Right In Front of Us

I read a story of a man who played the violin in the Washington DC subway.   On this particular cold and blustery morning, very few people noticed the man on the platform… playing skillfully on his instrument.  They were scurrying to make their next train… looking over their newspapers… pressing their faces close to their phones while they checked Twitter.  After a little while, a lady stopped and placed a one dollar tip in his violin case.   But the recognitions were few and far between.  After about 45 minutes of playing, the man had made $32.00.   After finishing his last piece, to the deafening silence of no applause, the man placed his violin back in its case and headed home. 

What the people passing didn’t know… this was Joshua Bell.  Violin virtuoso.  One of the most talented players in the world.  In fact, just two days before, Joshua had played to a sold-out concert crowd in Boston… where the average ticket price exceeded $100.  

Sometimes greatness is right in front of us and if we aren’t careful, we’ll miss it.  

Tonight we celebrate Christmas Eve… the night before the birth of Jesus Christ.   The night where Mary and Joseph walked the streets looking for a place to rest… and the innkeeper turned them away to the caves…   The night when angels prepared to sing, shepherds stared into the starry sky in anticipation, and God smiled knowing that His plan for salvation was about to be unveiled.  It was the night when greatness and perfection lay waiting as a human child in the womb of a young virgin… eager to open His beautiful eyes in a world desperate for His presence.  

Greatness was about to appear to the world.  Yet many would miss it.   To some it was just another night… just another star in the sky… just another young boy.  

To some it was just another birthday.   

This Christmas… don’t miss it.  Don’t allow the busyness to get in the way of the beauty of His birth.   Don’t miss the chance to worship Him… giving your greatest gifts to Him… sharing His story with those that might otherwise walk on by.  He is the greatest single human being ever born… and, at the same time, every bit God.   His knowledge is as vast as the sands on the beach… and His compassion is unequalled.   He IS God.  He is greatness personified.   He is our Savior.  And tonight… on Christmas Eve… let’s celebrate knowing that He was born with the ultimate purpose….  saving the world!

How Royalty Travels

In 2007, England’s Queen Elizabeth II decided to make a short 6-day visit to the United States.   While most people would pack a couple of suitcases… the queen travelled much heavier.  In fact, it was estimated that her gear weighed in at two to three tons!    What could she possibly have brought that weighed so much?  The list included clothes, a diamond tiara, her gowns, her crown, gifts, paperwork, and up to 50 pairs of white gloves.  In addition, her personal affects included several framed photos of her family, her favorite tea and teapot, large quantities of favorite brand of water, and special medicines that she required.  Planning and packing took eight months.  

All for a six day visit. 

But not all royalty travels with such fanfare.  Over 2000 years ago, a little child entered the world that would forever change it.  He would grow up, heal the sick, raise the dead, teach the masses about God’s love, serve those He created, allow Himself to be crucified, and resurrect back to glorious life.  All while maintaining very few possessions, keeping a selectively small circle of close confidantes, and having a low profile.   Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, came out of Heaven that Christmas morning…  not weighed down with stuff… but burdened with the sins of the world.   In a couple of days we will celebrate Christ’s royal arrival… and as we observe Christmas.. let us never forget that Jesus travelled light for a reason.   It was so that He could spend His time intentionally… not worried about bringing everything with him… but making sure He didn’t leave without us.

Merry Christmas!

Faster?

The other day I read that the earth spins 1000 times faster at the equator than it does at either one of the poles.  In fact, that’s why rockets are launched closer to the Earth’s midline than further away.  When a spacecraft is launched from around the equator, it is already traveling at a considerably faster speed… thus making it more fuel efficient and quicker to enter orbit.  

Isn’t that true in our lives as well?  The closer we are to the center of things…the faster paced life is.  Some thrive in the environment… while others do whatever they can to retreat to the slower pace of the poles.  But what speed does God want us to live?  

Galatians 6:9 tells us: “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”  We have to remember that It’s not about the speed of life…it’s about staying at it and not quitting.   There will be times in our lives where we’ll sprint…and others where we’ll jog.  What God is concerned about is our priorities and our perseverance.  At whatever speed you’re living… are we putting Him first?  Are we loving and serving others?  If so… run on.  Don’t give up on the dream that He’s put in your heart long before you were born.  And whatever you do… in whatever season you find yourself in… at whatever speed life is coming at you…. don’t quit.   Breakthrough is coming… and God has big things planned for you!

Our Deepest Hurts

Isaac Brown looks like any other five year old boy.   He’s learning to read, do basic math, and all of the other things a boy his age would do.  But all is not what it seems…  because Isaac lacks what so many of us take for granted… the ability to feel pain.  He can unflinchingly touch a hot stove, break a bone without knowing it, or step on broken glass.  He knows that when he sees blood, it’s not a good thing… and he needs to seek help.   This extremely rare genetic condition, if not kept under watchful eye, could lead to accidental death or disfigurement due to the lack of a built-in survival mechanism.

