Kenneth Olson.org

The Main Thing

This morning as I was going over my list of projects and tasks and asking myself what I needed to do today. While doing that, I was caught up in a moment of God-breathed clarity.

Suddenly, I realized I was asking myself the wrong question, it wasn’t what do I need to do today instead, it was what must I do first today? I can honestly say, there are some days when I am more aware of my desperate need for God’s presence than others, today was one of those days.

Through my years of journeying to follow Him, I have learned one all-important thing, simply that I have no greater priority, task or obligation than to put my relationship with the Father first. I don’t know about you, but anything good in my life is the result of His abiding presence and grace and is a constant reminder that without Him, I can do nothing. I’m completely dependant on Him!

A simple phrase of Stephen Covey often echoes in my thinking and pretty much says it all when it comes to my relationship with God, “the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.”

When it comes to today, the most important question is not what needs to get done or whom do I have to meet with or what deadlines do I have to hit instead, the right question is what is most important and will it receive the first and best part of my day?

Let me take it to another level by putting it this way, the Lord is not just a bullet point priority on your life’s agenda, He is your agenda…He is your life! Never forget that and you’ll always overflow with supernatural strength and ability for every task, wisdom for every meeting and efficiency to make every deadline, no matter how important or mundane.

 

What In The World Is Going On?

Earlier this week I was listening to a radio interview of a best-selling author, a man who lives his life observing world events and as a result has written over 20 books, one of which was made into a movie.

While being interviewed, he made a statement that smacked me between the eyes and sobered me spiritually. He said, “we live in a world that is literally filled with signs!”

As far as I know, he’s not a Christian, yet even through his secular worldview, he can’t ignore the fact that the earth and heavens alike are overflowing with blaring signs! Signals that something or someone is trying to get our attention, trying to let us know the present world and everything about it is changing!

As Christians, this shouldn’t sound unfamiliar because Jesus Himself made every effort to describe what things would be like just before His second return. In fact, He faulted the religious leaders of His day for being able to predict the weather, but not being able to reads the signs all around them of His first coming.

In Luke 21 Jesus named some very specific signs that would lead up to His second return. He even indicated there would be signs in the sun, is it possible the recent solar flares everyone is talking about is a sign He was referring to?

I’ll let you decide, but here’s my concern, many people, including Christians aren’t paying attention to what’s coming. We’re not catching our cues that the God of heaven through creation is sounding an alarm, one that’s saying, “get ready…I’m coming. Get your house in order, set your sights on me and while there’s still time, boldly pray, work and tell the story of my mercy, grace and forgiveness.

The language of scripture is even more forceful and clear, it declares, “…go out into the highways and along the hedges, and compel them to come in, so that my house may be filled.” (Luke 14:23)

The end of days doesn’t mean we have to be afraid, know how to hotwire a car, order survival gear or hunker down in a cave, instead, every new day should remind us that God is patient. That He’s waiting for His Church (that’s us) to reach out to as many people as possible with His love and grace.

Not wanting anyone to perish, He’s patiently giving us more time to pray, preach and reach the many who are unknowingly crying out for His love and forgiveness. (2 Peter 3:9)

Let's shake off what distracts and stops us and stir our hearts toward the Father, committing ourselves with a fresh decision to go after Him and live conscious of the reality of His return.

Decide to step out, move forward and pray, love, give, demonstrate and tell the story of the One Who was and is and is to come!

I challenge you before you finish reading this, write down the name of one person who’s far from God and begin to pray for them. Then let the Holy Spirit lead you to develop a relationship with them, share your faith and/or invite them to your Church.

Remember, you and I are Jesus’ hands, His feet and His mouthpiece. If we don’t pray, who will? If we don’t go, who will and if we don’t speak for Him, who will?

 

Starting 2012 Off Right

How was 2011 for you? Did it turn out as you expected? If you’re like most people, some things probably went well, other things maybe not so much.

If you walk upright and are human, the gravitational pull is to live by default rather than by design, to get sucked into making a living instead of living with meaning on purpose.

The New Year is a reminder to shake off apathy, inconsistency and the status quo, to make a decision you’re not going to stay where you are, that you’re going to go higher, to live deeper and maximize the gift of 2012.

