I am guilty!
Just recently I had something come up on the radar that I was not expecting! You know when you are hit with something from out of nowhere! In football this is called a crack-back block!
Well I experienced a crack-back recently when I was told that the person I thought was going to come and be a part of an upcoming ministry event was unable to attend because of some things going on his life.
So how did I react? Let me give you a little hint:
The following is Paul sharing about his disciple Timothy;
“I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.”
And guess what, I did not react like Timothy! I am the “everyone” in the above quote of Paul.
I was more concerned about “who” was going to fill the spot.
I close with this prayer request:
Pray for my friend that is walking through this difficult time.
Pray that I will begin to live my life with others being the focus.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
A gift to others this Christmas...one that will last.
With only a few more shopping days until Christmas, I want to challenge us all to get others a gift this Christmas by giving up something we all have been possibly holding onto in our own lives. Below is your shopping guide with step by step instructions in the pursuit of the gift for others...
Step One:
Begin shopping in Matthew 19: 16-22. Read through these verses a few times.
Step Two:
Re-read the verses, exchanging your name with the generic man’s name.
“Now a ___________ came to Jesus...”
insert your name
Step Three
Re-read the text exchanging verse 18 with the following text:
“Which ones?” Jesus replied, “Go to church as much as you can, read the bible when you have time, pray at least during meals and if you have tim before bed, try to love everyone...”
Step Four
Re-read the text exchanging verse 20 with the following text:
“All of these things I have done,” ______________ said. “What else do I lack?”
insert your name
Step Four:
This is the most difficult step. Re-read verse 21, leaving the blank as an open ended question for Jesus to reveal to you.
“If you want to be complete, go, ________________________ and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Explanation for Step Four:
Although Step Four is the most difficult step, it is the step in which the gift for others awaits. You see, many of us are really good at going through the “motions” of being a follower of Jesus. But Jesus did not die on a cross for us to be a “subpar” follower but complete “cross bearers” in making him known in the seeking world around us. But for this to happen we have to give him all of us.
The cost lies within giving up that one thing that you have held onto in your journey with Christ. For the man in the story it was his wealth. It wasn’t that the wealth was a bad thing, but it was the one thing that kept the man from experiencing intimacy with Jesus.
For you and I it is the one thing that keeps us away from the abundant life Jesus refers to in John 10:10. It may be wealth, an idol, fear, etc. But the greatness of the story is that when we give up whatever it is that keeps us from completely following, Jesus’ promise awaits you. He promises in this passage that if we give up whatever keeps us from completely following him, treasure in heaven awaits us.
And just what is that “treasure?” Check out a description of this treasure in Jesus’ words from John 15
“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last...” Excerpts from John 15: 7-17
Breaking it down...
In the story of Matthew 19, Jesus is really telling the “man” how he is to be part of the “fruit producing” vine that is referenced in John 15. In being a part of this vine, Jesus promises the man “treasures in heaven” in which we understand that being “forever fruit” in lives of people that will be with us in heaven someday. Sadly, the “man” doesn’t want to surrender his life to Jesus, and walks away sadly.
Step One:
Begin shopping in Matthew 19: 16-22. Read through these verses a few times.
Step Two:
Re-read the verses, exchanging your name with the generic man’s name.
“Now a ___________ came to Jesus...”
insert your name
Step Three
Re-read the text exchanging verse 18 with the following text:
“Which ones?” Jesus replied, “Go to church as much as you can, read the bible when you have time, pray at least during meals and if you have tim before bed, try to love everyone...”
Step Four
Re-read the text exchanging verse 20 with the following text:
“All of these things I have done,” ______________ said. “What else do I lack?”
insert your name
Step Four:
This is the most difficult step. Re-read verse 21, leaving the blank as an open ended question for Jesus to reveal to you.
“If you want to be complete, go, ________________________ and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Explanation for Step Four:
Although Step Four is the most difficult step, it is the step in which the gift for others awaits. You see, many of us are really good at going through the “motions” of being a follower of Jesus. But Jesus did not die on a cross for us to be a “subpar” follower but complete “cross bearers” in making him known in the seeking world around us. But for this to happen we have to give him all of us.
The cost lies within giving up that one thing that you have held onto in your journey with Christ. For the man in the story it was his wealth. It wasn’t that the wealth was a bad thing, but it was the one thing that kept the man from experiencing intimacy with Jesus.
For you and I it is the one thing that keeps us away from the abundant life Jesus refers to in John 10:10. It may be wealth, an idol, fear, etc. But the greatness of the story is that when we give up whatever it is that keeps us from completely following, Jesus’ promise awaits you. He promises in this passage that if we give up whatever keeps us from completely following him, treasure in heaven awaits us.
And just what is that “treasure?” Check out a description of this treasure in Jesus’ words from John 15
“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last...” Excerpts from John 15: 7-17
Breaking it down...
In the story of Matthew 19, Jesus is really telling the “man” how he is to be part of the “fruit producing” vine that is referenced in John 15. In being a part of this vine, Jesus promises the man “treasures in heaven” in which we understand that being “forever fruit” in lives of people that will be with us in heaven someday. Sadly, the “man” doesn’t want to surrender his life to Jesus, and walks away sadly.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Sam: Jesus' Sermon Illustration to Matthew 5:3
Have you ever read Matthew 5: 3, the preamble of the Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, and left feeling totally disconnected from what Jesus was saying.
Here are the words from the Message Translation for those that have not read Matthew 5: 3:
3"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
.
Each time I have read all these they just always have seem backwards...backwards until I met "Sam" for the first time today.
These peculiar words of Christ in Matthew 5 became something I owned when I left Center of Hope today.
Today the staff of Trinity Bible Church, decided to go as an entire team and serve at the Center of Hope in Weatherford. The Center of Hope is an amazing ministry that reaches many people in Parker County. Check out their site, its an great "hands on" ministry to get involved in.
As I was waiting on tables, I met Sam. At first, he is just like everyone else. He was very appreciative and thankful in what the Center of Hope does. Because it was unusually slow, I was able to sit down and begin to chat with Sam. After a few minutes, I learned that "Sam" lives in his car and has several health problems. But the more and more he talked, the more and more God was writing upon my heart that "Sam" knows what it is to depend upon Jesus for every need. I mean, he has no house, poor health, no job, etc. etc. etc. But Sam knows, Jesus much more intimate than I do! Why?
You see, I really do not have to worry about a place to live, my health, my next meal, etc. But at having all, comes at a cost. That cost is learning to be dependent upon myself and not on my Jesus.
Which brings us back to words of Jesus in Matthew 5. Below is my commentary of the Matthew 5:3 after meeting Sam today at Center of Hope.
"So, you say you want to follow me. Well if you do, this is what people look like that have an intimate relationship with me;
'They are poor in the deepest parts of their soul, realizing they have no hope without me. Because of this dependence, they will get to see, truly what is important. Not so much all the stuff that some people hold to, but the closeness of walking with me as they journey through their life. Actually it is a piece of the Kingdom that they will some day live in.'"
After meeting Sam, I now have a greater understand of the words that Jesus spoke in Matthew 5.
Although I have a greater meaning of the words, am I truly ready to live as Sam lives???
Here are the words from the Message Translation for those that have not read Matthew 5: 3:
3"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
.
Each time I have read all these they just always have seem backwards...backwards until I met "Sam" for the first time today.
These peculiar words of Christ in Matthew 5 became something I owned when I left Center of Hope today.
Today the staff of Trinity Bible Church, decided to go as an entire team and serve at the Center of Hope in Weatherford. The Center of Hope is an amazing ministry that reaches many people in Parker County. Check out their site, its an great "hands on" ministry to get involved in.
As I was waiting on tables, I met Sam. At first, he is just like everyone else. He was very appreciative and thankful in what the Center of Hope does. Because it was unusually slow, I was able to sit down and begin to chat with Sam. After a few minutes, I learned that "Sam" lives in his car and has several health problems. But the more and more he talked, the more and more God was writing upon my heart that "Sam" knows what it is to depend upon Jesus for every need. I mean, he has no house, poor health, no job, etc. etc. etc. But Sam knows, Jesus much more intimate than I do! Why?
You see, I really do not have to worry about a place to live, my health, my next meal, etc. But at having all, comes at a cost. That cost is learning to be dependent upon myself and not on my Jesus.