Ironically, many in the world envy his circumstances…. they would love to go 24 hours without a single bit of pain.  And not just physical pain… people want to block out emotional and relational hurt as well.  What they fail to realize is that pain is useful.  When we touch a hot stove, the nerve endings signal the brain to remove the hand… thus preserving the skin and our health.  That pain has a purpose.   And no matter how badly you hurt today… yours does too.  Maybe you find yourself going through some other type of pain… a breakup… a loss… a memory of someone who used to abuse you… I want to challenge you to think of that pain differently today. James tells us in Chapter 1, verse 2, that our pain should be a source of joy.  Joy?  We should be happy when things hurt?  Why?  Because we know three things:  God will walk with us through that pain, we will grow as a result of hurting, and that our experience will help others in similar situations in the future.  So today, don’t just wish for the pain to subside… ask God to help you leverage it for growth… knowing that it is through our deepest hurts that our greatest and most life-changing lessons are learned.  

Advice From A Tree

Nature enthusiast, Ilan Shamir wrote a wonderful passage called “Advice from a Tree.”

Stand up tall and proud.  Sink your roots into the earth.

Be content with your natural beauty.  Go out on a limb.

Drink plenty of water. Remember your roots.

Enjoy the view!

Looking through these words of wisdom, I can’t help but see the Biblical parallels.  God has called each of us to live confident lives.. to stand tall in Him.  And as we read His word and begin to grow deeper roots in the truth... we begin to see ourselves in a new light.  We are masterpieces already...right now... the best God can do.  We’ve been created intentionally...to live confidently...to see life as a series of learning experiences even in times of trial and failure.  He is the Living Water... and when we drink in the magnitude of His perfection...and accept His sacrifice on our behalf... our eternity is secure.  We were put here to give glory to Him.  To honor Him.  And when we accomplish what we’ve been sent here for... we’ll prayerfully hear the words from the One who sent us... “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”  

I don’t know what you are going through as you listen to this... but I know God does.   He cares.  And He’s never going to leave your side through a second of it.  Stay strong as an oak, as flexible as a palm, and know that your best days are just ahead.  I’m praying for you..  

Training

According to the UK Mail... heir to the throne Prince William prepared for the birth of his son in a unique way.   While most dads thumb through simple parenting books, the Prince turned to a book written by former Commando and father of three, Neil Sinclair.  The title?  Commando Dad - Basic Training, a handbook in the style of Basic Battle Skills .  The contents of the book read like guidelines given to new army recruits... it’s pages filled with survival techniques and strategies for soldiers on the front lines.  

While parenting can seem like a battle sometimes, there is a far more effective book to get us started... the Bible.  God’s word instructs like no other... it’s wisdom, clarity, and insight is all we need to raise children that will grow up to be God-honoring adults.  Deuteronomy 6:6-7 tells us "And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.”   Parenting isn’t about being perfect... or battle-ready... it’s about being intentional.  Teach children who God says they are... tell them how loving and graceful He is... share with them why obedience is important to Him... and great things will happen!  We may not know what to expect when we’re expecting... but by turning to and following God’s handbook... we’ll be ready to equip our children for anything.  

Scarecrow

There’s a great scene in the classic film “The Wizard of Oz” between Dorothy and her straw-filled friend, the Scarecrow.  As they meet for the first time, the Scarecrow confesses, “I haven’t got a brain... only straw!”  Dorothy thinks for a moment and asks, “How can you talk if you haven’t got a brain?”  He replies, “I don’t know... But some people without brains do an awful log of talking... don’t they?”

There’s a very short distance between our mind and our mouth... and all too often, if we aren’t careful, we engage the latter before using the former.  Speaking without thinking is not only foolish... but unbiblical.  In Ecclesiastes 5:2 it says “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God...”  Everything we share should be intentional and well-thought through... encouraging, uplifting, God-honoring, and purposeful.  Once they come out of our mouths, we can’t take our words back... so let’s think about each one... and use the brain God gave us to brighten the world. 

Real Self Help

Throughout history, people have tried thousands of ways to improve themselves.  Some  are philosophical, some religious, and others scientific.  After 2000 years of self-help, those ways can be boiled down to three common themes.  The first.. if we want to change... we have to alter our surroundings.  Just being in a different space can improve our outlook about ourselves and others.  The next is to watch ourselves carefully.  When we keep track of what we say and do, we increase awareness of what’s not working and can make the necessary shifts.  Finally, the third most commonly used self-help tactic is accountability.  When we partner with others, and ask them to point out what needs fixing, we are more likely to make the adjustments and improve our lives.

It’s no wonder why these seem to be the ways that work the best... they are Biblical!  Proverbs 4:14 tells us to watch where we hang out... “Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men”.  Lamentations 3:4 challenges us to watch ourselves at all times...”Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD”  Finally, Galatians 6:1 tells us to set up accountability so that we can become self-aware. “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted”  Feeling the need to make some positive changes?  Don’t turn to the huge self-help section in your local bookstore... open the cover of the book you spend time with each morning...the Bible!  God’s word is filled with wisdom to help us keep good company, see ourselves accurately, and include others in our walk as we work at becoming who God created us to be.  

Feeling Ordinary?

Author Philip Yancey wrote about a television show he watched about survivors from World War II.  On the show, soldiers talked about how they spent a particular day in the foxhole.  They described it as ordinary... a German tank drove by and they shot at it... they played cards... a few got involved in some firefights... just a typical day.  Later, they learned that they had just participated in one of the most decisive engagements of the war, the Battle of the Bulge.  To them, it didn’t feel decisive... they were doing what they always did.  But because they held down their position...just miles away, their fellow countrymen could take new ground.

