When Heaven Hustles

Is That Me or You, God?

January 7, 2016

I love asking Siri questions. I’ve programmed her with an “English accent.” So that when I ask her “why firetrucks are red” she answers me like James Bond’s secretary. I love that she has something to say to me every time.

God has something to say to you. He wants to talk to you. And our biggest question we can ask ourselves when we read this statement is this: Is it me or is it God speaking?

Truth 1: God has a voice. We see the 3rd verse of the Bible when God spoke light into darkness (Genesis 1:3). Not just any voice, but a voice that creates upon command. That be like me saying, “Cheeseburger with swiss cheese, mushrooms, carmalized onions, A1 on bun that’s not so big that the bread overtakes the meat” and instantly my voice created something incredible (...yet another reminder why me being God is a bad idea).

Truth 2: You can hear his voice if you are a follower of Jesus. In the new Testament we read some powerful words, “I am the good shepherd and I know My own and My own know Me. My sheep hear My voice and I know them and they follow Me” (John 10:14, 27). So if you are a lover and follower of Jesus, then God has something to say to you.

Truth 3: You hear by the Holy Spirit. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to guide us into truth, to speak these truths loud and clear (John 14:26; 16:13-15). God wants to speak and He takes initiative in this…we simply have to take the time to listen.

As a son of God, If we can’t hear what He is saying, it’s because our lives are too noisey…not because God isn’t saying anything. I’m a father and I thoroughly enjoy talking to my kids. I want them to know what the right way to act, say and do, to not get hurt, so I’ll tell them every chance I can get. I can’t think of a time when I wouldn’t talk to my children when they asked me for something. My no isn’t “no response” but my no is no. My "yes" is yes. If I act this way as a father, how much more perfect is God who is the perfect father.

So how do we know when God is speaking?

When we read the Bible.

If you don’t read the Scriptures regularly, God won’t speak to you regularly (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Isaiah 55:11). It’s when you have read a verse and even though you have read it before, this time it jumped off the page. You continue reading the chapter but that verse continues to be heard in your head. That’s God. He’s taking his highlighter from heaven and trying to get your attention to stop there and meditate on that verse throughout the day (psalm 1:2).

When we worship God in church.

That lyric from that worship song you have sang a 1000 times is the song you wake up to in your head that you can’t seem to stop singing. It’s when you are worshipping and your emotions seem to rise because of what is being sang. I always say that worship songs are “prayers with notes added to them” so as you are singing and praying, that lyric becomes louder and more obvious than the others. That’s God putting a truth in your heart and speaking a thought to you.

When we are in our community.

That Bible study you are going to can be an amplifier of God’s will to your life. When the truth from the study page from your study hits your heart, when the accountant from the firm downtown suddenly drops wisdom out of nowhere and you suddenly find yourself saying “amen” and you “never" say amen because that’s “not you", when the barista from your local coffee shop shares their testimony of what God has done and their story is relevant to your situation, when your pastor shares a Scripture and message point at church and you felt like “he was speaking directly to me”…those are moments when God is speaking.

When we journal.

I bring a journal with me to my quiet time every time. I will date the top of it and whatever God allows to jump off the page of my Scripture reading…I write it down. I might copy the verse, I might put it into my own verbiage and site the location so I remember it. i might put it into my S.O.A.P. format (Scripture, Observation of what God is saying, Application of what I read to my life, Pray it). I like to think of that blank page as a place where God wants to fill it with His Words. I always allow a time where I say, “God speak to me…” and then I write down whatever comes to my thoughts. I write down whatever picture comes to my thoughts. I write down whatever other verses that God is putting in my head.

When we are still.

Sometimes we come to God with our list and we have been talking the whole time. Ever been in a conversation when the other person was talking the whole time? Yeah, annoying right? We can be that way when we pray sometimes. Stop bringing God your giant list of what you want God to do and what God needs to change and start taking time in your prayer moments by saying this…”God, I’m listening.” I have learned the best way to hear God speak is to ask Him questions. What if you applied the ratio of what you spoke to God in prayer and did the equal amount of listening? Just simply not saying anything but realizing being with God in His presence is actually enough for you?

Keeping this in check: does it line up with God’s word? That’s always the “go-to” for every Christian.

What’s the last thing God spoke to you recently?

How To Know If You're An Insecure Leader & The Simple Action To Not Be

December 30, 2015

As the new year approaches it's time to self-evaluate. Do you find yourself indecisive, unclear, hesitant and afraid? The root of it might be...insecurity. Even the best leaders aren't immune to it's crippling effects.

So how do you know you are being insecure as a leader?

Here are 10 behaviors to determine if you are an insecure leader:

#1 – You see people as working for you and not with you.

#2 – Everyone who pushes back on any of your ideas is automatically branded as disloyal. (Because for you “ loyalty” is defined as, “loving everything I say and do!”)

#3 – Every time someone begins to say something good about someone else you always have to be the person who says, “yes, but what you don’t know about them is…” and from that point tear them down under the disguise of being concerned about them.

#4 – You get jealous when someone on your team receives any sort of public affirmation but you are not mentioned at all. (Remember how Saul felt when it was said, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”)

#5 – You cannot celebrate what God is doing in other churches. (OR, you always critique instead of celebrating!)

#6 – You always believe someone on your staff is going to attempt a coup and try to take over your role as a leader. (This leads to suspicion and distrust, which will destroy ANY team.)

#7 – You dismiss what God is doing in another ministry because it does not line up exactly with where you are theologically.

#8 – You lead through intimidation, always threatening to “fire someone” if things “don’t shape up around here.”

#9 – You really do like the fact that people on your staff are afraid of you.

#10 – You feel the need to prove yourself in every meeting you are in by seizing every opportunity you have to speak, believing that everything in the meeting is not going to be its absolute best until you have had your say about it.

On some level, we all have tendencies to be insecure at times but I have found the best way to battle insecurity: be comfortable being yourself.

Seems simple but being you is the best way to crush insecurity. Being inauthentic produces insecurity and there result of it in it's broadest sweep is mistrust. If you're trying to be someone you're not, others will not trust you.

So enjoy your job, community and life by being secure by being yourself and watch this year be the best yet!

Thanks to Perry Noble for the 10 behaviors.

Life Lessons From Star Wars: The Force Awakens

December 22, 2015

I grew up with Star Wars.

Did I have a lightsaber made from a yardstick? Yes.

Did I go see the movies in the theater when I was young? Yes.

Did I have the action figures (action figures are not dolls, jerk. They are posable toys that I could play with. Wait, that sounds very doll-like...)? Yes.

I wouldn't say I'm a nerd (my wife would argue that point)....I would say I love great story. And any story that can bring together the generations, that's a story I'm proud of.

I did see the new Star Wars and loved it (saw it twice). I've been a fan of Director JJ Abrams since Alias, Lost, etc. He's sitting right next to me at my "Dinner for 5" party where I can invite anyone I want to pick their brain. (Don't worry, I have a Biblical Dinner for 5 for those of you who are upset I don't have Jesus or Moses.) JJ seemed to grab the right elements to pay homage to the past and invite a generation to enjoy this timeless story. With that said I saw some great moments in the movie that stuck with me (no massive spoilers but for those that would actually care about the spoilers you probably saw the movie already) and thought I'd share them with you:

7 Leadership Lessons From Star Wars: The Force Awakens:

1. Your Small Part Now Plays A Greater Part Later.

We see Lor San Tekka hand off a valuable piece of information to the X-Wing pilot Poe Dameron. This piece of information would lead the Resistance to a person who will be critical to their survival. The part you play is bigger than you think. No matter how small your act is, it chain-reacts to a bigger events. And you may not see the end result, yet it makes a difference.

“No matter how small your act is, it chain-reacts to a bigger events. And you may not see the end result, yet it makes a difference. ”

Do you ever feel like you can’t make a difference? That your decision is meaningless or too small? It’s not. What you’re doing right now is making a difference for someone else in the big picture. Just be obedient, do the right thing-no matter how small and it will make a difference even when you don’t see it.

2. Great Adventures In Life Begin With Yes.

When Finn finds Poe he had a choice. To stay in his situation that would only lead to despair and regret or say yes to the moment he was given. His "yes" to free Poe not only saved Poe but himself. That’s where her great adventure began. He took a chance and said yes to an opportunity.

Your faith journey is less frustrating when trying to manage all the “no’s” in your life. Why not simplify your life and say “yes” to what God is calling you to do. That yes kept Finn on track through his whole journey. When he wanted to give up or run, his determination to follow his initial “yes” lead him to a place of making a difference he never thought possible.

You will have an opportunity to say "yes" probably sooner than you think so be ready.

3. Don’t Be Intimidated By the Resistance

"The Resistance will not be intimated by you.” - Poe Dameron

The Resistance was a scrappy, low in numbers, and their morale was low because of the ground the First Order was taking. The First Order was powerful, armed, had plenty of followers and seemed to be advancing in every situation. Still the resistance held their ground. They knew what they were fighting for. They knew their enemy, their cause and their orders. They knew what was at stake and knew the cost was if they lost. They weren’t going to give into intimidation.

