.
*Jesus on greed= Luke 12:13-21
*3 common misconceptions about greed are:
1. Greed, in my life will be obvious to me.
2. Greed is only a financial issue.
3. Having more will make me less greedy and will give me a better life.
*Greed isn't a stuff issue, it's a heart issue.
*Your life is not any more or less successful by how much stuff you can accumulate.
*An abundance of stuff does not guarantee an abundance of time.
*Eventually, everything we claim to own will be owned by somebody else. In the end it will all be given away (quite possibly in a garage sale). So to assume that everything that comes your way is for you own consumption is shortsighted and foolish. It's not a matter of if somebody will get it; it's just a matter of when and how.
*Expose greed through generosity.
*Generosity is being rich towards God and others.
*Greed is not evidenced by how you feel but by what you do. Like-wise generous feelings and good intentions do not compensate for a greedy heart.
*The giving of our finances, time, opportunities have to make an impact in our lifestyle if it is going to break the power of greed in our lives.
*Paul on being generous = 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
*Observations:
1. Being generous affects the outcome of my opportunities.
2. The attitude of my generosity matters.
3. God notices my generosity and rewards me for it, so I can in return be even more generous.
4. My generosity actually brings attention to my God.
Wrapping it up:
*Greed is bad.
*Being generous is good.
*We should ask God what He would like us to do with our extra just as much as we ask Him to supply our need.
*The key to being a church that makes a difference isn't complicated. The key is generosity; being rich towards God by being rich towards the people He is sending us to.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
What A Difference A Year Makes
I am sitting here in my usual Friday lesson preparation station at the Seatle's Best inside the Burleson Border's. My thoughts have shifted from preparing to talking about greed to a realization that it was around this time last year where some things happened that have forever changed the direction of my life.
I think it was a year ago this week where Misty and I were on vacation in Las Vegas when God moved in, through and around us when He introduced us to a man named Stewart. Stewart had been shoeless for two weeks on the hot streets of Vegas and God used us to bring him some relief. I really think He did more in us than we did for Stewart.
It was around this time last year when I really started gaining clarity and vision about planting a church in Lake Worth. In a few weeks my team and myself are going to a conference where last year God confirmed a lot of what Misty and I had been wrestling with understanding and accepting. The thought that God was calling me into the adventure that we are currently on is indescribable. I believe that God took me from something that was very good and very safe for me, and broke down that comfort while preparing us for something that will be and is great.
What a difference a year can make! God is good, I am in the middle of a grand adventure with some of my greatest friends. We are being stretched beyond our own abilities, and are needing to rely on God for our daily bread. Merge is at the genesis of really serving the schools in ways that a church can and the next few chapters in our story will be incredible.
A year ago when asked where we would be today, I could not have imagine not serving at The Ridge, living with Misty's grandma, loving Lake Worth or for that matter having the opportunity to weekly challenge people to love God through loving people.
What a difference a year can make!
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
I think it was a year ago this week where Misty and I were on vacation in Las Vegas when God moved in, through and around us when He introduced us to a man named Stewart. Stewart had been shoeless for two weeks on the hot streets of Vegas and God used us to bring him some relief. I really think He did more in us than we did for Stewart.
It was around this time last year when I really started gaining clarity and vision about planting a church in Lake Worth. In a few weeks my team and myself are going to a conference where last year God confirmed a lot of what Misty and I had been wrestling with understanding and accepting. The thought that God was calling me into the adventure that we are currently on is indescribable. I believe that God took me from something that was very good and very safe for me, and broke down that comfort while preparing us for something that will be and is great.
What a difference a year can make! God is good, I am in the middle of a grand adventure with some of my greatest friends. We are being stretched beyond our own abilities, and are needing to rely on God for our daily bread. Merge is at the genesis of really serving the schools in ways that a church can and the next few chapters in our story will be incredible.
A year ago when asked where we would be today, I could not have imagine not serving at The Ridge, living with Misty's grandma, loving Lake Worth or for that matter having the opportunity to weekly challenge people to love God through loving people.