Maybe today started out a lot like those soldiers.  You hit the alarm clock, dressed, ate breakfast, and went to work.  Just an ordinary day.   But your day is far from ordinary.  God’s is in this day... and He’s making things happen.  You may not see the big picture...your position may seem inconsequential to you... but have no doubt... you play a critical role on this planet.  What you are doing matters.  You matter.  There are no small responsibilities when it comes to serving God and all of our efforts add up... no matter what we’re doing for Him.

Yancey finishes that chapter with this statement “Great victories are won when ordinary people execute their assigned tasks...”  Winning this world for Christ is a team effort.  Be the best you that you can be, honor God with your words and actions, and remember... everything matters...even the things that seem ordinary.  When we live that out, before long, the victory over the enemy of this world will be complete.  

Live On Purpose

62 year old John Brandrick was given a grim diagnosis.... pancreatic cancer... 6 months to live.  John decided that he was going to go out in style!  He quit his job, stopped paying his mortgage, emptied his savings accounts and sold all that he had.  He lived lavishly... enjoying expensive dining, entertainment, and travel.  Problem is... 6 months passed and Mr. Brandrick’s health remained the same.  No deterioration.  No pain.  A follow-up scan revealed that he didn’t have cancer at all.  He never did.  He had been misdiagnosed.  And while relieved, John now faced financial ruin due to the error.  

John lived carelessly because he feared that he was dying.  Some of us live exactly the opposite... we live carelessly because we feel we’re going to live on earth forever.  We build wealth without being generous... avoid a relationship with God because we think we’ll have the chance later... and spend a majority of our time on things that won’t come with us when our life is over.  If this is you... it’s not too late.   Ask yourself... How would life change if tomorrow were my last day of breath?   What would I tell the people in my life that I hold most dear?  What would I do about my eternity?  Scripture tells us in James 4 that we shouldn’t think we know what tomorrow holds... So why not do those things now?  Today?  Secure your place in Heaven by allowing Christ to lead your life.  Tell those around you how you feel about them.  Invest your money in eternal things through the local church.  Make the choice to live with purpose and intentionality... knowing that life truly begins when we prepare ourselves for what happens when it ends.  

His Verdict

“Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,

“I will take revenge;

    I will pay them back,”

    says the Lord.

Instead,

“If your enemies are hungry, feed them.

    If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.

In doing this, you will heap

    burning coals of shame on their heads.”

Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”  Romans 12:19-21

As a fan of the TV show, “Law and Order”, I often watch the show with a sense of expectation.   In 60 minutes, I expect the one who commits the crime to be captured and swiftly brought in to answer for the misdeed.  And before the credits roll,  a judge should sentence said criminal to an appropriate amount of time behind bars.  I expect justice to be done and all those that were offended against to be given a sense of closure. 

But that’s just a TV show and oftentimes things don’t work that way.  We hear of or experience wrongs that aren’t made right...  and we cry out for justice.  But if we’re not careful... what we find is that we’re not really looking for fairness...we just want to see things made even.  It’s called revenge.  And it isn’t ours to pursue.  Scripture tells us in Romans 12 that making things right is God’s role.  He is ultimately the One that settles the matter.  He rights the wrongs... punishes the wicked... and is the only worthy judge.  If you find yourself angry that the scales of justice seem broken... don’t worry... God’s got this... and His verdict is both perfect and eternal.  

A Bigger Mess

One day a young boy was eating potato chips and had made a terrible mess on the floor.  His father entered the room, noticed the mess, and told his son that he would clean it up for him.  The boy quickly replied... “No dad, I’ll do it!”  The dad thought a second and said, “No, if I let you do it, you’re going to make a bigger mess.”  The boy protested... “No I won’t!”  So the father relented and let his son clean up the chips.

The result?  As expected, the boy made a bigger mess.   

When we hear this story, we can be too quick to dismiss it as something only a child would do.  But take a second and think about it... don’t we do the same thing with God?  Time after time in scripture He tells us that He will take care of things for us... revenge, provision, fulfillment, peace.. and so much more.   Yet, we tell God all the time... “I’ve got it!”  And the result, a bigger mess.  Proverbs 21:2 says “A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart”   God knows best... and when we try to help Him handle our lives, we typically just make things more complicated.  Make the commitment today to take God at His word... Let Him do what He says He wants to do for us... and praise Him when you experience the blessing of His loving care.   

Surgery

A surgeon by the name of Dr. Kane was looking for a candidate for a very routine surgery.  He wanted to prove that an appendectomy could be performed under local anesthetic...and that a patient didn’t need to be asleep during the process.  After finding his volunteer, Dr. Kane numbed the area and skillfully removed the appendix.  During the surgery, the patient was wide awake... even able to talk with the nurses the entire time.    Recovery was over after a couple of days and the patient was released from the hospital.   That brave patient’s name?  Dr. Kane.  He had removed his own appendix.  

Self-surgery seems absurd.  What would drive someone to cut into and remove something from themselves?  But the Bible talks about one such surgery in Ephesians 4:31.  It says “All bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice.”  Here’s the truth... only you can remove these things from your life.  Only you can eliminate your bitterness and anger... and every great sermon, every self-help book, and every deep breath can only calm you down temporarily.  Scripture tells us these things must be cut out completely from our everyday behavior.  How do we do it?  Decide to.  And when you feel like being bitter or angry... dwell on today’s verse.  Remind yourself that God has a plan for your life... He’s given you a destiny that anger, bitterness, malice, and slander will just sidetrack.  Ready to make lasting change?  Scrub up and get ready doctor... your patient awaits!

