didn't make it to church, again- sick kiddos! but joey was able to go, and he (and some friends) all told me how good it was this week. i've been wanting to watch it ever since, and tonight was my first chance. so, sitting by the fire-by the light of the christmas tree, i watched.
you can see it here: http://12stone.com/watch/intentional-christmas/intentional-living/
(and John Maxwell's book here: http://www.amazon.com/Intentional-Living-Choosing-Life-Matters/dp/1455548170/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449538303&sr=8-1&keywords=john+maxwell+intentional+living )
if everyday you could add value to other people's lives, and at the same time Jesus is recognizing it and saying to you ' Thank You, you've just added value to Me'...would you say that would be a significant day? Living a life that really matters?
for our life to really matter and count, we need to see the big picture.
- Matthew 25: 31-40 (Jesus values people). "Master what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?" ..... "whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me- you did it to me."
Jesus values people so much that when we add value to others, He takes it personally.
Jesus became one of us. Because He thinks so highly of us, and values us so much He left Heaven to come be with us. If you don't see Jesus in the picture when you see people, you don't have the right picture. we need to see Jesus all the time.
every one has the opportunity to add value to people, no one is lacking in that way.
- Matthew 25:42 'whenever you fail to do one of these things to someone being over looked or ignored, that was Me. you failed to do it to Me.'
when we miss that opportunity, we miss the opportunity to minister to Jesus. this helps us see the people we come in to contact with daily in a whole different light. God feels far away? start loving people, care for people- He will begin feeling very close. (this statement hit me in all the feels cause i have been experiencing it almost daily for the last few months)
At this point John starts telling a story about going out to eat with his family. the waiter was killin' it with customer service and really taking care of them. he started talking with him and the waiter told him he works part time there to try and funnel some money in to a business he is starting, that it wasn't going well but he was trying. John said he had a nice talk with him, and felt compelled to gift him financially. the waiter was so blown away and told him how much it meant to him, he gave him a hug and as John was walking away he said it dawned on him, "Jesus just hugged me, that was Jesus."
No one saw the big picture of adding value to others.
Seeing the big picture = seeing Jesus in people's lives.
- It makes insignificant acts, significant. It upgrades everything we do.
Do you think those people that did value to others, if they saw Jesus in others, do you think they'd do more good things? YES.
people who did not do good things or add value to others, if they saw Jesus in others...do you think they would've gotten more involved? YES.
not only need to see the big picture, but i need to be intentional. i need to be intentional because the moment i am, i increase my acts of good works.
' everything worthwhile is uphill' -- nothing is easy, automatic, by chance. the only way you go uphill is by being intentional.
Three words to describe intentional living: Deliberate, Consistent, Willful.
Deliberate : i think about my life and reflect on it.
Consistent : i am intentional on a daily baiss, not just once in a while.
Willful : i made a choice to be intentional.
we are not naturally inclined to think of others first, we are born selfish.
Five everyday essentials to be intentional:
1. every day i value people. Jesus valued everybody. (including the overlooked and ignored)
- Connect with people: everyone needs a friend, everyone has good in them, everyone wants to feel valued, everyone can help me by adding value to me (so i decide to receive it), everyone wants to better their life.
2. every day i think of ways to add value to people. (think ahead, be intentional)
3. look for ways to add value to people.
4. every day i do things that values people.
good intentions have no value, unless they become good actions.
5. every day i encourage others to add value to people.
Choose a life that matters.
John Maxwell's Thirty Day Journey: http://intentionalliving.johnmaxwell.com/30-day-journey-direct-1
i loved this message. while listening, so many people in my life came to mind. people who are already adding value to others every single day and in any way they can. these are the ones who inspire me.
it is so crazy to me how each sunday, the message has struck a cord with me so personally the last few weeks. it makes me feel like i'm on the right path, and this is all falling in to place for me finally.
i feel like i've made a big changes in my faith recently. i find it on my mind daily now, looking forward to church each week. joey and i also decided to join a small group together with some friends, and i'm really looking forward to that. i've learned that my faith grows when im around people, in fellowship, people who's hearts are on fire for God and can teach me SO much.
i've found myself praying on the way to work. the other night, Adelynn was being a hot mess three year old and i could feel my frustration rising....i started praying in my mind. thats a first for me. i haven't prayed in so long, and suddenly i seem to be praying all the time.
i suddenly have this intense interest in learning everything i can about God and faith in general. looking for devotionals, looking in to small groups, talking with my friends and family who are strong in their faith.
big things for me. each week seems to get better and better when it comes to my faith.
something cool? 12stone had a reverse offering in ALL services on sunday...when i heard about it my draw dropped. read about it here: http://danreiland.com/a-reverse-offering/
dear God, please help me continue to learn about You. Grow closer to you. please help me look at the world more intentionally, and look for ways to add value to people- whether it be financially, a hug, a helping hand, whatever- ANY WAY i can help. help me to start noticing those opportunities and find the creativity to make things happen for people. please continue bringing these amazing people in my life, right now- when i need it most. help me to grow closer to You, and to see You in others. just help me. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment