GET UP! (Look Up and then GET Up!)

In my last article we discussed the "simple" 4-Step Process for Success stating the need to "LOOK UP! GET UP! GET GOING! KEEP GOING!"

We focused on the first part, which was, "LOOK UP!"  and how important it is for each of us, no matter how difficult things may seem - to keep our heads UP and our eyes UP so that we can see what is taking place around us and the possible OPPORTUNITIES that may be around us even when we don't feel that such a thing even exists. 

 Ephesians 6:13... "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, TO STAND."

 So, in that particular situation discussed in Ephesians, the same is true in this whole discussion! It's GREAT that - in the Scripture example - someone would do all that they could to prepare for battle by putting on the necessary armor, BUT...all of that does NO good at all if you don't ever actually STAND UP and go out TO the battle!

So, it's GREAT that you now have begun to LOOK UP and notice what's going on around you and, maybe even notice OPPORTUNITY that is all around you but...

 If you never actually GET UP so that you can ENGAGE with and TAKE ADVANTAGE of any and all opportunity that may present itself, what good does it do? Short answer - NONE!

You're read me writing this before and, if you've watched my videos and/or listened to my podcasts, you've also heard me say this many times in the past: TALK IS CHEAP!

 I get it! I've "been there, done that" and have sat and sat and sat and sat, all the while SAYING I wanted to take action but, for whatever reason (excuses), I simply stayed where I was. I KNEW I WAS BETTER THAN THAT and, likely, YOU feel the same way and KNOW, deep down inside, that the same is true about YOU, friend!

So, don't just LOOK UP but, friend, you know it's time and you know it's PAST time to actually GET UP and start taking action. How? You GET GOING and you KEEP going - which we'll be talking about in the next couple of articles. 

SPECIFIC STEPS TO TAKE RIGHT NOW:                                                                                          

1. Be sure to listen to the PODCAST and/or watch the VIDEO on this topic - you'll HEAR and SEE my excitement and enthusiasm about this topic!                                                                                                 

 2. LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, FOLLOW and SHARE on EVERY source you see listed below.                     

3. JOIN my new community on Skool, create a post to introduce yourself and GET CONNECTED!   (it's free and I'll connect with you personally.                 

Once again,  the ball is in your court - it's your CHOICE. 

 

As always..."Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

 

Mike

 

NEW! Check out my community on Skool: https://www.skool.com/finish-what-you-start-2579

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/FutureYouUniversity

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MikeSpillman

My podcast:  https://mikespillmansfutureyouuniversity.buzzsprout.com

 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yeslivefree/

TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@big.digi.profits

  

Easy to Do - Easy NOT to Do!

 True, I will say that this is an "easy" 4 Step Process on how to make positive PROGRESS toward a better and brighter future in and for your life. But, as it says in the graphic above, it's EASY TO DO and it's also EASY NOT TO DO!

 

That doesn't change the TRUTH of what is being presented in this article (also my podcasts and videos...see links below) but it does acknowledge that, perhaps, it may be even easier for most NOT to do and implement in and for their lives and their future. 

 

You know "the drill", right? We get discouraged, frustrated and distracted and we tend to walk around with our heads down - figuratively AND literally at times. Have you ever wondered what all you have MISSED by doing so?

 

This actually ties in very closely to the series that I just completed talking about "See It - Want It - Get It!". If and when we walk around with our heads hanging down we simply MISS OUT on so many GOOD THINGS and maybe even many OPPORTUNITIES! 

 

If you've followed me for very long at all you've likely heard me say something along the lines of, "Opportunity Doesn't Always Knock! Sometimes You Have to Go Out There and Tackle That Sucker Out on The Sidewalk!"

 

But you won't ever see it (DON'T SEE IT!) with your head down. 

 

Paul, in the 3rd chapter of the book of Philippians says that (and I'm paraphrasing... I shared this a few weeks ago and you can also look it up for yourself...it's around verse 13-15) he kept his eyes "on the prize" of the calling that God had for his life! He put EVERYTHING else behind him...he focused...kept his head up and his eyes open!

 

So, there's your assignment...step #1: LOOK UP! 

 

Try it out for yourself by putting it into practice TODAY...NOT tomorrow or next week. 

 

Oh, and another "assignment" is for you to sign up for free and join my community on Skool...check the link out below!

 

Once again,  the ball is in your court - it's your CHOICE. 

