Deep thought of Loving God

Therefore what reward shall I give unto the Lord for all the benefits which He hath done unto me? In the first creation He gave me myself, but in His new creation He gave me Himself and by that gift restored to me the self that I had lost. Created first and then restored I owe Him myself twice over in return for myself. But what have I to offer Him for the gift of Himself? Could I multiply myself a thousandfold and then give Him all; what would that be in comparison with God?

- St. Bernard of Clairvaux

Learning to number our days...

Redeeming the Time: Study Guide by Rick Grubbs

www.lifechangingseminars.com

I found this little book to be quite a read; although it does work out and sink in more with the DVD that can be purchased with it. Overall this book seeks to help us save our time from going to waste. The book starts by grabbing your attention with its definition of time: time is the passing of life. It gleams this definition from a quote by Benjamin Franklin, “Do you love life? Then don’t waste your time. Because that’s what life is made of.” Now that the book has grabbed you it suggests six reasons why time is truly important, three ways that we can practically redeem it and the real key to saving your time from waste. The last which is a simple question, “What does God want me to do right now?” The six reasons why time is important are as follows:

Ø Time is limited

Ø Death is certain

Ø Our use of Time has Eternal consequences

Ø Time is not recoverable

Ø Time is our most valuable earthly possession

Ø We must give an account for how we spent our time

The book turns to the practical by asking the question, “If we know what we know, then why do we do what we do?” As the author points out, most of us already know most of what he has said. So why then do we not do something about our time? To this the author does not say much but does give us three practical steps to make rescue our time from going to waste: 1) Wake up and get up 2) Get Organized and 3) Get rid of time wasters. And the author then shares the biggest time waster is none other than procrastination. Basically procrastination is defined then as neglecting what God wants me to do right now. All in all this little book is a good tool to gleam from in our own quest to redeem the time.

Now I would like to share with you a few things that really meant a lot to me in this little book. “A wasted life…is nothing more than an accumulation of a lot of wasted time.”(Grubbs, 10) This little sentence has been the first thing to grab me and to be unrelenting in occupying my thoughts. I am guilty, as I am sure we all are, of having purposefully wasted time in the past. To look at my time on this earth in truth as what my life is made of; and that to waste one is to waste the other. I would never purposefully waste my life, but in truth I have in ignorance. I am convicted in this area to never again purposefully waste time, but seek to redeem my time.

A second thing that has really stood out to me is the thought that our use of time has eternal consequences. I am sure I am not alone in the profound effect that ten doutrigintillion as a picture of eternity had. After reading the story that was told at the block class about the man being burnt alive I am left speechless. What pain and suffering someone could experience in a matter of eight minutes and to then apply that to ten doutrigintillion baffles the mind. But as bewildered as that leaves me I know that ten doutrigintillion is but a grain of sand on a beach larger than our universe in compared to eternity. God give me a heart for lost people and for making the most of the time I have now; knowing that my use of time has eternal consequences.

Lastly, I turn more to the practical side of things. Mr. Grubbs says that organization is, “Arranging my life so that God can use me to my fullest potential.” (51) I have always had a mission for my time a GBS and that is to prepare myself to be the best minister that I can be for God’s glory. Now I can clearly see the correlation between organization and my mission. This made me seek a practical way that I could be more organized. So I began by getting 52 marbles and setting a few goals that I want to see accomplished in one year and each Saturday I move one marble from my jar. I do this so I can have a physical, visual reminded that my time is passing regardless of what I am doing with it. I think that this little step is helping me to seek out more ways to be organized.

Tyranny of the Urgent

I have just finished reading The Tyranny of The Urgent, by Charles E. Hummel. Looking at the task of summarizing this little, but impactful, book; I believe that turning to an outline format will help me convey my ideas on the sum of this book more clearly. My outline of the summary of this book is as follows;

Presenting the Need (Our Current Condition) pg 3-6

Ø “Work expands to fill all the available time.” (Hummel, 4)

Ø “Your greatest danger is letting the urgent things crowd out the important.” (Hummel, 5)

The Fix (the Example of Christ) pg 6-12

Ø “I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.”

