Inspiration

So, I'm at the beach in Destin, FL, emerald green waters, white sandy beaches, blue, red, yellow, orange, white, green and many other color umbrellas dotting the shoreline, and something I wasn't really expecting to find - new inspiration. It's amazing how our routine surroundings and schedule can lead us into tunnel vision without us even realizing it. I came to the beach to rest, spend time with the family and take a break from 'ministry', a break from sermon preparation and creative thinking and planning, in other words, to just chill out. I'm doing that and loving the time with Angela and the kids, but I found something unexpected yet really awesome - fresh inspiration. I've sensed more personal renewing and fresh creative juices flowing than I have in...well...a long time. I'm wondering if I am on to something really spiritual, like, maybe I need some beachfront property! lol

Enjoy The Day

Eccl. 5:18-20 After looking at the way things are on this earth, here's what I've decided is the best way to live: Take care of yourself, have a good time, and make the most of whatever job you have for as long as God gives you life. And that's about it. That's the human lot. Yes, we should make the most of what God gives, both the bounty and the capacity to enjoy it, accepting what's given and delighting in the work. It's God's gift! God deals out joy in the present, the now. It's useless to brood over how long we might live. (The Message)
I discovered these verses in my devotion and journal time today. It says that we should enjoy the day, this day, TODAY. If we are not careful, we will allow the regret of the past and the anxiety of the future to rob us of the joy of our 'today'. We must commit all things to God, serve Him, and be faithful to work hard in ministry and occupation. Take care of ourselves and those we are responsible for and enjoy life. That's God's will for us. Yesterday is gone and if we plan to the best of our abilities and trust God, tomorrow will take care of it self, so enjoy the day, today!

The Wonder of God

A couple of Sundays ago, I preached a message from Francis Chan's book 'Crazy Love' about our God being so great that we can't exaggerate Him. I thought I was done with that particular vein of thought, but I have been constantly considering the majesty and wonder of God since that message. I plan to build on that thought this Sunday with an illustration for Mark Batterson's book, 'Primal' about the wonder of God. It's a great read and has some great info about the wonder of God. I don't won't to walk around "wonder-blind"... explanation Sunday 6-6-10 at 10:30 am.