 

As always..."Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

 

Mike

 

NEW! Check out my community on Skool: https://www.skool.com/finish-what-you-start-2579

www.FutureYouUniversity.com and www.MichaelSpillman.com currently take you to the same place, which is my Facebook page, listed next...

www.Facebook.com/FutureYouUniversity

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MikeSpillman

My podcast:  https://mikespillmansfutureyouuniversity.buzzsprout.com

 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yeslivefree/

TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@big.digi.profits

 

  

 

 

SEE IT! WANT IT! GET IT!

 Now, for some people, the title of this particular article may "rub them the wrong way" in that they think it sounds "greedy" and unlike something I should be promoting.

 

Here's a couple of things I suggest before you settle on that thought and opinion. First of all, be sure to read all of this article and, secondly, watch the video and/or listen to the podcast version of this topic (links below for both). Then decide if you still think that same way.

 

You shouldn't and I don't think you will.

 

This is a SIMPLE (to say and agree with) 3-step process for anyone that wants to move ahead in their life and for their future in a positive and better way. 

 

Whatever your "goal" (resolution??) is for your life, you must SEE IT first and foremost. You have to be able to see YOURSELF as part of that goal vision! If you can't see yourself living that life that you desire or if you feel that you don't deserve a better life then, friend, you NEVER will be able to move forward and actually obtain that better and brighter future.  

 

So, you "see" it (whatever "it" is). Do you want it? How bad do you want it? How strong is your desire, your "why" behind that want and desire? Do you HAVE TO HAVE IT? Are you willing to "pay the cost" in whatever way is necessary? "Whoa, Mike, slow down there buddy! I want everything to get better as long as I don't have to change anything!" Yeah, we covered that silly (and worthless) thought a few articles ago. Go back and read it if you haven't done so already.  

 

Then, if you DO want it and you feel that you MUST have it in order to finally live the life you have dreamed about, then you must GO GET IT!  You've heard it and you know it's true...TALK IS CHEAP!

DESIRE without ACTION is worthless! 

 

By the way, if you still feel that this all sounds greedy (it's not), I'd like to direct you to what the Apostle Paul says in the New Testament in the book of Philippians, chapter 3 and verses 12-14. Read the previous verses for context and then pay close attention to what he says in verse 14..."I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

 

Paul says that he PRESSED ON for the GOAL to win the PRIZE...

 

He saw the goal...the PRIZE of Heaven that he WANTED so badly that he was ready and willing to do whatever he needed to do so that he could "obtain" or have it. As a matter of fact, in the last half of verse 13 he states what he was doing in order to keep his eyes focused on "the prize". Pay attention to what he says here:  "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead..."

 

This is not some "prosperity preaching". Nope! It is a BIBLICAL EXAMPLE given on how to ACHIEVE that for which you seek. 

 

So, no, it's not a "greedy grab" type of life. Do some people use that idea and misuse it for their own greedy gain? ABSOLUTELY! But not you! Not us!

 

Listen to the podcast and/or watch the video...I got fired up on this one! I'm here to help YOU finally move forward past all of failed plans from your past and all of the useless "New Year's Resolutions" that you, along with so many others, have "declared" only to put it to the side in just a few, short weeks. 

 

Isn't it time? JOIN MY COMMUNITY if you are ready to start taking some ACTION and not just continue to READ about these thoughts and ideas or listen to them! 

 

Will you be one of the "action takers" that step up and say, "I'm ready! LET'S DO THIS!" ?  (and yes, it's free to sign up and join).

 

Once again,  the ball is in your court - it's your CHOICE. 

 

As always..."Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

 

Mike

 

NEW! Check out my community on Skool: https://www.skool.com/finish-what-you-start-2579

www.FutureYouUniversity.com and www.MichaelSpillman.com currently take you to the same place, which is my Facebook page, listed next...

www.Facebook.com/FutureYouUniversity

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MikeSpillman

My podcast:  https://mikespillmansfutureyouuniversity.buzzsprout.com

You Gotta' Have FAITH!

 "Remember WHO You Are" (YouTube video) 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knkrXr-swbI

You may want to take a look at that video link above because this ONE video has given me the material for this and the remaining two episodes/articles in this new, 3-part "Mini-Series".

I also want to encourage you to go HERE to listen to the podcast that goes along with this same topic. Same topic, additional/different information than you get by only reading this blog post. 

