Enjoying the Season

I don't know about you, but I enjoy the changing of the seasons. I especially enjoy the change of summer to fall... Cooler temperatures, falling leaves, football, and oh yes... Coffee tastes so much better when it's cool out side!

Seasons happen to us spiritually as well. We move from difficult seasons to seasons of rest and grace. I've made a simple observation about seasons; they come and they go. The old cliche "This too shall pass" has helped me to remember in the midst of a difficult season that another season is on the way. Just as environmental seasons don't last forever, so too spiritual seasons come and go.

I've been in a difficult season lately. However, the tides of change are swinging my way and I sense a fresh season of grace coming. I'm refreshed, hopeful and encouraged.

How about you? Have you been in a difficult season lately? Take courage, it will pass and a new season is on it's way!

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." Eccl 3:1

Have an Amazing Day!
Jimmy

Ever Been Disappointed?

Have you ever been disappointed? If you're breathing and have a pulse you have been disappointed. The definition of disappointment is a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized. Yep... you've been there and so have I.

Okay, if we admit that we've all been disappointed and that we will inevitably be disappointed again, then we have to determine whether we will become "Bitter or Better." It's your choice. That's right... you're response to disappointment is your choice. No one can "make" you bitter. Yes, disappointment will come, but you have the power to choose your response.

So, who are you disappointed with? Most will be quick to name a parent, a spouse, girlfriend, boyfriend or co-worker. However, some of us find ourselves disappointed with God. Now, what do you do with that? If I admit this one, I could get struck by lightening or even worse... what would others think about me?

I've been a Christian for about a quarter century and I've learned that God is big enough to handle my questions, doubts, failures, and disappointments... even in Him. Here are a few things I've learned about dealing with disappointment:

• Keep a Growth Mindset - be determined to learn and grow from the situation.
• Glean the Truth - "Teach me Lord through this, don't let this be wasted."
• Choose to be Better - It's your choice... choose life!

From time to time I too find myself disappointed... yes, even with God. However, my choice to be better and not bitter has helped me to keep perspective in the midst of it all. It's like a buffer that absorbs the blow of disappointment. How's your buffer?

Rm 5:5 "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

Have an Amazing Day!
Jimmy

On A Learning Curve!

One of the most impacting (and freeing) things I have learned lately is to admit I need help. I was thinking/praying about this and the Lord impressed me with these words,

"Don't get overwhelmed, get help."

It's amazing how long we will insist on "going it alone." I find it interesting that even the demons in the Bible know enough to go and get 7 that are more powerful than themselves to help out in a crunch. Not us! No, we wallow around in self-pity and depression until "the pain of same outweighs the pain of change."

Do you have a small group of people that you can go to when the bottom drops out? I lead a small group in our church. We are just learning how to do life together... not too deep or intense, just doing life. Today, I received a call from one of our group members. His mother has been diagnosed with cancer and will have surgery this afternoon. Instead of getting overwhelmed, he got help. I prayed with him over the phone and will be at the hospital later. That's doing life.

If the bottom drops out from under you, do you have a group around you? Who are you going to turn to? One powerful and life giving alternative is get in a small group. For me, it's critical. I'm getting help... are you?

Have an Amazing Day!
Jimmy

A Family Affair

We had our whole family with us this weekend... I call it blessed chaos! In the middle of shattering glass (a candle fell off the TV with a little help from my grandson Carter!), crying babies, and too many people in too small a space I paused and laughed! "I am so blessed!" Both of my adult children and their spouses are strong in their walk with Jesus and they are bringing their children up in godly homes. My little Rachel (5 years) doesn't hesitate to pray... for any and everything! My wife, Annette, and I are on the same page spiritually... I'm just so thankful!

Speaking of family... our church had a picnic outreach yesterday. We fired up some grills and cooked hamburgers for 350+ people. The weather did not cooperate so we moved the whole operation inside. In spite of the weather we had many visitors and guests. It was a sweet time of meeting new families and making acquaintances. It was a "win" for the whole church. Our people came through strong by serving with joy and enthusiasm. We have a great spiritual family.

We also had our first small group meeting last night. We call them "Community Groups." It was amazing! We had a wonderful time sharing about overloaded schedules and how to gain "margin" in our overcrowded schedules. We are making a one year commitment as a group. I'm looking forward to growing, praying, crying, laughing and doing life together. The whole thing is about relationships over information. What a joy!

Have an Amazing Day!
Jimmy

Relief for the Rat Race

If you haven't noticed, a lot of people are on overload and headed for a crash

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Did you know people sleep 2.5 fewer hours a night than people did a hundred years ago? We spend eight months of our lives opening junk mail. We spend two years of our lives playing phone tag. You will spend five years of your life waiting for people who are late!

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Life in the Rat Race is being 30 minutes late to the doctor's office because you were 20 minutes late getting out of the hairdresser because you were 10 minutes late dropping the children off at school because the car ran out of gas two blocks from a gas station and you forgot your purse!

If overload is the disease then "Margin" is the cure

Margin is the space between the Load and the Limit. Margin is having breath at the top of the staircase, money at the end of the month, and sanity left over at the end of adolescence. Margin-less is not having time to finish the book you're reading on stress. Margin is having the time to read it... twice!

What about you? Are you overloaded, stretched thin, stressed to the breaking point? Then Margin is the answer.

So what do we do? How can we carve out Margin for our lives?

Margin is gained by:

• Learning to say "No." This simple word will add years to your life!
• De-cluttering your life. Eliminate and concentrate. Too many choices translates into stress and overload.
• Spending quality time with God. Ps 23:1-3 "He leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul."

May God bless and help you discover the value of Margin!

Have an Amazing Day!
Jimmy

The Value of Relationships

You really cannot put a dollar amount on the value of relationships. I am so thankful for those individuals who are in my life, in my stuff, in my business, and helping me to knock off the rough edges. God uses life giving and fulfilling relationships as well as difficult and conflict oriented moments to mold and shape me. I don't always like it, but I so want to be ever learning and ever growing.

How about you? Do you find yourself frustrated and flustered over relational conflict? Pressure reveals leaks and heat reveals cracks in our lives. God uses these heated moments to expose things in us that need tending. It never feels good, but it is so necessary. I don't look for conflict, but when it comes I am determined to not allow it to be wasted.

The risk of conflict does not compare to the joy and fulfillment that meaningful relationships bring to me. I choose to "take the chance" to grow deeper and broaden in my friendships. Have you been hurt? Have you been wounded? Chances are if you have a pulse and breath, you've been hurt. I want to encourage you not to let your hurt keep you from going deeper with the people you value. Learn from it, grow from it and let your life stay open to those around you.

Blessings,
Jimmy

Seize the Day!

This Sunday afternoon we piled all my family into our vehicle and headed for Midland. We had an evening with all my kids and grandkids. It was wonderful! Myself, my son and my son-in-law were all on the floor with my grandkids in a wild "no holds barred" wrestling match! It was pure chaos... and yet so wonderful! I looked over at Annette at one point as I held my grandson in my arms and whispered to her "we're so blessed." She just smiled and nodded her head. It was one of those holy moments when you get a glimpse into what really matters most.

I would like to say that I live my life at that level of awareness all the time... but it's just not true. Much of my time is spent consumed by my work, responsibilities at home and just pure busy-ness. The tyranny of the urgent often overwhelms the simple beauty of the moment and I find myself blowing through yet another day.

There's a great line from the movie "Dead Poets Society" where the teacher (Robin Williams) quotes a great author and says, "We wanted to suck the marrow out of life..." What a great approach to your day. "Carpe Deum!" "Seize the day!" Today, I have a simple prayer. "Father, help me to live aware of every moment... listening, watching, seizing every moment. May I not miss one beautiful moment that you have crafted for me today. Amen."

Have a "Carpe Deum" Day!
Jimmy

Loving God, Loving People, Doing Life

This the theme I have been thinking about for our church. It really captures what we're about as a church family on a community level. We have been using the theme, "Touching our city, reaching the world." I have liked that as well, but I'm ready to focus our mission to a more specific definition. Let me know what you think. I would love to hear from you!

I've had a great day with my little girl, Rachel. She is 5 and we adopted her at birth. She is absolutely the joy of my life! I asked her where she wanted to eat... of course I knew the answer... "McDonalds!" So we headed off to MD's so I could grab a bite and she could play on the playground. She had a great time... so did I! I don't get parents who don't enjoy watching their children have a great time. God does that with His children as well. He delights in watching you have a great time! What an amazing Father we have!

Have an amazing day!
Jimmy

Some Questions for You

I've been in Fort Worth for the past few days. I had a wonderful time meeting with our regional pastors from Every Nation Ministries/Churches. I am so thankful for spiritual family. I'm refreshed and encouraged.

How are you doing? Do you find yourself tired, exhausted... out of fuel? Me too. From time to time I just run out of gas. I lose direction and my vision gets clouded. I'm learning to go back to my anchors during these times. For me, my anchors are my faith and my family. Everything else in life is pretty much negotiable... but not these two!

I'm asking... what are the anchors for your life? What is it that "centers" you and sets your feet on solid ground? I would like to know.

I need your help. Would you answer a few of simple questions?

1. Why do you or don't you attend church?
2. Is "church" relevant to your life? Why or why not?
3. What could your church or a church do to better serve you?

Be honest. I can take it.

Blessings,
Jimmy

The Life of Faith

I'm teaching a 5 hour "Intensive" this morning on "The Life of Faith." It is part of a course for a two year Bible school called Every Nation Leadership Institute. It is an amazing course of study that is designed to take personal and corporate discipleship to another level. Our associate pastor requested that I teach this session because I tend to enjoy teaching about "Faith" in our church. I am looking forward to the interaction as we seek to bring believers to maturity in their walk with Jesus.