What a difference a year can make!
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Ecclesia
We the church can become so bogged down in programs and systems and things that just don't really matter, while forgetting and sometimes simply ignoring the commands from God to not build a church but to be the church.
This is going to be a great series. More details to come.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
It Shouldn't Be Lonely At The Top For A Leader
There is a great John Maxwell principle that says "If it's lonely at the top then you are doing something wrong." I find this to be so true. In leadership it is so easy to horde control, take all the responsibility for execution of the organization and call that leading. But any leader that does this long enough will find themselves in the successes of their own isolation. This may seem to appear good in the short term when the organization builds momentum and there is some growth. However through the life of the organization a leader alone at the top will eventually fail the organization.
A leader is greatly worth the value of the leaders he or she produces by taking them along with them on the journey. If it is lonely at the top it's because the leader has not either built trust with those in the organization, is unsure how to lead the organization to the next level, wants control (this will prohibit other leaders growing under the main leader and will eventually lead to a shortage of leaders) or really believes that they are better off doing it all on their own.
All this boils down to a simple math equation:
1 leader x 1 effort = 1 result
2 leaders x 2 efforts = the power of 4 results
I am not math genius but two people leading seems to produce more results than doing it on your own. Now imagine a leader committed to developing a staff with this in mind.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
A leader is greatly worth the value of the leaders he or she produces by taking them along with them on the journey. If it is lonely at the top it's because the leader has not either built trust with those in the organization, is unsure how to lead the organization to the next level, wants control (this will prohibit other leaders growing under the main leader and will eventually lead to a shortage of leaders) or really believes that they are better off doing it all on their own.
All this boils down to a simple math equation:
1 leader x 1 effort = 1 result
2 leaders x 2 efforts = the power of 4 results
I am not math genius but two people leading seems to produce more results than doing it on your own. Now imagine a leader committed to developing a staff with this in mind.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Sunday Morning Recap
Here is a look into the lesson we went through at Merge this past Sunday. The recording should be up shortly on the website (www.mergecommunitychurch.com). A lot of this information is credited to Andy Stanley and his book, "It Came From Within".
*What is in our heart will eventually surface in our thoughts, words and actions.
*The condition of your heart will shape the environment in which you live.
If you have and unhealthy heart, it will not be long before you find yourself in an unhealthy environment dealing with unhealthy issues around unhealthy people.
*Invader Spotlight: ANGER
It's the invader that is produced after a person receives a wound (small or large), but because the wound never heals properly it has now taken control and has left that person allowing anger to direct their lives.
*Anger is the result in a process of unresolved issues not being dealt with in a healthy manner.
*Anger says "YOU owe ME"
*Anger is not the result of what happened to you and it's not your response in your excuse of saying "That's just the way I am". Anger is a choice you make in the person you are becoming. You become an angry person, not because of your circumstances. But because you allow anger to take root in the chambers of your heart.
*Anger produces more anger, not less.
*Expose anger through: FORGIVENESS.
*Forgiveness = CANCELED DEBT
*If you are keeping a running tally on how many times you show mercy and grant forgiveness then I think you have a pretty messed up view on mercy and forgiveness.
*We love the idea of a God willing to forgive us for the wrongs we have done to Him, but hate the idea of forgiving people for the wrongs they have done to us. Jesus looks at us and says "You have two choices that will have dramatically different results in your life. One option will allow you to help another experience freedom and the other will place you in a prison. They choice is yours."
*4 Steps of Forgiveness
1. Identify with whom you are angry.
2. Determine what they owe you.
3. Cancel the debt.
4. Dismiss the case.
*How long are you going to let the people who have hurt you dictate how you relate to those who haven't?
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
*What is in our heart will eventually surface in our thoughts, words and actions.
*The condition of your heart will shape the environment in which you live.