We will face resistance in our lives. People will challenge your leadership. People will resist your faith. People will try to stop your efforts-some knowing and some unknowing. You’ll face numerous opponents as you move in a direction. Some will follow. Some will not. In extreme cases, some friends will become enemies because of what you are standing for. You will face resistance but don’t be intimidated. Do what you know you must do.

4. Never Forget Where Home Is

"Chewy, we’re home." - Han Solo

Chewy and Han had been away from the Millenium Falcon for so long, they’d missed it. It was their home, after all.

You’ve got to know where your home is. Home may not be where you grew up but home is where you can be yourself, find belonging and get inspired. It’s where the relationships around you encourage you, believe in you and keep you on mission. Home is where you don’t have to be someone else but you can find peace in simply being who God made you to be and not only you but others around you celebrate that. It is where you not only become refreshed but inspired to keep moving, keep risking and keep dreaming. Find “home” and make this the center of your life. Find it and guard it. There’s nothing more valuable.

5. When Torn Always Do The Right Thing.

As the movie progresses, we begin to see that Kylo Ren is a divided man. He desires to belong to the dark side of the force. Still, he feels a pull to the light side. He’s torn. He’s confused. What feels good isn’t good. What’s wrong seems more powerful than what’s right. And Kylo Ren's choice for the dark side affected his entire trajectory of his life.

Leaders will be divided at times. You have to make decisions that are difficult and don’t always feel the best. You have to make a choice and we can “give in to the dark side” or we can choose the right thing to do in a situation.

As a leader or person of influence it is normal to feel pulled in multiple directions. Have the resolve to do the right thing at all times. Decide right now it’s not always going to feel good, be celebrated or understood. But be determined today to Choose the best course of action and take it not matter what.

6. You Can't Run From Your Calling.

“But our calling is not just about us…but it’s for those around us. What we do with your calling will affect others around us. ”

Rey found a lightsaber. This lightsaber once belonged to Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker. After touching it, she runs. She wants nothing to do with it. However, the lightsaber is calling to her and it’s her destiny. She can’t run from it.

Calling is a sacred and a scary thing. Especially when it goes against what we want. But our calling is not just about us…but it’s for those around us. What you do with your calling will affect others around us. Running from the voice that is calling us and saying no is saying no to opportunity to affect and even save others around us. Running from your destiny is running from affecting the destiny of others.

We can run from our calling. But our calling will eventually catch up to us one day so why not listen to it now and face your destiny?

7. You Don’t Need A Mask

"Take off that mask. You don’t need it.” - Han Solo

Han tells this to Kylo Ren yet it applies to each and every one of us.

We wear masks to protect ourselves. We feel masks keep us from pain, make us invincible and keep us from seeing who we truly are.

They don’t. They mask those things. We don’t need them. Masks keep us from seeing who we really are. We wear masks because we don’t like what we see. We don’t like what we’ve done. Take off the mask. Be authentic. Be free.

10 Questions to Ask Yourself To Better Yourself

December 17, 2015

As a young leader I’ve realized something:

The more questions I ask, the more insightful I will be. Without asking questions, it’s easy for a leader to get off-track. I will lose sight of the endgame. I begin to drift and wander. I will not reach my potential.

As you’re taking some downtime this holiday break, take a moment to ask yourself some questions and do a leadership inventory of your life.

So, what questions should a leader ask themselves? Here are 10 questions that every leader must ask themselves:

1. Why am I leading?

You’re leading for a reason. Or at least you started out leading with a reason. Odd’s are its tied back to that moment when you were gripped with “I just have to do something about this” and whatever that was tied to…is why you are leading.

Asking yourself “Why am I leading?” will help you put the focus back where it belongs.

2. Am I leading Biblically?

When we face leadership conflict or uncertainty, it's easy as a leader to reach for our leadership maxims on our bookshelf: "17 Laws of Awesomeness on How To Be More Awesome." When we’re not focused on our faith, we can begin to stray and lead in ways that are unbecoming of a Christian. As a leader, is the Bible the source of my leadership? Because if I’m truly a Christian, I go to proverbs and parables first…then I hit up my mentors and authors.

Ask yourself constantly “Does my leadership model the behavior of Christ?” If not, you know where you need to change.

3. Who am I leading?

Get to know who is on your team. Sure, you may know their names and faces but do you really know who they are? When was the last time you talked to them about something other than, work, business, goals, projects, etc?

Good leaders get to know their team well. They find out what they like to do and what motivates them.

4. Have I helped someone recently?

There’s a desire in all of us as leaders to grow people. Growing people is about recognizing where they are lacking and filling in the gap when you can. You have expertise that others are needing. You don’t know it but someone near you needs your leadership.

When is the last time you helped someone get from point A to point B? This should be one of your goals as a leader.

5. What am I willing to give up?

Simon Sinek talks a lot about the role of a leader in his poignant leadership book Leaders Eat Last. Within the book, you will see why leaders must be willing to give up their own desires for the betterment of the team.

Jesus mandate to his disciples was to "deny yourself, take up your cross and follow." If that expectation is from Jesus for his leaders...maybe it should be ours as well.

6. Where am I adding value?

We all have the potential to add value where we are at. Leaders collect inspiration, develop thoughts and retain information so that it can not only inspire us but inspire others. Leaders add value where they are at in their organization. Where are you contributing and are people resonating?

7. Are people actually following me?

There are many people who consider themselves leaders yet if they were to look behind them, they wouldn’t see any followers. For someone to lead, they’ve got to have people who are watching and following them. 1 Corinthians 11:1 is a Scripture I memorized a long time ago, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” Another way to word this question is, “Are you worth following?”

Ask yourself if there’s anyone who’s actually paying attention. You might be surprised by the answer.

8. Who am I following?

Not only must a leader have people following him, great leaders also follow others.

Make a list of people who you respect, authors you love, leaders you listen to, people who inspire you, family members you reach out to and people in your organization who have done it better or who have gone farther. Reach out to them this next year, build a team of people who you connect with regularly and watch your leadership grow this year.

9. What have I learned recently?

I’ve heard it said, "Not all readers are leaders but all leaders are readers."

While this saying is a generalization, it’s true that the majority of leaders are consistent learners. They’re searching for content that will help them improve their strengths.

Another list to make while you are relaxing this holiday break:

What blogs do you follow?

What podcasts do you listen to?

Do you have a reading list on deck to devour when you get down time?

Make a list and build a system to collect content so you can learn (use Evernote, subscribe to podcasts, carve out an hour a day to learn from others, etc).

Ask yourself “What have I consciously made an effort to learn recently and if I haven’t…why not?”

10. Who am I?

You may be at a point where you no longer know who you are. That’s a dangerous spot to be in. And it comes from not asking questions. I love taking tests that help me ask questions that give results of who I am. I have trusted relationships around me that I can ask what my strengths and weaknesses are.

Knowing who you are will give you the strength and confidence to lead through tough times. It will be a guiding light and keep you on the right path.

Never stop asking yourself ” Who am I?”

How To Stop Hating Your Job

December 8, 2015

Growing up it was my job to make sure the yard was mowed. And I had massive hay fever. I can even one-up that: according to my allergist, I’m allergic to grass. I hated that job. Eventually I got a job at our local meat market and I liked it. I never got the chance to put up one of those posters with the strips of paper at the ends that you rip off that read "Alan’s Lawn Care Service.” Needless to say, since I worked at the butcher shop, my poster with the strips of paper with “Alan’s Bologna Service” wasn’t a hit.

I wasn’t meant for lawn care. Neither are you.

Sometimes we view our careers this way. We work jobs that we are not passionate about. Not only that, we work careers that aren’t healthy either (family health, relational health, spiritual health, etc). We settle for “i’m just working here to get my paycheck so I can eventually do what I truly love.” I want to challenge that thought.

I’m convinced that our career and calling should not be separated…cannot be separated. Strong statement coming: Hating your current job is hating your current calling. You are called to work. God’s purpose for Adam was to work in the Garden. It’s in the Garden we find out what we are made to do:

"God blessed them and said, 'Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground. The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Genesis 1:28, 2:15

Mankind’s purpose is to “work and care” for the Garden of Eden. The original word meaning for Eden is “delight.” Your work is to lead you to grow and cultivate delight in your life. In other words, you were created to to do work that gives you amazing enjoyment, pleasure and deep satisfaction.

Sometimes however, we can view our purpose in God's design as a “hired lawncare service" when we are doing our jobs. Meaning, we don’t “own” our place in the Garden but simply “fill a spot to do a job” until we find our "real place" and then we take our jobs and our places seriously.

That’s not what God intended. God's intention is that whatever work we do, we are to be fulfilling our purpose caring and working for creation. Maybe that’s why hating your job could be one of the worst feelings you could experience. Maybe that’s why losing your job is so devastating. You were made for work, "delightful work” and anything short of that is falling short of God’s purpose for you and the calling for your life. A line from John Mark Comer’s book below says this:

““Work is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet. That’s what you’re looking for-the intersection between what you love and what your world needs.” ”

— John Mark Comer, from the book, Garden City

This doesn’t mean that your calling always has to be glamorous. We tend to elevate those with the loudest voices, the greatest talent and best looks. However for communities to thrive, God needs everyone to do their job which makes everyone's work valuable. We need those who care for the children, deliver the mail, make the hotel beds, cook the fast food burgers, grow the crops and collect the recycle bins just as valuable. Those who work in these industries, fields and careers are needed to work together to make a culture that we can thrive in.

