THE VITAL IMPORTANCE OF RELATIONSHIPS

"Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.  Do not forsake your friend and your father's friend, and do not go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity. Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother who is far away." - Proverbs 27:9-10

Comedian Rodney Dangerfield once quipped, "I told my psychiatrist that everyone hates me.  He said I was being ridiculous --- everyone hasn't met me yet."  His joke is a reminder that relationships can be difficult at times.  Yet without relationships, life would be a lonely, horrible experience.

We are, to some extent, impacted by our relationships.  It is said that a wife begins to look like her husband after a few years of marriage.  If you keep company with a person, you tend to pick up on some of his or her quirks and mannerisms. 

Apart from our relationship with God, there is nothing more precious than the relationships we have with our family members.  Though sometimes these relationships may get strained, we would still do nearly anything we could for the members of our family.

Realizing the tremendous importance of relationships, I made this one of my seven life goals:

I WANT TO INVEST IN HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

I use the word, "invest," to describe the time spent with those I am closest to.  I feel that there are special dividends that we reap personally by spending time with those who are special to us. 

While there are some relationships you can't choose (such as family, co-workers and neighbors), you should be selective about the relationships you can choose.  Let me make a few recommendations:

1.   INVEST IN HAPPY RELATIONSHIPS

There are many people who will drain you emotionally.  You feel depleted after spending just a few minutes with them.  Others are constantly down ... and they want to drag you down with them.  There are some who want people to feel sorry for them all the time.  It is tough to hang around such people.  I think it is better to spend your time with people who make you laugh.  Hang around those who make you feel better about life.  Befriend those who bring out the best in you.

2.   INVEST IN HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

Some relationships are toxic.  Destructive relationships are to be avoided at all costs.  Stay away from those who are violent, full of hate and critical.  Life is short enough already.  Don't throw away your life by being with such people.  Psalm 1:1 states, "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers."  Be picky about whom you hang around with.  Furthermore, stay away from those who are manipulative.  If you wish to live a healthy life, keep company with good people.  A healthy relationship is one where you enjoy spending time with them and vice versa.  A healthy relationship consists of respect and kindness.  In the Bible, David & Jonathan represent a healthy relationship.  The two men were great friends and mutual encouragers.  Invest in such a healthy relationship yourself.

3.   INVEST IN HOLY RELATIONSHIPS

Finally, spend time with those who inspire you to be a better Christian.  Find a mature believer and spend time with him or her.  Learn from the wisdom that is available from godly men & women.  If you wish to walk closer to Jesus, spend time with someone who models that lifestyle himself.  You'll be enriched by such a relationship.

Someone has aptly said that a relationship is like a bank account.  When you treat someone with love, kindness and consideration, you make a deposit in the relationship.  If you hurt or offend someone, you make a withdrawal from the relationship.  Some relationships are bankrupt because one or both people have overdrawn from the account.  You see, while it is good to hang around with happy, healthy and holy people, you must ask yourself, "Am I a person that others would want to spend time with?"  If the answer is no, then you need to work on your people skills and improve the relationships you have.  A relationship is a two-way street.  If you don't put anything into a relationship, you shouldn't expect the other person to contribute much either.  Live in such a way that people are glad to see you coming and sad to see you leaving.  

Life is too short to live it alone.

EXPERIENCING PERSONAL GROWTH

"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." - 2 Peter 3:18

The concept of growth is one that we know very well.  We watch babies grow up to be adults.  We observe a seedling become a plant.  We notice when the grass grows in the yard. 

What about you?  Are you growing?  If you're an adult, physical growth has peaked (unless you are putting on extra pounds!).  It is one thing to grow physically; it is another thing to grow as a person.  Pastor James MacDonald once said, "You're only young once, but you can be immature for life." 

Most people are content with their present state of maturity.  In fact, they have a false belief that they are very mature when they actually have so much more growing to do.  When I thought about the rest of my life, one of the seven things I felt led to emphasize is this:

I WANT TO GROW TO MY FULLEST POTENTIAL

I must confess that this has been a struggle.  Personal and spiritual growth is not easy to gauge.  Yet here are some things I am learning:

1.  GROWTH IS A PROCESS

When it comes to growth, I don't think a person ever "arrives" at full maturity.  Instead, growth is a lifelong process.  Those who are serious about growth embrace this process. 