Which brings us back to words of Jesus in Matthew 5. Below is my commentary of the Matthew 5:3 after meeting Sam today at Center of Hope.
"So, you say you want to follow me. Well if you do, this is what people look like that have an intimate relationship with me;
'They are poor in the deepest parts of their soul, realizing they have no hope without me. Because of this dependence, they will get to see, truly what is important. Not so much all the stuff that some people hold to, but the closeness of walking with me as they journey through their life. Actually it is a piece of the Kingdom that they will some day live in.'"
After meeting Sam, I now have a greater understand of the words that Jesus spoke in Matthew 5.
Although I have a greater meaning of the words, am I truly ready to live as Sam lives???
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
The Christmas of Firsts and the Christmas of Lasts
This hit me today, actually just a few minutes ago while I was sitting here praying! This Christmas will be very different for two reasons! You see, in January we were blessed to receive Ava from Haiti after the earthquake! Although this is Ava’s fourth official Christmas in the sense of being alive on December 25th, this will be her first Christmas in the idea of experiencing all their is to experience! First and foremost a family, a family that loves her and surrounds her with all kinds of expressions of comfort! It will also be the first of Christmas trees, presents, food, the manger scene, Rudolph, Santa, candy canes, Christmas Eve, etc. We cannot wait to experience this with her! It is going to be so huge!
But with that said, it will also be the last Christmas for my very special Pawpaw! You see in the next few days he will pass on to his reward! For the remainder of my life I will not see Pawpaw on December 25th! No more hugs, holding of hands, or his laughter and smile that would brighten the room at Christmas. No more of him slowly opening his Christmas presents with his knife only to patiently fold the paper back into a small pile that could be reused! I will miss this!
Even as I write this, God is speaking peace to my words and thoughts by saying that although it will be his last Christmas here on this planet, it will be his first Christmas among the one that Christmas is all about! How cool is that, to be able to go home during a celebration of Christmas. It will be a true Christmas for him this year! Why? Christmas is simply, “more Christ!” This Christmas he will have more of Christ for Pawpaw than he ever had before!
But with that said, it will also be the last Christmas for my very special Pawpaw! You see in the next few days he will pass on to his reward! For the remainder of my life I will not see Pawpaw on December 25th! No more hugs, holding of hands, or his laughter and smile that would brighten the room at Christmas. No more of him slowly opening his Christmas presents with his knife only to patiently fold the paper back into a small pile that could be reused! I will miss this!
Even as I write this, God is speaking peace to my words and thoughts by saying that although it will be his last Christmas here on this planet, it will be his first Christmas among the one that Christmas is all about! How cool is that, to be able to go home during a celebration of Christmas. It will be a true Christmas for him this year! Why? Christmas is simply, “more Christ!” This Christmas he will have more of Christ for Pawpaw than he ever had before!
Saturday, December 4, 2010
A Christmas Prayer...
God as we anticipate the coming of your Son and the celebration of this time it is so beautiful to think about this separation of our religious duties outlined by rules in which we follow to sustain our relationship with you, rules in which you never intended to show us your love but to show us the dependence we need to have you! God today, may I realize the beauty of this season, not for the hustle and bustle of the running to and fro trying to accomplish that which have been told to accomplish, but purposely slow down anticipating the guest at our house that will arrive on Christmas Eve, the one looking for a place to stay. God may we remember the journey which Joseph and Mary took upon during this time, the obedience that was very costly to their comfort, God may we live out the same obedience that is costly to our comfort for the sake of living out the importance of our journey. God forgive me for making this season about me and the presents and the gifts and forgetting what it truly meant to those surrounding the baby Jesus! Their was a disturbance to their mundane life. They heard the call and followed the star, disobeying Kings and ideals to live out the purpose in which you called each of them to! God I thank you for the slowing down and seeing this today! God thank you for allowing me to see this!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
To my Papaw...
Dear Papaw,
As you lay in the hospital bed in Stephenville, my heart is overflowing with so much emotion. One moment, I am laughing and the very next moment I am crying! I do not know how much longer you have, but I wanted to share my heart.
Papaw, do you remember the things we shared?
The time when when I was a little boy and I had eaten too much dinner and you caught my throw up in your huge hands.
The nights I would lay in the bed with you and Nanaw as a little boy and rub your fingernail until I went to sleep.
The letters you would write to me when you were in Del City working for the Soil Conversation Service.
The time I help you lead "I'll Fly Away" at Highland Baptist Church.
The giant candy canes I would buy for yo at Christmas.
The recordings of all the grandkids having radio time with you.
The Christmas of my 5th grade year when you were really sick because of the Colon Cancer.
The laughter we shared picking on Nanaw.
The breakfasts we would all eat together in the morning.
The many rides on the tractor with you as you would plow the field.
THe Gandy's big red tub of ice cream we would always eat at night together.
Papaw, as I write this on Tuesday night, on the last day of November in 2010 you are still alive. You are still laying there anticipating the greatest moment of your existence. Paul tells us that when we are absent of the body we are then present with the Lord. Papaw, just imagine, very shortly you are going to see Him. You are going to see the one in which you sang so much about. You will be able to touch him and look into his eyes. Papaw, I have to be honest! I want to go with you, not that I am ready to die, but just to make sure you are going to be okay! I never have been without you and the comfort you have given me my entire existence I want to give a little back. It is crazy to think those very big blue eyes that I stared into yesterday evening will soon look into the eyes of Jesus. Papaw, could you please tell him something for me. Please tell Him, "Thank you!" Thank him for giving me a Papaw like you.
Pawpaw, I give praise to my Jesus for the time we shared together!
I love you more than words could ever express!
Your grandson, John!
As you lay in the hospital bed in Stephenville, my heart is overflowing with so much emotion. One moment, I am laughing and the very next moment I am crying! I do not know how much longer you have, but I wanted to share my heart.
Papaw, do you remember the things we shared?
The time when when I was a little boy and I had eaten too much dinner and you caught my throw up in your huge hands.
The nights I would lay in the bed with you and Nanaw as a little boy and rub your fingernail until I went to sleep.
The letters you would write to me when you were in Del City working for the Soil Conversation Service.
The time I help you lead "I'll Fly Away" at Highland Baptist Church.
The giant candy canes I would buy for yo at Christmas.
The recordings of all the grandkids having radio time with you.
The Christmas of my 5th grade year when you were really sick because of the Colon Cancer.
The laughter we shared picking on Nanaw.
The breakfasts we would all eat together in the morning.
The many rides on the tractor with you as you would plow the field.
THe Gandy's big red tub of ice cream we would always eat at night together.
Papaw, as I write this on Tuesday night, on the last day of November in 2010 you are still alive. You are still laying there anticipating the greatest moment of your existence. Paul tells us that when we are absent of the body we are then present with the Lord. Papaw, just imagine, very shortly you are going to see Him. You are going to see the one in which you sang so much about. You will be able to touch him and look into his eyes. Papaw, I have to be honest! I want to go with you, not that I am ready to die, but just to make sure you are going to be okay! I never have been without you and the comfort you have given me my entire existence I want to give a little back. It is crazy to think those very big blue eyes that I stared into yesterday evening will soon look into the eyes of Jesus. Papaw, could you please tell him something for me. Please tell Him, "Thank you!" Thank him for giving me a Papaw like you.
Pawpaw, I give praise to my Jesus for the time we shared together!
I love you more than words could ever express!
Your grandson, John!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
The Youth Ministry Prayer
As the stage is set for the next wave of Youth Ministers, my heart cries out in prayer for the future of Youth Ministry.
This is my prayer!
God I thank you for the opportunity to be here at the NYWC. God I thank you for the ones that have gone on before us in the world of Youth Ministry. But the stage is now empty, ready for others to step in and begin to lead the current culture of youth. God may we not be a culture of Youth Pastors that seek to do what everyone else is doing. God may we know our kids and their unique diverse design. May we not entertain. May we not seek to draw "more" kids for the sake of numbers. May prayer take the place of calendering in our week. May school lunches be something that we so often attend, that we are mistaken as school employees. May Youth Pastors and Workers find their peace in who you have created them to be. If it is bald, then let us be bald. If it is spiked hair allow us to be ones of spiked hair. If tattoos are something we want, may we get them. But God, our God please let us live by our conviction and not be guilty of trying to duplicate what "success" looks like. God when we (Youth Pastors/Workers) meet each other at the mall, conferences, Starbucks, etc. may we never ask the number of students we have at our gatherings, but may we be quick to ask how our spiritual journey is going. May we be quick to pray for one another. May we be quick to join hands across denominational lines, creating a Unity that Jesus prayed for in John 17: 20-23. God, may we focus on our marriage to our husband/wife and being a father/mother to our kids first, before we invest in the lives of others!
