“Watch Your Triumph Unfold”

SCRIPTURE: “But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.” (2 Timothy 4:5)

OBSERVATION: Paul is teaching Timothy important life principals to live out this side of heaven so they will echo victoriously throughout eternity.  Paul reminds Timothy to stay awake as he walks out his faith journey with and for Jesus.  Lives depend on it.

APPLICATION:  I’ve been mentored by many.  However, there are only a handful who have proven to be faithful over the years.  These are the people who know me and advocate for God’s best in my life.  I’m grateful for these faithful few and appreciate how they hold my feet to the fire when I begin to stray off course.  They understand that legacy is about leading an intentional life. They remind me of the race I have been given to run.  It’s unconventional at best and I’m starting to fully enjoy who I am now and what Jesus has in store for me and my family!

The 75th Anniversary of the invasion of Pearl Harbor was a few days ago.  I asked my daughter what her teachers taught on.  To my surprise, she said, “Nothing.” … Nothing?!… Unacceptable.  So I helped her understand some of the stories that unfolded on island that day of infamy on December 7th 1941.

I had her watch some film footage of the attack, President FDR’s Presidential address to the Nation as we responded with resolve to finish the war we didn’t start… “So help us God.”

Then shared how her Great Grandpa, Frank Cordeiro, was only 16 years old when those Zeros released their bombs shattering America’s false hope of peace while confirming Japan’s bitter betrayal.  Grandpa Frank had his camera with him and began taking photographs.

He went on to become General MacArthur’s personal photographer during WWII and had the great privilege of capturing the signed surrender of the Japanese Empire aboard the Battleship Missouri.  He saw the war begin and end from a very unique perspective.  My kids should be proud of their family heritage.  It’s my role as a Father to remember well those who have come and gone in our life, gleaning life principals worthy of the next generation.

And with that, I shared with her the years we lived next to Pearl Harbor.  I shared how I used to run along the ocean shore path for miles with the old Battleship graveyard off shore in the distance.  Their hollowed shells reminded me of the history of Hawaii and the great privilege of living there.  Running on that path over the years changed me.  History set deeply within my heart.  It became personal.

So as I look at my life today, what am I about?  What is my life story reflecting?  What will my kids and my grandkids share about my life in the days to come?  These are questions that I hold loosely this morning.  I believe they are good questions.  They keep my feet following hard after the one that I follow, my King Jesus.

I want legacy.

I have legacy, up to a point.  I have a song and a story for the first 40 years of my life.  Yet I want more! And God knows it.  He put this longing deep within my heart before I was born.  Because of His faithfulness, I still follow Him.  There are promises I have held onto for years, that are being realized… NOW!  Life is now full of “Suddenlies” of blessings instead of curses.  Life is good.  And yet, there is so much more to come…

 

Praying and Planning for 2017 has me expecting a manifest season of “Suddenlies” for me and my family. Still praying through details, yet so expectant.  I’m at a fulcrum point in my life.  The next 40 years have just begun.  I’m getting excited about how Jesus will finish my story and glorify His name.  My life is good. And yet, God is not mocked… He will restore what was stolen from me and my family.  So excited!

PRAYER:  Make it count Jesus.  All of it.  I want legacy.  Not just the first 40… I want the next 40 to be exponentially better!  I choose to Follow You Off The Map as You show me every inch of this promised land You have brought me to.  Thank You for being so faithful.  I trust You.  And recognize that what You are about to do in and through me is for others.  May I fully carry out the ministry You are giving me.  I choose to be still and watch my triumph unfold… my faith is rising!

“Distracted @ Work?”…

SCRIPTURE: “Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”  (Philippians 2:12-13)

OBSERVATION: Paul is writing to the church leaders far away in Philipi.  He can’t visit them, so he is writing this letter to help them lead well in the middle of their real life circumstances.  The city moves at its own pace and the needs and challenges of people are complex.  Leaders must rely on God’s presence and leadership beyond Pastors and covering pastors, who may love them…but cannot be with them.

APPLICATION: I’m encouraged by Paul because I am am catching more and more his heart to be a pastor of pastors.  He is truly an apostle…even though he was not one of the 12 disciples.  Jesus showed up and interupted his life in a drastic way, causing Saul to serve Jesus instead of killing those who worshiped Him.  Even his name was changed to Paul becuase of this life change.  Jesus showed up!

I want to be a man who follows Jesus and respects those who are called to be my covering.  Leaders I can learn from and count on.  They know me better than I know myself at times.  And when it all gets cashed in, and counsel is needed, they won’t be ‘Yes Men’.  They will give me counsel that reflects their desire for God’s best in my life…not my conmfort.

I recognize today that Jesus has put in my heart this desire to be a good husband, father and pastor in this season of my life.  So many great things are going on.  I will remain focused on the work that Jesus has entrusted me and empowered me to do.  This is all His idea anyway!  Why not believe that He will bear fruit far beyond my abilities?  And when I don’t feel like it’s true…that’s when friends, family and God’s words coach me through it to the other side.  I believe that we are living out a first century church calling in the 21st Century.  The work of the ministry is far more important than the distractions of facebook, email, texts, t.v. & more.  We must be diligent to get done the things that God has called us to do.  This is how we can love people well.  By doing all that God has called us to do at work, schook, home, church, etc…

PRAYER: Today, I choose to work hard.  Knowing that all I’ve been entrusted with is not my own.  I have the opportunity to make the most of the time that has been given to me.  I recognize that I’m defined by what I do when no one is looking.  So may I give my best in all I do today.