If you have and unhealthy heart, it will not be long before you find yourself in an unhealthy environment dealing with unhealthy issues around unhealthy people.
*Invader Spotlight: ANGER
It's the invader that is produced after a person receives a wound (small or large), but because the wound never heals properly it has now taken control and has left that person allowing anger to direct their lives.
*Anger is the result in a process of unresolved issues not being dealt with in a healthy manner.
*Anger says "YOU owe ME"
*Anger is not the result of what happened to you and it's not your response in your excuse of saying "That's just the way I am". Anger is a choice you make in the person you are becoming. You become an angry person, not because of your circumstances. But because you allow anger to take root in the chambers of your heart.
*Anger produces more anger, not less.
*Expose anger through: FORGIVENESS.
*Forgiveness = CANCELED DEBT
*If you are keeping a running tally on how many times you show mercy and grant forgiveness then I think you have a pretty messed up view on mercy and forgiveness.
*We love the idea of a God willing to forgive us for the wrongs we have done to Him, but hate the idea of forgiving people for the wrongs they have done to us. Jesus looks at us and says "You have two choices that will have dramatically different results in your life. One option will allow you to help another experience freedom and the other will place you in a prison. They choice is yours."
*4 Steps of Forgiveness
1. Identify with whom you are angry.
2. Determine what they owe you.
3. Cancel the debt.
4. Dismiss the case.
*How long are you going to let the people who have hurt you dictate how you relate to those who haven't?
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Friday, September 19, 2008
Joy thoughts...
"Joy is something that we have to choose and then work for. Like the ability to run for an hour, it doesn't come automatically. It needs cultivation."
-----Francis Chan "Crazy Love"
Boy, does this ring true in my life. Joy can be very elusive in my heart. Not because of anything it does, but what I do to it. I will allow things like worry, doubt, uncertainty and fear take the megaphone for the inner speakings of my soul. Anytime I do this, I muzzle the freedom of living in joy.
Joy has to be protected as the precious treasure that it is. It is the gateway to seeing this world, these people, our circumstances and possibilities in a very healthy and very different way. We must choose to cultivate joy so it's roots form deep into the marrow of our souls. Do this and you will be one step closer to experiencing life to the fullest.
So what are you doing to cultivate joy in your life?
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
-----Francis Chan "Crazy Love"
Boy, does this ring true in my life. Joy can be very elusive in my heart. Not because of anything it does, but what I do to it. I will allow things like worry, doubt, uncertainty and fear take the megaphone for the inner speakings of my soul. Anytime I do this, I muzzle the freedom of living in joy.
Joy has to be protected as the precious treasure that it is. It is the gateway to seeing this world, these people, our circumstances and possibilities in a very healthy and very different way. We must choose to cultivate joy so it's roots form deep into the marrow of our souls. Do this and you will be one step closer to experiencing life to the fullest.
So what are you doing to cultivate joy in your life?
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Steps For Creating A Culture Of Discipline (by Jim Collins)
"Steps from Good to Great, p.124"
Creating a Culture of Discipline
1. Build a culture around the idea of freedom and responsibility, within a framework.
2. Fill that culture with self-disciplined people who are willing to go to extreme lengths to fulfill their responsibilities. They will "rinse their cottage cheese".
3. Don't confuse a culture of discipline with a tyrannical disciplinarian.
4. Adhere with great consistency to the Hedgehog Concept, exercising an almost religious focus on the intersection of the three circles. Equally important, create a "stop doing list" and systematically unplug anything extraneous.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Creating a Culture of Discipline
1. Build a culture around the idea of freedom and responsibility, within a framework.
2. Fill that culture with self-disciplined people who are willing to go to extreme lengths to fulfill their responsibilities. They will "rinse their cottage cheese".
