Gut Check Time!

Every once in awhile we all need a good old fashion "GUT CHECK". gut check as defined by Webster is a test or assesment of courage, character or determination! Some time ago I came accross the following gut check test. Every so often I give myself the test and at times must admit fail in one of more of these areas from time to time, Thus the reason for the GUT CHECK! It is simply to put our focus back on the right things. Are you ready.....

1) AM I LISTENING TO THE VOICE OF GOD? In a day when books, conferences, blogs etc are so readily available to provide ideas and resources n such, are we forgetting that God knows what we have need of. Years ago Roberts Liardon said "don't take your plans to God and ask Him to bless them, go to God for the plans He has already blessed!" Sometimes I just need to get away, get quiet and say "God, what do you think?"

2) AM I TAKING RISKS? I was reading in Phillipians 2:30 where Paul speaks of Epaphroditus & he says "because of the work of CHRIST he came close to death, not regarding his life (risking), to supply what was lacking in your service to me". Wow! I often feel like sometimes I play it safe ya know. I love my wife and 2 little girls so much and find myself wondering if I play things too safe. I understand exercising wisdom n such but am I selling God short by playing it safe. Goes with the prayer of Sir Frances Drake that Eddie quoted in a previous blog "Disturb us Oh Lord". I have that prayer on my desk! I need to get it in my heart!!!

3) DO I FULLY UNDERSTAND HOW BIG MY GOD IS? The answer is simple...YES & NO! I know He is big but my actions and vocabulary sometimes contradict what I claim to know. I know some of you "Men of faith & power" never experience that but I have. I know God is capable of doing anything but is not always able because of me. I am reminded of the words of Matthew 13:58 "Now He could not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief". I would hate to think that many in my city would miss out on the miracles of God because of my lack of understanding of how BIG God really is! "Lord I believe, help my unbelief".

4) AM I SURROUNDING MYELF WITH THE RIGHT PEOPLE? It is amazing what a little time spent with the right people can do for your life. In Acts 4:13 "they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus". Unschooled or the King James calls them ignorant which is Greek (ID-EE-O-TACE) where we get the word IDIOT. Amazing how a little time with the right people can take you from being an idiot to a world changer. (special thanks to Pastor Naten, Pastor "papa T" Marden, Pastor Chuck & Dan Kruse, Pastor Skiles, Bishop Lake, Bishop Ming & every other man who took a moment to speak into my life!)

5) AM I GIVING IT MY BEST? Eccl 9:10 says "whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might". There are so many areas to hit here concerning our church, our personal time, our studies, our effort etc so let me just say this. I cannot be perfect in ANY area but I can give my best in EVERY area. I cannot stand "CHEESY" ministry when we are capable of so much more. I despise myself for lackluster effort in certain areas of my life regardless of what area it is. We may not have lot's of time, money, resources as others may have but it is no excuse not to give our best effort and work at getting better. This also carries over to our peronal life. Sometimes we give so much attention to ministry that we neglect personal things like home, family etc., and when our peronal life/health is a mess people tend not to pay attention to the other.

What are your thoughts? I appreciate the feedback!