(John 17:4, emphasis added)

Ø “His [Jesus] life showed a wonderful balance, a sense of timing.” (Hummel, 8)

Ø “He prayerfully waited for his Father’s instructions.” (Hummel, 9)

Ø “In both of these situations Jesus’ yes to the Father’s purpose meant saying no to the urgent demands of human need.” (Hummel, 11)

Making the Fix Stick (Steps to Application) pg 12-28

Ø Rely on God (Dependence makes You Free)

o “…the root of all sin is self-sufficiency – independence from the rule of God.” (Hummel, 13)

o “The opposite of such independence is prayer in which we acknowledge our need of God’s guidance and empowerment.” (Hummel, 14)

Ø Digression: Another Need (Spending Time and Money)

o “Unlike money, time comes to all of us in equal amounts.” (Hummel, 14)

o “We spend hours on impulse of an unexpected opportunity or demand. Then complain that our time flies away…” (Hummel, 17)

Ø Step 1: Decide What’s Important

o “So each of us should consider the basic components of a productive Christian life and prayerfully set specific goals.” (Hummel, 18)

Ø Step 2: Discover Where your Time Goes

o “Any adjustment – some of which can be painful – must begin with facing this reality.” (Hummel, 20)

o Chart a week’s hours into 30 minute increments to see how your time is spent

Ø Step 3: Budget the Hours

o “…start with the way you are using your hours now and plan only a few changes as they become possible for you.” (Hummel, 22)

o “…remember to allow some uncommitted time each week.” (Hummel, 24)

Ø Step 4: Follow Through

o “Even the best-laid plans produce little without a firm resolve to implement them.” (Hummel, 24)

o “I have come to realize that I am the indispensable person only until the moment I say no.” (Hummel, 26)

Ø Step 5: Evaluate

o “The need itself, however urgent, is not the call to meet it; the call must come from the Lord who knows our limitations.” (Hummel, 28)

Conclusion and Encouragement pg 29-30

Ø “Nothing substitutes for knowing that on this day, at this hour, in this place, we are doing the will of our Father in Heaven.” (Hummel, 29)

I believe that the ebb and flow of this little book produces a clear and logical procession from the need to the solution to the application of solution in realistic way. That being said, I think the flow of this book highlights and hinges on these three main points with a nice encouraging conclusion to wrap it up into an impactful piece of material. There is no doubt, in my opinion, that we as people struggle with making the most of the time that we have. Truly, there is a need to be more effective in making the most of our time. After this book clearly presents this need Hummel, the author, moves strait on to how this need can be met. As many would expect our need is met in Christ, specifically the example of Christ and intercession with the Father. If we wish our need to be met we must follow the example of Christ; in that we receive our purpose and vision from the Father. This is directly and primarily accomplished through the means of prayer, wherein Christ intercedes with the Father on our behalf. Though prayer is the primary means there are a few other steps that we can take to put ourselves in a better place to receive and manage our mission. Being that I have outlined the steps above I will not revisit them here, but I will point out that change does not happen overnight. We are what we are because we spent our whole lives becoming it. To think that we could simply change who we are in an instant would be to say that we have the power to go back and change all of our past choices so that we would be what we want to become. We cannot. Therefore, it is very important to focus on the solution of the need we have now and the steps we can take to get us on our way to becoming what we what to be; knowing that it will take time but time. Remember though it may take time, becoming something of worth is time well spent.

