"Don't tell me what to do!"

This week while I was doing my bible study and sermon preparation. I had a revelation that came from the scripture indirectly but was poignant none the less.

I am preaching on the story of The Good Samaritan this week and at the very beginning of the passage it hit me. Jesus almost never just answered questions. Now it doesn't really have a lot to do with my sermon Sunday but it is a note worthy thought. Jesus almost never just told people the answer. He either asked them another question or told a story.

It made me realize when you're in the business of changed lives then it is not really worth while to shout at people about how they should be or what they should do, as the Church has a habit, or at least the reputation, of doing. It is more about bringing people on a journey of self discovery, led by the Holy Spirit.

Now don't get me wrong Jesus preached. And I love to preach. But some times we get so caught up in trying to tell people the answers to their lives that we neglect the value of letting them find the answers on their own.

I have always tried to illustrate my sermons like Jesus with surroundings and parables. But this point is probably most important when wearing my counseling hat.

God, continue to shape me and make into the man you've created me to be, and teach me to apply this lesson to my life.

Time to Get Started

I have been avoinding my New Years resolution.  I've know what it was since June last year, when I knew that I had hit a plateu on my weight lose journey.  I had started a life long transformation of losing weight at the beginning of last year.  In May I reached 90 lbs into my weight loss journey.  I held that place for most of the year.  Then the holidays came.  I knew that I resolved to continue losing weight but with family in town for the Holidays I figured I could let go a little.  Then Matthew was born and the days in the NICU with him and the changes at home when he came prolonged my lack of resolve.  Today I am set back by 20 lbs. and I am ready to change. 

While watching "The Biggest Loser" tonight I was inspired to get back on track.  They advertised the Pound for Pound Challenge, a charity that will donate a pound of food, for every pound of weight you will pledge to lose.  The best part is they donate it to a local food pantry.

The Tarrant food bank is one of the food pantries on their donation list.  They provide food to Helping Hands in Alvarado and other food pantries in our area.  So I pledged to lose 50 lbs. and get back on track with my life transformation.  If you have some weight to lose I encourage you to make a pledge.  Just click on the logo below.