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Jumping Off The Hamster Wheel Into Unforced Rhythms of Grace

In my desire to get this message across I’ve spent the past few minutes trying to concoct a clever slant. Some greasy play on words or curiosity inducing enticement to continue reading.

I don’t have one.

The message will stand or fall on it’s own merits. It’s one that has significant implications.

I want to take a little time to talk Hamster wheels.

I was certainly in Hamster mode for many years. Spinning plates, scurrying between projects, hustling in life and hassling in prayer. Little surprise I burned out and came crashing back to the arms of the Father looking for a better way.

The thing is, when the wheel is spinning, life and time take on a life of their own. Jumping off takes courage, and may well leave you with a few bruises when you leap into the unknown, wondering who you are and why you are here.

“Martha, Martha” is the refrain many of us might hear if we took a moment to stop the madness, and incline our ear.

Martha was “cumbered with many things, distracted with much serving, anxious, and troubled” the Bible says.

All the while “only one (or but a few things) were necessary.” (Luke 10:41).

Only One or But A Few

One of the greatest questions you can ask the Lord is, “What is my one, or but a few, things?”

The thing is, the answer may mean laying down or cutting off some of the “many things” that currently keep you scurrying. That takes courage. The busyness sometimes becomes our identity. Our security is derived from the many things we occupy ourselves with.

There’s a fear that stopping will not only break the cycle and frantic momentum we have steamed up, but that it will break us.

Scripture speaks to this cultural disease in Matthew 11.

“Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.” Matthew 11:29 MESSAGE

Walking In Pace With Grace

In my conversation with the Holy Ghost this morning we spoke about pace. Walking in pace with the prince of Peace.

I asked Him about His pace.

He is the pace maker. Hearing is His heartbeat.

The unforced rhythm you are looking for can be described best in the original picture of man and his Maker.

Two friends walking and talking together in the cool of the day.

“And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day…” Genesis 3:8

Walking, listening, talking.

It’s hard to hear on the hamster wheel.

Take courage and take the leap.

What of the many do you need to jettison, and what of the few do you need to focus on?

Let faith lead your forward as you embrace the pace, and believe in the good providence of God for your journey.

Be A Finisher

I’m glad that the words, “It is finished!” Came out of Jesus mouth, not “I am finished.” I’m all in for small beginnings, incremental progress, and making bold moves, but there’s a valley full of corpses that lies between the two peaks of every creative project.

The beginning of a thing.

And the completion.

Between the two a blood drenched chasm where many a creative has given up the ghost and let their dream idea gasp its final breath.

Just as the Scriptures encourage us not to despise beginnings, however inauspicious they may feel, the Holy Ghost also makes mention of the other factor in that equation.

“Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” (Ecclesiastes 7:8 KJV)

Better to be a finisher than just a starter.

The entrepreneurial and creative malaise is the tendency to love the splash and novelty of new things, but steer clear of the patience required to bring a project to completion. The half read and half written books, the incomplete training materials, that expensive course you purchased and watched only the first three videos.

One key to completion is knowing the boundaries of your commission. Click to Tweet

Jesus was able to say,

“I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do…

Did he heal every single sick person? Raise all souls from poverty? Crush every demon on the planet and take His throne as ruler of the earth?

No, not at this time. His commission was clear in His mind, and He knew the parameters His Father had prescribed for Him.

“…I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.” (John 17:4-6KJV)

There were certain ones that were given to Him, and a clear commission how He was to work with them.

Know Your Call

Do you know who you are called to reach? And how and why they have been given to you?

This is a great place to begin, because when you know the part you are called to play in the great Kingdom enterprise, other things come into perspective and clear focus.

Even Jesus in His earthly stewardship was not called to reach everybody, just the ones the Father gave Him out of the world. There were definite goals and guidelines He followed.

The removal of doubt that clarity of commission brings makes finishing:

1. Possible – you are no longer trying to be everything too everyone.

2. Probable – clear sense of purpose and the part you play means you measure your success according to your own God-given mandate, not the mission someone else has been granted.

