Tis' the season for top 10 lists and "best of" lists. I always enjoy finding out what books other Pastors have enjoyed the previous year. In many ways 2012 was a blur for me. This seemed to affect my reading volume as well. I read far less than I had in previous years. However, there were a few of the books that I read that I greatly enjoyed. Having said that here are a few recommendations (in no particular order):
Tim Keller - King's Cross and Counterfeit Gods. I discovered Tim Keller not to long ago. He is a fantastic writer and I find myself reading anything of his that I can get my hands on. By the way, in an amazing story I got King's Cross free from a bookstore. It was an advance copy and had no bar code but was on the shelf. I asked about it and they said, "just take it if you want it." God is good!
Tullian Tchividjian - Jesus + Nothing = Everything and Surprised By Grace. My personal favorite was "Surprised."
Paul E. Miller - A Praying Life. One of the best books on prayer I have ever read. Very thought provoking and I have recommended it to several people.
Randy Alcorn - We Shall See God. This is a collection of excerpts of Spurgeon's sermons on heaven paired with comments from Alcorn. Great imagery on heaven and was a useful book as well. My family experienced a lot of sickness and loss over the summer. This book was an encouragement during many of those times.
JD Greear - Gospel. I enjoyed this book as well. I am excited about the renewed focus on getting the Gospel message straight. My favorite section was the Gospel Prayer. It is a wonderful reminder of who God is and how the Gospel should affect our daily lives.
If you choose to read any of these books, I pray they will bless you as they did me. Merry Christmas and happy reading!!
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Wreck-It-Ralph and Redemption
You put on the new man, the one created according to God's likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth. Ephesians 4:24
My family went to see the new Disney movie Wreck-It-Ralph recently. It was another well made and entertaining film. We all enjoyed it. The story is about Ralph who is the villian in a video game called Fix-It-Felix. (the game is the consumate 80's arcade game complete with sounds and motion, my kids couldn't believe I played games like that) Ralph spends his days causing mayhem and breaking things. At the end of the day he lives a life of isolation in a pile of trash. He watches each night as the other characters get together and have fun. Ralph simply wants to be appreciated. He wants to be valued. In the midst of trying to change others perception of him he hatches a plan to win a medal. In his eyes, winning a medal is what it will take to make life complete. One of my favorite parts of the film is a scene called "Bad-anon." The scene consists of various video game villians (including Ralph) getting together to support each other. They have a mantra that they recite each meeting that goes like this, "I am bad and that is good. I will never be good and that's not bad." Each of them simply admits that their lives are hopeless and that they are comfortable with that.
Now I realize this is a movie, but I couldn't help but think that many people may feel like Ralph. They are searching for significance in life. They may feel as if their lives are being wasted sitting on trash heap watching the world go by. Change seems impossible therefore just get used to the status quo. The Bible tells us otherwise. We read that winning a medal won't change us, meeting a Savior will. Thankfully, we have the Gospel.
We were originally broken by sin. Every one of us were "born bad." There is no escaping this reality (Romans 3:23). Our lives were destined for a smoldering trash heap created for the devil and his angels. We were doomed with no hope of ever being a "winner." Enter Jesus Christ, the Son of God who won the battle for us on the cross. He provides the way for us to no longer be "bad" but to be counted "good" in the eyes of God. Because Jesus won we can be winners.
If you are a believer in Christ be thankful that you have been transformed by the power of the cross. If that is not a reality in your life then know that change is possible. This type of change is not brought about through self-effort or setting out on a quest to win a medal. Instead it is accomplished through a humble, broken, bloodied Savior who was nailed to a Roman cross. John Piper said it best, "We weren't meant to be somebody, we were meant to know Somebody." So for Ralph and anyone like him - there is a way to be "good."
