How to Waste Time (An Old Post Revisited)
From time to time, I enjoy pulling out some past posts and reposting them for you to read. I enjoy doing this because it helps me to see how I have grown in my thoughts (sometimes not too much) and I get to strengthen myself. I forget thoughts from time to time and I am thankful that they are written down.
Take a moment and give this past post on “How to Waste Time” a quick read and let me know what you think!
Enjoy!
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Time was created by the human mind when we began to determine the value in the rising and setting of the sun each day to day. The light replenishes the Earth from morning till evening before taking its slumber and allowing the stars of the universe to lull us to sleep against the background of the big ball of cheese we call the Moon.
From the beginning of time, we have cherished waking moments and chilling dreams. People have tried to bottle up time and some have tried to stretch more time out of a day. Still others have expended their time to be still and barren. Every full day, God provides with with 24 hours to do as we see fit; worship him, serve him or love him, it is your choice.
Recently I have found many people, including myself (first and foremost), wasting the precious time God has allowed us on this Earth. So I have compiled a list of the five possible ways you can waste time this week:
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Gallagher’s Five Ways to Waste Time
5 – Find a brother or sister you disagree with on an opinionated matter and hound him with emails. This begins an excellent week and it is sure to accomplish nothing but disunity and broken hearts.
4 – Talk about politics! Yes, I said it, in fact, I am YELLING IT!!!! Spend your precious hours of the day talking the failed or successful government policies and how electing Obama, McCain, Barr, Nader or Baldwin will make your life a blissful paradise! Oh yeah, remember God puts the authorities here.
3 – Watch the news! Unless you get a kick out of seeing how killed who, who said what and what the “experts” say will happen, you are probably wasting your time. Just think, how many times have you been happy you watched the news?
2 – Starve Yourself! Be sure you take no food this week. Take all the “spiritual goodness section” of the “God’s food store” and have nothing to do with them. Make sure to place your Bible in the back window of your car so it can experience sun stain. Hurry hide it!
1 – Do Nothing! Let Anybody do what Somebody should be doing, because Everybody is supposed to to it, but Nobody did it so Nothing was done!
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Just a thought…
By the way friends, if you really do these things, we may never meet when this life is over!
Begin today living better for the greatest day – The Eternal Tomorrow!
Your friend,
Chris
11 Books (outside of the Bible) I Recommend
As I mentioned in a previous post, growing up I was able to avoid reading. I look back now and wonder how much I missed of the tales and stories I was supposed to read throughout school. When I finally began reading in college, I found something I love to do. Whether I am reading fiction, scholarly books, language studies, biographies or leadership resources, it is hard to put a book down and get back to work. The words of the author fill my imagination and I begin putting myself into the story or study. Reading has become a fascinating aspect of life.
Outside of the Bible, there have been some great books which have helped to influence my and my ministry. I have listed a few of these books below with a my thoughts on each. Take a moment give it a read; do not forget to let me know what you think.
