Today at church was the second week of a series entitled “Man Card.”  The series is obviously tailored towards men – but the messages are not applicable only to men.  I know God has been speaking to me and breathing life into many areas of my life. Pastor Scott brought the message about integrity. The message was spot on accurate, and pertinent to anyone who lives or breathes. Everyone needs to listen and take a look internally to the thought patterns behind the message this morning. Today’s service was about being a person of integrity – or rather not so much at times.  What we don’t often realize is the impact even seemingly unimportant things will have on our character and integrity.

It is imperative that we don’t live and continuously put up a facade. No matter the situation – stay true to yourself, and don’t allow your integrity to come into question. Know who you are in Christ, and don’t allow society or elements outside of His word to sway you.

One thing so very important to remember is that it’s not always something huge that will seriously question your integrity. Instead, it is the little things. As a visual, Pastor Scott had a demonstration. I’d like to also share it with you because I feel it was a very powerful visual reminder to show the point. Imagine a well balanced game of Tug-Of-War. The team on either end of the rope are pretty evenly matched. Imagine that each little thing (the way you looked at that inappropriate picture, the way you yelled at your spouse or children, the way you put on a facade and live a completely different life behind closed doors) as being one little slice with a knife. Imagine that each time, a knife would slice one side of the rope. None of the slices alone will cut through the rope, but the combination of them altogether will eventually cut so deeply that the rope will be so weak and will break apart – leading to a complete collapse of those pulling on that end.

Just as with the rope, your integrity is the same way. One small circumstance will not destroy your integrity, but the combination of all the little (and sometimes big) questionable things in your life will chip away and break it down, causing you to crumble. Protect yourself. Protect your family. People who don’t know you closely may not be able (initially) to see through the facade. However, always keep in mind that people (especially your family, and your children) can see right through it. They may not know why, but they know things are different outside the home than inside. Keep your integrity beyond reproach.

I want to live a life pleasing to Him – not one where my integrity is chipped away at, slowly but surely. I don’t care whether people know or whether I can keep things a secret, I want to walk in unquestionable integrity – avoiding the need for keeping those secrets. Join me in praying and asking God to remove the things from our lives that will question your integrity. Ask Him to help you continue to be a living witness of who He is. It is my prayer to be more like Him. Keeping focused on Him is pretty much the only way that’s even a possibility.

Stand firm in your faith and on the Godly principles that you know to be true, knowing that your integrity will shine Jesus well.

I would like to share something I’ve had the honor of being a part of. My friend Jason Rackow is an amazing artist with a heart and passion for God and for people. Just as an aside, I don’t personally think that Jason has any idea the extent of the talent God has blessed him with. He has an artistic vision that I haven’t seen expressed in the way he does it. His heart is in what he does, and that is made clear. His humble attitude, and servant’s heart serve as a blessing to those he comes into contact with. Anyway, as a part of an ongoing project, Jason is selling paintings to raise money for what he has entitled “The House Paint” Project.

He is attempting to raise money for a home in Nicaragua. It may sound a bit odd, but it’s for a selfless compassionate reason. Women are being saved from the trafficking industry constantly. He is partnering with XXI Stones, and aims to raise $4660 for a new home to house some of these women. One half of the total price of each painting sold will go to this project. Here is a link of the ministry supporting the purchase of these paintings will go to directly: House of Hope Nicaragua

This painting is one I have purchased in support of Jason and bringing love and hope to the women being rescued. It is truly unique. I had to take several pictures, as the details are simply amazing. The pictures I saw prior to purchasing the painting just do not do it justice at all! His talent and heart show in the unique way he creates each painting. Oh, one thing I found so unique is the fact that he “hides” bits and pieces of different things in each painting: clothing, roof shingles, jeans, cloth, string, etc. It adds such character, dimension and texture. It was fun finding the different hidden assets to this painting.

Would you take a look? You can find Jason’s blog at House Paint Project – Feel free to subscribe and be notified as more paintings are created and posted. If you are interested, or end up purchasing any of his art, please let me know. I’d love to see pictures as well! You can post them here in comments, or send directly to me via my Contact Me page.

Yesterday began a challenge to just spend time in God’s presence – to be still and quiet before Him. Many people would see this as a chore. I challenge you – open your eyes, and ask God to help you see it differently. This particular challenge isn’t difficult, but does require discipline. However, as I’ve been getting going, I’m starting to realize how much I’m starting to look forward to it. My heart longs for the time spent alone with Him. This is just quiet, peaceful time – alone, with me and with God. Each and every one of us need this sort of time to rest and refresh.

Yesterday, I went to one of our local area parks. This picture shows just the beauty of this location, and the tranquility. As I sat there, just enjoying His presence and the beauty He created all around, I was in awe. I set an alarm on my cell phone, so I would know when ten minutes was up. As I sat, listened and just spent time with Him, I realized that ten minutes is NOT a long time.

I walked away from the experience in a really good mood, full of joy, and KNOWING I am in God’s hands.

This month I am challenging myself to a 30 day challenge. It will come across as simple (and in reality, it really is) – but I challenge you to take this challenge alongside me and see what a difference it makes in your life!

Every day this month (and I intend to continue after the month’s end) I will set aside a minimum of 10 minutes to spend in God’s presence. I will pick a place, and dedicate time to just sit – to be still and to listen. To just be quiet and still before Him. It is my goal that this time become my obedience to God, and to put my life in His hands, and surrender all of me to Him.

I encourage you to seek the heart of God with me. Take time and just be still. Let’s see how God can (and will) move through this (seemingly simple) act of obedience to Him. As the month (and this challenge) progresses, I will share my experiences. I would love you to share yours as well! You can feel free to use my “Contact Me” page and share, or connect and share via comments. I’ll look forward to hearing from you!

Let’s keep our minds and hearts focused on Him and watch where He leads!