Power can be used in at least two ways: it can be unleashed, or it can be harnessed. The energy in 5 gallons of gasoline, for example, can be released explosively by dropping a lighted match into a can. Or it can be channeled through the engine of a Shelby Cobra (top 5 on my list of classics) in a controlled burn and used to travel hundreds of miles...or for racing, depending on your interest. Explosions have their place; they are impressive in movies but can be dangerous in real life. On the other hand, controlled burns have lasting effect, staying power.
The Holy Spirit works both ways. At Pentecost, he exploded (came suddenly) on the scene; His presence was like "tongues of fire" (Acts 2:3). Hundreds, and later thousands, were impacted by one burst of God's power. But He also works through the Church, today --- the institution God began to channel the Holy Spirit's power throughout generations. Through teaching, worship, fellowship, Evangelism, service, and more, Christians are provided with staying power so that they, in turn, can be a source of light and heat to the world around them. Keep the fire burning, Danny Our family mission is to meet with God every day and help others do the same. Do you have a family mission statement?
Some people may hear this, especially older generations, and think, What!? What's a mission statement? What's the point? Just follow the Bible and you'll be fine, Stop with this non-sense, etc. A family mission statement is nothing new or progressive. It has been around, in one form or another, since God established the first family (Adam & Eve). A family mission statement helps to answer the question, Why are we here? It is a unifying proclamation that helps guide your daily life and can be adapted throughout the various ages/stages of your family. In Joshua 24:15, we see a short example: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." The idea is to combine your family values with what you feel God called you to do so that you can impact the world around you. I realize the title may be a bit dramatic. But, really, it may not be dramatic enough.
Boredom and spiritual apathy can lead to big problems. There is an entire website dedicated to boredom therapy. It's called Boredom Therapy (how clever). According to them, they were "founded with the goal of fighting boredom worldwide by engaging our readers with incredibly shareable content." In reality, it's basically a website filled with pointless information you really don't need to know. Many people fall into anxiety and depression because they are not comfortable with silence or a less-than-full schedule. This leads them to all sorts of problems. Silence & solitude is exactly what we need if we are to hear from God. We need to make time everyday for putting aside distractions and focusing on what matters most, our relationship with our Creator. When you are not okay with having nothing to do, with being alone, with experiencing silence, you will try to fill that time up with anything but God. Man has been doing this for thousands of years and look where it has gotten us. You will fill your life up with meaningless activities, your mind and conscious will grow numb and you will have no desire for spiritual food. Spiritual apathy will kick in. Overall, the lockdowns of COVID-19 have done more harm than good but one thing they have revealed is that people are not very comfortable with slowing down. We have gotten so used to running from place to place and with filling our schedules that, all of a sudden, when we are 'forced' to stay home, we get anxious and upset. Some even go as far as to say they are 'stuck' at home. (I know, I know, we need to look at the other side of the coin. I understand and that's valid. But my focus is not on the validity or credibility of the pandemic.) Reports of escalation in divorces, domestic violence, increase in alcohol consumption, suicides, and more, only confirm that many people are not okay with solitude, silence and (to coin a phrase) intentional inactivity. On the positive side, and to be balanced, many families got closer to each other and some people had more time to focus on their physical and spiritual health. Do you have a morning routine? If not, you should. Whether you wake up before sunrise or after sunrise, the mornings are a special time to connect with God and give a kickstart to the day. (Note: There are mothers with little children who may be reading this and think that a morning routine is impossible. It's not. Keep it simple. You may need to include your children in your routine, like my wife does, and that's a good thing. You're setting an example for them to follow!) Here's just a quick list of benefits:
I don't know anyone 'successful' who does not have a morning routine. It is a vital self-discipline. By successful, I'm not referring to wealthy or popular. I'm referring to someone who gives their all, is fully alive, responsible in everything entrusted to them, and leans on God's grace and strength for all they do. When it comes to a morning routine, one of the best examples of discipline and consistency I've seen growing up is in my mother. She has had an impact on the way I embrace the mornings. She was a master of setting a rhythm to her day, was awake before anyone and managed to help others (my siblings and I) with their morning routine (and we sure needed the help sometimes!). A morning routine disciplines your heart, mind and body for the rest of the day. |
ALTARPRENEURwith Danny & Daniela Kovacs
WHYNo family is an island. Join us as we share candid discussions, Biblical advice & resources to help keep God at the center of your faith, family and career. MICROBLOGS
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