I read lots of stuff…and I see many quotes that are worth saving; however, there are four saying on my desk that I see everyday…the bring me encouragement…maybe they will do the same for you.
#1 - “God rewards those who seek Him. Not those who seek doctrine or religion or systems or creeds. Many settle for these lesser passions, but the reward goes to those who settle for nothing less than Jesus Himself. And what is the reward? What awaits those who seek Jesus? Nothing short of the heart of Jesus!” Max Lucado
I love this quote because it reminds me NOT to get caught up in church politics and/or debates over theological issues that have caused controversy for hundreds of years. I was put on this planet to know Christ…and if I am passionate about ANYTHING before Jesus…then that thing, whatever “it” is—is an idol!
#2 - “When you’re small, they’ll dismiss you; when you’re growing, they’ll criticize you; and when you’re large, they’ll resent you. So ignore ‘them’ and get on with whatever God has told you to do!” Rick Warren
If anyone has taken their share of criticism it has been Rick…and I don’t understand how some people actually have the audacity to condemn this man…he has a passion for Jesus and a passion for people—but, in my opinion, some people are too stupid to see that. NO—he’s not perfect—he never claimed to be, but I would say he is much closer to pleasing the heart of God than people who create blogs to tear him down.
AND…this quote is so true. When NewSpring was small people didn’t pay any attention to us. AND when we began to grow—we were a “cult”—and people were skeptical about us. Now people actually make up lies about us…and from time to time I will get “go to hell” looks from people in our community who DO go to church…but not at NewSpring. Trust me…this quote has pulled me through some tough times.
And hey—if Rick just so happens to take a look at this blog (yeah, right) - dude—keep doing what you are doing. You are one of the reasons I am doing what I do—God used you to inspire me…and thousands are going to spend eternity in heaven because of your obedience.
#3 - “It is not the critic who counts, not the one who points out how the strong man stumbled or how the doer of deeds might have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena. Whose face is marred with sweat and dust and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy cause. Who, if he wins, knows the triumph of high achievement, and who, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat.” Teddy Roosevelt
I LOVE THIS QUOTE…I have heard it said…and I know it was by someone famous…that “it is easy to criticize, it is much harder to create.” This quote has reminded me several times that it is EASY to get a blog and spend time pointing out what people do wrong…it is MUCH more difficult to actually attempt great things for God and take shots.
(For some reason…those who lead the charge in Christianity always get shot in the back!!!)
#4 - “Fat people are harder to kidnap.”
This is just the truth! A friend bought me this sticker after I had offended someone from the stage—I made a comment about a fat kid in a game of dodge ball one Sunday that didn’t go over well with a mother. Oops! So…she complained…and then my friend bought me this sticker. It reminds me that no matter WHAT you say…someone CAN and WILL get mad…so just have FUN and be who God created you to be!!!