Feng Shui, Computers, and Jesus

I don't know much about Feng Shui, but I like to joke and say I have my own personal "Feng Shui." I like to sit at certain places at restaurants, pick certain spots at the beach, and my room has to be a certain way for me to want to sit and read or journal peacefully. ("Personal Feng Shui" sounds so much better than OCD, right?)

Sadly, at times, I apply this personal "Feng Shui" to my relationship with God. I often want to tackle the clutter first, then go to Him. (If you're asking, "What's so wrong with that?" then you should read on!)

I recently got a part-time job at a computer store and I start training next weekend. Last night I was sitting worrying about how being busy with an extra job would really throw off my Feng Shui b/c I wouldn't have time to tackle the clutter. I started to think maybe this part-time job was not in God's will...b/c with all that clutter I woudln't have the right Feng Shui set in place for me to pray, journal, and spend time with Him. God reminded me that computer products are not eternal, but the people that sell them and buy them are. Like C.S. Lewis said, "But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit--immortal horrors or everlasting splendours."

Check out what Jesus says in the book of Luke chp 10 vv.40-42:

"But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me. But the Lord answered her, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."

So, the moral of the story here is that we can go to God anytime, anyplace. Clutter and bad Feng Shui and all. Because He is carrying out His eternal purpose through the hearts of people. Maybe my room will get a little messy and out of balance, but I can still spend time with God. And working at a computer store will give me more opportunities to invest in eternal lives, not just temporary products.

Now excuse me...I need to go clean my room! (Maybe I'll go for a walk and talk with God first :-)

Chuck Swindoll In Jeans On Leadership

"Dude! You're like...the Godfather!" That's what one of the Catalyst Conference reps said to Chuck over the phone when he mentioned his concern about being a little too old to speak for this next generation crowd of Christian leaders. As Chuck stood there on stage in his jeans telling us this story we laughed along with him mostly agreeing! Haha, he went on to make a hilarious comment about something to the effect of "ministry mafia." Too funny.

Before I knew about Andy Stanley or Louie Giglio, or many other well-known Christian leaders, speakers, pastors, etc. I knew about Chuck Swindoll. And I have to say, I was looking forward to his talk to the most.

Here are some of my notes from his talk:

He talked about being crushed, time, dissappointments, and failure.

He went on to give a list of top 10 things for ministry or something like that. ;)

1. It's lonely to lead.
2. It's dangerous to succeed.

3. It's hardest at home.

4. It's essential to be real.

5. It's painful to obey.

6. Brokenness and failure are necessary. (He said something about how we learn the most about Christ through afflication...P. Shaun King was sitting across the table from me in the volunteer breakroom during this and we heavily agreed on that one!)

7. My attitude is more important than my actions.

8. Integrity eclipses image.

9. God's way is always better than my way.

10. Christ-likeness begins and ends with humility.

Chuck is older in age, and has been doing ministry for quite some time. That is why I respect him and what he says. And what he says here in this list is not just a bullet list. They are key things that come to the mind of a man who has been walking with God strongly way longer than I have. There is weighty wisdom in there for me to pay attention to. Chuck is the Godfather! LOL

Some more points to ponder from Chuck's talk:

-He said the only place in scripture that Christ actually describes Himself is in Matthew 11:28-30 where He tells us he is gentle and lowly in heart. We find rest in Him and His yoke is easy.

-He also noted how we should preach Christ...that we are bondservants.

-We must be willing to leave the familiar methods without disturbing the biblical message.

-DON'T MESS WITH OR ALTER THE MESSAGE NO MATTER THE METHOD.

Another numbered list from 2 Cor 4:

1. With every ministry a special mercy is needed (God promises that..2 Cor 4:1)

2. In every ministry the same things must be renounced and rejected (v.2)

-hiding shameful things

-doing deceitful things

-corrupting truthful things

3. Through every ministry a unique style should be pursued (vv. 5-7)

-we do not preach or promote ourselves (it isn't about us!!)

-we declare Christ Jesus as Lord (it's all about Him!!)

-we see ourselves as bondservants for Jesus' sake

-we never forget what we are and who He is

5 Statements:

1. Whatever you do, do more with others and less alone

2. Whenever you do it, emphasize quality not quantity

3. Wherever you go, do it the same as if you were among those who know you best (helps you keep from exaggerating the truth)

4. Whoever may respond, keep a level head

5. However long you lead, keep on dripping with gratitude and grace...stay thankful and gracious!!!

Finally, Pastor Swindoll finished by reciting this poem by Amy Carmichael, which really struck me. (I love poetry)

I remembered the last part that said,

"Let me not sink to be a clod, Make me thy fuel thy flame of God."