My family went to see the new Disney movie Wreck-It-Ralph recently. It was another well made and entertaining film. We all enjoyed it. The story is about Ralph who is the villian in a video game called Fix-It-Felix. (the game is the consumate 80's arcade game complete with sounds and motion, my kids couldn't believe I played games like that) Ralph spends his days causing mayhem and breaking things. At the end of the day he lives a life of isolation in a pile of trash. He watches each night as the other characters get together and have fun. Ralph simply wants to be appreciated. He wants to be valued. In the midst of trying to change others perception of him he hatches a plan to win a medal. In his eyes, winning a medal is what it will take to make life complete. One of my favorite parts of the film is a scene called "Bad-anon." The scene consists of various video game villians (including Ralph) getting together to support each other. They have a mantra that they recite each meeting that goes like this, "I am bad and that is good. I will never be good and that's not bad." Each of them simply admits that their lives are hopeless and that they are comfortable with that.
Now I realize this is a movie, but I couldn't help but think that many people may feel like Ralph. They are searching for significance in life. They may feel as if their lives are being wasted sitting on trash heap watching the world go by. Change seems impossible therefore just get used to the status quo. The Bible tells us otherwise. We read that winning a medal won't change us, meeting a Savior will. Thankfully, we have the Gospel.
We were originally broken by sin. Every one of us were "born bad." There is no escaping this reality (Romans 3:23). Our lives were destined for a smoldering trash heap created for the devil and his angels. We were doomed with no hope of ever being a "winner." Enter Jesus Christ, the Son of God who won the battle for us on the cross. He provides the way for us to no longer be "bad" but to be counted "good" in the eyes of God. Because Jesus won we can be winners.
If you are a believer in Christ be thankful that you have been transformed by the power of the cross. If that is not a reality in your life then know that change is possible. This type of change is not brought about through self-effort or setting out on a quest to win a medal. Instead it is accomplished through a humble, broken, bloodied Savior who was nailed to a Roman cross. John Piper said it best, "We weren't meant to be somebody, we were meant to know Somebody." So for Ralph and anyone like him - there is a way to be "good."
Monday, November 12, 2012
Charles Tillman and Manhood
I was listening to the radio last week when a story caught my attention. Charles Tillman, the All-Pro defensive star for the Chicago Bears had publicly stated that if his wife were to go in to labor that he would miss the Bears game against the Houston Texans. The comment sparked a reaction from Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Florio responded by saying that Tillman should not miss the game and that NFL players should be totally committed to their teams during the season. He even went on to suggest that players should resort to different methods of "family planning" to prevent missed games. In other words, the season should be the top priority.
I want to begin by saying that I applaud Tillman. It is rare to find a professional athlete who is that committed to his family. He even tweeted last week, "God, family then football." Tillman seems to have his priorities in order which is once again, a breath of fresh air. As a person who enjoys sports and has children who do as well, it is nice to able to point to Charles Tillman as an example of how to live. We need more role models of his caliber.
As for Mike Florio, he is an example of the culture at large. In his mind, the game should matter more than anything else. Sadly, there are a lot of men who are not professional athletes or sports writers that feel the same. Their careers matter more than anything else and they would never inconvenience themselves for their children. These type of attitudes have led to the crisis of manhood that our country now faces. Far too many young men are sitting in prison cells or wasting their lives because dad's career mattered more than they did. The numbers increase every year and as long as thinking like Florio's rules the day, the results will be the same.
So I am thankful for Charles Tillman and his stance. I pray that more men will set an example like his. Ephesians 6:4 says, "And fathers, don't stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." God's pattern is for the father to lead in the teaching and training of his children. Our sons and daughters need to have fathers who invest in them so that they can do the same for future generations. God. Family. Football. Now it may not be football on your list, it could be any career - you get the idea. God knows best. After all, He designed the family and He is our Father. Guys, lets stand up and be men. Lets follow the example that our Father has left us.
I want to begin by saying that I applaud Tillman. It is rare to find a professional athlete who is that committed to his family. He even tweeted last week, "God, family then football." Tillman seems to have his priorities in order which is once again, a breath of fresh air. As a person who enjoys sports and has children who do as well, it is nice to able to point to Charles Tillman as an example of how to live. We need more role models of his caliber.
As for Mike Florio, he is an example of the culture at large. In his mind, the game should matter more than anything else. Sadly, there are a lot of men who are not professional athletes or sports writers that feel the same. Their careers matter more than anything else and they would never inconvenience themselves for their children. These type of attitudes have led to the crisis of manhood that our country now faces. Far too many young men are sitting in prison cells or wasting their lives because dad's career mattered more than they did. The numbers increase every year and as long as thinking like Florio's rules the day, the results will be the same.