3. Pleasurable – God equips us inwardly for every outward assignment. You’ll find yourself much more inclined to contentment because your commission and it’s limitations fit like glove on hand. No more Saul’s armour and fighting and fumbling forward trying to be or become something you are not.

Your call is specific:

“As every man hath received a gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10)

The part we play is not burdensome to us. Jesus yoke is easy not because it is insignificant, but because it is well-fitting. Click to Tweet

Someone else’s call will be light tight pants. You’ll end up chafed and chafing with every step. But when you align your heart with God’s purpose, the requirements and results will bring joy to your spirit.

God world and work is vast and all encompassing. Each individual part of His Body has their own special part to play for the upbuilding and maturity of the whole. We represent Jesus in all of His manifold wisdom as a collective, not as lone rangers tooting our own trumpet.

“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)

Remember this, it is where the joints are that the supply is opened up!

“from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:16 NKJV)

The second key I want to share is a simple one, and far less philosophical.

Break your projects down into component parts.

I will use writing a book as an example, but the principle can be applied to anything creative project you undertake.

A book does not begin life as an epic bestseller, it is a collection of chapters. Those chapters are a collection of paragraphs, and those paragraphs are a collection of words.

Drill down to the smallest component and set your goals in keeping with what can be achieved within a short span of time, preferably in one 2 hour sitting each day.

Milestone achievements of this kind feed motivation to continue. Every day becomes a day to celebrate completing, because instead of looking at the distant “The End” as your final flourish, you have 500 words or 30 minutes of concentrated focus in one direction as your yardstick.

With each victory your determination is bolstered and progress is inevitable.

I don’t want to over simplify things, but it really does not get much more complicated that this. Do something every single day to progress your most important, heart felt projects.

If you fall off the wagon, get back on quickly and don’t lose steam. Certainly don’t waste a moment feeling guilty. Guilt is fruitless emotion. Conviction and commitment quite the opposite.

Make Your Progress Public

Finally, and perhaps this may be the key that unlocks consistency, make your progress public. Work openly, or with others, and be accountable to your promises and passions. Be ready to be pulled up, pushed and provoked to make good on what you have said.

Now, go get started.

And be sure to finish what you start!

Have You Joined Clubhouse Heaven Yet? Let Me Send You An Invite!

If you’ve not already been introduced, there’s a new hotspot for conversations taking place – a virtual hub of lively debate called Clubhouse.

It’s an app by the way. Niche specific rooms with real time audio conversations.

Hordes of hungry covid-incarcerated thought leaders, and think-followers, are crowding in to engage together in live, as-it-happens, conversations around just about any topic you can imagine. Some rooms are bursting with hundreds of participants, all eagerly “raising their hands” to take the stage. Others are more intimate discussions among friends and avid fans.

It’s presently in beta, and works by one user inviting another two, making it somewhat compelling when you sit on the outside waiting for an opening.

The next thing in social?

Innovative viral marketing and the buzz that this is the “next thing in social” is stirring up quite a storm of enthusiasm and curiosity. Whether the optimistic prophecies are true or not will be played out in time.

For now, Facebook feeds and other places of engagement are filling with requests for an invite.

But let me divert for a moment and recommend another conversation.

Another Clubhouse.

Heaven has a clubhouse

It’s been open for a long time now.

No app required. Fully matured but always experimental and wildly innovative. Deep and wide all at once, and fired by the inspiration of three Co-hosts who blow me away every single day.

This conversation has been online 24/7 since the beginning of time (and before) and tuning in takes nothing more than a nano-second of turned attention. No waiting, no trawling the waves for relevant rooms (there’s one room, the Throne room), and no need to wait your turn.

The door is open to all who choose to come.

The show began in public for the first time when the immortal words, “Let us create man in our own image…” sounded from the heart of the Hosts.

Let “US”.

