Kenneth Olson.org

Biggest Storm of the Season?

 Uuugh! say it's not so?

Jesus' Habits

All of us have habits, repeated patterns of behavior that shape us and produce a particular experience of life. So it was interesting when I come across a book recently, entitled The Jesus Habits, it outlines the life habits of God incarnate as He carried out His earthly ministry. It's quite interesting to consider His habits and how He choose to spend His time. Not doubt it was the reason for His power, effectiveness and the revolution that continues to this day!

There is so much we can learn Jesus' life, but even more by imitating Him. Ephesians 5:1 states Therefore by imitators of God (copy Him and follow His example), as well-beloved children (imitate their father). - AMP  Below I've listed the 31 habits or behaviors Jesus practiced throughout His life and ministry - Selah!

 

Seclusion

Building relationships

Worship

Touch

Confrontation

Prayer

Listening

Love

Using scripture

Challenging the status quo

Faith

Giving

Motivation

Obedience

Thankfulness

Honoring the government

Kindness

Acting like a man

Esteeming women

Fitness

Keeping your word

Asking questions

Having fun

Making family a priority

Handling criticism effectively

Fellowshipping

Living for a purpose

Using money God's way

Living by truth

Resting

Fasting

What Are You Daily Doing?

I've always been interested in the subject of human behavior, especially the things we do day after day, automated patterns of behavior or habits we all engage in. Whether you realize it or not they persistently and powerfully shape who we become and what we'll experience tomorrow.

Seth Godin, author of Permission Marketing once wrote he believes business leaders frequently look for quick fixes for their companies. He said, we need to stop shopping for lightning bolts. You don't win an Olympic gold medal with a few weeks of intensive training. There's no such thing as an overnight opera sensation. Great law firms or design companies don't spring up overnight...Every great company, every great brand, and every great career has been built in exactly the same way: bit by bit, step by step, little by little.

In other words, there's no "silver bullet solution". Success is not an overnight phenomena, instead it's slowly realized by what we repetitively do day in and day out. By the habit of daily praying, believing, working diligently, thinking positively, treating people right, doing the honorable thing when no one is watching, striving for excellence, and so on.

Such an important understanding to stay grounded in. It's these habitual and often unconscious behaviors that play a key role in success or failure, they literally determine where we'll be tomorrow. Whether we change or stay the same, whether we're prepared for an open door of opportunity, or remain in mediocrity? It all comes back to what repetitive thoughts, actions and behaivors you invest with every day.

Just something I'm thinking about.

State of Church in U.S.

Click the banner below to check out a short video presentation about the state of the church in America - eye opening no doubt. Really highlights the importance of starting churches in the united States in fact, it's critical now! 

The battle for Christianity in the West will be won or lost by America. It won't come through Europe or Australia. - Alan Hirsh

God-Ordained Relationships

I heard some interesting statics last night on the subject relationships and the people we encounter everyday. It showed the following:

• 25% of the people we meet will not like us and never will.
• 25% of the people we meet will not like, but might be persuaded to. 
• 25% of the people we meet will like us, but could be persuaded not to.  
• 25% of the people we meet will like us and be loyal to us in the long term.

These numbers remind me of the importance of discerning and cultivating God-ordained relationships. Relationships that go beyond just acquaintance and traverse the seasons of our lives.  Although enjoyable on the surface, they have a greater purpose - to energize and produce the will of God in our lives.

So important to recognize these relationships and place a premium on them. For me, there are a few long-time relationships God has used to speak into my life. People who've inspired me to get on course and stay on course for God. Friends who've been with me through thick and thin, trial and tribulation and who are loyal to the end.

It's these relationships that are truly priceless, helping us navigate through life's mazes and difficulties, and cause us bloom with God's eternal purpose. Because of this, they should receive a place of high importance and attention in our lives.

Do you know who these people are in your life?

Amazing Story

Came across a great story about an autistic basketball player - enjoy!

 

Monday's Reflection

Really enjoyed this past week. Lot's of stuff happening. Somehow, God's grace makes it all exciting and satisfying. One of my goals for 2009 is to enjoy the journey of life more. To purposely schedule time to have fun, laugh and take in the goodness of God (what a concept). 

As I think most people are, I'm painfully aware of my weaknesses. One of those for me is to be task oriented to a fault. It's easy for me to get caught up in the "grind" of accomplishment and the next thing that needs to be done without appreciating the success and wins of the present. I need to take more time enjoying the moment, reveling in the Goodness of God and and truly enjoying my relationships.

To that end, this year, I'm looking forward to more time alone with my wife, more memories made with my kids, time to get out and appreciate God's creation, to read books for ejoyment's sake, to relax and yes, a few pick up games on the basketball court.

With the kind of world we live in, it's necessary to be daily aware of the many ways God has provided us to experience a rich, full, satisfying, enjoyable life. If we don't recognize and take advantage of them we're only giving the enemy another avenue to steal, preventing us from experiencing a fully abundant and blessed life.

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.  - John 10:10 NLT

Pondering Steps of Faith

Just winding down and doing a little reflecting at the end of the day. Without a doubt there's been much to think about recently. My first son, Samuel turned five today! Oh how fast five years goes by. Just thinking about that has sobered me regarding how precious these years really are. It's challenged me to take every opportunity to impart to, interact with and enjoy my kids.

Also have been pondering the transition to full-time ministry Sara and I will be taking later this spring and what that means for our future. It's definitely exciting to think about the possibilities and the opportunity to follow God's vision for our lives and Authentic Life Church. However, it's definitely stepping outside the confines of a predictable "boat" onto an unknown and untested sea.  

Already, I've been reminded and re-grounded in my walk of faith. Oh yea, the Bible does say, the just shall live by faith. Pretty simple truth, but it's easy to fall into a comfortable and predictable pattern of life made possible by our gained experience and human effort, instead of an active and increasing reliance in our creator. 

In my experience, whenever I've asked God to use me or to increase my capacity it has been answered with a clear and undeniable step of faith. A step that takes me out of the boat and onto the water and demands His power, His ability, and His economy to keep from sinking.