God this is my prayer for all of us that you have called to serve in the Youth Ministry! In the powerful name of Jesus!
Monday, November 8, 2010
The Holy Spirit...
A question for followers of Jesus...
1. When was the last time the Holy Spirit was tangibly seen/experienced in the movement of a service you attended?
Yesterday I had the privilege of being involved in a gathering of followers in which the Holy Spirit was tangibly experienced by many within the room. I know for some, even reading this it makes you nervous, but why? Why are we fearful of what the Holy Spirit is able to do if we are willing to get out of the way? Is it that we are afraid of the service being "unbiblical" or is that we are afraid of what the Holy Spirit, "a co-equal" portion of the Trinity will ask us to do?
The Spirit began moving within repentance...
As I arrived at the Youth Building I had many plans of my own in getting ready for the morning, but found myself sweeping, vacuuming, and picking up trash. As I started cleaning, there was an intense battle within me that was deeply rooted in pride! My flesh was crying out, "Why am I doing this, there are people that do this? I should call them and ask them why it didn't get done." As the minutes past, God quickly through his Holy Spirit (John 16:13) reminded me of a scripture in Philippians 2 in which Paul tells the church of Phillipi that "although he (Jesus) was God, he (Jesus) did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but humbled himself..." Then the Spirit took over in my thoughts and begin to ask questions in which I could not ignore..."So John, when have you become too important to sweep or vaccum a floor?" He continued..."If you are truly like my Son, you would do more of the "menial tasks" you think you have become too important to do!" That was tough to hear but it was oh so freeing!!!
A few hours at the 10.01...
God through His Holy Spirit did a beautiful thing at 10.01 (our Youth Ministry Ministry service) yesterday. Instead of "doing" as we had always, we changed things up. Getting back to the basics of what God has called us to do as followers, gathering to worship the Creator.
With only scriptures and prayer guiding the morning, we left room for the Holy Spirit to move within the students and adults.
This is what we tangibly experienced by the movement of the Holy Spirit:
1. A girl that had just learned that her grandfather has been diagnosed by an aggressive cancer was sitting beside a girl that had recently lost her grandfather. Oh yeah, and one girl is a senior at WHS and the other a freshman at TCA. These two ended up sitting beside each other yesterday only by the Spirit's guiding. We were able to see this, because we left room for this to occur!
2. At the beginning of service I went up to a student that I hadn't seen at 1o.01. We begin to dialogue in asking where he was from and what he was involved in. After the service he came up to me and said that he was in a rough time and needed help because of where his family was currently. I was able to connect him to parents in the back that was familiar with his town and was willing to walk beside him in this difficult time. Because of obedience to listen to the Holy Spirit in talking to this boy before service, he felt a comforting trust to come and share with me, in which, for God's glory, I was able to connect him to wonderful parents in the back!
3. One of the greatest experiences happened as a result of several acts of obedience..
A couple in our Adult Community Group shared Saturday night about an experience they had in their marriage in which I was able to use them as an example at 10.01 the next morning. In this, I asked students at the end of 10.01, if anyone had parents in a particular struggle that matched the couple that shared at our Community on Saturday, to go and talk and seek prayer with this couple. Well, a girl did. And the coolest thing, this particular girl had a something in common with this couple that she is able to minister to them as well! Oh man, was this cool!
God you are awesome.
Sermons and songs are good, but leadings by the Holy Spirit is so greatly needed and desired in this culture in which we live and exist. I close with a warning from Paul to the church in Thessolonica that I pass onto churches in America today...
"Do not put out the Spirit's fire!"
Show His love, others long for!
1. When was the last time the Holy Spirit was tangibly seen/experienced in the movement of a service you attended?
Yesterday I had the privilege of being involved in a gathering of followers in which the Holy Spirit was tangibly experienced by many within the room. I know for some, even reading this it makes you nervous, but why? Why are we fearful of what the Holy Spirit is able to do if we are willing to get out of the way? Is it that we are afraid of the service being "unbiblical" or is that we are afraid of what the Holy Spirit, "a co-equal" portion of the Trinity will ask us to do?
The Spirit began moving within repentance...
As I arrived at the Youth Building I had many plans of my own in getting ready for the morning, but found myself sweeping, vacuuming, and picking up trash. As I started cleaning, there was an intense battle within me that was deeply rooted in pride! My flesh was crying out, "Why am I doing this, there are people that do this? I should call them and ask them why it didn't get done." As the minutes past, God quickly through his Holy Spirit (John 16:13) reminded me of a scripture in Philippians 2 in which Paul tells the church of Phillipi that "although he (Jesus) was God, he (Jesus) did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but humbled himself..." Then the Spirit took over in my thoughts and begin to ask questions in which I could not ignore..."So John, when have you become too important to sweep or vaccum a floor?" He continued..."If you are truly like my Son, you would do more of the "menial tasks" you think you have become too important to do!" That was tough to hear but it was oh so freeing!!!
A few hours at the 10.01...
God through His Holy Spirit did a beautiful thing at 10.01 (our Youth Ministry Ministry service) yesterday. Instead of "doing" as we had always, we changed things up. Getting back to the basics of what God has called us to do as followers, gathering to worship the Creator.
With only scriptures and prayer guiding the morning, we left room for the Holy Spirit to move within the students and adults.
This is what we tangibly experienced by the movement of the Holy Spirit:
1. A girl that had just learned that her grandfather has been diagnosed by an aggressive cancer was sitting beside a girl that had recently lost her grandfather. Oh yeah, and one girl is a senior at WHS and the other a freshman at TCA. These two ended up sitting beside each other yesterday only by the Spirit's guiding. We were able to see this, because we left room for this to occur!
2. At the beginning of service I went up to a student that I hadn't seen at 1o.01. We begin to dialogue in asking where he was from and what he was involved in. After the service he came up to me and said that he was in a rough time and needed help because of where his family was currently. I was able to connect him to parents in the back that was familiar with his town and was willing to walk beside him in this difficult time. Because of obedience to listen to the Holy Spirit in talking to this boy before service, he felt a comforting trust to come and share with me, in which, for God's glory, I was able to connect him to wonderful parents in the back!
3. One of the greatest experiences happened as a result of several acts of obedience..
A couple in our Adult Community Group shared Saturday night about an experience they had in their marriage in which I was able to use them as an example at 10.01 the next morning. In this, I asked students at the end of 10.01, if anyone had parents in a particular struggle that matched the couple that shared at our Community on Saturday, to go and talk and seek prayer with this couple. Well, a girl did. And the coolest thing, this particular girl had a something in common with this couple that she is able to minister to them as well! Oh man, was this cool!
God you are awesome.
Sermons and songs are good, but leadings by the Holy Spirit is so greatly needed and desired in this culture in which we live and exist. I close with a warning from Paul to the church in Thessolonica that I pass onto churches in America today...
"Do not put out the Spirit's fire!"
Show His love, others long for!
Monday, November 1, 2010
A thank you note to Jordan's Biological Mom.
To: Jordan's Biological Mom
This is a thank you from one grateful dad for the choice you made to keep Jordan and offer him for adoption. I know you could have made the choice to abort Jordan, but instead you chose to carry him for nine months and give birth to him on June 3, 2007 I just wanted to give you an update on our J-man.
He loves to sing. I am not for sure if you did alot of singing while you were carrying him, but he loves singing all types of songs, from "Frosty the Snowman" to "Jesus Loves Me." Thank you for allowing me to hear my J-man sing.
He also loves to drive his tractor outside. We enjoy long walks in which he drives with a purpose and I am able to journey with him through reminiscing about my early days growing up on the farm. Although he is not genetically my boy, we share so much in this. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to walk beside my J-man while he drives his tractor.
He is a boy full of kindness. You cannot push Jordan on a swing without him saying thank you! Most times you have to teach children to say "thank you", but J-man reminds me to say "thank you" to others. Thank you for allowing me to experience this kindness.
