Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller

"I never liked jazz music because jazz music doesn’t resolve. . . . I used to not like God because God didn’t resolve. But that was before any of this happened."

That's an excerpt from Blue Like Jazz: Non-Religious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality, by Donald Miller (for those of you who attend LOFT, this is the book we will be discussing at Sonny's BBQ on Monday). I thought that I would do a little book report for those of you who didn't read it so you can at least get a grasp on Miller's thoughts and ideas throughout the book. (But I still recommend you read the book yourself!)

In Donald Miller’s early years, he was vaguely familiar with a distant God. But when he came to know Jesus Christ, he pursued the Christian life with great zeal. Within a few years he had a successful ministry that ultimately left him feeling empty, burned out, and, once again, far away from God. In this intimate, soul-searching account, Miller describes his remarkable journey back to a culturally relevant, infinitely loving God.

I'm not going to tell you what I think of the book because you'll find that out on Monday, but I will give you some excerpts from the book that I loved and quote a few reviewers.

“I know our culture will sometimes understand a love for Jesus as weakness. There is this lie floating around that says I am supposed to be able to do life alone, without any help, without stopping to worship something bigger than myself. But I actually believe there is something bigger than me, and I need for there to be something bigger than me. I need someone to put awe inside me; I need to come second to someone who has everything figured out.” - Blue like Jazz

"What I appreciate most about Blue Like Jazz is its surprising relevance to contemporary Christian spirituality. By reflecting vulnerably on his experiences in school, at work, with friends, and at church, Miller is sure to strike chords within readers from a variety of backgrounds. Despite the shortcomings of humanity's attempt to cultivate Christian community, Miller urges us not to give up pursuing the ideal. Blue Like Jazz calls its readers to be authentic in their relationships with God, others, and themselves." - Review excerpt by Joseph Thouvenel

"I always thought the Bible was more of a salad thing, you know, but it isn't. It's a chocolate thing." - Blue like Jazz

"This is a book worth reading. We're the richer for reading it, because Miller has given us a living, breathing example of a follower of Jesus who has expressed his many doubts about God and revealed his many frustrations with Christianity, and not only lived through it but actually got his book published by a Christian publisher. That's empowering.Miller accomplishes all this through a series of memoirish essays arranged topically. That's an accurate description of the structure, but there's a whole lot more life in the book than in that description. Much of that life takes the form of Miller's friends and acquaintances --- Andrew the Protester, Tony the Beat Poet, Mark the Cussing Pastor ("maybe he didn't know he wasn't supposed to say cuss words and be a pastor") --- and Miller himself, the borderline Captain Trendy Spiritual Writer." -Review by Marcia Ford.

"I never liked it when the preachers said we had to follow Jesus. sometimes they would make Him sound angry. But I liked the story the folksinger told. I like the idea of Jesus becoming man, so that we would be able to trust Him, and I like that He healed people and loved them and cared deeply about how people were feeling.
When I understood that the decision to follow Jesus was very much like the decision the hostages had to make to follow their rescuer, I knew then that I needed to decide whether or not I would follow Him. The decision became easy once i asked myself, Is Jesus the Son of God,are we being held captive in a world run by Satan, a world fileld with brokenness, and do I believe Jesus can rescue me from this condition?" -Blue Like Jazz

Don't have time or not much of a reader? Try downloading the audiobook. It's worth it!

What'd you think of the book? Favorite quotes?

Lead Me to the Cross

I just thought this was amazing. Enjoy...

"Lead me to the Cross" by Hillsong

The Five R's - Remembering & Reflection

Alrighty, you guys ready to finish up this series on getting the most out of the word? There are two R’s left to help us in our journey of growth through the Bible, the first is remembering. We all remember things that are important to us like dates, people, events, phone numbers and so on. In the same sense, the Bible is so important to memorize because it comes with incredible benefits.

