Heart of a Warrior - Greg Bourgond

What is it going to take?

I once asked a close friend, a psychotherapist, why some men "get it" while others do not.  Some men, for instance 'desire' to make needed changes in their life that reflect their commitment to grow in the Lord and change defeating behaviors into victorious behaviors--to change!  Desire is not enough.

Some men begin Heart of a Warrior, Phase I with the best of intentions but fail to make the changes necessary to live godly lives.  Tyranny of the urgent, demanding responsibilities, or other priorities get in the way.  They drop by the wayside discouraged or defeated in their attempts to avail themselves of empowerment by the Holy Spirit.  The Spirit's activity in their lives is frequently controlled by a man's willingness to allow the Spirit to work.  There are ocassions when the Spirit intervenes anyway.  But most often He waits for a man to act.

My friend had a simple answer to my question--"They haven't felt enought pain yet."  The threshold of pain is different for every man.  My hope would be that it wouldn't take pain or God's discipline to overcome the inertia.  Some men must hit the bottom before they act. 

Men, don't let it get that far.  Too much is at stake.  God says that He disciplines those whom He loves.

Hebrews 12:5-13

"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6 because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."  7 Endure hardship as discipline ; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8 If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline ), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 "Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. NIV

Advance III

The Heart of a Warrior Advance III planning team just met.  I am honored to be in the presence of such men.  I am honored to know that men from such different backgrounds have a passion for the lost and a a passion for men who need to move from pilot light to flame.  The theme of Advance III has been decided...

Are You Ready?

Are you ready for the battle?  Are you ready to be the man God called you to be?  Are you ready to be the husband God called you to be?  Are you ready to be the father God called you to be?  Are you ready to join other men on the battle line?  Are you ready to make the decision you have been putting off?  Are you ready to quit doing what you shouldn't be doing?  Are you ready to start doing what you should be doing? 

Are your ready?

Mark you calendars men.  September 26-28, 2008.  Advance II.  Big Sandy Camp.  McGregor, Minnesota.

More to follow...

A Warrior After God's Heart #15 - Conclusion

This post concludes the message I gave in Belfast. Actually, you have a more complete version over the 15 posts then they received because we ran out of time at the Odessey Arena.

I list below the 12 characteristics of a Warrior After God’s Heart and conclude with some steps of how to finish the race well.

1. A Warrior after God’s heart lives his life for an audience of One … (Citizenship)

2. A Warrior after God’s acts on his beliefs … (Proactivity)

3. A Warrior after God’s heart is obedient … (Obedience)

4. A Warrior after God’s heart prepares for the conflict … (Personal Armor)

5. A Warrior after God’s heart is a student of the Word … (Power)

6. A Warrior after God’s heart guards his heart. … (Vulnerability)

7. A Warrior after God’s heart lays his life on the line … (Engagement)

8. A Warrior after God’s heart makes a stand … (Courage & Valor)

9. A Warrior after God’s heart protects his loved ones … (Social Base)

10. A Warrior after God’s leans into his fears … (Courage)

11. A Warrior after God’s heart focuses on what’s important … (Dedication)

12.  A Warrior after God’s heart finishes well … (Legacy)

HOW DO WE FINISH STRONG?  It’s not too late or too early to leave a legacy worth leaving.  So how do we finish strong? 

1.  Allow the Bible to chisel you into Christ’s image!

            

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to Dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12  Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

2.  Live a value-centered life!

            

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.  For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.  1 Timothy 4:7-8  LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?  He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.  Psalm 15:1-5  I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.  Psalm 119:93

3.   Guard your heart!

            

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.  Proverbs 4:23  Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  1 Peter 5:8  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things.  Philippians 4:8

4.  Discipline your life!

            

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.  Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.  No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.  1 Corinthians 9:24-27  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.  2 Timothy 4:7-8

5.   Submit to being held accountable!

            

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:  If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10  Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.  Ecclesiastes 4:12  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom. . . Colossians 3:16