He is also a boy full of compassion. He cares so much about others. Just the other day Ava, his sister of the same age from Haiti, got into trouble. Just after I finished scolding her, she had to go to the restroom. A few minutes later, Ava was still crying on the toilet and Jordan had his arm around her with her head in his chest. This made my cry! Thank you for these experiences you afforded us.
Oh, one final thing! He is definitely his mommy's boy! They have all kinds of cuddle time and special moments. He loves his mama very much! Thank you for allowing me to see a different side of my wife in the gift of J-man!
I know there had to be difficult times in the carrying of Jordan for the 8-9 months. There might have even been some times you wished that you wouldn't have, but I want to tell you that you made the right choice and we are forever grateful!
Sincerely,
Jordan's adoptive dad
Why do I write this letter? Because I am truly grateful. After coming face to face with the reality of abortion, I am forever changed. What is done is horrific! We have allowed this to go on too long! Praise God for Grace House Ministries and Abort73.com, but we cannot let them do this alone! We must stand and support these Kingdom Ministries in their day by day powerful impact! We cannot stand by any longer as followers! Whether it is through adoption, supporting, volunteering, being a voice through supporting PRO-LIFE candidates; we must do our part!
A few statistics about abortion:
WORLDWIDE
Number of abortions per year: Approximately 42 Million
Number of abortions per day: Approximately 115,000
Where abortions occur:
83% of all abortions are obtained in developing countries and 17% occur in developed countries.
Be a voice of change! Stand up and fight for those that do not have a voice!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Ava...I love you!
Isn't it great, for those out there that have at least 2 or more kids, how you always have individual time to spend with each of them if you take the opportunity. This time with Ava occurs on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Usually we hang out watching a short movie together, some times we feed the animals, other times we read books, etc. To be honest one my favorites of all is listening to music and dancing with AVA. This past Tuesday we started to do this, but I was lead another way.
I grabbed my computer and instead of hitting Pandora, I was led to check out You Tube. I thought to myself, why not pull up some songs for Ava in Creole, her native language. I thought, at least maybe we could sing some songs together and she could help me with my Creole.
I searched YOU TUBE by typing in "Haiti Worship Service", thinking this was the best way to gather some music. When I did this, the video attached to this blog came up. When the preacher began to speak, Ava disappeared. I was thinking that she was not interested at all at the video I pulled up.
But then she comes back into the living room carrying a little stool. She sets the stool in front of the computer and takes a seat. She then sits in front of the computer for the next 8 + minutes watching the video. I had to leave the room due to the tears that were streaming down my face. These tears of joy would have distracted "her time" with "her country."
As I left the room and entered my bedroom, I would peak out to look at her. Ava's little hands cupped her face in front of the large computer. She was having a moment in which I could not share. You see, this was her first "trip" back to her homeland! Ava is on loan from God for a little while. Our prayer is that she has such a love for her country that she returns to make an impact for the Kingdom in the land of the beautiful smiles and joy that is so prevalent among the her people.
When the video ended, she came and found me in the bedroom. I picked her up and gave her a big hug. Although words were not exchanged, there was a silent yell with in her little spirit that connected with my spirit. It was something like this...
"Daddy, thank you for what you and mama have done for me. But I want you to know that I love my people and I long for them."
I love you Ava and thank you for who you are and the way you radically change our lives daily! You are beautiful inside and out!
Usually we hang out watching a short movie together, some times we feed the animals, other times we read books, etc. To be honest one my favorites of all is listening to music and dancing with AVA. This past Tuesday we started to do this, but I was lead another way.
I grabbed my computer and instead of hitting Pandora, I was led to check out You Tube. I thought to myself, why not pull up some songs for Ava in Creole, her native language. I thought, at least maybe we could sing some songs together and she could help me with my Creole.
I searched YOU TUBE by typing in "Haiti Worship Service", thinking this was the best way to gather some music. When I did this, the video attached to this blog came up. When the preacher began to speak, Ava disappeared. I was thinking that she was not interested at all at the video I pulled up.
But then she comes back into the living room carrying a little stool. She sets the stool in front of the computer and takes a seat. She then sits in front of the computer for the next 8 + minutes watching the video. I had to leave the room due to the tears that were streaming down my face. These tears of joy would have distracted "her time" with "her country."
As I left the room and entered my bedroom, I would peak out to look at her. Ava's little hands cupped her face in front of the large computer. She was having a moment in which I could not share. You see, this was her first "trip" back to her homeland! Ava is on loan from God for a little while. Our prayer is that she has such a love for her country that she returns to make an impact for the Kingdom in the land of the beautiful smiles and joy that is so prevalent among the her people.
When the video ended, she came and found me in the bedroom. I picked her up and gave her a big hug. Although words were not exchanged, there was a silent yell with in her little spirit that connected with my spirit. It was something like this...
"Daddy, thank you for what you and mama have done for me. But I want you to know that I love my people and I long for them."
I love you Ava and thank you for who you are and the way you radically change our lives daily! You are beautiful inside and out!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
The necessity of conviction...
t was about a month ago...
That two Mormon Missionaries entered into my life. After trying to meet up for breakfast for almost a month, we finally connected on Monday.
Throughout the almost 2 hours together I found out many things about their "missionary journey" that was unknown to me. For example, Mondays are there "preparation day", or when they are able to do their shopping and "prep" for the week ahead. Every six months they are moved to different locations, that are left undisclosed to them, until they receive the call. They do not watch TV and they begin each morning at 6:30 am.
What about their beliefs...
Well I shared my conviction based upon the word, motivated by the words of Paul in Galatians 1:8, "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!" And what was the gospel Paul was preaching?
"1Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
3For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance[a]: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,"
According to the Scriptures:
- Jesus is fully God and fully man. John 1 and Phil. 2
- Jesus death is sufficient payment for our sin. Romans 5:18-19 and Hebrews 10
- We are saved by faith alone. Ephesian 2:8-9 and Romans 5:1
- We have security in Christ. John 10:27-30
After I finished asking questions and sharing the faith based upon my conviction and scripture alone, they had to leave. I hope and pray that we do get to meet again! Why? For the purpose Paul speaks about his fellow Jews in Romans 9: 1-3.
The saddest part about the entire breakfast was the realizatoin God hit me with when I left the restaurant!
You see, as I sat and asked these guys some questions, they had answers but their answers were very weak, based upon man's knowledge and a regurgitation of what they have been fed. I had alot of questions that they could not answer or give reasoning to. As I walked out today, God showed me that many Christians today are like the two "missionaries" I was sitting across from and I represented the world without Christ.
Today, followers of THE WAY, lack answers the seeking world is longing for. We lack conviction upon our beliefs. And as the world sits in front of us seeking these answers all they see in response is a fidgety, insecure Christ follower, that shows no signs of the power and security Christ has offered in his conquering of death and sin!
We must begin to show conviction in that which we say we believe in.
I close with the words of Paul on his conviction:
For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day
That two Mormon Missionaries entered into my life. After trying to meet up for breakfast for almost a month, we finally connected on Monday.
Throughout the almost 2 hours together I found out many things about their "missionary journey" that was unknown to me. For example, Mondays are there "preparation day", or when they are able to do their shopping and "prep" for the week ahead. Every six months they are moved to different locations, that are left undisclosed to them, until they receive the call. They do not watch TV and they begin each morning at 6:30 am.
What about their beliefs...
Well I shared my conviction based upon the word, motivated by the words of Paul in Galatians 1:8, "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!" And what was the gospel Paul was preaching?
"1Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
3For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance[a]: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,"
According to the Scriptures:
- Jesus is fully God and fully man. John 1 and Phil. 2
- Jesus death is sufficient payment for our sin. Romans 5:18-19 and Hebrews 10
- We are saved by faith alone. Ephesian 2:8-9 and Romans 5:1
- We have security in Christ. John 10:27-30
After I finished asking questions and sharing the faith based upon my conviction and scripture alone, they had to leave. I hope and pray that we do get to meet again! Why? For the purpose Paul speaks about his fellow Jews in Romans 9: 1-3.
The saddest part about the entire breakfast was the realizatoin God hit me with when I left the restaurant!
You see, as I sat and asked these guys some questions, they had answers but their answers were very weak, based upon man's knowledge and a regurgitation of what they have been fed. I had alot of questions that they could not answer or give reasoning to. As I walked out today, God showed me that many Christians today are like the two "missionaries" I was sitting across from and I represented the world without Christ.