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You Are Special by Max Lucado I know a children’s book does not normally find its way into a section of a preacher’s library, but this book has become one of my favorite. I have shared this story with congregations, youth groups, small groups and other gatherings. Outside of the Bible, “You are Special” is my favorite bedtime storybook to read to me children. The story of Punchinello rings true to every age. The plight of Punchinello as he seeks to be liked by everyone, troubles this small wooden man until he meets Eli, the woodcarver. |
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Preaching with Freshness by Bruce Mawhinney Preaching with Freshness was loaned to me in 1999 right after I began a new work. I was already in a period of spiritual renewal, but this book provided insight and steps to stay refreshed. The story of a worn-out preacher seeking advice and finding his place in the world around him, along with a renewed spirit and preaching style definitely had and still has an effect on my ministry today. |
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Attitude 101 by John Maxwell Dr. Maxwell is known for often using the phrase, “attitude determines altitude.” Much of that statement may be brought into the Christians life as they look toward the heavenly goal and seek to become better each day. Satan throws what he can at us seeking to remove our focus from all things spiritual. Satan attacks your attitude. Dr. Maxwell gives the factors behind our attitude as well as the process to grow our attitude to one of positivity and focus. |
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Ashamed of the Gospel by John MacArthur What a powerful message in a very small book! This book has the power to motivate and reach your hearts while making the message simple. Dr. MacArthur hits the nail on the head with his classic. He begins in Romans 1.16 and encounters many of the philosophies of the religious world as he lays the truth of the matter, in a very matter-of-fact way. If you have not read it, read it! |
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Balance by Ira North Over the short time I have been in ministry, hundreds of church growth books and studies have cross my desk, but none of them holds a candle to the words of Ira North. Mr. North has a proven track record of putting the words of this book into action. His message to preachers, elders, deacons, song leaders, and “regular” church members is a powerful look at with it takes to build a healthy congregation. |
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Biography and Sermons of Marshall Keeble by B. C. Goodpasture As some of you already know, outside of the men and women of the Sacred Text, Marshall Keeble is my favorite preacher. His simplistic way of sharing the truth of the gospel message is a light to the world. The way he spoke the message to thousands of people throughout his lifetime with great success, is a privilege to read about. Take a moment and drive into the story of Marshall Keeble.
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The Noticer by Andy Andrews I was given a copy of this book to read as a part of the Thomas Nelson Bloggers Review Team and I was greatly impressed with Mr. Andrews writing. I had to force myself to put the book down and fall asleep or else I would have been up the entire night. It is an excellent book to begin on a Saturday morning (or day off) and finish that evening, only to being the next day. |
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The Traveler’s Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success by Andy Andrews After I read “The Noticer” I quickly went to Amazon.com and picked up a copy of The Traveler’s Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success. If this book was anything like the The Noticer, I was going to have a couple sleepless nights. Guess what? It was! In fact, it might be better.. I am torn over which one I really like more, but these are excellent books! Take the trip of a very confused man on a powerful journey in Andy Andrew’s The Traveler’s Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success. |
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His Needs, Her Needs by William Harley If you are not familiar with this book, you need to be. Whether you are married 50 years, 10 years, engaged or single, you need to take some time and read this book. The thoughts, studies, statistics and steps provided in this book are an excellent resource for creating a better life. Get a copy today. |
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The NEW Strong-Willed Child by James Dobson While I never read the book, I did listen to the audio. Several years ago, I was preaching a meeting about 45 minutes from the town I was living and I bought the audio book of The NEW Strong-Willed Child to listen to as I made the travel each day. I finished the book that week and called my parents and apologized for being their strong-willed child. Dr. Dobson provides excellent insights and experience into the life of a family dealing with a strong-willed child. His helpful steps are a must for any parent to follow. |
The Harmony Novels by Philip Gulley
I was given one of these books to read by my sister-in-law during a vacation to their home. While everyone took a nap, I had a break to do some reading and she recommended “Change of Heart” A Harmony Novel.” It is the story of a quiet town called Harmony through the life of a Quaker preacher. As I engulfed myself in the book, hours slipped away as I laughed, cried, pondered and enjoyed this classic story. I told Carrie that every member of the church needs to read these books; not as truth, but what takes place in a minister’s life. When i got home from vacation I purchased several of the books and began to read. To date, I have completed the entire series; so I include them all here.
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Enjoy the Harmony Novel Series
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These are just a few of the books which have provided a changing moment in my life. I wish you each the time to read each one and see what the message of these books can do for you. Enjoy!
Just my thoughts…
Chris
Is Your Congregation Like Las Vegas
The theme of Las Vegas is troubling, disturbing and known. No matter what you think of Las Vegas, gambling or the shows, you know the slogan of Las Vegas – “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.”
