My Thoughts on Christmas

Here are my thought transcribed that I will share this weekend at my church on the Meaning of Christmas:

As we sing songs, buy gifts, spend time with family, and run, run, run; we can easily miss the meaning and reason of Christmas.

So for a brief moment this morning, let us refocus on what Christmas is truly about. Let us remember the meaning and reason that make this one of the most unique and celebrated holidays in the world.

The Meaning:
Luke 2:10-11 “ But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

The meaning is three fold:
1. The birth of CHRIST THE LORD is GOOD NEWS
2. The birth of CHRIST THE LORD brings GREAT JOY
3. The birth of CHRIST THE LORD is for ALL PEOPLE

The meaning of Christmas is best understood as God revealing himself completely to us in his son, Jesus.

Just as there is a meaning to Christmas there is also a reason:

The Reason:
Matthew 1:21 "She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."

Sometimes we miss the deep value of this phrase. At the time Jesus was born, Israel had lost hope. The prophecies of the Old Testament had yet to be fulfilled. The Messiah had not yet come.

As was the history of Israel they were in a time of exile, ruled by Roman law. Caesar lorded over the people of God as supreme. Caesar Augustus was hailed by the senate as God and legend of his virgin birth and the peace and good news he would bring to Rome surrounded his life. But Jesus, not Caesar, was the true son of God. Jesus came to lead his people out of exile and bondage.

Therefore, the REASON of Christmas is the story of Reconciliation and Celebration.

Reconciliation: Through Jesus, God reconciled the world back to him. Remember, it was GOOD NEWS to ALL PEOPLE. Through Jesus, the Savior, God SAVED HIS PEOPLE FROM THEIR SINS.

Jesus would break the chains of Roman domination by ushering in the Kingdom of God.

Exile would be no more, for Jesus would be King of a Kingdom that has no end (Luke 1:33).

Celebration: So, We celebrate this time of year because of that HOPE. A HOPE that springs from a life that began in a manger.

Jesus Christ’s amazing birth is the beginning of the story of HOPE. HOPE that God will restore us. HOPE that brings GOOD NEWS. HOPE that Jesus will SAVE HIS PEOPLE and welcome us into a KINGDOM that has NO END.

There is a reason we celebrate and that reason is Christ the King:

There’s a reason that the lights are shining.
There’s a reason that the wreaths are hung.

There’s a reason that songs of joy
and peace are being sung.

There’s a reason for the celebration.
There’s a reason that the silver bells ring.

There’s a reason for the season
and the reason is Christ the King.

Enjoy thinking on these things, or as Mary did...maybe pondering them in your heart. Merry Christmas to all my readers!

The Future of Pentecostalism

I find myself warmed on a cold winter day as I continue to read and hear about the reform of my denomination. I am an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God, the largest Pentecostal denomination in the world. As a Pentecostal (and this would apply to many of my Charasmatic friends), we know that younger leadership has always played a vital role.

The YOUNGER MINISTER'S TASK FORCE report that was submitted to the General Presbytery of the Assemblies of God in August of this year had this as one of its many interesting focal points:

"Agnes Ozman was 30 years old when she spoke with tongues on January 1, 1901 at Charles F. Parham’s Bible school in Topeka, Kansas. Parham was 27 years old when he experienced the outpouring of the Spirit. William J. Seymour was 35 years old when the Azusa Street revival broke out in 1906. J. Roswell Flower was 25 years old when elected Secretary (General Secretary) in 1914, and Chairman (General Superintendent) E.N. Bell was 47. From the earliest stages, our Pentecostal movement engaged young people in key leadership roles."

As seasoned ministers become authentic with younger ministers, we will be able to continue the dialog about what the next generation of Pentecostal leaders will look like. I am excited for the future of a denomination that is willing to ask hard questions, seek innovative ways to train their young leaders, and reform in ways that are kingdom-minded and not just denominationally minded.

As Chris Tomlin sings, "Greater Days are yet to come; Greater things are still to be done in our cities" For this, I praise the LORD Jesus Chirst!

Thankful for Stewardship

As the Thanksgiving Holiday fades into the hundred-mile-an-hour rush to the next holiday, I find myself slowing down to be thankful before time slips away into another Christmas Season. One of the biggest gifts I am thankful for is stewardship.

God has called me out of darkness and into light, and has asked me to be a steward of light. God has called me to be salt to a flavorless world, and has asked me to be a steward of my talents; to add something of value to my sphere of influence. God has called me to be a minister of the Gospel, and to give my life as a steward of his Word. Basically, God has called each and eveyone of us to be stewards. Stewardship is at the core of how we should live, yet we usually push it out to the peripheral. As a leader I must learn to steward my life in a way that maximizes my time, talent, and treasure.

I say all of this because I have spent time reading, journaling, and reflecting on something Andy Stanley said at a Catalyst conference a few years back. Paraphrasing Morpheus's words to Neo, "It has been a splinter in my mind." Stanley charged, "Leadership is stewardship. It is temporary. And you are accountable." Leadership is a temporary stewardship that God holds leaders accountable to in the end. That makes me feel both highly energized and painfully nauseous all at the same time, but that is for another post someday.

If you are a leader (of any variety), then take some time and allow that quote to simmer in your spirit. Or at least take a brief moment and think about it...

Inspired by Seth Godin

Thought I would share this leadership tip with you all from Seth Godin’s book, Tribes:

Over-the-Top Underdog Bravery
“Leadership almost always involves thinking and acting like the underdog. That’s because leaders work to change things, and the people who are winning rarely do...Ordinary thinking and ordinary effort are almost never enough to generate leadership. That’s because our inclination is to barely do enough. It takes something extraordinary, a call to action that is irresistible, and a cause worth fighting for to make people actually join in.”

Whether you are a pastor or a marketplace leader, I hope this thought inspires you to do something that no one else is doing to reach the people no one else is reaching!

So ask your self:
What am I doing now that hinders me from achieving maximum results?
What can I change now to improve on my strengths (not focus only on my weaknesses)?
What plans can I make now to set my self up for success in the future?

Think about it...

Reaching and Leading "Generation Exodus"

In ministry, one of the most difficult yet promising demographics to reach is 18-30 year olds. So many of them have been leaving the church that they have been labeled "generation exodus." So how do we keep those who we have and attract those who have left?

Kent Shaffer (www.churchrelevance.com) has offered this advise taken from consulting reports done earlier this year:

How to Reach the Millennial Generation

41% say participate in viral marketing and peer-to-peer recommendation sites
36% say sponsor or advertise in areas of interest to millennials(e.g., extreme sports, music
venues, chat rooms, social networking sites)
35% say deliver a great product at a great price
30% say focus on millennials’ key influencers(e.g., parents, peers)
28% say contribute to social causes that millennials support
21% say contribute to corporate or issue blogs
21% say message millennials through wireless text messaging
19% say exploit contests, promotions, and retail tie-ins
12% say develop online games for company website

Kent goes on to say, "In other words, if your church wants to reach the millennial generation, create a great church experience that is remarkable (creates word of mouth) and targets the key influencers and social catalysts of your local millennial community."

If you are a leader who is trying to reach and especially keep young professionals and twentysomethings, take careful note to what is being said here. Think about it...

