How does God’s work in your life impact others?

My last blog entry was about how Barabbas’ life was literally saved by Jesus. https://thankfulinallthings.com/barabbas-crucify-him-crucify-him/ You have to wonder how Jesus dying on the cross impacted Barabbas once he found out he was freed. The other character in the story is Pontius Pilate. One has to wonder how Jesus dying and the reports he had been resurrected would have changed his life. One thing is for sure. He should have listened to his wife. Matthew 27:19 states, “While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a message, saying, “Have nothing to do with that righteous Man; for last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of Him.”

We are not sure how Jesus life, death and resurrection impacted Barabbas and Pilate but John 12:9 that Jesus raising Lazarus from the death impacted those who were there when it happened or heard about it. “Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.” I would hope that both Barabbas and the Pontius Pilate would, having seen the error of their ways, have sought out those who were Christ’s followers so they too, could begin a life changing faith journey.

But what about us? Has God impacted our lives in such a way that people want to hear your story like they wanted to hear from Lazarus? The scriptures are clear. We are to be ambassadors for Christ. https://www.biblehub.com/2_corinthians/5-20.htm People are to know we are people of faith by our love. https://biblehub.com/john/13-35.htm Those around you will be attracted to God because of the fruit of the spirit found in Galatians 5:22,23 you produce. https://www.bibleinfo.com/en/questions/fruit-of-the-spirit

I think Lazarus learned from the blind man who when asked about Jesus said, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” John 9:25 It may not have been as dramatic but, “Has God made Himself real in your life?” If so, are crowds or even individuals coming to you because they want to hear your story? If not, what needs to change about how you are living your life. If so, are you prepared in the way Peter challenges us in Peter 3:15  But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” We may not have been made to see or hear but when we encounter God through Christ, we can say as in proclaimed in the song Amazing Grace,

My chains are gone, I’ve been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace
https://genius.com/Chris-tomlin-amazing-grace-my-chains-are-gone-lyrics

I wish this for each and everyone of you who has read this blog. My hope is that Barabbas, Pilate and his wife also realized this truth and found themselves saved by the One who came to save us all. That would be wonderful if true. Please subscribe to this blog if you haven’t already and share it with others who you think might be encouraged by it. I can be reached by email at [email protected]

Does having a purpose driven life create pressure or motivation in your life

Last week I shared my word for 2023, RISE.  In the blog, I shared that I want to RISE UP/P this year.  I want to be Resolved, Intentional, Serving, Expectantly Unleashing God’s Purpose and Passion.  Interestingly enough, I had the chance to listen to a Podcast where my thoughts were challenged.  The guest on the show took exception to the concept of a Purpose Driven Life that Rick Warren wrote in his best selling book twenty years ago https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56495.The_Purpose_Driven_Life  She shared that America has been traumatized by the pressure that everyone feels to have a purpose and leave a lasting legacy so that one will be remembered.  There is no doubt that the pressure to succeed, to make something out of yourself, can eat you up and spit you out.  The lack of life balance has caused many to wake up one day with the regret and question of. “what have I done with this life?” 
I would like to offer you a different perspective on having purpose. 
Instead of it being seen as a negative, Knowing who you are meant to be can help free you up to live an enriched and fulfilled life. 
It can be as simple as leading others to a desire to make a positive difference in the world no matter where you are placed.  One can rise up to this endeavor no matter if they care for kids, bag groceries, run a company, etc. Whether it is personal or in business, it is about building relationships not being transactional.  Not trying to chase the deal or get something out of a friendship but instead asking the question how can I serve?  The negative pressure the podcast speaker spoke about can be alleviated if one finds something they love versus feeding their ego or doing something to appease someone else. 

Here is another way of looking at seeking wisdom on how your life is to be lived.  I am reading through Proverbs this month.  Chapter 10  challenges us to seek wisdom while also heeding God’s discipline to find the way life was meant to be lived.  Yes it is our life to live but verse 17 says by ignoring correction we can lead others astray.  https://biblehub.com/proverbs/10-17.htm You may not think you are a leader but others are watching how you do life.  

The (above mentioned) speaker and I are in agreement on one thing for sure.  Our life should be one that is stress free and without the pressure of measuring up in some way.  God promises peace and joy even in the midst of difficult circumstances.  How can that be you might ask.  My answer from both the old and new testament is quite simple.  He calls me to love Him with all my heart and love others as He loves me.  https://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/passage/?q=matthew+22:37-39  The life of peace and joy free from the anxieties of the world comes when we live our lives doing these two things and then letting go and trusting Him with the outcome.  

Thanks for reading this blog post.  It means more than you know.  If you haven’t already please subscribe so you can receive email notifications when new content is posted.  I can be reached by email at michael@mrg7175,com

Learning how to follow, helps us to better lead

Make no mistake. All of us are called to be leaders. Stop for a moment and think about who is looking for you to lead them through their lives or even a challenging moment. Are you willing to step up and if so, are you prepared to take on the responsibilities that come with being a leader?

Dave Anderson shares to be a good leader, we must first learn to be a good follower. “Before West Point expects cadets to become leaders, they train them how to be good followers. America’s leadership university designs the entire freshman (plebe) year around the idea of followership. Before you can effectively lead others, you need to understand how to be a good follower.” That way we can harken back to what it felt like to follow someone who set a positive example of what leading others looked like to you and how it may you feel. Dave goes on to say and I paraphrase, “The definition of Selflessness is putting the needs of others before our own needs, desires or convenience. When we can learn to do that as a follower, it creates a habit that will prepare us to do the same thing when we are called to lead others in the future.” Check out his character test here. https://www.becomingaleaderofcharacter.com/my-mirror-character-assessment Be honest 🙂 How did you do?

Another term for selflessness is servant heartedness. Think about how you felt when being served. Doesn’t it make you want to go out and serve others so they can be made to feel the same way? It is what I call “turning the word gratitude into a verb”. Being served by others will help us learn the impact we can have when we serve them. One lesson that is very hard to learn for one in a leadership position is asking for or accepting when offered, someone’s help. The misnomer here is that leaders are to be strong and not show a weakness or vulnerability. Nothing can be further from the truth.

Think about a beautifully wrapped present that someone wants to give to you. The present doesn’t become a gift until the person receiving it accepts it. Its purpose is left unfulfilled. My friend, Kim Farrar, says it this way. “I cannot bless you if you won’t accept what it is I am trying to give or you say how can I repay you?”

John Maxwell writes, “If you’re all alone, that means nobody is following you. And if nobody is following you, then you’re not really leading.”

Who is God calling you to lead? Even if only one person comes to mind, be the best leader you can be by finding ways to serve them well. Love and care for them as God loves and cares for you. That way you can confidently move lives forward (wink, wink, Liza Myers Borches) implementing what Dave Anderson writes about Followership. That it is a foundation to leadership. Someone who learns to be a good follower, will be more prepared to be a good leader.” There is noone better to follow first than our Lord Jesus Christ. When we do he promises in Matthew 4:19 to make you “fishers of mankind”.

Please subscribe to this blog to receive email notifications when new content is posted. You can reach me by email at [email protected] I would love to hear how you did on Dave Anderson’s character assessment