2.  GROWTH IS DIFFICULT

Growth requires hard work.  That is why most people aren't growing.  Instead, they are content with their present status and refuse to push themselves toward a new goal.  Our natural tendency is to take an easy road in life.  Growth requires us to leave our comfort zone and try new things.  Growth is never easy, but the dividends are worth the effort.

3.  GROWTH REQUIRES DISCIPLINE

A person must discipline himself to take the necessary steps to grow.  The Apostle Peter challenged believers to, "... grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."  Notice that there are two parts to the growth process:  learning and experience.  When we grow in grace, we find that growth occurs through our experiences.  When we grow in knowledge, we find that growth is part of a learning process.  Learning & experience are vital aspects of our personal & spiritual growth.

4.  GOD IS GLORIFIED WHEN WE GROW

Only God can bless us with growth.  When we grow, it is an obvious tribute to His grace and mercy.  The Lord expects us to grow in our faith.  He intends for us to grow emotionally and relationally.  As we grow in maturity, it testifies to others that God is actively working in our lives.

As a Christian, you should desire to grow spiritually, personally, emotionally, relationally and professionally.  Don't let your life get stuck in a rut.  Don't be content with superficial results. 

Let me close by giving some practical suggestions.  First, be patient.  Growth can be a slow process.  Secondly, network with growing people.  When you are around growing people, it tends to encourage you in your growth.  Third, don't let fear hinder your growth.  When we focus on the fear of failure, we quit growing.  A growing person experiences failures and sometimes learns more from failures than successes.  Fourth, learn by reading.  Growing people are always reading.  You won't grow spiritually if you refuse to read your Bible.  You won't grow professionally, if you refuse to read magazines, journals and manuals that are written for your trade.  Next, learn from others.  Older people can provide you with a wealth of wisdom if you'll learn from them.  Sometimes I deliberately listen to podcasts and conversations from those I disagree with, so I can understand their perspective.  I sometimes learn from those I disagree with.  Finally, you're never too old to grow.  It should be your goal to continue growing until you leave this world.  You still have room to grow, so keep growing!

The Gospel of Luke gives us insight into the growth of Jesus, stating that He, "... grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him" (Luke 2:40), and "... Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man" (Luke 2:52).  Jesus modeled growth for us.

I've known people who quit growing.  It is sad to look at their lives.  Once they were vibrant and excited.  Now they are downcast and apathetic.  Once their lives were abounding with God-honoring fruit, but now they have a life of weeds.  I don't want my life to become like that.

I want to grow to my fullest potential.  What about you? 

BEING A GENEROUS PERSON

"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." - 2 Corinthians 9:7

The Lord has been good to me.  I have been a recipient of His boundless grace.  God has blessed me abundantly in more ways than I could ever count.  I could never repay Him for the blessings of today, yet alone the previous days. 

How can someone so blessed be so stingy?  I have to admit that when I walk in the flesh, I am stingy person.  Rather than being a kind man who shows grace to others, I can easily be uncaring and selfish.  That is a brutal, but honest appraisal.  Apart from Jesus, I am stingy.

In recent years, the Lord has been working on this area of my life.  Several years ago, I was listening to the audio book, "Radical," by David Platt.  While listening to the CD, I felt challenged to make some changes to my approach to money.  Additionally, I have felt my heart stirred to be more generous after listening to several sermons by Pastor Johnny Hunt.  Because of that, I have this as a goal for the rest of my life:

I WANT TO MODEL GENEROSITY

I can't say that I am the poster-boy for generosity, but I want my money to honor God & help people.  As a Christian, I give, first and foremost, to my local church.  Now I have expanded my giving to include ministries that I strongly believe in. 

Let me a share a few things that I have learned while giving.

