Do Hard Things Conference 2010- Recap

August 28, 2010

Today marks the two-year-anniversary since we attended the Do Hard Things Conference in St Louis, MO. Alex & Brett Harris' book Do Hard Things has changed my life. God used it at the exact moment that I needed to hear its message. The twins' message still daily impacts my life.

They've impacted my blog too. Particularly, my posts on "Walking With the Wise," modesty (Parts I & II here) & do hard things (Parts I & II).

I'll never forget that day. It was early, it was long, it was late. I spent it with some of my best friends. I made new friends that day too- great friends! We heard a great message, left inspired & ready to take on the world! 

Last year, Alex & Brett announced on their website that they're no longer touring the USA with the DHT message. Since Alex & Courtney got married & the twins are now done with College (at Patrick Henry), we're excited to see what God has in store for them next... Maybe they'll go on to write more books like their big brother Josh? :)

That day in 2010 also marked a major milestone in two of my friends' lives & the mess that followed that Autumn- the hardest thing I have ever experienced to date. That Autumn changed the way I look at everything.

 

As a refresher, some of the principles in Do Hard Things are:

5 Kinds of Hard Things

1) Things that take you out of your comfort zone (taking risks in order to grow)

2) Things that go beyond what is expected or required (pursuing excellence)

3) Things that are too big to accomplish alone (daring & dreaming big)

4) Things that go against the cultural norm (taking a stand for what's right)

5) Things that don't earn immediate payoff (being Faithful & choosing integrity)

I would encourage you to read the book, follow the blog & buy the Conference DVD today!

"Blessed Be Your Name"





Last night, I finished a book entitled Blessed Be Your Name by Matt & Beth Redman. It was very encouraging & a blessing to me. I bought this book on a tangent about two years ago, but never read it until yesterday. It was a very timely reminder. The vast majority of this book is underlined & highlighted, because I learned so much from it.

I would highly encourage you to read this book. It talks about praising God, no matter what He brings into your life. About choosing to praise Him in the middle of the storm and when the sea is calm... It talks about the importance of remembering what God has done for you in the past, what he is doing for you in the present & what He will do for you in the future. It talks about thanking God, no matter what happens.

Its title comes from one of my favorite songs (that Matt Redman wrote). You can hear the song here & read the lyrics here. This song has a special meaning to my family, because it's one of the songs that we held onto when my youngest brother was born with spina bifida in 2005. It was a special encouragement to us & still holds a special placei n our hearts...

Some excerpts-

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you...

When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned."

- Isaiah 43:2

 

"We worship a triumphant Savior, a victorious King... The God of unbroken promises. When He acts, no one can reverse it. When He speaks, His commands never reutrn empty... The doors He chooses to open, no one can close; & the doors He purposes to close, no one can open. No plan of His has ever been thwarted. No one has ever outmaneuvered Him, outlived Him or outloved Him..." - Matt Redman

 

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving & His courts with praise;
give thanks to Him & praise His Name..."
- Psalm 100:4-5

 

"Father, let me dedicate all this [life] to Thee, in whatever worldly state thou would have me be. Not from sorrow, pain or care freedom dare I claim,this alone shall be my prayer, glorify Thy Name." - Laurence Tuttiett

 

"Give thanks to the LORD, call on His Name;
make known among the nations what He has done.
Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts.
Glory in His holy Name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
Look to the LORD & His strength; seek His face always..."
- Psalm 105:1-4

 

"God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains- it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." - C.S. Lewis

 

"Why are you s downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise Him,

my Savior & my God..."

- Psalm 42:5-6, 11

 

"I believe in the sun even when it's not shining. I believe in loveevenwhen I feel it not. I believe in God even when he is silent." - written on the wall of a Nazi concentration camp prisoner 

 

"Nevertheless, I still belong to You;
You hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
& afterward You will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but You?   
& there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You.My flesh & my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart & my portion forever."

-Psalm 73:23-26

 

"So often the soil of our suffering will become the fertile ground for our seasons of fruitfulness." - Matt Redman

 

" Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you..."

- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

Matt & Beth Redman use a lot of Biblical examples (Joseph, David, Job etc) of people who trusted in God, even when the circumstances seemed to contradict their faith. They also told the story of William Cowper, who wrote one of my favorite hymns- "God Moves in a Mysterious Way" (listen to it here & read the lyrics here) & his life-long battle with manic depression. God is Faithful through it all!

"For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant,
but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness
to those who have been trained by it."

-Hebrews 12:11

 

 "For devotion to stand the test of time & endure through every season of the soul, it cannot be based on the ever-changing circumstances of our lives- it must have its foundation on the never-changing worth of God." - Matt Redman
 

 "Bless the Lord, O my soul,
& all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
    &  forget not all his benefits,who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love & mercy,who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's..."

- Psalm 105:1-5

 

"The question for us is this: What do we do when our world falls in? What shape does our worship take when things that we depend on give way beneath us? Can we... be found with an unswerving song of worship on our lips? Oh that God would bring us to that place- that even when the familiar & the comfortable fall away beneath us, still we are found with an undying song of trust flowing from our lips & from our lives." - Matt Redman

 

"And [Job] said, 'Naked I came from my mother's womb,
& naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away;
blessed be the name of the Lord.'”