So I am thankful for Charles Tillman and his stance. I pray that more men will set an example like his. Ephesians 6:4 says, "And fathers, don't stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." God's pattern is for the father to lead in the teaching and training of his children. Our sons and daughters need to have fathers who invest in them so that they can do the same for future generations. God. Family. Football. Now it may not be football on your list, it could be any career - you get the idea. God knows best. After all, He designed the family and He is our Father. Guys, lets stand up and be men. Lets follow the example that our Father has left us.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Seasons of Life
"There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven:"
Ecclesiastes 3:1
This summer was different than those in years past. For starters, my family experienced more loss than any summer in my memory. It seemed for several weeks straight I was dealing with the sickness of or loss of another uncle. I preached two funerals of men that I have many childhood memories of. Most of those memories involved a front porch, lots of laughter and more food than you could imagine. As I prepared to share for each service there were a few things that kept coming to my mind.
The first was the reality of Ecclesiastes 3:1. The King James Version uses the word "season" in that verse and as I began to look at my own life, the reality of my seasons stood out. The memories I had shared in the services revolved around me as a child - a time of innocence and simplicity. A time without a care in the world - just looking forward to the next time we would all be together. Flash forward to now, and I am in the position of trying to comfort and minister to my own family. I am the one who is telling the funny stories and chasing the kids. Things have changed. When I was small and hitting apples with sticks I sure didn't envision what this season would hold.
A second thought in my mind was the truth of James 4:14. Our lives truly are a vapor or mist. It doesn't matter how long someone lives, it never seems like enough time. Life is short. God knows the number of our days. The question is how are we going to use those days? If we lived in light of this Scripture how differently would our lives look? Would that spilled milk really be that big of a deal? Would those hurt feelings that you have carried for years over something silly matter that much?
The final thought that was most prominent in my mind during this time was the infinite goodness of our God. He gives us so many wonderful gifts in our lives. Whether we realize it or not, many times those gifts consist of people and moments in time. I am fortunate to have many of those in my life. You see, when the Bible tells us about heaven and what it will be like, many of the images used involve meals and family. As a matter of fact, the Bible ends with a meal around the Father's table. God gives us these gifts as a preview. A preview of the even greater reality of what it will be like to be with Him. It is almost as if we get a little taste here with the main course to come later. I have no trouble imagining heaven. I feel certain that there will be food. And yes, I believe there will be no shortage of laughter. Always remember that every good and every perfect gift comes from Him. (Jas. 1:17)
Ecclesiastes 3:1
This summer was different than those in years past. For starters, my family experienced more loss than any summer in my memory. It seemed for several weeks straight I was dealing with the sickness of or loss of another uncle. I preached two funerals of men that I have many childhood memories of. Most of those memories involved a front porch, lots of laughter and more food than you could imagine. As I prepared to share for each service there were a few things that kept coming to my mind.
The first was the reality of Ecclesiastes 3:1. The King James Version uses the word "season" in that verse and as I began to look at my own life, the reality of my seasons stood out. The memories I had shared in the services revolved around me as a child - a time of innocence and simplicity. A time without a care in the world - just looking forward to the next time we would all be together. Flash forward to now, and I am in the position of trying to comfort and minister to my own family. I am the one who is telling the funny stories and chasing the kids. Things have changed. When I was small and hitting apples with sticks I sure didn't envision what this season would hold.
A second thought in my mind was the truth of James 4:14. Our lives truly are a vapor or mist. It doesn't matter how long someone lives, it never seems like enough time. Life is short. God knows the number of our days. The question is how are we going to use those days? If we lived in light of this Scripture how differently would our lives look? Would that spilled milk really be that big of a deal? Would those hurt feelings that you have carried for years over something silly matter that much?