The Speed of Pain

The other day I read that as a pane of glass breaks, the cracks travel faster than three thousand miles per hour down the length of the glass.  Hard to believe anything could cause that much damage so quickly...  As I was thinking about this piece of trivia, one thing came to mind that might be comparable...

Our words.   What we say can cause widespread destruction in very little time.  A sarcastic response... a jab.. or maybe it’s more directed pain.  Maybe it’s bringing up the past or a hurtful memory... perhaps it’s tearing someone apart just because we seek revenge.  Whatever the circumstance, words can wound deeply.  Scripture tells us in Ephesians 4 that we shouldn’t let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths.  Any.  Why?  Because as much as we might want to, once words come out... they can’t go back in.  The person is hurt...the relationship over...the damage done.   God-honoring speech is a conscious choice... and no matter what a person’s background, environment, upbringing, or influences are...they can still decide to honor Christ with their words.  Make the choice... and commit to using words for lifting up and not lashing out. 

The Old Way?

What do the letters QWERTYUIOP mean?  They are the letters on the top row of most modern keyboards... and why they exist might surprise you.  When the typewriter was first invented, the keys were in alphabetical order.  Typists could write letters quickly and efficiently.  They were so fast, in fact, that the typewriter keys were sticking together and jamming. In an attempt to remedy the problem, it was decided to place the keys in uncomfortable and challenging positions.  The result?  Slower typing and fewer stuck keys.  

The problem with this theory is that people figured out how to quickly type with the new configuration.  Yet, I find it interesting that the keyboard never changed back.  What we type on today is an old format and is less effective than it could be.  If we’re not careful, we’ll do the same things in our own lives.  We will create rules for ourselves that may work for a season... but before long we get stuck doing things a certain way when better methods come along.  That’s why it’s so important to follow God’s guidelines for our lives rather than creating our own.  His ways are consistent, have held up to the test of time, and are designed with our well-being in mind.  Today, if you find yourself doing things the old way... maybe it’s time to do things God’s way.  It may not be a simple transition, but it will be one that you will never regret. 

Keeping An Eye On You

Not long ago,  Apple released a new lineup of iPhones... faster, sleeker, and all even able to use your fingerprint as a security key!  One feature that hasn’t changed since its launch is the phone’s ability to locate where you are at any given time. This isn’t exclusive to the iPhone... if you carry a cell phone... yours can do it too.  At any point during the day, your exact location can be pulled up on a map by your service provider or law enforcement.  Many would see this as an invasion of privacy.  But what would you say if I told you that it was happening long before the brick cell phones of the 80s were even thought of.

God’s been tracking you for years.  In fact, He was doing it before you were even knit together as a baby.   And if you think your cell provider knowing your latitude and longitude is personal... God knows your thoughts.  Every thought.  Those that we admit to and those that we hide in the deep recesses of our hearts.  In Psalm 139, David asks God the rhetorical question “Where can I go from your Spirit?”.  Of course, he knew the answer.  God knows where you are, what you’re doing, and what is going through your mind.  Every day.  But why?  Shouldn’t this scare us?  Of course not!  God knowing where we are should be a comfort.  He is always with us...even when we feel like we’re alone.  And God knowing our thoughts challenges us to think His way in our lives... We don’t need to fear God’s direct involvement in our day-to-day... we should embrace it... and give thanks that the God of the universe sees us important enough to keep His loving eye on.  

Believe

Dr. Earl Warrick of the Dow Corning Corporation made an interesting discovery in 1943.  As World War 2 raged on, he worked tirelessly to find a substitute for real (and much more expensive) rubber.  The result?  Something we played with as kids... the combination of boric acid and silicone... Silly Putty.  You remember Silly Putty right?  When you pushed on it, you could change it into any shape you wanted.  And when you stretched it out too far... it would snap.   

Have you ever felt like that?  Pushed on... bent out of shape... pulled to the point of breaking?  Many do.  Scripture has good news for us...  In Joshua 1:9, it says “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”   Today I challenge you... for the next 24 hours... believe and live out this verse...   

Believe that you are strong through God’s power.

Believe that you can be courageous because He protects those He loves.

Believe that you can live fearlessly because God holds the future.

Believe you are never alone because He is with you...even in the darkness.

Refuse to allow life to bend you to it’s shape.. Believe and let God mold you into the person you were created to be.  

Thankful

“Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!” Psalm 31:19

Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase “God is good all the time... and all the time God is good!” Do you believe that? After all... you just paid bills last night and you have more month than money. Your child is sick... your parents won’t get off your back... you’re driving on two bald tires... and that nagging pain in your back won’t stop hurting.

Poverty...hunger...warfare...disease...

God is good?

God IS good.

Psalm 145:9-16

The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation. All of your works will thank you, Lord, and your faithful followers will praise you. They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power. They will tell about your mighty deeds and about the majesty and glory of your reign.
For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it. When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.

Psalm 145 above reminds us of why God is so good all the time...

He is compassionate (vs. 9) - He cares about us on an intimate level... He knows it hurts and He never leaves us.

He is strong (vs. 11 and 12) - God is powerful enough to take our biggest struggles away... and determined enough to let us endure them to develop perseverance.

He keeps His promises (vs. 13) - When God says it... He doesn’t change it. His word is steadfast, true, and meant to be taken literally in your mind and heart. You may not be able to bank on much in this world... but God does what He promises He will do. 

