Work Drags Down the Rest

I am sitting here and thinking about all of the things that I need to do and haven’t done.  The list of extensive… Honey Do’s, Elder responsibilities, family stuff, personal stuff, work items, etc.  I have been thinking about how, in the past, I have been known more as a guy who can “get it done” and why that seems to have changed.  It made me really look at a few things in my life and I think I have some definite ideas on what is causing my delays but am not sure how to “fix it”.

I manage managers in the US, Europe, India and Malaysia.  My boss works in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  As such, my work schedule gets quite interesting.  As compared to 3 years ago, my work schedule was mostly 8a-5p and the evening hours could be used for anything else.  Now, 2-4 nights of a given week, I will have meetings in the night (usually 8-10pm, sometimes later).

I have watched many of my friends and coworkers become complacent at work.  Whether it is because the direction of the company has not energized them or if it is for other reasons, there continue to be more and more people that are working 9am-4pm, Monday through Friday.

Now, the points above have been work related but I think that my issues stem from exactly that.  My family life, my church responsibilities and everything else suffer because I am not doing what God wants me to do in my job.  God doesn’t want me to be of the world but only in the world.  I am starting to see that my disobedience to God at work is spilling over into my other areas of my life.  For those who might start down a weird path, I am NOT saying God is “responsible” fot this — I am.  However, God disciplines those He loves and I know God loves me.

The interesting question now is… what does God want me to do?  Should I look for a new “position” at my company to spark new interest?  Should I stay in the current role and get energized again through the Spirit?  Should I look for a new job completely out of the company?  Discerning God’s will has always been a struggling for me.  A good friend of mine told me that I should pray 30 minutes a day for 30 days on the topic.  I have failed miserably at trying this, but it might be just what I need to do.  I also need to search my heart for unconfessed sin to see if there is something wrong in my relationship with God.

All of this to say… my work life sure does drag down the rest of my life’s priorities.  I need to change that.

Global Missions

Matthew 28:18-20

¹⁸ And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

My goal isn’t to do an exegetical analysis of the “great commission” but to challenge people to pray about global missions.  How often do I sit in the comfort of my home and not consider the persecution and turmoil other people are experiencing around the global for the cause of Christ.  God’s Word tells us that we should expect to meet persecution.  In fact, we should even rejoice in it!

I have heard some (including John Piper) say that there are “go’ers” and “send’ers” — not everyone is called to be a missionary.  However, we are all called to obedience to God’s Word and His word says that we are to make disciples of all nations.  I would encourage and challenge anyone who reads this to prayerfully consider what impact you personally are being called by God to have with respect to global missions.

In the interest of spurring on your research, I offer a couple of links (this is not even close to an exhaustive list) that might help you get plugged into reliable and Christ-center organizations focused on reaching the nations with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

East West Ministries

Samaritan’s Purse

Debate… huh?

I am sure that there are many who would want to burn me at the stake, but I had no desire to watch the debate tonight.  In fact, I have become even more disillusioned with politics with the wonderful value of the Internet — instant, global, communications that are written by educated people, idiots, 12 year old prepubescent boys, and neo-Nazis.  What is truth and what do you believe?

Luckily, I believe in a God who is so much bigger than any of this.  While I believe that God isn’t going to send me an email, call my cell or even text me with the “right” candidate, I have faith that He is in control of all events and that in prayerful consideration, I can make a decision that is based on Scriptures and God’s direction for me, personally.

Lecrae – Rebel

I bought Lecrae’s latest CD, “Rebel” last night.  Excellent tracks!  I really enjoy the mix between solid theology and the beats being laid down.  I thought it was well worth the spend and certainly worth the listen!  A couple of people in the office are interested in hearing the songs so I hope to share with them from the iPhone tomorrow.  My desire is that people would overhear me playing the music and it would strike an interest with them.  From there, the Spirit can lead the conversation!

I also watched an interview with Lacrae and Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church.  The interview covered Lecrae’s background and testimony as well as the reason he and 116 Clique are doing what they are doing.  It is an amazing ministry and great to see them accomplishing the work of God…  check it out!

Back into the blogging world…

I’ve been out of the blogging world for many reasons… I went to the Desiring God national conference and feel like I haven’t been doing part of what I should do based on my technology background.

I am not theologian, I am no eloquent speaker or writing… I am convicted that my life should be all about the Lord Jesus Christ.  To that end, I plan to get focused on my blogging again and get more consistent.  For those who still stumble on this blog, I really appreciate your patience and prayers.  I have no idea what God has in store but I want to be obedient.