The final thought that was most prominent in my mind during this time was the infinite goodness of our God. He gives us so many wonderful gifts in our lives. Whether we realize it or not, many times those gifts consist of people and moments in time. I am fortunate to have many of those in my life. You see, when the Bible tells us about heaven and what it will be like, many of the images used involve meals and family. As a matter of fact, the Bible ends with a meal around the Father's table. God gives us these gifts as a preview. A preview of the even greater reality of what it will be like to be with Him. It is almost as if we get a little taste here with the main course to come later. I have no trouble imagining heaven. I feel certain that there will be food. And yes, I believe there will be no shortage of laughter. Always remember that every good and every perfect gift comes from Him. (Jas. 1:17)
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Backyard Football and Prayer
"Now to Him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think - according to the power that works in you. To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21
I spent a lot of time as a kid in our yard playing football alone. We didn't have any neighborhood kids to play with and my brother was six and a half years younger than me. I would pretend to play quarterback and throw the ball to imaginary receivers. I copied the plays that I watched on Sundays (and sadly, complete with commentary). I would sometimes be Dan Marino and sometimes John Elway. While I enjoyed it (because I loved the game), there were a lot of days that I wanted so badly just to have someone to throw the ball to. Someone who would run a route and I could fire the ball to. My dad worked a lot, he had to in order to provide for us, so when he came in from work he wasn't really in the mood to toss the pigskin. Quite often I would look to the sky and just ask God for someone to play with. As I got older, I got away from that routine and settled to just watch the game on television (lets face it, you kind of outgrow the whole pretending thing, or at least some folks do...). However, I never forgot those fall and winter days in the yard or those moments that I looked up at the blue sky and hoped.
Now flash forward to this past weekend. Much has changed since those days. I have a family of my own now. God has blessed me with a wife who is my best friend and partner in ministry. I have three wonderful kids that I pray God will use to change the world for Him. We had made a visit to my dad's house for Father's Day. It was a fairly typical visit, a lot of laughs and of course food (always have to have that!). We were sitting on the front porch talking when my kids asked to play a game of football. Then they coaxed my dad to come out and play (amazing at the power grandkids have huh?). We started playing and I went back to pass and my dad started running at me. He was actually trying to sack me. I ran around and then tried to throw the ball to my youngest son. In that moment, I was a kid again. Only this time, I actually had players on the field with me. God had answered my prayer. 31 years later and in a way that I would never expect - He answered.
What a joy it is to know that we have a God who listens to and answers prayer. The Bible tells us so much about prayer, but it seems that to many Christians it remains a mysterious discipline. We read again and again in the Scriptures how people cried out and God answered. We are told to "watch and pray" and to "pray without ceasing" and "continue in prayer." How amazing is it that God wants to hear from us? That He wants to hear the cries of our hearts? I have said a lot of prayers in my lifetime. Some have been answered in the way I asked and some have been answered in ways that I didn't ask for. One thing is for certain: God is faithful. Last weekend I learned this lesson once again. He answered the prayer of a little kid in an unbelievable way. Have you spoken to your Father in heaven today? He is always listening.
Ephesians 3:20-21
I spent a lot of time as a kid in our yard playing football alone. We didn't have any neighborhood kids to play with and my brother was six and a half years younger than me. I would pretend to play quarterback and throw the ball to imaginary receivers. I copied the plays that I watched on Sundays (and sadly, complete with commentary). I would sometimes be Dan Marino and sometimes John Elway. While I enjoyed it (because I loved the game), there were a lot of days that I wanted so badly just to have someone to throw the ball to. Someone who would run a route and I could fire the ball to. My dad worked a lot, he had to in order to provide for us, so when he came in from work he wasn't really in the mood to toss the pigskin. Quite often I would look to the sky and just ask God for someone to play with. As I got older, I got away from that routine and settled to just watch the game on television (lets face it, you kind of outgrow the whole pretending thing, or at least some folks do...). However, I never forgot those fall and winter days in the yard or those moments that I looked up at the blue sky and hoped.
