Perfection- just keep pressing....
The only people that expect perfection of you, are your critics and yourself. Your critics often expect levels of perfection that they don't even place on themself. You require things of your self that are often unrealistic and self defeating. The Apostle Paul stated that we PRESS toward the mark...always striving but never attaining. After all, isn't that why God gave us GRACE...to make up the difference between our position (what we do), and perfection (what we should have done)??
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
(Psalms 51:10) Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. (KJV)...Interesting, so often, we place all the pressure on ourselves to overcome sin and temptation, while David sought the Lord for salvation. David understood we must come as we are, and our transformation is a process done through the grace of God, but, it is anchored in our desire for change! No desire no change. No God, no lasting change.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
2012—A Year without Fear
As the clock struck 12, I began to think on what I would do this year to make it a year to remember, a year of success… you know, a year above and beyond all of my years prior.
As I examined where life, or rather I, had fallen short in the years past, I was able to identify one recurring culprit...FEAR. Fear is the one emotion that nobody wants to acknowledge because they think it makes them look small. But, anyone who is truly self aware realizes that acknowledgement is a crucial first step, and must be followed quickly by continued confrontation until that fear has been conquered.
In order to make 2013 a year to remember, I WILL NO LONGER act, or fail to act, out of fear...fear of any kind. From this day forward, I will not be afraid of failure, or of success. I will not fear rejection or reprisal....man, bird or beast. Starting this moment, I WILL:
DREAM because ALL great things: inventions, business enterprises, even governments began as Dreams. Starting this moment I'll dream of the the life I desire to live, the person I desire to be, and the world I wish to live and love in.
Starting this moment I will ACT without fear. I'll do what I know is kind, just and right regardless of the repercussions; regardless of the perception and what might be said...because only God knows my intentions and only he can judge my heart.
Starting this moment I will LOVE without fear. I'll love those that are within my inner circle as well as those that I've never met. I will LOVE, because without Love, anything I do is empty and worthless. Yes from this moment on, everything I do will be founded in LOVE because the only thing in this world that is stronger than fear is faith... and faith is founded in LOVE.
As the clock struck 12, I began to think on what I would do this year to make it a year to remember, a year of success… you know, a year above and beyond all of my years prior.
As I examined where life, or rather I, had fallen short in the years past, I was able to identify one recurring culprit...FEAR. Fear is the one emotion that nobody wants to acknowledge because they think it makes them look small. But, anyone who is truly self aware realizes that acknowledgement is a crucial first step, and must be followed quickly by continued confrontation until that fear has been conquered.
In order to make 2013 a year to remember, I WILL NO LONGER act, or fail to act, out of fear...fear of any kind. From this day forward, I will not be afraid of failure, or of success. I will not fear rejection or reprisal....man, bird or beast. Starting this moment, I WILL:
DREAM because ALL great things: inventions, business enterprises, even governments began as Dreams. Starting this moment I'll dream of the the life I desire to live, the person I desire to be, and the world I wish to live and love in.
Starting this moment I will ACT without fear. I'll do what I know is kind, just and right regardless of the repercussions; regardless of the perception and what might be said...because only God knows my intentions and only he can judge my heart.
Starting this moment I will LOVE without fear. I'll love those that are within my inner circle as well as those that I've never met. I will LOVE, because without Love, anything I do is empty and worthless. Yes from this moment on, everything I do will be founded in LOVE because the only thing in this world that is stronger than fear is faith... and faith is founded in LOVE.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
2011- The worst year ever?
Okay, so I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, especially when everybody wants some good news, BUT, in 2011 things could get even worse. I know, I know....Can it get any worse.
I was doing a little research on biblical numerology the other day and I was surprised at what I found. Allow me to set the context for the discussion with these digested meanings of numbers (if you don't believe me, or even if you do, I encourage you to do your own research).
10- universally understood to represent perfection....(i.e. "the perfect ten")
11- being an addition of 10+1, is subversive and undoes the perfection of ten. Or you could say it is 1 less than 12, which represent Divine government. Either way eleven could be said to represent chaos, dis-integration and imperfection.
