Holy Discontent- by Bill Hybels

I just completed a book by Bill Hybels, “Holy Discontent: Fueling the fire that ignites personal vision.” One of the main points is that each person will recognize a need in this world and will become discontent to sit by without action. Eventually, a person will become passionate about solving a problem and they will go to work to be the answer. At our church, we have many people who are doing just this but today I was reminded of a married couple while serving at our outreach ministry, “Angel Food.”

Several months back this same couple approached me about helping people get food that were financially unable to purchase it or at least, good foods like meat and vegetables. They not only saw a need but they had a solution and then to boot they wanted to lead the ministry. As watched dozens and dozens of boxes of food go out the door, I felt a surge of optimism in my heart. I was excited to see people sacrificially giving of themselves to help others.

A few things I learned from this…

1. People like this are contagious. Not only were they helping but there were many other volunteers pitching in as well. People love to associate with people who are passionate about helping others.
2. Serving in a place that stokes your fires only makes you burn brighter. This couple had started the day at 5am and did not finish until after 2pm. That makes for a long day! But they were smiling. They were physically tired but their hearts were full.
3. As a pastor, this last observation may be the best. I realized when people are serving in the ministry that they passionately care about then I don’t have to motivate them to do the job well. I didn’t have to tell them to be sure and get up early enough to be ready. I didn’t have to ask them to be prepared with necessary supplies. I actually did not have to do anything but thank them. Why? They wanted good results as much or more than I did, therefore they were self motivated. It is ever tiresome to be obligated to hold a leaders hand to do accomplish their work. But when people serve the need that God has placed in their heart then watch out... these people will have significance in our churches and cities.

God bless you Gary and Mindy McSmith!!!

Now what about you? Read the story of Nehemiah. He couldn’t stand by without putting his hands to the task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. He was discontent to sit by without action. You will find your life having greater meaning when you are giving of yourself to a God-given purpose.

How much is 4.3%?

Did You Know . . . The difference between winning and winning big can be very small. Take the PGA Tour for example. In 2004, Phil Mickelson won $5.7 million in prize money and had $20 million in endorsements. His per round stroke average was 69.2. Contrast that with Cliff Kresge, an unknown, unheralded pro who won $260,000 and had a per round stroke average of 72.2. Phil Mickelson shot only threee strokes per round better than Kresge yet Mickelson made 100 times more money. Mickelson's two stroke margin translates into just a 4.3% advantage but in the money column it translates into a nearly 10,000% advantage. Just think, one missed putt or one wayward tee shot every six holes made the difference between multi-million dollar riches and marginal obscurity.

In business this is important. A poor first impression, one neglected phone call or one day that you acted with a bad attitude to a customer. These small mistakes can lead to significant losses over time. But improvement can come just as easy. Add 4.3 more clients, increase sales or decrease expenses by 4.3% or motivate your staff to improve productivity by 4.3%.

Now what about your Spiritual life? Can you improve your spiritual life by investing just a small amount of additional time in prayer, study, and worship? Of course it is a heart issue, but I’m confident that most of us could give a little more time in prayer, study and worship. The Bible says this will build you up.

Acts 20:32 "I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up."

Join me in making a small adjustment in our schedule for more time with God and allow God to build you up for your day.

How much is 4.3%? It is just enough to help build you up and prepare you for your day.

Reality Check

Usually the desire to escape reality is not a good sign. Often when we face tremendous pressures from work, stress from personal financial difficulties, or our relationship struggles mount up, we choose to escape rather than focus on the solution. Your escape can be anything from excessive TV watching, renting movies, playing video games, walking around the mall, alcohol and just staying in bed. These activities will not help you out of your problems. The best thing to do is take a note from Nehemiah. He faced the difficulties, rather than escaping the reality. He fasted, prayed and began making the necessary plans to rebuild the city walls that protected the city of Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 1:3-4
"Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been burned." When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven.
NLT

As you read on in the book of Nehemiah you will read about the tenacity he exhibited to rebuild the walls.

In an environment where the economy is sluggish many people find themselves under great pressure and turn to escapism rather than staying the course. You may need a reality check. My encouragement for you is to face the difficulties, pray and fast for God’s wisdom, then go to work in fixing the problems. If you continue to avoid and dodge the real issues in life then you will wind up in deeper problems. So getin2life!

Happy Birthday

My son just celebrated his 14th birthday. Happy Birthday son. I feel much older! My son never asks for much but he did let me know of one gift he would like to have. As a dad, I was determined to get him this gift. It wasn’t a great price but even if it were I would try my best to get it for him. (Please don’t write me about telling my children no and all that jazz.) The fact is, I really enjoy blessing my kids. When they ask for stuff, I seriously consider it. With this thought in mind, read this verse.

Luke 11:9-139 "And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. 10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks. 11 "You fathers — if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? 12 Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! 13 If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?"

The most excellent gift we can ask God for is the Holy Spirit. Why?

1. It is the Spirit who gives life. (John 6:33)
2. The Holy Spirit is our counselor/helper. (John 14:16,26)
3. You will receive His power for spreading the good news. (Acts 1:8)
4. Reveals the deep things of God (1 Cor. 2: 10-12)
5. The giver of Spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12: 4-27)
6. Develops within the believer great character. (Gal. 5: 22-23)
7. Frees us from bondages (2 Cor. 3:17)

If you are not a believer then ask God to send His Holy Spirit to give you a new life (See #1). If you are a believer than ask the Holy Spirit to come and refresh you, guide you, empower you, reveal to you, give you special Spiritual gifts, develop character and free you. God will do it! Why don’t you getin2life today!