“God’s intention is that whatever work we do, we are to be fulfilling our purpose caring and working for creation.”

This doesn’t mean you won’t have a "bad day" at work. We deal with a broken world and broken people. So our world, our job, will be difficult at times. However, it does mean that despite the kind of day you’re having, when you see that what you do as God's purpose for your life...what you were made to do will be meaningful, significant and bring you purpose and joy to your life. When you walk into your job, your business, your place work...your original design and purpose is to creatively partner with God and take the world somewhere significant.

You might be thinking, “I like what you’re saying but this doesn’t really apply to my part-time cashier job at American Eagle does it?”

Here’s the point: you are a co-laborer with God (1 Corinthians 3:9). That means you are not working FOR God but WITH God. That makes you a partner and partnership is critical. It makes you an owner of your workplace because it's not a position you took but a place you are called to be in. It makes you a lover of your co-workers because they are God's creation that you get to care for and grow. It makes you a steward of responsibility that God has given you to make your work environment a better place because you aren't made to punch a clock or earn a paycheck. You create systems, experiences and relationships that make others want to come back tomorrow. Why? Because they are seeing and experiencing Jesus.

They see you worshipping Jesus. The word "work" in Genesis 2 in the original Hebrew means “abad” which means…”worship.” You were made to worship. You are made to “create Eden” in your community. You working is you worshipping which means you are continuing what God intended from the beginning.

You’re challenge today: Stop being a lawn-care service and own your yard.

Why My Spiritual Life is Not A Chore

December 4, 2015

Quiet time, devotional time, prayer time, personal time—whatever you want to call it, most of us are referring to something similar: a regular time when we seek to meet with the Jesus, read his Word and worship Him, love Him and know Him better.

The more I am a Christian, the more it's less about rules and about relationship. As with anyone we want to get to know in a relationship, we need to actually spend time with that person in order to grow in that relationship. Saying "I love Heidi" (my wife) but never talking or spending time with her makes my love for her seem shallow and inauthentic.

"Read the Bible. Pray. Go to church." This can be a lifeless mantra after a while. However, your devotional life can and should be changed up.

As a follower of Jesus, your spiritual life is critical to your sustainability of faith. But truth be told: praying and reading the Bible is hard at times. After all, the disciples were asking that Jesus teach them how to pray and read the Bible (Luke 11:1-13). Our devotional lives don't have to frustrating, difficult or boring. Prayer doesn't have to be at the end of the day while trying to not fall asleep as you lay in bed from your busy hustle. Going to church doesn't have to be a "have to". Reading the Bible doesn't have to be quick clip from your 1 minute devotional as you are rushing out the door. If you're spiritual life is critical to your faith, then keeping your spiritual life fueled should be a priority.

Here are a few ways we can draw closer to God in different ways to keep going when your spiritual life is struggling:

CREATIVITY

If you’re a creative at heart, consider adding in an artistic element to your devotional time. Add a journal to your prayer life. I use "the blank page" in my journal as the "blank slate to my day." Before i start each day, I make it a point to add something to that blank page that is from God that He has shown me or spoken to me. Most of the time, that thought comes into play with me as I'm facing a personal challenge or as I'm encouraging others around me. Take creative time to write out or doodle your prayers, pen your scriptures on paper to memorize them and refer back to them, draw or design your application that you received from Scripture or a recent sermon. As you participate in the creative process, consider God’s creativity in the world and let your devotional life come alive. Your creative prayer time isn't an art exhibit...so relax. Simply let God inspire you with how He's made YOU. I've found that even "non-creative" people get creative by making a spreadsheet of Scripture verses as a "creative outlet" that fits their personality for them to collect Scriptures and get God's word in front of them.

Music and Film

If you’re musical, consider writing songs that focus on what you love about God. Put Scripture to song, or sing to Jesus about whatever comes out of your heart. God who sings over us (Zephaniah 3:17) has a song for you. So spend a few minutes in prayer, reading Scripture and listen with your heart. What is the lyric is for your life right now that God is singing over you? The worship song that stirs your heart lately is probably similar to the song God is singing over you now. My apple playlists have songs in them that are not "Christian" but they definitely inspire me to respond to God and others. I might have made "You're A Sky Full of Stars" a worship song in my car a few times (In my "Parallel Universe Church" Chris Martin is my worship leader...and he was amazing this past Sunday).

I also think films are modern-day parables and movie screens are our culture's stained glass windows. As you experience films, you will discover what themes or characters move your heart and stir you with emotion or passion. Odds are those feelings are tied to spiritual desires that God put in you when He made you. Those spiritual attributes will continue to affirm who God made you to be and to what you are supposed to do in life. So after you watch an amazing film that has moved you and stirred your heart, unpack those themes and talk about them with others. Not only should those movies encourage us but it gives us an opportunity to redeem culture. When you can show the character and nature of Jesus in the weekend box office, it not only encourages you to be culturally relevant but is an easy way to share Jesus with others around you.

Nature

If being outside makes your soul come alive, set aside intentional time to connect with God in the great outdoors. God created the earth and everything in it. Spending time outdoors is like spending time in the creative head and hands of God. The whole earth is full of God’s glory (Isaiah 6:3)—so go and encounter Him there. Sit by a river and meditate on Scripture. Go on a hike and let the beauty of the earth remind you of God’s beauty. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is to stop what you're doing and go take a walk.

Friends

There is a long and biblical history of God’s people gathering together to worship Him—and weekly church is a wonderful thing. What about spending “quiet time” together with a friend or two? You can pray for and with one another; you can read Scripture to and with one another; you can eat together and share a meal together. The early church was meeting together daily (Acts 2:42-47)...we can too. A good question to ask is, “What has God been speaking to you lately?” That question is can open up conversation between friends that will inspire you, challenge you and encourage you. Scripture says that receiving an encouraging word or powerful truth from a friend at the right time is like a “golden apple” (Proverbs 25:11) So head to your "friendship orchards" often and see what fruit is there. The more you make yourself vulnerable with others the more you can be encouraged, challenged and inspired by others. You might find out that you aren’t alone in what you are dealing with and you might learn from them what they have done so you can overcome and move forward. Not only that, but you will most likely reciprocate the encouragement to those across from you as well!

Books

Reading the Bible is always the primary source of truth as follower of Jesus. But why not supplement your Bible reading with books from spiritual leaders who are going farther, leading better or doing what you dream of doing? I’ve heard it said that reading a book is like spending 12 years with that author. That exact number may or may not be true but I know as I’m reading their books... I’m learning from their experiences. I may not get to enter their spiritual community or their living room but I can enter their spiritual lives when I choose to read books in my area of spiritual interest. Head to Amazon right now and make your holiday reading list of books and authors. Flip through and read some titles...and see which titles "jump off the page." Odds are that's God speaking to you. I have got 7 books on my desk that I’m hoping to get through in the next few months that are inspiring to me and my current season of life.

Consider mixing up your quiet times and seeing how He might surprise you with his goodness and presence in new ways.

20 Encouraging Scriptures for Young Leaders

November 27, 2015

20 Encouraging Bible Verses For Young Leaders

Leading is not always easy...and being young to leadership can sometimes have you feeling overwhelmed.

Whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed, I know I can turn to the Word of God for encouragement, guidance and hardcore leadership principles. I love that the Bible is not only a place for leaders but for young leaders.

So enjoy the holiday weekend and make some downtime for yourself and have a devo or two as you unpack some of these spiritual truths...

20 Verse for Young leaders:

1. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. – 1 Timothy 4:12

2. So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. – Matthew 7:12

3. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13

4. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your understanding but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:4-5

5. Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. – 1 Timothy 5:17

6. It is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant. – Matthew 20:26

7. And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary. – Galatians 6:9

8. Suddenly a prophet approached Ahab king of Israel, saying, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Have you seen all this great multitude? Behold, I will deliver it into your hand today, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’” So Ahab said, “By whom?” And he said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘By the young leaders of the provinces.’” Then he said, “Who will set the battle in order?” And he answered, “You.” Then he mustered the young leaders of the provinces, and there were two hundred and thirty-two; and after them he mustered all the people, all the children of Israel—seven thousand. – 1 Kings 20:13-15

9. When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, But when a wicked man rules, people groan. – Proverbs 29:2

10. Where there is no guidance the people fall, but in abundance of counselors there is victory. – Proverbs 11:14

11. For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have few spiritual fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good news to you... - 1 Corinthians 4:15

12. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. – Philippians 2:3

13. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:7

14. A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.- Proverbs 16:9

15. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. – Mark 10:45

16. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. – Matthew 6:21

17. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. – Hebrews 10:24

18. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. – Proverbs 18:21

19. Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. – Matthew 5:37

20. Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for“God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble. – 1 Peter 5:5

My Friend Struggles With Same Sex Attraction...How Do I Relate?