Today, followers of THE WAY, lack answers the seeking world is longing for. We lack conviction upon our beliefs. And as the world sits in front of us seeking these answers all they see in response is a fidgety, insecure Christ follower, that shows no signs of the power and security Christ has offered in his conquering of death and sin!
We must begin to show conviction in that which we say we believe in.
I close with the words of Paul on his conviction:
For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day
Monday, October 4, 2010
A Jedi's strength flows from the Force...
"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." - King Solomon
How true is this statement!?!?
I remember when I was in the elementary I had a friend who would stutter. After spending some time with him at his house, believe it or not I would stutter too!
My mom said she could tell who I had been hanging out with on the farm, whether it was my grandfather or great-grandfather. I always wondered why she knew...the reason? She said when I would hangout with my great-grandfather I would walk with a limp just like he did.
We all have been there have we not? If you are around people who cuss, you have a higher probably of cussing! If you hang around people that watch basketball, you most likely will begin watching and following basketball. If you have a wife (like my beautiful wife) that enjoys NASCAR, sooner or later you will end up with a driver and follow him. (I now follow Denny Hamlin #11)
We know the influence others have on our lives....
As I was reading through the letter Paul wrote to Galatia today, Galatians 2:10 jumped out at me. I will share it in context below:
"8For God, who was at work in the ministry of Peter as an apostle to the Jews, was also at work in my ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles. 9James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews. 10All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do."
Check out verse 10 again..."All that they (Peter, James, and John) asked was that we should continue to remember the poor..." Once again we see the power of influence in who we hang around. You see Peter, James, and John was the closest to Jesus. They had experiences with Jesus the other disciples heard about only later. So to know the heart of Peter, James, and John is to know the heart of Jesus even greater.
With Peter, James, and John focus for Paul not to forget the poor, tells me that Jesus was focused on the poor. Not only was he focused on the poor, but he passed this importance to his followers. The student will resemble the heart of the teacher.
I close with a quote from Yoda...Terah you will be proud!
A Jedi's strength flows from the Force.
-- Yoda
Our force being that of Jesus!
How true is this statement!?!?
I remember when I was in the elementary I had a friend who would stutter. After spending some time with him at his house, believe it or not I would stutter too!
My mom said she could tell who I had been hanging out with on the farm, whether it was my grandfather or great-grandfather. I always wondered why she knew...the reason? She said when I would hangout with my great-grandfather I would walk with a limp just like he did.
We all have been there have we not? If you are around people who cuss, you have a higher probably of cussing! If you hang around people that watch basketball, you most likely will begin watching and following basketball. If you have a wife (like my beautiful wife) that enjoys NASCAR, sooner or later you will end up with a driver and follow him. (I now follow Denny Hamlin #11)
We know the influence others have on our lives....
As I was reading through the letter Paul wrote to Galatia today, Galatians 2:10 jumped out at me. I will share it in context below:
"8For God, who was at work in the ministry of Peter as an apostle to the Jews, was also at work in my ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles. 9James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews. 10All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do."
Check out verse 10 again..."All that they (Peter, James, and John) asked was that we should continue to remember the poor..." Once again we see the power of influence in who we hang around. You see Peter, James, and John was the closest to Jesus. They had experiences with Jesus the other disciples heard about only later. So to know the heart of Peter, James, and John is to know the heart of Jesus even greater.
With Peter, James, and John focus for Paul not to forget the poor, tells me that Jesus was focused on the poor. Not only was he focused on the poor, but he passed this importance to his followers. The student will resemble the heart of the teacher.
I close with a quote from Yoda...Terah you will be proud!
A Jedi's strength flows from the Force.
-- Yoda
Our force being that of Jesus!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
It's all in the stuffing...
After placing Jordan and Ava to bed last night the above picture is what I found. There was animal stuffing everywhere. In Jordan's hair, in his mouth, etc. I could not believe it! How did this happen? I was tempted to search his bed for a knife...
As I was picking up the stuffing Jordan dare not speak. After spending 10 minutes or so picking up the stuffing, Jordan found courage to say, "Dad..."
I thought to myself, this ought to be good!
I said, "Yes, Jordan?"
He said, "Ava did it!" Was he truly going to blame this on AVA? I look behind me at Ava's bed and she lay silently sleeping! I looked back at Jordan and he again repeats himself, "Dad, Ava did it!"
I said, "Jordan, Ava is sleeping. Plus you have stuffing all over your hair, in your mouth, and in your bed." You really want to blame i to it Ava?"
He looks back at me and says, "Yes, Ava did it!"
I really did not discipline him except telling him that lying is not a good thing.
As I continued to carry this around with me today, I found myself in Jordan's ideology!
There are times in my day that I rip out stuffing in my life...by having a short temper, short-cutting in areas of my life, etc. And when the stuffing lies all over my proverbial bed and God shows up and begins the conviction of what I have done, I respond in ways just like Jordan.
I say, "That person did not understand me!" "People need to step up or understand the importance of this or that." Or better yet I blame shift on my kids, "They need to pick up the room."
I challenge us all to accept the blame when we are the ones that remove the stuffing. Sure there many be some pain involved in accepting the responsibility, but there is so much sweetness involved in the restoration that God offers.
Monday, September 27, 2010
When the children cry...
As I was leaving a place I regularly visit on Monday, a crying child caught my attention. As I sat in the car I watched the child cry and the mom just sit by. At first I was upset at the mom for not holding the child and consoling her, but as I looked in eyes of the mom, I noticed she had hurt in her eyes as much as the child did in her tears.
As I was leaving the following song came to my mind by White Lion. Here are some of the lyrics:
little child
dry your crying eyes
how can I explain
the fear you feel inside
when the children cry
let them know we tried
As I drove off I recognized the cry but do I really sense the reason of the cry? Do I do all I can to stop the cry of one child in the journey in life?
One smile, one positive touch, one hour, etc. could be the only one that other person experiences for the day, month, or even year. Although it is easier to recognize the tears of the child, make sure you take time to look in the eyes of the ones around the child. Maybe, just maybe if we begin to invest in the "moms" and "dads", the children will have more positive moments in their life.
Just a thought...
Be a difference by BEing.
As I was leaving the following song came to my mind by White Lion. Here are some of the lyrics:
little child
dry your crying eyes
how can I explain
the fear you feel inside
when the children cry
let them know we tried
As I drove off I recognized the cry but do I really sense the reason of the cry? Do I do all I can to stop the cry of one child in the journey in life?
One smile, one positive touch, one hour, etc. could be the only one that other person experiences for the day, month, or even year. Although it is easier to recognize the tears of the child, make sure you take time to look in the eyes of the ones around the child. Maybe, just maybe if we begin to invest in the "moms" and "dads", the children will have more positive moments in their life.
Just a thought...
Be a difference by BEing.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Do you ever blow it?
I do and I did last night! I was short with my wife and children and rude to my older son that lives with us. You want to hear the reason why? Because I was tired! What a joke, right?
What is this a sign of? That I haven't reached the state of "perfection in Christ." To be honest with you we will not reach this place until we are in "heaven" with our Jesus. So here is some advice from someone who blows it at times:
1. Acknowledge you are not perfect, but you are a work in progress.
2. Repent, or turn, from this way when you realize what you are doing.
3. Seek forgiveness from those that are on receiving end of our imperfection.
4. Move on! Do not beat yourself up. Remember Satan is an accuser, Jesus is the forgiver!
Finally use you "screwing up" as a teaching moment for thsoe around you.
After taking a shower and before getting in bed, I felt the need of talking to Terah about the night. The following was our dialogue:
"Terah, I blew it tonight!" She replied, "What do you mean dad?" I responded, "I shouldn't have sent Jordan to bed...I knew he was joking." She replies by saying, "Oh, well that is okay dad!" "Terah, I want you to know that I am going to blow it at times and do things I shouldn't do." "I know dad, we all do, right?!?!" "Yes you are right, Terah." "Hey TK, I love you!" "I love you too dad!"
2 Corinthians 5:17
What is this a sign of? That I haven't reached the state of "perfection in Christ." To be honest with you we will not reach this place until we are in "heaven" with our Jesus. So here is some advice from someone who blows it at times:
1. Acknowledge you are not perfect, but you are a work in progress.
2. Repent, or turn, from this way when you realize what you are doing.
3. Seek forgiveness from those that are on receiving end of our imperfection.
4. Move on! Do not beat yourself up. Remember Satan is an accuser, Jesus is the forgiver!
Finally use you "screwing up" as a teaching moment for thsoe around you.