The “new” slogan of Las Vegas shows the mindset for vacationers, tourists and inquisitive people alike. Anyone can travel to Las Vegas, do what they wish and no one will ever know. Vegas is becoming the city of a thousands secrets, many of which might not be secrets forever.
I often wonder if the assemblies of our congregation can become like Las Vegas. I am not talking about the gambling, the showgirls, the shows or even the giant buffets. I am talking about the meaning behind the slogan, “What happens in church, stays in church!”
Several years ago, a lady came up to me after service and shared her current thoughts. She told me that too many people in the church come to services each week, hear the lessons but store the thoughts in the back of their minds never to be seen again. She had a phrase for what happens to many members, she called it the “Constipation of the Church.”
Granted, it seems like strong language, but she has a pretty good point. We are able to engulf at least 52 sermons a year, Bible classes, devotionals, prayers, announcements, singing and many other things, but do we share those times with the people around us?
Are we sharing what we learn during our assembly times with those in our lives? Neighbors? Co-workers? Family members? Friends? The cashier at Wal-mart?
As Christians, called out of the darkness of the world and into the marvelous light (1 Peter 2.9), we must share the message of Jesus with the world around us. It does not do any good for us to take the lessons we learn, tuck them in the back of our minds and let the cobwebs of our brains to hold them in so no one hears them. We need to share! We must share! For some people, we are their only hope of hearing!
Here are four steps to make sharing the lessons easier:
1. Take notes on the lesson – Grab a pen and paper and carry it with your Bible and take notes on the message. Taking notes assists your memory in having a recall of the lesson. You can also reread those notes for a refresher at a later time.
2. Make a neater copy of your notes and give to someone else – Take a few moments to rewrite your notes and give them to someone else. You can do this in several ways: (a) mail them to a friend, (b) hand them to a neighbor,(c) leave them on the restaurant table at the place where you had Sunday lunch, (d) type them up and email them, (e) place them on Facebook, (f) Twitter the sermon notes (yes, even during service).
3. Use what you learn immediately! One of the most important steps you should take to have a recall of the lessons notes is to use what you learn immediately. If you have discussed prayer, lead your family in prayer before leaving the church parking lot. Use the material immediately.
4. Write the points on your refrigerator or front door! Place your notes on the places you go most – the fridge and the front door!
What other steps can you think of to share the message?
Just some thoughts…
Chris
In Marshall Keeble’s Words…
I ran across this article by one of my favorite past preachers, Marshall Keeble. Mr. Keeble had the gift to explain great truths in current and simple ways. The article below shows his ability to make great points with simple thoughts. I appreciate the lasting influence of Mr. Keeble.
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PUNCTURE PROOF
by Marshall Keeble (deceased)
You know, I like some of these newfangled inventions. The puncture-proof tire is the one I like especially well. If you’re driving along with the ordinary tires, and a nail goes through them — whisssss…. you lose all the air. But, a puncture-proof tire is different, if a nail goes through it, some stuff inside runs around and stops up the hole and the air stays.
You know, the heart of a Christian is like this puncture-proof tire. An ordinary heart may be filled with love, but when someone does something to puncture that heart, all the love runs out and hatred- -and hard feelings take its place. But, a puncture-proof heart is different; it is filled with the spirit of Christ, and someone through his words or actions punctures that heart, immediately the hole is stopped up tight and love stays in. “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:21)
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Just a thought for the day…
Chris
Monday Morning Blues and Seriousness
Usually the Monday Morning Blues posts are about getting you to smile a little bit with a funny video from around the internet, today’s Monday Morning Blues is a little different; it will provide both laughs and a serious thought. The video is also a little longer than usual, but definitely worth watching.
Twitter People: You can follow Jeff Allen on Twitter by going here – @JeffAllenComedy
Enjoy some Jeff Allen humor (and seriousness) this morning!
Hope you enjoyed!
Chris
Podcast Feeds
Some of What I am Reading
I use Elegant Themes
