Adam Sandler’s portrayal of workaholic, Michael Newman, in the 2006 movie Click was funny until the real message clicked in (pardon the pun). After receiving the gift of a special remote control that allowed him to fast forward and rewind through different parts of his life, Sandler’s character did what a lot of us do without a remote. He developed a series of automatic responses. It seemed like a no brainer. When you don’t want to deal with something or someone just - click!
In a recent discussion, I expressed my concern over the tendency many have of responding to unwanted, uncomfortable, or painful experiences with knee jerk reactions that reject any possibility that good may be contained within it. As Christians who are being “conformed into the image of God’s Son” we are to be led by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14). However, if we find ourselves reacting to the unpleasant aspects of our life with automatic responses, then there is a chance that we may be automatically rejecting the leading of the Holy Spirit without recognizing it.
Let me be clear. Not all automatic responses are to be avoided. In fact, we can develop some habitual reactions that are beneficial. For example, when we feel anxious we can choose to bring our concerns immediately to God in prayer with a thankful heart. The result of this swift reaction to anxiety, God’s Word promises, will yield incomprehensible peace standing guard like a garrison over our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6-7). In turn, this peace increases the likelihood that we will hear the Spirit’s leading through times of distress. On the other hand, if we tend to react to life’s discomforts with worry and fretful imaginings, the result then is quite another story.
If we’re honest, we have to admit that when we only engage in things that we are comfortable with, not only are we resisting God’s desire to conform us into His Son’s image, but we also have no need for the Spirit’s direction and empowerment. As I consider my own automatic responses I whisper a prayer that all of God’s children will reflect upon areas in our lives where we fail to open our hearts to the Holy Spirit’s direction. There is no question that the last thing I want to do is click through life following my own way only to discover that I missed real life with God altogether.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Conquering New Heights
Her words captured my imagination. She couldn’t be more than 5’4” and I’d guess no more than 110 pounds soaking wet. Her name is Susan Ershler. As she talked about how she accomplished her personal goal of climbing all seven of the highest summits in the world with her husband, my sense of adventure was stirred. Can you imagine the sense of victory she must have felt, as she looked out at the vista view from the highest place on the planet? As the fourth American woman to climb the seven highest mountains, she had to conquer the physical, environmental and emotional challenges. What an accomplishment!
It’s January and as usual, I have seven summits of my own I want to conquer. I am determined to CONQUER New Heights in my personal life this year. As I share my strategy for 2011, think about what yours will be.
C – Change from knowing more scripture, to living out more consistently the scriptures I know. Maybe this way, when I interact with someone that doesn’t know the bible, they’ll get a chance to see it in action. (II Corinthians 2:2-3)
O – Own my own vessel. Too much focus on negative experiences and current events can cause overwhelming stress. At times like these I’ll need to remember that God is in control and to possess my soul in the patience His Spirit causes to flow through me as I rest in Him. (Luke 21:19)
N – Never stop praying. I’m clear on the fact that no matter how much I know, God knows more. There is never a time I won’t need His counsel. (I Thessalonians 5:17)
Q – Quiet my spirit. I used to believe that I should never talk about the things that bother me. Now I understand that when I take authority over my disquieted spirit, I am acquiring a quality that God considers priceless. (I Peter 3:4)
U – Upgrade my gifts and talents. I already know that if I don’t use them, there will be weeping and gnashing. But, I also need to be open to the Holy Spirit’s leading when He wants to use my gifts in new and different ways. (Matthew 25:14-28)
E – Eliminate regularly. Just as my body eliminates toxins regularly (i.e. carbon dioxide from my lungs, waste from my kidneys and bowels), I need to rid myself of the things that make my walk with Christ toxic. (Colossians 3:8-10)
R – Reflect His glory as I redeem the time. I can’t allow myself to forget that like the star that led the three wise men to the Christ child, I’m a star on a mission. God has placed His light in me to lead others to Him. (II Corinthians 3:18)
As I walk into this New Year filled with opportunities I am reminded of Isaiah 43:18-19 where the Lord had Isaiah to prophesy that He was going to do a new thing. New means new! New speaks of that which is unfamiliar, unused, unprecedented and original. Consequently, I can expect that some of the things I will face this year will be both adventurous and risky.
As Susan Ershler talked about her climb up Mount Everest, she spoke of how they couldn’t simply go from the bottom of the mountain straight to the top. For one thing, the weather could change quickly. More than one climber has had to turn around and head back to camp with the summit only minutes away. For another thing, the air at the mountain’s peak was so thin, that they had to make the journey by going up to a designated camp and then back down the mountain for days at a time to give their lungs a chance to become accustomed to the difference in the amount of oxygen at that height. When I heard it, my perspective of how to view three steps forward, two steps back was forever changed. Instead of seeing my efforts as being hindered, I’ll consider that I’ve reached a higher elevation that requires an adjustment in my faith capacity.