Now flash forward to this past weekend. Much has changed since those days. I have a family of my own now. God has blessed me with a wife who is my best friend and partner in ministry. I have three wonderful kids that I pray God will use to change the world for Him. We had made a visit to my dad's house for Father's Day. It was a fairly typical visit, a lot of laughs and of course food (always have to have that!). We were sitting on the front porch talking when my kids asked to play a game of football. Then they coaxed my dad to come out and play (amazing at the power grandkids have huh?). We started playing and I went back to pass and my dad started running at me. He was actually trying to sack me. I ran around and then tried to throw the ball to my youngest son. In that moment, I was a kid again. Only this time, I actually had players on the field with me. God had answered my prayer. 31 years later and in a way that I would never expect - He answered.
What a joy it is to know that we have a God who listens to and answers prayer. The Bible tells us so much about prayer, but it seems that to many Christians it remains a mysterious discipline. We read again and again in the Scriptures how people cried out and God answered. We are told to "watch and pray" and to "pray without ceasing" and "continue in prayer." How amazing is it that God wants to hear from us? That He wants to hear the cries of our hearts? I have said a lot of prayers in my lifetime. Some have been answered in the way I asked and some have been answered in ways that I didn't ask for. One thing is for certain: God is faithful. Last weekend I learned this lesson once again. He answered the prayer of a little kid in an unbelievable way. Have you spoken to your Father in heaven today? He is always listening.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Heart Surgery: Discouragement and the Gospel
"But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me." Micah 7:7
I eased into the room not sure of what to expect. My granddad had just had heart surgery a few days before. I had been there for the surgery and witnessed God's amazing grace. At 87 he came through triple by-pass with flying colors. When we went back to see him he looked as if he were only taking an afternoon nap. That was then, this was a week later. I knew that many times discouragement sets in and those who have had heart surgery experience a personality change. I walked in and was amazed. He was tired but glad to see me. The scar from the surgery was shining just above the top of his shirt. We had been talking for about 5 minutes when he grabbed my hand and said, "God brought me through. He brought me through the war, my first heart attack and now this heart attack. He has something else for me to do." Instead of discouragement, he shared hope. He shared who he was looking to in the middle of a tough time. He wasn't focused on the pain of the surgery. The situation was not a pleasant one, but his perspective made all the difference.
After I left that afternoon I reflected on what he had said. It reminded me of a Scripture passage I had shared the previous Wednesday night at church. I have been teaching a series on the Minor Prophets. For the past 11 weeks we have been studying the book of Micah. (yes, 11 weeks in that short book I typically move slow) The prophet pours out his heart in the first six verses of chapter 7. Everywhere he looks he sees nothing but troubling things. He says things like, "the godly have perished from the land" and "there is no upright person among men." (2) He even says that the "best of them is like a briar." (4) Then in verse seven of that chapter he makes the statement, "But as for me..." Micah makes a choice. He makes a choice to not dwell on the bad things. He could easily be trapped in discouragement, but instead he fixes his gaze somewhere else.
He chooses to look to God. If you want something that will change your perspective very quickly, spend a little time looking at the Sovereign Creator of the universe. And if you notice he says, "I will watch expectantly." He knows that God is faithful and will move in His time. So instead of dwelling on how bad things are, he looks hopefully to His God. Micah also says he will "wait" for God. This is one of the hardest things for us to do. Our culture is so accustomed to instant everything, waiting is hard to even imagine. We are also looking for the quick fix. Waiting means trusting God. It means knowing He is going to work according to His plan - not ours.
The final statement he makes is that God will hear him. How often do we pray as if God isn't really listening? As if maybe our prayers aren't getting through? In church we say the right things when it comes to prayer, but quite often our actions don't follow suit. Micah knows that God will hear him. We have that same assurance. Why else would we be told to pray without ceasing (I Thess. 5:17) and continue in prayer (Col. 4:2)?
We don't have to dwell in discouragement. We have a choice to make. We can choose to look at our circumstances and the situation we find ourselves in or we can look to God. God has something for you to do. Are you going to watch expectantly for what it might be?
