Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Grab life by the mane. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Consider the lilies. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshipping what's right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze a new trail. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don't try to be who you're not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away. Chase the lion!
Everyday I want to copy the things Mark Batterson, pastor of DC's National Community Church, and the blogger for www.evotional.com. I had to copy this manifesto that he posted on his blog. His book, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, was released this fall and he just finished a seven week series on the book. If you don't have it, GET IT! It will push you to your next level in God while pushing aside all fear.
And a personal note to Mark, have a great Christmas and a great break. Your blog has inspired and encourage church planters, pastors, and leaders! You deserve it!