3. Don't confuse a culture of discipline with a tyrannical disciplinarian.
4. Adhere with great consistency to the Hedgehog Concept, exercising an almost religious focus on the intersection of the three circles. Equally important, create a "stop doing list" and systematically unplug anything extraneous.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Sermon on the Mount Thoughts
I've been spending the past few days reading through the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. Jesus deals with many issues that we wrestle with in our lives. From how we should treat each other, to how to see money, to how to pray, to how not to worry, to how we get into heaven and many many more insights for living.
It is so easy to read these words as ancient text and not for practical living. Jesus Christ son of God is telling you how to live life to the fullest in these words. He is speaking into the conflicts of your soul, exposing your dysfunctions and revealing a life worth living.
"Father, thank You for Your Word."
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
It is so easy to read these words as ancient text and not for practical living. Jesus Christ son of God is telling you how to live life to the fullest in these words. He is speaking into the conflicts of your soul, exposing your dysfunctions and revealing a life worth living.
"Father, thank You for Your Word."
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Sunday Lesson Recap
I want to start making it a point on Tuesday to doing a quick recap on the lesson we learned the previous Sunday at MCC. We are in the middle of a series we entitled "Heart Invaders", Sunday we focused on the invader of guilt. Here are some thoughts:
---What comes out of the mouth comes from the heart.
---What is in our hearts will eventually surface in our thoughts, words and actions.
---The condition of your heart will shape the environment in which you live.
"If you have an unhealthy heart it will not be long before you find yourself in an unhealthy environment dealing with unhealthy issues around unhealthy people"
---"Above all else guard your heart, for it effects everything you do." Proverbs 4:23 NLT
---Guilt says "I owe you"
---Guilt will make it difficult to trust others.
---Guilt will create a culture of suspicion.
---Guilt in one relationship will poison all other relationships.
---Guilt loses it's hold when exposed through CONFESSION.
---Confession must precede forgiveness.
---The purpose of confession is not to relieve your conscience but to bring change and reconciliation.
"If you start confessing your sins to the people you have offended, odds are that you will start avoiding being a repeat offender."
"Guilty people are usually repeat offenders. And as long as you are carrying a secret, as long as you are trying to ease your conscience by telling God how sorry you are, you are setting yourself up to repeat the past."---Andy Stanley
---Until you confess to all parties involved, guilt will continue to linger in those relationships.
"Truth is...you can not resolve your differences with God if you are unwilling to resolve your issues with the people around you."
Next week....ANGER
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
---What comes out of the mouth comes from the heart.
---What is in our hearts will eventually surface in our thoughts, words and actions.
---The condition of your heart will shape the environment in which you live.
"If you have an unhealthy heart it will not be long before you find yourself in an unhealthy environment dealing with unhealthy issues around unhealthy people"
---"Above all else guard your heart, for it effects everything you do." Proverbs 4:23 NLT
---Guilt says "I owe you"
---Guilt will make it difficult to trust others.
---Guilt will create a culture of suspicion.
---Guilt in one relationship will poison all other relationships.
---Guilt loses it's hold when exposed through CONFESSION.
---Confession must precede forgiveness.
---The purpose of confession is not to relieve your conscience but to bring change and reconciliation.
"If you start confessing your sins to the people you have offended, odds are that you will start avoiding being a repeat offender."
"Guilty people are usually repeat offenders. And as long as you are carrying a secret, as long as you are trying to ease your conscience by telling God how sorry you are, you are setting yourself up to repeat the past."---Andy Stanley
---Until you confess to all parties involved, guilt will continue to linger in those relationships.
"Truth is...you can not resolve your differences with God if you are unwilling to resolve your issues with the people around you."
Next week....ANGER
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Saturday Night Prayer
Father,
In the morning as we meet to worship You with our lives I pray that Your Spirit would be overwhelming. That the lesson You have placed in my heart would have little insight from me and all inspiration from You.
I pray for the people that will be joining in worship with me. I acknowledge that they are there because of Your divine plan. Help me be satisfied with the ones that are there and not focus in the ones that aren't.
Help us draw closer to the amazing reality of Your love as it collides with the mess of our lives.
We love You.