Now onto a few things that impacted me very personally. One, Hummel says, “Your greatest danger is letting the urgent things crowd out the important.” (5) Having been a youth pastor and an associate pastor I have seen and been victim of my fair share of the truth this statement holds. I’ll never forget the struggle to find a balance in the midst of sermon preparation, visitation, fundraisers, lock-ins, personal devotions, prayer, pastors meeting, board meeting, exercise and college. All that and I did not even mention time with my wife, time to eat, sleep and take a shower. I have fallen victim to trying to meet the present need so it will go away and I can get back to what I need to do. Usually I would end up pulling all-nighters just to meet deadlines. My point being I was the poster child for this book. Because of my lack of time management I burnt out and was forced, two years ago, to seek out a way to better manage my time to avoid failure in the future. I really appreciate with book because it houses a lot of the information I gleamed from other books along my journey and does so in a short, clear and simple to understand way.

A second that I take very personally from this book is when Hummel says, “The need itself, however urgent, is not the call to meet it; the call must come from the Lord who knows our limitations.” (28) Wow, I wish someone would have told me that five years ago. I blindly, but with good intentions, sought to meet needs as a pastor; all the while never consulting God as to whether or not any of those needs were my call to fulfill. Thus, my people loved me and used me up till I had nothing to give, because I was like the man Hummel describes, “…the fanatic who, unsure of his direction, doubles his speed.” (28) I did not have a clear purpose from God for my ministry. I simply went into my ministry with the desire, although good desire, to meet needs. I now know that I cannot meet every need; Jesus didn’t. Rather I can focus on preaching and teaching the Word, loving my people by giving them a physically, mentally and spiritually healthy pastor and providing help and counsel through scheduled meetings and in emergencies at the moment of great need. My call to meet needs and what needs to meet will come from God, because I am tuned in through consistent prayer and fasting, specifically asking for His guidance and direction.

My Mission Statement

If you always do what you've always done; you will always get what you've always got. In my life I want to grow, become more that I am at present. I want to be a better man, husband, Christians, friend, brother and son. Character doesn't happen by accident and good habits rarely form on their own; so I have a mission. Clearly outlined and realistically measurable so that I can get from where I am, and who I am, to where I am going, and whom I'm becoming. Without further delay here is the mission statement that I formed, with the help of www.franklinconvey.com

I am at my best when

> I am physically, mentally and Spiritually Healthy

> I maintain my priorities

> I have had genuine, deep fellowship.

I will try to prevent times when

> I am tired, weary and ill

> I am Stretched to far in my responsibilities

> I am pressed into a crowd .

I will enjoy my work by finding employment where I can love to see souls saved and Christians discipled through the teaching and preaching of God's Word! I love to plan and orchestrate a service where God is Worshiped and Christians are edified.

I will find enjoyment in my personal life through my love to have deep and meaningful conversations with my fellow Christians. I love to sit and read deep truth from godly authors throughout the centuries. I love to sit, over a good meal, and laugh with my close friends. .

I will find opportunities to use my natural talents and gifts such as the gift of preaching and teaching. Also I believe I have to the gift of leadership. .

I can do anything I set my mind to. I will Write; so that Christians everywhere could be blessed by the teachings that have blessed and shaped me. I would write so that being a Christian would no longer mean someone who goes to church, but someone who is in a passionate love relationship with Jesus Christ that changes their lives.

My life's journey is to conquer the evils that beset men. To free men through the power of the Holy Spirit and the written Word. I do this because, I believe, God has called me to this. My reason and goal are as the old song goes, "Souls for Jesus, is our battle cry. Souls for Jesus we'll fight until we die. We never will give in, while souls are lost in sin. Souls for Jesus is our battle cry."

I will be a person who has my loving wife at my side. So that in the future, My son will stand and toast to a father who prayed for him from the time before he was born till now, and showed him every day in teaching and in life that, "The greatest thing in this world is to love and serve Jesus."

My most important future contribution to others will be the love of Jesus and the Truth of the Scriptures.

I will stop procrastinating and start working on:

Remaining teachable

I will strive to incorporate the following attributes into my life:

Hardworking

Holiness

Genuineness

I will constantly renew myself by focusing on the four dimensions of my life:

Keeping up with my exercise plan, to work out three days a week, and to continue to eat more vegetables.