He is gracious (vs. 13) - We get what we haven’t earned. God gives grace when we deserve punishment. 

He helps us up when we fall (vs. 14) - Feeling beaten down? We all do from time to time. God never leaves us when we are at our weakest...when we stumble... when we fail. In fact, it is during those times that when we turn to Him... He helps us back up.

He provides (vs. 16) - Too many times we look to God and wonder... “Why would a good God not provide for me?” What we miss is what we already have. When we look at our situation through the lens of gratitude...we realize that God provides what we need not necessarily what we want. 

Every single thing we have, are, or will ever be comes from God. 

Don’t let your circumstances or emotions determine your opinion of the goodness of God. He is and always will be the same. Unflinchingly in love with you... Committed to helping you discover and reach your potential... Intentionally nudging your heart to obedience... Lovingly whispering encouragement to your soul.

Even when we don’t understand why
Even when we don’t see the fruits of our labor
Even when the skies grow cloudy and the rains fall in our lives
Even when the enemy tries to convince us otherwise...

God is good. 

I may not understand the world but God is good.
Bad things may happen but God is good. 
I may feel life is unfair but God is good.
I may not see the destination and get frustrated in the road to get there...

But God. is. good.

Give Him thanks today.

Happy Thanksgiving… Steph and I love you guys and are so thankful for you! Blessings to you and your families!

Two Turtles

Christian author, Lee Strobel, in his book The Case for Faith, talks about a sign on the door of his office.   It’s a picture of two turtles.  One says, “Sometimes I’d like to ask why God allows poverty, famine, and injustice when He could do something about it.”  Next to him, the other turtle replies, “I’m afraid God might ask me the same question.”

So many question God’s motives... and silently they sit and wait on Him to do something about the problems in the world.  They tweet about God’s apathy... and post Instagram photos depicting starving children with the caption “Where’s God?”  All the while, the situation could be that He is waiting for us to act.  Time and time again in scripture, we are told to go out and change the world... to make a difference... to be the salt and light in the darkness.   We are charged to live unselfishly with convicted hearts filled with love and generosity.  We are knitted together to be world-changers not critics... difference-makers and not judges.  And all the while God promises to equip us with opportunity, wisdom, and the right words at the right time without fail.  Let’s commit to spend less time complaining about the world and more time living out God’s commission for it.  

Are You Positive?

It has been said, “Being well is more than eliminating the negative.  Rather, it requires the addition of the positive.”  

When I read that statement I thought of our walk with God.  Many times we are tempted to read the Bible as a book of “don’t”s.   I need to stop doing this... quit that... get rid of this habit or that behavior.   And while there are many things God asks us not to include in our lives... only subtracting the bad leads to a life that is one-sided and lacking.  Scripture tells us that alongside the “no”s, we have to have some God-honoring “yesses”.  Colossians 3:10 says to “Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him.”  Want to grow more like Christ?  Be more spiritually healthy?  Get rid of what is holding you back.. and in turn.. fill your heart with things like love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and patience.   Out with what’s bad and in with what’s good.  And before long both mind and heart will be healthier (and more Godly) than ever.  

Everywhere

“But will God really live on earth among people? Why, even the highest heavens cannot contain you. How much less this Temple I have built!”  - King Solomon in 2 Chronicles 6:18

A little boy was playing in the sand on the seashore.  He dug a large pit in the ground and began to scoop water from the ocean into the freshly opened hole.    He did this dozens of times before an elderly man approached him and asked “What are you trying to do by going back and forth from the ocean and pouring water into your pit?”  The little boy said very enthusiastically, “Sir, can’t you see?  I’m emptying the ocean!”

When we read this story we want to dismiss it as the naïve thoughts of a young mind.  We all know that emptying the ocean into a small hole is impossible... that the majestic sea can’t be contained in one comparatively tiny area.  Yet many of us try to do that with God.  We attempt to take His majesty and contain it in a box the size of our faith at the time.   2 Chronicles 6 tells us that even the highest heavens can’t hold God.  He is everywhere.  Big enough to handle what hurts and close enough to hear the quietest desperate prayer.  Resist the urge to think of God in finite constraints.... and praise Him that He is everywhere at one time... ready to help us as the loving Father that He is.  

Sweet Dreams

A father had told his son he would send him to sleep in the attic with only bread and water for his supper if he disobeyed. Well, the boy disobeyed and was sent to the attic. But the father couldn’t eat. He had his son on his mind and his heart. 

His wife said, “I know what you are thinking. But you must not bring the boy from the attic. It would cause him to disobey again. He would have no respect for your word. You must not cheapen your position as his father by failing to keep your word."

The husband replied, "You are right. But he is so lonely up there." 

Maybe this story looks familiar to you.  Not the role of the parent, but of the child.  You’ve done something you’re not proud of even though you told yourself you wouldn’t do it again.   You have broken a trust... or a friendship...or a heart... or a promise.  And there you are.  Night has come and you have to face the shadows again. Alone in the dark.  Punished.  Not by God... but by your own mind.  Sitting in isolation and wondering how you’ll get through it.   Each passing hour brings thoughts of loneliness and regret.  Sleep?  Not even close.  Does God hear your prayers anymore?  Does He even know you’re tossing and turning night after night?  Can God stop your pain and restore your rest?

