another year older...some things i've learned

I added another year to my life yesterday…I’m up to 36! 35 was a wild year for me, with a lot of challenges and adjustments, and a lot of commitments made. As a result of those challenges/adjustments, here’s some of what I am more committed to than ever as I start the adventure of 36: (1) WE REALLY CAN KNOW GOD AND HAVE A REAL RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM. My prayer life has really transformed into more of chat with a friend than a subject begging a king. God’s awesome and personal! (2) I DISHONOR GOD IF I DON’T MAKE MY FAMILY A PRIORITY. I am responsible for being a real husband and a real father. God has placed me in those positions and he will not fill in for me if I abdicate my responsibility. (3) THE CHURCH HAS TO BE RELEVANT FOR THE SAKE OF THE WORLD. I am more passionate about this than ever. Every generation is charged with the task of reaching the next generation for Jesus, whatever their culture is. Tradition, format, and style are merely the packaging on the Present (Jesus). How tragic if we get that mixed up and switch that around. God’s trying to save a world! We have to decide if we’re willing to participate or stay comfortable! (4) HAVING A FEW VERY CLOSE CHRISTIAN FRIENDS IS ESSENTIAL. Having these folks in my life has made the difference for my 35. God works through his people! We limit his work in our lives when we don’t open up to others and let them minister to us. (5) A SERVE A DAY KEEPS SELF-FOCUS AWAY. The best (perhaps only) cure for self-centeredness is serving others. When we work on meeting the needs of others, we find our needs met. This really is amazing…it’s right up there with the law of gravity!