Knowing the word by heart can help you:
· Resist temptation
· Make wise decisions
· Reduce stress
· Build confidence
· Offer advice
· Allows witnessing

That right there is a list of gold! Knowing God’s word is worth more than anything you could ever imagine, but we have to remember it to be able to reap the benefits.

“For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” James 1:23-25 (NLT)

If you don’t know where to start there are tools that can help in your efforts to memorize the Bible. Use index cards and carry them with you, read aloud and review, review, review! Colossians 3:15 says, “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.” (NLT)

Along with remembering, reflection is necessary to solidify our growth. Reflection or meditation is focused thinking. Worry is focusing on something negative, do the opposite and meditate (relfect) on the Word not worries!

Try it. Select a verse and reflect on it over and over in your mind (what does it mean, how can you apply it to your life, what is God trying to tell you through that verse?)

*NO OTHER HABIT CAN DO MORE TO TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE AND MAKE YOU MORE LIKE JESUS THAN DAILY REFLECTION ON SCRIPTURE!*

It is almost incomprehensible the impact reflecting can have, John 15:7 says, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you.” (NIV) Did you get that? He is saying, know me, know my Word and what you ask, I will provide! Crazy amazing!!

So I have given you these “R’s” to help you in your walk but guess what, there’s one more step; you have to put them into practice! This is the hardest part because Satan fights it so intensely. Author Rick Warren writes, “God’s word exposes our motives points out our faults, rebukes our sin and EXPECTS US TO CHANGE, it’s human nature to resist change and so applying God’s word to life is hard!”

You have to internalize the principles of the Bible because blessings come from obedience not just “knowing”. God did not provide the Bible to increase your knowledge, like a book, but to change and challenge who you are and the way you live.

Jesus said, “These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.” Matthew 7:24 & 25 (MSG)

Receive, Read, Research, Remember, Reflect and change your life through the Word of Our Almighty God!

The Five R's - Reading & Researching

Some of you may be thinking I don’t need to read about reading Lauren, that is just silly. Unfortunately most of us are probably more faithful to our favorite TV shows than reading our Bibles regularly. We won’t miss that episode (or game) but when it comes to the Bible, our dedication is lacking. Oh and the list goes on, we’ll read emails and check our MySpace religiously but can’t take the time to check in with God. It’s no wonder we don’t grow!

Did you know if you read the Bible just 15 minutes every day you could read the Bible cover to cover in one year. (So cut out a half hour show and you’ve read it twice!)

The best way to commit to reading the Bible is to make a plan and WRITE IT DOWN! Concentrate on accomplishing it within a set time. If it's a matter of it being boring or not understanding it, there are so many different translations that make the Bible easier to read and comprehend. Try the Message Remix, the New Living Translation, or a Contemporary English version.

Daily Bible reading keep you close with God and armed with truth! David had it right when he said, “Lord, how can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of your Word.” (Psalm 119:9 MSG)

Now that you’ve got a reading lesson, how about one on studying? You students are cringing right now, but it really is important if you want to get the most out of reading the Bible. All researching really involves is questions and insights. You can discover more about God by pausing and asking simple questions like who, what, when, where, why and how.

Keeping a journal with your questions is great, along with prayers and favorite verses. Also there are a lot of devotionals out there that offer questions and guidance when it comes to researching and understanding the Bible.

Here are some resources to help you start meeting with God daily and get the most out of reading and studying the Bible.
Reading Plans
Bible Dictionary (Look up words or names you don’t understand)
Books and Bible Studies

Next blog will be on Remembering and Reflection, check out James 1:22-27 to see what God has to say about these subjects.

More next post!

The Five R's - Receiving

Last blog I listed the five R’s that can help you get the most out of God’s Word, but now I want to talk specifically about each one to better understand why these are so important in your walk with Christ.

The first way to get the most out of the Bible may seem silly to even go over, but Jesus told an entire parable on receiving his Word. Throughout the New Testament Jesus used parables (or stories) to help illustrate all kinds of things.

In Matthew 13:1-23, Jesus uses the story of a farmer planting seed to show how different people receive the Bible.