It’s a conversation. An agreement. A creative hub. A gathering of genius.

The Creator; Father, Son and Holy Ghost, are hosting and all-access pass show.

The invitation has already been sent:

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
1John 1:3

And another:

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need
Hebrews 4:6

And another:

…in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Philippians 4:6

And again:

And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full
John 16:23-24

Need I go on?

There’s a conversation in Heaven that’s taking place, and you have been invited many times over to come inside, and take the stage. The only time you need raise your hands is in praise for the answers you receive.

The airwaves and avenues to intimacy are always open:

Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
Ephesians 6:18

Pray without ceasing
1 Thessalonians 5:17

No MC is required, this co-hosted convo can handle multiple streams and never lose track. Every voice will be heard and understood. No one will be left to languish on the edges, begging to get inside.

The very highest, literally and metaphorically, have opened up their room for humanity.

The conversation has been underway for centuries and will continue long beyond the demise of this present age. But don’t wait, the door is open now.

And you are the guest of honor!

This my friend has been the cutting edge of social since the inception of the world, and it will never be pushed from first place as the coolest house to hang out in.

PS: Despite my tongue in cheek approach, I’m sincere in my encouragement. There really is a conversation in Heaven that you have been invited to join. The Godhead, all three, are waiting for your company. Prayer is the beautiful never-failing application of faith that brings you face-to-face with your Creator. He is ready and waiting to speak intimately into your every circumstance.

Talking To God In The Supermarket And The First Sign Of Sanity

I don’t recommend you do this (I do really, but maybe not when you are waiting in line to pay for your groceries).

I used to work for a newspaper. Not as a writer or undercover reporter or anything glamorous like that. I just laid out the pages and designed ads for local businesses.

The press office was over the road from a supermarket, so lunch usually comprised of wandering across the street and a cheap sandwich. Amazing how routines play out day after day.

My other routine is to chat with God as I go about my business. So much so, I sometimes do it without thinking.

Thing is, I forget that many (most) other people don’t share that routine.

On this particular day I arrived back in the office, and Kate, one of my colleagues, said (in a friendly way, I think), “I used to think you were crazy, but now I know that you are.”

Feigning hurt, I asked her why.

“I saw you stood in line at Asda (the name of the supermarket chain) talking to yourself.”

Supposedly, the saying goes that talking to yourself is the first sign of insanity. At least that’s what the devil would like you to believe. It really depends what you are saying, I guess.

I corrected Kate of course, and told her that on this occasion I was not talking to myself, I was talking to God. I also informed her that talking to God is actually the first sign of…

Sanity.

Only God can make sense of life. Seriously, have you looked outside your window recently? Mad, mad, mad! If you are not driven to prayer and calling on a higher power for some sense and mercy maybe you are crazy!

I then asked Kate if she knew what the second sign of sanity is.

She said she didn’t, so in the most sage like manner I could muster I told her…

“The second sign of sanity is when God answers back!”

Funny story, right?

But dead serious.

God is talking.

As believers we “walk by faith”, “live by faith”, “please God by faith”.

And faith comes by hearing.

If we are not hearing God we are just walking. If we are not hearing, we are just living. If we are not hearing, we are just pleasing ourselves and making it up as we go along. Click to Tweet

How many feel that way? Like life is a serious of concurrent accidentals?

You might agree in your head that God has a plan, but if you’re honest you really feel like you are stumbling in the dark and swinging your flashlight of hope in every direction hoping to catch a break.

Let me encourage you. God is standing in line with you at the supermarket. He is sitting next to you in your office or college. He’s there helping you wash the dishes, pick the kids up from school. He’s right next to you when you open the bills, rise in the morning, and lay down your head at night.

Deuteronomy 6:7 and 11:19 both speak of this ongoing conversation, generation to generation, and encourages believers to be engaged whenever they are sitting, standing or lying down. The encouragement covers pretty much all places, all times and all situations. Basically, all day every day!