In Jesus name
Amen
In the morning as we meet to worship You with our lives I pray that Your Spirit would be overwhelming. That the lesson You have placed in my heart would have little insight from me and all inspiration from You.
I pray for the people that will be joining in worship with me. I acknowledge that they are there because of Your divine plan. Help me be satisfied with the ones that are there and not focus in the ones that aren't.
Help us draw closer to the amazing reality of Your love as it collides with the mess of our lives.
We love You.
In Jesus name
Amen
Friday, September 12, 2008
Words Worth Chewing On...
"Our greatest fear as individuals and as a church should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter."
----Tim Kizziar
What a true statement. There is a danger in each of us to invest time and energy in matters that when held up to the scope of reality don't matter much at all. As individuals we work extra hours to buy cars and houses we can barely afford to keep up with the Jones's. We put in the hours to get the promotion that only takes us further away from our families and the ones we really have an opportunity to influence. We lower the bar of our standards so low that a simple step exceeds our own expectations.
It gets even worse when it comes to churches... we think things like facilities are our greatest challenges, we act like giving God some of our left over money is something to be proud of and being cordial to a rude person is worthy of self praise.
Have we set the bar so low that even Satan isn't worried when we succeed in our own eyes?
I don't mean to be a people or church basher, but when I look in through the scope of my own life these are some of the issues I internalize. They are the ones that I wrestle with. It is entirely possible to have a 'good' life and not play any role in the story God is telling. This has to be the danger that we avoid as Christians and the church. Good can be the enemy of great.
(I realize this is a bit heavy for a Friday post but I am feeling a bit honory.)
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
----Tim Kizziar
What a true statement. There is a danger in each of us to invest time and energy in matters that when held up to the scope of reality don't matter much at all. As individuals we work extra hours to buy cars and houses we can barely afford to keep up with the Jones's. We put in the hours to get the promotion that only takes us further away from our families and the ones we really have an opportunity to influence. We lower the bar of our standards so low that a simple step exceeds our own expectations.
It gets even worse when it comes to churches... we think things like facilities are our greatest challenges, we act like giving God some of our left over money is something to be proud of and being cordial to a rude person is worthy of self praise.
Have we set the bar so low that even Satan isn't worried when we succeed in our own eyes?
I don't mean to be a people or church basher, but when I look in through the scope of my own life these are some of the issues I internalize. They are the ones that I wrestle with. It is entirely possible to have a 'good' life and not play any role in the story God is telling. This has to be the danger that we avoid as Christians and the church. Good can be the enemy of great.
(I realize this is a bit heavy for a Friday post but I am feeling a bit honory.)
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Thursday, September 11, 2008
The Stand
I have a lot of stuff going on today between Merge Night and Heart Invaders Lesson prep but I wanted to share with you the lyrics of a song we have been doing at Merge the past two weeks that is quickly becoming one of my favorite songs. If you haven't heard it I recommend you buy it on ITUNES. If you don't know what I am talking about when I say ITUNES, I think you need to crawl out from under the rock you are living under
The song is entitled, "The Stand" it is on the Hillsong United "United We Stand" album:
You stood before creation
Eternity in Your hands
You spoke the earth into motion
My soul not to stand
You stood before my failure
And carried the cross for my shame
My sin weighed upon Your shoulders
My soul now to stand
So I'll walk upon salvation
Your Spirit alive in me
This life to declare Your promise
My soul now to stand
So what can I say?
And what could I do?
But offer this heart, Oh God
Completely to You
I'll stand
With arms his and heart abandoned
In awe of the one who gave it all
I'll stand
My soul Lord to You surrendered
All I am is Yours
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
The song is entitled, "The Stand" it is on the Hillsong United "United We Stand" album:
You stood before creation
Eternity in Your hands
You spoke the earth into motion
My soul not to stand
You stood before my failure
And carried the cross for my shame
My sin weighed upon Your shoulders
My soul now to stand
So I'll walk upon salvation
Your Spirit alive in me
This life to declare Your promise
My soul now to stand
So what can I say?