CONCLUSION

Prayer

Heavenly Father, You have called me to the life of a Warrior after Your heart.  My life is yours to command.  My desire is to live my life intentionally, with focused intensity and single-mindedness, committed to my personal battle plan.  I ask for Your blessing, the strength of Christ, and the empowerment of Your Holy Spirit. Help me to never flag in zeal, to be ever vigilant in the place You have assigned me, to be alert and dedicated to living all out for You, a trustworthy follower, a courageous leader, a man who will stand in bold relief against the Enemy, a protector ready to defend the helpless, a man that bears in my person the imprint of Your Son.  And when all is said and done, when my journey comes to an end, may I be carried into Your presence before Your throne of grace to give praise to Your holy name.  May all who remember me pay You honor for what You have done in and through my life.  Amen!

A Warrior After God's Heart #14

What does he look like?  What does he believe?  How does he act?

1. A Warrior after God’s heart lives his life for an audience of One … (Citizenship)

2. A Warrior after God’s acts on his beliefs … (Proactivity)

3. A Warrior after God’s heart is obedient … (Obedience)

4. A Warrior after God’s heart prepares for the conflict … (Personal Armor)

5. A Warrior after God’s heart is a student of the Word … (Power)

6. A Warrior after God’s heart guards his heart. … (Vulnerability)

7. A Warrior after God’s heart lays his life on the line … (Engagement)

8. A Warrior after God’s heart makes a stand … (Courage & Valor)

9. A Warrior after God’s heart protects his loved ones … (Social Base)

10. A Warrior after God’s leans into his fears … (Courage)

11. A Warrior after God’s heart focuses on what’s important … (Dedication)

12. A Warrior after God’s heart finishes well … (Legacy)

Paul’s Legacy

To Timothy Paul writes “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:1-8

The greatest gift you can give your loved ones is a godly life.

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope-the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Titus 2:11-14

Barriers to finishing well …

Using grounded theory principles and procedures, Dr. Clinton and his team, have identified 6 Barriers to Finishing Well.

1.       FINANCES--their use and abuse.  Ananias and Sapphira

2.       POWER-- its abuse.  Uzziah’s Usurption

3.       PRIDE--leading to downfall.  David’s Numbering

4.       SEX--illicit relationships.  David and Bathsheba

5.        FAMILY--conflictive relationships.  Ammon and Tamar, Absalom’s Revenge

6.        PLATEAUING--complacency and compromise.  David in Latter Reign

Characteristics of those who finish well …

1.       A personal vital relationship with God right up to the end.

2.       Maintaining a life-long learning posture.

3.       Christ-likeness in character evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit.

4.       Living out God’s truth in our daily lives.

5.       Leaving a godly legacy behind in the lives of others.

6.       Walking with a growing awareness of God’s destiny for us.

A Warrior After God's Heart #13

We are coming to the end of looking at the characteristics of a Warrior After God's Heart.  What does he look like?  What does he believe?  How does he act?

1. A Warrior after God’s heart lives his life for an audience of One … (Citizenship)

2. A Warrior after God’s acts on his beliefs … (Proactivity)

3. A Warrior after God’s heart is obedient … (Obedience)

4. A Warrior after God’s heart prepares for the conflict … (Personal Armor)

5. A Warrior after God’s heart is a student of the Word … (Power)

6. A Warrior after God’s heart guards his heart. … (Vulnerability)

7.  A Warrior after God’s heart lays his life on the line … (Engagement)

8.  A Warrior after God’s heart makes a stand … (Courage & Valor)

9.  A Warrior after God’s heart protects his loved ones … (Social Base)

10.  A Warrior after God’s leans into his fears … (Courage)

11.  A Warrior after God’s heart focuses on what’s important … (Dedication)

2 Tim 2:3-7 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs — he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

I know of a young man who took a risk—he declared it and boldly hung his commitment on the wall of his home as a continual reminder to himself and as a declaration to all who entered his home

I’m a part of the fellowship of the unashamed.  I have Holy Spirit power.  The dye has been cast. I have stepped over the line.  The decision has been made.  I’m a disciple of His.  I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure.  I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals. 