1.  GENEROSITY IS ABOUT YOUR HEART, NOT YOUR MONEY

I know it is easier to give when you have a larger income.  However, the real issue is not the size of your bank account, but the size of your heart.  You see, if you were stingy with a little bit of money, you'd still be stingy if you had a lot of money.  Jesus commended the widow who cast two mites into the treasury.  His praise of the widow was not based on the amount she gave, but the degree of her giving.  She didn't have much, but she gave what she had.  One time the Apostle Peter encountered a man who was begging for money.  Peter said to the man, "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk."  Peter didn't have money, but he gave what he had.  Sometimes generosity is measured in other ways rather than money.  You can generously give of your talents.  You can generously give of your time.  Generosity, or the lack thereof, is a reflection of your heart.  If you've received abundant grace from God, shouldn't you be an agent of grace every day? 

2.  GOD BLESSES GENEROUS PEOPLE

While I strongly disagree with the prosperity gospel that is being taught by some televangelists, I do believe that God blesses those who give.  God blesses us as we open our hearts ... and our wallets ... for His glory and the sake of others.  Proverbs 19:7 says, "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again."  God blesses us when we bless others with our giving.

3.  GENEROSITY IS A REFLECTION OF LOVE

In 1 John 3:17, the apostle asked this poignant question:  "But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?"  If you have the resources to help someone in need, but refuse to help, it is a reflection of a cold, unregenerate heart.  God's love compels us to love others in His Name.

4.  GENEROSITY IS AN ACT OF GOOD STEWARDSHIP

God has entrusted many things to our care, including money.  As guardians of this trust, we should recognize that we are accountable to God for the money in our care.  Have you ever wondered how Jesus would spend your money?  That is a question that really challenges me, what about you?   I believe that when we stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ, our finances will be among the things that will be judged.

5.  GENEROSITY CAN LEAD TO EVANGELISTIC OPPORTUNITIES

Christians have a reputation for being stingy, especially at restaurants.  When a waitress works hard to serve you, she deserves more than just a pittance.  I try to be very generous when I give a tip.  Additionally, I like to include a Gospel tract that has THANK YOU in large print on one side.  The other side of the card expresses gratitude for the service and shares the message of the Gospel.  A while back, I included this card with a tip.  I watched from afar as the waitress read the Gospel tract.  What a blessing!  Keep in mind that I do not give a Gospel tract as a substitute for a generous tip, but I give it along with a generous tip. 

6.  MORE MONEY SHOULD LEAD TO MORE GIVING

If the Lord blesses you with a pay raise, an unexpected bonus or an inheritance, it may be that He expects you to use this extra money to bless others rather than wastefully spending it all on yourself. 

7.  WE MAKE ETERNAL INVESTMENTS THROUGH OUR GENEROSITY

On this side of heaven, we will never know the impact our giving makes.  The Bible instructs us to lay up treasures in heaven.  How do we do that?  Here's a simple answer: invest in the things that are eternal.  We need to make those investments right now.  When we make eternal investments, we can be sure there will be eternal dividends waiting for us.

I want to be a generous man.  Furthermore, I want to inspire others to be generous, too.  I want to model generosity for others so they will utilize their finances for God's glory. 

What a better world we'd have if Christians were as generous as their Lord!

BEING AN INTENTIONAL WITNESS

"To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some." - 1 Corinthians 9:22

Do you recall the first time you got a job?  Were you excited?  Did you tell anyone about it?  What about when you got engaged to be married?  Were you thrilled to share the news?  The fact is that we share good news with excitement, don't we? 

What about the Gospel?  Are we excited enough to share the Gospel message?  The word, "gospel," literally means, "good news."  If the Gospel is good news, why aren't more Christians sharing the news with enthusiasm?   By the way some Christians act, you'd think we are trying to peddle some product that no one wants.  We are not salesmen --- we are witnesses.  The Gospel is not a product; it is the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.  It is the message that the whole world needs to hear.

As I think about the rest of my life, one thing is clear:

I WANT TO BE AN INTENTIONAL WITNESS

I want to take as many people to heaven with me as I can.  It would be awful to live a long life as a Christian and fail to bring anyone to heaven with me. 