After taking a shower and before getting in bed, I felt the need of talking to Terah about the night. The following was our dialogue:
"Terah, I blew it tonight!" She replied, "What do you mean dad?" I responded, "I shouldn't have sent Jordan to bed...I knew he was joking." She replies by saying, "Oh, well that is okay dad!" "Terah, I want you to know that I am going to blow it at times and do things I shouldn't do." "I know dad, we all do, right?!?!" "Yes you are right, Terah." "Hey TK, I love you!" "I love you too dad!"
2 Corinthians 5:17
Monday, September 20, 2010
"Devil", the movie, a great dialogue...
If you have people in your life that are turned off by religion and have all but given up on God, "Devil" would be a great tool to use a dialogue with them concerning the truth of Scripture.
The opening begins with 1 Peter 5:8 "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." With twists and turns that will leave you sitting on the edge of your seat and your eyes tightly closed, it will be worth it as you see the greatness of Scripture lived out in the last 10-15 minutes of the film.
The closing lines are something to the effect, "If the Devil is real, the good news is God is real too!"
Here is a clip that will wet the pallet...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bITfOdMmRY8
The opening begins with 1 Peter 5:8 "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." With twists and turns that will leave you sitting on the edge of your seat and your eyes tightly closed, it will be worth it as you see the greatness of Scripture lived out in the last 10-15 minutes of the film.
The closing lines are something to the effect, "If the Devil is real, the good news is God is real too!"
Here is a clip that will wet the pallet...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bITfOdMmRY8
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Part 2 "Increasing Alphabet of Salvation"
If it is so much more than the "Romans' Road" or the "ABC's of Salvation" then what is it? Let me quickly clarify that it is all about Jesus, but it doesn't start with Romans in the PBBC (Post Bible Belt Culture) in which we live.
Answer these questions...
- Do you long for peace in your life?
- Do you long for humility in the lives of others around you?
- Do you long for community or being part of a group?
- Do you long for the betterment of others?
- Do you long to serve others or at least feel good when you help others out?
If you answered yes to these, where do you think this longing comes from? Check out the following verse:
"Then God said, "Let us make man[a] in our image, after our likeness." Genesis 1:26a
The reason we long for peace, humility in others, community, helping others out, etc. is because we are made in the image of the Trinity; God the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit. As you read or skim the bible you see these qualities carried out by the Trinity. Whether it is Jesus being called the "Prince of Peace" or the Holy Spirit showing humility in John 16 when "He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears", it is evident that the Trinity carries these longings out amongst themselves.
As creations of God, made in His image, we long for which His image exemplifies. But in longing to carry this out in our journey we become frustrated with the fact that we long for these things but cannot reach these because of the sin of Adam and the sin of ourselves. In the Garden of Eden in the book of beginnings, when Eve took a bite of the "forbidden fruit" we became separated from the one that made us in His image. In turn we have been longing for that utopia of communion with our God.
Check out the following quote form "Doctrine" written by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears:
"Tragically human desires corrupted by sin turn in on themselves, rather than finding satisfaction with God, longings become lust---bottomless pits of selfish desires, never quite satisfied, inevitably leading to despair."
We live in a culture that is in despair...check out these stats:
"The fastest growing segment of users were found to be preschoolers aged 0-5 years, with use among girls doubling and use among boys growing by 64%." www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/6976.php
"According to a government study, antidepressants have become the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States. They're prescribed more than drugs to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, or headaches. CNN's Elizabeth Cohen discusses the CDC study on antidepressants In its study, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention looked at 2.4 billion drugs prescribed in visits to doctors and hospitals in 2005. Of those, 118 million were for antidepressants...between 1995 and 2002 the use of antidepressants rose by 48%" www.CNNhealth.com
Could the rise in this medication be the result of people living in despair for the fact that the longings they to be image bearers of their Creator has fallen short in their own journey.
This is where Christ comes in! With being separated from God the Father, we have fallen into a spiral of desperation. The only way in which we can reconnect is through Jesus. Jesus being a humble servant, living in Community came to this planet for the purpose of restoring us to our God. With sin being the cause of the separation, Jesus took on the sin for us all. In taking this sin, once we confess Him as the substitute we are reconnected to God through Jesus.
When we become followers of Jesus and reconnect to our God, we then are able to live out that in which we long for, carried out through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
A creative God allows us to be a part of His creative story!
Answer these questions...
- Do you long for peace in your life?
- Do you long for humility in the lives of others around you?
- Do you long for community or being part of a group?
- Do you long for the betterment of others?
- Do you long to serve others or at least feel good when you help others out?
If you answered yes to these, where do you think this longing comes from? Check out the following verse:
"Then God said, "Let us make man[a] in our image, after our likeness." Genesis 1:26a
The reason we long for peace, humility in others, community, helping others out, etc. is because we are made in the image of the Trinity; God the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit. As you read or skim the bible you see these qualities carried out by the Trinity. Whether it is Jesus being called the "Prince of Peace" or the Holy Spirit showing humility in John 16 when "He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears", it is evident that the Trinity carries these longings out amongst themselves.
As creations of God, made in His image, we long for which His image exemplifies. But in longing to carry this out in our journey we become frustrated with the fact that we long for these things but cannot reach these because of the sin of Adam and the sin of ourselves. In the Garden of Eden in the book of beginnings, when Eve took a bite of the "forbidden fruit" we became separated from the one that made us in His image. In turn we have been longing for that utopia of communion with our God.
Check out the following quote form "Doctrine" written by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears:
"Tragically human desires corrupted by sin turn in on themselves, rather than finding satisfaction with God, longings become lust---bottomless pits of selfish desires, never quite satisfied, inevitably leading to despair."
We live in a culture that is in despair...check out these stats:
"The fastest growing segment of users were found to be preschoolers aged 0-5 years, with use among girls doubling and use among boys growing by 64%." www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/6976.php
"According to a government study, antidepressants have become the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States. They're prescribed more than drugs to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, asthma, or headaches. CNN's Elizabeth Cohen discusses the CDC study on antidepressants In its study, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention looked at 2.4 billion drugs prescribed in visits to doctors and hospitals in 2005. Of those, 118 million were for antidepressants...between 1995 and 2002 the use of antidepressants rose by 48%" www.CNNhealth.com
Could the rise in this medication be the result of people living in despair for the fact that the longings they to be image bearers of their Creator has fallen short in their own journey.
This is where Christ comes in! With being separated from God the Father, we have fallen into a spiral of desperation. The only way in which we can reconnect is through Jesus. Jesus being a humble servant, living in Community came to this planet for the purpose of restoring us to our God. With sin being the cause of the separation, Jesus took on the sin for us all. In taking this sin, once we confess Him as the substitute we are reconnected to God through Jesus.
When we become followers of Jesus and reconnect to our God, we then are able to live out that in which we long for, carried out through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
A creative God allows us to be a part of His creative story!
Monday, September 13, 2010
The increasing alphabet of salvation...
You have heard it and possibly even used it in your life, the ABC's of salvation a.k.a. the "Roman's Road." Truly I remember coming up to people on the street or sharing it with a student, friend, etc. Although this is true and the ABC's work in leading someone to Christ, there is so MUCH MORE!
Living in a post bible belt culture, there is longing for so much more than just Admitting, Believing, and Confessing. We serve a huge God that created the world and universe in which we exist. He is hugely creative in all His works, including that of salvation. In this culture in which we exits there is longing for so much more than just ABC's but that which includes all the alphabet of coming back to God through Jesus. In simplifying the message, in turn have we simplified the view of who God is? The early followers grasped the depth of their journey with God...
Check out the following challenge in a letter Paul writes to an church in a town called Ephesus:
"...may (you) have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Some questions concerning that of the ABC's of salvation that a PBBC (post bible belt culture) is asking:
1. What is the purpose of this coming back to God through this Jesus?
2. What is so different in your "Christian" spin in comparison to that "religions."
3. So, if I say a prayer and admit these things above, then I will be in a "heaven" with God someday??? (Sounds kinda weird!)
As you can see from real life questions from above, we must be ones that have strength to comprehend the love of Christ. In comprehending, we can share, in sharing they can understand, in understanding they can believe!
