You Can't Please Everyone, So...

Don’t waste your life trying to accommodate and placate everybody; you will not succeed. Walk closely with God, realize some folks will understand you, others won’t… and some of those will understand later. People clamor for what they want in this moment, the moment changes and they want something different. You are too strict, too lax… too indifferent, too passionate… not enough like them, too much like them… it never ends.

Simply follow Jesus. Here. Now. Together.

A year from now you won’t be the same as you are today. Neither will I. Growth does that.

Jesus nailed it when he said this:
 Matt. 11:16 - 19     “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: “ ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and “sinners.” ’ But wisdom is proved right by her actions.”

The 1 Minute Read Series: You Just Do Your Part

A lot of people I've known try to be General Manager of the Universe. They worry that God may not do what He's supposed to do. They fret about somehow, someway things just not going rightly because other people get lazy or mean, etc. Look, you aren't God and you can't control other people. God gave us the power to choose. We live with the consequences of those choices. What you CAN do is make sure you seek out what YOUR part is in following Jesus, and do that. Pray for others and realize God always does his part. So, do your part, pray for others and trust God fully. Then, resolve to be at peace, not give in to fear and - if nothing else - life is a vapor anyway. Why not live with faith in God and the courage to follow him every single day, whatever that means? Dump fear and worry, embrace faith and courage. Not later, right now! May you and I both always simply follow Jesus.

Today Was Awesome!

Today we had a beautiful, powerful, Spirit-led gathering of believers at our house. There was a vibrancy in our time together because the life of God was flowing. People sang, prayed and spoke out what the Spirit was showing them. We were all encouraged, challenged and parted ways with a deep, shared sense of being on the right track with God. This reality of the Holy Spirit leading and guiding the Body of Christ when we come together is central to my family's experience. It has been so for about 5 years now. Our Father wants this for all of us, and we want to share this journey with other people here in Oklahoma City or in other cities. The Livewick Media site has a Resources page with some great house/simple church sites and books listed if your are interested. Ever onward, Steve