I eased into the room not sure of what to expect. My granddad had just had heart surgery a few days before. I had been there for the surgery and witnessed God's amazing grace. At 87 he came through triple by-pass with flying colors. When we went back to see him he looked as if he were only taking an afternoon nap. That was then, this was a week later. I knew that many times discouragement sets in and those who have had heart surgery experience a personality change. I walked in and was amazed. He was tired but glad to see me. The scar from the surgery was shining just above the top of his shirt. We had been talking for about 5 minutes when he grabbed my hand and said, "God brought me through. He brought me through the war, my first heart attack and now this heart attack. He has something else for me to do." Instead of discouragement, he shared hope. He shared who he was looking to in the middle of a tough time. He wasn't focused on the pain of the surgery. The situation was not a pleasant one, but his perspective made all the difference.
After I left that afternoon I reflected on what he had said. It reminded me of a Scripture passage I had shared the previous Wednesday night at church. I have been teaching a series on the Minor Prophets. For the past 11 weeks we have been studying the book of Micah. (yes, 11 weeks in that short book I typically move slow) The prophet pours out his heart in the first six verses of chapter 7. Everywhere he looks he sees nothing but troubling things. He says things like, "the godly have perished from the land" and "there is no upright person among men." (2) He even says that the "best of them is like a briar." (4) Then in verse seven of that chapter he makes the statement, "But as for me..." Micah makes a choice. He makes a choice to not dwell on the bad things. He could easily be trapped in discouragement, but instead he fixes his gaze somewhere else.
He chooses to look to God. If you want something that will change your perspective very quickly, spend a little time looking at the Sovereign Creator of the universe. And if you notice he says, "I will watch expectantly." He knows that God is faithful and will move in His time. So instead of dwelling on how bad things are, he looks hopefully to His God. Micah also says he will "wait" for God. This is one of the hardest things for us to do. Our culture is so accustomed to instant everything, waiting is hard to even imagine. We are also looking for the quick fix. Waiting means trusting God. It means knowing He is going to work according to His plan - not ours.
The final statement he makes is that God will hear him. How often do we pray as if God isn't really listening? As if maybe our prayers aren't getting through? In church we say the right things when it comes to prayer, but quite often our actions don't follow suit. Micah knows that God will hear him. We have that same assurance. Why else would we be told to pray without ceasing (I Thess. 5:17) and continue in prayer (Col. 4:2)?
We don't have to dwell in discouragement. We have a choice to make. We can choose to look at our circumstances and the situation we find ourselves in or we can look to God. God has something for you to do. Are you going to watch expectantly for what it might be?
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Loud and Clear: The Power of God's Voice
"The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth and strips the woodlands bare. In His temple all cry Glory!" Psalm 29:9
I was having my quiet time this morning when I opened to Psalm 29 and began to read. I had just finished the book of Joshua and decided to take in a Psalm before I started my day. The entire Psalm is sharing with us about the power of God's voice. We read that it "thunders," "flashes" and "shakes." In the middle of the all of the statements of power we read that his voice causes the deer to give birth. Now while I was reading this passage, the sun was coming up and was getting brighter and brighter on my face. I had a moment of worship. The same voice that causes animals to give birth also commands the sun to rise each day. Now I share that because I wonder how often we forget that simple, yet beautiful truth. We worry and struggle about small things. We doubt and have hearts that are filled with anxiety. Why? Because we forget the power of the voice. We are all guilty of listening to our own voice rather than His.
One of my favorite quotes of all time is from Martyn Lloyd Jones who tells us that most of our unhappiness in life is a direct result of listening to ourselves instead of talking to ourselves. God speaks every day and speaks loudly. We hear Him in the laughter of children and in the rain. He reminds us through these words that He is all powerful and that He does know best. As I write this post, I have a close friend who is in Africa doing mission work. Another dear friend is going through the process at IMB to go wherever God opens a door. These men are doing this for one purpose: to make God's voice heard. Who do you know that needs to hear it?
The truth is, when we listen to our voice rather than His we are crippled. We play it safe and don't walk by faith. Our voice asks, "what if?" Our voice always speaks of the worst case scenario. God's voice reminds us that He owns it all, runs it all and has a plan (Romans 11:36). If He knows every time a sparrow falls to the ground, how could I not listen to His voice? How could I not trust Him? Our God truly is an awesome God. He is speaking even now. Are you listening?