1. The unreceptive attitude (hard soil)- Are you open-minded to what God might be teaching you through the Bible or a message?
2. The shallow or superficial attitude (shallow soil)- Are you skating by Sunday to Sunday but not developing your own roots system through the Word?
3. The distracted (soil with weeds)- Are the things of this world like television, the computer, friends, or activities keeping you from reading the Bible?

Jesus used the idea of soils to illustrate the attitudes that keep us from growing into strong rooted people. By “rooted” I mean, we have taken the time to dig deeper into the Bible, studied and prayed, so that when life’s storms come rolling through, we won’t be blown over or uprooted (Because our roots are deep in Christ’s promises!)

Think about it this way, God is giving you opportunities to grow in him but your attitude can very easily prevent growth. Anytime you feel you are not learning from a sermon or Bible study -- check you attitude! Pride and arrogance are often like earplugs. However, anyone who is humble and receptive can hear from God through even the most boring of teachers.

James 1:21 says, “Get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, for it has the power to save your souls.”

The point is if you want to grow in Christ you have to be willing to receive his Word exactly for what it is. It isn’t always easy to accept what he wants us to hear but in order to walk closely with him, it's a must! When you learn to humbly receive it, you’re establishing roots and getting the most out of the Word.

What soil are you? How can you improve in your receptiveness to grow in Christ and get the most out of the Bible?

I encourage you to read Psalm 119:9-48 (<<-- Click the link to read The Message translation)Next blog I will discuss Reading and Researching.

The Five R's (Series)

Over the next few blogs I will be doing a different style, it will be more like a series. I feel like this an important topic so I want to take a few days to really dive into it.

At the IMPAKT services Joel has really been challenging us to read the Bible, so I wanted to really focus for the next few days on why it is so key to get into the Word. In John 15:7, Jesus says “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given to you.”

To remain or “abide” means to stay or dwell with. The definition is, to continue in a particular condition, attitude or relationship; to last. In order to become more like Christ we have to fill our lives with his word, that means making the Bible a lasting priority.

How can we get the most out of God’s Word?
· Receive it
· Read it
· Research it
· Remember it
· Reflect on it

These five “R’s” have really helped me in my walk after I read about them in Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life. Over the next few blogs I am going to expand and tell you how to apply these R’s in your daily life.

The key I want you to remember is that when God speaks, big things happen (for example, “let there be light”, have you seen the sun??). The point is, reading the Bible can make a BIG (God-sized) difference in your life!

Logan suggested I give reference scripture to read to get prepare for the next blog, so read Matthew 13:1-23 and come back for tomorrow's blog!! :) Thanks Logan!

More next post...

It's Your Life

At LOFT this week Joel talked about living a life that pleases God. He posed the question what does it mean to be holy. Many answers were said by students but I was curious about what the Bible defines Holy living as. Without even trying the Lord plopped the answer in my lap. While reading Ephesians I stood up and lost my place, when I opened the Bible back up I saw the heading "Rules for Holy Living". Whoa. Talk about an answer.

I love reading the different interpretations of God's Word. I read it in my New International Bible first but I think it's really powerful in the Message, so here is
Colossians 3:1-17, "Rules for Holy Living".

1-2 So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective.

3-4Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you'll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.

5-8And that means killing off everything connected with that way of death: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it, and grabbing whatever attracts your fancy. That's a life shaped by things and feelings instead of by God. It's because of this kind of thing that God is about to explode in anger. It wasn't long ago that you were doing all that stuff and not knowing any better. But you know better now, so make sure it's all gone for good: bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity, dirty talk.

9-11Don't lie to one another. You're done with that old life. It's like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you've stripped off and put in the fire. Now you're dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ.

12-14 So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

15-17 Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.

I think the Lord makes it pretty clear what he expects from us in lives. Now the question is, are you living a Holy Life in Christ?

Check out this song by Francesca Battistelli called "It's Your Life", be sure and listen to the words.