One thing is for sure, the coming year won’t be a great year by accident or because you’re so good looking instead, because you live it on purpose! If you’re OK with what you’ve been experiencing in your life then keep doing what you’ve been doing…keep living life in the same way.

On the other hand, if you want something different and better, then you must do what you’ve never done. Recently I heard someone say that most people don’t lead their lives instead, they accept them. 

It’s so easy to fall into one of two sabotaging mindsets, the first one says, “I’ll never change” so we just accept our lot in life and try to make the best of it. The other says, “one day when all the planets are aligned and the moon is at three-quarter phase then my ship will come in and everything will work out for me”.

The truth is, both ways of thinking will handicap you and leave you limping along the road of life. I love the clarity in a statement the Apostle Paul made regarding how we should live in 1 Corinthians 9:24-26 he said, Run in such a way that you may win and then he says, I run in such a way, as not without aim. In other words, he has a definite aim and direction for his life. 

Here are five practical steps that will bring direction, passion and clarity to your life’s race and will position you for the best year ever!

1. Put Prayer First – Maybe you’ve heard it said, “all is well that ends well”. Not true, according to the Bible, “all is well that begins well.” Prayer is our means to dream and begin well (Matthew 6:33). It’s called the principle of the first. It says when you give God your first and best, God is then able to bless the rest – in every area of your life.

2. Have a Plan – Success is always intentional! You’ll never accidentally get out of debt, break an addiction, accomplish a goal or do something great. You need more than a dream or a goal; you also need a plan to daily take steps toward accomplishing your dream or goal. A goal without a plan is only half complete and a dream without a plan is just a wish. The Bible says it this way, “faith without corresponding actions is dead” (James 2:17).

3. Ruthlessly Prioritize – If you don’t prioritize and set your schedule, other things and other people will. Prioritization is the process of allocating your time. Why is that important? Because where you spend your time and focus your energy determines what you’ll accomplish and what dreams you’ll realize. In the end, all we have is time, it’s the currency of life, so invest it wisely and it will pay the dividends you desire.

4. Think Progress – Life is NOT about perfection, it’s about progress. Getting from where you are to where you want to be happens one step at a time. So don’t put off getting started. Ecclesiastes 11:4 says, He who observes the wind [and waits for all conditions to be favorable] will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap (AMP).  The victories and spoils of this life tend to go to those who start, keep moving and refuse to quit.

 

5. Persevere – Hebrews 12:1 states, let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us (AMP). Make a decision to never quit and commit to daily motivating yourself to that end. Don’t wait for someone else to motivate you, you must motivate you. In 2012 decide to not be your own worst enemy instead, start being your own best cheerleader; it will keep you strong, focused and resolute until you’re standing in your dreams!

 

My Thoughts On Christmas

Wow, it’s crazy to think Christmas is almost here and 2012 is just around the corner!

Let me say this past weekend’s Christmas service at ALc was hands down my favorite ever! I loved the energy, heart and expectation of our worship and the fact we came together united, to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. 

That God loved us so much, too much in fact to leave us alone so He sent His one and only Son to us, to become like us, to prepare the way to live in us. What an amazing and all-fulfilling gift!

During this Christmas, don’t lose sight of this simple, yet ultimate gift. Instead, seize it, unwrap it, take advantage of and worship God for it!

It’s amazing to think that none other of God’s creations did He design for the purpose of being a temple of His essence and power. Who are we that God would look at us and say, “I want to make them my sons and daughters and live inside them”. 

In God’s eyes, you are extraordinarily special and loved beyond understanding! 

As Christmas begins, know that what we truly desire is not found in the trappings or excesses of the holidays, nor is it under the tree, in another person or in attaining a far off goal instead, it’s inside us! Scripture announces, “Emmanuel, God with us”!

He’s not just near us or for us or has forgiven us, but chose to make His home inside us! So make a decision now, at Christmas and throughout the year to be ever conscious of His abiding presence. The Holy Spirit is not some spiritual hitchhiker; His undying desire is to be with us everywhere and all the time - to make a difference in our lives!

