Delays

The Dream Museum

by Andy Wood on May 13, 2010

in Exploring the Possibilities, Five LV Laws, LV Cycle, Principle of Abundance, Principle of Increase, Principle of Legacy

An important part of creating a compelling future has to do with remembering.  That’s why lately I’ve been visiting some museums on a fairly regular basis. 

I’m not referring to anything with the words, “Smithsonian,” “Historical,” or “National” in it.  The museums I’m talking about are in my head, some really old computer files, and my journals.

Lately I’ve been visiting the Dream Museum.  I suggest you do the same.

The idea for this little excursion was planted in my heart last August at a men’s retreat, where my friend Mickey asked a compelling question:

What dreams have you had either stolen or detained, to the point you have given up on them?  Maybe the Lord is telling you to pick that dream back up again.

That really registered with me.  “Electrified” may be a better term.

(Pause.  Are you entering your dream museum yet?  Visiting what’s in mine may help me, but it won’t do much for you.  So let me ask you what Mickey asked all of us:  What dreams have YOU had that were either stolen or detained, to the point you have given up on them?)

I didn’t have an immediate answer to the question, other than some unfulfilled physical dreams that I believe were prophetic.  But I couldn’t get over the gut feeling that some long-ago dream had been shelved to the point that I had forgotten about it, but the Lord hadn’t.   [click to continue…]

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The Scenic Route

by Andy Wood on January 30, 2010

in Following Your Passion, LV Cycle, Tense Truths, Waiting

A rewrite of an old (and probably true, since I heard a preacher tell it) story… 

What do you do when you know God’s call on your life is vocational evangelism, and your wife dies, leaving you with two sons, ages 8 and 10?  Will Martin decided to seek out a way jto be both Dad and faithful evangelist.  He rearranged his schedule to make sure he was never gone more than four days at a time, and made arrangements for a highly-trusted caretaker.  And he made himself a promise:  whenever he’d been away overnight, he would always bring his sons a special gift.

Then came the day that Will was wheels-up on the plane and it dawned on him:  he’d forgotten to pick up something for his boys.  So Will conceived a plan.

The boys were so ready to see their dad, and so excited to get inside his suitcase.

“Don’t even bother, guys,” Dad said.  “There’s nothing in there.  This one’s special.  [click to continue…]

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Friends in High Places

by Andy Wood on May 29, 2009

in Enlarging Your Capacity, LV Cycle, Principle of Legacy

(10 Things God Uses to Enlarge Your Legacy)

stretchOkay, take your mark.  You’re about to take off on a marathon.  Your coach is the Lord Jesus, the Author of your faith.  Under His direction, you’ve cast aside any weights that may hinder you.  At His instruction, you clear your way of any sin that might entangle you.  At His signal, you’re off!  And following His wise counsel, you have focused your attention on him, because he’s the Finisher of your faith as well.

You lengthen your stride and settle in.  You know this is no sprint; you’re in it for the long run.  Before long your body, mind, will, and emotions, begin signaling you, this won’t be easy.  But about the time you reach your first obstacle, God has a surprise for you.  You are not alone! You’re surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses! And they’re “in the grandstands” cheering you on.

These aren’t just spectators.  They’re your “friends in high places” – people who have run the same race and faced the same obstacles you face.  In this greatness are models of faith and perseverance who

by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment (Hebrews 11:33-37).

These aren’t just dead figures from the past.  Their faith – and witness – live on.  They’re watching you.  Pulling for you.  Believing in you.  Teaching you.  They’re here to testify – that’s what witnesses do – that you, too, can influence a new generation.  They also testify of the tools our Father uses to deepen your message, and enlarge your influence.  Here are a few: [click to continue…]

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I Gave God Time

by Andy Wood on January 19, 2009

in Life Currency, LV Cycle, LV Stories, Time, Waiting

(For once.  Sort of.  Actually, I didn’t have much of a choice.)

The house was quiet, as it usually is at 4:30 a.m.  I was awake, stretched out on my face on the living room floor.  I’d been studying the life of Abraham.  I’d been studying my life, too.  It was Fall 1997.

Two years earlier, I’d been through a “crash and burn” experience, followed by a difficult, but amazing healing and restoration process.  Through it all, I had a more intimate relationship with the Lord, a greater marriage than ever, and an awesome relationship with my kids.  I was serving on the staff of an exciting, dynamic church.  Just one thing was missing.

“Lord,” I asked.  “When will I get to be a senior pastor again?”

There as I prayed, Abraham’s faith became mine, and I received the freedom and faith to enter into new territory with the Lord.

“You haven’t told me what kind of church you want,” I heard Him say.

The faith began to rise, and I began to write: [click to continue…]

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