Little Drummer Boy and the King

As I write this, the weeks of preparation for the gathering that was Thanksgiving are now simply sighs of relief. Time marches on. We've made our lists of things that we were grateful for and if you're anything like me, you may not even remember them all now. Nevertheless, you still gave thanks and undoubtedly have even more to add to that list by now. The breath in your lungs, the comforts of life and yes even the trials of it as well are all reasons to be appreciative.

 

Facing trials means that we still have opportunities to have an impact on the society in which we live.

 

Thankfulness is a life long practice.

Now, we press on towards another significant time of reflection... in fact it's mere days away as I write this... that... is Christmas! Here again there are many preparations that will go into making this season memorable for ourselves and those around us. Hopefully, this means we will hold fast to the TRUE meaning, that being the birth of Hope. In the form of an infant King who would grow to be an infinite gift of life to all who accept.

Throughout the year I reflect on a particular song but especially during this season. The Little Drummer Boy. The lyrics show recognition that there is One who is worthy of our best gifts. It tells us that each one of us have offerings of different value to bring to our King and that wrapped in pureness of heart all of them will be accepted. Furthermore, the little boy had no abundant resources of great wealth but... he did what he could. He may have even been hesitant to visit this king because in comparison to others, his gift... may have seemed insignificant.

However, instead of focusing on what he did not have, he chose to determine what he did have to offer, him and his drum.

We know through the story of the widow's offering that our God is not interested in quantity but rather quality is his concern. When we attach ourselves with our offerings, we will always touch the heart of God. This happens only through our dependancy. It is then that we reflect the character of Christ the most fully.

The simplicity of this song is how I believe we are to approach God. There doesn't have to be a big 'to do' when we come, no bells that let everyone know when it's happening, no prize for being obedient, no pats on the back... Our only reward may be the smile and commendation of a father, as he says to us one day,  'well done good & faithful child'. I encourage you to do what you can. Regardless of how much you or others think it's worth. Consider for a moment, you are valuable in the eyes of a all powerful, all knowing, all seeing, complete God... he chooses to be concerned about you... and me. If that doesn't blow your mind I don't know what will.

I believe we're called to a progressive obedience. Whether that's in monetary gifts, time, talents...whatever. So don't be discouraged if you don't have everything in control when it comes to your relationship with Christ. You'll get there. We'll get there. We just have to be faithful where we are to bring whatever gifting the Lord has trusted us with, and not only will he be greatly pleased, he'll bless our efforts. After all, there's nothing we can tell him that he hasn't heard, nothing we can show him that he hasn't foreseen, and nothing that we can offer him that he does not deserve. This season let our offering to the king be ourselves, attached to our drums with expectations that he will receive our gifts and that others may be drawn in by the pounding melody of those drums as they harmonize, creating a song that echoes the real reason for not only the season but for life itself.

What helps you keep Jesus at the center during this season?

Merry Christmas

Rodney

The True Reason For Their Thankfulness

Any of us could run down a list of things that we're thankful for. Family, friends, health, wealth, and rock and roll!  The lists would probably be pretty common.  The idea of the Thanksgiving holiday is traditionally taught along the lines that the Pilgrims were so misfortuned. That they faced such harsh conditions to reach a 'new world'. And yet, they celebrated anyway. I don't necessarily think this is an erred analysis, I do think that we don't fully grasp the true reason they were so thankful.

They weren't grateful simply for food or even friends and family per se.... These were people who made a collective decision to stand against what they considered injustice. And it was a decision that brought on tough circumstances.  They left comfort...for cold...plenty...for poverty...shelter...for shoreline. 

So Why would anyone choose such conditions?

The easy answer, God. They wanted religious freedom. The more abstract answer...they had met a God... who was different than what was expected, than what others had experienced. This God, was 'new'. And they had to start a 'new' way of interacting with him, of representing him. Even, even if that meant facing death.  See I believe they were thankful because they had such a profound encounter with God that their resolve was unshakable.

Thankful for food, shelter, family, freedom. Yes. But I think they were so over joyed to realize that the creator of everything had stirred them in such an uncommon way in order to achieve such an unlikely thing. If God has ever directed you to do something un-ordinary, you know what I mean.