Absolutely.  We just need to renew our faith in Him.  

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”  Psalm 4:8

God alone leads us to safety... but do you believe He can?  Or are you convinced that the prison of doubt, worry, and fear is too strong for even Him?

Do we have faith He will see us through?  

Do we have faith He will release us from the guilt?

Do we have faith He has overcome the world?

Do we have faith He is all we need?

Do we have faith He is all powerful?

Do we have faith He still heals broken hearts?

Do we have faith He isn’t the God of the accusing finger but of the open arms?

Have we replaced “I believe” with “I think He can”? 

The time has come to break free and believe again...  How do I do that?

Choose reliance not regret.  

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart

    and lean not on your own understanding;

  in all your ways submit to him,

    and he will make your paths straight.”  Proverbs 3:5-6

Select peace over pain. 

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."  John 16:33

Decide to have faith not fear.

“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.”  Hebrews 3:12

Let’s look at the conclusion of our story...

His wife said, “I know what you are thinking. But you must not bring the boy from the attic. It would cause him to disobey again. He would have no respect for your word. You must not cheapen your position as his father by failing to keep your word."

The husband replied, "You are right. But he is so lonely up there." 

The man kissed his wife goodnight, entered the attic and when the child went to sleep on the hard boards, his father’s arm was his pillow.

In the darkest of dark nights... God is there.   When we punish ourselves with memories of the past... He is with us.   When we mess up for the hundredth time and find ourselves wrecked by regret and fear... His arms are there...Ready to cradle our head as if a pillow.  

To allow us a night of deep and rejuvenating sleep... protected by our Heavenly Father who loves us more than anyone.    

Has your faith been rocked?  Choose today to start believing with your whole heart that God CAN.  

And for the first time in a long time there will be...

Sweet dreams. 

Paul's Secret

      What does it take for us to say we have enough?  Many who struggle with this answer the question of “enough?” with “just one more.”  But where does it stop?  

To those that struggle with contentment... there will never be enough.  It will always lie one arms length beyond their ability to sleep at night.   Those that live in this camp wonder when the next one will be and never cherish what is.  Their entire existence is based on what they might miss out on by not having more.  Today’s verse helps with this.  

“Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.”  1 Timothy 6:6

“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.”   Philippians 4:11 (Paul)

Godliness with contentment, Paul says, is of great value.  In fact, he goes on to tell the churches in Philipi that he has “learned how to be content with whatever I have.” [sic].  

What was Paul’s secret?  What helped him move from greedy to grateful?  It’s simple.  Perspective.  Paul saw that his needs were met and that was enough.  He probably had wants...things that he’d like to have in his life... but he realized that these were superfluous to his mission.   Paul was sent to spread the Gospel... and help those around him find Christ as Lord.  He knew that God would provide whatever he needed to fulfill his calling.  

Is that you today?  Are you focused on the things you want instead of giving thanks for the things you have?  I suggest taking the energy you might spend on trying to satisfy discontent and invest it in yourself in other areas:  read more, study the Bible more, take care of your body more, journal more, and serve others more.  

It was once said, “Be content with what you have, never with what you are.”  Interesting idea... Remember, the goal isn’t to acquire things, satisfy desires, or fill up square footage in your house... it’s to become a better you and draw closer to Christ.  How?  

 Stop determining your value by things or opinions.  Only one evaluation matters...and that’s from God.  (Ephesians 2:10)

 Be content with what God provides... and don’t worry about what He doesn’t.  Your needs will be met.  (Philippians 4:19)

 Keep walking down the road to your God potential.   Don’t let discontent shift your focus from gratitude to ungratefulness.  (Psalm 107:1)

Let’s take the journey together!

Two Roles

Ephesians 4:22-24 (NLT) “Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him,  throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”

Both the artist and the gardener start their work by thinking... they look at what they have and decide how to proceed.  The gardner looks carefully at the landscape; the existing plants, both flowers and weeds; the way the sun falls, and so on. The artist sees their subject, the canvas, the paint that they have at their disposal, and the brushes or chisel that sit idly by.. After they’re done thinking, the artist and the gardener begin their work... they both bring their creativity and effort to their respective projects.  The gardener tends what has gone before, making the most of what is beautiful and weeding out what is distracting or useless. The artist can be more daring... they start with a blank canvas or a solid piece of stone and gradually... ever so carefully, they take the paint to the canvas or the chisel to the stone and make something out of it that wasn’t there before.

Maintain what was there before... or create something that’s never been.

Which does God want us to do in our lives?  Pull weeds or blaze trails?   Tidy up what’s already in place or make moves to create new?  The short answer?  both.

Gardener, think back to yesterday.. what worked?  What didn’t?  Keep the good thoughts and actions and ask God how you can sift out the bad.  What needs to be replanted or moved around in your life?  What needed to take priority that didn’t?   What (or who) could use a little more TLC?  What was neglected and is withering away?  If it honored God...if it helped you move forward in your walk with Christ...if it reflected God’s character... water it.  If not, it needs to be uprooted and eliminated from your precious daily minutes.

Artist... today is a blank canvas ready to create something brand new...  What are you planning?  What is something you've been putting off that you've never done before but want to or should?  How about one full day of fasting and prayer about that challenge in your life?  Maybe a phone call to the person you struggled to forgive and tell them you're moving past it?  Perhaps your blank canvas could be filled with giving your troubles to God...and not taking them back.   Something new...something you've never done before during a day.  Be creative! 