Featured Blogger: Steve Furtick

Every once in a while you come across a blog that speaks right to you. I am talking in your face, challenging stuff. There a few of those for me and one of them is the blog of Steve Furtick, lead pastor of Elevation Church. Here is yesterdays blog. It is well worth taking some time to think about:

I used to hate to be confused…November 11th, 2008

Lately I’m learning to love the feeling.When I’m confused about something, it’s:
an opportunity to lean not on my own understanding:

a portal to a deeper understanding of the character of God
a precursor to greater faith
a great occasion to humble myself and seek the wisdom of others
a sign that my God is elevating me to another level, and my current mindset isn’t
adequate for the place God wants to take me next
a birthplace for innovative and breakthrough concepts

You can either avoid confusion because it makes you feel vulnerable-and miss the chance to upgrade your paradigm-Or lean into your confusion, admitting you don’t have the answers, and watch God expand your thinking and grow your soul.

Michael Crichton: We will miss you

Michael Crichton, MD (1942-2008) died Tuesday, November 4 of cancer at age 66. He was an author, political/ethical activist, screenplay writer, director, producer, husband, and father. His novels have sold in the millions with Jurassic Park being one of the most recognized and his television drama ER has won acclaim across the board.

I remember being around 13 year’s old and reading Jurassic Park. I was a volunteer, aka candy striper, for a hospital where my parents worked. My first assignment was working security. Yeah that’s right. They gave a kid my age a radio and keys to doors I should never open. And yes, you guessed it, my friends and I had fun on many occasions. Maybe too much fun. So I ended up answering the phone in the security office, which was not as glamorous as finding ways to misuse power. Most days were pretty slow, so I began to bring magazines to work to read. Those got boring so I decided I would read a novel. Odd, but it was what I decided to do. So while my family was out shopping at Wal-Mart, I ask my mom to buy me Jurassic Park. The only reason I chose that one was that I was still into dinosaurs at that age and the book had a dinosaur on the cover. (I sometimes still chose books because of their covers. I mean, how can you walk by Seth Godin’s new book, Tribes, and not buy it just because the cover is intriguing?)

That began a long and rewarding reading career of Crichton’s book. I moved from Jurassic Park to a Case of Need then to The Andromeda Strain, and on and on. I couldn’t put him down. By the time books like Timeline came out, I was one of those preorders at Barnes and Noble. I fell in love with the power and dynamics of the written word at a young age because of the power and clarity of Michael Crichton. All of the electives I took in college were writing and literature classes. I have had multiple teachers at different colleges tell me that I have a gift for writing, and I always think back to the great opportunity I had at age 13, when I bought my first novel. What if it wouldn’t have grabbed my attention? I honestly believe I would be a different person. I owe Crichton for that.

So that is why I morn. We will never again have the opportunity to read a new Michael Crichton novel, but there are many that he has inspired (including myself) that will rise up to the challenge to produce dynamic literature for the next generation. Maybe it won’t be in the Sci-Fi area or politically or environmental charged or maybe not even fiction, but it will still carry a quality and clarity that made Crichton one of the most recognized writers in the world.

Today is a good day to think about who has helped inspire you, or has moved you, or has mentored you and let them know you appreciate them. Maybe you haven’t even stopped to think about such things. Today, not tomorrow, is a good day to do that…

Historic Times

The votes have been cast and for the first time in American History, the United States of America has a black president. I have read Facebook statuses, Twitters, texts, emails and all kinds of communications either celebrating this historic event or prophesying the down fall of America. Because I run in religious circles, I have even heard people speak of the rise of the antichrist and the end of the world. So I would like to give my take on it all (for what it is worth).

First of all, I am confident (I have a Bachelors in Biblical Studies and Languages and I have almost completed my Masters in Theological Studies) that Barack Obama is not the antichrist. Yes, he has a sketch past and oddly enough he could not even apply to be his own secret service agent because of that past, but that doesn't qualify one to be the antichrist.

Second, Christianity should not be known for casting people in the role of apocolyptic characters when we really don't know what we are talking about anyway. Honestly, biblically illiterate people (can you even quote more than 10 verses from memory or explain with clarity the purpose, themes, or theology of any given book of the Bible?) have all of the sudden become experts on the Bible and on apocolyptic literature. Why? Because a man is black, democratic, and youthful. Just a note of warning: 2 Timothy 2:15 explains that we need to show are self approved to God by rightly using the word of truth. Notice that the word truth is present. Be careful to claim something is truth by God's standards when it may just be your standards, or your cultural standrads, or even your religious/denominational standards. I am not saying these standards are not important or that somehow we can easily suspend them (we all have presuppositions and worldviews), I am simply asking you to know what they are so they do not ultimately control your views negatively. We have the ability to use better judgement when we at least know these things.

Finally, although I do not think Obama is the antichirst (or any other apocolyptic figure in the Bible) I can still disagree with his political stances on issues of abortion, taxes, socialism, etc. What that means is that I can pray for him and for his advisors, that God would guide them and help them. I can pray that God will send bold, godly men of character to work along side of him and help influence and mentor him. Let Romans 13:1-7 comfort you in the fact that God is still the designer of local and worldwide political affairs.

Throughout the book of Daniel, kings and rulers rise and fall. The book starts out explaining that God himself has ordained it to be so. Israel is in exile there. So God raises up Daniel and three of his close friends to work with these Kings. They understood that culture, even though it wasn't their first choice. Because Daniel sought to know his culture, surroundings, and situation, he was able to do amazing things for God and lead Kings to worship his God. He wasn't the head man, but he was the right hand man that changed nations. Why? Because he believed that he could make a difference through prayer and through influence.

So here is what you can do now. People can stop making comments like: It's the end of the world; Better go buy more guns; Hope the Rapture happens soon; and begin praying that God places godly men of character (like God did in the Book of Daniel) in Barack Obama's life to mentor him, encourgae him, and lead him into an even deeper knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Oh, yes I do believe that he is already a Christian, but as I believe for every one of us, we can always grow deeper. The closer our heart is to God's the more it lines up with the heart of God. Obama needs men and women to help his heart grow closer and closer to God's every day, just as we need to pray the same for ourselves.)

Will you join with me and praying for our nation? Instead of fear (which is not of God) I have hope for a better tomorrow for America (and I don't believe that begins in 2010 either). Hope is the most important Christian characteristic we have. Make sure you wear that on your sleeves! Think about it...

Mpact Student Ministry's ONE BIG PARTY

I am proud to work alongside a great team of pastors. Joseph Kellogg, the student pastor at The Assembly at Broken Arrow, just had a huge event called ONE BIG PARTY. Illusionist Jim Munroe, aka MAZE, presented the gospel in one of the most innovative ways I have ever seen. Read Jim's own comments about the event below from his blog:

October 23, 2008
Broken Arrow, OK Outreach - 800 Students
I’ve just returned from Broken Arrow, OK…. a suburb of Tulsa. The Assembly Church invited us out to share our magic and the gospel at an annual event they call, “One Big Party.” Pastor Joe Kellogg, aka Big Phat Stud, coordinated an amazing event.
We started off, earlier in the day, at Broken Arrow High School, the largest senior high school in the state of Oklahoma. During three lunch periods, we performed crazy effects that gained a ton of publicity. Lots of jaws were dropping from the close-up magic, and several students made decisions to come to the event later that evening right there at the school.
At the event, later that evening, I was pumped to include Mr. Brad Fogarty on stage as the newest member of the MAZE troupe. He performed and shared the gospel powerfully. The result…. 60 students became Christians!
It was an amazing event. Next up…. ROUND ROCK TEXAS. Right near Austin, TX. HOME TO THE GREATEST SCHOOL IN THE UNIVERSE…. the LONGHORNS! Sorry Broken Arrow, OK… had to say that!2 hours ago

Love is being "Intentionally Unintentional"

While on vacation this week, I took advantage of not having timelines and pressures of the regular work-week-cycle. On one of those days, I sat and watched people going about their lives consuming products at a popluar outlet mall in the area. As I sat there I had no desire to consume anything, I was there to watch my baby girl as my wife visited with an old friend. It was refreshing to know that she was not going to spend money on low pirced items that we probably would never use anyway.