As I start this new 3-part "Mini-Series" with thoughts that I gathered after watching the above mentioned video a few months ago, I want to share with you the first thought that caused me to pause the video and write it down...

We want faith to take place but we don't want to operate IN faith (WOW!)

Now, as you read over that sentence you may think, "Uh, Mike...what's the difference in the two?"

My answer: "BIG difference!" 

I'll start off by making a very simple comparison that may help us all to "get" this part. How many start off each new year with their "New Year's Resolution" with the #1 thing being, "I want to (or I'm going to) lose weight!" And, likely, they become very adamant about doing so with every passing year that they don't accomplish this "goal". TALKING ABOUT or PLANNING to do something is far different than actually DOING that thing, right?

So it is with the idea of WANTING faith in your life or SAYING that you WANT to "live in/by faith" as compared to actually living (operating) IN faith as stated above.

Here's my simple "explanation" (not really a definition) of FAITH:  Trusting or believing in something that you cannot see. 

What??? Are you CRAZY? 

Think about it...if you can see it or know that it is there then there is no faith required, right?

Here's another simple (and silly) example that may help. Let's say you are on one side of a ravine and your friend is on the OTHER side of that ravine and that the depth of that ravine is 1,000 feet. In other words, step off of your side of the ravine and you will die when you plummet 1,000 feet.  

You WANT to get to the other side to be with your friend but, there's that gap between you and your friend. You say, "I wish there was a way for me to get from here to where you are!!" to which your friend replies, "There is!" Excitedly you exclaim, "Just tell me how or what to do and I'll do it....hurry up and tell me!!!"

Your friend says, "I know you can't see it but there is an invisible bridge over the ravine that connects the two sides and all you have to do is walk across."

What would you do?

A LARGE part of what you would do depends on how much you actually TRUST your friend, right? And, even then, it would still be very difficult to step out onto something that you cannot see to walk across. EVERYTHING in your body and mind would be screaming "DON'T DO IT!" as a way to try to protect you from what would seem to be certain death.

Sure, you still might be scared even if you COULD see  that bridge but it would not take FAITH that it is there in order to be able to take that first step. 

Living IN faith or BY faith is a lot like that. First of all, it DEMANDS trust and it also has SUBSTANCE and EVIDENCE even thought you cannot really "see" the answer. 

Yep, I'm going to bring in some scripture from the Bible because God's Word is the foundation for my life. It is my anchor and it is what gives me a solid foundation on which to walk in and through this life. 

So, right off, there is TRUST involved and that TRUST is based on what you do or don't believe about God and His Son, Jesus.  It's your choice but, as I share these thoughts with you, understand that this TRUST that I'm talking about will determine if you do or don't live in or by faith. It's just like the trust you either do or don't have your friend in the example above.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1 NKJV)

Faith is the SUBSTANCE of things hoped for. It's not just "wishful thinking" or a "false hope". This faith has substance and that substance is supported by your TRUST and your BELIEF. I'll tie all of this together in a minute but let's go to the next part first.

Faith actually has EVIDENCE of things not seen! It's not a "blind faith" but one that has substance and evidence! 

You cannot SEE the wind but you can see EVIDENCE of the wind, right? 

So, living IN or BY faith has substance based on your TRUST in the one that you follow or listen to, just like your friend in the above example. Honestly, if you don't believe in God or trust God then you will not and cannot have FAITH in God. It is impossible. As a matter of fact, just go a few verses further down to verse 6 and you will find this: "But without faith it is impossible to please Him..."

The evidence is there. The substance is there. You may have this evidence based on things that have happened in your own life. You may have evidence based on things that you have seen or have been told about things in the lives of others. 

No?

Well, just keep reading in Hebrews 11 and you will read of person after person after person that lived BY faith or IN faith and what happened in their lives. This chapter is often called "The Hall of Fame of Faith" because of these things.  

So, getting down to the nuts and bolts of all of this, TALK IS CHEAP. Whether you are talking about what you want/plan to do as part of your "New Year's Resolution" or stepping out and living IN or BY faith. 

The choice is yours but it WILL require TRUST in order to take ACTION. 

Join me next time as I continue on with some thoughts from this video. We will go from talking about FAITH to actually DOING SOMETHING TODAY (taking ACTION). 

Until next time, remember...

YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube   

Your "Circle" Matters

As always, be sure to go back and read the previous 2 articles that go along with this one. Why? Because they form a "mini-series" and today's blog article is the last of this 3-part series. You need to be caught up/up to date on the thoughts that have preceded this article to get the most out of the series.

