James Zimbardi

Intro: Blindness to God

James Zimbardi — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 13:00:37 +0000

Each time you blink, decades are rolling off your life here on earth. You gain the right perspective of time when you take the time to reflect on the past. Reflecting on the past forces you to not be fixated on the present and overlook the amount of lost time you have to get right with God.

The purpose of this book is to encourage you to be an authentic Christian in a chaotic, pluralistic, and flat world. I pray The Dash causes you to wrestle with life’s deepest questions in order to establish a deeper relationship with our Creator. I also pray this book is the catalyst that causes you to live a life completely sold out for Him. He owns it all; therefore, He is worthy of it all with no reservations. So, take a step back from the busyness and dizziness of your life and come with me on a journey to wrestle with life’s most important questions and most difficult challenges.

When your view of God is skewed, so is every other aspect of your life. A.W. Tozer said, “What comes into our minds when we think of God is the most important thing about us.” Why is the way we think about God so important? Because, “God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.” (Saint Augustine) God loves us so much; He was pleased to kill His only Son for us. (Isaiah 53:10). Yes, He loves you this way too. This fact alone is what ought to bring overwhelming joy to your heart, and peace to your soul. It also should cause a desire to have an authentic relationship with the one true God. By “authentic relationship” I mean giving Him all you’ve got. (Matthew 22:37) The reason why people are so disappointed in the church and Christianity is because of watered down Christians. Christians only willing to stay within their comfort zone will never reflect authenticity. In addition, staying within our comfort zone will not encourage others to be authentic. Don’t be that type of Christian! Until you die to yourself, you will never know what it means to truly live. Granted, dying to self is a process, but there is nothing more powerful then observing someone on their knees dependent on God. Self- sufficiency is the primary method we use to wrestle with God. I find myself constantly in a battle to shed self-sufficiency. (Genesis 3:5-6; Genesis 32:23-34) This is a battle that will never end until we are called home. In the meantime, let’s encourage one another to stop being double-minded and serve two masters. (Luke 16:13) You can’t serve God and yourself.

Introduction: Starting with the Right Perspective

James Zimbardi — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:00:14 +0000

There are two points in time when you are completely powerless – the day you are born, and the day you die. All the time in-between is just a countdown. The great king Solomon who is the richest and wisest man to ever live said, “All is vanity. What advantage does man have in all his work, which he does under the sun? A generation goes and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever.” (Ecclesiastes 1:1-4) If you live with a temporal perspective, it only makes sense for you to acquire as much as possible as fast as possible. Being socially, environmentally, and personally responsible for anything is absolutely absurd, and as no value. However, if you live with an eternal perspective, your life is not your own, and everything you do has value for the life to come.

The game of life is a trial period, not a means to an end. The journey begins as you are placed into an environment and culture you did not get to choose. Most likely you started out with a rough childhood. The unjustness seemed unbearable at times, and may still be going on in your life. Your heart and mind can’t comprehend why God would place you in such chaos. Everyone has wounds from their childhood. We live in an imperfect world, with imperfect parents, and with imperfect circumstances. Where is God the Father in all of that? Well, He is in the same place He was when His Son was unjustly crucified for us. The Apostle Paul says it best, “I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have “learned” the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. (Philippians 4:12) The journey in-between the dash is all about learning how to reestablish our broken relationship with God through Jesus Christ and by the Spirit, not by our own will.

Book Contributor Guidelines

James Zimbardi — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:17:17 +0000

I would like to thank you in advance for contributing to this book project. I would like to provide some guidance before we set sail.

1) Please feel free to provide as much feedback as possible. Do not hold back on anything! Doctrine, theology, accuracy of statements, grammar, context, spelling, and whatever else. It is all fair game.

2) Please do test your own spirit before submitting your comments. Make sure all comments are coming from a loving place. Your comments can be harsh, but for your own benefit, make sure it is coming from the right Spirit.

3) If at all possible, please try not to base any arguments or concerns on your own opinion. Be thoughtful and use biblical references or solid research to challenge anything you may disagree with or would like to comment on. This is also a great way to dig for solid answers, and a way to contribute to your own personal growth. Also, this would be most helpful for the development of this book.