Read these words carefully and slowly. Take note of the promised outcome of your conversation in heaven.

“Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates: That your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth.”
Deuteronomy 11:18–21 KJV

Days of heaven upon earth. Mmmmm, I like the sound of that. I’ll take two please.

The word used for “words” here is the Hebrew word dabar. It means both “talk” and “action”. It’s a living, breathing conversation. Literally it should be translated “word-event”.

God’s words are happenings!

If you want something to happen, you need one o’dem spirit words!

They are there for the taking. Ready and waiting.

Maybe next time you are standing in line at Walmart you ought to display the first signs of sanity, open your mouth, and say “hi” to the one who is a Friend that sticks closer than a brother.

I haven’t seen Kate in years. I do hope she finally found her sanity and started talking to God.

Turning Your Hopes Into Habits One Insignificant Move At A Time

At one time you were so minuscule you could not be seen with a naked eye. You may even feel just as insignificant today as you did at conception, hidden in the crowd and voiceless. You would not be alone.

It’s easy in the mass of humanity to feel like a nobody, especially with the curated stream of success stories and gorgeous selfies we gorge on. It can get to the point where you feel as powerless to make an impact as that fragile embryo swimming in its mother’s juices.

But God can see.

He does not need a microscope to notice you.

He does not need a hearing aid to discern your voice.

He saw you when you were knitted in your momma’s womb.

“For You did form my inward parts; You did knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalms 139:13 AMPLIFIED

“My frame was not hidden from You when I was being formed in secret [and] intricately and curiously wrought [as if embroidered with various colors] in the depths” Psalms 139:15 AMPLIFIED

You are significant.

From the moment of conception to the day of your demise God is passionately interested in you, and all that you have to offer the world. Click to Tweet

It is easy to fall prey to the powers of the terrible twins, the crushers of creativity, and dampers of dreams…

Procrastination and Perfectionism.

Procrastination says, “tomorrow”, and perfectionism takes it a step further and says, “never”. Taken together they have stolen a thousand dreams and prevented countless initiatives.

When Jesus said, “be ye perfect even as you father in Heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48) He was not suggesting that you take a lifetime polishing your halo before you step out and help someone. Thankfully, Jesus took care of the perfect piece of the pie, liberating you to step out boldly in all your weird and unpolished ways and learn, grow and improve as you go.

Don’t need 3 degrees and a PHD before you put a pen to paper.

Don’t need to know everything before you do something. Click to Tweet

Take a step today and throw caution to the wind. Start where you are at and make a move.

The Bible says,

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin,”
Zechariah 4:10 NLT

God rejoices at your small beginnings, even when others may scoff. Stepping out in obedience to the promptings of your heart will lead you to the places God prepared while you were being formed in the womb.

He knew even then exactly what He was forming you for, and it is now your daily privilege to discover and become it.

But how do you become that big, awesome thing your Father envisaged?

In small daily actions.

By turning your hopes into habits.

As a writer, I write every day. Not reams and reams, not with an epic in mind, not with the strain of expectation squeezing my pipes. I simply sit down and prioritize the activity that will gradually lead me toward the fulfilment of my hope. Faith gives feet (or in my case, fingers) to the picture God has plastered on my heart.

I am a writer. I am also becoming a writer.

Do the small things without a narrow eye. Don’t despise how silly and inconsequential it feels when the world is avidly ignoring your genius. Click to Tweet

Don’t wait for permission to call those things that are “not yet” as though they already are, and then take action in the direction you want to follow.

Painter? Get out your brushes.

Singer songwriter? Pen a few lines.

Marketer? Learn your trade by plying your copy and forming your funnels.

Teacher, trainer, or coach? What can you teach and who right now, from where you are. Don’t wait for the world to knock on your door and ask for your help. Head out to highways and byways and find someone you can empower with your presence.

Every. Single. Day.

Line by line. Song by song. Image by image. Life by life.

That’s how change occurs, and the embryonic idea grows into something hairy and audacious!