 

I want to start this one off sharing something that I saw on another commercial. As part of the commercial script, the lady says something along the lines of:   "It's important to surround yourself with the right people."

Now, I already knew this but it was a good "memory jogger" that made me decide to do a blog article/podcast on that truth.

You've probably heard it said many times that we are most like the 5 people with which we spend the most time. When you think about that idea it might SCARE YOU or it may ENCOURAGE YOU. Which is it for you? Do you WANT to be like those people in your "circle"?  

By the way, this is often referred to as your "circle of influence". That's a great description because that's exactly what it is!

When it's stated that you are most "like" those people it means that you are influenced by those people in EVERY area of your life to the point that you "mimic" their thoughts and attitudes and, yes, even their ACTIONS in your own life. Give that some SERIOUS thought, friend!

You tend to adapt the same mindset and attitude with your...Finances, Physical Fitness, How you Present Yourself Physically (and every other way) and even your mindset and attitude with your relationships (spouse, friends, co-workers, etc.). 

 

This "circle" also shapes your thoughts on living a FULL life without regrets (the previous two articles).

So, yeah, YOUR "CIRCLE" MATTERS!

 What influence do YOU have on YOUR "circle"? If you take a look at your circle and decide it's not what you need in your life, you can do one of two things: change your circle or, through your influence you can try to CHANGE the mindset and attitude of those in that circle. 

Maybe YOU are the CHANGE that your circle needs. Perhaps YOU are the one that, through your own mindset and focus, can help change the way your "circle" talks, acts and even thinks. Notice this list of things that Paul encourages the Christians in the city of Philippi to think about and focus on as a way to encourage each other (their "circle").

 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.  (Philippians 4:8)

In the last article I also referred to what the writer of the book (letter) of Hebrews encourage the group there to do as a way to help strengthen each other while going through a lot of struggles... "but exhort (we, today, would use the word "encourage") one another daily, while it is called “Today,” (Hebrews 3:13)

Here's another section where the same writer passes this advice on to the same group of people on how to continue with this daily encouragement..."And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and  good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting (encouraging) one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25) 

The phrase, "stir up" is often used in a negative way. Usually it's something that is bad (and often intentional) and may be used in phrases such as, "Wow, you sure stirred up a hornet's nest!" If you know anything about hornets then you KNOW that that is NOT a good thing! Yikes!

However, in this section of scripture from the Bible, that phrase is used in the opposite way. The advice given is to "stir up" GOOD things such as love, good works (good activity, activity that brings about good/positive results), not "skipping out" on spending time together as a way of encouraging each other.

Now listen, sometimes you have to just understand that your actions may not impact those in your current "circle" the way you need. Take a look at what is said in this graphic...

So, yeah, sometimes you will need to actually CHANGE the people with which you spend your time. Oh, believe me, I understand that this might be very difficult and, at times, may be even seemingly impossible, depending on who that person(s) may be.

But, keep this in mind. If YOU start living your life the way that the above Scriptures suggest then, guess what? YOUR mindset and attitude will improve in such away that you will begin to ATTRACT the "right  kind" of people that will also have the same approach. What will you have then? A "circle of friends" that will encourage you and spur you on just as you will be doing for them. 

So, just in case you haven't quite caught on to this truth, let me leave you with one more graphic using the thoughts found in 1 Corinthians 15:33..."Do not be deceived (don't fool yourself!), bad company corrupts good morals."

You may want to listen in on the podcast to catch some of my "Southern Expressions" that express this same thought. You might get a kick out of it! 

To sum this "mini-series" up: In order to live your life FULL and to die EMPTY (with NO regrets) then you must understand the importance of living TODAY to the best of your ability. One major way to do that is to surround yourself with people that will strengthen and encourage you each and every day. Carefully choose and develop your "circle" to be challenged to live in a way to get the MOST out of your life. 

Until next time, remember...

YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube   

How Do YOU "Start Your Engine" For the Day?

 

Notice that the RSS Feed AND the iTunes podcast links have changed (11.1.21)!

Click on the links at the bottom of the blog to access the new information.

 

When race car drivers hear the command, "Gentlemen/Drivers....START YOUR ENGINES!" they don't have to worry about whether or not their car is ready to race. They KNOW that their team has already put in many hours in preparation for this moment and that they have done whatever it was that needed to be done in order to BE PREPARED for this car to run at it's best for this race.

