On the edge of my seat again waiting for the aspiring entrepreneur to make a decision about whether or not they were going to take the offer given to them by one of the investors that sit on a panel of investors who are looking for businesses they can hook up with and make a lot of money.

When I’ve watched “Shark Tank” I’ve been amazed at the variety of product and business ideas that people have come up with...people have a lot of smarts and a lot of talent and have really come up with some good opportunities for investors to invest in.  Of course, the goal for the investor is to hook up with someone that will turn their investment of money into more money for them.

 For the entrepreneur, they must decide how much of their company they are willing to give up to the investor, and soon to be partner, for the money they are asking for.  It appears that, for the most part, the more money that is requested by the entrepreneur the greater percentage of their company must be given to the investor. 

They ask for a certain amount of money...say $500,000 and in return they will give the investor 10% of their company...then they pitch their product or business to a panel of five or six investors and then the negotiations begin...sometimes no investor wants any part of the business...sometimes all of the investors are trying to make a deal and they compete against one another to secure the business partnership.

The investors bring a lot to the table, not just money, but as a partner helping to steer the new businesses in the right direction...to take the next step of development...to make the most money.  It’s good for the new business owner and of course, good for the investor, as they want the best return they can receive from their investment of time and money.

When the entrepreneur has a very valuable business and several investors are interested they must decide what it’s going to cost them to receive the investor as a partner.  How valuable are they...what benefits do they bring...why should they commit themselves to that partner.  Is it worth the cost?

The investor wants to know that their new business partner is going to give 100% of their time and energies to the company...they want to be assured that they will do their best to grow the company and make money.  That’s their end game...more money.

Usually, the investors ask for more of the company than the entrepreneur started with...in our example, they might ask for 20% of the company for the $500,000 and then a decision must be made.  Are they, the entrepreneur, willing to enter into the partnership with the investor...where they will be on the same team from that point forward?  Are they willing to part with the 20% of their company...the cost...for the benefit...the $500,000?

Some people just can’t make the decision...they are paralyzed...they just can’t seem to understand the value of the investor to their company...or they just don’t believe the investor brings that much value to their company and say “no” to the offer.  So they freeze and lose the deal or they just say “no” because they don’t see the value...and they must go it on their own for the time being...when...going it on their own... just hasn’t been working good enough...or they wouldn’t be there trying to make a deal and get the help and experience they so need.  They just can’t or won’t make the necessary commitment that is necessary for business’ success.  I don’t know how many times I’ve yelled at the T.V., “C’mon man...take the deal...are you crazy?  You’re turning down just exactly what you need!”

But I must admit I sweat just as much and sit on the edge of my seat just as often when I observe people like you and me when we are unwilling to make the necessary commitment to enjoy abundant life...we turn down just exactly what we need from Jesus Christ.

Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 (ESV)

Just think about some of the highlights that Jesus offers!

1. ..eternal life in heaven.
2. Answer to the questions of life.
   1. Where did I come from?
   2. Where am I going?
   3. What am I here for?
3. Abundant life.
4. Family

Just think about what it cost Him to be in the position to make that offer... He gave His life by dying on the cross as a substitute for us, satisfying the just demands of a righteous God...that He might provide a way to heaven...when there was no other way.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (ESV)

Just think, He offers us life...we die without Him...and then He promises to never leave us or forsake us so that we know how to make the most out of the life He has provided.

But so many...just can’t or won’t make the decision to receive the free gift of eternal life...and follow Him as a disciple.   They’re afraid of what their commitment to Him might cost.

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23 (ESV)

I sit on the edge of my pew and I’m screaming inside...”C’mon man...take the offer...you’re turning down exactly what you need in your life.

How about you?  Have you taken the offer...or still just considering...a disciple of Christ...or not...which means you just have to go through life on your own...How’s that working for you?

Make a commitment!  Commitment to an investor is scary...when you don’t trust the investor.

Do you trust Christ enough to commit to Him...for salvation...and for living life?

I’m sitting on the edge of my seat,  “C’mon man...commit...it’s not even a four letter word...don’t turn down exactly who you need for living your life to the max.

“There comes a time in every firefighter’s life when he’s called upon to do what ordinary men cannot.  Knowing that his inaction may lead to another’s death…and that his action may lead to his own…how he responds in that moment will follow him beyond the grave.  What separates firefighters from ordinary men is the acceptance that death awaits us all.”

I first wrote that in my personal journal over five years ago, and it’s something I believe wholeheartedly.  I believe it so much so, that every time I leave home to report for duty, I am focused on that singular thought.  Is today the day I will be called upon to answer the call that will define my career?  Have I done enough to prepare?  Have I done everything in my power to earn the right to come home at the end of my shift?  Have I studied enough?  Have I trained enough?  Have I disciplined my body, soul, mind and spirit enough to endure what I will face today?

