Hot Coals
Have you ever wanted to start a business? One thing every expert agrees on is the importance of writing a business plan. The purpose of this plan is multifaceted. In this plan, one sets the mission and vision for their company. Another purpose is to set 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year goals. By doing so, it helps one remember when the business and chaos of running a business come, you don't lose sight of the goals you set.
The other day, I woke up to a very long text from one of my close friends, Mike, and it left me with a burning sensation. This is precisely what the bible describes as hot coals on one's head. This text has been on my mind now for three weeks. The title of the text was "How I intend to spend my last days.". I am going to share it with you.
"How I Intend to Spend My Last Days
And I hope they last a long time...
Immersing myself in His Word daily, with regular worship—two to three times a week in church—keeping my spirit anchored in truth.
Cherishing time with Chief (his dog) and Chip (his cat), making memories with those who need me most.
Staying strong and able through daily movement—stretching, weights, biking, hiking, rowing.
Taking motorbike, ATV, and cycling trips down the corridor or to the coast, especially in the winter when the warm, dry air reminds me I'm alive.
Stepping back from time spent with nonbelievers—particularly the drunkards, mockers, and morally lost—not from judgment, but to protect the peace I've worked hard to keep.
Giving back, joyfully and intentionally—to the poor, to churches, to my fellow carpet cleaners, and always to the Ronald McDonald House, whose mission I hold close.
Running Green Glides (his company) with purpose, continuing to develop tools that make life and work better for the hard-working few.
Building CleanTrust (a national organization) into something meaningful—creating content, crafting training videos, and shaping the next generation.
Still cleaning a bit with Floor'd (his other company), keeping hands in the craft that gave me everything.
Traveling for Green Glides and CleanTrust, and also simply for the joy of it.
This isn't retirement.
It's the most intentional chapter yet.
One of faith, service, creation, and motion.
God willing… it'll last a long, long time."
As I scrolled through this lengthy text, I was struck by the intentionality with which he aims to finish this race. It reminded me of so many scriptures.
"Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." Psalm 139:16
"Many are the plans in the mind of a man,
but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." Proverbs 19:21
So, how do you want to finish this life? Have you given any thought to the idea that we all have an "end time"? The Lord numbered our days, and should we live intentionally? If you sat down and made a "Spiritual Plan," what would it look like? What if you put it on paper? What would happen if we all became intentional about how we live for Christ?
We all have an enemy, and his name is Satan, who is a master chess player and always stays several moves ahead of us. One of his best moves is distraction, and nothing combats this move better than a well-formulated plan to live for Christ. What if we write down our goals and create a plan to follow and execute? What if husbands and wives collaborated on this and set goals for their marriage? Goal for developing their children's faith, making their parenting more intentional? A stronger marriage will likely be the outcome of this planning. A closer relationship will be the true benefit as we seek His will for all areas of our lives.
I am excited for this Sunday as we open a powerful passage in 1 Corinthians 6 with the end goal of "fleeing" to the communion table together.
In Him,
Pastor Chris