Nevertheless, as I observed people that day one couple caught my eye. This couple came out of a store smiling and laughing and I could tell that they were having a great time. You might say, so what I would be happy to if I was off vacationing somewhere with my family. But I am talking about the happiness that comes from really enjoying each other. Yet, the other thing that caught my eye was the way this twentysomethings couple was dressed. Why? Because clothing speaks volumes about who a person is or at least who they are trying to be...

The girl was dressed in the typical middle, to upper middle class, style. In other words, she was Hollister, Gap, or fill in any other hip (for now) clothing chain. Her hairsyle and dress code said that she was more than likely from a family that is doing well, lives in a suberb, more than likely she is in college or just graduated, and plans on having the American dream as her dream for life. So you are probably assuming already that the guy is dressed the same or maybe he is a jock that has won over the cheerleader. You would be dead wrong.

The twentysomething guy had long hair, part of which was hidden under a wornout beret. His shirt was one of those that has a hilarious, but tacky, phrase like, "Your village called and they are looking for their idiot." His shorts were tattered, fraid camouflage and his sandels dated back to the time of Jesus. He looked like a Bohemian who would fit right in at a local coffee dive quoting creative poetry.

And these two were walking hand-in-hand, laughing and simply enjoying life together. Two unlikely people from two different cultures living in community together. This made me think of the church and the major issues she faces today. Can our church welcome the Western-minded consumer and the emerging-postmodern person? I thought on that for a few days and decided that the church can do it, but the church must be "intentionally unintentional" in doing so.

Being intentionally unintentional means that we are intentional in reaching the sub-cultures in our communities and ministry contexts. But we do it in a way that is unintentional. That is to say that we do it out of love not duty. In his new book (Reverse Mentoring), Earl Creps explains that this generation can see right through someone doing something out of duty as opposed to doing it out of love. It is not our duty to save people; that's God place. God has to so saturate our lives with his love that we live out and speak out biblical truth through love.

Paul explains to the church that we need to, "speak the truth in love, being grown up in all aspects of Jesus Chirst." (Ephesians 4:15). He later explains in 1 Corinthians 13 that without love anyhting we do is like the clanging of symbols...its a bunch of noise! So we must ask ourselves continually, "Are we making Jesus Chirst known to people out of duty to our churches or pastors or are we doing it because the love of God is so rich and full in our lives that we are compelled out of the love God has for redeeming His beautiful creation?"

Love brought those two together, and love can bring people to the saving knowledge of a God who misses his prodigal children. Not programs, or lights, or videos. It takes a true love that only comes from those connected to God through Jesus Christ. Are you loving in a way that is intentionally unintentional?

I will post more of my thoughts on this througout the next week or so, but I am more curious about what those reading the blog think about this topic. Until then think on this:

"Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person." (Colossians 4:5-6)

Understand this "You are complete in Christ"

In the movie, Jerry McGuire, we have the now famous line, "You complete me." (Holding back my tears...come on David; be strong). It is the dream of all romantics to find that person that completes them, but is that what Scripture tells us completeness actually is?

In Matthew 5:48 we find Jesus preaching on a mountain side and he says this curious and difficult phrase, "Be perfect for you Father in heaven is perfect." The Greek word is "teleios" and is better translated "having reached it's end" or "complete." In other words, perfect is not as good a translation as complete. Understand that through Jesus Christ we are made complete as the Father is complete (or whole to put it another way). That is why money, or fame, or material wealth, or love, or addicitve behaviors never really end that search for completeness. People, things, and lifestyles don't complete us...Jesus Christ does.

In the word "teleios" we find the root word "telos" from which it is formed. Telos means the end. As when the disciples asked Jesus to tell them about the end (the telos) of all things. Our completeness has reached its end in Jesus. We don't have to go searching anymore. We don't have to go winning God's approval. We are made complete in him.

What have you been using or seeking to find completeness? Love, material goods, addictive behaviors, trying to find new ways or ministries to please God? My suggestion for you is to meditate on Matthew 5:48. Then refelct on the newfound completeness you have in Jesus Christ. Or at least think about it...

Recommended Blog: Swerve

I have been reading Swerve, the blog of Lifechurch.tv’s Craig Groeschel, for over a year now. I highly recommend the blog to you. Although Craig is the main contributor others, like Bobby Gruenewald are frequent contributors. Swerve also showcases many other guest blogs to increase the reader base of a network of next generation leaders who blog. Here is today’s Swerve to give you a taste:

LifeChurch.tv : swerve
Who I’ll Never Be (by Craig Groeschel)
Posted: 14 Aug 2008 05:48 AM CDT

I’ll never be as a great a leader as Bill Hybels.

I’ll never be as deep as John Piper.

I’ll never be as smart as Mark Driscoll.

I’ll never be as creative as Ed Young.

I’ll never be as passionate as Steven Furtick.

I’ll never be as funny as Perry Noble.

I’ll never write like Erwin McManus.

I’ll never preach on one point as amazingly as Andy Stanley.

I’ll never have as big of arms as Bishop Eddie Long.

I’ll never be as Purpose Driven as Rick Warren.

I’ll never be as positive as Joel Osteen.

Thankfully, I’m not called by God to be any of those people!
And neither are you!

Although I can’t be them, God has created me with the ability to:

§ Cast a compelling vision and move people radically toward Christ.
§ Recognize talent and gifts in people most overlook.
§ Reach people for Christ who are far from God.

What are the top three gifts/talents/abilities God has given you?

All I can say is that's something to really think about!

Cardboard Testimonies

I have come across a video from a church service (www.hillsidewired.com) called "Cardboard Testimonies." Each time I watch this video, I am moved. I will let the video speak for itself, then you can stop and think about it!

I have attached the video to this blog. It is titled, Cardboard Testimonies. Watch at your own risk...

Fight the System!

Fight the system. What system? The idea that an individualism that results from a society that is consumeristic is normal. That in some way this is the way of life. To acquire more, to work longer, to slowly drive yourself deeper into isolation. This is not God's plan for humanity and it sure is not God's plan for your life.

Peter, one of Jesus' most interesting disciples, had in many ways bought into the ideas of his time. He was loud, outspoken and rough around the edges. When Peter proclaimed Jesus as Messiah, he was praised...and just a short time later had the major slap to the face as Jesus comapres him to Satan because of his quick-to-pop-off mouth. Jesus was continually working with Peter to understand the thoughts and plans of this world are vastly different than the plans and ways God has for the world.

Peter thought Jesus had come to fight the domination system of their day, the Romans. Jesus would be the King David-style king who would put Israel back on the map. Peter's thinking was like the rest of his people. It was about him, about them; it was about national pride and power. Are we so different today? We want God to bless our lives or our ministies over anothers. Why don't we celebrate more the victories of others; even the victories that look totally different then what we imagine and are accomplished in different ways then we understand...or accept.