Let's be honest about it, there are many things that can distract us from being about our Father's business.  Our schedules are full already.  It can be difficult trying to maintain a balance between work & family.  When we add the worship-time at church, we find ourselves stretched to the limit.  Yet these things tend to divert our attention away from something profound and real.  The sobering fact is that many are lost and perishing.  In fact, the ones we love most may be among the number that is facing eternity in hell.  They need a Savior. 

Personally, I have found that I must be intentional about evangelism.  I need to keep evangelism on my mind, in my plans and in my prayers.  Here are just a few things I'm learning:

1.  BE REMINDED

I often listen to sermons as I travel.  I intentionally listen to sermons by those who are actively involved in personal evangelism.  Their passion for souls inspires me.  Their stories and experiences motivate me.  Do you want evangelistic zeal?  Hang around with those who possess that zeal.

2.  BE PREPARED

I keep Gospel tracts with me wherever I go.  I keep some in my shirt pocket, some in my wallet, and others in my vehicle.  Be prepared for opportunities. 

3.  BE PRAYERFUL

Keep a prayer list of people you know who need Jesus.  Pray for them consistently.  By the way, pray that God will give you an opportunity to share the Gospel with them yourself!

4.  BE CREATIVE

Every event in life can be an evangelistic opportunity.  I have given Gospel tracts at fast food drive-ins, the grocery store, gas stations and various businesses.  When I pay bills, I include tracts with my payment.  I think social media is great place to be evangelistic.  Speaking to someone one-on-one is a vital form of evangelism.  There are many ways to make the Gospel known ... utilize them!

5.  BE AMBITIOUS

There is nothing wrong with setting goals.  I have found that I am more evangelistic when I plan to be evangelistic.  Being intentional is a key part of evangelistic living.  I used to wait for opportunities to unfold before I would act or speak.  Once in a while they did, but I have found that when I am intentional about evangelism, the Lord uses me much more.

Others may not like my style or manner, but at least I want to be faithful in trying to reach souls.  Once a lady complained to D. L. Moody, stating that she didn't like the way he did evangelism.  When he asked how she did evangelism, she replied that she didn't.  Moody gave her the classic response, "I like my way of doing evangelism better than your way of not doing it!"

I want to be an intentional witness.  What about you?

A MAN OF INTEGRITY

"The just man walketh in his integrity." - Proverbs 20:7

It is rare to find men of integrity these days.  Often the news headlines are filled with stories of political corruption, criminal prosecution and domestic violence.  Even news from the world of entertainment is typically abuzz with stories of marital infidelity and stormy relationships.

In the business community, it isn't uncommon for businessmen to take ethical & even moral compromises.   In fact, there have been many businessmen who've lied, cheated & hurt others just to climb the corporate ladder.

Even worse have been the scandals involving high profile ministers.  Anymore, it isn't uncommon to hear of a minister who is forced to resign because of adultery, alcoholism or financial misappropriation. 

Somehow, we have emphasized outward success to the neglect and destruction of character & integrity.  Author John Maxwell recently mentioned that he wanted to be bigger on the inside than he was on the outside.  In other words, he wanted to be a better man in reality than in image.  Dwight L. Moody once said, "If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of itself."

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about the things I want to see happen with the rest of my life.  Here's a second thing on my list of seven goals:

I WANT GOD & OTHERS TO KNOW ME AS A MAN OF INTEGRITY

I want more than just a reputation for being a man of integrity; I actually want to be a man of integrity every day.  The word integrity is defined as soundness of moral character.  A man of integrity is the same person at all times.  A man of integrity is the same man at home as he is at work.  A man of integrity lives just as holy among his family as he does at church. 

Integrity goes even deeper than that.  God knows me better than anyone else.  It is important that He knows me to be a man of integrity.  If I am a man of integrity, it will be known through my deeds, words and decisions.  Integrity is not something a person advertises ... it is something he is. 

Integrity is not perfection.  Obviously, none of us will ever reach perfection in this life.  A man of integrity admits his mistakes and takes responsibility for his faults.  Instead of blaming others, a man of integrity confesses his sins and makes restitution.  A man of integrity seeks forgiveness when he is at fault and offers forgiveness freely to those who wrong him.  A man of integrity seeks to do right whether it is profitable or not.  A man of integrity is more concerned with pleasing God than impressing people.

