Book Review: Put Your Dream To The Test by John Maxwell

There are authors and then there is John Maxwell. In “Put Your Dream To The Test” Maxwell does it again. I was a bit reluctant to read this book at first thinking, “I don’t need to put my dream to the test. I know what I’m supposed to be doing right now.”

Once I got into the book I found it intriguing. He offers ten questions to test the dream and vision. He also gives practical advice and insight on each subject. One particular quote that I found helpful was this: “The secret to your success is found in your daily agenda. If you do the right things day after day, then you will make progress, and you will eventually achieve what you set out to do.” The journey to the dream is found one step at a time.

I plan to reread the book and go back over the underlined portions. Once again it is evident that Maxwell has collected quotes and anecdotes for many years. I definitely recommend this book.

God Loves You and You’re Going To Hell

I thought the title of this post would get your attention.  It sounds harsh, but that is the message many Christians send to the unchurched.  Though it is true in many cases, it’s not the way to win friends and influence people.

Many verses in God’s Word have guided Marla and I through the years, but one verse has remained constant as the key to our ministry life.  I Thessalonians 2:8 says, “We were delighted to share with you, not only the Gospel of Christ but our very lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.” That pretty much sums up our goal in life.

My life’s passion is to make it very hard for people around me to go to hell but I believe there is much more to that than simply getting in people’s faces and screaming in their face, “GOD LOVES YOU AND YOU’RE GOING TO HELL”. (That’s one reason some secular people believe “evangelical = Christians who hate people”.)  I believe and have learned that as we get involved in people’s lives and truly love them, they will eventually allow us to Christ with them.

Once I actually told a non-believing friend, “I will always be praying that you will get to know Jesus, but if you never accept Christ, you will always be my friend.”  That statement let my friend know that he meant more to me than just another “notch on my Bible.”  He matters to me.  The old chiche is true:  People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

Not many Christians would disagree with their lips that reaching people for Christ is important, but their lives speak a different message.  According to Barna, only 12% of Christians will lead someone to Christ in their lives. How can that be if Christ is truly number one in a believer’s life?  Churched people become so involved in their church that they forget that there are people outside the church.

The first step in sharing your life is often becoming friends.  It’s not a forced thing when you really care about those who don’t know Christ.  Just take time to get a cup of coffee, take a walk, or go with them and the kids to a ballgame.  Just live your life with others, be their friend, and share Christ along the way.

In what ways have you met friends outside of the church?  What else comes to mind when you read this?

Lion Chasers Manifesto

I ran across the “Lion Chaser Manifesto” today by Mark Batterson. I’ve read it countless times and every time I read it I am convicted to live with more passion and purpose in my life. I hope it is half as encouraging to you as it is to me.

“Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Consider the lilies. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don’t let what’s wrong with you keep you from worshipping what’s right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze a new trail. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don’t try to be who you’re not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away. Chase the lion!”

Now go out and pursue God and all that He has for you today!

Book Review: The Noticer, by Andy Andrews

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from “The Noticer,” by Andy Andrews, when I picked up the book.  What I found was a book that was hard to put down.  The only thing that kept me from picking it up was that my wife and 16 year old daughter kept grabbing it as soon as I put it down.  It seems that they were “addicted” too!

The Noticer is a story about a man named “Jones.”  That’s not Mr. Jones…. Just “Jones,” as he explained.  Jones was a man that seemed to always show up at pivotal points in various lives and noticed things that most people overlook.  As he observes the lives that he sees, he offers folks “perspective” and helps them get their lives back on track.  In helping them through the pages of the book, wisdom and encouragement pours beyond the pages to the reader’s heart.

The first person that encounters Jones was the author.  It seems that he had experienced a tough life and as a result, found himself living under a pier at a very young age.  As Jones whittled away the layers of hurt and bitterness in the young man, he advised, “It’s time to stop letting your history control your destiny.”  That’s a lesson that we can all take to heart.  If God is calling us to do something beyond us, we can’t look to the past.  All we can do is keep our eyes ahead  and focused on the vision.

Other tidbits of wisdom seep through the book.  In one instance, Jones met an elderly lady who was lonely.  She felt like all she had left to do in life was to die.  Jones encouraged her saying, “If you are still here, then you have not completed your life’s purpose.”

These are just two examples of the wisdom from the book.  Everyone could use a dose of wisdom.  I encourage you to read this book!

No Use Crying Over Spilled Skittles

The other day in the grocery store I saw a child that was being very overly dramatic. He had spilled his Skittles and was not happy about that. Well, I would be pretty upset too if I spilled my Skittles, but this child really took it hard. There began crying and gnashing of teeth that was a bit on the ridiculous side.

At that point that’s when I heard the words from his mom, “I’m going to give you something to cry about if you don’t chill out!”

I know that God isn’t the  “give us something to cry about” type, but I wonder what he thinks when He sees us get so jacked up about such minor things like we do sometimes, like this kid with the Skittles.  Let’s make it a point to “be patient and bear one another in love” as Ephesians 4:2 says. That will save us from looking so goofy by getting upset at the slightest inconveniences.