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity.  I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded.  I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way rough, my companions few, my Guide reliable, my mission clear.  I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded or delayed.  I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. 

I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ.  I am a disciple of Jesus.  I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me.  And when He comes for His own, He will have no problems recognizing me – my banner will be clear!

                                   -  Written by a young African pastor and tacked on the wall of his home

Men, you can see and listen to this message by clicking on it under Audio Clips. P.S. Don't forget to mark you calendars for Advance III September 26-28, 2008 at Big Sandy Camp McGregor Minnesota. I want to see all of you there. More information to come.

A Warrior After God's Heart #12

We are looking at the characteristics of a Warrior After God's Heart.  What does he look like?  What does he believe?  How does he act?

1. A Warrior after God’s heart lives his life for an audience of One … (Citizenship)

2. A Warrior after God’s acts on his beliefs … (Proactivity)

3. A Warrior after God’s heart is obedient … (Obedience)

4. A Warrior after God’s heart prepares for the conflict … (Personal Armor)

5. A Warrior after God’s heart is a student of the Word … (Power)

6. A Warrior after God’s heart guards his heart. … (Vulnerability)

7.  A Warrior after God’s heart lays his life on the line … (Engagement)

8.  A Warrior after God’s heart makes a stand … (Courage & Valor)

9.  A Warrior after God’s heart protects his loved ones … (Social Base)

10.        A Warrior after God’s leans into his fears … (Courage)

Hebrews 12:1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Three Purposes for Our Lives

Robert Lewis of Men’s Fraternity defines an authentic man as one who rejects passivity, accepts responsibility, leads courageously, and expects God’s reward. 

John Eldridge, author of Wild at Heart, says God has created men for three purposes; a cause to die for, a challenge to embrace, and loved ones to protect.  If we run from these responsibilities we will lose our true identity—the identity God gave us before we ever came to be.

Christ is our model for manhood – He had a ‘cause’ to die for – atonement for the sins of the world, a challenge to embrace—the suffering of the cross, and love ones to protect-- the redemption of mankind. 

1         What cause, larger than yourself, are you prepared to die for?   

2         What challenge does God want you to embrace? 

3         Who has God called you to protect?

For crying out loud – do something … risk something!

Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton posted the following advertisement in 1913:

Men wanted for hazardous journey.  Small wages.  Bitter cold.  Long months of complete darkness.  Constant danger.  Safe return doubtful.  Honour and recognition in case of success. 

Who would respond to such an ad?

More than five thousand men applied for twenty-six slots.

Taking risks is a part of life.  Taking risks is a part of every man’s DNA.  What have you risked for the sake of another lately?  What have you risked for the sake of God’s kingdom lately?

Neil Anderson, founder of Freedom In Christ Ministries and author of Victory Over Darkness and Bondage Breaker, speaks on the important subject of risk. 

“Risks,” says Dr. Anderson, “must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, is nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love . . . live. Chained by his certitudes, he is a slave; he has forfeited freedom.

What a privilege for us to be able to walk by faith in God Himself, armed with all the promises of His Word. I suppose we all desire the security of the solid tree trunk, but the fruit is out on the limb. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

The timid soul asks, "What do I stand to lose if I do it?" The fruit-bearing Christians asks, "What do I stand to lose if I don't do it?"  Real life is lived on the cutting edge.”

Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.

Next week you’ll read the rest of the story!!!

Men, you can listen to this message by clicking on it under Audio Clips.

P.s. Don't forget to mark you calendars for Advance III September 26-28, 2008 at Big Sandy Camp McGregor Minnesota.  I want to see all of you there.  More information to come.

A Warrior After God's Heart #11

We are continuing looking at the characteristics of a Warrior After God's Heart--the message I gave in Belfast Ireland to 2000 men. 

What does a Warrior after God's Heart look like?  What does he believe?  How does he act?