As you eat some good food, laugh with some good friends, and think of all the good things you're thankful for, I dare you to do one of two things:

1. Purpose within yourself to meet such a God that would call you to the challenge of the uncommon, the unlikely.

2. Then be thankful in the midst of that daunting challenge, knowing that he will indeed see you through.

Not only am I thankful for my own uncommon challenge, I am thankful for you.  For the time you spend here, the conversations you start. And for the encouragement that you leave me with. So, Thanks for everything!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Rodney

P.S. I hope you enjoy the new layout. Click through the pages, tell me what you think, what you would add.

DENIED

    We've heard of people standing up for what they believe in. We see a pastor imprisoned in a foreign land for his faith. He's relentless. We hear of others, teens that were said to have professed faith even while staring down the barrel of a gun during a school shooting. Their last profession... their last breaths. These aren't the only stories.  It's everywhere, stateside & abroad. Jesus told his disciples they would definitely face persecution... Even be killed for choosing him.  Yet, they followed, anyway.  Many of them were indeed martyred in the end.

See......Having faith is one thing...................Your faith having you............... is a complete other. 

    I've not been shackled. I haven't been threatened with violence. In fact most 'persecution' we see in my country, comes from 'other believers'... in my opinion. Generally speaking, the tendency here is to allow self-expression...whatever someone's faith may be. Which I personally agree with because faith can't be forced.  You either have it or you don't.  But just because it's not hyper prevalent here, doesn't mean that the fear of it happening isn't there. I'll admit I sometimes fear being ostracized because of my connection to Jesus. I consider how certain groups will perceive or whether they'll receive me.

I mean let's all be honest, for some reason, his name is 'the line in the sand'....

     Some of you may have already determined from this or previous posts that you can't get anything from this blog because of him. I would challenge you to try anyway. You might be surprised how many of Christ's teachings you're actually practicing on a regular basis without even realizing it.

    Anyway, I'll also admit that recently, I seriously considered denying my faith. Denial through concealment. And it bothered me. It did. It wasn't that someone drilled me with questions or even suggested doing me harm. It was simply between me and my thoughts.... I started it. By worrying about what could happen, if a group of people saw a stinking t-shirt. I went back & forth, a few times in between that fear & my faith. Now, I could minimize my "double mind" and say well it's not like What Judas did in his outright betrayal. Or even John who at one point began to doubt who Christ was enough to question him. Or maybe even Peter, who's denial was predicted with the timing of a rooster's crow. I could minimize it. It was just a shirt. But, it bothered me. And it's really no different.  Same problem, different package. 

    I'm glad to say that ultimately, faith was the winner. But that's not always the case...for me at least. And that's not why I write this. 

    I write because there are some of you out there with a similar story. Some of you, like me, have at times chosen the fear and yielded to it. So I write to let you know you are not the only one. I'm not the only one. The bible itself shows us, guys like John & Peter who had their moment as well. However, we can't stop there though. Peter & John's lives are not only recorded in scripture...they're both penmen of it! There's some hope if I've  ever seen it(: 

    These are just men, but their example points us to a God who is merciful...gracious. Who doesn't condemn us for a few poor choices. He still loves us, he's still with us, and he STILL wants to use us. Just like Peter & John.  

If you've experienced this & the guilt that can follow...I encourage you to get back in the game. He's waiting to write the rest of your story too! 

Have you ever denied your faith?

If so, how did you regain your perspective?

Helping the growth within, come out

Rodney 

    

3 Tips To Help Get You Focused

This was actually a bonus for those following by email so if you have yet to do so I'd encourage you to as there will be future benefits like it. So if you've already received it, sorry, but read it again comment or pass it on please!  It's an extension of my post on why discipline leads to failure...without this one skill.....

Thanks for visiting the blog! And allowing me a place in your life.  I know there's countless other folks who are way smarter than me that you could give your encouragement to, so I appreciate it greatly friends!    

As humans, we place great emphasis on commodities. They are what sustain us in every area of our lives.  So maybe we should view our focus in terms of a commodity.  Time.  

As promised here are 3 Time Centered Practices That Will Help Us Get Focused

Get Focused By:

1.  Saving Time

      Minimize any commitments.  Only invest time in those things that matter most. Prioritize.  This doesn't mean that things lower on your list aren't important, they just aren't the most important at the moment.

2.  Spending Time

      Just as we budget our money ( or at least we should), 'budgeting' our time allows us to define not only what our schedules contain but also how much of our 24hrs we will allocate to it. 

3.  Sharing Time

     I know this seems contradictory, but spending time with others that we value...adds value... to whatever we need to accomplish.  It could bring a needed break from a headbanger of a project, or a discussion with a friend may lead to a solution to the problem.  Either way, sharing time enables us to refuel, like a good nap!

