Are You Really Living?

 Happy Friday, Friends!

 

I hope and trust this post finds you all having a great day as a glorious new day begins to dawn in my Sweet Home Alabama!

 

This morning, I want to share a real conviction of my Spirit that has been profound to me. I thought it would perhaps be a blessing to some of you as well.

 

I have 3 great Tender Warriors, my sons, and I am so very proud of them. Every morning, I pray for each one of them. In addition to praying that they would become the godly men, husbands, fathers, leaders, and friends God created them to become, I pray for their safety. Not one of us is promised the end of this day, let alone tomorrow. I fully understand this truth. Having said that, I have two sons with careers more dangerous than most. And while they are big, strong, and tough, they are still my boys, and they always will be.

 

So, as I was praying for one of the Tender Warriors in particular, praying for the safety of him and his coworkers, I felt this conviction: “Aren’t you grateful he's really living?” You see, there is zero doubt in my mind that he is doing exactly what he is supposed to be doing, what God created him to do. And while I certainly don’t want him to be hurt or killed, the only thing I would consider to be worse than that is if he never lived. Lived the God-ordained, Christ-honoring life that he was created to live. To me, that would be a far greater tragedy.

 

A couple of things:

1.      As parents, let us remember that our children are on loan; God is going to need them back someday. We have the unspeakable honor, privilege, and responsibility – please don’t miss that last part; I do believe we will all be accountable to God for how we have loved, led, and cared for our children! – of stewarding these precious souls. God created them uniquely, for a purpose, just as he has created you and me for ours. We could put them in bubble-wrapped rooms, never let them go outside, and we could do our darndest to make sure nothing, or no one ever hurts them. We may in fact accomplish that goal, our goal, however God’s goal for them is far different. His goal for each of us is for us to grow into all that He created us to be.

2.     Are you really living? This has been eye-opening as a parent, and it has forced me to look at my life. What am I not doing because I don’t want to be hurt? Absolutely true; if I take no risks, if I don’t go for it, I will not fail. But isn’t not trying to become all that I am created to become really the greatest failure? Just as I believe we will be held accountable for how we loved, led, and served the people God has placed in our lives, I believe you and I will be held accountable to God for the talents, gifts, abilities, and dreams He created us to accomplish. My heartfelt prayer for all of us is that we will truly live this blessed life to the fullest! No, I don’t wish anything bad to happen to any of us. More importantly, I pray none of us simply exists, never knowing the joy of truly being alive.

 

Now, I get that this might be tough for some of you to read. Truly, while it makes sense to me, those are still my boys, and I am still their Dad…I have to go to Jesus every day! There are a couple of scriptures and quotes that speak to my heart.

 

Job 14:5 (NIV)

5 A person’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed.

 

Matthew 6:27 (NIV)

27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[a]?

 

As much as we might not like it, the Bible tells us that our days are numbered. And please realize that it is Jesus in Matthew 6:27 who is asking the question. So, we can sit here and worry and worry, which will not add even a single hour to our lives or our children's, or we can live and cherish every day.

 

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

 

Those two thoughts, that our days are determined and we are all created for a purpose, comfort and inspire me! God has this, all of it! Our responsibility is to make the most of every day, and every talent, gift, ability, and dream He has given us. Not to be crass, the reality is we are all going to die someday. It would be tragic to never have lived!

 

These two quotes sum up my intentions and my heartfelt prayer for my Beautiful Bride and Tender Warriors!

 

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, 'Wow! ' " What a Ride!” - Hunter S. Thompson

 

“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.” - Erma Bombeck

 

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if there's anything I can do for you or your precious family. I will always help you in any way I can. You can reach me at kevin@whatwillyourinfluencebe.com.

 

Have a great day and a wonderful weekend. Please cherish your precious family, be kind, and please stay well!

 

Kev

What Are You Pursuing?

 Happy Friday, Friends!

I hope and trust this post finds you all having a great day as a glorious new day begins to dawn in my Sweet Home Alabama!

This week, I am going to try something a little different; let’s see how it works. This Happy Friday will be written mostly by AI. Now, if you just rolled your eyes, I would like to share what I have learned to date with you. AI is simply a tool. Whether that tool is used for good or for bad is up to the user. We are all tired of the fake pictures, stories, etc. As with anything, each of us will have to determine how to use it. I will say this: AI is here to stay; the sooner we all learn to use this tool in our personal and professional lives, the better we will be in the long run.