And what could I do?
But offer this heart, Oh God
Completely to You
I'll stand
With arms his and heart abandoned
In awe of the one who gave it all
I'll stand
My soul Lord to You surrendered
All I am is Yours
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Merge Night Thoughts
I have been preparing for Merge Night (this Sunday night) for the past few months but have been fine tuning the past few days.
I am blown away at the opportunities to serve this community our church actually has. We have some great things in store for us and I am confident we are going to see God move through us in some incredible ways.
Hopefully the things we are going to be striving for this ministry season will inspire and challenge people to experience God in some new ways.
Only time will tell but I do know this....God is good and when we think larger than ourselves we really get to see Him at work.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
I am blown away at the opportunities to serve this community our church actually has. We have some great things in store for us and I am confident we are going to see God move through us in some incredible ways.
Hopefully the things we are going to be striving for this ministry season will inspire and challenge people to experience God in some new ways.
Only time will tell but I do know this....God is good and when we think larger than ourselves we really get to see Him at work.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Monday, September 8, 2008
Verse Worth Memorizing
"Above all else guard your heart.
For it effects everything you do"
---Proverbs 4:23 NLT
For it effects everything you do"
---Proverbs 4:23 NLT
Sunday, September 7, 2008
8 Minutes
That's his long I gave the new show on Fox "Hole In The Wall". Apparently they have run out of even bad ideas. This was in a class all to itself. I am thinking about pitching an idea for a show. 3 contestants live their lives as normal as usual, cameras follow them around and at the end of the day they see just how much belly button lint they accumulated. First on to one pound wins.
If they will run Hole In The Wall surely they will be open to my suggestion.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
If they will run Hole In The Wall surely they will be open to my suggestion.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Word Of God Speak
I have been have an unsually difficult time this week digging into the Word of God. I'm not really sure why but as I sat down this morning to read I realized that I haven't really been paying attention to the chapters and verses of this week and I'm pretty sure I missed a day or two. (I know, the thought of a pastor doing this is appauling. I am sure you never do anything like this).
Truth is, I haven't really been to busy (which is the universal excuse for not reading). I have had plenty of time to do things that are far less important. I have spent multiple blocks of time this week checking my fantasy football teams, reading blogs, watching t.v., playing Madden 09, reading books, texting for no reason, and sleeping.
I just haven't made it a priority this week. And something has to change. God's Word is living and active and speaks into the opportunities, circumstances and confusion of our lives...of my life. It has rescued me from danger, enlightened my path and shown me a life that I thought I could only dream of.
Now, I'm not planning on any knee jerk reaction to get back on track. I'm not going to spend 8 hours today reading Leviticus or anything. But I will stop, open up my Bible, ask God to speak to me in ways that only He can, and I will listen to the voice that loves me so much.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Truth is, I haven't really been to busy (which is the universal excuse for not reading). I have had plenty of time to do things that are far less important. I have spent multiple blocks of time this week checking my fantasy football teams, reading blogs, watching t.v., playing Madden 09, reading books, texting for no reason, and sleeping.
I just haven't made it a priority this week. And something has to change. God's Word is living and active and speaks into the opportunities, circumstances and confusion of our lives...of my life. It has rescued me from danger, enlightened my path and shown me a life that I thought I could only dream of.
Now, I'm not planning on any knee jerk reaction to get back on track. I'm not going to spend 8 hours today reading Leviticus or anything. But I will stop, open up my Bible, ask God to speak to me in ways that only He can, and I will listen to the voice that loves me so much.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Friday, September 5, 2008
The Hedghog Concept
I am currently going through the book "Good To Great" by Jim Collins. It is most definitely filling my leadership geekness cup to the full line. Jim's team did an exhaustive systematic look at what the differences are in companies that are just good and the ones that are great.