November 23, 2015

I have had the privilege of pastoring youth and young adults over the last 20+ years. With that comes the privilege of guiding them through their personal identity formation; young people discovering they are accepted by God as sons and daughters, even when they don’t feel like it; young people discovering that they are spiritual leaders and inspiring them to start up non-profits that are changing the world; young people discovering they can’t sing like Adele (“Hello, it’s me”… and I’m going to be honest about your “singing gift” because your friends and family around you obviously are not) ; young people discovering their role as a father and celebrating with them; young people discovering their calling; etc. Also…young people discovering that they are struggling with same sex attraction and are wondering how to navigate it.

Sexual identity if one of the most formative processes in a young person’s life. How they process their emotions, identify their feelings, construct their mindsets is a critical trajectory piece to who they become and where they go in life. Because of this, we as spiritual leaders, families, friends and lovers of Jesus must pay special attention to how we relate in these situations.

In your church, you most likely have someone in your community who is struggling with same-sex attraction or has a friend or family member who is trying to figure out how to navigate this complicated issue.

How do you respond if someone you know is struggling with same sex attraction?

Remove the “you vs them” separation

Someone who is struggling with same sex attraction tends to get labeled as a separate breed of human being. The fact is, God loves your friend or family member who is gay with the exact same love that God has for you. God doesn’t love you and your straight friends more. God doesn’t love you and your gay community less. We are all a creation of God with a purpose to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. I have many wonderful and celebrated Christian young people who love Jesus … and are gay. If someone you know is gay, they aren’t disqualified from worshipping Jesus, reading the Bible or being apart of your community. They are to be loved, encouraged and affirmed. As the gay people in our communities fall in love with Jesus more and more, God gives margin for us to have a conversation in the midst of a desire for holy living.

Don’t correct but connect

With seemingly good intentions, we tend to want to correct their decision by responding with Bible verses. News flash: Most gay people know what the Bible says about homosexuality. Our reaction tends to be emotional. Some of us get mad, “How could you be like this?” Some of us get scared, “Your eternity is in jeopardy.” Some of us get stupid, “God didn’t make Adam and Steve, but Adam and Eve” (please don’t ever quote that to anyone ever again, ever). This is your chance to be open, listen and affirm your relationship with your gay friend, family member, etc. They are being vulnerable with you for a reason, don’t make them regret it. They’re trusting you so be honored that they came to you to talk about this.

Know the difference between acceptance and approval

In life I will meet people that I may not approve of what they are doing (verbal abusers, people with bad parenting habits, those with anger management issues, etc.), but they are still accepted into my community and into my life. You may not approve of your gay friends choices, but continuing to accept them as a friend, a brother, a sister, a father or mother should be the right way to approach your loved ones who have come out. We tend to reject in different ways what we don't understand. That's why contextualizing not just their "coming out" confession, but the person, their family, their present, their past, etc. will help you to understand so you can love right where you are at.

Stop comparing sins

A common Christian cliché seems to be, “Hate the sin, but love the sinner.” Some well-meaning Christians may compare the gay lifestyle to murder, adultery, etc. Unfortunately, in that context, you have just endorsed that who they love and how they live in the gay community is equal to them loving and living like Hannibal Lecter. Not cool. A “lifestyle” encompasses who you love, who you live with, who your community is, what your identity is, what your future is, etc. Harsh comments and opinions towards the gay lifestyle run far deeper than a sin that one needs to be repentant of. The need for patience and a long-loving journey together is far more necessary today. Behavior modification doesn’t seem to be the answer… the loving embrace of a Jesus-centered community is the answer.

Their confession must not change your relationship

Your acceptance of an individual after their confession of their struggles to you is paramount. Affirming statements of, “I love you; God loves you; thank you for letting me in on this part of your life,” are so important for those who are struggling. Their confession must not change your relationship with them. You are called to love unconditionally because God’s love is unconditional. If your love for them changes, then your love is conditional and you should be checking yourself because you’re already wrecking yourself (that’s called an ‘ole school slap in the face). In John 4, Jesus accepted the woman and her sexual identity issues of needing sexual intimacy from men to find love and value. While everyone else rejected her, Jesus accepted her. Not only that, but He affirmed her and called her to be a worshipper of Spirit and of truth (John 4:24).

If this issue was easily black and white in the church, we wouldn’t be having continued conversations, debate and fallout because of it. We must choose to live in the context of Jesus’ words who came from heaven to dwell in the messiness of community and a broken world as found in the Gospel of John:

“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14”

When talking with others about same-sex issues we must share, love and live between: grace and truth. Truth speaks up in confrontation, in teaching, and in living out what we believe. Jesus lived out truth by setting the standard and living up to it. Truth at times is difficult, you can’t get it to change its mind, nor can you persuade it to be something other than what it is. The truth about others and our own strengths, weaknesses, successes, failures, opportunities, and limitations is the hardest. Truth can be painful when colliding with real-life but that’s why we need it.

Grace is relationship-oriented. It opens the door for forgiveness, for acceptance for love. It is what can soften the blows of the reality of truth. Grace equips us to live the way Christ lives. While you are living, realize that the wonderful grace that compels you to love others is not from you but from God…so it’s not you doing it out of your own strength but from God’s. Grace reminds us that we’re all in the same place coming from the same spot: we need help, we need love and we need forgiveness.

My goal is to see ALL of God’s creation worshipping and living out grace and truth beautifully. Even though this seems to be the most difficult topic facing the church today, God’s desire is for His people and His church to be heaven on earth…all of creation worshipping God together in unity and in perfect harmony, free of sin and distraction but healed and whole.

Some New Priorities You Should Consider Starting This Week...

November 16, 2015

I am a dreamer. I want to succeed at my career. I want to help as many people as I can. I want to be the best father. I want to be an amazing husband. I have a bucket list. I'm ambitious (I can get through a whole season of House of Card in a week).

My iPhone has a 1000's of songs. My TV has hundreds of channels. My job has many decisions I have to make on a daily basis. My family has a lot of spontaneous dance parties and someone has to make the "ultimate playlist" ("Drake Making a Pizza" is my latest).

A "chosen generation" must master the art of "choosing God" in the midst of living in a culture where the choice to do so much (stream an album, download a podcast, FaceTime a friend, answer a text, like an instagram, etc) is constantly bombarding #thenewyoungchristian. What you chose to do each day determines what you prioritize each day.

Some critical priorities to start this week for young followers of Jesus:

Learn contentment in everything.

There is always a draw towards bigger and better. The challenge will be being content with who God made you to be and where God has placed you (Philippians 4:12-13). Comparison kills contentment. Plain and simple. So stop comparing yourself, your calling and your successes to everyone else. The reality is your one "yes" to God means that everyone else was a no accept you... God chose you. That makes your life trajectory different than your bro down the street, different than the church down the coast, different than the leader across the ocean, etc. Your obedience will look different than everyone else but the blessing is guaranteed. If you're going to compare yourself to another person...then compare yourself to Jesus. Obedience is the "spiritual force" that makes you into His likeness.

“Your obedience will look different than everyone else but the blessing is guaranteed.”

Move past your disappointment.

You have probably figured out that once you accept Christ, your life doesn't magically get easier. In fact, you're not alone in seeing that life seems to get more difficult and messier. You will have setbacks in life as a Christian. People will disappoint you. As a leader and influencer, you will have critics that will show up in your life. It will be easy at times to isolate yourself, wall yourself up, shut down or give up on your faith. Not only that, you won't understand "why God is allowing this" throughout your life. A thriving spiritual life is not found in isolation. You are not defined but what they have done to you but what Jesus has done for you.

I can guarantee this: you won't fully understand the big picture...but rest assured there is one. There is a greater vision at work that you can't see That's why you have to write that vision down, simplify it and run hard and fast with it (Habakkuk 2:2). Keep the vision of your calling from God in mind and push forward, regardless of the obstacles which come your way.

“A thriving spiritual life is not found in isolation. You are not defined but what they have done to you but what Jesus has done for you. ”

Seek wisdom first.

If you haven't read proverbs in a while read it. The wisest man who ever lived talks about how wisdom is the priority of his pursuit. Even the the Psalms say "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 1:7, 9:10; Psalms 111:10). Wisdom isn't just reading the Bible. It is memorizing Scriptures. Scriptures that aren't used as "Biblical Bumper Stickers" you slap on a situation but when the Word of God becomes embedded into who you are, into your relationship, your situations and your life. Wisdom is pursuing relationships in your life who have gone farther, built bigger or lived longer. Wisdom is not being right in every situation but doing right thing in every situation. Blessed are the peacemakers...so pursue peace and be the wisest in your organization.

Be faithful...starting now.