Stay Positive

I sat up quickly in bed and gasped as I glanced at the fluorescent red numbers on the clock. The alarm didn't go off and I was now 25 minutes late to start my day, great just great. To make things worse my toast got burnt while I took the dog out and I stepped in poop; guess I won't be wearing these shoes. This is going to be a great day, I thought to myself.

So began the downward spiral that is "one of those days". As if I wasn't late enough I hit every single red light (17 red lights to be exact), I counted because traffic was so bad I had to do something to kill the time.

At work that suck-up of a coworker who is always smiling and humming filled me in on the meeting I had missed. While I was trying to listen, I realized I left my lunch sitting on my kitchen counter. Awesome.

Just so you get the point of how south this day was going, by noon I had spilled coffee on my white shirt, downloaded a virus by mistake, lost my favorite pen and had three paper cuts. Seriously, three. I went in the bathroom and stared at my reflection. What a bad day. Why is this happening to me!? No answer. Thanks God, thanks a lot.

My head hurts. It is just one of those days. When I go home, I am going to get in bed and cry. And eat ice cream. Yes, that is the answer. Today is just a bad day and tomorrow will be a new beginning…

Ever had this kind of day? Can you relate to her attitude? To the way she feels about her day? Now read it again, this time read what God was saying (in blue) throughout this woman's morning.

I sat up quickly in bed and gasped as I glanced at the fluorescent red numbers on the clock. The alarm didn't go off and I was now 25 minutes late to start my day, great just great.

I think I'll let her sleep in today. She has been working so hard lately and will be so excited when she gets her promotion next week. She deserves it.

To make things worse my toast got burnt while I took the dog out and I stepped in poop; guess I won't be wearing these shoes.

That bread has mold on it but she's too busy to notice, I better take care of it so she doesn't get sick. Her high heel will break later so she should change shoes.

This is going to be a great day, I thought to myself. So began the downward spiral that is "one of those days".

What a blessed day. I wish she would thank me for the sunshine and the breeze I gave her. I know she loves to ride with the windows down when there is breeze.

As if I wasn't late enough I hit every single red light (17 red lights to be exact), I counted because traffic was so bad I had to do something to kill the time.

I wish she'd worship me while she is waiting in traffic, there is such beautiful music playing on the radio. Seventeen red lights and not one word to me. Helloooo I'm up here, stop yelling at your steering wheel and talk to me.

At work that suck-up of a coworker who is always smiling and humming filled me in on the meeting I had missed. While I was trying to listen, I realized I left my lunch sitting on my kitchen counter. Awesome.

I love that co-worker, her humming is precious and wow, does she love me. Your sandwich bread was stale, the expiration date is from like a month ago and if you think that's old, the turkey you put on that sandwich is worse.

Just so you get the point of how south this day was going, by noon I spilled coffee on my white shirt, downloaded a virus by mistake, lost my favorite pen and had three paper cuts. Seriously, three.

The coffee was from yesterday. You shouldn't be looking at that website. That pen was leaking ink. I sure wish you'd file that messy pile you call a desk. I miss you.

I went in the bathroom and stared at my reflection. What a bad day. Why is this happening to me!? No answer. Thanks God, thanks a lot.

It's happening because you aren't asking me for help. You aren't talking to me or loving me or acting like me. It's all about you, it's happening because of you. This is your life, are you who you want to be? Why are you so caught up on these little things you keep complaining about? I'm listening, but you sure aren't talking to me.

My head hurts. It is just one of those days. When I go home, I am going to get in bed and cry. And eat ice cream. Yes that is the answer. Today is just a bad day and tomorrow will be a new beginning…

You should go to that Church service you heard about from your coworker. Or read the Bible and talk to me. I know it was a hard day, but I'm right here. I am always right here.

Now, how much better would this woman's day have been if she had embraced the things the Lord was saying?

This may not be exactly how God works in our lives, but you get the idea. He is constantly speaking to us and is control of all the situations we experience. If we would give our days from the very beginning to God, how much better the perspective might be. Good or bad, the day is God's gift and we must make the most of this life. His purpose may not be evident but he always has a purpose for the struggles and circumstances we go through.

