Be Somebody

When we were kids we all had an idea of who we wanted to be when we grew up.  We had a thought as to what job we’d have, what kind of house we’d live in, how many kids we’d have, etc.  Yet, as we’ve grown up, many of us haven’t quite hit those lofty goals that we set for ourselves.  How many of us thought we’d be exactly where we are now?

I was thinking about this the other day while listening to the latest single from Thousand Foot Krutch called “Be Somebody.”  It's not regret for any of the decisions that I've made getting to where I am today, but instead the realization that God has me exactly where He wanted me from the start.  It’s remembering that His plan for my life was always going to be realized and that I am here for His glory.  I am here to do things in the world that He has always known I would do.  He never doubted where I’d be and has never been disappointed in the fact that this is where I am today.  

When you start to look at your life the way God does, as I have just done, how does that make you feel?  It’s not a mistake that each and every person is where he or she is in life because God knew you’d be there from the first second He thought of creating you.  You are here because He wants you where you are right this minute.  Be proud of the relationship that you have with Him and all that you are doing for His kingdom.  Keep striving to do more, as He knows you can do more.  Keep striving to strengthen the bond you have with God and continue to grow in your walk.  Just because He wants you here now doesn’t mean that He doesn’t want you to keep progressing to be the somebody He can use in new ways in the future.

Progress

As a person who really enjoys coaching my kids and their teams, there is one huge thing that I like to stress.  My goal is to have every kid make progress every season. Some kids will make a lot of progress, while others will only inch along. Yet, if they are making progress I am a happy coach.


I think God feels the same way with all of us.  He's happiest when we are making positive progress with our spiritual lives. Some of us will be making huge leaps in our spiritual walks while others will just be crawling. The most important thing is that we are all making progress every day.


Are you making progress? If not, maybe it is time to get back on track.   Get on track through prayer, Bible study, small groups, or even worship music.  Just get yourself back to making progress.

Giving Like No One Else

I’m pretty sure that every time I write about money on here I mention the name Dave Ramsey.  He’s a financial counselor whom I listen to almost daily on his nationally syndicated radio program and whose teachings I subscribe to in my financial life.  The title of today’s Momentum comes from a promotion that Dave is running on his web site:  www.daveramsey.com. 

Dave and his team are giving away all kinds of different items to people who enter each and every day of the promotion.  This promotion is something that I enter every day, even though I’ve never won anything from all of my entries. 

I mention this promotion for two reasons.  #1 is that I want to share the opportunity with all of you, even if it hurts my chances.  The more of you that enter, the harder it is for me to win, right?  Still, I try to be selfless, lol.  #2 is that I want to be giving like this someday.  Now I don’t think that I’ll ever have my own program and be giving out all of this stuff, but it’s the idea that I really like.  I would love to someday have the ability to bless others with things that they want or need.  I long for the day when I can give the waitress/waiter a $100 bill as a tip just because they provided good service at the restaurant.  Or to see someone who has a need and make a payment for them, etc.

My question today is, shouldn't these be the goals of all of us?  Shouldn’t we all want to get out of debt and then be able to bless others who are less fortunate than we?  Wouldn’t it be cool if all we asked in return from those whom we bless is that they someday pay it forward (great movie btw) and bless someone else when they are in the position to do so as well?  What kind of world would we live in if God's people were all blessing each other, and all working our way out of the bondage known as debt?

As this holiday season kicks into full gear I’d like to encourage all of you to give if you can this holiday season.  There are numerous people who need coats, food, and shelter in your area.  Find ways to donate items, food, or money to organizations like a food bank or Salvation Army that help those who are less fortunate.  It’s time that we all grasp the holiday spirit with both hands and open our hearts to those in need, just like Dave is doing – to bless one another.

Determination

This past weekend as I stood on top of my roof I had one thought going through my head, I gotta get this work done so I can get off of here!  That is right, at that point I was determined to get the work done.  What got me there, let me explain.

So at least two months ago I decided that I was tired of paying Time Warner Cable for TV channels.  I was looking for ways to cut some costs and I found alternatives to allow our family to still see some TV shows we enjoyed.  The only thing we were really going to miss was sports.  Then a little over a week ago, after weeks of research, I purchased a TV antenna for my house that would hopefully get us at least the main 4-5 local channels I wanted, which would allow us some football games, etc.

So on Thursday I had a friend come over and we worked on putting the antenna in the attic.  We got everything hooked up just fine, but the results were bad.  We didn’t get much of anything receptionwise, and after a few hours of work we gave up for the night.  I then went and continued researching what to do, and finally resolved that I’d have to put the antenna outside on the roof.  I’d avoided that because I’m not a lover of heights, and I didn’t know what I was doing.  Well, after much research Saturday came along and I had everything I needed to get the job done.  A different friend was there to hand me whatever I needed, but I was going to be the one on the roof doing the job.  I had two choices, either not do it that day, or do it myself.   Well, I was determined to get the work done as I didn’t think we’d get another nice day like that when I had the time, so I took the steps up the ladder and got up on the roof.  Long story short, I now have an antenna up on my roof that is properly wired and securely attached and it’s something I accomplished even though I’m not all that handy overall.

Upon reflecting on this adventure I was able to get a perspective that I didn’t expect at the time but have come to appreciate since.  When we’re determined to do something, we can accomplish our goals even if we didn’t know how to accomplish that goal prior to doing the work.  I was determined to get a clear signal for my house.  I was determined to do it right the first time.  I was also determined not to be rushed to the ER from falling off the roof! 

How often are we as Christians determined to accomplish a goal?  How often are we determined to reach someone for His kingdom?  How often are we determined to do that one thing that we feel He’s asking us to do in order for others to do their part for the kingdom of God?  This weekend I was determined, God gave me the great conditions to work in, and not only did I accomplish my goal, but we also receive a number of other channels I had never even hoped to receive.  You see that my determination to complete the goal not only allowed me to reach the finish line, but I received more than I could have imagined before.  What if we actually completed all the goals that God gave us to achieve?!  Do you think we’d all be even more blessed than we hope?  Do you think the kingdom would be blessed?  Are you willing to be determined for God and achieve His goals?