Section Three of The Pursuit!

Life is an interesting journey woven with fleeting moments, waiting to be pursued.  Each day presents a canvas of opportunities, a delicate dance between spontaneity and purposeful intention.

Whether in the quiet embrace of dawn or the vibrant chaos of city life, these moments beckon us to connect, learn, and continue to strive to be better.

The pursuit of moments transcends the “big things” in life; it resides in the simplicity of shared laughter, unexpected encounters, and quiet reflections.  It’s about savoring the richness of experiences that mold our identity.

Let’s chase sunsets, dance in the rain, and immerse ourselves in conversations that nourish our souls.

In this pursuit, we discover that life’s true beauty lies not just in destinations but in the journey, where every passing second unfolds an endless array of possibilities.

However, as your every day moments present themselves in front of you, don’t forget to pursue the moments that are the most important of all. 

The moments spent with a loving heavenly Father that will not only strengthen you in your daily Christian walk, but will also allow you to face the day to day challenges that this world will throw at you.

Moments spent with Christ only strengthen and brighten the daily moments that come your way.

Embrace the art of pursuing all moments, for therein lies the essence of a truly fulfilling life.

Questions to Ponder and Pursue

1.  Reflect on the moments that truly shape your identity. Are they found in the grandeur of life’s big events or in the simplicity of shared laughter, unexpected encounters, and quiet reflections?

2.  Consider the impact of moments spent with a loving heavenly Father. How do these moments not only strengthen your daily Christian walk but also equip you to face the challenges thrown by the world?

3.  How can embracing the art of pursuing all moments enhance the essence of a truly fulfilling life?

The word of the day is conundrum.  A conundrum is defined as a confusing and difficult problem or question. 

The conundrum is the struggle to make others happy but not forgetting about yourself. 

We talk about, and practice servant leadership, putting others first, and while that is what I believe we are called to do and be, it can lead to the conundrum. 

While you serve others you also need to make sure to make and take time for yourself. 

Here are three ways to help you through the conundrum.

1.  Take Time For Yourself – it’s not selfish, it’s needed.  You can’t be at your best for others if you don’t take time to take care of you.  That care can look different to each person, but find what helps you and do it consistently.

2. Talk Yourself Up – the most important conversation you have each day is with yourself.  You are wired, by human nature, for negativity.  You must eliminate that negative talk and replace it with positivity.  Speak affirmation and value into yourself. 

3.  Believe – believe that taking care of you is as important and meaningful as taking care of others. 

Believe that you are the right person, in the right place, at the right time. 

If you believe in yourself, and what you believe in is real and authentic, you will be better equipped to take care of others. 

When you experience your conundrum remember to take time for yourself, talk yourself up, and believe. 

I’m cheering for you.

Questions to Ponder and Pursue

1. How can the concept of servant leadership, prioritizing others, sometimes lead to a conundrum in balancing the needs of others with taking care of yourself?

2. In what ways can you practically and effectively address the conundrum mentioned, ensuring you strike a balance between serving others and prioritizing your own well-being?

Mark 1:35 ESV‬‬
[35]  And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.

In the hustle and noise of our daily lives, amidst the chaos and demands, there exists a transformative refuge waiting to be embraced—a quiet time with God.

Consider the example set by Jesus in Mark 1:35, who, in the early morning darkness, withdrew to a desolate place for prayer.  In those moments of stillness, profound connection and strength were discovered.

Imagine the impact on your day, the clarity in your thoughts, and the resilience in your spirit that can blossom from taking intentional, quiet time with God. 

In the sacred hush, you find not only a reprieve from life’s clamor but a sanctuary for your soul—a space where you can lay down burdens, seek guidance, and feel the gentle reassurance as you sit in God’s presence.

So, amidst the clamor of the world, grant yourself the gift of quiet communion.  It’s not just a pause; it’s a source of renewal.  In those precious moments, discover the wisdom, peace, and strength that await.

Let your quiet time with God become a wellspring of inspiration, guiding you through the challenges and illuminating the path ahead.

Be Blessed!

Questions to Ponder and Pursue

1. Have you considered the transformative power of embracing a quiet time with God in the midst of life’s hustle and noise?

2. How might intentional moments of stillness and communion with God, inspired by the example in Mark 1:35, bring clarity, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose to your daily life?

Trust the Process.

It’s a popular phrase, sometimes over-used, and oftentimes harder to follow through.

You want instant.  You want it now.  You even want it yesterday sometimes.  You just can’t wait, so you miss out on the growth that can happen in you by giving up too soon.

The process of becoming better requires you to trust that things, all things, are working to help you become better and become more.

When you don’t trust the process and let it play out you settle for better when the best is still out there.

When the time is right for you to step into what is for the best you will be ready. 

