Ghost Mission

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matt 7:13-14 NIV

We were created to make a difference. God hard wired the human spirit to be more than a spectator in the world. That is why we feel such remorse when we see lives “thrown away” and wasted. It is such a tragedy to see untapped potential, unused talent, and unfulfilled accomplishment. Normally the lives that are wasted are easily recognized. What isn’t so recognizable is the shadow side of our created mission. It is the alter ego of our created purpose. Human beings cannot exist in the absence of purpose. Everyone sells out to a purpose. Even those who we consider a waste are sold out to their purpose. The alcoholic is sold out to the purpose of the next drink, the drug addict is sold to the next high, the business executive is sold to the next business deal. We cannot exist in the absence of purpose. Survivors of the concentration camps controlled by the Nazi’s witnessed that the cruel treatment, and even torture was equaled by the intentional purposeless work they were given to do. In one camp prisoners were forced to dig deep holes through rocky soil for days and even weeks only to fill the holes back in. This endless activities were incredible torture on the mind of those who were created for significance.

Knowing that we are created for an intentional purpose is only half the battle in living out our potential. Another reality is if we are allowed we will find a substitute to God’s purpose for our lives. This is what I call our ghost mission. It is a life you were never intended to live. Ghost Mission isn’t a life that is normally filled with blatant sin. It isn’t a desire to rape, rob or pillage, no it is much more masked that. Normally our ghost missions are not 180 degrees out from our God mission but more like a few degrees off. It is possible that those who live as a ghost are very religious, very successful, and likable. What separates the God mission from the Ghost Mission is one will end in the benefit of others and the other will end in despair.

Crowns in Heaven

Five crowns in heaven…

Incorruptible crown- Life of Christian Discipline
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.(Incorruptible Crown) 26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Cor 9:24-27 NIV

Crown of Righteousness- Determined faith in Christ
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Tim 4:6-8 NIV
Crown of Rejoicing -Soul winners crown
But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. 18 Therefore we wanted to come to you — even I, Paul, time and again — but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? 20 For you are our glory and joy. 1 Thess 2:17-20 NKJV

Crown of Glory-Shepherds Crown
To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers-not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 1 Peter 5:1-4 NIV

Crown of Life-For those who suffer for Jesus
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 NIV

So little to do...

Schedule/reality
5:00 AM review and form a script for video message point.
-Hit the snooze too tired from last nights staff and weekend service meetings left Sherwood around 8:30 (13 hour day)
6:30 AM workout
-Skipped again too tired instead took time to review script for video
-3 emails returned
8:30 AM video new Conway Campus for offering video
-Met videographer and did it in one take.
-15 text messages answering questions.
-5-phone calls during this time
9:00 AM Meet with framers and give them a check
-Done
-Made four phone calls answer questions for framer
-Called contractor (3) times to finalize plans
9:00 AM Meet with landlord to finish permit paperwork
-Done
-Text contractor to forward info to her.
9:30 Schedule Fed-Ex check pick-up for Sound equipment Conway
-Done
10:00 AM Shoot video illustration for message
-Finished in three takes
11:00 AM Eat Lunch and make call backs
-3 calls
12:30PM More call backs
-2 calls
1:00PM Finalize plans for Conway neighborhood mapping for visitation teams.
-Done
-Picked up inverter.
3:00PM Go pick up inverter
-Done
5:00PM Funeral Visitation
-Conflicted with Conway appointment
-Sent email and make call letting them know.
5:00 be in Conway for neighborhood mapping
-Started mapping
8:30 leave Conway
-Tired really tired.
9:00 Bible Study with family
10:45 Sleep
(15 hour day)

Tomorrow…
5:00 AM Go over timing for Invitations EKG component
6:30 AM Workout
8:00 AM Meeting
10:00 AM Funeral
12:00 PM Eat
1:00 PM Meet with Lighting Contractor (Sherwood)
5:00 PM Eat
6:30 PM Meet with visitation team and organize visits (Conway)
9:00 Bible Study with family
10:30 Sleep