 

It's really easy to make the connection here, right? The title already makes that "jump" for you but I'll say it again: What do YOU do to prepare for YOUR "race"? What do YOU do to make sure that your "car runs at it's best for this race"? How do YOU "start your engine" for the day? 

Can you imagine a race team approaching this with the attitude of..."Well, the car ran fine for the last race so it should be o.k."??? Or how about, "Surely somebody checked to make sure there was gas in the car, right?" NO OWNER of a race car or "team" would allow such because this would mean FINANCIAL DISASTER for that owner!

The time to prepare for the race is NOT at the start of the race. In the same way, the time to prepare for your day is NOT at the start - or AS you start - your day.

 

 

 CLICK HERE

 

Yes, you may START your day doing certain things to "set the tone" and direction for your day BUT, I can promise you that, if you do this, you have PREVIOUSLY decided what you were going to do once you began that day. Am I right? 

You control your day (as much as possible) OR your day controls you. Too many go through their day(s) without any control or plan and wonder why things feel so "out of control" 

I won't try to tell you that I accomplish what I'm going to share with you EVERY day BUT I can tell you that this is my PLAN on how I want and need to begin each day so that I can begin my day with a positive mindset. And, yes, I've thought it out ahead of time and actually have an "activity tracker" set up to help me "stay on track" and follow my plan. (By the way, be sure to listen to the podcast on this topic...there's always additional information to be found there).

1. Get out of bed and go for a walk. (I walk 1.1 miles...that's just how my route turned out)

2. AS I WALK, I pray. (This is my time of PRAISE and THANKSGIVING to GOD for all that He has done for me and IS doing for me in my life. This is also my time to bring my desires before Him).

3. AS I WALK, I also say my "8 DAILY AFFIRMATIONS" for my life and I also say (all of this I do OUT LOUD) my "Relationship Declaration" that I put together a few years back for my relationship with my wife.

4. AS I WALK I also verbally state some scriptures that I have in my head as well as a few other "declarations" that I've made a habit to verbally state each day.

5. After my walk and once I return to the house, I work out on my "Total Gym" for about 20 minutes and then take a shower.

6. I then read - OUT LOUD - one page (there are 6 pages total) of my "scripture declarations" that I have typed out. POWERFUL!

7. I then fix my cup of coffee and sit and listen to at least one and often, two, spiritually encouraging podcasts. (I crank up the playback speed to where I can still hear and understand what is being said but, at the same time, to make the most of my time).

8. After this, I read my Bible. (For me, I read from my "physical Bible" one day and then read in a different section on line the next).

9. I also, at some point during the day, read from a book that I have picked out to read. (Once I finish the one I am currently reading, I have 3 more picked out. Two that I have not ever read and one that I will re-read).

10. I also have listed on my "to-do" activity sheet other things that I want to be sure and do my best to accomplish during each day if at all possible. 

(#'s 1-8 take a total of about 1.5 hours of my morning)

It's also important to notice what I DON'T do...I DON'T start my day reading emails, checking my social media or turning on the T.V. or listening to the "news".  

 

 When you listen to the podcast you will hear what 16 other people shared with me about how THEY start THEIR morning. The MAJORITY of them will be very consistent in their answers while a few start theirs off with a little less focus and intention. 

What about YOU? Do you have any sort of "plan" for your day BEFORE your day begins? If not, I would suggest you consider starting one but to NOT wait for January 1st to do so! 

Just like anything else, it will be hard to do at first BUT if you are determined to improve your life one day at a time, you WILL take the actions needed to DO THIS CONSISTENTLY! That's why it is important to have some sort of "activity tracking" program set up (mine is a simple spread sheet that I'd be happy to share with you). 

Listen to the podcast, go to my Facebook page (link below) and leave a comment with your thoughts and - oh, by the way - be sure to fill out the form at www.FutureYouUniversity.com and get your copy of my FREE e-book on how to avoid being "Paralyzed by Fear".

Until next time, remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube    Project141 

 

 

You Found "THE" Door...WHAT NOW?

Notice that the RSS Feed AND the iTunes podcast links have changed (11.1.21)!

Click on the links at the bottom of the blog to access the new information.

 As always, be sure to read the previous articles in this series as well as listening to the podcasts that go along with this topic. As is pointed out above, be sure to notice that the iTunes and RSS feed have been updated in the links at the end of this article.