20- because it is 10 doubled could be understood to be perfection doubled, or 1 less than 21. If it's meaning is held in being one less than 21 it could mean expectancy
21- represents Divine (3) completion in regards to spiritual perfection (7)
So, in combining those numbers, it turns out that 2010, with all of it's problems, was actually a year of divine perfection( his perfect will was done here on earth). Then, 2011 could be a year of divine... well you do the math.
BUT THERE IS GOOD NEWS FOR THE BELIEVER!!!! First off, we must remember that there is a divine plan and order for all things. Isaiah 55:9 reminds us "For as the heavens are above the earth so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts". It won't make sense down here because we can't see it from his viewpoint....we don't know the expected end.
Secondly, our expected end is all good. Because he loves us, he promises us good things: Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the thoughts that I think of you, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end". And finally isn't that why he sent his son to "give us life and more abundantly" John 10:10.
Lastly, whether there is truth to the numbers or not, the undisputed truth is that our GOD is in control. We must remember that even though we live in the world system, we are not controlled by it. During one of the worst famines the land had ever seen, Elijah drank from his own private brook and was fed by his own private catering service. (1 Kings 17: 2-6).
Yes, I believe 2011 will be even more challenging for those who find themselves outside of his will. But for the believer I declare that 2011 will be an oasis full of blessings in the midst of barren and plagued lands.
I was doing a little research on biblical numerology the other day and I was surprised at what I found. Allow me to set the context for the discussion with these digested meanings of numbers (if you don't believe me, or even if you do, I encourage you to do your own research).
10- universally understood to represent perfection....(i.e. "the perfect ten")
11- being an addition of 10+1, is subversive and undoes the perfection of ten. Or you could say it is 1 less than 12, which represent Divine government. Either way eleven could be said to represent chaos, dis-integration and imperfection.
20- because it is 10 doubled could be understood to be perfection doubled, or 1 less than 21. If it's meaning is held in being one less than 21 it could mean expectancy
21- represents Divine (3) completion in regards to spiritual perfection (7)
So, in combining those numbers, it turns out that 2010, with all of it's problems, was actually a year of divine perfection( his perfect will was done here on earth). Then, 2011 could be a year of divine... well you do the math.
BUT THERE IS GOOD NEWS FOR THE BELIEVER!!!! First off, we must remember that there is a divine plan and order for all things. Isaiah 55:9 reminds us "For as the heavens are above the earth so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts". It won't make sense down here because we can't see it from his viewpoint....we don't know the expected end.
Secondly, our expected end is all good. Because he loves us, he promises us good things: Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the thoughts that I think of you, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end". And finally isn't that why he sent his son to "give us life and more abundantly" John 10:10.
Lastly, whether there is truth to the numbers or not, the undisputed truth is that our GOD is in control. We must remember that even though we live in the world system, we are not controlled by it. During one of the worst famines the land had ever seen, Elijah drank from his own private brook and was fed by his own private catering service. (1 Kings 17: 2-6).
Yes, I believe 2011 will be even more challenging for those who find themselves outside of his will. But for the believer I declare that 2011 will be an oasis full of blessings in the midst of barren and plagued lands.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Playing to Win in 2010...
Discipline/Commitment
So, the question is; 15 days into 2010, how many resolutions have you already given up on? How many goals seem out of reach already? It's sad to say, but, if you admit it, I'm sure that there is some promise,goal or resolution that you've already resolved to try again next year. The good news is if you want to succeed, YOU CAN!!! The secret is simple; in all situations and under every circumstance, you must Play to Win!