The kid probably did need a lesson taught to him at that moment and a warm bottom would probably have helped the situation, but as I reflect, I think we believers need a lesson taught sometimes too.  As adult believers, we get upset too often about minor things like this kid and his Skittles.

Every once in a while we are inconvenienced and sometimes it just ruins our day. Maybe someone pulls out in front of us when we’re in a hurry or the checker at Kroger is slow, even though we rushed to the shortest line. Whatever it is, it puts us in a rotten mood and we feel like the world is against us. It’s amazing how we miss God’s finger prints in our lives because our hearts get in the wrong place so easily.  I had a college roommate that used to ask, “Will this even matter or will I remember it in a year?”  If the answer is “no,” take a “chill pill.”

Remember, if you spill your Skittles it’s a pain but it’s not the end of the world! I might even share some of mine with you if you ask nicely.

Every 24 is a Gift

Someone asked me today, “How are you doing?” Sounds simple enough.  Sometimes, I’m not sure if people really want the real answer when they ask or not. I think most of the time it’s just what you say when you see someone and want to be friendly, but let’s think about it here for a minute.

None of us are promised tomorrow. James 4:14 says, “14 How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.”

I had a friend tell me yesterday that someone he knew, 43 years old and in great shape, suddenly said “my chest is hurting.” He went to the bathroom at work and died of a heart attack. We never know when our time will be over.

Morgan was a 16 year old girl that I knew from Tallahassee. Morgan served God and was full of life. She had a long life planned, but suddenly she was killed last month in a car wreck. We never know when it will be our time to meet God. (BTW, hug your kids an extra time today.)

I don’t say all of this to be morbid, but just a reminder that we aren’t here on earth for very long. Let’s not use our limited time to complain, argue, or grumble. It’s important that we use our time here to serve God in a positive way and love those around us unconditionally. Let’s not reach the end with regrets that we wish we had….. You can fill in the blank.

When someone asks how you are doing today, think about all of your blessings before you answer. Any day that we’re breathing is a gift from God. Let’s make the most of each gift of 24 hours that He gives us.

Good News/Bad News

GOOD NEWS: Denny’s is offering FREE Grand Slam Breakfast to anyone between 6:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
BAD NEWS: All of the Denny’s in Nashville have closed.

I saw the ad and got excited! I thought, “Maybe I could take my son, Matthew. He loves Breakfast” After seeing the ad, I quickly got out my computer, went to the Denny’s website, and hit “Find Locations.” To my lament and dismay, the closest Denny’s to Nashville that is still in business is in Bowling Green, Kentucky. What a let down… What a disappointment…. I thought my ship had finally come in and then… sniff …. there are no Denny’s in the area to fulfill the promise of the free meal.

It makes me think of what I hear alot today about Christians. People are hurting and they need a kind word or help. Sometimes they look to Christians and we don’t quite deliver what we promise either. Is the Christian life really all about meeting on Sundays, singing a few Chris Tomlin songs, hearing an inspiring message, and then hanging out with our Christian friends? There has to be more to it. The Bible says that the early believers were known for their love. I’m examining myself. I encourage you to do the same.

Recently I heard Henry Blackaby, author of “Experiencing God” speak at my church. One thing that he said has stuck in my brain. Henry said, “People keep saying that there is too much darkness in the world today. If there is too much darkness, the problem isn’t the darkness. The problem is with the light. It’s not shining bright enough.” ugh… Could he be talking about me?

Are you letting Christ shine in your life and delivering what your label, “Christian,” promises to the hurting? Let’s be real. Go out of your comfort zone and be who God has called us to be.

BTW, can someone save me some toast from their Denny’s breakfast?

How Do I Know I’m Called?

Someone asked me recently, “How do you know that God is calling you?” God didn’t call me on my cell phone and say, “Eddie, you the man…”   There wasn’t a cloud formation telling me to go into full time ministry, but God did make it pretty clear to me.  Before I go on, I should say that  I believe that God actually calls ALL of those who belong to Him, but I can tell you how God called me to full time ministry.

I was just out of college and working in Nashville at a “Sheltered Workshop.” My position was Operations Manager and I managed about 20 supervisors. I had a pretty good resume for a twenty-something year old. After about two years on the job, I thought I would send out some resumes. I was surprised that not one person called me back!

Not that I was anything special, but I thought someone should at least call me back with a resume like I had. I prayed, “God, You must either want me to stay here or maybe you do want me in full time ministry. I’m willing to do full time ministry if that’s what You want. I just ask that you let me know for sure. My family would not understand me moving from Nashville and I need to know for sure that it’s you leading me.”

I only sent out a couple of ministry resumes and I started getting calls and interviews immediately. I’m not always the sharpest tool in the box but I started to “get it.”  Ding, Ding!  I realized that I was now on the right track!