God commended Job as being a man of integrity.  The Bible refers to Job as an upright man.  While most people only think of Job as a man who suffered, they fail to appreciate that he maintained his integrity despite unkind friends, an unsupportive wife and uncertain circumstances.

The book of Proverbs states, "The just man walketh in his integrity."  A man of integrity lives right, speaks right and does what's right, regardless of the cost. 

So many complain about hypocrisy in the church.  Sadly, there are hypocrites in churches.  However, my job is to make sure I am not one of them! 

The One who knows me best knows about the things about me that no one else knows.  He knows the times I've prayed alone.  He sees when I give anonymously.  He is aware when I help someone in need.  One day the secret things will be made public.  Ultimately, personal integrity, or the lack thereof, will be obvious.

Instead of complaining about the lack of integrity others have, I need to focus on my own heart.  I want to be a man of integrity at all times whether others are or not.

"The just man walketh in his integrity."  I want that just man to be me! 

WALKING WITH GOD

"Enoch walked with God." - Genesis 5:22, 24

Enoch is one of my heroes in the Bible.  He is actually an unsung hero because many Christians don't even know who he was.  Enoch was the seventh man from Adam.  The Bible does not dedicate many pages to describe him, but what is revealed about him is amazing.

As our text indicates, the Bible plainly states that Enoch walked with God.  The writer of the book of Hebrews tells us that Enoch had a testimony that he pleased God.  What a testimony to have!  Furthermore, the book of Jude refers to Enoch as a prophet.  Both Genesis and Hebrews inform us that Enoch never died.  Instead, God simply took him home.

Let's go back to tribute given to Enoch in the book of Genesis.  "Enoch walked with God."  Last week, I wrote about the subject, "The Rest Of My Life."  In that message, I revealed that as I pondered about the remaining time I have left here on earth, I had seven things I wanted to see occur.  Let me reveal the first thing on my list:

I WANT TO BE A MAN WHO WALKS WITH GOD

Many are born again Christians, but few are actively walking with God.  When the Bible says that Enoch walked with God, I believe it means that Enoch had ongoing, intimate fellowship with God.  That should be our spiritual goal!

Let's be honest.  It is difficult to have ongoing, intimate fellowship with God these days.  There are so many distractions and interruptions.  Yet I believe it is possible for a person to walk with God.  Few enjoy this level of intimacy with God.  Why is that?  I believe the answer is plain:  many don't want that level of fellowship.  Sure, they'd like to have the benefits of walking with God, but they don't want to invest in the process of walking with God.  Walking with God comes with a cost --- and few wish to pay that cost.

In this age of advanced technology and hectic schedules, it is possible for a person to walk with God.  Do you remember the story of Mary and Martha in the New Testament?  When Jesus visited their home, the two sisters responded differently.  Martha was busy, trying to be a good hostess.  On the other hand, Mary sat at Jesus feet and listened to His Word.  I must confess that I act more like Martha than I do Mary.  I like to be busy.  I am geared for activity.  Yet, if I am to walk with God, there is a need to get alone with Him and spend quality time with Him.  That is the key to walking with God.

Have you ever had leftovers at dinner?  Often we think that leftovers are not impressive, simply reheating a previous meal.  We wouldn't think of heating up leftovers when we know in advance that an important visitor would dine with us.  However, we often have no problem giving God the leftovers of our lives.  We offer Him leftover time, leftover effort, leftover money, and leftover affection.  That is a shame.  The One who loves us supremely merely gets our leftovers.

When it comes to our time, God deserves quality & quantity.  Let me explain.  You can offer your kids a large quantity of your time, but if your mind is elsewhere, it isn't quality time.  God deserves a large portion of our time, with our undivided attention.  No leftovers should be offered to Him.

Like Mary, we need to humbly spend time at His feet.  Learn from His Word.  Obey the Spirit.  Enjoy fellowship with Him.  Bask in His love.  Delight in Him.  Adore Him. 

Like Enoch, I want to walk with God.  What about you?

