"Wondering Eyes...the Prize"

Someone recently posted a quote on their Facebook page, to which when I read it, I was prompted to submit it here as a interactive thought that I have reflected upon much through the years in both life and the ministry.

Richard Milnes lifts off the pages of history the following adage which was initially observed on the Mepham High School auditorium wall in Bellmore, New York, in 1948:

"The Virtue Lies in the Struggle, Not the Prize"

CAUTION: This is a vast pond to be fishing in for sure. Are you ready for the challenge?

To attain the desired end result with as little struggle, or pains, and in as short of a time as possible, is too often, the goal! Why is it that we have failed at over committing and not following through? What are the advantages of giving the grandiose impressions of holding a certain position of thought (or spiritual conviction), only to reveal that in the heat of the moment, all values, morals, and ethics are thrown to the curb, with the hope that others will understand and somehow, remain one of our allies?

Here are a few questions to be pondering, to hopefully keep one's eyes from wondering.

The virtue is in the struggle!?!

So, how does one preserve the perceived virtue gained in the struggle, once they realize the prize has no value or placement in their future??? This is where one knows whether or not the perceived gained virtue has been realized as of yet.

What message are we sending and teaching our children?

Though it is a great statement, I don't recollect Richard Milnes (author of the posted quote) offering any insight on this piece of the "painful" puzzle. AND, until one brings resolve to this "piece," they will never truly know "peace."

You see, it's the preservation of the revelation that will assist one in reaching and/or arriving at their DESTINation (Destiny/Assignment/Purpose in Life). How does one preserve the revelation?

Should we have to engage the same struggle repeatedly? If so, why!?!

What adjustments, and/or changes, must you initiate in order to advance to the place where God ultimately desires you?

We've all heard the common statement, "No Pain, No Gain," yet we refrain, resist, and run from anything that will be painful in the least. What virtue have you gained in the pain?

So, where are you in the struggle? AND, how do you manage the "Wondering eyes," OR what I will conclude with as, "Double Vision?"

Please feel free to take a moment and share!!!

Momentum Madness VS Mission Gladness

Momentum can be defined as "the quantity of motion of a moving body," and such words as strength, power, energy, force, thrust, speed, and velocity are often synonymous.

Madness is a word often used in the mental health profession to describe "a state of severe mental illness, accompanied by foolish behavior and chaotic activity." Such words as instability, foolishness, disorder, turmoil, uproar, chaos, pandemonium, and idiocy are often synonymous. NOTE: This is most often only noted by those on the outside, who are viewing the chaotic, unexplainable, sudden changes in one's behavior, decisions, and/or lifestyle.

So, when we put these together, we can conclude Momentum Madness as being a condition of one experiencing an instability of power, strength, and force, due to present turmoil and chaos, which sabotages the desired path of passion, purpose, and pursuit. I can not help but wonder at times, what is it that we are missing, that we cannot discern the MOMENTUM MADNESS that competes constant in our lives EVERY day!?! Let's first consider a couple of key questions.

1.) In this hour, what does it truly mean to be a "disciple" of Jesus Christ?

2.) How does one maintain focus and fervency in the pursuit of discipleSHIP ("to stay on board")?

The Bible states in Philippians 2:5-8:

⁵Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: ⁶Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: ⁷But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: ⁸And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

It is the Apostle Paul who also took the opportunity to bring us the following words of direction and need for "mind filtration" in Romans 12:2:

²And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.

You see, we should be certain that God, BEFORE anyone else, knows our heart continues to swell with the pointed aim to reach, rescue, and restore those who are fainting, failing, and ultimately, falling. We often pledge allegiance to the most aimless of aims and then wonder why we are sinking and taking others with us. Unfortunate, it is. However, we have been gifted with the resources of Heaven to maintain the position of rightness that brings us the Peace of God that goes beyond all human understanding.

So, the goal is to do our part in ridding ourselves of the Momentum Madness and once again experience the life inducing power of God that brings with it the love, joy, peace, and constant strength we so pointedly need in order to engage our life Mission with Gladness.

I was glad when they said unto me, "Let us go into the house of the Lord."

How Determined Are You!?!

How determined are you to stay on the right track and not look back?

What keeps you entertaining the familiar voices that distract and result in a detour?

When was the last time you know God spoke to you and said, "This is the way, walk ye in it," and you refused to listen and chose to follow what YOU felt was right and would lead to the most productive outcome, only to be disappointed in the deficiency of your determination?

How determined are you to read, respond, and refuse to ignore the lessons you've learned in the Classroom of Life, as you abide in Christ? You can resist the temptation to "Do Your Own Thing" and today, surrender fully to seeing the fulfillment of His Kingdom coming and His will being done IN you and THROUGH you.

The time is NOW and the question that must be embraced and enforced is, How Determined am I to live for God and choose to please Him, and Him alone?

What is the AIM?

Too many playing the game of blame, lying in shame, refusing to tame the flame of the lame.

Is it all the same?

Is there a name?

What is the AIM?

The Genesis

Have you ever wondered what would happen in your life if you simply did not take any initiative to arise in the morning and step out of your bed?

OR, what if you never took the initiative to lay down at the end of the day to get what some have referred to as "much needed rest?"

Can we separate the two? Could you exist? If so, how would you survive? What would be of the necessity? THINK this through and share what comes to your mind.

"In the beginning, God."