In today's article, I conclude this series that with "part 2" of the "final step" in the "Asking, Seeking, Knocking" formula that comes from Matthew 7: 7-8.

In the last article I discussed about WHY you have decided to "knock" on THAT particular door after the "seeking" part of this process. Again, be sure to go back and read it...it's very important to consider. I also left you with the following scriptures to think about leading into today's article about what you do once that "door" has been "opened" and you have discovered the answer for which you have sought.

 This is found in Matthew 13: 44-46...

 The Parable of the Hidden Treasure 

⁴⁴ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price 

⁴⁵ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, ⁴⁶ who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it."

 

Now that you have found what you say you were looking for - that "thing" for which you have intently searched - what will you do now?

 In the scriptures that I shared with you above, you see that - in BOTH situations - when the person that was doing the SEEKING/SEARCHING found that for which they searched (vs. 44 does not indicate an actual "search" but does indicate one that realized the value of what was found) they acted according to the VALUE that they perceived that "thing for which they searched" held. In BOTH of these situations, they sold ALL THAT THEY HAD so that they could buy that "treasure"! WOW!

We have already discovered TWO WAYS for you (or anyone paying attention to what you are doing or saying) to KNOW how truly valuable that "treasure" is for which you seek. You see, SAYING it or TALKING about it is one thing but the ACTION that follows actually speaks the TRUTH about the matter!

1. How intently your actually SEEK that for which you SAY you desire. Again, your ACTIONS will speak much louder than your WORDS. 

2. What you actually do once you have "found" that "treasure" for which you seek. What ACTION will you take now that you have found it? What VALUE do you place on that "treasure"?

There are times that people SAY that they want or desire something only - once they have discovered the "cost" - to later decide that they really DIDN'T want it. 

But, for those that have shown, from the beginning of their "seeking", that their "WHY" is, indeed, of great importance to them they also demonstrate the same once they have found their "treasure"! They will not give a second thought to whatever "cost" may be attached to that "treasure" because THIS is THE THING for which they have been searching. They have not ever given up or stopped seeking! They KEPT ON SEEKING even when others may have told them to give up.

Which describes YOU and that "thing" for which you say you are willing to do WHATEVER IT TAKES to achieve or obtain? Again, your ACTIONS will answer that question regardless of what you may say with your words. 

I appreciate you taking the time to read this blog article. I began these back in 2009 and, though I've had some set-backs from time to time, I still continue to try to encourage those who read them as well as those that listen to my podcasts.

Be sure to stop by my Facebook page and leave your comments about this article or, better yet, this series that I conclude with this entry. I'd love to hear from you.

Until next time, remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube    Project141 

Your Decision to KNOCK

Notice that the RSS Feed AND the iTunes podcast links have changed (11.1.21)!

Click on the links at the bottom of the blog to access the new information. 

 

Alright, now that we have THAT out of the way, let's get on with today's topic - the "final step" in the "Asking, Seeking, Knocking" formula that comes from Matthew 7: 7-8.

 

Be sure to go back and read the previous blog articles on this series and, FOR SURE, go and listen to the podcasts (notice the "special announcement" above about the links below) to get fully caught up on this series. Why is this important? Because this series (as in ALL series that I do) goes through a specific process...a specific "order of events" that will benefit you most when done in that order. 

 

I've already covered the "Asking" and "Seeking" part of this process and now we get to the point of actually "knocking on the door" but, first, a main question to consider...

 

WHAT is it that has led you to THIS particular "door"? Another way to word it would be, WHY have you decided to knock on THIS "door"?

 

  

 

In your process of SEEKING, what is it that has led you to this discovery...this "door"? You need to really examine yourself and do your best to discover the answer to these questions so that you can be confident that YOU have not directed this search to find only what YOU were willing to "see" and "find". 

 

You may not really KNOW the answer to those questions and, to some extent, that is o.k. BUT you need to try to make sure that you haven't followed only what YOU wanted to follow. You need to make sure that you did not ignore or willingly pass up "signs" or "opportunities" that may have led you a different way in your search because YOU decided that you liked the way something else "looked" or "felt" better. HOW HONEST HAVE YOU BEEN IN YOUR SEEKING?

 

Sometimes you just have to have FAITH! Notice the definition of faith that is given in the Bible in the book of Hebrews, chapter 1, verse 1: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (NKJV) WOW! I love this definition of FAITH because it clearly states that there is SUBSTANCE and EVIDENCE and that it is NOT just "wishful thinking"!

