God's Man

Base Image Credit: The Province . Editing by Me. As we are ensconced in a biblically inspired movie cycle with the likes of Noah, and Son of God as well as more "Christian" themed stuff like God's not Dead and the upcoming Heaven is for Real I am having to put my God on film idea to the test. The challenge that I have with movies/TV series/media that claim biblical inspiration or themes is that instead of letting the story stand on it focuses on minor details and ignores the major story.  Much like what we do when we focus on secondary issues and make them primary. There is also the fact that some narrative elements are completely made up or wrong in light of the actual text.  I know that studying the scriptures is not as "exciting" as watching Russell Crowe as Maximus Noah and the Nephilim but don't let this be the only time you think about the text. We are called to meditate on God's Word day and night.  It really does inform the decisions

Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. - Proverbs 11:14 MP3: http://bit.ly/1g92dn2

Image Credit to Me Having children is one of the greatest gifts that God gives to his men.  Only the gift of a wife has a bigger impact on the life of a man.  Embrace those whom God has given to you.  Remember your responsibilities to Provide, Protect, Honor and Teach those in your charge.  When God asks what did you do with what I gave you let it be said that you were a good steward. My prayer for you today men is that you live for the glory of God.  That you let that filter cover every interaction with your family.  That you would see your children and spouse as God sees them in Christ. The picture above is of my oldest.  There was a time when she couldn't ride her bike without training wheels.  There was a time when she only wanted to ride if I rode with her.  Those days are just about over.  While she enjoys riding with Dad she asks to ride on her own.  She is starting to want more independence.  One day I'll blink and she'll be leaving our home for college

Photo Credit to New Old Stock Photos Here is another in my visual devotional series. How much do you want God? David says in Psalm 42 that his soul thirsts for God the same way a deer needs water. That is a serious longing. Seek after Him today and everyday. He can quench a thirst that nothing else can.

Two books that I have been working my way through over the last few months, Daily Rituals: How Artists Work by Mason Currey, and Show Your Work by Austin Kleon.  How do either of these books apply to your walk?  Daily Rituals Whether in you faith walk or in walking you have to get into a rhythm.  If you want to change, you have to change your habits.  Create a new routine.  One that includes the incremental changes you need to get closer to God and your health goals.  Life will do everything it can to derail this new thing until it doesn't.  Don't stop. Show Your Work Let folks know what you are doing.  Pictures, Posts, Videos, Music... whatever it is share.  There are a lot of people here on Faith and Fitness, over 100, but there are only a few that post.  I challenge you to make a habit of sharing your work as you go along this journey.  Your story is not just for you.  Your story is meant to be shared. Remember to do it all to the glory of God. Carlton

So I have been reading this book by Austin Kleon, Show Your Work!: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered.   The biggest take away is to stop hiding your creative process.  This lines up with the decision that I made in the 2nd half of last year.  I had gotten into analysis paralysis.  I had begun to overthink everything.  My inner critic was keeping me from starting.  I had to do something different.  I had to start making some changes and fast.  So rather than figure out the best way.  Or seek the perfect moment, I just started doing things. So this is the fruit of one of those ideas.  I decided that I wanted to hear some of the sermons that I have been reading read aloud.  So that is what I did.  I read Francis Grimké's sermon, "Christ's Program for the Saving of the World."  This is  very raw version of it.  Even though it needs polish and my daughters walks in right in the middle of it.  I thought I would put it out there as an exercise in show

My latest sermon at my home church. Here are my notes. 1These are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob, each with his household: 2Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, 3Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, 4Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. 5All the descendants of Jacob were seventy persons; Joseph was already in Egypt. Last week we spoke about Joseph, who through God’s guidance interpreted the Pharaoh's dreams and saved not only Egypt but his family from a famine. At the end of Genesis the children of Israel had moved into Egypt and God was continuing to keep the promise he made to Abraham. 6Then Joseph died, and all his brothers and all that generation. 7But the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them. God had told Abraham was that his children would be as numerous as the stars and this was happening with each new child born. God had also told Abraham that his descend