This time of year is always a grind, when the excitement of the New Year begins to fade and the gray chill of winter descends upon us. It can be difficult to remain energized, focused, and hopeful during times like these. One thing that I like to do to combat these tendencies is to read books and articles that are challenging and inspiring. Here are a few of the best passages and excerpts that I’ve read lately to challenge you, encourage you, and to help spark hope and life on your journey:
From Wild at Heart by John Eldredge:
“…I want to live my whole life like that. I want to love with much more abandon and stop waiting for others to love me first. I want to hurl myself into a creative work worthy of God. I want to charge the fields at Banockburn, follow Peter as he followed Christ out onto the sea, pray from my heart’s true desire.”
“Life is not a problem to be solved; it is an adventure to be lived.”
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” (quoting Gil Bailie and Howard Thurman)
“What is written on your heart? What makes you come alive? If you could do what you’ve always wanted to do, what would it be?”
“A man’s life becomes an adventure, the whole thing takes on a transcendent purpose when he releases control in exchange for the recovery of the dreams in his heart.”
“Our false self demands a formula before he’ll engage; he wants a guarantee of success, and mister, you aren’t going to get one.”
From Raising Giant Killers by Bill Johnson:
“Reigning in life is not reigning over people. It is not about the power of title or position. Reigning in life means that money does not control me. I manage it for the glory of God. Conflict does not control me. I control my response to problems in a way that represents Jesus accurately. Reigning in life is part of the inheritance for all who follow Him.”
“The enemy always tries to make us more aware of our problems than of the solutions we carry.”
“What if we become more intentional in giving a testimony of something only God can do and get credit for? It changes everything for us – what we think about God, about ourselves, and about our purpose in life.”
“We are to rule with the heart of a servant, and serve with the heart of a king…It is an expression of humility, with a backbone of confidence, that enables us to draw upon God’s resources as needed to serve effectively.”
“Jesus did not live in reaction to the devil. Instead, He responded to the Father.”
“When the values of the Kingdom of God shape how we think and what we have an appetite for, we know they have truly taken root in our hearts.”
And finally, I attended a workshop recently in which the instructor, Drew Neal, posed a question. I believe he may have been quoting someone else, but I didn’t catch the reference or the source. Nevertheless, the question was powerful and challenging:
“What would you do if you knew you could not fail?”
I challenge you to ask yourself that question and allow it to propel you to remove any lids that you’ve placed over your life, your growth, or your purpose. Take the lids off and dream…
for underdogs & kings... 