1. A Warrior after God’s heart lives his life for an audience of One … (Citizenship)

2. A Warrior after God’s acts on his beliefs … (Proactivity)

3. A Warrior after God’s heart is obedient … (Obedience)

4. A Warrior after God’s heart prepares for the conflict … (Personal Armor)

5. A Warrior after God’s heart is a student of the Word … (Power)

6. A Warrior after God’s heart guards his heart. … (Vulnerability)

7.  A Warrior after God’s heart lays his life on the line … (Engagement)

8. A Warrior after God’s heart makes a stand … (Courage & Valor)

9. A Warrior after God’s heart protects his loved ones … (Social Base)

1 Timothy 5:8 If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Men need affirmation, respect and love from their families, from the people who mean most to them.  To receive you must first give.

#Do you love your wife as God loves you?

#Are you modeling the character of Christ for your children?

Be careful what you model.

My grandson follows me wherever I go.-mowing the lawn, working out, etc. He mimics my every mood.  Children absorb what they see but don’t always listen to what you say. They are virtual sponges with little discrimination when they are young. What they see you do they do, how they see you behave is how they will behave.

Are you fulfilling your responsibilities and obligations to them?

Are you investing in the lives of your loved ones?

Are you providing for their basic needs?

Are you living in such a way that they will call you blessed?

Are you serving or expecting to be served?

Are you expressing unconditional love to them?

Action speaks louder than words!  I challenge you to out-serve your wives expecting nothing in return. Every act should be seen as an act of worship to God.  Find concrete ways to express your love.  Although words of affirmation and love are helpful, repeated acts of kindness and consideration are very important.

What can you do to show your protection and love to those closest to you?  Don’t take your loved ones for granted.

Men, you can listen to this message by clicking on it under Audio Clips.

P.s. Don't forget to mark you calendars for Advance III September 26-28, 2008 at Big Sandy Camp McGregor Minnesota.  I want to see all of you there.  More information to come.

A Warrior After God's Heart #10

We are continuing looking at the characteristics of a Warrior After God's Heart--the message I gave in Belfast Ireland to 2000 men. 

What does a Warrior after God's Heart look like?  What does he believe?  How does he act?

1. A Warrior after God’s heart lives his life for an audience of One … (Citizenship)

2. A Warrior after God’s acts on his beliefs … (Proactivity)

3. A Warrior after God’s heart is obedient … (Obedience)

4. A Warrior after God’s heart prepares for the conflict … (Personal Armor)

5. A Warrior after God’s heart is a student of the Word … (Power)

6. A Warrior after God’s heart guards his heart. … (Vulnerability)

7.  A Warrior after God’s heart lays his life on the line … (Engagement)

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

2 Thessalonians 2:15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

Ephesians 6:10-13“Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. ¹¹Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. ¹²For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”

Ralph Hammond - a former colleague and friend, now with the Lord, authored this clarion call to STAND!

When you get weary, stand.

When you’re tired, stand.

When you feel alone, stand.

When your strength is almost gone, stand.

When you feel overpowered, stand.

When you feel you are out of everything, stand.

When you don’t feel up to it, stand.

When you’re not in your spiritual rhythm, stand.

When the path is not clear, stand.

When you’ve done everything stand.

When you don’t know anything else to do, stand.

Stand!  Stand!

Stand because God has commanded us to stand.

Stand because God has instructed us to stand.

Stand because it’s God’s will for us to stand.

Stand because Jesus said He would never leave us or forsake us.

Stand because greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world.

Stand because the Holy Spirit is the source of our strength.

Stand because we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

Stand because God is able.

Stand because God is faithful.

Stand!  Stand!

Stand as a witness to God’s mercy.

Stand as an object of God’s love.

Stand as the recipient of God’s grace.

Stand to follow Him.

Stand to share Christ with others.

Stand to be a testimony for Christ in word and deed.

Stand as an ambassador for Jesus Christ.

Stand!  Stand!

Stand for justice.

Stand for righteousness.

Stand for goodness.

Stand for godliness.

