Here's an encouraging passage from Psalms that I memorized about 3 years ago (and forgot shortly after) and just came across again:
Psalms 1:1
How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water.
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers.
This chapter in Psalms reminds me that I need to seek God as my counsel for everything. It's easy to look to others who appear to be prospering for advice when we need help. Scripture tells us to meditate on God's law day and night and we'll prosper in whatever we do!
About five years ago I had the opportunity to chat with a guy from my church who is a multi-millionaire. I remember his words very well. He said "I try to avoid spending too much time networking with other businessmen because my time is better spent on my face before God seeking His wisdom." He told me that he's constantly turning down invitations for lunch meetings and networking parties. He spends about 2 hours every morning praying and reading his bible!
When I really stop and think about this... it's so obvious that my time is better spent seeking God's wisdom because God knows all things and created all things. He's got the inside scoop on the entire world!
Ok... just had to share that :) I'll be posting some images shortly.
Psalms 1:1
How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water.
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers.
This chapter in Psalms reminds me that I need to seek God as my counsel for everything. It's easy to look to others who appear to be prospering for advice when we need help. Scripture tells us to meditate on God's law day and night and we'll prosper in whatever we do!
About five years ago I had the opportunity to chat with a guy from my church who is a multi-millionaire. I remember his words very well. He said "I try to avoid spending too much time networking with other businessmen because my time is better spent on my face before God seeking His wisdom." He told me that he's constantly turning down invitations for lunch meetings and networking parties. He spends about 2 hours every morning praying and reading his bible!
When I really stop and think about this... it's so obvious that my time is better spent seeking God's wisdom because God knows all things and created all things. He's got the inside scoop on the entire world!
Ok... just had to share that :) I'll be posting some images shortly.
posted by Mike Colón at 2:46 PM
14 Comments:
Mike,
I spent the week at the WPPI convention in Vegas listening to many different speakers including yourself, trying to figure out what successful photographers do to succeed, and this advice surpasses all that was given.
Just wanted to say thanks for being a good example to a young photographer and reminding me what it takes to be successful and what we are living for in the first place.
Chris Hilgendorf
www.Isaac-Allen.com
Mike,
What an amazing word and reminder of the truth! Exactly what I need to hear and apply.
Thanks for sharing it!
God bless.
Jim
I memorized that passage and forgot it about 5 years ago myself. For the believer, the Bible is obviously much more than it seems from the surface. But from the surface, I wonder if the Bible should not be considered an asset for the businessman. I mean that in the sense that if an asset is something that generates income, it could also be considered something that minimizes expense. If I spend time reading it, I will keep myself from unnecessary expenses (time or money) like your friend. Forthrightness and honesty are foundational in Biblical teaching--also minimizing lawsuits and personal stress, as well as building confidence in clients, investors, and such! How will I spend my time today? What will I read? What will I do? For business purposes, maybe I should read my Bible.
Well, just a thought. Thanks for sharing, Mike.
E
Wow!!! Soooo true!!
It's amazing how easy it is to forget this!! Thanks!:)
Forest Gump said it right: "Stupid is what stupid does." I think of myself in contrast to this wisdom and appreciate the kind reminder to turn to the Lord for counsel. My mind buzzes with ideas like a busy little bee, every day. It's good to hear a friend say, "go to God for everything."
Thanks, Mike.
That is so true! I have found that in every instance that I stop and say, Lord, you have given me this gift, talent, passion... I need it to be all about you or I know it won't fly. HE is so faithful and what I think HE is showing me right now is that "you have not because you ask not". Every little thing concerning me is important to HIM and I love HIM for that.
God Bless Mike,
Julia
Solomon asked for wisdom and God gave it to him generously. When we ask for God's wisdom, we need to be ready for the answers whatever they may be. God is faithful in and through everything. Just like PS. says... we yeild fruit in its "season". :) I think we all lack on meditating on Gods word. Thank you for that reminder. When we are in a season in our lives, God is still incontrol. It is not about us prospering... it is about God prospering and his Kingdom. That should be our focus.
Thank you Mike.
so, does this mean that you are not going to network and talk to people about your business secrets and tell people how to be a success? based on the second last paragraph and the last, that is what it seems that you are saying...i appreciate your devotion, dedication etc...but it's a little ...well.. a little odd to come onto a blog that is supposed to be about photographer resources (since it is linked to your .net website) and see you essentially preaching.
but hey..whatever works.
It's great to read things like this Mike! It is SOO easy to get caught up in the ways of this world and lose focus on the Lord. This is a great passage, I am going to start memorizing. Thanks for sharing!
Amen
Mike,Like I said, you make my day long ago. Thanks for reminde me that everything is about HIM.
Fabio Monteiro
Mike, thanks so much for this post and for sharing yourself and your faith. It's inspiring and just what I needed to read today. I just can't succeed in this without God guiding me every step of the way. Some days I take over and try to handle things on my own so I needed this reminder today. God is in control! :)
Thanks! Your work is beautiful, by the way! I'm sure you hear that all the time. ;)
Kris Noorman
Mike I have been watching you and your business for a while since I picked up a copy of Wedding Style last summer. I was impressed by your style and images, but I have been even more impressed that you are a fellow brother in CHRIST. It is really awsome to see a star in our industry to submit to GOD in front of counltess numbers of people openly. Thanx for letting the Holy Spirit use you. I know that I will be big in somebody's eyes someday, but if someone can witness my life and find GOD then my living won't be in vain. That word was so true and convicting. I definitley need to pray more and get priorties in order. Keep standing for JESUS Mike, I and friends alike stand with you. Peace and GOD Bless.
Tacuma M. Lampkin of
Katlin Photography
www.previewgallery.com/tmc120
Beautifully stated!
:--)
jack/carolyn
Post a Comment
<< Home