Today, I begin a crazy journey around the world. I’ll be in Tokyo, Thailand and Australia before returning back to the States. Please pray for safe travel over the next 12 days. Can’t wait to see what God does.

He made a great statement that got my attention:

Always do tasks with a relational component.

His explanation – in ministry you should almost never do anything alone or without a relational perspective. So, any time that you can mentor someone or do a task while building a relationship, DO IT. There are so many other thoughts for those who put tasks over relationships and those who put relationships over tasks. There needs to be a definite balance between the two if you will do your job effectively.

Which do you struggle with – focusing to much on tasks or to much on relationships?

Although they are from the same root word, there is a huge difference between resolutions and resolve. Take a look:

Resolution: noun. a formal expression of opinion or intention made.

Resolve: verb. to come to a definite or earnest decision about; determine (to do something)

If you read the definitions of resolution, you have to use the word resolve to give it any forceful meaning. Resolutions are made all the time with no action ever taken.

Yet, when we resolve to do something, we have made a decision to make a change. It’s not something we are toying around with – it’s done in our minds.

What have you made resolutions about in 2010? Now, stop. Take a look at that list or go over it in your head. What do you have resolve about that will change – no matter what the cost? If you have that in mind, you see how life will be different at the end of 2010. If you cannot think of anything, you will end this year the same way as last year.

Ask God to change your resolutions into resolve.

Do not let the sun go down on your anger. Ephesians 4:26b

Confession: I’m not sure where you land, but I have the tendency to be quick to anger and quick to forgive. I’m sure the Bible says to be slow to anger, but I haven’t mastered that yet! Anyway, every time I look at the book it brings the question to my mind: “Who do I need to ask to forgive me before the sun goes down?” Honestly, some days that list is long and other days that list is short. Some days I want to respond and other days I don’t – I just don’t want to humble myself and deal with it.

I love what The Message says:

Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life. Ephesians 4:26b

It’s bigger than just not wanting to forgive or ask someone to forgive me. Unforgiveness from others or towards others gives Satan a foothold into my life.

The sun is about to set and you will be going to bed soon. Are you angry with someone or is someone angry with you? There’s still time to take care of it – TODAY.

Do you know Steve Echols? I came to know Christ when he was pastor at a church in Alabama.

Do I know him? I trusted Christ when he was pastoring a church in Baton Rouge! Then, he was my faculty mentor for my doctoral work. He’s been a friend of our family for years!

Later, several thoughts hit me for those in ministry.

• God honors your faithfulness. It the principle of sowing and reaping. Keep sowing and you will see God’s harvest.
• You will never know your impact this side of eternity. Your life has made a difference to people. You are “Steve Echols” to scores of people and you do not even know it.
• Stay faithful. It’s easier for God to use a clean vessel. Stay committed to your family and your walk with Him.
• Share your story…often. Tell others in ministry your God-story. It’s awesome to hear how each person I talk to came to know Christ.
• Struggle through the tough times. When you doubt your impact for Christ, struggle through and realize that God is in control. He knows where you are. He knows what you are walking through. He knows who the messages are impacting. I love what Paul said:

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. 1 Corinthians 3:6-8, NIV

You have a purpose. Fulfill it. Live it. Accomplish it. You will receive a reward for your work!

What’s your story God-story? Take as much room as you like – I’d love to read it.

Kyle Gilbert, our Pastor of Communications has done an awesome job with this (along with his team). Get your family around the computer and be a part of this awesome experience. Click on the image below and you will be there!

What can you do on the iCampus: chat with others, receive prayer and experience God – all while sitting at your computer. This is going to be fun!

• Hearing about the soon to be updated Sacred Storm website.
• Finalizing plans for Easter at the Coliseum on April 12 (this is one service for all of FPC and the community) & all of the advertising associated with it.
• Seeing the conceptual thoughts for the iCampus (that’s internet campus for all of you rookies – I am pumped about this and a possibility for Easter Sunday)
• Looking at the possibility of having one crazy awesome service for Saturday, July 4th.
• Preparing for Unleash 2009 with the Admin Team

I have the greatest team in the country and the greatest job in the country. I’m absolutely blown away that I get to serve in the Kingdom at an awesome church!

I too have the greatest wife in the world! Kim really gives me the chance to live out my God-sized dreams and she is honestly the reason why God has blessed us so abundantly. Everyone needs to know that I have an awesome wife!

Bottom line: I respect guys who…love their wives and tell others about it.