We must fight the ever increasing temptation to become individualistic. We must be careful when Jesus speaks to us to not pop off with our own ideas. Could Jesus is saying to us today, "Get behind me Satan?" Maybe we should approach Jesus in a more thoughtful and open-hearted manner. I believe when we do this we leave the arena of individualistic thinking...and move to communal thinking. God is known for doing 180s in our thinking; if we allow him.

Peter had that 180 moment on the day of Pentecost. And it stuck with him for quite a while. Later in his life we read his words to the church in 1 Peter 2:10. "Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." Peter learned that through Christ's death on a cross and his raising from the dead, he was creating a community of like-minded followers. A community of grace, mercy, and love. Peter writes this to the church in his day as a way of saying, "Fight the system!" Once you were not a people, you were lost individuals wondering aimlessly...and now you are a people, a community, that God is purposing to bring about change in this world.

We are still that church, that community, called out of the individualistic mindset into a communal one. A community of God's mercy and grace.

What are you doing today to fight the system?

Has it snuck back into your life and you need to refocus?

What steps can you take to move yourself more in line with God's communal purposes?

Think about it.

I am gorgeous on the inside

Today as I was driving to work something caught my eye. It's funny because I drive the same way to work everyday and pass by the same houses everyday. But today was different. As I drove by I noticed one of the houses had a realitor sign in the yard. And it was the phrase at the top of the sign that caught my attention. The sign read:

"I am gorgeous on the inside."

Curb appeal has value. No one wants to check out the inside without seeing an adequate outside. But how many house boast a beautiful outside only to have a shabby inside.

1 Samuel 16:7 claims that man looks at the outside, but the LORD looks at the heart. Man will praise you if everyhting on the outside looks good...if you have curb appeal. However, what happens when the inside of our lives becomes shabby and unattended.

I want to be the kind of person that boasts a sign that says, "I am gorgeous on the inside." I desire to have Jesus Christ clean me up form the inside out, so that my curb appeal matched the beautiful work God is doing on the inside.

Ask yourself, "Am I only working on the outside, curb appeal part of my life?" What do you need to do today...what do you need to push aside...to allow God to begin making you gorgeous on the inside. Think about it!

Sorry...its been a while...

Some of you may be wondering why in the world I haven't posted in over a month. Well, mainly because I allowed busyness to run my life, but more than that, we have had a major event happen at my church, I was focused on taking a team of young adults on a missions trip, and my wife has been dealing with some health issues.

But that major event at my church was that our senior pastor resigned, and not under good conditions. Because I have gone through some major feeling shifts...anger, sorrow, misplaced trust, abandonment, hatred, and fear...I decided to hold off on blogging so that I didn't write something I may later regret. I am sure that one day when I have dealt with the situation internally and healing is there, I will write about all I have learned.

So I am back and ready to think out loud with you all. And the one big thing I have learned is that God is not surprised by anything. No situation and sneaks up on God like a ninja might sneak up on his enemy. God knew exactly what would happen and He knows exaclty how to deal with the situation. It is all in God's hands. Easy to say but hard to believe at times.

So how has your life been? Any major events, challenges, or changes lately? How can you allow the God who is not surprised by anything bring healings, answers, and closures? Think about it!

Memorial Day Thoughts...

I remember when I took my wife to watch Saving Private Ryan. If you have the seen the movie then you know the power the story tales. If you haven't seen the movie, words cannot put into thought the appropriate feelings one may undergo as the picture unfolds.

But what I can explain is the powerful impact it had on my life when I watched it. I was in my early twenties, the same age as my dad when he was deep in the jungles of Vietnam. I clearly remember at the end of the film weeping. Yes...I was weeping. The kind of crying that comes with heaves of breath, full body shakes, and snotty nose. My wife thought I had lost it.

What hit me that day was the powerful impact war has on life. When I made the connection that my dad had risked it all to protect a freedom and life I wan't even born into and at that moment in time I was reaping the seeds my dad and millions of other had sown; I lost it. I loved my dad for it. Yet on the other hand, I hated war. I hated the loss and chaos it causes. I hated the hard truth that war will always be a part of this life.

I am the only male in my family who did not join the military. Both my dad and younger brother have fought in wars. Both of them have lived. And when I think about that, I am more than grateful. Why?

Because millions today hate war for another reason. Why? Because it has claimed the life of thier dad or mom, aunt or uncle, or brother or sister...all are sons and daughters of someone. They wake up today and remember their sacrafice. Their bravery. Thier call to serve and defend the hurting and helpless. For those who have lost loved ones to war, know this. God comforts the hurting. If there is one thing God should be known for, it's that.

God's own son died in a war. A war not just against flesh and blood. But to fight a war that is physical, Jesus Christ had to come and fight against the Empire of this world. He came and fought with peace. He healed, he saved, and he changed lives. He taught a new and better Kindgom; the Kingdom of God. And for that the Empire killed him. And Jesus became a causality of this world. Until, on what Christain's celebrate as Easter Sunday, Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead. As Tom Wright says, "God said 'No' to Empire and 'Yes' to Jesus." The crux of Christain faith is the resurrection. That plays a key role in understanding life and death.

When we morn for those who have gone. Soldiers, freinds, family. We need to rememeber that those who die...in Chirst...have a resurrection to look forward to. This is not the end, there is more to the story. Death has been swallowed up by resurrection and life has a whole new meaning:

Romans 8:11 "And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you."

1 Corinthians 4:14 "...because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself."

When you think about life in the light of resurrection it will change what you think about death. Today is Memorial Day. But one day it will be Resurrection Day, and everything will be changed...forever. Think about it...

Plants, Parables, and You

Have you ever stopped to think about what you can learn from a plant?

In my office, I have a large plant called a dieffenbachia. Yes, it is as hard to spell as it is to pronounce. My wife believes this plant to be a lady so we call her Adde. Anyway, Adde has taught and reinforced some major truths in my life. I know you think I am crazy for saying I have learned truth from a plant, but so was Jesus if learning truth from nature is crazy. Most of Jesus' parables were agrarian in nature because that was the norm in Palestine.

But like other plants Adde needs sunlight to survive. Because she is more tree-like than bush- like, she has to grow up and out to get enough sunlight. As she grows, the new leaves spring up at the top of her stalk. They slowly grow out and unfold. Since it takes a few days for the leaves to grow and totally unfold and the process can be beautiful. There is something about newness that is attractive, provocative, and fresh.

On the other hand something else is going on in Adde. The lowest leaves on her stalk are now shadowed from the sunlight and begin to die. The slowly turn a darker shades of brown until they fall off completley. To produce the new, the fresh, the beautiful; Adde must shed off the old. If my plant didn't shed off the old then the new and the old would die, in essence, Adde would die completely. She can't support it all and live to her full capacity.

I am sure you are already beginning to relate this to your life...your story. No, I don't mean that you are a plant. However there are many similarities in Adde's life as a plant to our lives as Christ-followers. What I do know is that God is always calling us upward toward His sunlight, His glory. As we grow closer and become increasingly more Christ-like in our thinking, living, and doing; we grow new beauty and a new and fresh way to live out our lives. With that in mind, we also have to shed off those things that build up and make up our past. We need to let them die off, maybe not all at once, but they eventually have to go. As with Adde, we cannot support the new and the old at the same time. Somethings has to give.

