Thought of the Day

Preseason Football… a time to work on and develop a teams timing, cohesiveness, execution, and overall potential for what lies ahead… Aren’t you glad that the Lord gives us opportunities to work through a number of things prior to entering various seasons of life. (Phil 3:12)

Monday Matters

When confronted by strife, don't be drawn in by biting the bait... Mentally thank God that you didn't give in. And with a sense of spiritual swaggar, kill it with kindness by smiling and telling them "God Bless You!" ...Then gracefully, walk away. (Rom 12:21 NIV)

Don't Miss the Exit!

1 Cor 10:13 "...he will provide a way out..." 

I never would have thought that by using a portable Global Positioning System (GPS) in route to your destination that you still have the potential in making the wrong turn or missing your exit. Just the other day, while enjoying my drive  95 south from state to state, this notion became a reality. Can I testify?

We all know that "mapquest," "googlemaps," etc...  are not always accurate. Well, so is the case with the GPS units if they are not preloaded with the latest software. However, what I found is that regardless of whether or not the latest software is in place there are additional variables that can cause us to head of course no matter what the GPS is signally. And in my case it was everything else that was happening in my vehicle all at the same time. 

While the GPS "voice" was directing me to turn in .5 miles, Mary Mary had me bobbing my head to "Its' the God in Me," and my mobile was ringing consistently. If it wasn't the phone, I was deeply committed to the praise & worship coming from my stereo. Nevertheless, these variable, not to mention watching the road, caused me to miss where the GPS was guiding me.  Before I knew it, I had missed my exit.

How easy it is to miss something by being caught up in the busyness of life or simply giving more attention to the wrong things at the right places in life. In every moment of life God is communicating to us. The challenge is learning how to hear Him by weeding out the other things in our lives vying for prominence over Him. 

What in your life is causing you to miss the voice of God telling you to "turn here" or "don't go there?" What has you on the same path headed in the wrong direction when the exit was miles back? Are you still complaining to God that you are on the same road? Are you frustrated in thinking He's not helping you get to where you need to go?  

Paul reminded us that God always provides a way out for us. So please... don't miss your exit. 

"I Am Kingdom Minded" Movement

Greetings All!  

We pray that all is well with you and yours! Thanks for blessing us with your presence here at Kingdom Minded Coach (KMC). And thanks for your free email subscription! 

This message is to inform you that the Lord has opened another door for us to share the Good News. Kingdom Minded (KM) has launched the "I Am Kingdom Minded" movement at Twitter.com. You can find us under "iamkingdommindd." The site requires a free membership that will allow you to follow KM as we "tweet" for Christ. It is somewhat similar to Facebook, but simpler. (KM is on facebook as well @ Kingdom Minded.)  

Join the "I Am Kingdom Minded" movement on Twitter.com as we seek to advance the Kingdom of God via the world wide web (John 14:12). Encourage your family and friends to join us as well.  

Thanks, God bless, and stay Kingdom Minded!

What Does the Cross Mean to You?

Most civilized people would not agree to wear clothing or jewelry in the likeness of a hangman's noose, a guillotine, or an electric chair. Yet, we find millions today who display the image of the cruelest form of punishment used by ancient Romans around their necks, on their walls, or on the top of their houses of worship. 

Although it is the image of terror and horrific suffering, there is something about the cross and the events that surround the greatest execution known to man. An inexpressibly terrible, life-changing event occurred around this cross that altered the lives of many. What has it done for you? 

What does the cross mean you?

Thought of the Day...

...God is more interested in what you become than what you do.

"Feel the Burn"

Feel the burn is an exhortation relating to physical exercise, popularized by actress Jane Fonda in her highly successful aerobic exercise videotapes. The phrase refers to the sensation arising in a muscle being intensely exercised, which may involve a local increase in temperature but is probably due chiefly to the accumulation of metabolic products as the muscle becomes increasingly fatigued. An underlying idea is that the sensation itself provides evidence of the effectiveness of the exercise being performed. (cf. "No pain, no gain").

Although it probably originated with twentieth century bodybuilders and its use is general in exercise and sporting activities, it can also be applied to our spiritual journeys. The amount of weight that we can lift or the number or reps that we can do will not strengthen our faith. Our physical stature may change and grow stronger, but not our faith. Faith is strengthened when it is put to the test. And yes, feeling the burn hurts, but the results make the pain worth it.

James says that we ought to "count it pure joy when we face trials because we know that the testing of our faith develops perseverance..." (Jas 1:2-3). In other words, when we go through trials our faith is not only being tested, but it is also producing something. Just like weight training and the work required to produce the look we seek or the size we desire, our struggles help to develop our perseverance. And perseverance makes us grow mature and complete in Him. According to James, this is what we should know - that something is developing in us.

Therefore, when facing trials... while enduring what we are enduring with this economy, trust God that He's strengthening your faith. Paul even tells us in Romans 5:3-4 to "rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." At the end of what we go through hope is produced. And hope is the ability to hold onto to a thing, when you do not see a thing, until you have that thing.

It never feels good when your pressing, lifting up, or holding back that weight while training to strengthen your physical strength. But the results are incredible. The pay-off makes all that you went through to get to where you are feel like it was worth it. "Feeling the burn" does not feel good at all, but the results help both you and I to endure the pain.

"...train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." (1 Tim 4:7a-8)