Discern

Discerning what is best isn't always easy. In fact, it takes a good amount of knowledge and in many cases experience.

Not everyone discerns well and that's why you need accountability. As well you desperately need the wisdom of elders and others who have been there, done that and remained faithful to God.

Dokimazo: (Gk) to discern - to determine the identity of something through evaluation.

The depth of your insight on any given decision or belief will be directly related to the outcome. The Spirit was sent to all who believe as a guide, a counselor, one who fills us with true knowledge, righteousness and discernment. The Spirit provides the desire to attain insight in the depth of your soul. The Spirit challenges you to seek after wisdom and matures you through understanding.

Many times there are several 'best' decisions waiting on our response. Prayer, reflection, gifting, shared wisdom, knowledge and a deep insight all play a role in discerning the best route. 

Determining truth - determining what is best takes time and energy. It's a process, so use whatever time you have wisely.

Be proactive and seek out proper discernment.

Taken from Paul's prayer in Philippians 1:9-11

Assume.

I know a man (let's call him Gill) who 'runs the race' so intently, side by side with his wife (Getty), they seek after that goal which Lord called them to. They confidently and courageously serve leading thousands beside them as they go.

I know another couple (Bert & Betty) that when blessed with one step forward usually end up twist-turned-upside-bass-ackwards-down-and-mud-covered. They never stay down of course. With the same perseverance as Gill and Getty, they stand up, reposition their hearts and souls and resume their journey. They never seem to 'catch a break' on this earth.

Most of us would assume that the first couple is succeeding while the second, if not failing in life, are at  least barely scraping by.

Gill and Getty have been blessed tangibly in many, many ways.

Bert and Betty have suffered and yet the Lord has blessed them as well. They are given the opportunity to stand firm in their faith through an endless struggle. A promise handed to believers from the Lord.

Whatever your path.
Whatever your season.
Whatever your struggle.
Whatever your strength.
Whatever your success.
Whatever your knowledge.
Whatever your environment.
Whatever your faith.
Whatever your resources.
Whatever your role in the Body.

...Be assured that He who began a good work in you will not relent, will not end prematurely, will bless, will assist, will guide, will reward...He will finish His work in you. (Philippians 1:6)

Unstoppable Generation

I'm not quite a boy anymore but I'm not in the dirt yet.

After spending some time with a group of 7-9th grade students in Madison I'm convinced of some things:
1) Their potential to change the world is astounding.
2) Their access to wealth, knowledge and vast resources is almost unimaginable.
3) That even in this technological-speed-trap of a culture they need the Spirits guidance.

The intangible, mostly slow-going, always mind-blowing, ultimately sin-breaking wisdom of the Spirit of the Lord will make all the difference in the lives of the next generation.

The Philippians, Paul's first European church plant, were in the same boat. Wealthy, protected, resourced, and sitting on the Via Egnatia - a major highway connecting East/West. Like the Philippians, Paul is challenging this next generation to live according to a holier standard amidst such luxury.

The next generation must discover how to change the world in the Power of Christ instead of simply changing the world.

That would be an Unstoppable Generation.

obedience = freedom

My first bass guitar was an early nineties Yamaha. I knew nothing about playing. I didn't know how to hold it, how to carry it, where to put my hands, if I should use a pick or my fingers or my thumb...absolutely nothing.

I was trapped. I had this fantastic new bass and a Peavey 110 pushing out a tinny-punk-bass-sound and yet I couldn't do anything but pretend.

Over a decade later, after lessons, self-teaching, writing music, playing in bands, a music institute, hundreds of live performances and practice, practice, practice...I'm free.

I'm free. I know the boundless boundaries. I understand chords, harmonics, scales, modes, techniques, rhythms, feelings...I don't know it all by any means...but I'm free to play what I desire. I'm especially free to learn.

My Obedience to teachers, books, guides, music theory, technique, practice, musicians I admire and self-discipline I am now Free to enjoy the heavenly creation of music.

Freedom is not whatever I want it to be. It's defined by the One who gives it.

Layers

In the book Primal, Batterson asks what Christian traditions you and I adhere to that are simply abiblical. Neither prescribed nor described in Scripture but simply done because it's how Christianity has evolved over time.

How many layers of tradition do you and I subscribe to as if they're central to Jesus' Truth? Doctrines that matter eternally compared to those that simply provide direction for a body in a particular season of faith and many times develop into bylaws and ultimately dividers.

Why do you believe what you believe about Jesus and the Kingdom you're called partner in with the Body?

Are your spiritual parameters set by Scripture or Denomination? Truth or Tradition? Jesus or you?

Motivated to Humility

...now or later?

I'm being convicted regularly by the Spirit that unless I truly begin to live humbly, not only physically or financially, but most importantly in my attitude - then as I speak into others lives more and more I will become less and less humble.

It's so counter-intuitive or at least counter-desirous. It seems as though it's easier to be humble when I'm doing what I love and especially when others are looking and yet, if that is part of the motivation for humility, then it's founded in pride! So if my heart, my mind and thus my attitude find proper alignment in light of God...then regardless of when and where I live out humility I will always be acting with the right motivation and bending my knee to the Creator. In fact it will be the Spirit acting out humility in me despite myself!

Jesus was humble at all times, night and day, in public and private, in a crowd, one on one or with His disciples, teaching and in prayer...always. He had reason to elevate Himself and yet He always gave glory to the Father in Heaven. I desire that attitude...here and now.

Cakewalk Leadership

After watching Ace of Cakes reruns with my wife we noticed something interesting, overwhelming projects and short deadlines seem to always be coupled with ridiculous amounts of fun. Why? How do they do it? Are they mixing something 'special' with the cake batter?

Some Observations About Duff (owner/chef/boss):

1) ridiculously upbeat

2) looks forward to new and challenging projects

3) hired talented people who saw his vision (though he is the only trained chef)

4) trained his team well and trusts their decisions, creativity, abilities

5) listens to his customers and creates specifically for them

6) creates a relaxed environment with joking and what's that...laughing?

7) handles stress well

8) stands behind his team 

About the Team:

9) excited to be working together and with Duff 

10) believe in the quality of their product: sweet flavors & stunning visuals

11) trust Duff

12) own their work - personal style and responsibility on each project

13) celebrate a hard days work together

(Obviously we only see what happens on camera, so we'll assume that off camera holds the same)

While this list is by no means definitive of good leading and team building it is encouraging. Building and maintaining a healthy team requires work, personal gifting, time, talent, discipline, a clear vision and ultimately faith...leaders need to be aware of their strengths and weakness' and build their teams accordingly.

Whatever the situation, if you believe God is in control and the Spirit truly guides then maybe you can have your cake and eat it too...especially if you work with...cake. And a really great team.