Posts by: Brian Dolleman

In a recent post (http://www.northwestleader.com/1818/stupid-things-i-used-to-think/), I shared some stupid things I used to think.

I was talking about this on Sunday and said, “At some point when you’re bored listening to my sermon, just write down some stupid things you used to think on your Connect Card.”

It turns out a few of you were bored…

Here are some of the stupid things you used to think:

“I used to think the foam in the ocean was spit.”

“My cousin told me she was cold-blooded and I believed her, literally.”

“I used to think ‘No Shoulder Driving’ meant you couldn’t use your shoulder to drive.”

“I used to think if you swallowed gum it would stay in your stomach for 7 years.”

“I used to think you had to manually operate the windshield wipers.”

“I used to think the little hills in the Palouse were dinosaur graves.”

“I used to think when the boat hit waves it was actually hitting big rocks in the lake.”

“I used to think ‘Booster Shots’ would make you taller.”

“I think the Mariners are going to win the World Series.”

One of the cards said, “I am not bored with this sermon.”

That was my favorite one.

Something happened last night on the way to the gym.

JJ (my 1963 VW Bug) sputtered & quit. I had to push her off the highway.

I sat with her for 45 minutes—trying to get her started again.

She refused. It was getting dark outside… so I decided to take the trail and ran home.

I drove my other car back and tried JJ again. Still nothing. She would sit there for the night.

I got up early this morning, drove back out to JJ and tried once more. Guess what? She started!

Now, she’s in the garage—home, and happy.

But she’s going to the mechanic soon.

We’ve got to figure this thing out (it’s not the first time this has happened).

You see, JJ is 49 years-old. She’s had a lot of work done. She will need more. That’s just the way it is.

That’s probably why we don’t see many 50 year-old cars on the road.

Our church is 41 years old—not quite as old as JJ, but still… not exactly a “new” church.

The church has had a lot of work done. It will need more. That’s just the way it is.

We will move forward. We must move forward.

If my car is going to function, moving forward (change, adjustment, work, upgrading, and overhauling) is absolutely necessary. The same is true for the church.

“And so, God willing, we will move forward.” —Hebrews 6.3 NLT

Change is possible.

You don’t have to be stuck and you don’t have to stay stuck.

It doesn’t always have to be the way it is now.

You CAN change.

I remember going through a particularly dark and moody phase…

At the time, I just thought “this is me—this is who I am, and there’s nothing I can do about it.”

I even attempted to justify where I was at. I said things like, “Jesus was depressed too, you know.”

It’s funny how that works. When change feels impossible, we start justifying.

Unfortunately, excuses don’t bring freedom. They simply reinforce the belief, “I can’t change.”

But change is possible!

I’m living proof.

I’m a new person today. I have peace and joy.

I’m smiling, laughing, and enjoying life. Fo’ reals, I’m having a good time.

The book of Ephesians confirms what I’m saying—that change is possible…

“Take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you.” (Ephesians 4.23, 24 MSG)

The cool thing is, you’re not on your own when it comes to change. God is working in you!

God is giving you both the power and the desire to change. (Philippians 2.13)

This is good news—with God’s help, change is possible.

You CAN change.

When it comes to God’s work in your life—it is only with you, not against you.

You will not be an innocent bystander; you will be a participant.

God will not force you to be or do anything.

Rather, His Spirit will work with you and within you—as you allow Him.

“Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.” (Ephesians 4.23 NLT)

Did you notice that little word “let”?

Our job is to give God access, permission, free-reign, and the “building permit” to renew us…

Because He works only with you, not against you.

“God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.” (Ephesians 3.20 MSG)

Question: Will you let God’s Spirit make you new today?

There are new victories for you…

But they’re not for the old you—they’re for the new you.

In other words, you “as you are” will not experience new levels, accomplishments, and victories.

The “new you” will.

You’re doing things today that the 5 year-old you couldn’t do. Right?

It’s true—so keep growing, changing, learning, and being made new.

There are new victories for the new you.

Ephesians 4.22-24 is a great reminder of this. Check out these verses:

“The person you used to be will ruin you…
However, you were taught to have a new attitude. You were also taught to become a new person.” (GWT)

“Put away the old person you used to be…
Let your minds and hearts be made new. You must become a new person.” (NLV)

“You must give up your old way of life with all its bad habits…
Let the Spirit change your way of thinking—and make you into a new person.” (CEV)

There are good things in store for you: new levels, accomplishments, and victories.

But they’re not for the old you—they’re for the new you.

New victories for the new you!

I used to think kindergarten was pronounced kindee-garden.

I used to think all tall people played basketball.

I used to think girls got pregnant if you kissed them.

I used to think drinking a Diet Coke with a super-sized Big Mac meal would help you lose weight.

I used to think my ability to do good and be good is what gave me a place in God’s family.

I could keep going…

Because there are a lot of stupid things I used to think.

Apparently, I’m not the only one.

There’s a website dedicated to sharing the stupid things we used to think: http://www.iusedtobestupid.com/

In a recent submission, someone shared, “When I was little I thought ‘Dead End’ signs meant if you went down that road you would die. We got lost one time and I screamed for my mother and father to turn around on another road because I wasn’t ready to die.”

I bet you have some things you could share too…

You’ve had some pretty stupid thoughts, right?

Here’s the good news: God has blessed us with the ability to change, learn, grow—to be renewed.

What a blessing that is!

“Be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind.” —Ephesians 4.23 (AMP)

It’s easy to laugh about the stupid things we USED TO THINK.

The truth is, we’re SILL THINKING some stupid things (and that’s not as easy to laugh about).

As we continue to be renewed, we will have new “I USED TO THINK” things to share on the http://www.iusedtobestupid.com/ website.

We’re still changing, learning, growing, and being renewed…

And that’s a blessing!

PS
I’d love to hear some of the stupid things you used to think.
Share some of yours in the comment section below!

I read something the other day from graphic designer Jonathan Lawrence…

He said, “Remember, you’re not here because you’re like everyone else. You’re here because you’re you.”

I love it. Uniqueness and Unity are not opposite qualities.

It’s not one at the expense of the other.

It’s not one or the other.

Quoting Jonathan Lawrence again, “When you’re part of a team, you can’t worry about what part you play. Just play. The best idea wins, no matter where it comes from. And it’s your job, as a member of that team, to help execute that idea to THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITIES.”

This reminds me of some phrases out of Ephesians chapter 4 in the Message Bible…

“You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction.”

“Stay together—both outwardly and inwardly.”

“But that doesn’t mean you should all look and speak and act the same.”

“Each of us is given his own gift.”

You are here because you’re you.

And we need YOU…

The real you—the you who is uniquely graced and gifted by God.

(picture below is a print by Jonathan Lawrence)