He knows our future, he has a vision for our lives and we must embrace each day knowing he is in control.

Check out some of a letter Paul sent to Philippi when he was in jail and really take in what he's saying about life!

"Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this unclean and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I'll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You'll be living proof that I didn't go to all this work for nothing. Even if I am tortured here and now, I'll rejoice in being an element in the offering of your faith that you make on Christ's altar, a part of your rejoicing. But turnabout's fair play—you must join me in my rejoicing. Whatever you do, don't feel sorry for me. " –Philippians 2:14-18 (The Message)

So, where is your attitude with God? Are you giving your days, your life, to Him?

Live a Life of Love

Recently I encountered a situation in which an old “enemy”, as some would call her, appeared suddenly in my life. This person had hurt me in various ways throughout junior high and high school. I found some old feelings of damage and pain resurfacing even after five years. My attitude was that of bitterness and as she uttered hello, I boiled with horrible pain. I nodded my head and ignored her for the rest of the awkward encounter. I even went outside to rant and rave on the phone about her showing up.

After she left a friend asked, “What is your problem with her?” I went off listing all the things she has done to me throughout school. With disbelief, the table listened and it was as if I felt some vindication, some satisfaction in proclaiming these mistakes she had made, these pains she had caused me.

Later in private, Willy confronted me on the incident and as we talked, I began to feel conviction in my heart. The next day, I was reading the Bible and a book called the Organic God, I felt God speaking to me about my actions and words. I began to read Ephesians 4, verses 29-32 read,

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all the bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

That passage hit me like a truck. Although I hadn’t been cursing or really speaking hatred about this person, I still felt that God was telling me my attitude was wrong. I stopped what I was doing and began to pray for her. I also prayed for forgiveness, and prayed that God would remove the pains and bitterness I felt. The Lord began pressing my heart to pray for other people I had bad feelings towards. So I did. One by one I blessed those who had hurt me by name. I prayed blessings for their lives, their families, and that they would know God.

I picked up my Bible again a continued to read Ephesians and stopped at a phrase that stuck out– “live a life of love.” I thought about the impression I must have made on this girl and the other people there. Did I leave an impression of love, an impression of Christ?

No. Instead I left one of slander, bitterness and pain. And out the window went my opportunity to be a witness, to share the love of Christ with others. I could’ve of given a God response (being kind, loving and friendly) but I let my human emotions take over. Again, I asked the Lord to forgive me of my folly.

I now pray for her and others every day. I want to live a life of love and share it with others, plain and simple. Just as God has forgiven me, I must forgive others. Not only that, but I must be an example of Christ’s love in my words and actions all the time.


Comment question:
Have you ever been in a situation like this?
How can you show God's love to everyone you come in contact with?

A Call to Action

Have you ever been called out before? You know, been caught in a lie or proven wrong after pressing an issue? Now imagine being called out by Jesus. Ouch. That does not sound like fun, but actually happened to one young man in the Bible.

In Matthew (19:16) there is a story of Jesus meeting a wealthy man, he comes to Jesus and asks him what good things he must do to receive eternal life. Jesus tells him that God is the one who is good and he must follow his commands to get into heaven.

Still, the man presses further, asking Jesus, which commands. Jesus tells him, "Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself." (v.19)

Notice anything about these commandments? It may seem like Jesus randomly picked a few of the ten commandments, but he had major purpose behind naming these ones.

The rich man tells Jesus he has done these commands since he was a boy and asks, "What do I still lack?"

Honestly, I think he is asking for it. I mean that is a HUGE question to ask Christ. It's like saying, "Hey God, where am I really failing in life?"

And Jesus says "Sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." Verse 22 says the young man heard this and went away sad because he had great wealth.

Wow. Talk about being called out. Let's review…

The guy is pressing Christ on wanting to receive eternal life, so Jesus names commandments he knows the man can say he has followed, but notice which four he left out.