 

Five Things To Know About Prayer

Sunday I continued the Breathe series by talking about the power of prayer. Quite honestly, the more I seek to understand prayer, the more I realize how significant and dynamic it is.

The truth is, prayer can’t be defined or described in a single message or for that matter a year-long series. Prayer is not a subject or mechanical, spiritual duty instead, it is OUR LIFE!

It’s an open door to connect and converse with your Creator, to draw on His life to shape and create your life – it’s meaning and experience.

With that said, I always seem to have more to share on Sunday’s than time to share it. So here are a few more thoughts.

1) Sporadic physical exercise is better than no exercise, but when you employ consistency, you unlock whole new level of strength and benefits. In the same way, it’s good when you pray occasionally however, there’s an unseen and greater dimension of power, purpose and blessing unlocked when you consistently pray.

2) Ten years ago Sara and I bought our first home and promptly moved into it. Over the years we’ve enjoyed it, made memories and lived in it and during that time the most amazing thing happened, its value increased! Just by us living in it! Here’s the simple truth, the investment of prayer appreciates as it becomes woven into the everyday fabric of your life.

3) Even though prayer requires intentionality, discipline and effort, it’s small compared to the power and purpose released in your life!

4) Scripture describes God as omnipotent meaning all-powerful or unlimited in power, yet His unlimited power is limited on earth only by our prayers. We release God’s power through prayer. (James 5:16)

5) Prayer is not twisting God’s arm to get Him to move or do something on our behalf, rather it’s releasing His power so He can move. It’s not up to God to move, it’s up to us to pray! (Ephesians 3:20)

All Things Are Possible!

For some reason, this week, I can’t get away from something Jesus once said, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes” (Mark 9:23). It’s a pithy, yet powerful truth, one I remember as a boy, excited me and drew me into a deeper relationship with Jesus!

To this day, it still thrills me to think that anything is possible if we’ll simply believe. We’re not limited by anything except our belief in what God has said.

If you’ve been discouraged lately or stuck in a pattern or a place and think, “I’ll never get out of this”, then let me dare you to begin to passionately study, meditate and speak God’s Word…especially where the Word speaks to your present circumstances!

Holy scripture was designed to penetrate your heart with truth, expand your perspective and enlarge your capacity to receive from God.

God wants to get some things over to you, but He waits for His Word to work in our hearts. To assist us in unlearning old beliefs, renewing our mind and inspiring us to see, believe and receive the impossible - all that God has prepared and has ready for you.

So whether it’s a new job, wisdom to make a decision, finances or healing for your body, it’s a cinch for God, the question is, will you believe that all things are possible? Will you allow His Word to replace “worst case scenarios” and thoughts of defeat with elevated hope and a tangible faith that receives everything that’s yours in Christ Jesus?

The choice is up to you.

 

The Power of Choice

My morning started out with a Chai Tea Latte and a thankful heart for the many people who surrendered themselves in a new way to the Lord Sunday at Authentic Life Church!

I love it when people respond to God, even in small ways! Our relationship with Him is never a passive one, but instead, a journey in response to His work in our hearts.

Last Sunday I made the statement that we’re never to underestimate the power of choice. It’s simple, but oh so true! I happen to believe the greatest way we use this power of choice is by choosing to respond to the Holy Spirit’s leadership in our lives.

Acting quickly on His direction is how we stay in step with His plan. Whether it’s a simple surrender in your heart or moving to another country half way around the world, it’s faith with action that ultimately brings God’s will to pass in your life.

Being responsive or obedient to God is what changes you and takes you down the center path of His plan. A path leading you to your heart’s desire and a greater experience of everything God wants to do in you and through you.

Make a decision today to stir yourself up; to be passionate, determined and resolute to follow Jesus like never before! Believe Him, trust Him and expect from Him and without a doubt you’ll rise higher in life!

 

What Are You Thinking?

After another great Sunday at ALc I’ve been reflecting on some things I shared regarding the significance of thoughts. I happen to believe the most common mistake we make in our everyday lives is NOT THINKING ABOUT WHAT WE’RE THINKING ABOUT!

There’s an undeniable connection in scripture between the inner life and the outer life. Your mind is a big part of your inner life. The truth of 3 John 1:3 is a profound one, as your soul goes, so goes your life.