Part 2 comes tomorrow!
Living in a post bible belt culture, there is longing for so much more than just Admitting, Believing, and Confessing. We serve a huge God that created the world and universe in which we exist. He is hugely creative in all His works, including that of salvation. In this culture in which we exits there is longing for so much more than just ABC's but that which includes all the alphabet of coming back to God through Jesus. In simplifying the message, in turn have we simplified the view of who God is? The early followers grasped the depth of their journey with God...
Check out the following challenge in a letter Paul writes to an church in a town called Ephesus:
"...may (you) have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Some questions concerning that of the ABC's of salvation that a PBBC (post bible belt culture) is asking:
1. What is the purpose of this coming back to God through this Jesus?
2. What is so different in your "Christian" spin in comparison to that "religions."
3. So, if I say a prayer and admit these things above, then I will be in a "heaven" with God someday??? (Sounds kinda weird!)
As you can see from real life questions from above, we must be ones that have strength to comprehend the love of Christ. In comprehending, we can share, in sharing they can understand, in understanding they can believe!
Part 2 comes tomorrow!
Friday, September 10, 2010
The Journey of Destruction...
Above is what is left of a tent in front of the Youth Building at the church in which I serve. The tent was used to shade consturcion workers during the hot days as they work on our campus.
Recently we had an excess of rain which brought total demise to this tent. The saddest part, is this destruction could have been prevented, if only someone (including myself) would have went a little bit out of our way and removed the water that was trapped in the middle of this tent.
As I walked by the tent this morning, the God I serve begin to speak truth the following in my life...
How often do I (we) as followers of Christ treat our brothers and sisters in the same manner. We know that they are in a difficult time but we continue to go to church, be their neightbor, family memeber, friend, etc. while they slowly become more and more destroyed by a difficult time in their life.
Check out the following portion of a letter Paul wrote to a church in Galatia:
"Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Check out the words of King Solomon in his book called Proverbs:
"Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter."
The tent, instead of being destroyed, should be standing tall and providing shade for others in this hot day, instead it lays in ruin.
My challenge for us all today is to get involved in those around us that are headed down the path of destruction.
Engage in their hurt and carry their burden, rescuing them from the slaughter that awaits!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Letters to God
We just finished watching the movie letters to God. As I sat and watched the movie it was as if another movie was playing simaltaneously, but the other movie was a reality a few years ago.
The rest of this blog is a letter to the girl that taught me so much about life in Christ as she courageously battled cancer for almost three years.
Dear Breanna:
Okay so honestly as I begin to write this letter to you I cannot help but smile. I remember each time I would walk into your house or hospital room you would always crack jokes, but most of the time they were at my expense.
I remember the first day at Cooks in Denver when you told the Dr in the ER that you saw three people when there were only two, saying one was Jesus.
I remember the time that Earl and I moved you up in your bed and you screamed like you were in pain and then started laughing.
I remember the long talks about the present and what the future held...have to admit those were hard at times.
I remember you letting me rub your fingernail even though you thought was weird.
I remember the way you smiled and would talk about boys.
I remember your love for Jesus and the way you would share Him wherever you would go.
Breanna...thank you for allowing me to be one of the blessed ones to journey with you.
I love and miss you.
The rest of this blog is a letter to the girl that taught me so much about life in Christ as she courageously battled cancer for almost three years.
Dear Breanna:
Okay so honestly as I begin to write this letter to you I cannot help but smile. I remember each time I would walk into your house or hospital room you would always crack jokes, but most of the time they were at my expense.
I remember the first day at Cooks in Denver when you told the Dr in the ER that you saw three people when there were only two, saying one was Jesus.
I remember the time that Earl and I moved you up in your bed and you screamed like you were in pain and then started laughing.
I remember the long talks about the present and what the future held...have to admit those were hard at times.
I remember you letting me rub your fingernail even though you thought was weird.
I remember the way you smiled and would talk about boys.
I remember your love for Jesus and the way you would share Him wherever you would go.
Breanna...thank you for allowing me to be one of the blessed ones to journey with you.
I love and miss you.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Things that go bump in the middle of the night...
Last night I woke up to a noise in our Living Room. With Earl in Washington I knew what it wasn't!
What was it...
Jordan our son had decided to play trains in the middle of the night.
The reasoning behind it? You see there is a train that is close to our house and whenever he hears the whistle he says, "Thomas!".
Last night just before the "living room bump" I heard a train blowing it's whistle. Jordan on hearing the train felt a call to play with his trains. He has such a passion for Thomas the Train that he ignored all the standards, such as staying in bed at 2 am, instead of playing with Thomas.
What about you and I? what drives us Is it work, success, money, etc.
What if our journey with Christ was as intense as Jordans passion for Thomas? Can you imagine the intensity of the light we would be for Christ?
What was it...
Jordan our son had decided to play trains in the middle of the night.
The reasoning behind it? You see there is a train that is close to our house and whenever he hears the whistle he says, "Thomas!".
Last night just before the "living room bump" I heard a train blowing it's whistle. Jordan on hearing the train felt a call to play with his trains. He has such a passion for Thomas the Train that he ignored all the standards, such as staying in bed at 2 am, instead of playing with Thomas.
What about you and I? what drives us Is it work, success, money, etc.
What if our journey with Christ was as intense as Jordans passion for Thomas? Can you imagine the intensity of the light we would be for Christ?
Thursday, August 19, 2010
beautiful colors of transformation
So tonight was yet.another reality check in my journey with Christ. When we first traveled to Colorado a few years ago, there was this girl we met. she was in what I call a Christian cacoon. She was a follower but trapped in what others had labeled her as. The fulness of life that Jesus talked about in the gospels was a far fetched dream that would never travel beyond the black and white words of scripture.
Tonight I sat in front of a beautiful butterfly of many colors. each color representing her obedience in following the call placed before her by God.
I love you Kati Middleton and you challenge me to step beyond what I know.
- your Jesus dad
Tonight I sat in front of a beautiful butterfly of many colors. each color representing her obedience in following the call placed before her by God.
I love you Kati Middleton and you challenge me to step beyond what I know.
- your Jesus dad
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
only in student ministry
okay so it's 1:18 am and Christi is in the living room talking to a teenage girl that has noone in her life. god thank you for the calling that is on our life. if we ever lose the passion or zeal to love the ones you create please take us out. I could never imagine doing anything else except the calling you have on our life!
God show us our place in this girl's life journey give us wisdom on how to help her and discernment on how to direct her. for your glory!!!
Mobile Blogging from here.
God show us our place in this girl's life journey give us wisdom on how to help her and discernment on how to direct her. for your glory!!!
Mobile Blogging from here.
Monday, July 19, 2010
No BULL just brokenness!
Today I was reading in Psalms 51. This Psalm was written in response of Nathan's rebuke of David's sin in the adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband Uriah. As I was reading through David's confession I became stuck on the following verses:
16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.
Why and how does David know that God does not delight in sacrifice or burnt offerings? What does that mean to us?
Could it be that King David had a limitless supply of the burnt offerings? Could it be that it didn't cost King David to sacrifice this way? Or maybe it was the fact that the "burnt offerings" was his way of trying to make God "happy" where King David could go on with his life?
We truly do not know the correct answer here, but some speculation!
But taking other scripture into consideration, I believe it becomes clearer!
Check out 2 Corinthians 7:10:
"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death."
How many times to I try to come over my sins before an all KNOWING GOD? How many times do I try to appease the CREATOR of the Universe with things I do in trying to make up for things I didn't do!
May we stop covering up our sins by doing MORE for God, and begin having a Godly sorrow, or as David calls it (broken and contrite heart). It might be then and only then that we find true peace in the repentance that leads once again to the JOY of our Salvation.
16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.
Why and how does David know that God does not delight in sacrifice or burnt offerings? What does that mean to us?
Could it be that King David had a limitless supply of the burnt offerings? Could it be that it didn't cost King David to sacrifice this way? Or maybe it was the fact that the "burnt offerings" was his way of trying to make God "happy" where King David could go on with his life?
We truly do not know the correct answer here, but some speculation!
But taking other scripture into consideration, I believe it becomes clearer!
Check out 2 Corinthians 7:10:
"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death."
How many times to I try to come over my sins before an all KNOWING GOD? How many times do I try to appease the CREATOR of the Universe with things I do in trying to make up for things I didn't do!