Men, this isn’t going to be your regular feel-good Father’s Day letter, meant to lift you up and recognize your work as a father.  Instead, I believe God has placed on my heart an urgent need to challenge us all…not just you, but me too…and my challenge today comes from my twenty plus years fighting fires.

Brothers, I believe we are daily being pruned, tested, refined, and sharpened.  With the singular purpose to ensure we are battle-hardened and ready to respond in that moment that will define our lives and follow us into eternity.  How you prepare in the days, months and years beforehand will shape how you respond in that moment.

Brother, wherever you are in life, you were created by God, perfect in every way.  A sinner like the rest of us, yes, but perfect in the eyes of the Lord.  You were made with a purpose.  He has you here to bring Him glory…to make disciples.

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.  And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20

But Jason…I don’t know how to do that.  I’m not a good speaker.  I’m not a natural leader.  I don’t have all the answers to people’s questions about God.  Whatever excuse you choose to insert into trying to get out of the Great Commission (and I’ve use them all myself) is invalid.  Simple as that.  It. Is. Not. Valid.

Listen brothers.  I don’t know what your gift is…but I know you have one.  Some of us are meant to teach and preach…some in large congregations…others in small groups or one-on-one.  Some have the gift of worship and prayer.  Others were given a passion for nurturing and serving others.  Maybe you’re good at evangelizing and spreading the Gospel.  Whatever it is, you need to find it…and quick.

Do you get the urgency with which I’m saying this, men!?  We’re living in a world where the Lord God will return any day, and our time to prepare is limited!  Our culture is saturated with sin, depravity, lawlessness, laziness, and apathy…devoid of the Truth that is Jesus Christ.  What are you doing NOW to prepare for the moment you will be called upon to share the Gospel with someone who is lost?  Do you even have a heart for the lost?  Is our greatest concern not for the people in our life who will be condemned to hell for eternity?  Shouldn’t that be our gravest concern and the focus of all our attention?

Men…my brothers in Christ…when’s the last time you memorized Scripture?  Participated in a small group or attended Sunday School?  Worshipped alongside your family?  Studied the bible with your spouse or children?  Spent more than five consecutive minutes in prayer?  Shared the gospel with a lost person?  Loved on your neighbors by meeting a physical need?  Served a stranger in a way that opened the door to sharing Jesus with them?  Our world, nation, state, community, church, family NEEDS you us men of God to step up to the plate…to lead…to PRAY.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in over two decades of being a firefighter, it’s that there is no “routine” call-out.  Expect the unexpected.  In this line of work, there’s a general understanding that we’re being asked to solve every problem on what is the worst day of someone’s life.  If we don’t have the answer, we better find the answer…and quick.  Adapt and overcome.

Our daily lives really aren’t much different.  While our routines and schedules can often be the same from day to day, we’re constantly thrown into situations that present opportunities to evangelize and spread the Word.  Don’t think I’m right?  When you pray over your meal in public, what do you think would happen if you asked your waitress how you could pray for her, and then asked her to join you while you pray for her by name?  Can you imagine the impact you would have in her life, and the ripple effects it would create?

Simply put, my challenge to you…to us all…comes from lessons I’ve learned fighting fires.

1. Lead. Leaders lead from the front.  If you’re not out front, you’re not leading…you’re following.  Get out in front and let your family and those around you seek the safety of your shadow.  When you’re out front, you can expect to be the one to feel the heat of the fire.  The ones behind you will be shielded by you, and you will bear the brunt of the attacks.  That’s by design.  Embrace it.  You’re going to want to quit at some point.  Don’t!  You will find your rest when you put on the Armor of God daily and allow the Shield of Faith to take the fiery darts of the wicked one.  Remember, when the shield is taking the fiery darts, your family is not.

2. Never Stop Improving. Never stop moving forward.  Never give up.  There is ALWAYS a way.  It might be impossible to see through the darkness, but it’s there.  Sometimes you gotta get down on your hands and knees and feel your way around blindly with nothing but your hands.  When life knocks you down, remember you’re in the perfect position to pray.  Never underestimate the power of prayer.  Prayer is the best armor against all trials.  When you pray for better days, God will show you a better way.  No one makes a lock without a key.  That’s why God won’t allow you to experience problems that don’t have solutions.  God is never blind to your tears, never dead to your prayers, never silent to your pain.  He sees.  He hears.  He feels.  And He’s never far away.  There is ALWAYS a way.  And the answer is often closer than you realize.
   

3. Step up to the plate. Somewhere, there is someone counting on YOU.  Be ready.  Do your part.  Step up to the plate.  Don’t let them down by being unavailable, unwilling or unprepared.

 Over five years ago, I wrote something else in my personal journal right below that first entry.  Something that I hope shapes who I am in Christ and reflects God’s love to those around me…

“There comes a time in every man’s life when he will be called upon to do something that offers him no tangible benefit in return.  How he responds in that moment will follow him beyond the grave.  The benefit of his decision to act is in knowing that he did so merely because it was the right thing to do.”

 Happy Father’s Day.