I am going to use AI to scan the internet for the information I desire this morning. Now, when I was learning about AI, we were taught that it is a great starting point and that you then need to go check your sources. Just being honest, I am not going to do that this morning. I am going to simply share the information and do everything I can to properly cite the sources.

Now, this all started with my memory verse last week. It is Proverbs 21: 21, which says, “Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.”
There is a promise: “will find life, righteousness, and honor.” Who doesn’t want that? I know I sure do! So, the promise is preceded by a statement: “Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love.” Well heck, I am a “whoever,” and so are you! But what does it mean to pursue righteousness and unfailing love? I need to know because if I want life, righteousness, and honor, the Book of Wisdom tells me I must do so! This led me to AI. Here are the responses – with sources cited as good as I could.

The question I asked: “What does it mean to pursue righteousness?”

Here is the AI answer:
AI Overview
“To pursue righteousness primarily means making a proactive, intentional effort to live a life characterized by moral integrity, justice, and alignment with God's standards. Rather than a passive belief system, it requires actively chasing after holiness, doing what is right, and treating others with fairness and compassion.”
Sources: What Does It Mean to Pursue Righteousness at gotquestions.org; How to Pursue Righteousness: 11 Biblical Tips by A Woman Created On Purpose; Pursuit: Continually Devote at breadoflifechurchfresno.org; What Does It Mean to Pursue Righteousness by Christian Forums at Crosswalk.

“The Core Meaning

Active Pursuit: The word "pursue" implies effort, focus, and intentionality—like running a race or actively searching for something valuable.”
Sources: What it Means to Pursue Righteousness at KKHT 100.7 FM; Pursuit: Continually Devoted by breadoflifechurchfresno.org; Seeking God’s Righteousness by Like An Anchor; The Pursuit of Holiness by Cornerstone Community Church Singapore

“Moral Rightness: It involves doing things that are just, honest, and morally sound in everyday thoughts, words, and actions.”
Source: How to Pursue Righteousness: 11 Biblical Tips by A Woman Created On Purpose.

“Relationship with God: In a theological context, it is the pursuit of godliness and a state of being "right" with God. It involves submitting to His will rather than indulging in selfish or sinful behaviors.”
Sources: What Does It Mean to Pursue Righteousness at gotquestions.org; Flee Sin and Pursue Righteousness – But How? By Boundless.org.

“Practical Examples

Living out this pursuit on a daily basis typically includes:

Acting with integrity: Being honest and reliable in both public and private life, refusing to compromise your values for personal gain.

Practicing justice and mercy: Standing up for fairness, advocating for the vulnerable, and helping those in need.

Demonstrating compassion: Showing empathy, kindness, and forgiveness toward others.

Humility: Putting the needs of others before your own desires, and continually seeking personal and spiritual growth.”
Sources: How to Pursue Righteousness: 11 Biblical Tips by A Woman Created On Purpose; Why is it so important to pursue righteousness? 2 Timothy 2:22 by ActiveChristianity; What Does It Mean to Pursue Righteousness by Christian Forums at Crosswalk.

Then I asked: “What does it mean to pursue unfailing love?”

Here is the AI answer:
AI Overview
“To pursue unfailing love means to intentionally chase and live out a steadfast, unbreakable commitment that endures regardless of circumstances, flaws, or obstacles. The concept blends human devotion with grace, often taking on different meanings depending on whether it is viewed through a theological or a relational lens.

In a Theological or Spiritual Context
Historically and biblically, "unfailing love" translates to the Hebrew word chesed, which represents covenant loyalty, mercy, and loving-kindness.”
Sources: Psalm 36:7: God’s unfailing love is our refuge by CAP UK; Unfailing Love by Lydia Speaks; What defines unfailing love? By Bible Hub.

“It is not based on performance: It means God's love isn't earned by being perfect or lost when you make mistakes.

It is a pursuit of grace: Theologians often note that this love actively pursues the individual. For instance, in Psalm 23:6, the psalmist famously writes that "goodness and love will pursue [or follow] me all the days of my life." It means experiencing a divine love that actively seeks you out to offer refuge and peace.”
Sources: Facebook by Lisa Arrindell; What does it mean, “Surely your goodness and unfailing love…” by E-Bible; Unfailing Love by Lydia Speaks; Psalm 36:7: God’s unfailing love is our refuge by CAP UK; Pursuing Love & Loving by Looking at Christ.

