A Message From Pastor Harrison

It’s not easy to get out of the “rat race” and to truly access if you’re living your life in such a way to leave an impact.  Many of us are young professionals and every step of our lives has been dictated to us up until this point.  You’re born; you learn how to walk, talk; you go to preschool; you’re sent to grade school or home-schooled; you want to do well and have the option to go to college; you focus on your studies to get a good job; you start thinking about a family; you marry; you have a baby; you work to provide for your family.  Then, without much thought, the cycle repeats itself in another generation.  Your purpose seems to fizzle into simply sustaining another generation to have a chance to learn, get a job and provide for the next generation to learn, get a job…

It begs the question, is that really all God intended?  Certainly not!  And, if we look around, we see people throughout history and even today finding meaningful purpose and leaving an impact on the world around them.  The thing is, to get there, I believe we have to take the time to pull away from the busyness of the cycle we’re in and ask ourselves the hard questions: “What impact do I want to leave in the world?  Am I truly focusing my time and energy on leaving that impact?  What do I need to change in my life to stay focused on the things that will truly make a difference?”  I believe you cannot stumble upon these answers while remaining completely entrapped in your current busy state.  In fact, even if you’ve had times of clarity and focus in your life, sometimes we let the details and busyness consume us and get lost along the way.

The good news is finding these answers and staying focused is not rocket science.  God tells us in the Book of Jeremiah 29:11 that “HE knows the plans He has for you”.  He knows what kind of impact He has made you to leave in the world and He is ready to guide you to that destination.  Set aside time; put your computer, cell phone and planner away and ask Him these questions.  You might feel silly doing it, but go ahead: “Lord, what impact do you want me to leave in the world?”  Am I focusing my time and energy on leaving that impact?  What changes do I need to make?”  If we regularly step out of the busyness of life to pursue His answers to these questions, we can’t miss that great purpose for which He’s called us to.

By the way, the Bible gives us an abundance of clues about His plan for our lives.  This Sunday, the last week of the series, we’re going to look at certain scriptures and talk about how God intends us to leave a legacy that outlives our time on this earth; whether 30 days or 90 years, you’re built to leave an eternal impact.  What impact are you going to leave?

Anybody out there finding yourself wanting to put off thinking about these kind of things until a more opportune time?  Sometimes it’s hard to force the conversation on yourself, but yet, it’s so necessary.  Tell us about it…

Message From Pastor Donna

I have so much anticipation about this series! Pastor Dennis and I were watching “the Last Holiday” with Queen Latifah (you should see it if you haven’t already) a few months ago and began to talk about “how would our lives be different if we only had a short period of time left to live…” Nobody wants to get to that point and think, I shoulda, I coulda, I wished I…. But how about if we lived our life with no regrets! A powerful thought, huh? I would definately make sure I encouraged and hugged my kids more and had more time with my husband (my best friend) and spend as much time as possible being compassionate about the things Jesus is compassionate about! (and I would definately eat more chocolate….and not worry about the consequences!) What would you do? What is your “bucket list?”

Living a Life of No Regrets

To live a life of no regrets sounds like a tall order. How many times have we said to ourselves, “I should have.. I could have… I wish I only had…” the sentences ending in any number of hopes, dreams and wishes that never came to fruition?

As I get older I can’t help but reflect on my life. I think the key word is “reflect” and not “regret”. We have to be careful not to get caught up in condemnation of regret and instead focus on the reflection of what “was” and then make an honest attempt to learn from the errors and mistakes of our past.

“Regret” is defined as

“an intelligent and/or emotional dislike for personal past acts and behaviors. Regret is often felt when someone feels sadness, shame, embarrassment or guilt after committing an action or actions that a person later wishes that he or she had not done.”

There is nothing the enemy wants more than to bring condemnation, guilt and shame into the believer’s life. These things will hinder our spiritual growth.

To “Reflect” on the other hand is defined as

“to think quietly and calmly; to express a thought or opinion resulting from intent consideration.”

Through reflection, we learn from our mistakes, and we mature and grow in Him. We run the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1)… with the prize in “front” of us, having learned how to overcome the obstacles of our past. No condemnation, not guilt, no shame, no “regrets”. Remember what Jesus said in Luke 9:62, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” I would contend that this verse is very much applicable to “Living a Life of No Regrets.” May he find us faithful!

/SMF

30 Days to Eternity…

What if you knew that you only had 30 days to live? How would you live your life for the next 30 days? What changes, if any, would you make? 30 days and life will be over as you know it. 30 days and you will cease to exist on planet earth. No more friends, no more family, no more of your favorite t.v. shows, music, sporting events. No more fancy lattes or frappuccinos. 30 days…

What would you do? How would you live? What would you say to people?