May we stop covering up our sins by doing MORE for God, and begin having a Godly sorrow, or as David calls it (broken and contrite heart). It might be then and only then that we find true peace in the repentance that leads once again to the JOY of our Salvation.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Canaan's Land
I do not know if you are familiar with this song, but as a child I remember singing it at least once a month.
"To Canaan's land I'm on my way,
Where the soul of man never dies;
My darkest night will turn to day,
Where the soul of man never dies;"
While singing this song, it brought the picture of this land of Canaan that we were going to someday enjoy. The song goes onto to say;
Dear Friends, there'll be no sad farewells,
There'll be no tear-dimmed eyes,
Where all is peace and joy and love,
And the soul of man never dies.
But I want to challenge us all to think outside of the box for a second. What if God has a Canaan for each one of us? That place that he is calling us to, to carry out His perfect will for our lives.
In Genesis 11: 31-32 we read that Terah, the father of Abram, was called to this Canaan land...
31 Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, the wife of his son Abram, and together they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to Canaan. But when they came to Haran, they settled there. 32 Terah lived 205 years, and he died in Haran.
Does Terah make it to Canaan? No! What happens? The passage says that when he arrived in Haran, he settled there. The next verse says he "died in Haran."
Back to the song...
The song makes a statement that "I'm on my way to Canaan...where the soul of man never dies. My darkest night will turn to day....where the soul of man never dies."
In the past few weeks, God has been hitting me hard in meditating on the modern day Christ-follower. It seems that "WE" at times get in a rut where we go through the motions of "doing" the "rituals" we have always done. Why is this? I would love some response.
Is it because that too many of US have been called to a "Canaan" by our CREATOR, but settled in Haran? If so, has our SOUL began to slowly die, as the song states?
"To Canaan's land I'm on my way,
Where the soul of man never dies;
My darkest night will turn to day,
Where the soul of man never dies;"
While singing this song, it brought the picture of this land of Canaan that we were going to someday enjoy. The song goes onto to say;
Dear Friends, there'll be no sad farewells,
There'll be no tear-dimmed eyes,
Where all is peace and joy and love,
And the soul of man never dies.
But I want to challenge us all to think outside of the box for a second. What if God has a Canaan for each one of us? That place that he is calling us to, to carry out His perfect will for our lives.
In Genesis 11: 31-32 we read that Terah, the father of Abram, was called to this Canaan land...
31 Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, the wife of his son Abram, and together they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to Canaan. But when they came to Haran, they settled there. 32 Terah lived 205 years, and he died in Haran.
Does Terah make it to Canaan? No! What happens? The passage says that when he arrived in Haran, he settled there. The next verse says he "died in Haran."
Back to the song...
The song makes a statement that "I'm on my way to Canaan...where the soul of man never dies. My darkest night will turn to day....where the soul of man never dies."
In the past few weeks, God has been hitting me hard in meditating on the modern day Christ-follower. It seems that "WE" at times get in a rut where we go through the motions of "doing" the "rituals" we have always done. Why is this? I would love some response.
Is it because that too many of US have been called to a "Canaan" by our CREATOR, but settled in Haran? If so, has our SOUL began to slowly die, as the song states?
Monday, April 26, 2010
Yesterday was a unique experience at 10.01, our Student Ministry service at Trinity Bible Church. As I am processing all that went on yesterday I am so anxiously excited.
We were supposed to be wrapping up our 3 week series on Simplifying our lives, but as I was headed up to the front to begin to share this message, God begin to stir and tell me to be still and wait on him. As I grabbed the stool and took my place I looked out and saw 60+ eyes of high school students staring back at me.
God begin to urge me through his Holy Spirit to ask the following question.
"So, how many of you guys are thinking about dropping out on Jesus when you graduate from high school?"
The room was silent for a while and then a student raised their hand in the back of the room. With the hand raised, I asked this person, why? The person begins to tell me that when they tell others that they are a Christian, people have a negative view of them. I replied with another question, this time to the entire group; "Why do you think they have a negative view of Christians?"
Another student spoke up and said it is because we do not look anything like the Christ we follow. Boom, dead on!
As we continue to discuss our Christ and our experience in following Him, students begin to share their own stories of what their experience of Christianity has been to them and for them. As we were running out of time, I closed with the following question...
"Okay guys, be honest...how many of you truly have no idea what it is to follow Christ?" What happened next was revolutionary...about 95% of the hands went up in the room with them being honest in not knowing what it means to follow Jesus!
Today, a movement started with a group of students. You see, when we begin to take a honest look at ourselves, or as James says look into the mirror and see something wrong, there is a chance for a freedom and movement to begin.
On April 25th at 10:01 a movement started. Where it will take us only God knows. Looking forward to this Sunday!
I love you guys and you will never know how much you stretch me in your own journey!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Week One
Who would of thought? A week ago if someone would of approached me and asked if you have any gluten in your diet, I would of responded with an open mouth and gazing stare! It is a amazing though to see what one will do for their children.
Over the past several months our son has been going through some difficult transitions in his behavior. Up to about a week ago we thought it was him "being a boy!" That is when we were introduced to symptoms of Autism. As we begin to study and see that some of the symptoms he was having matched those of an autistic nature, we decided to begin to look at what we could do to help him in this area. That is when God introduced us to a wonderful couple named Jonathan and Sarah.
For the past three years they have been right in the middle of this journey with Autism. When they came over to visit and share with us last Monday night we were amazed by what they shared.
In a nutshell, one of the ways to defeat Autism is through a gluten free casein diet. Who would of thought!
A quick update finds Jordan showing no signs/symptoms of what he was showing, prior to having him on this diet. We are sticking to this particular diet and praising God that he placed Jonathan and Sarah in our lives!
To quote this couple, "We are doing the homework and God is doing the healing!" Jonathan and Sarah, thank you for allowing us to copy your "homework!" LOL!!!!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
A wake up call...
Have you ever had a time in your life that you felt as if the you were blindsided by something that came out of nowhere. Last night we answered the proverbial phone of our "wake up" call!
The night went as usual. Daddy got home around 5:30 pm, okay sweeite, maybe a little later and found Jordan, Ava, Terah, and his beautiful wife sitting at the table eating a wonderful meal. As I sat down and begin to enjoy the family dinner an inner clock was counting down within my head of our meeting later that night. The evening consisted of putting together a new plastic swimming pool for the kids, chilling with Jordan, Ava, and TK, and spending some much needed time with my wife. As the bedtime quickly approached, we settled the twins down in their bed and I jumped into the shower. In just a little while the couple would be here to radically change our insight within the scope of what once was our "ordinary world."
As I jumped in and out of the shower and settled down on the couch with my wife and daugther, the doorbell rang, and the couple walked in.
For the next 3 1/2 hours, I found myself confronted with something that I did not ever want to be faced with, Something that not only would possibly change my world forever but intimately invovle one of my children for the next, who knows how long! What I wanted to hear from this awesome couple was not what I wanted to hear. I wanted to hear that it would all be okay and that these things that we thought were occurring was something that we were imagining and it too would pass. But as the couple continued to talk, the reality of what is could not be avoided.
So where are we now? On the first day of the rest of our lives! To be honest, I really do not understand why and I was really upfront with God this morning in my journal. As we continue this journey, please pray for us in this expedition that we travel.
Praise God for the couple that walked with us last night and opened their lives to us. Praise God for a wonderful wife that is amazing in all she does! Praise God for the way He is showing me that I do not have control over my life and that He wants all of us! Praise God for the verse shared with us last night from Isaiah 61:1-3.
God you are with us! We love you...
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Genesis 1:26
The two resounding themes on television this morning was the devastation of Haiti and the relief efforts being poured into Haiti. Whether it is Japan, France, United Nations, United States, etc. all were sending money, people, supplies, etc. As I sat and watched the news of all the relief a thought kept reoccurring in my head; justice, justice, justice.
People, no matter creed, color, or culture all have a sense of Justice in the depths of their soul. Where does this all come from?
Check out Genesis 1:26, "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, in our likeness..." This verse doesn't mean that we necessarily mean we "look like God", but it does mean we share in some of his attributes. The big theological term here is communicable attritubtes or those attributes we share with God. A major one being a sense of justice.
Although this is a dark time and a time when many want to blame God for such a disaster, I want to remind us all that the desire/demand for Justice from all around the World, once again screams proof of our Creator, Jesus Christ.
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