“In Relationships and Human Action

When humans "pursue" unfailing love in friendships, marriages, or communities, it involves putting an active, sacrificial form of love (often referred to as agape) into daily practice.”
Sources: Pursue Love by Emmanuel Faith Community Church; What defines unfailing love by Bible Hub.

“Unwavering Commitment: It means choosing to stay dedicated, kind, and loyal even when the relationship hits a difficult season.

A Daily Choice: Unfailing love is not just a passive feeling that comes naturally. It requires intentional effort, forgiveness, and a desire to seek the well-being of the other person above your own natural tendencies.”
Sources: Pursue Love by Emmanuel Faith Community Church; What defines unfailing love by Bible Hub; What is true love by www.counsellingformen.com.au; Gods Love is Unfailing: YouTube by Evangelist Gabriel Fernandes; Love is Not Easy: Love’s Demands And Trials by Insight Timer.

See, AI does not have to be a bad thing; it can be used for great good! The question, the challenge, for all of us this morning is, “What will we pursue?” Both have a promised end!

I also want to pause for a moment and wish all the dads a “Happy Father’s Day.” And to all men, I implore you: please show up and honor your commitments and priorities every day!

Please feel free to contact me at any time if there is ever anything I can do for you or your family. I will always help you any way I can. You can reach me at kevin@whatwillyourinfluence.com.

Have a great day, a wonderful weekend, please cherish your precious family, please be kind, and please stay well!

Kev

Choices

Happy Friday, Friends!

I hope and trust this post finds you all having a great day as a glorious new day begins to dawn in my Sweet Home Alabama!

 

On Saturday, June 6^th, I was reading my Bible when I came across two scriptures that inspired me and made my Spirit soar. This morning I want to give them to you, share a couple of thoughts about each, and let them speak to you however they will.

 

Acts 4:13 (NIV)

13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

 

They saw the courage, realized they were unschooled and ordinary, they were astonished, and then noted they had been with Jesus. I sure do hope and pray that people could look at me, see that I am an ordinary dude, and conclude that I have been with Jesus. The only way this hope and prayer will become a reality is if I do spend time reading my Bible, praying, and being led by the Holy Spirit. See, it is not what I want or hope for, but rather what I do, and the same is true for you.

 

Both the spiritual and secular worlds testify to the truth that we become like those we spend the most time with.

 

1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV)

33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

 

"You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with." – Jim Rohn

 

As we look at our lives, a good question for all of us to ask and truthfully answer is, “Based on how I think, speak, and act, who would people say I spend the most time with?” If we are not happy with the answer, or if we are not happy with the current direction of our lives, we would be wise to thoughtfully consider who we spend our time with and adjust as necessary. Bottom line: you are influencing and you are being influenced. What will your influence be?

 

Here is the second scripture:

Acts 4:18-20 (NIV)

Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

 

So powerful! Are we going to listen to the world or are we going to listen to God? Oh, I know the Sunday School answer too. This is one of those, “You don’t have to say a word. Your actions are speaking so loudly I can’t hear what you are saying.” The choice of who we will listen to is a choice that we are going to make every day, and will have to make over and over again, day after day, until the day that we breathe our last breath.

 

I love the declaration, “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Amen. I must testify to what I have seen and heard! I am not trying to make anyone feel uncomfortable, nor do I want to keep them from speaking to what they have seen and heard. I don’t want to tell anyone what they should believe, and I don’t want them telling me what I should believe. I just want us all to respect each other, and our right to think and believe what we think and believe.

 

Choices…we all have a whole lot of them to make, and ultimately, they will make us. It seems like this would be a great time to share the quote that became a life mantra for me the first time I read it:

 

“Nothing is easier than saying words, nothing is harder than living them day after day. What you decide today and commit to today, you must redecide and recommit to tomorrow, and each day that stretches out before you.” – Arthur Gordon

 

Please feel free to contact me at any time if there is ever anything I can do for you. I will always help you and your family any way I can. You can reach me at kevin@whatwillyourinfluencebe.com.

 

Have a great day, a wonderful weekend, please cherish you precious family, be kind, and stay well!

 

Kev