 

It is the "substance of things hoped for". THIS is your WHY and this is your DESIRE for that thing for which you have been SEEKING! There is SUBSTANCE there because this DESIRE has been so great - your WHY has been so strong - that it has caused you to MOVE and TAKE ACTION! You have decided that you MUST find this for which you have such a desire and you will do whatever it takes, go wherever you must go in order to find "it"! 

 

FAITH is also the "evidence of things not seen". Listen friend, the fact that you BELIEVE that your answer lies behind that door on which you have decided to knock is all based on - even though you have to have FAITH about what is behind that "door" - EVIDENCE that has led you to believe that THIS is THE door that leads to your answer! You have NO IDEA what actually is behind that "door" but...based on your "evidence"...you have FAITH (believe) that, indeed, this is where you answer can be found! 

 

Now then, as a way to prepare for our next - and concluding - article in this series, I want to point you to another section of scripture in which Jesus speaks in a couple of parables. This is found in Matthew 13: 44-46...

 The Parable of the Hidden Treasure 

⁴⁴ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price 

⁴⁵ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, ⁴⁶ who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it."

 

Use these verses to prepare for the next article as I conclude by asking WHAT IF the door opens and you DO find "the answer" for which you have been seeking.

 

WHAT THEN? WHAT WILL YOU DO?  

 

Until next time, remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube    Project141 

SEEKING (Asking - Seeking - Knocking)

⁷ “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."    (Matthew 7: 7-8) NKJV

 If you've not done so, please take a few minutes and read the previous two articles on "WHY Do You Ask, Seek, Knock?" and then on the first part on "ASKING". They will get you caught up on this discussion that, regardless of what you do or don't believe, STILL have application in your life for today. 

As a quick preview, the strength of your "why" will greatly determine the strength of your search, or your "SEEKING". If, whatever it is that you decided to "ASK" for/about is not that big of a deal to you then, guess what? The effort that you put into searching and/or SEEKING for that will also not be that big of a deal and, as a result, nothing will happen. You can't just ASK and wait for the answer to fall into your lap!

Remember, "Opportunity Does NOT Always Knock!"

One of the main things that I discuss in the podcast version of this particular article is that, when you begin to actually take action and search and/or seek, YOU CANNOT SEEK WITH PREDETERMINED IDEAS OF WHAT THE ANSWER WILL BE FOR WHICH YOU SEEK.

You can't put "guidelines" or "parameters" on that search. If you do, you are not truly SEEKING. You are simply limiting yourself to hopefully finding something that will already fit what you have decided that you actually need at this point.  

I share in the podcast (see links for iTunes as well as the RSS feed below) a TRUE STORY from my own life where I was "asking" and "seeking" a new church to work with/for a number of years back but, at the same time, I had put some specific parameters on where I was willing to look. And, for me at that time in my life, I had actually put the stipulation on my search of, "O.k. God, please lead me to my next location to work in youth ministry BUT...there needs to be a lake nearby!". I literally would get out a map and see if there was a lake nearby if I got a call from a church that wanted to interview me for the job. Be sure to listen to the podcast to find out how this turned out. Hint: As long as I kept that closed-minded approach to my "search" (it wasn't really a true search, was it?) things did not turn out as I had hoped.

Remember what I said earlier about the strength of your "WHY" determining the strength of your search or SEEKING. Another way to word that would be, how VALUABLE is that for which you seek? Take a look at another scripture where Jesus discusses such thoughts...

⁴⁴ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.⁴⁵ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, ⁴⁶ who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it." (Matthew 13: 44-46)

So, to sum this all up, IF YOU TRULY SEEK TO FIND "THE ANSWER"...  

1. Do not put parameters or limitations for that which you seek 

2. Remove the "blinders" that would keep you from truly seeing that "open door" that might appear

In the next podcast and article we will talk about "KNOCKING" in the process of "ASKING, SEEKING, KNOCKING". Think about this between now and then: If you decide to "knock" on a particular "door", WHY HAVE YOU DECIDED THAT YOU NEED TO KNOCK ON THAT PARTICULAR DOOR?

I'd love to get your feedback about this series and, maybe even, this particular article. Yes, you can do so by leaving a comment here but, would you do me a favor and go over to my Facebook page to do so? I'd really appreciate that! 

Until next time, remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube    Project141