The chapter I am currently in deals with the "Hedgehog Concept", which is basically saying that the great companies know the one thing they can do well and stick to that. This concept works well with one of my core values, "BREAK EVERYTHING DOWN TO IT'S MOST SIMPLE ELEMENT".
As reading he offers three revealing questions in how to discover your inner hedgehog. I think this really applies well in asking ourselves how we can live the life of our dreams.
Here they are (minor adjustments made to adapt for a person):
What are you deeply passionate about?
What can you be the best in the world at?
What can you do that will bring you the most return for your efforts?
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
The chapter I am currently in deals with the "Hedgehog Concept", which is basically saying that the great companies know the one thing they can do well and stick to that. This concept works well with one of my core values, "BREAK EVERYTHING DOWN TO IT'S MOST SIMPLE ELEMENT".
As reading he offers three revealing questions in how to discover your inner hedgehog. I think this really applies well in asking ourselves how we can live the life of our dreams.
Here they are (minor adjustments made to adapt for a person):
What are you deeply passionate about?
What can you be the best in the world at?
What can you do that will bring you the most return for your efforts?
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Thursday, September 4, 2008
New Series This Sunday At MCC
I am really excited about the series we are starting at MCC this weekend. Heart Invaders is one of my most favorite topics to discuss and wrestle with. I believe that we all deal with guilt, anger, greed and jealousy. Unfortunately, so many times we mishandle these emotions and they reveal themselves in some very damaging ways.
My prayer over these next 5 weeks is that the Holy Spirit will expose these emotions in us and not allow us to hide them any longer. Because as we will see, the longer you try to hide them the more powerful they become.
These next few weeks are going to be good.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
My prayer over these next 5 weeks is that the Holy Spirit will expose these emotions in us and not allow us to hide them any longer. Because as we will see, the longer you try to hide them the more powerful they become.
These next few weeks are going to be good.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
One Powerful Word
I met with the social worker for the Lake Worth ISD today. Her name is Adelita and she seems to be a really good person to get to know. She gave me some thank you cards the kids of the schools we donated school supplies for as a church.
Most of the cards had a simple word on them that makes such a big difference......THANKS.
It's a powerful word. You should make it a point to tell some one that today.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Most of the cards had a simple word on them that makes such a big difference......THANKS.
It's a powerful word. You should make it a point to tell some one that today.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Tuesday, September 2, 2008
The End Of The World?????
I realize there are occasions in life where a few groups of people may think that we are close to seeing the end of the world. The debate usually springs up when new global leaders are established (Pope, United Nations, President, Oprah, etc). I have even heard cases being made for end times when countries go to war. To be honest with you, I have always viewed the end of the world debate as something we will know when it comes. Until then, it's just a guess, I mean every generation since Jesus has thought that what was going on around them would lead to the desctruciton of the world as we know it. It has become a topic for me that really never comes to any different conlcusion other than, "WE WILL JUST HAVE TO SEE."
Until today...........
The New Kids On The Block have come out with a new album. I thought at first it was a remake of their older stuff. But I was wrong. This is totally new recordings with songs like: Sexify My Love (I'm not even sure that is legal in Texas), Put It On My Tab (maybe this is insight in their need to stage a come back) and Stare at You (that sounds both creepy and the beginning of a restraining order).
I wonder if there is an end time scholar doing research on this. I think I remember something in Revelations about when the Hanging Tough boys mount a come back a meteor will fall from the sky ending the suffering of all those who buy the albums.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
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Until today...........
The New Kids On The Block have come out with a new album. I thought at first it was a remake of their older stuff. But I was wrong. This is totally new recordings with songs like: Sexify My Love (I'm not even sure that is legal in Texas), Put It On My Tab (maybe this is insight in their need to stage a come back) and Stare at You (that sounds both creepy and the beginning of a restraining order).
I wonder if there is an end time scholar doing research on this. I think I remember something in Revelations about when the Hanging Tough boys mount a come back a meteor will fall from the sky ending the suffering of all those who buy the albums.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
<><
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