Yesterday morning, I preached about marriage and encouraged our families to keep the family in proper order.  Christ at the center, our relationship to our spouse and then our kids.  I challenged our couples to not let the children come in between their relationship. 

At the Cheney house though, we are being tested in this area.  Hannah has become possessive.  I gave Sonya a hug and a kiss and Hannah came over there, pushed me away and said, “My Mama!”  Now every time I get around Sonya, Hannah pushes me away and says, “MINE!”  I am not sure why she started this but I informed her in no uncertain terms last night, that she was going to have to share.  I think she got the message:)

Lately, I have been reading the book Leadership From The Inside Outby Kevin Harney.  It takes you on a journey through the leader’s inner life and looks for areas where we can grow.  In the first chapter, Pastor Harney addresses the leader’s heart.  He declares the need for the heart of every leader to be alive and drawn toward the things of God.  In this chapter he gives a test to see where we might need to sharpen and evaluate the condition of our heart.

Answer with a yes or no:

1.  I minister more out of duty than out of love for God.

2.  I can go days or even weeks without sitting at the feet of Jesus, feeding on His Word, or speaking to Him in prayer.

3.  When I prepare messages, my mind is always focused on what others will learn, and the truth of Scripture rarely pierces my heart or stirs my passion.

4.  When I lead in prayer or pray with others, the words sound right to the casual observer, but they feel hollow or empty to me.

5.  I see the people in my church or ministry as a distraction from getting my work done.

6.  I find myself structuring my life in a way that isolates me from people.

7.  I have become so busy doing church work  that I leave no time to connect with spiritual seekers.

8.  I can’t remember the last time I shed a tear for a lost person.

Anyone else convicted?  I have some areas I need to work on, how about you?

Perry Noble said, “God couldn’t give a RIP about your comfort-He simply wants you to be obedient…and at times that means facing things head on that scare you and completely take you out of your comfort zone.”

If your Christian life is full of easy things, then you need to do something different.  Take a risk for God!