I was having my quiet time this morning when I opened to Psalm 29 and began to read. I had just finished the book of Joshua and decided to take in a Psalm before I started my day. The entire Psalm is sharing with us about the power of God's voice. We read that it "thunders," "flashes" and "shakes." In the middle of the all of the statements of power we read that his voice causes the deer to give birth. Now while I was reading this passage, the sun was coming up and was getting brighter and brighter on my face. I had a moment of worship. The same voice that causes animals to give birth also commands the sun to rise each day. Now I share that because I wonder how often we forget that simple, yet beautiful truth. We worry and struggle about small things. We doubt and have hearts that are filled with anxiety. Why? Because we forget the power of the voice. We are all guilty of listening to our own voice rather than His.
One of my favorite quotes of all time is from Martyn Lloyd Jones who tells us that most of our unhappiness in life is a direct result of listening to ourselves instead of talking to ourselves. God speaks every day and speaks loudly. We hear Him in the laughter of children and in the rain. He reminds us through these words that He is all powerful and that He does know best. As I write this post, I have a close friend who is in Africa doing mission work. Another dear friend is going through the process at IMB to go wherever God opens a door. These men are doing this for one purpose: to make God's voice heard. Who do you know that needs to hear it?
The truth is, when we listen to our voice rather than His we are crippled. We play it safe and don't walk by faith. Our voice asks, "what if?" Our voice always speaks of the worst case scenario. God's voice reminds us that He owns it all, runs it all and has a plan (Romans 11:36). If He knows every time a sparrow falls to the ground, how could I not listen to His voice? How could I not trust Him? Our God truly is an awesome God. He is speaking even now. Are you listening?
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
The Gospel and Missed Shots
"And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying Abba, Father!"
Galatians 4:6
It was one of the best games I had ever seen. The game had gone back and forth with both teams leading and was now deadlocked at 38 with 10 seconds to play. Their guard dribbled down and took a shot that bounced off of the front of the rim. We had two kids in position to get the rebound, but they had a player that was a full head taller than anyone on our team. He tapped it back in and they led 40-38. We called a quick time out but the referee only gave us 0.6 on the clock. Our coach explained the play he wanted (nothing more than a heave down the floor and hope for a quick turn and shoot) and sent them out. Honestly, I didn't think we would even get a shot off. The fact that my son somehow caught and shot was nothing short of a miracle. The whole place seemed to hold its breath. The scene was right out of a movie. The ball was on target and seemed to stay in the air for 30 seconds instead of 0.6. Then it happened. The ball dropped just short of the goal. I could see it in my sons eyes. He was holding back tears and to be truthful I wanted to cry for him. He had given everything he had - only to fall short.
We talked on the way home about what a great game it was and how they had given everything as a team. After he had showered he walked in to the living room and sat down next to me. Being 11, he is at that stage where it is not always cool to hug your parents. So what happened next really surprised me. He leaned over and put his head on my shoulder. I could tell he was still struggling (he is ultra-competitive). I just slipped my arm up and put it around him. I told him that I loved him and was just as proud of him as I would be if he had made the shot. I wanted to assure him that my love was not conditional. It was always the same no matter what the circumstance. He would always be my son. I would always be proud.
What occurred to me during this moment was the beauty of the gospel that I fear we miss many times. Every single day we miss "shots" in life. In spite of our best efforts we come up a few inches short. If we were to be honest, we would have to say that we miss more than we connect. The good news is that God is there to put his arms around us. His love is not based on our performance (although we typically live that way). When we miss this great truth we live enslaved to the "shot." If we make it, God loves me and is proud of me. If we miss it then we are no longer worthy to be called children. This kind of a view of God is nowhere close to Scripture or the gospel message. Our Father's love is unconditional. He is there to wrap his arms around us when we fail (which is often right??) God reminds us that we are ALWAYS his children. How many shots have you missed today? Maybe you need to just sit on the Father's lap for a few moments and rest in the relentless love He has for you as His child.