God wants us to maximize our lives... both by weeding out and beautifying what has been and looking for brand new things to do that help us become the person we were created to be.  Keep what honors God and moves us to be more like Him, dig out and throw away what's getting in our way from doing so.  Be bold enough to take new ground. To create a new masterpiece... to fill the empty canvas of today with brand-new, beautiful and God-honoring thoughts and actions. 

You are both caretaker and world-changer... manager and pioneer... gardener and artist.

Two roles.  One day.  One you.  Are you ready?

Let’s go.   

Lemonade

Whiners are everywhere.  You probably know a few.  When life gives them lemons... they don’t make lemonade... they make excuses.  Heads down,  voices in permanent Eeyore mode... they wander through life wondering why everything is the way it is... and why they have to be the victim of it.

Whiners have been around for awhile...

[The Israelites led by Moses]
“If only the Lord had killed us back in Egypt,” they moaned. “There we sat around pots filled with meat and ate all the bread we wanted. But now you have brought us into this wilderness to starve us all to death.”  - Exodus 16:3

[Martha complaining about her sister Mary when Jesus came to visit]
“As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”  Luke 10:38-40

They aren’t bad people... they just need a new perspective.  And if we're not careful... we can easily become a whiner too.

What happens when we don’t set up boundaries on the influence of whiners?   We become one.  Whining people complain around us... and before we know it, phrases like “good point” or “I’ve never thought about it like that before” enter our vocabulary and we change... We start to say:

-  “That white cloud doesn’t look so white... in fact... it’s light gray…”  


-  “You call it opportunity and blessing from God... I call it ‘luck’ and ‘right place at the right time.’”  


-  “Why me... What if... When... Who cares... “

If you find yourself being the one that people whine to, there’s a reason for it.

You listen.

People take their garbage to the dump... and we can’t allow them to bring it to us.  A good way to protect yourself from whiners is to simply and politely ask them not to gossip or share any information with you if the point is simply to complain.   You don’t need the stress and they don’t need the affirmation that the behavior is Godly.

Remember, nobody likes boundaries, but putting some up is necessary.  If we aren’t careful, especially in the arena of whining, we can let people alter us and our view of the world.  Life becomes a pity party... table for one... with us as the guest of honor.

Stay out of this pit.  Keep your eyes focused on the God who overcomes... and make your way to the palace!  I’ll be praying for you!

Praying in Crayon

Do you like to get gifts?  I remember opening birthday presents when I was a kid.  This was before gift bags were popular so everybody wrapped their gifts no matter what odd size they were.  Before I could even begin to tear the tape from the side of the package, my mom would stop me and make me do something that no kid ever likes to do.

Open the card first.  

I could see myself playing with the toy in my mind... but mom wanted me to stop... read the entire card out loud... and thank the generous relative or friend.  I’d half-heartedly tear open the envelope, rip out the contents, and begin to read the words printed there.  The Hallmark-created words were easy to read and understand... but the others were scribbled below by a relative’s elderly hand or drawn on with crayon by somebody’s little brother.  

Now as an adult, I love reading cards.   Once in awhile I’ll be cleaning out a drawer and find a few from birthdays and Christmases past.  The sentiment is usually the same... wishing me a Merry this or a Happy that.  What warms my heart now is what I read below the professional font... Some scribble from my daughter when she was too young to write legibly...  A beautiful declaration of love from my wife Stephanie... A happy father’s day message from my boys...  I treasure them all.  What they write from their hearts means so much more to me than anything that any store bought card could ever say.  It is genuine…heartfelt…It may not be perfect grammar or fancy words... or properly punctuated... but it’s real.

And I love them for that. 

The other day I was thinking about prayer... and it’s the same way.  God isn’t looking for us to have the perfect words to say to Him.  He’s not looking for lengthy prose or lofty vocabulary-heavy preaching.  God isn’t worried about how long we’ve been praying... or how often we use His name in the communication.  God is looking for heart.  

Like the words written below what’s printed on a greeting card... God wants genuine conversation.  Your words may seem common...you may repeat the same word over and over... or maybe you don’t really know how to put it into words.

Say it anyway.  It’s ok.  Paul says “Pray without ceasing.”  in 1 Thessalonians 5:17.   

God isn’t grading your composition, He’s looking for two things:

1. Is it genuine?  
2. Do you have faith in His ability to answer it in His own way and time.

That’s it.   Pray with everything you’ve got... in whatever way you can... to God who still does what seems impossible.  

I want to challenge you today...

It doesn’t matter how eloquently you pray... what matters is that it you mean it.  That it’s real.  That you expect big things to happen... 

Prayer changes things.

We may pray in crayon sometimes... but God can read it just fine.  In fact, I think He likes it that way.  

Preparing to Win

In the recent Summer Games (2012), Kim Rhode won the gold medal in skeet shooting making her the first American to win 5 Olympic medals in 5 consecutive Olympic games. That’s a span of 20 years and not her only distinction. In the 2012 games, she hit 99 out of 100 skeet setting a new Olympic record and tying the world record for the event. As if that wasn’t accomplishment enough... her first medal was in the 1996 Summer Games making her the youngest female gold medalist in Olympic shooting. 

How does this happen?