The "next" will always call out for you. Especially if you are talented, gifted or have a platform that gets recognition. In our culture we have a tendency to overvalue "15 minutes of fame" and undervalue faithfulness. We curate 140 characters on twitter but don't cultivate character in our relationships. Faithfulness is an attritbute of God. Faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit. Opportunities are everywhere. Success is valued but can be misleading. Succeeding at the wrong thing could be your biggest failure. That's why it's important to steward your "now" well because it is training and shaping for your "next." Don't take shortcuts. Shortcuts "cut short" the work of God on your life. Grow where you're planted. Become grounded and develop a root system. I was out to dinner with a great friend this weekend and we were talking about the unseen parts of our lives are so critical and rarely celebrated. We don't celebrate the prayer lives of others, we don't instagram our "dad diaper changes" so mom can take a few minutes breather, we don't periscope our devo lives consistently to show the world we know how to seek God, etc. What's underground isn't as celebrated as what's on our platform. The reality is roots precede fruits. To bear great fruits you need great roots. Stay grounded and focused and watch God bring your future to life.

“The reality is roots precede fruits. To bear great fruits you need great roots. ”

Ground your theology in Jesus.

There are many out there who will be happy to shape your theology for you. There is a lot of spiritual content on the internet (how did that "blood moon" turn out for you?). I’m not suggesting you stop growing in knowledge — in the “deeper” things of God. You should always be growing. I am suggesting you never get beyond the simple child-like, overwhelming awe of who Jesus is and how He loves you and what He did for you on the cross. Center your beliefs firmly and completely around the person of Jesus Christ. Discipline your life to do as Jesus would do. Invite others to follow you as you follow Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). Let the grace, truth, love and hope of Jesus guide you in all you do and your life will have a beautiful simplicity to it.

Invest in someone else.

Making disciples is the mission of Jesus He gave. There is a relational difference between teaching a crowd on the weekend, having a Bible study in a community group and spending quality time with a few people. Jesus model of living involved crowds, community and core. Jesus thought being devoted to a few was time well spent to make a global impact that would last generations. Who are you spending time with? Who are you mentoring? Not only that....but who is mentoring you? It's not only beneficial for them but you will have a group of people who you can count on to pray for you, encourage you and inspire you. Also...be teachable. Fatherlessness surrounds so many of us. Not just paternal but spiritual fatherlessness. Could the reason we lack "spiritual fathers" is we don't know how to be teachable sons and daughters...so we live as orphans making same mistakes over and over again. Resulting in lessons not learned and a generation of broken people trying to find health but never truly finding it. Invest in others but also allow others to invest in you.

“Could the reason we lack ‘spiritual fathers’ is we don’t know how to be teachable sons and daughters...so we live as orphans making the same mistakes over and over again.”

Are their any priorities I'm missing?

Ten Good Questions Leaders Ask Themselves

November 7, 2015

Ten good questions leaders ask themselves:

1. What’s it like to be on the other side of me? Are others around me flourishing?

2. How can I improve?

3. Who currently has permission to call me out and say the hard things to me that I need to hear?

4. How do I respond in moments of crisis? Do I chew people out when something is not done right?

5. Am I truly self aware? Where/what are my blind spots in my leadership? Am I a secure confident leader?

6. Do I talk more than I listen?

7. What do I need to learn from my most recent failures?

8. How do I lead people way different than me?

9. Am I comfortable surrounding myself with people who are better at their jobs than I am?

10. Who else should I be learning from? Who is currently coaching or mentoring me?

Thanks to Brad Lomenick for the repost.

How To Avoid Stalling Out On the Way To Your Future

November 3, 2015

I love Back To the Future. To be able to hop in a Delorian and check out my future self would be amazing. How my future-self looks depends on what I do now. Life has a way of throwing difficulties your way on your journey. Your future deserves to be celebrated. So how do we avoid stalling out on the way to your future? Check out these suggestions:

Don’t live in the valley of indecision

Indecision plagues too many people. To decide not to decide is still a decision. This avoids living a life with regrets because you "wish you could have done something."

Make the best decision you can with the information you have, then pursue it with everything you’ve got from a posture of humility.

Relentlessly pursue self-awareness or in other words "read the room"

Self-aware people make the best leaders and are easy people to hang out with in life. Probably most of your favorite people in life are the people who are self-aware.

But self-awareness doesn’t come naturally. Selfishness makes me naturally blind to what is happening around me. So "read the room" and if you can't then find someone who can.

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Deal with your issues now

It’s easy to blame others for what’s happened to your life. And unfortunately the common factor to the issues in your life is going to be you. So deal with you. You have issues. Everyone does.

Give people permission to call out your "stuff." Go have some serious conversations with those that you trust. Do what it takes to deal with your junk. You'll hi-five your future self!

Build a team around you to make you better.

Find the people around you who are modeling where you want to go. Find people who have gone before you and have walked through your life stage to coach you through it. Find someone who is similar in strengths and personality with you and ask them how they have dealt with the personality traits that can sabotage.

I’ve spent a lot of time trying to intentionally pursue friendships and relationships with people who are smarter, more skilled and simply ‘better’ than me. To become a better person and leader, spend time with people who are better than you

Be known as a person of faithfulness

Being committed to something that goes beyond just your emotions is a challenge for a young person. Maybe that’s why aithfulness seems rare. Not just in marriage, but also in life.

Culture teaches us to dispose of anything or anyone we don’t like. So do the opposite. Learn how to be dependable, consistent and loyal, holding to what you know is right even when you feel like it.

Choose a tribe of friends and be devoted to them

Friendship circles change when you leave school, get married and even change jobs. In the midst of all that change, find a few friends and stick with them for life.

Most people can only handle 5 really close relationships in their life. Choose those 5 well and build into those relationships deeply.

Let your weaknesses be your weaknesses and call it a day

We try to improve our weaknesses to be good at everything. You’ll never be great at everything. So instead of trying to improve your weaknesses...manage them don't ignore them. Instead focus improving your strengths.

Pour increasing amounts of energy into your strengths

Once you realize you’re only great at a few things, you’re free to become even greater at them. Take Strengthsfinders test. Take personality tests. Take time to talk to those who know you best and interview those closest to you to take an inventory of what they think you do best.

Pour your time, energy and resources into what you do well. That’s the difference between being good at something and being best at something.

Map out the "high roads in life" and take them often

The high road is the hard road. But it’s the best road. People will try to pull you off the high road again and again. But if you choose to take it often you can look back and see the view of your life that you can be proud of.

Make your character a priority

Character sustains what God is building around you. Your skills, talents and personality will take you only as far as your character can sustain you. Choose to do the right thing no matter what...you won't regret it.

Push through the dry seasons

Trust me when I say you will have times when your relationships, career and spiritual life will seem flat. Remember why you are there and don't forget it. That's why God says to pray about everything. Because then your yes to these decisions in your life have meaning even when you don't feel like it does.

Your emotions eventually catch up with your obedience. So be obedient.

Discover what refuels you and fuel up often

Some things give you energy in life, some things drain you. Figure out what refuels you. Most likely it's not going to be what you think. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is watch a movie, go to a sporting event, hit up a new restaurant with friends, take a nap, etc. What ever fills your tank... do more of it.

Book appointments with God and don’t break them

Your calendar will naturally fill up with urgent things other people believe are important. And you will watch a decade or more pass by without doing anything really significant. Anything done without God isn’t fruitful.

I put appointments in my calendar that I don’t move so I keep that time with God and I don’t break them. I use that time to seek God, pray, have my blank journal page and write down the vision, plans and purposes God has for me. Then when someone asks you if you’re busy, you can truthfully say “I’d love to help, but I have a commitment with someone and I just can’t break it.”

Forgive again and again and again....

Forgive and trust again. Don’t let what someone else did sabotage your future. Let’ your future thrive because you chose to forgive, and move on. The second you stop trusting people you start living a life of isolation. And a life of isolation is a life without impact. Not to mention…you’ll be awfully lonely.

Why You Need Discipleship More Than Mentorship

October 26, 2015

In a world of lifecoaches, web-seminars and podcasts to almost anyone, it seems as though there is accessablitity to almost everyone around every corner. In my pocket, not only do I have Hillsong worship, Ed Sheeran, Phil Whickam, Calvin Harris and Pitch Perfect Soundtrack (for my daughter, ok, don’t judge me but that “Cups” song though…) but I also have hundreds of leaders in my pocket on my ipod that I can listen to for talks on leadership, wisdom and spiritual growth. As convenient as it is to have some of the best models of brilliance and innovation a simple screen touch away, it seems as though it may be short-circuiting our need for quality, one-on-one relationships.

The world craves mentorship but our cravings as Chrsitians are different…we crave discipleship. Mentorship has it’s influence from Buddhism to Hinduism to many other world religions. Our culture understands and practices mentorship but is unfamiliar to discipleship. Not only does our culture not understand discipleship, it needs discipleship. In a culture where friendships and communication can be said to be cheap and shallow, one of the best ways Christianity can really be unique and show it's potency is when we pursue and live out discipleship. The challenge: What if we stopped seeking mentorship and started seeking discipleship?

Mentorship is gaining experience but discipleship is learning obedience. The wisdom we gain from the experiences of others is valuable. No question. But discipleship is that and much more. Discipleship is unique to Christianity because it moves the mentee beyond experience into a deeper level of relationship. To really understand the meaning of discipleship, we have to understand the ancient Jewish way of education. For the Jews, education was one of their highest values. It was the way that they passed on their faith to the next generation. The Jewish community often expressed this blessing : “Always be covered in the dust of the rabbi and drink in his words as though you are very thirsty.” His prayer was that a disciple would walk so closely with his rabbi that the very dust from the rabbi’s feet would cover him. A sacred cloud that would be a mark of spiritual success.