Stand for peace

Stand as God’s instrument of holiness.

Stand for the glory of God.

Stand for you labor not in vain.

Stand because we have victory in Christ.

Stand because Christ first stood for us.

Stand! Stand! Stand!

Though disappointed we are to stand.  Though discouraged we are to stand.  If you stand for nothing you will fall for anything.

P.S.  Don'y forget to mark your calendars -- Heart of a Warrior Advance III, Big Sandy Camp, McGregor, Minnesota - Septemver 26-28, 2008.

Mark Your Calendar...

Our third Heart of a Warrior Advance is scheduled for September 26-28, 2008 at Big Sandy Camp.  Mark your calendar now.  We hope to have 500 men at the Advance this year.

Many men have expressed how God spoke to them and their journey changed as a result of coming to the Advance.  We call it an "Advance" because we believe men are called by God to advance and not retreat.

What makes the Advance different from other men's retreats? 

1.  It is not sponsored by just one church.  We encourage all churches to come.  In the past some churches brought their leadership to begin planning a men's ministry for their church.  Other churches bring men to form close fellowship.  Yet others challenge their men to bring guests or unbelievers with them.  In any case, we provide opportunities for churches to meet with their men during the Advance.

2.  The Advance is designed to compel men to engage their marriages, their churches, their professions, and their communities by living boldly for Christ.  No one cares what you have to say until they observe how you live.  When a man lives boldly for Christ the world takes notice.

3.  Knowing that men learn best while engaged in activities together we provide competitive events of all kinds.  Groups of men compete for the prize throughout the weekend.  These events include everything from chess to football.

4.  Stirring messages are presented that encourage men to step up and step out.  Opportunities will be offered to do something about what you hear and what God is laying on your soul.  Not only will Heart of a Warrior groups be offered for involvement, many of the churches will be offering opportunities for engagement as well.

The team is being formed now to plan and produce the Advance.  Mark your calendars men.  September 26-28, 2008 is not that far away.  More information on the Advance will follow.  Start praying for who God would want you to invite to the Advance.

A Warrior After God's Heart #9

We are looking at the characteristics of a Warrior After God's Heart.  What does he look like?  What does he believe?  How does he act?

1. A Warrior after God’s heart lives his life for an audience of One … (Citizenship)

2. A Warrior after God’s acts on his beliefs … (Proactivity)

3. A Warrior after God’s heart is obedient … (Obedience)

4. A Warrior after God’s heart prepares for the conflict … (Personal Armor)

5. A Warrior after God’s heart is a student of the Word … (Power)

6. A Warrior after God’s heart guards his heart. … (Vulnerability)

7.  A Warrior after God’s heart lays his life on the line … (Engagement)

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

We were not meant for the sidelines.

Life is to be lived, not endured.

What are you waiting for?

Many of us spend our lives tied up to the pier, never leaving the dock.  We wile away our time swabbing the decks, polishing the brass, cleaning the oil off the engines, checking the steering mechanism, looking out the bridge of the ship.

Ships were not meant for piers; they were designed for the open sea.  It is time to get the ship away from the pier.  So what if the decks aren’t clean.  So what if the engines are dripping some oil.  So what if the brass isn’t shined –get he ship away from the pier. 

Ships are meant for the open sea and so are you.  God will determine your destination.  I find it interesting that although God can overcome any man’s inertia.  However, it seems God chooses to use men who are already moving.  God chooses to redirect a men who are already underway.

Yes, there are dangers along life’s journey.  Yes, there are risks to be taken.  But God honors men who are willing to lean into their fear and trust Him with the journey.

In what ways(s) are you willing to lay your life on the line?  What has God been stirring you to do?  What have you held back when God has asked you to advance?  What call has God given you that you are resisting?  What reconciliation with someone has God asked you to begin?  Who needs your forgiveness?  Who needs your service?

Engage men!  Get the ship away from the pier.  Leave the destination to God.  Conduct maintenance while underway.  Be prepared for engagement.  Join the battle!!!