The Last 10%

As I talked about on Sunday, we cannot grow as a follower of Jesus and remain isolated from others.

We ALL need to draw nearer to others in our life who will help us to draw nearer to Jesus. As we do so - we break through different barriers of vulnerability.

If we are intentional we quickly move past what I call the weather/sports mode (OK, probably be different subjects for some of you - but same idea) . . . where it's just all surface. And we begin to move into authenticity.

As we make these breaks into deeper authenticity there is a barrier that Bill Hybels calls: The Last 10%.

Have you ever gone away from a conversation thinking, 'Man, I wish I had just had the courage to say _____________!' That's the last 10%.

It refers to whatever it is that you're holding back in the conversation. What is it that you need to share but you're afraid to? It may be something we need to confess or an area where we need to ask for help. Or it may be that last 10% of encouragement or truth that we need to speak to the other person.

Paul spoke about the last 10%: "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ." Ephes. 4:15

The truth in love. I know. I've had people tell me that last 10%. The part that no one else had the courage to challenge me with.
When we share the last 10% we not only take our relationship to new levels --- but it also leads us into deeper places of knowing God!

Don't hold it back . . . Let go of the last 10%!

Matt Beveridge Award

In a little while Luke and I are going to the annual CC Hooks Baseball Banquet - where they honor local pro, college and high school baseball players.

This year they are also giving out the First Annual Matt Beveridge Award. It is for a local high school player who lives with - on and off the field - the kind of courage and passion that Matt lived with.

I had the privilege of being on the committee that chose the local player (although I can't say who it is as they are not announcing until tonight - check out the sports page tomorrow if you want to know) -- and it is going to be awesome to see Matt's life honored in that kind of way tonight . . . and more importantly to see Jesus lifted up as Matt looks down from beside His Savior!

Which Path?

It's becoming clearer and clearer for many of you doing the 60/60 - for those of you sincerely seeking to follow God. The distinction between light and dark is no longer gray - they quit running together as we get nearer to God.

This morning I was reading in Proverbs 4 and these verses jumped out:

"Do not set foot on the path of the wicked
or walk in the way of evil men.
Avoid it, do not travel on it;
turn from it and go on your way." (Proverbs 4:14-15)

What path do we choose? Man, it's so easy and seductive -- and accepted -- to just walk a few feet on what looks like a harmless trail.

And yet as we experience the freedom and power of living in the presence of God, nothing else satisfies . . . Just a few verses down in Proverbs Solomon writes about the wisdom of God:

"Pay attention, my child, to what I say. Listen carefully. Don't lose sight of my words. Let them penetrate deep within your heart, for they bring life and radiant health to anyone who discovers their meaning.
Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do." (Proverbs 4:20-23)

A Few Hamburgers Could Change the World . . .

It really can be that simple.

THIS Sunday our MS/HS students are having a bake sale AND a bar-b-que to raise funds for camp this Summer . . .

You can help send a high schooler/middle schooler to have an experience with God that will change their forever! These are the most impressionable ages as beliefs and practices are being formed that will shape the rest of their eternity.

So, bring a few extra bucks to buy cookies/cakes (maybe something for your valentine :) and then treat your family to lunch with $5 plates of hamburgers, beans and chips!

A few hamburgers really can change the world!