Jesus said it like this in Mark's acount of his life, “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the wine would burst the wineskins, and the wine and the skins would both be lost. New wine calls for new wineskins.” In other words, trying to keep both only results in losing both. Choices...Choices...life is full of them.

The new, fresh and beautiful things God has for your life require you to let go. Let go of the old, even if it is not such a bad thing. Maybe it's a good thing. But God has great things for us. So why settle for simply good?

Irenaeus (an early church Father) put it this way, "The glory of God is man fully alive." To be fully alive, we need to learn from my plant Adde. She is continually growing toward the light and shedding off the old that might hinder her growth. Wisdom from a plant.

Think about it...

How's Your Hearing?

My baby girl continues to amaze me as she grows. Every month and every growth stage provides all of these new personality traits and quirks that are my daughter. It is an adventure everyday with her. My wife would agree!

Right now she is starting to recognize and know her surroundings and familiar faces. She knows when our dog, Rowdy, is running around her. As a matter of fact, Rowdy, and not me (which I am not bitter at all about) was the first one to make Katie laugh. I mean laugh out loud, hard to control laugh. He kept licking her toes and she laughed and laughed. Don't worry, I caught it all on video. They are going to be great friends as she grows up.

As Katie is recognizing her evironment, she has also began recognizing me and my wife's voice. When I walk into the room and she is not loooking my way, I can call out her name and begin talking and she will turn to find me...and then she lights up with a smile (I am talking her whole face smiles) when she sees that it is really me. As a father, there really is no greater feeling then that face smiling back at me. My daughter knows my voice and responds positively. We have a spiritual bond.

John, who wrote a Gospel of Jesus Chirst, talks about the Sheppard and the sheep. John and Jesus had a spiritual bond and this is the way John chose to explain that bond thousands of years ago. The Sheppard is willing to lay down his life for his fold. And the sheep hear the Sheppard's voice and they know that voice. They trust that voice. They are willing to follow that voice. Furthermore, they are wise to voices that are not the Sheppard's voice. There is a deep and meaningful relationships between Sheppard and sheep, parent and child, and Jesus and John...and Jesus and us.

Bring that back around: Katie knows my voice. When I speak she knows it is me, and she responds with a smile. I would lay down my life for her. I would do whatever it takes to protect her and make her life great. And believe me, she can feel that connection. Likewise, Jesus Christ goes beyond what I may ever have to do for my daughter. Jesus DID lay down his life. He proved that he has love for us beyond mere talk. Talk is cheap, so Jesus demonstreted his love for us, was crucified, and was ressurected to reconcile creation back to the Creator.

The point? When Jesus speaks do we know his voice? Do we turn to face him and smile? Do we shy away or ignore his voice? Maybe we turn in shame or fear because our perception of him is that he only speaks to correct, put-down, or punish. What a sad, untrue perception.

Jesus is speaking to you today, even now. How are you going to respond? While I am turning around to smile at him, why don't you take time to think about it...but not too long, he is waiting for your smile.

A Father's Prerogative Revisited

I wrote this post for a teaching team I lead at my church, The Assembly, soon after my baby girl was born. Thought it was worth a revist for this blog. Enjoy...

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Surge // An e-Devotional for Teachers & Leaders
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
By David Michael Lermy

A Father’s Prerogative
As of late, I have come to find out I really don’t know as much as I thought or wished I did. On January 2nd at 5:40pm I realized my life would never be the same. The first time I heard my baby girl cry something inside of me resolved to never let that happen again. But why? Isn’t crying natural? Isn’t pain a part of life?

My first reaction was to do all in my power to comfort her…to help her through her pain. That was when I realized I had no clue about God’s true fatherhood until that moment.

As I went to comfort her as the nurses cleaned her up, one of the nurses looked at me and said, “No it’s okay. We want to hear her cry. It’s a good thing. It helps us know how her lungs have developed and it will make her lungs stronger as she is breathing our air for the first time.”

So there I stood with full desire to comfort and protect. To alleviate pain and provide love that only a Father could give. But in that moment it wasn’t the time. In that moment, she needed to cry out. She needed to exercise her lungs. In essence, it was for her own good and well being.

Since that day, there have been times when I have wanted to comfort her when she cries and I have. On occasion we don’t always rush to her side so that she slowly learns to do some self soothing. But again, this is for her good and well being.

says, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

God is a good God. When we experience pain and discomfort…when we cry out to Him and it feels like he doesn’t answer right away, or even the way we wish He would answer…He is answering. All that we deal with God knows about. God is not surprised when things happen to us…for our benefit or for our growth, even in discomfort.

Many times pains and hurts are for our growth. (Not always but sometimes). God is allowing a time where He can step back and allow us to self sooth, to learn to lean on the strength He has placed inside each of His children. To allow the power of the Holy Spirit to raise the level of resolve each of us are divinely endowed with as Pentecostals. I know this more than ever now as I am learning to be a good father.

Sometimes the hardest thing to do is not to do anything, and that is precisely what God may do to help you grow…to become stronger…to dive deeper…to become a great person! Even when He is not working He is working. Now that is something you will ponder for the rest of the week….

For Reflection
1. When was the last time you went through a rough time? What was it like spiritually?
2. How was it between you and God? Did you seek after growth and understanding or simple relief from the situation?
3. What do you think God might have been teaching you though the situation?
4. What Scriptures did you cling to during that time? How did God’s Word become alive for you in that time?
5. How can you take what was learned to help other in your family, work space, college campus, or maybe your church?

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As always...at least think about it...

Does your lawn need mowing?

Yes indeed! Spring is drawing to a close and Summer is rapidly approaching. Maybe as you read this blog you can hear in the background the sound of a lawn mower. Mowing; the suburban ritual that is preformed religiously on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

But can I be honest with you? I hate mowing. I have had to deal with severe allergies my whole life, so when I mow I have to wear a mask. You know, I am the guy kids point at and run from because I am a knock-off Darth Vader wearing a shirt with no sleeves, ratty jeans, and a mask to protect my lungs from the Rebel forces of pollen. ...Sigh...

However, on the flip side, I know that mowing my lawn keeps my yard looking sharp and my neighbors happy. It is a sign or jesture that lets people know that I care about my yard, I care about what my house looks like, not only to me but to others around me that I live in community with...

Yesterday, I was driving home from a great mother's day serive. (This one was speacial because it is my wife's first mother's day.) As I was driving home, I passed by a church that is not to far from my church. I have driven by this church a hundred times, but something this time caught my attention. The grass hadn't been mowed. I am not talking about looking like it needed a little trim...we are talking some tall grass. And I thought to myself, why would a church not mow their grass and make the lawn look sharp. It was mother's day! Moms are the ones who are always demanding the very best out of us. Plus, mother's day is a day when you invite your family to church with you. Many relatives come from out of town to spend the day with friends and loved ones. Why wouldn't you want to make you church yard look its best?

Apply this story to your life. Don't you want to be your best? Don't you want to put your best foot forward? Don't you want to impact the small part of the world you influence? I am sure that the church I passed by wants to do that too. But how many people passed by that church thinking, "If they can't keep the yard looking good, I wonder what else they can't do?" Although this may be oversimplified, it happens everyday. People look at what a Christian looks like on the outside through their words, deeds, and actions before they ever ask about the Jesus who is on the the inside. Don't believe me? Check out David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyon's book, UnChristian, and it will open up your eyes!