These 3 things will not only serve to get you focused, if revisited often, they can help you stay focused as well. 

I'd love to hear how you get focused.

By subscribing for email updates you'll not only get the latest updates sent directly to your email, you'll continue to get insider tips like these, that won't always be shared publicly.  

Happy Focusing!

Rodney

TOP 4 REASONS GOD'S ANSWER WILL BE YES

 

This was actually a bonus for those following by email so if you have yet to do so I'd encourage you to as there will be future benefits like it. So if you've already received it, sorry, but read it again, comment or pass it on please!  It's an extension of my post on why God's answer is always yes....

I look forward to learning from your communications.  Which by the way if you haven't jumped in on any of the conversation, please do(: It's the best way we can interact & it's also what will make your time visiting, the most worthwhile.

So the 4 Reasons.... they're simple, practical ways that you can be certain to get yes answers.  I will note that, they aren't exhaustive, there's other ways as I'm sure you could share from your own journey (which feel free to do so in the comments)  But these are my TOP 4:

God's answer will be yes WHEN........

    1.  We need to be saved (Matt. 8) 

         - Any time we cry out for help, He'll say yes.

    2.  We are humble (Matt. 15:21-28)

         - Although He's big enough to exclude us... He's graceful enough to include us.

    3.  We ask him to confirm who he is (Matt. 14:28-29)

         - This point again goes back to the post on how to get yes answers from God.

    4.  We need to be reminded who we are (Matt. 11:10-11a)

          - Anytime we doubt or forget our purpose, He not only drowns our uncertainty, He tells us exactly who we are.

James 4:3 says, "When you ask, you do not receive because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."  Don't know about you but this too often hits home with me.  Whether you're in a storm or not, & need to be saved.  Ask sincerely who are You & what is my purpose.  Check your motives.  I've experienced response many times by not only centralizing my question, but also through centralizing my intent & focusing both toward Christ.(we'll talk later about focus vs. discipline)

Thanks again (: for visiting & I look forward to hearing from you soon.

What would you add?

Helping the growth within, come out

Rodney

Why Discipline Leads To Failure....... And The One Skill Needed To Avoid It

    We've all heard it.  We all know it.  Discipline changes us, our character that is.  And it's true.  Whether we discipline ourselves in career, healthy living, education, or even behavior...we can 'become' whatever our disciplines are aimed toward.  We begin to eat/sleep/breath the thing.  Our entire existence is connected to it.  Apart from voluntary disciplines, there are, involuntary ones, that are enforced upon us by our superiors.  Parents, bosses, governments, whomever we position in a form of authority over us. These are the hard ones. But whether chosen or imposed, discipline propels.  But it doesn't gaurantee success.

    I've written previously about knowing God's voice & how to get yes answers from him. (check the archives on the right for those posts) I wrote those posts with utmost simplicity in mind.  I wanted to provide a basic introduction to the 2 topics.  So I thought this writing could serve as a ladder. Taking us higher.  Giving us a wider view of the fact that.........

 Simple doesn't mean easy.... It requires great effort, discipline even, to maintain any relationship, especially one with God.

A friend of mine once proposed that if we discipline ourselves, we are garaunteed to succed.  Immediately, I began to think of specific areas of my life in which I needed both discipline & success.  My career, my faith, family.... among others.  Overall, I agreed with his philosophy.  That is, until I took it home with me & began to consider it more closely.  I'm not sure if I overthought his comment or if he simply didn't mean it the way I digested it but ultimatley I came to this conclusion:

Discipline, even at its deepest level, can (and probably will) lead to failure.  It's just not enough on its own.

    Consider this, if discipline brought success 100% of the time, then ALL diligent people would never fail.  There would be far less failed businesses, marraiges, friendships, even ministries!  We can definitley see this principle come into play in terms of professional athletics.  These athletes are all disciplined to the extreme!  Yet, when it comes down to winning in their respective competitions, someone always fails.... Therefore, while it is needed, sheer discipline can not be responsible for success.

So just what does give us leverage towards being successful?  What's the one skill that must work in conjunction with discipline for us to even stand a chance?

    Focus.  Focus is a game by game, play by play.... SKILL. That's what wins games.  Focus is why lesser teams can demolish a #1 seed.  It's why the custodian can traverse the ranks of an organization & become the CEO.  It's why there are physically challenged athletes that can out put a non-physically challenged individual.  It's why the title of underdog... even exists.  Because of focus.  See, discipline centers us, focus keeps us centered.

