Equipping Thoughts

Check this email out. I think you’ll get the idea that this friend encounters feelings, attitudes and situations like you & I. My reply is below.

“… why is it so hard to stay enthusiastic, to stay motivated… when others (team and leaders) aren’t….

… struggling with journaling… ….dreading tomorrow’s meeting/wishing it was over…..

but I know not to give up…. but it’s still hard…”

My reply…

We are spiritual beings and the enemy DOES NOT - I mean DOES NOT like who we are in Christ, who we are becoming in Him not to mention the work we do for His Kingdom!

Spiritual work is tiring, draining - exhausting. All of us battle discouragement. (But the battle is the Lords - and all is worth the Kingdom fight. Eternal rewards, fruit - the outcome I don’t see and feel…is ALL WORTH IT! ) Sometimes, partly because we are human, with expectations that are not reasonable of others, too high for ourselves, we encounter hardship, things don’t go the way “WE” want or think they should. If it helps…I’m going through some of what you are too…and we are not alone - everyone has these fights. The devil DOES NOT like us, who we are, stand for and are doing!

But I take responsibility to stay willing, obedient - following the truths in His Word - best I can…moment by moment!

It is hard! There’s no easy answers…but stay disciplined and true to what you know is right! I don’t want to do what is right many times - but I know better! Lord help!!!!

Just some of my thoughts. God bless you, your heart, soul, mind and day!

fighting the good fight alongside of you,
Rod

This years “The Heart behind Doing Church as a Team” conference will give birth to a stronger breed of Christians. I know our New Hope congregation will be moved, touched, filled and changed by God!

With a stronger emphasis on discipleship, our people will grow closer to God through practical, Biblical, Life and Leadership Essentials breakout sessions. Not to mention the new sessions that Pastor Wayne and Paul Risser are preparing to teach - we will be in for stellar growth in Christ!

Making disciples will be an emphasis in and through our conference, through practical teachings on how to better live life for God. As follower’s of Christ in a world that’s flawed, around people (like you and I) who are imperfect, while overcoming our own struggles, we will be transformed as we take time to cultivate our hearts and lives.

What is NOT different is the spirit of excellence, mixed with ingredients of prayer, creative services, great hearted investment in planning and preparation and the heart of love to nurture our people! We will also offer people who have not connected into service, opportunities to be involved in a serving ministry.

As part of the Conference leadership team, it is my hope and prayer that the thousands of people who call New Hope their home church, would seriously invest in their relationship with God, by attending this years conference. I strongly believe that those who take time, make the necessary sacrifices to plan and attend the conference will be eternally affected by God, to become a more effective disciple of Christ.

Make the time to invest in your relationship with Christ. You won’t regret your decision to be a part of this years “The Heart behind Doing Church as a Team” conference!

I’m no health expert - that I want to make clear. I do know that I feel the best I’ve ever felt, have more energy than ever before and more healthy than I’ve ever been (not considering the 5 years of boxing 17-21 years of age - way back when…!)!

My quest for living a better, healthier lifestyle began when chest pains were bothering me in Dec. 2002. I had been back in Hawaii for a year and a half, gained 20 pounds eating all the “local” foods, at all the potlucks, just enjoying being back home with all the rice, mac salad and greasy grinds!

My cardiologists (I’ve never had one before) said to me, “Rod, if you want to live healthier and feel better, take care of your heart - it’s the most important muscle in your body.” There began my quest - NOT to lose weigh - but to live a healthier lifestyle.

My suggestion to you - begin by evaluating your motives and goals for living a healthy lifestyle. Many people I’ve talked to want to lose weight, look good - not bad motives at all. In my opinion, the motive of taking care of myself to be the best I can be for God, my family and the goals of strengthening my heart muscle, improving endurance, living more effectively and having more energy were lifestyle challenging and altering.

Do you live tired? Are you able to give your family or loved ones your best in energy and attitude? Does God see you as living at your best unto Him?

Your God and your loves ones are worth you living a healthier lifestyle!