My question for you today is, "Does you lawn need mowing?" Think about it...

God Moments

The other night before our evening church service, I was reading a chapter of Francis Chan's, Crazy Love. In the chapter he spoke about moments when we experience God. One of those moments he describes was when someone looks in the face of their four month old baby napping. Maybe that doesn't mean anything to you but that meant tons to me.

You see, two day before I read that sentence my baby girl turned four months old. Not only that, but I was holding her hours before that evening service as she napped. I remember clearly thanking God for such a beautiful baby. Do you understand why that meant tons to me?

God speaks to us in so many ways. The most prominent is the Bible, His love letter to us. But God also speaks to us through people, books, music, and other forms of literature. At this moment God chose this book at that time. I am thankful for the way God seems to get our attention at moments we least likely think He will do so.

What has God been doing to get your attention lately? Has He used a person, place, or particular book to try to get your attention? If He has, make sure to stop and reflect. Take the moment further and search Scripture to dig deeper into what God is trying to tell you. Or at the very least, think about it...

Is your spiritual life segregated?

Last night I had the oppertunity to hear a minister friend, Joel Triska, speak on "Pyro Spirituality." Basically the premise is that we segregate our lives into fragmented pieces similar to the lunch trays we used in elementary school. We have our home life over here and our relationships over here and our church life over here. They are all nice and neat and in their own little space.

Yet, Scripture teaches just the opposite. Our lives are suppose to be integrated into a whole. Everything is spiritual. There is no difference between our home life, our school life, or our church lives. They should all be centered around one man--Jesus Christ.

Leviticus 6:8-16 explains that the priests were "keepers of the flame." You see God started this fire that was suppose to burn day and night. This fire consumed the offerings brought before God by the priest for the peoples sins. After the offerings were consumed by the fire, the priests would take all the ashes away. This was thier life. To find fire wood, keep the flame alive, and then remove all the ashes...day after day after day. Glamorous life, huh? But the idea is that they kept the fire of God alive and present in their lives.

So apply this to your life. Joel said that sometimes it is sheer will to keep the fire going. We have to focus and center our lives around keeping Jesus Christ central. We must allow the Holy Spirit to be a consuming flame that ignites us daily. God begins the work, God starts the fire, but He is asking us to keep it alive. To live for him every moment of everyday.

Seems radical but to the priest that was normal life. Think about it...

Crazy Love by Francis Chan

I am currently reading a brand new book by Francis Chan called Crazy Love. The idea is that God loves us beyond our own comprehending and we need to understand this. The only way to do that is to go back to Scrpture and really read it. To remind us about how incomprehensable God is to our finite minds.

We have to retrain ourselves. We have to realize that maybe we are wrong in some of our thinking and come back to a fresh reading of God's Word, God's love letter to us, will reveal we need to change...

Francis Chan has a video on his website, http://www.crazylovebook.com/. Click on the link, click the videos link on the left, and then click on the "Just Stop and Think" video. It will challenge you, so at least take some time to stop and think about it...

YouVersion

I have been spending the last few hours learning a new and FREE online Bible program...or should I say...community. It really is a revolutionary way to read the Bible. You can add commentary, sermon ideas, video, and links.

YouVersion is a great new innovative way to enjoy Scripture in a whole new way. It also helps those that are driven by the internet to interact with the Bible in a way they feel most comfortable and relevant. This new program is a creative way to connect a living Christ to our internet-driven culture.

I have addded a link oto YouVersion on the right side of my blog. All you have to do is scroll down and click on the YouVersion icon. You can take a tour and check out the the features without signing up. It is at least worth a curious peak...or at the very least think about it...

Letting Your Hair Down

The phrase, "letting your hair down", simply means to lighten up, have fun, you know...live a little. So that is what we did at theMIX tonight.

theMIX is a community of college and twentysomethings that is trying to find God, friends, and purpose in a choatic world. So all of us live life at the speed of blur and then we all show up every Thursday in search of finding our place. Tonight was great. We just hung out with each other. We caught up with the low down on whats going on with each others lives. Most of the time, it is hard to do that with the traditional church service setting.

So here we are playing football, throwing frisbees, ripping sticking, skateboarding, video game playing, and well...it was one crazy night. A crazy night where we all conneted in a relational way. Jesus loved connecting relationally with his disciples. He also enjoyed connecting with those who didn't know his daddy yet. We call them the unchurhed; Scripture calls them sinners. No matter if they were a sinner or a saint, Jesus loved eating with people. We see him going over to houses and spending his time laughing, eating, and playing. I see him bellowing over in laughter at the joke that was just told. I see him saying a deep and heartfelt prayer over the meal. I see him share his heart with people..and people are changed...forever.

When was the last time you let your hair down and allowed Jesus to work through you in a relaxed, maybe dinner party, environement. Who was the one who said that people are only saved, changed, or transformed at church services. So live a little. Spend time with friends, neighbors, and family. Let your relationship and exampe lead them to Jesus. Scripture explains that the world will know us by the love we demonstrate to those around us...no matter the place or time.

Think about it...

A Word from My Friend Will

After reading my friend's Facebook note, I thought that it was only fair to share that as today's post. His passion for God is undeniable.

Pursuing the Persuer
by Will Lee 4-22-2008

"When was the last time you pursued someone? When was the last time you were pursued? I am talking with regards to love. The thrill of pursuit and of being pursued seems to make all time stand still and everything else fade away. It consumes our every action and becomes our purpose. The thought of being wanted to such a degree by someone gives us life. And it is only equally matched when we, in turn, pursue the one that pursues us. This is the story of love and the desire of every heart. That is because it is what we were created for. We were meant to pursue and be pursued from the day this world began. But this pursuit was not intended to be had strictly between humans. In fact, when humans share this experience it is only a shadow of the true design. We were created by the Great Lover to be pursued for eternity. And in turn, He waits for us to pursue Him.

He is chasing you already. He is waiting to unleash the full fury of His love for you. Some of you may already know of His pursuit for you. And you may have accepted His hand many times in love. But when was the last time you pursued Him? He wants to be pursued by you. When is the last time you gave a gift to your Lover? Or sang a song for Him? Or spent time reading His letters to you? Or admired His creation?

These are all things we would do for the person we loved aren't they? We delight in expressing ourselves through song, art, poetry, a simple letter, or by even showing interest in our lover's interests. How much more does God desire that we do these things for Him? He will pursue you regardless of what You may do for Him. That is His nature. But He is waiting for you to make Him smile.

He is waiting for you to pursue Him."

All have to add is, Think about it...

Knowing your place

Tonight I had the oppertunity to meet and hear one of the former pastors, Aaron Cole, of the church where I am on staff. His ability to relate deep spiritual issues to ordinary life situations was phenominal. And as he spoke a truth I often tell other people became even more real to me.

The Assembly at Broken Arrow is a church that has a 90 year history. What that means is that the church was going long before I was born and will probably be going years after I am gone. So I find my identity there is built on two things.

First, my identity is built on those that went before me. Just as Aaron had built upon those that ministered before him, we are building on his ministry. He paved a way for us. Through his hard work, sweat, and tears we have many of the things we have today. His role was paramount. So I benefit today for the battles fought, won, and lost during Aaron's time. Although, I didn't really know him, I was in essence living in a legacy he left. Those who go before us should never be forgotten.