- Job 1:21

 

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away,
our inner self is being renewed day by day.
For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us
an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,as we look not to the things that are seen
but to the things that are unseen.
For the things that are seen are temporary,
but the things that are unseen are eternal."

- 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

 

 ^"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed;
perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken;
struck down, but not destroyed..."

- 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

 

Some questions to consider-

 

* In what ways can we choose to worship God in our daily lives in the good times and in the bad?

* Why do we constantly need to focus on God when life gets hard?
* When life is hard or painful, Can you still find your way to the place of praise?

* Why do you think faith in God is so important in this age of doubt, uncertainty & confusion?

* What do you think it means to be thankful in the midst of the pain?

* Do you ever think about honoring God throughout your day?
* Thanking Him for the small and the large things that He does for you?

* How has God been there for you yesterday & today?

* Can you thank Him for the blessings of life that are yet to come?

 

"For we know that God works all things

for the good of those who love Him,

who have been Called according

to His Purpose..."

- Romans 8:28

 

Be encouraged today!

Some Thoughts for This Lord's Day

Here are some of the questions & thoughts that my Pastor preached on this morning. They were very thought-provoking for me & I thought I'd share them with y'all... Be blessed!

God is the Just & the Justifier. He is always Faithful to His Promises. There is unity in Scripture. God's Word (the whole of it) is always true. His Word & His Character never changes. God is a God of order (not chaos or confusion).

* What are we called to be Obedient to?
* Do you love the Lord with all your heart?
* What is your understanding of God & His Word?

We must realize the sin that is within us & the unmerited grace/mercy we have received. We are sitting at the "banquet table of the Lord.
* Is your mouth watering when you prepare to study God's Word?
* Are you satisfied by Christ & His Word?
* Are you seeking Christ? Diligently?
* What direction are you heading in?

Examine your heart. We don't know when our time will come. Are you ready?

* Does your soul pant for God?
* What is your greatest joy?

You are bought with a price. You are not your own.

* What is the duty/responsibility of a Christian?
* Are you rooted & grounded in Christ?
* Are you standing on God's Word?

We must do more than just claiming to have faith, we must really walk it out in all areas of life.

* Are you serving Him?
* Do you desire to please Him in all that you do?
* Are you consumed by the riches of His glory?
* Or are you more consumed with self?
* Do you greatly rejoice for the full glory of God?

In His Presence is the fullness of Life.

* What is your relationship like with Christ?
* Is it intimate?
* Does your soul hhunger & thirst for Him?
* Are you His?
* Is He the Lord of your life?
* Do you honor/glorify Him in all that you say & do?
* Can you trace God's Hand of Grace through Scripture, history, your family & your life?
* Are you striving for obedience?
* Do you drink of God's Word regularly?

The Body is called to work together in unity & harmony. We abide in Him by keeping His commandments. We must work hard to maintain what we have been given, produce fruit (a useful crop) & receive the blessing from God. Fruit (actions, speech etc) is always produced from our thoughts.

* Is your action etc pleasing & honoring & glorifying to God?

* Why are we not grasping the full power of God?
1) Because we're not obedient to Him
2) Because we don't really hunger & thirst for God

Your Vote is Appreciated!

Samuel Saffa, a family friend of ours, is trying to win a scholarship through CollegePlus to Liberty University!

Sam is homeschooled, a strong Christian, a young Visionary & will go far in life! He displays such good leadership skills at such a young age. This past year, he also produced, acted & wrote the script for a movie entitled "The Sons of Georgia".

 He would appreciate your vote! You may vote HERE. And spread the word! Thank you...

You may read a letter from him below-

Hi everyone!

I hope you all are having a great summer!

As some of you know, I have been pursuing a College Degree by the way of College Plus. Recently College Plus partnered with Liberty University; to celebrate this event the two companies are offering a full ride Scholarship by way of a contest. They will present the scholarship to the individual who explains the role of College Plus in his life.
Accomplished film director Stephen Littmann Jr. and I put our efforts together in an attempt to win the scholarship. But we need your help! There is an Audience Choice award, and in order for us to win we need your vote!

Watch the video and vote here: http://scholarships.collegeplus.org/essays/30-salt-light

Thank you so much for your time, and please feel free to forward this to whomever you might think interested!

In Christ,

Samuel Saffa and Stephen Littmann Jr

THANK YOU for voting!

The Staff AND the Sword



" Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed,
& whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed.
But Moses' hands grew weary, so they took a stone &
put it under him, and he sat on it,
while Aaron and Hur held up his hands,
one on one side, and the other on the other side.
So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek & his people with the sword...”
- Exodus 17:8-16

I've read this passage many times in my daily Bible readings, but it never stood out to me til I read it some months ago in that Revival book that I keep mentioning. This understanding has radically impacted my life since then!

In the passage of Scripture above, Moses' aothority, power & leadership is represented by the rod of God. The strength & passion of the younger generation is represented by Joshua's sword.