Not long ago, I read a scripture that spoke to my heart... and it became my motto, and our church's rallying cry for this year. The text is found in Matthew 25:1-13. For the the sake of time, allow me to summarize: The passage opens with 10 virgins preparing for a wedding feast (during that period, the bridegroom and his party would come to the home of the bride, and the bride's party[virgins] would light their lamps to provide illumination for the groom and his associates to see). The scripture describes 5 of the virgins as being wise, because they had come with their lamps and plenty of oil, in case the groom's arrival was delayed. However, it appears the virgins that were termed foolish, simply grabbed their lamps with whatever oil was in them. As is always the case when we're waiting, and waiting anxiously, the object of our anticipation, was delayed. So, while the delay was in progress, ALL of the virgins decided to relax, and take ten. Actually, the Bible termed it as "they slumbered and slept". Finally, when the groom and his party arrived, the foolish virgins began scrambling at the last minute to find oil. They even had the nerve to ask the 5 wise virgins that had taken the time to prepare, to give them some of their oil. The foolish virgins were then politely told, "No, go buy your own". Once the groom had arrived, the door to the feast was shut. Although, the foolish virgins returned with plenty of oil, the groom upset that they had not taken their responsibilities more seriously, denied their entry and sent them away. Sadly, they had arrived with great and high hopes, only to be dissapointed and disillusioned. It appears that, had the foolish virgins given as much thought to what was necessary for the party, as they had thought about enjoying the party, the ending would have been very different. In summary, had their preparations risen to the level of their expectaitons, they would've been in da' house! The foolish virgins just wanted to get into the game to make a showing, but that wasn't enough for the wise virgins, they decided to Play to Win!!!
Thus, came the great revelation. Think about it. The foolish virgins had just as much invested as the wise virgins did. They had cancelled any other plans, gotten up, gotten their lamps, gotten dressed in their best "I'm going to get myself a husband" duds, traveled to the party site and waited.... and waited .... and waited some more. Up until the bridegroom arrived, the effort and time invested was virtually the same for all, EXCEPT for the small amount of forethought and effort it took the wise virgins to make sure they had enough oil. To think, just a few minutes, sometimes a few seconds, could make such a difference. Honestly, if you think about it, most things are like that: just a little extra thought, attention or effort is what separates us from the rewards of the success we desire. Just a little more study time will raise your class grade from a B to the desired "A"...saying no to that second helping or dessert would have resulted in the loss of one more pound each day, that would have accumulated to that 10 pounds that you did not loose during the last 2 weeks. A little more time practicing free throws... a little more time spent with your family...a little more time spent with God... you get the idea.
From the passage of scripture I have identified 5 steps to guarantee your success as you Play to Win in 2010. I'll share those with you in a few days. Until then, stay blessed.
Good success is yours if you "Play to Win in 2010". Get all the tips for success, follow this blog or contact me at byronravnell@gmail.com
Discipline/Commitment
So, the question is; 15 days into 2010, how many resolutions have you already given up on? How many goals seem out of reach already? It's sad to say, but, if you admit it, I'm sure that there is some promise,goal or resolution that you've already resolved to try again next year. The good news is if you want to succeed, YOU CAN!!! The secret is simple; in all situations and under every circumstance, you must Play to Win!
Not long ago, I read a scripture that spoke to my heart... and it became my motto, and our church's rallying cry for this year. The text is found in Matthew 25:1-13. For the the sake of time, allow me to summarize: The passage opens with 10 virgins preparing for a wedding feast (during that period, the bridegroom and his party would come to the home of the bride, and the bride's party[virgins] would light their lamps to provide illumination for the groom and his associates to see). The scripture describes 5 of the virgins as being wise, because they had come with their lamps and plenty of oil, in case the groom's arrival was delayed. However, it appears the virgins that were termed foolish, simply grabbed their lamps with whatever oil was in them. As is always the case when we're waiting, and waiting anxiously, the object of our anticipation, was delayed. So, while the delay was in progress, ALL of the virgins decided to relax, and take ten. Actually, the Bible termed it as "they slumbered and slept". Finally, when the groom and his party arrived, the foolish virgins began scrambling at the last minute to find oil. They even had the nerve to ask the 5 wise virgins that had taken the time to prepare, to give them some of their oil. The foolish virgins were then politely told, "No, go buy your own". Once the groom had arrived, the door to the feast was shut. Although, the foolish virgins returned with plenty of oil, the groom upset that they had not taken their responsibilities more seriously, denied their entry and sent them away. Sadly, they had arrived with great and high hopes, only to be dissapointed and disillusioned. It appears that, had the foolish virgins given as much thought to what was necessary for the party, as they had thought about enjoying the party, the ending would have been very different. In summary, had their preparations risen to the level of their expectaitons, they would've been in da' house! The foolish virgins just wanted to get into the game to make a showing, but that wasn't enough for the wise virgins, they decided to Play to Win!!!