In these past few weeks, I have been inspired to be more aware of what I am thinking about!

Jesus said it all in Mark 4:24 when He declared, be careful what you are hearing. Why? Because He understood that what you hear and what you think are seeds and when planted into the soil of the human heart, they will eventually reproduce.

Within every acorn lies the potential of a full-grown oak tree and it’s no different with our thoughts. It’s true, every concept, idea or pattern of thought has create our lives. Your most predominate thoughts always determine the direction of your life.

Proverbs teaches, as a person thinks in his heart, so is he or so he shall become. So remember to choose and nurture your thoughts wisely, they have the potential to sail you to success or sink you in defeat!

 

Relating From The Inside Out

When it comes to improving our relationships, most of us automatically focus on what we should or shouldn’t do to relate to others. My concern is that we do this at the expense of overlooking what is perhaps the most important factor in great relationships – THE HEART!

 I’m not referring to the beating muscle inside your chest comprised of a series of valves pumping blood to the various parts of your body, but the center core of who we are.

The part of us that feels, makes choices, wills to do and is the fertile ground for our hopes, dreams and aspirations. Proverbs 4:23 declares, keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life. (AMP)

In everyday language this is saying, your life (and relationships) is the product of what germinates and grows in your heart. You could say, the condition of your heart determines the quality of your relationships.

The problem is, too often we neglect our hearts and allow them to grow hard and indifferent toward God and people. God intended our hearts to be a free-flowing conduit of His life, love and power. Not some calloused over, closed off place where nothing enters and exits.

The writer of Hebrews warns, do not harden your hearts as did the Children of Israel who as a result missed out on everything God prepared for them.

So how do we guard our heart? One thing is for sure, you can’t control circumstances or what others do. At times, people will disappoint us, reject us and mistreat us so it’s not a matter of protecting ourselves from every outside interaction.

But we can guard ourselves from the inside out; that’s the key. We can choose how we respond to disappointment, how to process rejection and what a negative experience will mean to us. This begins by doing three things well:

 1. Watch What You Think

Ninety plus percent of all relational conflict is rooted in misunderstanding. Communication between two people is imperfect at it’s best, so it’s easy to misjudge, to think negatively about others and end up with an attitude, even unforgiveness toward others. It’s always helped me to hold tightly to the truth love is ever ready to believe the best of every person - 1 Corinthians 13:7.

 2. Keep A Clear Conscience

Always obey and live responsive to your conscience. When it comes to how to relate or communicate with poeple your heart is your greatest coach. On the flip side, when you ignore your conscience you leave unfinished business and a gaping whole for the enemy to create conflict and division.

3. Forgive Unconditionally

It’s inevitable, at some point most likely yet this week, someone will rub you the wrong way, cause you disappointment or mistreat you requiring you to forgive.

Here’s the deal, forgiveness is not a feeling, but a choice and because of that, we should decide ahead of time that nothing anyone does regardless of how severe or how frequent will keep us from freely forgiving.

Remember, marriage or a friendship is a union between two good forgivers.

The Forgotten Discipline

This past Sunday we continued our HOW series and kicked-off three weeks of prayer and fasting. I don't know of a better way to start the year than disconnecting from the world and connecting on a higher level with God.

The need to start the year off right and position ourselves for God's divine plans in 2011 couldn't be greater.

Fasting is an often forgotten spiritual discipline, yet the Bible clearly teaches that some things only change in our lives when we set aside times to fast and pray.

When it comes to realizing God's purposes, it's all about what He's already done & planned for us, not what we can attempt on our own. That means it's essential to synchronize to His heart, His plan and His power.

A dedicated season of seeking the Lord is the very thing to do that. It will change the way we see and prepare our hearts, lives and families for what's to come in the next 12 months.

I made a statement to our church two weeks ago that 2011 will be the kind of year that you prepare for!

If you leave it to chance, then chances are you won't like what you get. But if you set aside time to seek the Lord to fast and pray, you will sync your life with His; exchanging your lack with His abundance, your weakness for His strength and your inability with His power, setting you up for the best year ever!