In an interview with the New York Times, Rhode answers the question of how. She shoots anywhere from 500 to 1,000 rounds every day of the week year around. To save you the math, this is 3,000,000 plus shots with a shotgun. That’s 600,000 rounds per medal.   Over three million practice shots.  Time after time.  Every single day on her calendar.  

Kim would be the first to tell you... it’s all about the preparation.  What you do on your own time is as important (if not more so) than what you do in the spotlight.  Her excellence on the range is due to her diligence, discipline, and perseverance.  In other words... there are no shortcuts.  Gold medals don’t hang around the necks of those that wing it... that hope for the best... that count on good fortune or a favorable breeze.  Champions don’t materialize... they are made.

In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul talks about this type of preparation.  

“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!  All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.  So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.”  

All of us run the race of life.  We lace up our shoes each morning, get on a bus or in a car, and head somewhere that requires us to make a difference.  We make decisions, contribute to relationships, communicate ideas, raise children, and live out the life that unfolds in front of us.  But are we successful?  Do we make the most of every opportunity or do we find ourselves reacting... flat-footed.  Underprepared for the challenges...

Which brings us to the next important question... how much training do we do?   How much of our day is preparation?  How many minutes are spent intentionally trying to better ourselves?  Are we living on purpose?

- How much time is spent reading and meditating on the scriptures? How many Bible verses have I memorized and keep on my heart? 

How many people do I hold grudges against?  Why haven’t I forgiven them?  

Am I raising my children in a way that honors God?  How much quality time do I spend with them?  Do they know Go

Am I being the husband/wife that God wants me to be?  Is most of my energy spent trying to change my spouse or is it spent becoming a better one?

Do I spend my day blaming others or confessing my shortcomings to God?

When was the last time I asked for forgiveness?  Given forgiveness?

Am I living out what I claim to believe?   Or do I tell people I believe it because that’s what they expect me to say?

We can avoid these questions or we can run toward them.  Don’t settle.  Bronze is a beautiful color... but you were created for gold.  The eternal prize Paul was talking about?  The everlasting salvation found in Christ...making a Kingdom difference in the lives of those around you... changing the destiny of someone bound for eternal separation from God into a life-changing eternal relationship with Him.  Growing in Christ... Not surviving life but really living it to its fullest.  That’s what we’re after.  That’s why we train.  To reach the potential that God has placed in our hearts... to fulfill our destiny... to become the men and women that change the world.... and give all glory to God in the process. 

But we can’t do it if we aren’t prepared.  It isn’t easy.   Christ never promised us ease of lifestyle... He promised eternal reward.   The challenges will be hard... the competition fierce... and the opposing team?  An enemy that prowls like a lion just waiting for us to stop growing and start settling.   Ready to win?  Every race... every result... the path to every gold medal was all began the same way.  

Deciding to start.   

A Fast Way To Slow Down

If you’ve ever been to the circus, you’ve probably seen it for yourself.  The lion cage... kings of the jungle... ferocious and growling at all who pass by the thick bars of their cage in the center ring.  The lights dim and a daring trainer makes his way to the door of the enclosure.  A nervous hush sweeps over the crowd… Is he really going in there?  Yep.  He opens the creaking door and steps inside.  You can hear people gasping as the predatory cats snarl and lunge at the source of the intrusion.  Wait... what’s that in the trainer’s hand?  A whip?  That makes sense... but what is that other thing?  It’s a stool.  Small, unimpressive, and hardly intimidating.  Just a few dollars at your local store...

And THAT’S going to stop a killer cat?  Yes.

The lion tamer knows that when he waves the four-legged stool at the cat... it attempts to focus on all four legs at once.  In doing so, it goes through a kind of paralysis... a confusion that overwhelms it.  The once scary roar becomes a tame and weak purr as the crowd cheers approvingly.  Simply put... the lion becomes ineffective when it tries to focus on too much.  

We are the same way.  

Fortunately for us, the Bible gives us a great way to draw our spiritual lives, our challenges, our strengths, our weaknesses, and our opportunities into very clear singular focus.... fasting.

The Bible is filled with scripture about the importance and significance of fasting... here are just a couple of examples.

“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”  Matthew 6:16-18

“So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.”  Ezra 8:23

But what IS fasting?  It is giving up something that you would normally do in order to use that time to focus on prayer and gaining intimacy with God.  Meditation in it’s purest and most effective form.  Biblically, food was most often given up... but in today’s era, it might be something like the internet... or a hobby... or tv...  It should always be something that will be dearly missed.  I talk to some who say “I’m fasting from taking out the garage... or I’m fasting from healthy food”   This is not what God had in mind.  

 When someone is fasting and feels the urge to partake of what they’ve temporarily given up, they are to spend that time in prayer...seeking God’s will for their lives... memorizing scripture... making every effort to get closer to their Heavenly Father.   Fasting brings focus like no other discipline.  In fact, Jesus Himself did it when the devil took Him out to the wilderness and tried to tempt Him to compromise His mission!

How long and from what you fast is up to you.  Do you need 40 days away from TV to help you grow closer to Christ?  Maybe.  Is a week apart from your iPhone worth a week connecting to God like never before?  Could be.  Can an empty stomach remind you to pray and internalize God’s word?  Yes it can.

Whatever you feel convicted to temporarily give up to have intimacy with God... make the commitment this week to do so.  Fasting is a discipline and as such, won’t necessarily be easy.  It’s worth the struggle... and may just bring you closer than ever to finding God’s plan for your life.