Think of it this way:

Discipline Is:Exercising to reach a goal                                                                                            Focus Is: Continuing exercising beyond your goals
 Discipline Is: Going to work when scheduled                
  Focus Is:  Being productive while there
Discipline Is: Saving for a large purchase                    
Focus Is:  Continuing saving for other things

   In other words, discipline ends the moment you take the field, enter the boardroom, or start investing.... and FOCUS takes over.  Focus continues our momentum.  In fact it's focus that produces discipline to begin with.  For example, if someone becomes focused(concerned enough to do something) with the fact that they are 'in debt', they become disciplined in order to resolve it.  More fully said, if we're to be successful at something, focus must not only precede discipline, it must also follow it.  It finalizes success.  

So what does this all mean in relation to hearing God's voice and getting answers from him?

    A well known pastor has said "No man or woman has achieved an effective personality who is not self disciplined.  Such discipline must not be an end of itself, but must be directed to the development of resolute Christian character."  Simply stated, discipline without a continued focus, lacks a required tangibility.  And that tangibility is what marks success.  Lasting success.  And until we as seekers add this type of focus to our skillsett, not only will we be unable to discern God's voice.... we'll simply be isolated reserviors of stagnant potential.

    Focus, we've all heard of it, we all know we need it.  I'm learning about my own focus (among other things) through writing this blog & purposing to bring you fresh & relevant information that will hopefully turn into....inspiration.  Being intentional about what I bring to your 'tables' requires me to focus, a few steps ahead of a weekly thought.  And I'm figuring out that my skill of focus.... could be more healthy.  So exercise I will.

How about you?  How has focus helped you succeed?  Has lack of focus prevented you from making progress?  

What would you add about focus? Leave a comment!

Also, subscribe for free email updates & I'll send you 3 Tips on Getting Focused.

Helping the growth within, come out

Rodney


   

Why God's Answer is Always Yes... If You Ask This Central Question

The bible although complex, is not too terribly complicated.  At least not when it comes to precepts.  It's relatively black and white. In a nutshell, most of its standards could be summed up this way, 'do this, get that'... 'Love and you'll be loved'... 'forgive to be forgiven', to name a couple.  Naturally attached would be the opposites to these examples; don't love and forgive others... and you won't be either.  Sure, this is a simple, basic attitude, that for me makes scripture more approachable. 

But I also think it carries deep applicational potential as well.

Why? Because having the childlike faith spoken of in scripture often means accepting the "x" without knowing the "y+z" that it takes to get it.  Since the set standards are virtually concrete, that means we really don't need to ask how or why... we simply need to know the what which is easy to determine with yes or no questions as we discussed in my first post on knowing God's voice.

So then, what question should you be asking?  How can you always get "yes" answers?

Let's be honest that's really what we ALL want.  None of us go to him for him to say NO!  Well this too can be simplified with a central approach.

People came to Christ with many requests.  Some to bash him and his teachings, some to figure him out.  Yet others came... to figure themselves out.  To see where they stood, how his teachings should affect them. 

These are the ones who got it!

Although it came in a variety of formats, they asked this central question:  Can I be... where you are?

Again, the delivery was different, the questions may have appeared to be unrelated, but if you look closely you'll see that ultimately, the people He said yes to, approached with childlike faith, believing that being closer to him, knowing him more... was what they really needed.  Which, as Matthew 6 states, by focusing upward... we'll be fulfilled in all ways.

AND HE ALWAYS SAID YES!

 I realize that although this is a simple concept, maintaining focus and discipline are different creatures.  (we'll talk about these two later) 

If you've developed you're ability to hear from Godask him this one central question: Can I be where you are?  And I'm confident he'll not only say yes, he'll also tell you how? 

Do you get told no a lot?  If so, maybe you're asking the wrong question.

Subscribe for free email updates below & as an extra, I'll send you the Top 4 Reasons God's Answer Is Always Yes

Helping the growth within, come out

Rodney

I'm No Expert

    I'm no expert.  In fact by many standards of life, I'm a failure.  That has to be the hardest thing I've ever written... I'm a failure.  But it's true.  I've failed miserably at lots of things.  We all know the sayings " it doesn't matter how many times you get knocked down, what matters is how many times you get back up" & "it's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog".  While we believe these to be true, that makes it no easier to get back up one more time, to fight, even harder. 