Continue to die out and devote myself to prayer. I personally want to set aside more time each day to pray.

To never feel bad for playing a video game for an hour or having a fun, non-serious book to read.

To keep my close friends close so that I do not waste away in the crowd that too often accompanies the church.

Faith...

Faith is sometimes scary... I think of what it must have been like when God called Abraham and told him to just leave his home and all his family and go to a strange land. I mean there were no mission boards or homeland security or national embassy to run to if something went wrong. When Abraham left he just left; everything. No wonder he is called the father of our faith.

Thankfully God is not calling me to strange lands, but He is calling me. I am reentering the ministry, though I don't know what church or in what fashion I will serve. Nor do I have a back up job or a fall through plan. I am committed. I believe that God wants Troy Burns in the Ministry and in the Ministry God will meet my needs. It's scary, it's exciting but most of all it fills me with peace, because I know that this is right.

Personal Study Skills

1. Before You Study Know What You Want to Learn

a. Dream

b. Lay down Goals for future

c. For plans to get your from here to there

2. 2. Once you have a Goal Make a Plan

a. Once you have a plan become a person of action

b. Remember to have time of reflection

3. 3. Be Diligent

a. Make time to Study and Study when you’ve made time to

b. Be at class on time with the right material

i. (Majority of life is being in the right place at the right time and in the right uniform)

c. Remain Teachable

i. Regardless how much you know; it is never enough stop learning

4. 4. Make Time to Have Fun

a. Studying for future Ministry is serious business

b. Laughter is medicine to the Soul (Proverbs 17:22)

5. 5. Take Time for Physical Fitness or You’ll have to Take Time for Physical Illness

a. Eat plenty Fruits and Vegetables along with Low Fat Meat

b. Workout at least twice or three times a week

When I was fifteen I felt God’s call on my life to be a Pastor. Not long after that call my Youth Pastor told me that, “A Call to Preach is a Call to Prepare.” Ever since then I began formulating a plan to make God’s call a reality in my life. Though there have been some bumps in the road; I am on the path to completing my goal as I have planned. I am at GBSC (God’s Bible School and College) to fulfill the need to prepare, though I know that preparation is a continually act on my part throughout my ministry. I will never be done growing and I am thankful that many good books and wise teachers will dot my past, present and future. My action plan is as stated above; I know what I want and need to learn, I have a action plan, I will be diligent, I love to have fun and hope I always will and I must stay healthy to be useful this side of glory. I will seek to keep times of reflection in my life so that I will remain teachable and pliable; that I may be effective and contemporary to an ever changing world.

Numero Uno

A little about myself, I joined the Indiana Army National Guard at the age of seventeen. I served as an infantryman for six years, of which the last two years I taught close quarter combat tactics and tactical skills. I moved strait from my training in Georgia to GBSC as a traditional student. While at GBSC I took a position as a part-time youth pastor, which within six months turned into a full-time youth pastorate. After three years of being a full-time husband, full-time youth pastor, full-time student and a National Guard Soldier I decided that it was time to clam down and move back to the country. Now I live in a small town in southern Indiana with one stoplight and lots of corn fields. Life has slowed down but my focus has remained true to the calling God has placed on my life of being a full time pastor.

The moment I am most proud of might seem a little of a paradox. I am most proud of the first time I saw my Dad cry. I was sixteen and studying under Meredith Moser, my youth pastor, in homiletics and hermeneutics. The time had finally come, after many late nights and correction to sermon by Moser, for me to preach. I poured my heart out in what must have been the worst sermon ever, but I will never forget that after service was over Dad approached me. I saw him as I had never seen him before, shoulder twitching, hand wiping his eyes and tears streaming down his cheeks. He hugged me and said five simple words, "I'm proud of you Son." Those words will never leave me, I have never felt prouder at anytime or any place than in my Father's arms, knowing he was proud of me.