Don’t settle for better.  Trust the process at work in your life and get ready for the best, and you are at your best.

I’m cheering for you.

Questions to Ponder and Pursue

1. How can I cultivate patience and trust in the process, allowing it to unfold without seeking instant results?

2. In what ways can I shift my mindset to embrace the journey, recognizing that the best outcomes often require time and commitment?

Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV‬‬
[5]  Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
[6] In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Consider the depth of this timeless verse, etched on countless coffee cups.  It serves as more than a mere reminder; it beckons us to truly embody its essence.

Trusting in the Lord isn’t a casual acknowledgment but a profound commitment—something that resonates beyond the printed words.

To authentically trust God demands a whole-hearted surrender.  It’s easy to claim trust, yet pausing to ask, “Do I trust with all my heart?” challenges us.

Amidst our well-laid plans, a dash of trust in God might seem like a nice addition.  But remember, it’s not merely about your process; it’s about letting God shape and guide it entirely.

To experience the full extent of God’s work, you must be all in, offering your whole heart. God yearns to complete the process, but your willingness is the key.

Allow Him to effect the necessary changes within you, for only then can the true transformation take root.

God’s capacity to act on your behalf hinges on the changes within you.  Surrender, let Him work, and witness the remarkable unfold.

Place your trust in Him, shifting reliance from self to the divine, and acknowledge His presence in every facet of your life.  This conscious trust sets you on the path ordained for you.

Explore His Word, unraveling the tapestry of His faithfulness in the past.  The word of God is timeless and reinforces the assurance that wholeheartedly trusting Him ensures a secure future.

Be blessed on this profound journey of unwavering trust in God!

Questions to Ponder and Pursue

1. Have you ever paused to reflect on whether your trust in God is a casual acknowledgment or a profound commitment, trusting with all your heart?

2. In considering your plans and processes, have you embraced the idea that true transformation and fulfillment come when you surrender your whole heart to God, allowing Him to shape and guide the journey?

The comfort zone is a dangerous place to be.  Too many people are afraid to step out of it which keeps them from ever reaching their true potential. 

If a ship stayed tied up in the harbor it would never experience the beauty of the open seas. 

Yes, there is a chance of stormy seas as well but the ship cannot experience the beauty without risking being in some uncomfortable waters as well.

The same is true of you.  As much as you may like your comfort zone your true and full potential will never be realized unless you leave it. 

You are meant for more.  More growth, more learning and more awe inspiring moments. 

If you leave your comfort zone you will experience more and you will also be better for those that you lead and serve.

Head out into your adventure.  Beauty awaits.

I’m cheering for you.

Questions to Ponder and Pursue

1.  How does staying within the comfort zone limit individuals from realizing their true potential, according to the analogy of a ship in the harbor?

2.  In what ways does leaving the comfort zone lead to personal growth and benefit both individuals and those they lead or serve, as suggested in the writing?

Matthew 4:19-20 ESV‬‬
[19] And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
[20] Immediately they left their nets and followed him.

‭‭Luke 5:27-28 ESV‬‬
[27]  After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.”
[28] And leaving everything, he rose and followed him.

One of the biggest quests of the last few years is seeing how many followers you can get on social media. 

Unfortunately, too many people are basing their self-worth on the number and engagement they get from those followers. 

I heard of one young man who ate peanut butter on his social media account and has amassed over 100,000 followers. 

I’m not against having fun, but I’ve lived over 60 years now and I’ve spent far too many hours wasted following, and even pursuing, the wrong things, or things that don’t really matter. 

When Jesus said, “Follow Me”, his to be disciples did it when?  They did it immediately.
They didn’t hesitate.  When someone tried, or wanted to do it a little later to bury his father, Jesus even told him to let someone else do it. 

Scholars debate if this was a literal statement, but the message is clear.  God wants, even demands, that we “deny ourself, take up our cross daily, and follow him.” (Luke 9:23). 

Let’s end with this thought from the above passage in Luke.  Those commands from Jesus are one time, immediate commands.

1.  Deny yourself – don’t return to your old self. 
2.  Take up your cross – lay down your rights.
3.  Daily – decide every day to not back away from His call.
4.  Follow him – do it once. Do it forever.

Take an honest look at what yourself today.  Are you playing it safe in your commitment to following Jesus?  Your continuous spiritual growth may depend on your answer. 

Be Blessed!

Questions to Ponder and Pursue

1.  How has the culture of seeking social media followers impacted individuals’ perceptions of self-worth, and what potential dangers lie in basing one’s value on online popularity?

2.  Reflecting on the immediate response of Jesus’ disciples to “Follow Me,” how can the concept of immediate and unwavering commitment apply to our daily lives, especially in the context of self-denial and taking up one’s cross?