Secondly, my identity is built on those that will go after me. As I minister, I am not in a vacuum. What I do today doesn't just affect me...it affects all those that follow me. So I must plan my ministry around the idea that I am making a path for the next generation of leaders to walk. Although I have no idea who will follow me one day, I am preparing something for them. What I do today creates the context in which they will minister in the future.

So my questions are: What are you doing today to celebrate those that have blazed the trail before you? What are you doing to remember the shoulders upon which you stand? And finally, what are you doing today to provide a great future for the one who will follow you?

Think about it...

Watching Seinfeld...

Almost every night I find myself rocking my baby to sleep as I watch reruns of Seinfeld, the show about nothing. Sometimes I still find myself laughing out loud at Kramer's stupidity, George's laziness, and Jerry's shallow, sarcastic observations about life. Of course this makes it hard for my baby to fall asleep, so maybe Seinfeld and rocking are a bad combination...

But why is Seinfeld such a popular and frequently quoted show, years after FOX aired its last episode? I personally think it is because it was and continues to be a reflection of contemporary life. I mean life often feels like a series of random and unconnected events. The only thing that connects these events are the relationships and stories that surround them.

We can identify with the characters as they relate to each other, both in normalcy and disfunction. We can relate to the randomness, even craziness, of modern Western living. And at the end of the day we can laugh, cry, and live life because we understand living a little better because of a show about nothing.

In the end, I think that Seinfeld was not just a show about nothing, but a show about life. Life is random, life is hectic, life is ironic, life is unpredictable, and life is full of surprises. But through it all our stories and friendships are vital to our understanding and even making sense of the world around us. Think about it...

Tim Steven's Blog and Book

Each week I try to talk about a great blog I come across or read regularly. Tim Steven's is a pastor at Granger Community Church. His blog Leading Smart is one I read almost daily.


On top of that, he has just published a book, Pop Goes the Church: Should the Church Engage Culture? I am almost done wth the entire book and I have to say that I have enjoyed it. Not only does Tim give great background and examples of how his and other churches are effectively engaging culture, he also spends time explaining the theological and biblical ideas that drive him to do and believe what he does.


Kudos to Tim and Granger Community Church for loving God enough to take some risks and reach people who have never been reached before.

So my though for the day is not only to urge you to check out Tim Stevens blog and book, but to ask yourself, "When was the last time you effectively engaged culture for God's glory?" Think about it...

Great Monday!

Mondays are awesome after great Sundays at church. We are currently in a series called Coach: Inspiration from the top. Check out our trailer above.

To add some crazy energy to the normal flow of a service, me and two other pastors competed in a Slam Dunk Contest with each other. Let's just say, God did not create me to play sports. I mean, I choose Baylor to go all the way in the college championship. Hhhhmmmm...

So here we are in front of thousands of screaming fans...well maybe more like about 6 or 700 hundred people in each of our Sunday morning services. As pumped as I was, I choked. I end up in the first servcie almost hitting the pole of the goal head on, and in the second service, I try to do this massive long air Jordan dunk. Not only as it ungraceful, I came down sideways on my ankle. I spent the rest of the aternoon taking meds and icing my injury. My wife looks at me and says, "Just one more reason you don't need to play sports."

She is so right. God has gifted me with a mind that is always seeking knowledge and a passion to study culture. I was not created to excel at sports. That is why I try to excel at what God HAS gifted me to do. Where are you spending your energies? Are you spending time focusing on what you are not gifted at or are you spending time focusing on enhancing the gifts that come natural. Think about it...

God is in theMIX

Something amazing happened last night. This guy named David decided to remake the leap of faith and follow Jesus Christ for real. Last night, he began his faith journey anew. His friend that brought him was estatic about what God was up to in his friend's life.

Another crazy thing happened. I asked all the students at theMIX last night to text a friend of theirs that didn't know Jesus Christ. I asked them to simply ask, "Who do you say Jesus is?" The asnwers were revealing. Some said he was a prophet. Others said he was a historical figure or teacher. And yet others said he was an example of personhood that all mankind should look up to. All of those are good answers, but one answer dominated them all. One of them read that Jesus was "her Father, Friend, Savior, Healer...should I keep going?"

I loved that answer. Jesus was a great historical figure. Jesus was a prophet. But today Jesus is the Lord that reigns over all the earth. He is the healer of broken hearts and lives. He opens up our eyes that could not see and he empowers us with strenght that we just don't have. He is more that we can ever imagine...should I go on! So here are a few questions to ponder for the weekend:

1. Who do you say that Jesus is? 2. Where are you at in your spiritual journey? 3. What gynormous thing do you need Jesus to accomplish in your life?

Think about it...

Deadly Vipers Blog

If you are like me...meaning you lead college age or twentysomething young adults...then I highly recommend Mike Foster and Jud Wilhite's Deadly Viper Blog. These guys use humor, a dash of sarcasm, and tons of stories that relate to the ups and downs, the victories and defeats that next generation leaders face daily.

Their challenge to stay strong, run the rat race with intergrity, and call to our generation to be innovative has inspired me time and time again.

Check out their blog...I think it speaks for itself. http://www.deadlyviper.org/blog/

One of the things they repeat over and over is Accountability. When was the last time you were accountable to someone...and I mean tell-them-all-the-junk-that-drags-you-down accountable. Think about it...

Perceptions, Part 3

A friend of mine sent this quote from comedian Mitch Hedberg:

"I like an escalator because an escalator can never break, it can only become stairs. There would never be an escalator temporarily out of order sign, only an escalator temporarily stairs. Sorry for the convenience."

Although when I read the quote for the first time, I almost fell out of my chair lauging, I realized a major truth in his sarcastic humor. Even thought the escalator may not be running, the fact that it is still a usable set stairs is true.

It makes me wonder about many of the set backs we face on a daily basis. When something goes wrong, when we don't get our way, when our world seems to be falling apart...totally out of control...we usually quit! But why? There are alwasy two sides to our human nature. Only one of them is prone to quit. The other is prone to do what it takes to survive...to thrive...to achieve!

So don't quit so easy next time adversity stairs you in the face. Instead, look at the escalator that doesn't work and see a set of stairs. View your trial as something that can be turned around for your own benefit, or maybe the benefit of those around you; for those you work with, live with, or even lead. Think about it...

My Ladies...

Tonight I have been spending time with my wife and baby girl. We have been making some good memories having tummy time, eating, rocking, talking about colors and names and objects.

The web site my wife and I access to get info on baby development explains that she is at the time in her development when she starts recognizing her familiar faces, network of people, and particular voices. The site explains that we should talk to her about what is going on around her, describe colors and objects, and read to her as often as we can. This may sound silly to do for a 3 month old, but this early training helps her develop faster and fuller.

I want my baby to have every benefit and give her every advantage I can for her to fully develop. Just as I am a loving father to her, God is a loving fatherto us. He wants us to have every benefit and every advantage to develop in life and purpose. When was the last time you thought of God like that. Has it been way to long? Think about it...

Needing Clarity?

Today was a great day at our church. We started a new series called COACH: Inspiration from the Top. During each service, I prayed for people of all ages as they asked God for clarity and direction in a world that is complex, confusing, and saturated by compeating media-driven messages.