I live in the desert. I understand dust. My family and I went on a hike recently to climb San Tan Mountain over school break. When we reached the top, my boy who was behind me was following me in a cloud of dust that we carried back down the mountain to one of our favorite Mexican Restaurants. When we walked in the door to sit down, what did Heidi say to my children as most moms do, “Go wash off the sacred dust of your father, young ones. For your journey today was sacred and most valuable to your destiny.”

I wish Heidi would have said that.

She didn’t.

She actually said, “You’re dirty and disgusting from your hike. Clean hands please. Go to the restroom. Now...or no chips and salsa.”

You were made to follow someone. A profound theological thought is this: when God sent His Son into the world, He came as a first-century Galilean rabbi. Not a ruler, politician or businessman but a teacher {Mark 9:5; John 1:38; 20:16}. The Teacher/student relationship was critical for Kingdom advancement. It's said Jesus spent over 80% of his time in his ministry with the 12 disciples. It was not just a University style lecturer-listener dynamic or a transmission of information, but there was something more powerful going on. A discipleship relationship is a rich, transformative and extremely vital to the new young believer to have in their life. This is how we are wired to grow.

Who I follow in life is more critical to my future than what I do in life. That’s why I encourage young believers to abandon the desire to "chase a career" and "chase a calling" instead. That’s when you get the taste of dust in your mouth. Because the callings of God have a cloud of dust attatched to it of those who have gone on ahead of you to prepare the way for you. These people are attatched to your calling that function beyond just information but thrives by impartation.

Some brief inventory questions to ask yourself:

Who am I following right now?

Who is following me right now?

Where am I going and how am I getting there?

Who is modeling where I want to be spiritually in 10 years?

Who has permission to speak truthfully into my life?

Who is up close enough to see my flaws and imperfections?

Here are 7 Scriptures to get you motivated as a New Young Christian to seek out Discipleship:

The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 2 Timothy 2:2

Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us. 1 Thessalonians 2:8

The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19-20

He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:20

Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. Hebrews 13:7

How To Get Your Confidence Back

October 19, 2015

Everyone reading this post is guaranteed to have one thing in common with everyone else: we all have experienced moments we have lost our confidence. That moment when we felt like we weren't going to succeed. That moment when we thought that "someone else should be doing this...not me." That moment when we suddenly realize that "I don't believe in myself...I can't do this." Some of these moments are fewer and farther in between than others but every leader has or will experience moments in their lives where they don't trust themselves in a moment. Confidence lost. the bigest lives often will have the most difficult tasks and face the biggest fears which is why we need confidence. The New Young Christian can lose confidence at times so how can we get it back and get it back quickly?

How To Get Your Confidence Back?

Talk to the right person.

Let's define confidence for a moment by defining what it is not. Confidence is not arrogance. There is a difference. Arrogance is an overbearing pride and extreme self-importance. Confidence is a trustworthy reliance and belief in someone. The word "confidence" has a word embedded in it that is critical to being confident. It's the word, "confide." True biblical confidence is found when we place our trust, reliability and confide in Christ. When we intentionally put yourselves in the presence of Christ, when we are vulnerable with our fears and insecurities, when we place our trust back into his hands and take it out of our hands...that's when confidence comes back in full force. Practically speaking, the more you are in God's presence, reading God's word and speaking regularly to God, letting God fill you, letting God inspire you...the more confident you will be.

True biblical confidence is found when we place our trust, reliability and confide in Christ.

Stop playing the comparison game.

I think we lack confidence when we see someone else doing it better, bigger and stronger. The biggest killer of confidence is comparison. So our response is, "I'm just going to be myself and they can take it or leave it." Although a brave statement, confidence isn't found in just securing yourself in your personality. Knowing who you are is the result of confidence but not the starting place of true Biblical confidence. Confidence is being secure in God's will which is both "who you are" and "what you do." God's will is about you first "becoming" the right person then "doing" the task second. Who you are will always precede what you do. When you stop comparing yourself to others and cease striving to have someone else's calling but be yourself according to how God made you and love what God is wanting you to do with your life, your confidence will conquer. Some of the most confident moments you'll experience in your life is when you are most secure in Christ's definition of who you are and what He's called you to do.

When you stop comparing yourself to others and cease striving to have someone else's calling but be yourself according to how God made you and love what God is wanting you to do with your life, your confidence will conquer.

Trust God and not yourself.

The root of confidence is going to be where you put your trust? Pride says, "I got this." Confidence says, "God's got this." Biblical confidence is rooted in obedience to what GOD is calling you to do. Pride is rooted in arrogance to what YOU are wanting to do. The Bible asks a question of "why so down and lacking confidence, put your trust in God" (Psalm 42:5). WHO you put your trust in determines HOW you progress forward. Whether you realize it or not, God trusts you more than you trust yourself. You are called to do great things. That's not a leadership cliche but a truth from Jesus who reminded us, "Greater things you will do because I go to the Father" (John 14:12). I think that's why I love James and John arguing over who is greatest in the Kingdom (Luke 9:46). Basically "who is more awesome...me or you?" was the argument Christ had to settle. Notice Jesus didn't shut them down for their confidence but simply asked them if they had what it takes to do the big thing God called them to do. Spending time with Christ on a regular basis allows Him to bring the greatness in you to the surface for you to discover but it also He brings the confidence to do what God is calling you to do.

Biblical confidence is rooted in obedience to what God is calling you to do. Pride is rooted in arrogance to what you are wanting to do.

Stop letting the opinions of others chip away your confidence.

Don't let other people's opinions chip away at your confidence. They may not sabotage your confidence but it will chip away at it. The young leader has to do their best to not be ruled by what other people think but instead be ruled by what God thinks. You'll get opinion from everyhewere. If you live only by other people's opinions you won't be confident. The reality is a 100 opinions of others on how great you are to "build your confidence" doesn't compare to the weight of only God's opinion on who you are. The messages of others about you is no match for the mind of Christ in you. That mind comes from confiding in God, trusting in God with your calling and your future. The danger is once something is chipped away at it enough, it has potential to be discarded. But God says this, "Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised (Hebrews 10:35-36).

The reality is a 100 opinions of others on how great you are to "build your confidence" doesn't compare to the weight of only God's opinion on who you are. The messages of others about you is no match for the mind of Christ in you.

How can you build confidence back into your own life today?

12 Trends Emerging In Young Leadership You Have to Know About

October 15, 2015

The landscape of leadership culture is always changing...especially when it comes to young leadership.

Here are some key trends happening in #TheNewYoungChristian Leadership today:

1. Authenticity rules- Transparency, vulnerability, honesty and full disclosure are in.

2. The rise of the Free Agent and the "Gig" economy- it's now a "free agent" nation. Around 35% of the current workforce is self employed or project based, and that is only going to grow.

3. Connection of identity, calling, vocation and assignment- Leaders want to connect purpose with passion, and are not willing to stay in a role or organization just "because" anymore.

4. Digital and Social Media Power and domination- Social media is now one of the most important parts of a leaders influence.

5. The rise of the tribe and network- Community is crucial, and relationships win. There is tremendous power in the people you're on the journey with. The tribe rules and leads.

6. Reverse mentoring- younger is now mentoring the older as it relates to technology, open source, social media and digital engagement.

7. Content is a commodity- Move towards free in all areas. Which puts a premium on the experience.

8. Decline of hierarchy- organizations are becoming flatter, which puts more accountability in the hands of each employee.

9. Succession happening at every level- Transitions are crucial, and as the boomers continue to hand off the reigns to Gen X and Y, healthy succession is crucial.

10. Mobile team- people want to, and are, working from anywhere and everywhere. Which again puts more accountability on the results, and less on "office hours."

11. Influence is everywhere- everyone has influence, because creating influence has never been so readily available to anyone at anytime.

12. Collaboration is in- Open source and generosity are key currencies in making things happen and getting things done.

Any trends you are seeing or that are missing here?

Special Thanks to Brad Lominick for this repost.

5 Must-Do Disciplines In Your 20's

October 13, 2015

If I were in my 20’s again, there would be some practices and disciplines that I would build into my everyday life as The New Young Christian. I would execute these disciplines regularly that it would become natural for me decades later.