I went to Charlotte, NC on an interview and afterwards, Marla and I just didn’t feel good about it. I did promise to pray about it for a week. When we got back home to Nashville, I had a message that another church in Charlotte had called. Not wanting to “muddy the waters,” I told the second church that I didn’t want to talk at that time until I found God’s will for the first church.

After a week of prayer, we still didn’t feel good about the second church so we called and told them we couldn’t come. When I called the second church back I was told that they were already talking to another candidate and didn’t want to “muddy the waters” with me. They wanted to find God’s will in this relationship.

I was good with that, but after a week they called me back. They told me that the candidate was a guy from Alabama. He turned them down but asked, “Would I be out of line by recommending someone to you?” They told him they would love to have a name from him.

Guess who’s name this guy in Alabama gave to this church in Charlotte, NC? He told them to call a guy in Nashville. “Eddie Poole” was his name! God wanted me in full time ministry and had this church contact one of the few people in this whole world who would then point them right back to me. What are the odds? Pretty good if God is in the mix! That’s how I know that He has called me into full time ministry.

For All You Rich Kids-and me too.

Recently I read the story of the Rich Young Ruler in Luke 18.  You know the story.  A young guy, well off and from an important family, approached Jesus and asked him what he had to do to inherit eternal life.  Jesus’ response was that he should keep all of the commandments.  This guy seemed to be a pretty good guy.  At least he had the feeling that he was good.  He actually had the confidence to tell Jesus, “Oh, I’ve kept all of those.”  Now I don’t really believe that, but I do believe that he was a pretty good guy to even believe that he came close to keeping them all.  He probably went to synagogue every week with his family, studied hard at school, and did everything that a son is expected to do. He was probably the type of young man that every Jewish mother dreamed that her daughter would marry and that her son would grow up to be like.

I have always felt a bit sorry for him because of what Jesus said to him next.  Jesus told him, “If you’ve kept the commandments, then go and sell all you have.  Give the money to the poor, and come follow me.”  That’s tough! OUCH!  I thought that just believing was enough.  Jesus seemed to have added a bit to the requirements with this young man.  (I know some say Jesus knew that money was a problem with him and Jesus could see his heart, implying that only this young man has this challenge.  It’s certainly not a word for us.  Right?)

Scripture then goes on to say that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to go to heaven.  Considering that the poorest in America are in the top 5% of the world as far as riches go, could that be why we seem to be drifting farther and farther from God as a nation?  I know the Bible doesn’t say that “money is the root of evil” but the “LOVE of money” is the root of evil, as I was recently reminded.   It’s just that Jesus didn’t really go into that at this time.  I’m also not anti-money.  I actually kind of like it.  (Sometimes too much.)  I think this story should at least cause some pause in all of us instead of glossing over it quickly.  The least of us are wealthy in the world’s standards.  The fact is, I’m rich and you are too.  Does our money, electronic toys, or worries about either preoccupy us and keep us from God?

People Matter

A guy asked me the other day…   Actually it was ME asking God, “Why in the world do we need another church in Mt. Juliet?”  It seemed like a fair question to me.  After all, this is the Buckle of the Belt.  Besides that, it seems to me that there are plenty of churches.  Why can’t I go to a really PAGAN LAND like Daytona Beach or Panama City or some place like that and launch a church?   How cool would that be?  Beach ministry everyday.  Somebody’s got to do it!  Why not me?

The main reason, I realize is that isn’t God’s plan for me.  He wants me in Mt. Juliet where I have old friends, new friends, business acquaintances, and new people moving in all the time.  They all matter to God.

I know that people matter to God and it is my prayer as I start each day that they will matter to me too.  Even strangers, (though some would argue that there are none stranger than me.)  I want to see people the way that God sees them, including the irritating driver that always cuts me off.  I want to see the checker at Kroger, not as a “checker” but as someone with a family, dreams, and a God that is crazy about them.  Sadly, I often just reduce them to the role of “checker” and my goal is to get myself and my can of biscuits back in my car ASAP.

My friend, Rick Theobald, is the best I’ve ever seen in the “caring about everyone he comes in contact with” department.  Anytime I’m out to eat with Rick, for instance, he ALWAYS takes the time to say something personal and nice to EVERYONE that he comes in contact with.  He takes time for everyone… kind of like Jesus.  I too often find myself trying to focus on the person I’m with and take others that happen to be around me for granted.  I want to be more like Jesus in that area.  Heck, I’d even settle for being more like Rick in that area! I’m working on it.  Does anyone give “Rick” lessons?

Anyway… why another church in Mt. Juliet?  Ed Stezer says that churches over 15 years old reach 3 people per 100 members.  Churches that have been around for 3-15 years reach 5 people for every 100 members.  New churches under 3 years old reach 10 people per every 100 members.  Besides God’s call, new churches simply reach more unchurched people.  Since they matter to God, they matter to me too.

It is my prayer that the church that I will launch, as well as the other new churches in Mt. Juliet, will not forget and loose their passion for reaching the lost and unchurched.   It is my prayer that I will be more like Jesus… and Rick.