I also had oppertunity to pray for many of the college and twentysomethings I am called by God to lead. How awesome a responsibility it is to play a role in the development of the next generation of leaders. Andy Stanley wrote a book called The Next Generation Leader. He explains that one of the five big things a next generation leader needs is clarity.

As I prayed with my friends, I found them seeking clarity from God. Clarity of purpose. Clarity for their careers. Clarity for family, friends, etc. Ephesians 2:10 explains that we are God's masterpiece, created anew in Jesus for good works before hand that we might walk in them.

God has already created a great future for those who seek Him with all their heart. All you need to do is walk in that future. Walking is something all of us can do. God has simplified the process. We may be to blame for complicating the process....

Maybe we should spend more time focusing on the first part of Ephesians 2:10. Maybe instead of the majorty of our time being spent focused only on finding our prupose can be rearranged to focus on being the masterpiece God has made us to be.

Maybe, just maybe, we will realize that who we are in Jesus Christ is more important than what we do...think about it!

You just never know...

Sorry I missed the blog yesterday. I had the honor of running Aaron Shust, Brandon Heath, and Meredith Andrews around T-Town. They held a concert at The Assembly at Broken Arrow. It was a great night. But this leads me into the statment that you never know why something happens the way it does until all the pieces fall into place in the end. Here is what I mean...

Meredith is new to the touring scene and I found out that we had something in common. She is the worship leader for James McDonald, pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel in Rolling Meadows, IL. While living outside of Shy Town and doing innercity-style youth ministry about four years ago, I heard James McDonald on Moody Radio. He has a program called Walk in the Word. Since then I have listened to the broadcast or podcast on a weekly basis. Even more than that, years ago I began pattering my preaching and teaching style around the ways and manners I have heard Pastor James speak. Meredith told me how cool it was to work with him and the church...I just thought it was cool to meet someone on staff of a church that has influenced me and doesn't even know it. Pastor James, keep on doing your thing and Meredith, thanks for making conversation with me...my God continue to increase your territory!

Although it makes for a long day running people around where they need to go, it was worth it in the end. I made a new friend, God reminded me of my call to be a servant, and I met a staffer of Harvest Bible Fellowship. What a rockin' cool day it was. Oh, and Meredith. If you happen to read this blog, thanks for signing the CD for my niece's birthday. You are going to make her day special!

So, who has God put in your path lately? Maybe it is not someone as famous as Aaron Shust or Meredith Andrews, but God put them in your path for a purpose. Don't miss that purpose for anything. You never know what God is doing until all the pieces fall together in the end. Think about it...

Perceptions, Part 2

Wow...today got away from me. I only have about 3o minutes to write this post before the clock strikes midnight. Anyway, I just came from a college/twentysomethings style church service. The talk was on SIN and how it can "FLiP!" your life out of control. It was amazing watching God take what was once broken and making it whole again.

You see distorted perception is the way most people live their lives. The idea can relate to juggling balls. First, I form one habit or destructive life behavior. Not so bad. This is easy to handle. No one has to know. Then I develop another one...because they usually come in pairs and packs. Then another. And another. Most people can barely juggle three balls...but four, five, six...things get out of control. That's when it all comes crashing down on us.

We see it everyday in the life of pop culture icons. Brittney Spears. Paris Hilton. Tim Allen. And the list could go on and on. In rehab one day and out the next only to be back the next week. But why? Sin, destructve lifestyle behaviors, spin our lives out of control.

So what do we do when it comes crashing down. We either wear a mask and fool those around us, or we turn to someone for help. Who will you turn to when you need healing for your broken heart? Who will you call on when you need to be freed from an addictive habit? Who can come and fix you broken life?

If you ask me, I will tell you Jesus Christ! His whole purpose in life was to come and fix the broken, feed the hungry, cloth the naked, give sight to the blind, heal the sick, and declare that there is a God in heaven who desires to be celebrated by those He has created. (When you see someone who is a Christian that isn't living out these same purposes and principles, gently remind them of the example we are called to follow.)

My challenge: Don't hide behind a false perception. Don't live a lie so other will think you have it all together. If perception is as real as truth to people in our current culture, make sure the perception they have of you IS the truth. Be free from the mask you wear and be who you are...who God has called and purposed you to be. Think about it...

Perception, Part I

Anais Nin, avant-garde novelist, explained once, "It is the function of art to renew our perception. What we are familiar with we cease to see. The writer shakes up the familiar scene, and, as if by magic, we see a new meaning in it."


I remember reading that for the first time. The power of perception is undeniable. Perception anymore is truth...more so than reality itself. Yet, Nin is correct in that we cease to see the familiar. We drive down the same roads. We eat at the same restuarants. We watch the same shows. And sooner than later they all become old hat. We either live in the old or begin searching for something new, which in the end only resembles the old that we thought we left behind.


But what if the old, the ordinary, has more to offer and we simply do not see it. When looking out of a Chicago hotel window, D.L. Moody asked his minister companions what they saw. Most of them said cars, buildings, people scurring around obsorbed in their own busy lives. Moody said when he looks out that window he see losts souls in need of a Savior. Perception makes all the difference, seeing new and powerful meanings in the ordinary.


Paul explains in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that those who are in Jesus are made into something altogether new. However, when I came to a crisis moment in my life and was confronted with the scandelous message of Jesus, I made the descision to give my life to Him, follow Him, live for Him, nevertheless I found that I was still the same David. I had no actual physical change, nothing that could be seen with the eyes. So what was this new transformation that Paul was speaking of?


I believe it has to do with perception. Jesus Christ comes to make the ordinary extraordinary. When we are in Christ, our eyes are opened to the world for the first time. Like Morpheous's answer to Neo's question, "Why do my eyes hurt," after he is dramatically rescued from the virutal world he was trapped in; "Beacuse you have never used them before." Jesus changed my perception. He opened my eyes to Truth. For the first time in my life, I was truly "seeing."


For those who are yet to be in Jesus Chirst (Romans 10:9), I challenge you to seriously think about the transfomational power He alone holds.

Want to see for the first time? Want a new perception of what is real? Think about it...

On Life in General...

Today I attended the funeral of a man who was one of the backbones of the church I currently work for. My wife and I visit him and his wife on Fridays. Well, that was until last Friday. Instead of bringing my wife, me and another pastor made a visit that no one wants to make. They called us to let us know that Elmer was dying. Elmer was just a few months away from being 90. Just a few hours after we visited with Elmer he left this world for the next.

At the funeral, you knew without a doubt that Elmer was a family man. He enjoyed life. He loved his wife, Mary, of 62 years. He loved his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. He was an inspiration to many.

As I looked into Mary's eyes, I could tell that I would never understand her pain. The pain of not remembering what it was like to live alone. For 62 years of her life, all she knew was her and Elmer. All I could say was that I would still come by with my wife and our baby on Fridays. Maybe that would help...who knows?

With all that going on, another thought popped into my mind. The same aged crowd that came to wish their friend farewell and console the widow he left behind was going to be back at the church only hours later to celebrate a senior adult pot luck dinner. The theme is Circus Circus. I found myslef saying, "How odd. In the morning we grieve together in loss and in the evening we celebrate together life."

And that is life in general. We have ups and downs, many times they fall right on the heels of each other. Still I find myself proclaiming that this is a great life. I only have one. Elmer made sure his life counted. I think to best remember him, I will too!

Paul said it best in Philippians 2:17. Rejoice. Make your life count. If you don't live for something, then you will die for nothing. Think about it...