1. No other Gods
2. Not using the Lord's Name in vain
3. Keeping the Sabbath Holy
4. Coveting

These are all commandments that can be related to putting possessions before God. So unknowingly to the man, Jesus was calling him out on his weakness. He wasn't putting Christ before his stuff.

Jesus knew that the man had a good heart; relationally he was doing quite well, he wasn't stealing,or killing and was loving people but when it came down to God or money, he was choosing money.

Notice though that Jesus didn't list where the guy lacked, he simply said sell your stuff and follow me. He was giving him the option to take action, the opportunity to walk away from the materialistic life and receive the gift of eternal life.

You see it isn't enough to follow only some of God's commands, we must be willing to give up things we like (or love!) in order to walk closer with him.

So, what is Jesus calling you out on? What is coming between you and Christ? Is it your possessions, like the young man in the story? Is it too much TV? Or video games? Are you partying or hanging with the wrong crowd? Is it a personal aspiration?

With the Lords help it is very possible to give up the things that are keeping you from him. God's call on your life is uniquely designed for you so take action and seek HIS will for your life!

I leave you with a verse from 1 John 3, "Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts and he knows everything." (v.17-19)

Actions and truth. That's how we find eternal life. We must live everyday with the action of loving God and honoring his vision for our lives.

A Daily Resolution

Happy New Year!! Isn't it funny to hear people chat this time of year? Oh, it's resolution time! But what is a resolution? A goal? Hope? Maybe a wish?

If there was a survey six months from now how many people would even remember their resolution, no less still be committed to them?

What if we as Christians resolved to be more committed to God and his commands? Not for the year, but forever. To wake up everyday and set our goal on being more like Christ.

I'm not saying resolutions aren't a positive thing, but I am suggesting that we should live our daily lives with the goal of wanting to be like Jesus.

The best part is this goal is guilt free. God has made us imperfect humans. He knows we will have days that we will mess up. He sent his son to die for us so that we have to come to Him to ask for grace, in order to be free of sin.

What an amazing gift, right?! Even when we don't keep our commitment of living and being more like Him, we can ask for forgiveness and start new every single day (not just at the beginning of the year!) That is truly a guilt free resolution, for your everyday life.

Imagine not only the personal gain this goal would have, but the impact you could leave on those who come in contact with you. If you woke up daily and lived out the fruits of the spirit, or put on the full armor of God, don't you think people would begin to take notice? The Lord will no doubt use you in ways you never could have dreamed.

So how can we wake up everyday and keep our resolution of being like Christ?

Here are some things I do to keep my life on track with God.

-Pray continuously.

Pray for answers, pray in thankfulness, pray for patience, pray for help, pray, pray and pray some more! Talking to God is the key to having a personal relationship with him.

-Post scriptures that encourage you, make you feel happy, or challenge you. I have mine on mirrors and doors around my room, also in my car. They are constant reminders of where your mind and heart should be focused.

-Read AND study your Bible. By study I mean, learn, ask questions, memorize, and understand.

• Do you know the ten commandments?
• Do you know the fruits of the spirit?
• Do you know what it means to put on the full armor of God?
• Do you have a (few) favorite verse(s) memorized?

-Read books that can teach you more about God. (Try Blue like Jazz, Velvet Elvis, The Purpose Driven Life, to name a few)

-Surround yourself with friends that you can talk about Jesus with and will encourage you in your faith. (LOFT and the Impakt Service are great places to make new friends!)

-Think BIG. God has done and will continue to do big things all over the world. So don't just pray for your friends and family, pray for your church, community, school, state, country, government, and world. (This is being mission minded!)

We cannot comprehend the power our Lord God has and the impact our prayers have on his creation. So this year, instead of a year long resolution, make a daily commitment to live in and for Jesus Christ!

This is an amazing passage by Matt Batterson:

Read it & Live it!!

"Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Grab life by the mane. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Consider the lilies. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshipping what's right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze a new trail. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don't try to be who you're not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself.

Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away.

Chase the lion. " -Lion Chasers Manifesto