    Thomas Edison is said to have failed over 1000 times in attempting to create the light bulb.  Some of you know my past, my failures.  And it may be hard at times for you to absorb some of my posts in general.  Others of you only know my present.  And you may find it hard to imagine some of my "greatest" failures.  Which is why I write this, to say... Yes, I'm no expert.  I, am, a failure.  Even still, none of us knows my future. And while I wouldn't say it's the MOST important of the three, I would say that our futures are the sum of our pasts & our presents, that together they determine what's next.  So know, I share with you from a student's position.  A place of learning.  And as I learn, I can share.

    Edison, that 1000 time plus failure, went on to hold over 1000 US patents in his name as well.  He created many innovative tools that are still relevant.  This failure... still impacts our world today.  I have failed.  I will fail.  But I stand here fighting, for me, and those of you who don't have to fail in the same ways I did.  I can't quit.  So I challenge myself, I challenge you, to be determined, to stand again, to fight for your future and the futures of those that stand beside you.

    How will you combine your past & present to change your future?

Let's Help the growth within, come out. Subscribe below & let's, Share Life

Rodney 

"Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety nine percent perspiration".... Thomas Edison

Knowing God's Voice In 3 Simple Steps

    We're told by every pastor we've sat under, every person of faith we know, and the bible itself to listen to the Holy Spirit for guidance. However, from my experience no one has ever been able to tell me plainly, how to "know the voice of God". They may say things like " it's different for everyone, you just have to trust" or " it has to do with the feeling in the pit of your stomach." I've even heard people say "listen to the inner part of yourself." But what does that even mean and better yet, how do you do it?

    The bible does give us direction as to how to be in tune with the spirit. Things like study, prayer, and even trusting the wise counsel of others. All of these suggestions have proven value. I don't know about you but where I become uncertain is in the times when the word has great moral & ethical information but I'm not so sure how to turn it into application...for a 21century decision.  What I mean is that sometimes it's not a question of character, it's more about personal purpose or direction...for today. Which sometimes people just don't have an answer. Prayer. Well prayer is always a great tool, the only problem is that whole recognizing the answer part. Which then brings us back to the beginning... How do you know you've heard from God?

    I'm sure you may think I have the answer. And as much as I'd like to say I do... I don't. Truth is, it is different for everyone, knowing what's already recorded in scripture will help you & trusting godly advice is always good practice. So I can't tell you how you should hear Him. I do, however, have a sure-fire developmental exercise that will help you learn exactly, how God desires to communicate with you directly. Again, I'm not talking about ethical boundaries and such. I'm referring to the times when you need to know; should I make that financial investment, change my career path, or how about this biggie, how do I raise my children to value God? Those are the questions we really need answered. And you can get answers if you know how to hear His voice.

     So, that exercise, it's simple. Follow these 3 steps & you'll be confidently hearing the voice of God in no time. Here they are:

1. Let God know that you want to hear Him clearly. This show humility & dependence which we all need whenever we need help, especially from God!
2. Ask Obvious questions to get obvious answers. As you go thru your day & character tests come up, ask God what to do EVEN though you already know the answer. Such as "should I take those 15 extra minutes for lunch break, no one will know" or " I'm just going to look at this website once, is that ok." Sounds ridiculous, I know. But what it does is heightens your awareness of how you can expect the Spirit to nudge you personally. 

    The first two steps will definitely get you there but for a bonus;
     3.  A "yes" or "no" is ALL you need!  God sees your life from start to finish, all at once. So He      knows the choices we will face & the answers. If this is true we only need To ask Him yes or no questions in order to develop a pattern of communication. Once we've established that pattern we will then be open to the more life specific directive promptings that He has in store.

    When I discovered this method, I chose to specifically ask for ONLY an indication of a "yes" answer. (I'll talk about how God's answer is always yes at a later time) What I mean is that I would ask God "should I do ____________. " If the "signal"  wasn't there, I took that as God saying no. (I didn't ask for a specific signal, there was just a certain thing that seemed to always happen during my prayer time that I adopted as God's signal to me) I should mention that this may take some time & will certainly take some diligence on your part but I know it works...it has for me. God speaks in many ways, some in the bible had dreams, Moses had the burning bush, Gideon had his fleece, Jonah was trapped in a fish, Paul was struck blind & Thomas had to put his hands in the wounds of the crucified Christ before he believed the others.

    What about you? What do you have? How do you know God is communicating with you? I'd love to hear. I'd also love to know the outcome after you follow these 3 simple steps to know the voice of God. Start the discussion, leave a comment.

Hopefully this helps the growth within, come out

• Rodney