Basically, the significance is this. The younger generation must show honor & submission to their elders & follow their leading if we expect to be blessed by the Lord. This is proper order of alignment arranged by God from the beginning. Submitting to this releases the Lord's blessing & favor. An understanding of this alliance & alignment is absolutely imperative if we're to experience sustained revival. A revival can last more than one generation, if the generations are united together!

"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
but the companion of fools will suffer harm."
- Proverbs 13:20

We desperately need to inherit the courage, identity, inheritance, Power, wisdom, teaching, covering, protection & annointing of the older generation. We need the authority of godly, mature mothers & fathers to establish a life of purity & holiness.

"He will turn the hearts of fathers to their children
& the hearts of children to their fathers..."

- Malachi 4:6b

Aligning ourselves under the covering of the authority of the older generation is essential if we desire to be successful in fulfilling the task at hand. We are Called to be under authority. In fact, we can't walk in authority unless we're first submitted to authority. Obedience to authority aligns us under the Covering. Trying to live without this covering is like trying to live without grace.

We also have to have an understanding of the inheritance- If we honor authority, we're privileged to occupy the ground that they've fought for (acquiring what they've gained). We're standing on the shoulders of those who have come before us. But we aren't Called to merely hold onto that Vision, but to further it. We want to go further than our predecessors did! This is real stewardship. We're supposed to work hard to add to the inheritance that we've been given! THIS is a multi-generational vision!

"From everyone who has been given much, much more will be demanded;
& from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."

- Luke 12:48b

So, in closing, some questions for you-

Have you learned how to submit?
Are you properly aligned under the authority God has placed in your life?
Are you respectful & submissive to this authority?
Are you experiencing the blessings of God in your life because of this?
Who are you aligned under?
Who is regularly, consistently mentoring, inspiring & impacting your life?

Are you asking them to give you the Blessing & Power of God?
Are you choosing to submit, obey & honor?

Are you asking the Lord to rise up spiritual mothers & fathers in your life?
Can you serve your fathers when it's not about you & your vision?
Can you help them accomplish the things on their hearts?
Can you do everything in your power to see their vision fulfilled?
Can you prioritize that over your vision?
Who are you serving on purpose?
What is your motivation for serving someone else?

If you want to receive your own Vision, faithfully serve someone else's. If you want to walk in __________, then serve someone else who moves in that area. Learn to be loyal, faithful, trustworthy & dependable. Put your vision aside. Remember- "It's not about you!" Learn from their strengths, weaknesses, successes & failures. Diligently follow & serve them til the end. Then you will be blessed.

"And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's,
who will give you that which is your own?"

- Luke 16:12

The American Church



I have seen the fervor, zeal & passion of a new believer in Christ. I have heard stories of the Underground Church. I have seen the faith of a child. I have seen an old(er) man still faithful in his old age. I have seen a man walk away from his faith. I have seen (American) teenagers doubt their faith.

In the midst of cleaning today, I ran across some old Voice of the Martyrs magazines. Stopping the cleaning process & beginning to read them, I was again amazed by the amount of pain, torture, suffering, trials, hardship, loss etc (even death, for some) that these new believers have undergone joyfully, in the Name of Christ.

And it got me thinking- how lazy and complacent us American Christians are! How much do we really desire growth in Christ? How much effort do we put into our relationship with Him? How many hours do we spend in prayer, fasting, memorization & Bible reading? How desirous are we of wisdom, understanding & knowledge?

Years ago, I wrote down a quote that read- "The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church." (author unknown) I wonder today- How much more faith would us Americans exercise if we were the ones being persecuted???

I am reminded of a quote that my dear friend Megan references all the time-"If Christianity were a crime, would there be enough evidence to condemn you?"

I wonder how much different our nation would look like if Christians really lived out their faith? I wonder what impact we might have on our culture if we really lived like we profess to believe?

Just some food for thought. :)

Light Your World!



Last week, I was reading a book about modern-day revival- where we're lacking, what we've lost & how to regain it. It's taken me at least 8 months to finish it, but it was a great book! And it's great to be reading again!!!

I know I'll post at least one other thought from this book eventually, but here's the idea that's on my heart currently.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket,
but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. I
n the same way, let your light shine before others,
so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16

Our personal responsibility is to unveil the reality of the Kingdom through every aspect of our lives. This is the Church's ministry to the world. We're called to be "full-time ministers," no matter what our "life occupation" might be.
Our job is to let our light shine! To be Christ's hands & feet in our world. So that when unbelievers experience us, they will see the difference in us & might glorify God!
We should be moved to take personal responsibility to let our light shine wherever God has placed us. To speak words of Truth right now, right where we're at. To bring light into our homes, workplaces, Churches, neighborhoods etc. We need to catch the Vision.

We can't wait for somebody else to take the responsibility. I once saw a sign that read "I always wondered why somebody didn't do something about that. Then I realized- I AM somebody!" A photo of that sign is currently on my bulletin board, to remind me everyday of my personal responsibility.

This is what a "strategic, missional mindset" looks like- to constantly be thinking about what you're saying, doing & thinking. To be aware of other peoples' needs & hurts & how you may bless them with the gifts, resources & talents that God has given you.

"It's time to go public- let your light SHINE!"