I struggle to find the balance between "walking by faith and not by sight" and pure emotional honesty. In an attempt to be emotionally honest and "authentic" I can undermine my "confession" of faith. I think there will always be a tension between these two truths. I must be poor in spirit before God, but bold and confident before man (as I walk in this world). Life is found in the tension between these two issues.

"Struggle" should not be a dirty word for a Christian. It is in the struggle and fight that we are trained and refined. I don't know about you, but when I have extended periods of peace (I actually can't recall one of those recently!) I tend to become spiritually lazy. For me, it's the struggle, the fight and the challenges that keep me sharp and growing. I don't like it, but it's the truth in my situation. Perhaps it is my tendency to take the path of least resistance.

So as I face a new day... come what may... I face it with great faith and expectation!

Blessings,
Jimmy

TGI...Any Day!

It does happen to be Friday... but to be truthful I am thankful for any and everyday! Are you a grateful person? "But Jimmy, you don't know what I'm going through right now..." Listen, all of us go through difficult seasons. There are times when things just don't add up; times when things don't make sense at all. I've learned that like a good West Texas thunderstorm, situations, troubles and trials roll in and then they roll out. In other words... "This too shall pass."

I tend to be a very thankful person. I've been blessed with good health, a great family and the ability to laugh at myself. That third one is a huge key for living "Up" in a "Down" world. I do take what I do very seriously, but I don't take myself seriously. What about you? Are you one of those tense, uptight, super serious types? Do you have a difficult time finding the humor in life? In Ps 16:11 we read, "In Your (God's) presence is fullness of joy." What a great line! Talk about encouragement. To be filled up with joy is a matter of staying in His presence... daily!

My prayer and desire for anyone reading these "ramblings" is that you would find joy and be thankful in the midst of your journey. Learn to laugh... especially at yourself... because chances are someone else is laughing at you anyway!

Blessings,
Pastor Jimmy

A New Life!

This afternoon, a young man came to my associate pastor's office. He had another young man with him whom he had just met that day. He brought him to the church so that someone could talk to him about Jesus. Our associate pastor spent some time with those young men and in a short time, one of the young men came to know Jesus as Savior and Lord. Wow. The goodness of God expressed in the middle of a "normal-typical" day.

The Lord continues to focus me back to my primary purpose; to reflect His glory and to lead others to faith in Him, i.e. to be a fisher of men. I find whenever I move outside of this focus I am on shaky ground. A race horse is born to run. A hunting dog is born to hunt. I was born to reflect the glory of God that others might see Him, not me.

"And all of us have had that veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord." 2 Cor 3:18

The problem comes when we want to "absorb" His glory instead of reflect it so that others might see. One is self-centered and limited, the other is other-centered and unlimited. In Ps 8 we are told that God has crowned us with glory and honor. Wow. What an honor! The crown of glory is to reflect that which He has brought our way, not exalt us as individuals. Now, I'm not talking about a "false humility" which is actually spiritual pride. I am simply saying that we must reflect all that He is so that others will see him and not us.

May we reflect His glory today so that others may see Him like a city set on a hill.

Blessings to You!
Jimmy

Rachel, Jimmy and Annette 

A Word of Encouragement!

Last night I drove over to Brownwood, TX to attend a meeting at Abundant Life Church. The pastor is Rick McClure and the speaker was Duane Sheriff from Durant, OK. It was amazing! It is obvious that God is doing a wonderful work in Brownwood/Early. The church was full and the atmosphere was electric!

I had the priviledge of having dinner with bro Duane after the service and we were able to get to know each other better. We will be hosting him at MSCC Nov 6-9. I believe it will be a defining series of meetings for our church and our city. It was wonderful to spend time with old friends in Brownwood. I graduated from Howard Payne University and pastored in that city for a number of years. I'm so thankful for "Spiritual Family."

This Sunday Oct 9 we will be moving our services to Taylor County Coliseum for the Military Appreciation Day. It will be a groundbreaking service for Abilene and the Big Country. I believe the Kingdom will be advanced in a dramatic way through this gathering of many churches from different denominations and cultures! May all glory go to God!

Blessings and Shalom to All!
Jimmy Pruitt

A New Day for Journaling!

I have been journaling for years. In fact, since 1985. I was a student at Howard Payne University in Brownwood, TX. I received a call that my mother had suffered a severe heart attack. During that two month period in the hospital I began journaling my thoughts as an outlet for my feelings. I've been doing it ever since. So it is quite natural for me to continue the process on this media.

I will be random and abstract at times. I do invite comments and suggestions. In fact that's what makes life interesting. Welcome to my little world.

I am a pastor. I love my job most of the time. There are moments (few and far between) when I dream of having a "normal" job. But I am a very thankful person. Grateful for the privilege of making some difference in this world. Are there any other world changers reading this? Perhaps I'm idealistic, but I believe that we all have a voice that needs to be heard in a positive way. Until next time... blessings and joy! Jimmy

You can also check out my church's website at www.morningstarabilene.com. I'm the senior pastor of this wonderful congregation.