Fueling the Passion

We Lofters who are lucky enough to be in Houston and attend Loft Church are getting hammered pretty good these days. Have you noticed Andy and Terrence really fueling our passion?...I don't think it's just me.  (around the world catch it on i-tunes.)

So, I paused for about 20 seconds last night and mused about the "fuel" a little.  I'm a simple guy and  I can easily sum it up this way...I'm passionate about finishing strong....I'm much further along to the finish than at the starting gate; you have to roll me out and down a hill in the morning to get me moving.

That said..here's some scribbles about focusing on living a purpose-filled life.  These eight precepts (core values, if you will) are what drives International Leadership Institute to be who they are and do what they do in 60 countries around the world. These are the core values that form the foundation of ILI leadership training.

• Intimacy with God - Romans 8:15 - The recent Organic Spirituality series at The Loft brought this home loud and clear.
• Passion for the Harvest - Matthew 9:35-38 - Two-thirds of the world (including many here in The Woodlands and in our own sphere of influence) have not responded to the gospel.
• Visionary Leadership - Proverbs 29:18 - Using the transforming power of Jesus...Lofters are catching it by going and doing through----
• Cultural Relevant Evangelism - 1 Corinthians 9:19-27 - in all places, all peoples, all cultures...Lofters, those who catch a just purpose, cause and calling beyond themselves, are rising up and challenging others by the ---
• Multiplication of Leaders - II Timothy 2:2 - we are seeing amazing purposed-driven people rise up at TWUMC and grow their passion organically and by God's design.
• Family Priority - Ephesians 5:22-6:9 - Ouch...let's covenant together that our first priority after seeking God is caring for our family (wife, children and extended family; my are so precious to me and I'm so proud of them) through---
• Stewardship - Matthew 25:14-30 - Of our time, our talents, spiritual gifts, abilities and, yes, our money.  We are all responsible for using God's gifts and graces to us for achieving maximum impact for the Kingdom.
• Integrity - II Timothy 4:1-7.  Want to finish well; start strong. Integrity provides the moral authority...not service...not leadership skills...not desire to serve others, but personal integrity.

Think these eight precepts will preach?  They real question is will we catch it...and be it until Jesus comes.

Now some practical scribbles...it's fine to know and understand these precepts or core values, but to live it?  Here's how God is calling me to live it.

I old as dirt and not in the best of health...some ministries and mission activities are beyond my reach...oh, I'm passionate about serving the orphans in Costa Rica, building a new church or helping dig a water well somewhere in the world; yes, I'm passionate about putting in long hours at a community clinic and so many other areas of service----check out TWUMC's September Serve---it is so neat and thanks John Hull----but much of that is a little beyond my grasp now...so, I encourage others.

I encourage others globally through writing, blogging (three going to five), participating worldwide in partnering and coaching church planters and speaking in leadership conferences...oh yes, and developing new small group materials for Jesus Followers who want to live a purpose-filled life.  Not to forget that I am the Facebook guru around the globe building and encouraging a social network of like-minded, passionate, sold-out, Christians who are cause driven and focused on others---that's what TeamLoft is all about.

Don't get me wrong, you'll see me serving others locally as I can.  I still pick up trash or dishes after a meal, teach a Sunday School class, pour coffee, greet others in the alley and at the dome when I can go there...and I can make some really "mean" meals.  I can still make pretty good conversation on airplanes when I'm not sleeping.

Lofters and TWUMC folk practice what they preach...we go and do.  This, dear friends, is what floats my boat.  Chow for now, I have work to do.

Selah