a big question...?

I'm having a catch-up session this morning on some of my blogging since the weather conditions did not allow us to have church this morning. I thought it would be a good time for me to sort of think through and write about some of the things I've been reading...

One of the books I've just finished is called "Under The Overpass." It is the story of two friends taking a challenge to spend some time living on the streets... to experience what is it like to live the life on those in need that we so easily neglect. The stories of their experiences are a light that leads to great challenges for us... making the needs of others personal at some level...

In the end the book boils things down to this big question for us... a reality-ratlling question...

"What would I do during my day or in my life for God if I wasn't concerned with what I wear, what I eat, where I sleep, what I own, what people think of me, or what discomforts I face?"

speechless? amazed? humbled?

still thinking about what it means to walk humbly with my God...

R.C. Sproul wrote, "Men are never duly touched and impressed with a conviction of their significance, until they have contrasted themselves with the majesty of God."

sales and marathons are aerobic...

You and your customers are in a marathon...

Marathon runners steadily burn a supply of oxygen and energy - it is an aerobic sport. Sprinting is different - it is anaerobic. Sprinters don't use oxygen... but they stop after 100 meters.

In sales ... take care to undercommit and overdeliver as much as possible. In striving to meet customer expectations be diligent in setting expectations that you can consistently exceed. Be willing to share some of the risk with your customers.

You're in a marathon if you're in sales - so work hard, but don't expect yourself to perform unnatural acts or miracles. Instead of relying on extraordinary effort - rely on extraordinary planning and discipline - your marathon style training leads to extraordinary execution - and lots of profit.

how many loaves do you have?

Another book I have been reading is "The Hole in Our Gospel" by Richard Stearns. It was suggested by our pastor Jon McClarnon. The entire book has been gripping but Chapter 24 has renewed something in me. It is entitled "How Many Loaves Do You Have?" It obviously leads you through the story of Jesus and the disciples together feeding a large crowd with just a couple of fish and a few loaves of bread.

Jesus used this event to change the way we think about underwhelming resources in the face of overwhelming challenges. The disciples (as we often do) saw a large problem, yet Christ looked at the exact same situation and saw an opportunity and had compassion. The disciples (as we often do) saw only an overwhelming predicament ... a problem to big... almost impossible to solve. Here's the shift in mindset... Jesus did not withdraw due to the size of the problem. He didn't ask about the magnitude or strategy or even feasibility. He didn't ask what it would take to solve the problem, but rather how much they had to offer.

The challenge... in the face of overwhelming problems Christ does not ask us to do the impossible.. He simply asks us to bring Him what we have. There is great joy when we see our little bit become a lot in His hands...

so... how many loaves do you have?