Thus, came the great revelation. Think about it. The foolish virgins had just as much invested as the wise virgins did. They had cancelled any other plans, gotten up, gotten their lamps, gotten dressed in their best "I'm going to get myself a husband" duds, traveled to the party site and waited.... and waited .... and waited some more. Up until the bridegroom arrived, the effort and time invested was virtually the same for all, EXCEPT for the small amount of forethought and effort it took the wise virgins to make sure they had enough oil. To think, just a few minutes, sometimes a few seconds, could make such a difference. Honestly, if you think about it, most things are like that: just a little extra thought, attention or effort is what separates us from the rewards of the success we desire. Just a little more study time will raise your class grade from a B to the desired "A"...saying no to that second helping or dessert would have resulted in the loss of one more pound each day, that would have accumulated to that 10 pounds that you did not loose during the last 2 weeks. A little more time practicing free throws... a little more time spent with your family...a little more time spent with God... you get the idea.
From the passage of scripture I have identified 5 steps to guarantee your success as you Play to Win in 2010. I'll share those with you in a few days. Until then, stay blessed.
Good success is yours if you "Play to Win in 2010". Get all the tips for success, follow this blog or contact me at byronravnell@gmail.com
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Playing to win in 2010!!!
Vision
As we move forward with grand hopes and dreams for a prosperous New Year, I wonder how many of us have really taken time to develop a vision of what a successful 2010 would look like, feel like, or actually be.
It's important to realize that a vision is not just a picture of what the end result will be, but just as importantly, how you'll get there.
Hab 2:2-3 "And the Lord answered me and said, "Write the vision and make it plain, upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come; it will not tarry.
From this we learn 5 important steps that we must follow in order for 2010 to be prosperous:
1. Write the vision...few goals are achieved that are not written. The psychological impact of writing goals is phenomenal. Remember everything is 90% mental.
2. Make it plain...Your plan or vision should be simple throughout, and easy to implement. Remember the "devil"(literally) is in the details, so don't leave him a crack to get in. Unlike many of us, he's not slacking at his job.
3. It is for an appointed time...the appointed time has 2 very distinct components: your time and his time. Your time is the goal or timeline that you set to accomplish the various phases of your plan. This you have all the control over. Don't be slack in your preparation; success= preparation + opportunity. Your responsibility is to prepare. The other component is his timing, which you have no control over. Faith means trusting that when you do all you can, He will do the rest. Remember, he has promised time after time in his word, that he desires for you to prosper.
4. Wait for it...patience my child, patience. The waiting is the hardest part. It's difficult to keep this in perspective, but just like we have to get things in order, so does God. He's putting the proper people, in the proper place, with the proper resources to bring about the proper outcome. If you've ever assembled a toy or piece of furniture without following the instructions, undoubtedly, you found somewhere in the process that you did something "out of order". As a result you have to disassemble it and go back a step or 2 in the process. Save yourself some time and follow his directions with complete faith. Remember, because he is the inventor/creator of all, he knew and orchestrated the desired end from the very beginning. Nobody desires for better, or knows better, what the end result is to be....Ephesians 3:20 " Now unto to him that is able to do exceeding aubundantly above all that we ask or think...
5. Because it will surely come...remember, if you do your part, he'll do his part and sucess is guaranteed. Play to win in 2010 and you will!!!
Good success is yours if you play to win in 2010. Get all of the tips for success, follow Byron's blog @ http://byronravnell.blogspot.com or contact him @ byronravnell@gmail.com.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Preparing for a great 2010
This year, as you contemplate decisions, move courageously without fear, or the criticism that comes along with it. Remember Jesus....people will crucify you whether you're right or wrong....especially when you're right.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)