4) If your comments or input are used, I will make sure to reference or tag your contribution to this book. But, just as a reminder, this book is meant to bring God glory not any of us.

5) Since all funds from this book will go to ministry related projects, compensation will not be made for any of your contributions. However, we may host a launch party at a later point and time, and your presence will be greatly desired.

6) Please help to ensure this book is timeless and not just applicable to today’s culture. Most contemporary books are designed to put forth the latest and greatest ideas or a new spin on solving the same challenges humanity has faced for thousands of years. I want to make sure we safeguard against this tendency.

Father, may Your Spirit indwell in us. May Your love surpass all understanding. If You are with us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31). May we give You all the glory! Amen!

Let the journey begin!

A Community-Based Book Project

James Zimbardi — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 23:09:13 +0000

As I mentioned in the previous post, The Dash is a book project I will be working on starting this summer. There are a couple of unique aspects to this project worth mentioning.

Real-Time Prototyping. I will regularly be posting sections of the book on jameszimbardi.com so please visit often. This will provide an opportunity for us to test the content to ensure its accuracy in Truth.
Community-Based Book Writing. Instead of writing this book as a single author, I want to encourage you to engage in this project with me.

Therefore, I would like to request that you actively post comments in each post which I will seriously consider in the final production and release of this book. Ultimately, through the contribution of your God-given thoughts and Spirit filled ideas, The Dash will be a community-based project with contributors from around the world. All proceeds from this book will be used for ministry related projects. Thank you in advance for your support.

Father, how grateful we are You have developed a way for us to communicate with each other through the art of writing. Instruct our ways and thoughts so You may be glorified. Let Your thoughts be our thoughts, let Your ways be our ways. May every word written only be Your Truth. Bless You and Your holy name. Without Your Spirit, nothing has value. May Your Spirit indwell in Your creation. May we lift up our minds and hearts to You, the one true God of this universe. We pray all these things in Your Son’s precious name, Jesus. Amen!

All to Jesus I surrender! All to Him I freely give!

Book Project Launch: The Dash

James Zimbardi — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 08:00:47 +0000

It has been several years my heart has been burdened with the idea of writing a book about why and how to be an authentic Christian in a pluralistic and flat world. The journey began as I attended business school at MIT in 2005. As I listened to lectures at MIT and Harvard, the most common topic covered was operating a business in a decentralized world. However, I realize the bigger challenge we have is defining how to operate in a world with our Creator in an era of globalization. Most of us find ourselves straddling the fence – acknowledging there is a God, but living for ourselves. This mode of operation will never return the desired results during The Dash. The Dash is the time period from the day you are born to the day you pass away. (Luke 21:33; Mark 13:31)

This summer, the journey continues as I sojourn into the unknown world of book writing to help wrestle with the big question – What should we be doing during The Dash? Unlike never before, there is a lack of direction and conviction permeating our global society. I pray God uses my journey to draw you closer to Him so you find yourself unreserved and free, living a life dedicated to the One whom created everything. (Genesis 1:1; Romans 12:2) As a wise godly man once told me, “Come with me, because hell is hot!”

Father, may each and every word written be Your timeless words. Causes transformation in the hearts of all those You bring on this journey with me. I plead with You to cause revival in Your church globally. Father, my words are meaningless without your guidance and Spirit. Lord, teach me and others to number our days, so we may present to You a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12) I pray all these things to You Father, by the Son and through the Holy Spirit. Amen!

If you feel led to support the development and publication of this book, please make a donation or leave a comment below.

Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) Experience

James Zimbardi — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 17:59:59 +0000

On August 21st 2009, my life was radically changed as the next 4+ years will be spent living in Dallas, TX. I began taking courses on-site at Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS). Before coming to seminary, I was not sure exactly what to expect. I had friends that attended seminary, and I visited most of the major seminaries in the United States. But, so many unknowns still existed before actually receiving first-hand experience. I heard many criticisms about going to seminary such as “Why do you want to go to a cemetery?” But, I was absolutely convicted this was God’s will for my life. Like Abraham’s experience, God provided and blessed me well beyond anything I could have imagined myself. I am so thankful and humbled by the opportunity to spend quality time in the presence of Godly men such as Dr. Howard Hendricks, Dr. Dwight Pentecost, Chaplain Bill Bryan, Dr. Mark Bailey Dr. Charles Swindoll, and many others. It is one thing to preach about God, but walking what you preach is a completely different story. “The Bible is not meant to make you a smarter sinner.” – Prof. Hendricks

I originally started my DTS experience in the summer of 2009 by taking a World Missions course online offered by Dr. Mark Young. It was a life changing course for me just like many other courses at DTS. My paradigm for world missions was completely revolutionized. Dr. Young has now moved on to become the President of Denver Theological Seminary. His presence will be greatly missed at DTS. If God is preparing you for seminary, I highly recommend taking an online course. This is a great a way to experience a taste of what you have been missing all these years. An online course will provide you a great snapshot of what to expect, and will give you a taste test for the quality of discipleship provided by DTS faculty.

Amazing Testimonies @ I am second

James Zimbardi — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:28:36 +0000

Check out some amazing video testimonies from people with all different journeys in life. From CEOs to band leaders, there is a video testimony you will relate to well. Here what real people have to say about the important things in life.

Check out I am second at http://www.iamsecond.com

Amazing Breakfast at Triangle Waffle in North Carolina

James Zimbardi — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:22:13 +0000

The restaurant’s sign says it all! As I was driving up from Florida to New Jersey yesterday God led me to Triangle Waffle to have breakfast. I can not speak highly enough about this restaurant. The food, service, and atmosphere all reflected the image of Christ. It was so clean, I would have eaten my food off the floor. The hospitality and cheerful spirit of the staff was infectious. And, the food was mmm mmm good.

What I love most about the restaurant is the way it is honoring God in words and actions. It is so evident God is blessing this establishment because of their obedience to Him. There was a Cracker Barrel just a few blocks away, and it was empty while Triangle Waffles was almost completely full. If you want your house or organization to be blessed, mimic what Triangle Waffles is doing differently.

The next time you are traveling through North Carolina, I highly recommend visiting Triangle Waffles for an amazing experience and breakfast.

May God be the glory!

Triangle Waffle‎
1007 E Cumberland St, Dunn, NC‎
(910) 892-1201
more info »
‎

How to Pray for Someone Else

James Zimbardi — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:04:53 +0000

One of the most powerful things you can do is pray for someone else. One of the best prayers you can offer someone else comes from Colossians 1:9-14. Unlike our typical way of praying and asking God to release someone from suffering or a burden, this prayer asks God to provide the following transformation experience for the other person.

1. Understand God’s will
2. Gain spiritual wisdom
3. Please and honor God
4. Bear good fruit
5. Grow in the knowledge of God
6. Be filled with God’s strength
7. Have great endurance and patience
8. Stay full of Christ’s joy
9. Give thanks always

9 For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. 13 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Father, how grateful we are for teaching us how to pray for others. May everyone who reads this become a steadfast prayer warrior for others around them. May this prayer the Apostle Paul wrote be an awakening for how we should pray for others selflessly even if we are in need of prayer ourselves. I pray this method of praying gets rooted deeply into ever heart and soul. For this prayer is the greatest prayer and gift you can give to others. Thank you in the name of Jesus. Amen!

Faith in Action Test

James Zimbardi — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:00:52 +0000

I used the following personal faith test with a group called Metier. A talented group of emerging leaders in Central Florida. I had the great pleasure to share my testimony with them. It went over very well, so I thought I would share one of the main highlights. A faith in action test God gave me just one hour prior to the meeting.

1) On a piece of paper write down the percentage of how much you believe EVERYTHING in the Bible. Don’t read the next line yet.

2) After your done writing down your answer to #1. Write down another percentage based on how much you are living by what you believe.

3) What conclusions have you derived?

The good news: Jesus says we only need a little faith to move mountains. (Matthew 17:20)