Here are 5 disciplines The New Young Christian should start in their 20's:

1. Journaling. When I became a Christian at 22 years old, I didn't want to forget what God was telling me. So I bought a notebook and began to write Scriptures down. From there, I also began to write short prayer phrases down. From there, it has become a discipline where I don't go anywhere without my prayer journal. Let me tell you what this was not: A "Dear Jesus Diary" where I share my heart secrets and talk about what I want in my future spouse. Nope. Although that's not wrong by any means, for a dude in his 20's like me at the time, that was not what I was aiming for. For me, this was and has become, a daily practice where I simply have a blank page in front of me and I ask God to "speak to me." I write down verses that stand out to me, I write down impressions that I believe God is speaking to my heart, worship song lyrics that "I can't shake" that I believe is the song of God to my season, etc. Impressions in prayer that seem to come to mind that I keep praying. God commands us to write what we see and hear and run forward with it (Habakuk 2:2). I have realized journaling what I see and hear in devotions, sermons, conferences, etc, are "vision reveals" where God pulls back the curtain of his plan to reveal to me who I am, what I'm doing and where I'm going. I have also developed a part of this habit that I say, "speak Lord" and whatever I perceive God speaking to my heart, I write it down. This has allowed me to develop a listening ear to hear God's voice regularly and most importantly recognize that voice so when I'm out with others (leading, loving, speaking, encouraging, etc) I recognize God's counsel when it comes (John 10:27). Because of this habit that I started at 22 I now have a collection of journals that I will give to my son and daughter as part of my spiritual legacy. My children will have years of journals to see what God spoke to their father not only about me, but our family and about them!

2. "Tribing." This is my own word that I use to define and rally those relationships that are meaningful to me, that champion my current season and that dream with me for my future. Seth Godin, from his book Tribes, says this about these relationships, "A tribe is a group of people connected to one another, connected to a leader and connected to an idea.... A group needs only two things to be a tribe: a shared interest and a way to communicate." I break my tribes down into some of the following categories: Inner Circle (those who I am most real with), Mentors (mature relationships who have permission to speak into my life), Models (who is doing what I am doing ahead of me and doing it well), Timothys (those who I can speak into, encourage and inspire who will outlast me), The Prayer Circle (those relationships that I can share prayer needs with who I know pray and hear from God), to name a few. Friendships often start early. And take work. In my 20's, my relationships seem to have deeper meaning and importance to me. I need people who can speak into my life who know me well. So make sure to surrounded yourself with the right friends. Let those in your tribe be from all walks of life. They may or may not be the people from your 20’s, but be on the lookout for relationships that have potential to inspire you and for you to inspire.

3. Giving. You can never be too early to start giving. What are those areas of your life that move you to tears, move your heart and go make a difference in your family, community and world? I have always been drawn to ministries and causes that help those who are orphaned or alone. Now my family and I have developed and give weekly to our "Cause Cooperative." Our family Cause Co-Op funds our personal causes and charities that have an intentionality in developing the heart of the fatherless, orphan and the abandoned. This includes child sponsorship, monthly cause support and even a generosity fund that we can give from if we encounter someone with a need. Not only does this allow is to diversify our generosity but the singular cause focus is leaving a memorable legacy for my family that we can look back on that my children will always remember. I have realized generosity is one of the most rewarding parts of my life. To own and champion a cause that is close to you and your family's heart will establish a legacy of generosity that starts with you that will outlast you. Let your Cause Co-Op become a staple in your friendships and family. I highly recommend starting this discipline early before the world and all its demands attempts to take the ability from you.

4. "IDing." Specifically here I’m referring to understanding your identity by who God designed you to be and living out this identity in the world. Mark Batterson, mentor and friend to me, has always said to me, "No one can worship God like you or for you." That means that when you are truly yourself in the Kingdom, that's when the Kingdom of God is being the most complete and most recognizable as Jesus. There are many versions of me: the ME others want me to be, the ME I want to be, the ME I don't want to be, etc. But there is a version of ME that God wants me to be and that's what I'm desiring to become. This me is not mass-produced like a greeting card in a Target with multiple cards exactly like it, each behind one another at every target in the nation. No...I'm not a mass-produced creation but a masterpiece creation. Unique, one-of-a-kind, valuable and ready to be shown off to the world (Ephesians 2:10). Because I live in Arizona, what it takes to grow a cactus would kill a Marigold. This is why comparing yourself to others is never healthy. What you need to make you grow into who God wants you to become is going to be different than what it's going to take others. Discover your gifts and talents. Take spiritual gifts tests and see what hits the top of the list and also be aware at what's at the bottom. Take the Strengthfinders test to highlight what makes you flourish. And always remember, all of this means nothing unless you start with your identity as a "son of God" or "daughter of God" first. Start there and see what God will reveal to you about your gifts, talents, calling and place in God's Kingdom. This discipline of identifying who I am regularly will cause me to be more secure the older I get and the result is a greater confidence to do what God wants me to do. When you discover who God wants you to be you won't want to be anyone else.

5. Honoring. This discipline is honoring others is rare. It seems one of the biggest battles the next generation has to fight against, is the feeling of being entitled. Now, I think it's easy to make sweeping statements like, 'this generation is entitled' and point the finger at others and not really understand the deep rooted issues. Entitlement is the belief that I am exempt from responsibility an I am owes special treatment. I think the best way to battle feeling entitled is to honor others. Honor says I am going to take responsibility and esteem , give respect and special credit to the other person with distinct worth. Find those around you who have wisdom, accomplishment and leadership and recognize what they have done with sincere gratitude. Most of the time these individuals will be older and have some expression of authority so not only submit to them but pray for them. Hebrews 13:17 says this about honoring those around you, especially those in spiritual authority, "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. In life, there will always be those who will have authority over you and experience beyond you. Don't be jealous of their position or place but celebrate them. When you’re young you can be guilty of thinking you know more than you really know. The older you get, the more you realize how much you don’t know. There is always something to be learned from another person’s experience you don’t have. The experiences and wisdom from others you collect over the years from honoring others will add value, inspire you and make you wiser.

Any you would add to my list?

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How I Have Never Come Close To Burnout

October 5, 2015

The idea of resting could be a lost art.

Netflix binging is not. You've watched one episode and then another. You are feeling good. You're brain is finally shutting down. And then Netflix asks you that deep, dark question: "Play next episode?" That episode is going to automatically start playing and you've only got about 15 seconds to decide what you are going to do with the rest of your life. Your choice: Stop watching Netflix and go become a world changer or watch one more episode. Too late...it's already started.

Rest comes in many forms but the best kind of rest is one that rejuvenates the body, soul and spirit. It rekindles a fire in you again. A Sabbath is unique because it's a God initiated and God-inspired rest that replenishes holistically.

The idea of a Sabbath is an idea that seems so old-school. "Remember the Sabbath day and keep it Holy." That is a commandment...in case you forgot. But it feels like a command that would work if we lived in 1803 where our lives consisted of feeding livestock, growing beans, going to blacksmith school or making bread in a stone oven all day.

I don't think resting has to be so complicated and so difficult to find. Could resting at the right times be the best leadership advice we could ever listen to?

Take a different approach to Sabbath:

+ Take 30-60 minute Sabbath in the morning to be committed to reading God's Word and having a time of prayer. It fuels you for the day and it gives you an opportunity to invite God into your meetings and plans before they even start. I always chose to "eat Scripture" before I eat my breakfast. A simple discipline that keeps me on track and committed.

+ Take a 1/2 day Sabbath each week to shut off your phone and email and take a Sabbath for about 2-3 hours in your week. When I worked in Washington DC, I would take Wednesday mornings, from 9-12 and I would simply lay out my next few weeks and months before God. I would look at it and pray through it. I would keep my journal page open and would jot down ideas God would put in mind, Scriptures, faces of those who I felt I needed to reach out to, etc. I would take that time to dream and pray into the plans and projects I was working on. It was simply God leading the agenda and i simply prayed, listened and wrote down what I thought God was speaking. Some great blueprints for my ministry came from those days. Probably one of the most effective disciplines of my career.

+ Take your Sabbath Day and keep it holy by giving a day to God. On this day, give Godly relationships priority, spend quality time and seek God together as a family, laugh, eat a great meal together, watch a movie, be outside...and simply do stuff that recharges you and energizes you. Because relationships energize me specifically, I always build into my Sabbath days conversations with those who inspire me, encourage me and build me up. If you're the opposite, build into your day downtime for just you and let those around you know this is how you recharge.

+ Take a monthly Sabbath Day once a month to consecrate your family, career and future to God. Use this time to evaluate, think critically, make plans and be intentional. Pray over your family and think critically about your families trajectory: financial goals, marriage tune-ups, etc. Use this time to lay difficult relationships before God and ask if there are any planks in your own eye. Pray into the future plans so you can see and hear what God's heart is for you for your future. Take time to pray for others and ask God who needs you to encourage them or pray for them. It's here that I got retreat ideas, family values implemented, mentorship relationships established, etc.

+ Take a yearly Sabbath retreat. This doesn't have to be a big production. For me, this is a "staycation" style. I will do this every year in January. I will take a few days to fast, walk the local parks, hit some of my favorite places that refresh me, prayer walk, hit up a another church and use their sanctuary and simply let God speak to me. If you're feeling more ambitious, then simply go camping, get a cabin or book a hotel room so you can spend a few days away and grab a hold of God's plans and purposes for you.

And the result: I've never experienced burnout. The fire God put in my heart to give my all for Him stays lit and fueled (Leviticus 6:12-13).

Burnout is not simply a result of working a lot of hours.

Burnout happens when you aren't in control of how you live out your life, when you lack relational encouragement and when you don't tailor your responsibilities to connect with your calling.