THE REST OF MY LIFE

"I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work." - John 9:4

A few years ago, I took time off from work to recover from minor surgery.  The recovery time gave me an opportunity to think & pray.  One thought came to me during my contemplation.  If averages hold out, I've lived over half of my life already.  That is a sobering thought.  Some would consider such a thought to be morbid, but it actually helped me to readjust my priorities for the remaining time I have left.

Realizing that over half of my life is gone, how do I want to live the rest of my life?  Many people have a "bucket list," which consists of items they wish to accomplish before they "kick the bucket."  That is not what I did.  Instead, I came up with seven goals that I wish to see fulfilled in my remaining days.  These goals are more character oriented rather than task oriented.  Over the next seven weeks, I want to share each of these goals and perhaps challenge you in the process.  I believe that all of us need to be intentional about the rest of our lives.

Jesus knew that He had limited time before He would die.  In John 9:4, Jesus gave us insight about the rest of His life.  In that verse, Jesus said, "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work."  Notice three things about Jesus' approach to the rest of His life.

1.  JESUS LIVED WITH PASSION

First of all, Jesus lived with passion.  Jesus said, "I must work the works..."  Notice the word, "must."  Jesus was passionate about the work He was to accomplish.  Jesus was neither lazy nor apathetic.  He knew the work He was to accomplish and refused to be distracted by other things.

I believe that God uses passionate people.  You show me a person that is sold out to the Lord & I'll show you someone that God will use mightily.  We put too much emphasis on education and not enough emphasis on surrender.  While education is a good thing, it can be a crutch that keeps a person from trusting & obeying God.  I believe our attitude should be similar to missionary David Brainerd, who wrote, "Lord, let me make a difference for You that is utterly disproportionate to who I am."  

Jesus lived with passion & so should we.  We have a limited time to live here on earth, so let's live it with enthusiasm!  Pastor Malachi O'Brien penned the following prayer:  "God give us a passion that is rare for the things closest to your heart and eternity."  That is a prayer that all of us should be praying! 

2.  JESUS LIVED WITH PURPOSE

Sadly, most people live as if their life-purpose is simply to go to work daily, watch TV in the evening & go to bed at night.  Instead of investing their lives, they are wasting their lives. 

Jesus didn't waste His life.  Instead, He came on a Divine mission.  Jesus said, "I must work the works of him that sent me."  In Mark 10:45, Jesus said, "For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."  Jesus came on a mission and refused to be distracted from that mission.  His ultimate purpose was to go to the cross and die for our sins.  He gave His life so that we could live.  From a worldly point of view, the death of Jesus death was the culmination of what seemed to be a waste life.  However, when we understand His true mission, we know that Jesus fulfilled His purpose.  His death made it possible for millions of souls to be saved from hell.  Jesus is no longer dead.  He arose the third day & through His death and resurrection, eternal life is extended to those who believe.  Jesus did not waste His life & He doesn't want you to waste yours either.

I don't know about you, but I don't want to waste the rest of my life on trivial, temporal matters.  I want to invest my life in the things that bring eternal dividends.  Like Jesus, I want to live with purpose.  What about you?

3.  JESUS LIVED WITH PERSPECTIVE

Jesus was focused on doing the Father's will, "... while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work."  Jesus lived with the perspective that His time was limited to get His mission accomplished.  The same is true for you and me.  The difference is, of course, that Jesus knew precisely how much time He had left before He would die while you & I don't have that knowledge about our own death. 

Ray Comfort wisely said, "Live everyday like it is your last day.  One day, you will be right." 

Some may argue that thinking of death is gruesome.  However, for the child of God, the inevitability of death is actually a glorious reality that we welcome.  The thought of death should cause us to focus on our purpose and live the right priorities in the time we have left.  Jesus had that kind of perspective.  He focused on His purpose and stayed faithful to His Father.  Shouldn't we do the same?

I don't know how much time I have left to live, but I do know that I want to live the rest of my life for the glory of God.  Let me challenge you to be like Jesus and live with passion, purpose and perspective.  At the Judgment Seat of Christ, you'll be glad you did!