2011 marks two milestones for my life. Since 1991 I have been blessed with the opportunity to be used of God to encourage, challenge, and inspire those who struggle. Whether the struggle was with drug abuse, promiscuity, depression, or discouragement for 20 years I've seen God demonstrate His love to those I encounter. Since 2001 I have been blessed with the opportunity to be used of God to encourage, challenge, and inspire aspiring Christian writers. For 10 years I've been instrumental in assisting them as they go from manuscript to marketplace sharing their messages of hope, instruction, and insight.
As I rejoice in these wonderful blessings I find that there is a stirring in my heart to go higher in my relationship with God. I long to see His hand move more effectively through me.
What about you? What are the seven summits in your life that you want to conquer this year? In 2010 did you feel like you were going three steps forward, two steps back? If so, don’t worry, you were just getting your lungs ready to handle the change that’s coming. Sure, there may be storms brewing. Yes, the air is thin up there. But look up. The mountain top isn’t that far away. Stay focused on your goals. Before you know it you’ll be a testament to all those who long to start the journey. May the Lord guide you on your journey as you conquer new heights.
It’s January and as usual, I have seven summits of my own I want to conquer. I am determined to CONQUER New Heights in my personal life this year. As I share my strategy for 2011, think about what yours will be.
C – Change from knowing more scripture, to living out more consistently the scriptures I know. Maybe this way, when I interact with someone that doesn’t know the bible, they’ll get a chance to see it in action. (II Corinthians 2:2-3)
O – Own my own vessel. Too much focus on negative experiences and current events can cause overwhelming stress. At times like these I’ll need to remember that God is in control and to possess my soul in the patience His Spirit causes to flow through me as I rest in Him. (Luke 21:19)
N – Never stop praying. I’m clear on the fact that no matter how much I know, God knows more. There is never a time I won’t need His counsel. (I Thessalonians 5:17)
Q – Quiet my spirit. I used to believe that I should never talk about the things that bother me. Now I understand that when I take authority over my disquieted spirit, I am acquiring a quality that God considers priceless. (I Peter 3:4)
U – Upgrade my gifts and talents. I already know that if I don’t use them, there will be weeping and gnashing. But, I also need to be open to the Holy Spirit’s leading when He wants to use my gifts in new and different ways. (Matthew 25:14-28)
E – Eliminate regularly. Just as my body eliminates toxins regularly (i.e. carbon dioxide from my lungs, waste from my kidneys and bowels), I need to rid myself of the things that make my walk with Christ toxic. (Colossians 3:8-10)
R – Reflect His glory as I redeem the time. I can’t allow myself to forget that like the star that led the three wise men to the Christ child, I’m a star on a mission. God has placed His light in me to lead others to Him. (II Corinthians 3:18)
As I walk into this New Year filled with opportunities I am reminded of Isaiah 43:18-19 where the Lord had Isaiah to prophesy that He was going to do a new thing. New means new! New speaks of that which is unfamiliar, unused, unprecedented and original. Consequently, I can expect that some of the things I will face this year will be both adventurous and risky.
As Susan Ershler talked about her climb up Mount Everest, she spoke of how they couldn’t simply go from the bottom of the mountain straight to the top. For one thing, the weather could change quickly. More than one climber has had to turn around and head back to camp with the summit only minutes away. For another thing, the air at the mountain’s peak was so thin, that they had to make the journey by going up to a designated camp and then back down the mountain for days at a time to give their lungs a chance to become accustomed to the difference in the amount of oxygen at that height. When I heard it, my perspective of how to view three steps forward, two steps back was forever changed. Instead of seeing my efforts as being hindered, I’ll consider that I’ve reached a higher elevation that requires an adjustment in my faith capacity.
2011 marks two milestones for my life. Since 1991 I have been blessed with the opportunity to be used of God to encourage, challenge, and inspire those who struggle. Whether the struggle was with drug abuse, promiscuity, depression, or discouragement for 20 years I've seen God demonstrate His love to those I encounter. Since 2001 I have been blessed with the opportunity to be used of God to encourage, challenge, and inspire aspiring Christian writers. For 10 years I've been instrumental in assisting them as they go from manuscript to marketplace sharing their messages of hope, instruction, and insight.
As I rejoice in these wonderful blessings I find that there is a stirring in my heart to go higher in my relationship with God. I long to see His hand move more effectively through me.
What about you? What are the seven summits in your life that you want to conquer this year? In 2010 did you feel like you were going three steps forward, two steps back? If so, don’t worry, you were just getting your lungs ready to handle the change that’s coming. Sure, there may be storms brewing. Yes, the air is thin up there. But look up. The mountain top isn’t that far away. Stay focused on your goals. Before you know it you’ll be a testament to all those who long to start the journey. May the Lord guide you on your journey as you conquer new heights.
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