These Sabbaths won't just magically happen. You have to get out your phone and start right now by adding them into your calendar and guarding that time. You have to let your family know. If it's necessary and appropriate, let your superiors know as well and watch your spiritual life get reignited.

How do you stay refreshed and rested...share in the comment thread below.

Why Netflix binge when you can... "Sabbath Binge."

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The Most Powerful Leadership Attribute

September 23, 2015

When it comes to leadership, it seems the attributes that are unseen are the most powerful in the long run of a leaders legacy: honesty, integrity, etc. The potency of these underground vitals cannot be ignored but must continue to be cultivated, nurtured and grown in us as leaders. There is one attribute that seems to be one of leadership's best and possibly the most powerful. As a matter of fact, once you master it, it promises promotion, power and elevation. {James 4:10/Matthew 23:12}

You're not that big of deal even though others might say you are.

I read recently a story about Roman Generals. The leadership of these men would be honored with a triumph, a procession of honor, through the city celebrating that general's successful conquests. While the people are recognizing the strength of the general, a slave would hold a laurel wreath above the head of the general while speaking this in his hear during the entire procession, "Hominem Te Memento" which means "Remember you're only a man...." Basically, that slave is commissioned to tell him continuously "you're not that big of a deal even though others say you are." As leaders we need the voice of humility to keep us grounded, modest, courteous and respectful reminding us of who we are.

I draw less attention to myself when I am more comfortable with myself.

As a leader, humility is not denying your strengths but embracing your weaknesses. I'm not saying improve your weakness so they aren't weaknesses anymore. We have to manage our weaknesses and improve our strengths. Humility realizes there are great parts about you along with your flaws. The more honest I am about my strengths and weaknesses the more humble I will become. Humility is not thinking less of me but thinking more about God. Giving God credit to my successes and owning my own failures. It's connecting all my blessings back to God and celebrating others success. The more comfortable I am with being me the more I don't need others to approve me. I draw less attention to myself when I am more comfortable with myself.

You can compare yourself to others success or you can contribute to others success.

Humble leaders want others to shine. They genuinely get excited about the growth of other organizations and the influence of others. You can compare yourself to others success or you can contribute to their success. Gut check: If a successful leader fails, are you broken over their loss or thinking "I knew they didn't have what it takes"? If an organization crumbles, do you think "I knew it wouldn't last" or do you pray for the people involved? If a successful leader becomes more influential, do you say, "their success is all about them" or do you say, "God use them to make a difference"?

I think a good starting place for humility to grow in you is to consider others better than yourself {Philippians 2:3-5}. Humble leaders want others to shine and they do this by:

Fostering collaboration. Humble leaders realize that they can't do it themselves. They realize they can get new creativity, more traction and better ideas when they bring others to the table. They see the gifts and talents of others and aren't threatened by their ideas or talents. Humble leaders find ways to elevate those around them to become better. If someone has spent time with you, are they better human beings, feel inspired and a more refined follower of Christ?

Building trust. It means your are humble enough to be authentic and comfortable in your own skin and that genuineness translates to others opening up to you, becoming vulnerable with you and ultimately trusting you. Not only are they open with you but it means you are open with them. It means you are being honest with others and sharing the truth when it's difficult. A humble leader says, "you can trust me with your life because I can be trusted with mine."

Celebrating often. A humble leader knows when to see someone doing good and making it known. They are quick to not just call out the bad to show their "leadership strength" but even quicker to to celebrate the good they are doing and make it known. That's why "celebrating wins" is a good practice for any leader. To highlight what someone else did in your organization or group takes the attention from you to others.

Have I told you you're awesome today?

How to not give up...

September 14, 2015

As leaders, what inspires us to stay strong, keep growing and keep committed to what God is calling us to do without giving up?

4 leadership thoughts to stay inspired to keep going when it gets tough:

Remember it's roots before fruits. People are quick to celebrate what they SEE a person doing but tend to forget that what was SOWN determined it's success. We don't live in a heavily aggregate society like in the past, but the Bible is clear that what we reap, we sow (Galations 6:8). Many keep that in a negative context but what about the hope in those words! If you are leading an organization or a team, what you say and do will produce fruit. If you want to see your organization have a heart to help others, then take them to places where others are hurting. If you want to have a generous church, then talk about the power of giving, etc. What you sow is seed that produces roots that leads to fruits. The reality is, it's what's underground that really matters.

Don't compare yourself to others because your obedience will never look the same but the blessing is guaranteed. Comparison traps are far to easy to fall into. The more I follow others in social media, the more I find myself sizing myself up. When we do nothing but look through the instagram lens for what God is doing through other people, we are simply getting a snapshot of their lives. Social media is a billboard, not a journal. Ministry is hard, whether it's 10 people or ten thousand. You're called to fulfill what God has called YOU to do...not someone else.

Become better at responding to altars than making altars. That's old-school lingo to simply say, reduce the high amount of spiritual activity in your life and choose seek God first, as often as you can, when you can. We become good at being concerned about helping others become better spiritually at the expense of neglecting our own walk with God. Your "yes" to God's request will produce far better results for you and others than your "yes" to everybody else's requests. A well that is dry is just a hole in the ground but a well that is full of water becomes a source of life for a whole community.

In your weakest moments God is always the strongest. Your maturity is evident when your leadership becomes less how you feel and more about your faith. We have to move beyond emotion to believe that God loves us just the same when we're at our worst and when we're at our best. It takes faith to believe that God will use us in my least confident moments to produce a strong result to affirm our leadership. Strength is not measured by might or power but by God's Spirit (2 Corinthians 12:9/Zechariah 4:6). So allow your weakest moments that you are experiencing to become the strongest moments with God to produce the greatest faith you have ever seen.

Christians Could Learn A Thing Or Two From Taylor Swift

September 10, 2015

Taylor Swift is pop-culture's darling. She really can't do no wrong. She is the girl-next-door. She is the ultimate prom date. She's the best friend you wish you had. She is the girl you want to bring home to mom. Even her "squad" seems to be just as awesomely famous.

For being one of the most talked about celebrities, she seems to stay away from the drama. Maybe it's the way she seems to carry herself when she's in the spotlight. When she's being watched by the crowds and is under the pressure of the stage, she continues to have a poise that's endearing.

Christianity has a spotlight. I have seen the anti-gay rallies. I have seen the planned parenthood picketing. Christians and controversy seem to be drawn to each other. Of course there are moments of generosity and service that we see and know of, but those aren't as noticed or talked about as the controversies. There was a time when "culture wars" were a battle to get behind. But I question the battle and to be honest it's a dated feud. Energy spent on dividing rather than loving seems like wasted energy.

Maybe it was the way Taylor graciously handled herself when Kanye went rogue and grabbed the mic from taylor on live tv. Maybe it was the way she chilled out the very brief Nicki Minaj feud by simply apologizing as Taylor tweeted, "I thought I was being called out. I missed the point, I misunderstood, then misspoke. I'm sorry Nicki." Moments where she could have said something she could have regretted, done something that could've gone viral...yet, Taylor seems to be unfazed, cordial and her career continues to moves forward into world domination.

Relevant Magazine had a great post on this recently that I read that inspired this post. See the quote below:

One of the things that has made the rise of taylor Swift so interesting is just how proactively uninteresting she tends to be-at least in the shock-value, tabloid sort of way. Sure, she writes about personal relationship drama, but it's always in a veiled, mostly innocent way. Whether carefully cultivated or authentic (or both), Taylor Swift’s image is predicated on her niceness to fans, her love of “squad” friendliness, her innocent romances and her graciousness toward other artists...In a time when so many Christians and Christian leaders take a defensive, combative tone (especially in political season), culture finds its next pop star in a girl-next-door who seems to have little interesting spaciousness, edginess or picking fits. Swift's image is about uniting-stylistically and squad-listically-not dividing...It’s a brand our culture has embraced, because it’s one our culture wanted.

How to deal publicly with private convictions:

We all have a platform so steward it well. Unless you live in cave, we all have some expression of influence on others around us. Guard against your life being a poor advertisement for your standards. Think before you speak and let love always be your motive because without it ... you're nothing (1 Corinthians 13:2).

Stay connected to the real world. Taylor's fame and enlarging platform hasn't compromised her love and commitment to family and friends to create a reality that is out of touch where she is Queen and enforcing her rules. Be self-aware and read the room.

Choose relationships over accomplishments. The award for winning an argument isn't as powerful as we think it is. Reality check: Your opinion is not as big of deal as you think it is. Arrogance is not OK. Pride neutralizes your effectiveness when reaching out to others. Your desire to speak truth is valid but not at the expense of shutting out others. The person of Jesus is more important to be seen than your opinion heard.

Realize the "brand" our culture wants might be different than we thought. We as Christians can be great at rallying around controversy and proclaiming the truth about what we are against. But let's take a lesson from the "Swift Squad" and rally around what we are for: Let's love unconditionally (1 John 4:8), let's celebrate more (1 Corinthians 1:10), let's believe in our relationships & our own "squads" (Philippians 1:3-5), let's forgive quickly (Colossians 3:13). Don't worry, I'm sparing you the "haters gonna hate" and "shake it off" card that you thought I was going to play...I know you thought it, but no, I'm not playing it.