Galatians 4:6
It was one of the best games I had ever seen. The game had gone back and forth with both teams leading and was now deadlocked at 38 with 10 seconds to play. Their guard dribbled down and took a shot that bounced off of the front of the rim. We had two kids in position to get the rebound, but they had a player that was a full head taller than anyone on our team. He tapped it back in and they led 40-38. We called a quick time out but the referee only gave us 0.6 on the clock. Our coach explained the play he wanted (nothing more than a heave down the floor and hope for a quick turn and shoot) and sent them out. Honestly, I didn't think we would even get a shot off. The fact that my son somehow caught and shot was nothing short of a miracle. The whole place seemed to hold its breath. The scene was right out of a movie. The ball was on target and seemed to stay in the air for 30 seconds instead of 0.6. Then it happened. The ball dropped just short of the goal. I could see it in my sons eyes. He was holding back tears and to be truthful I wanted to cry for him. He had given everything he had - only to fall short.
We talked on the way home about what a great game it was and how they had given everything as a team. After he had showered he walked in to the living room and sat down next to me. Being 11, he is at that stage where it is not always cool to hug your parents. So what happened next really surprised me. He leaned over and put his head on my shoulder. I could tell he was still struggling (he is ultra-competitive). I just slipped my arm up and put it around him. I told him that I loved him and was just as proud of him as I would be if he had made the shot. I wanted to assure him that my love was not conditional. It was always the same no matter what the circumstance. He would always be my son. I would always be proud.
What occurred to me during this moment was the beauty of the gospel that I fear we miss many times. Every single day we miss "shots" in life. In spite of our best efforts we come up a few inches short. If we were to be honest, we would have to say that we miss more than we connect. The good news is that God is there to put his arms around us. His love is not based on our performance (although we typically live that way). When we miss this great truth we live enslaved to the "shot." If we make it, God loves me and is proud of me. If we miss it then we are no longer worthy to be called children. This kind of a view of God is nowhere close to Scripture or the gospel message. Our Father's love is unconditional. He is there to wrap his arms around us when we fail (which is often right??) God reminds us that we are ALWAYS his children. How many shots have you missed today? Maybe you need to just sit on the Father's lap for a few moments and rest in the relentless love He has for you as His child.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
The Joy of Family Worship
Prov 22:6
6 Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it.
I have heard this verse all of my life. More often than not, it was in the context of a person sharing that this is why they brought their children to church. I have heard comments such as, "The Bible says to train up a child, that is why I bring them to Sunday School." While church attendance surely fits into this verse, I believe what is most often overlooked is that this verse is all about parental responsibility. No doubt children are trained in Sunday School (if this isn't happening there is a problem), but the emphasis here and all throughout Scripture is that parents train their children. Deuteronomy 6 commands parents to learn God's law and then teach their children. Psalm 78 instructs parents to share with their children so that they may "hope in God." Ephesians 6:4 commands fathers to raise their children in the "training and instruction" of the Lord. There are many other examples I could list but I think you get the idea. The plan is for families to worship and study together first and then the church comes alongside to encourage and strengthen.
I almost titled this article the "adventure" of family worship because that is what it is. I was almost moved to tears last week when we were watching television and a woman shared that she read the Bible with her dad and my youngest son yelled, "Hey we do that!" That moment pales in comparison to some of the discussions we have had on sin, heaven and creation. Of course there are the funny moments. A six year old trying to say "Leviticus" is always interesting, as a matter of fact it came out "Leviboticus" kind of a strange combination of Leviticus and robot I think. Then there was the time that we were praying earnestly for a missionary who was in prison and facing death only to learn later that my son was having us pray for the Apostle Paul (from his Sunday School lesson).
I love seeing my kids connect the dots between the Old Testament and New. I love sharing with them as we read Psalm 2 that they are, in fact, reading about Christ. What I love the most is that we do laugh, we do cry and we do share our burdens together. You see, what they are learning in our home is a picture of something greater. They are learning the Word of God for sure, but they are also learning about what it means to be a part of God's family. They are learning that His family is much bigger than our five and does indeed consist of people from every tribe, tongue and nation. I also believe family worship gives them a preview of the time in the future when we will sit at the Lord's table together.
Is it challenging? Absolutely. Just like every family we are busy with church activities, homework and sports. We have to fight for this time with everything we have some weeks. However, one truth remains. If I don't train my children who will? Am I going to farm them out and hope for the best? God sent all three of them home with me. It is my God-given responsibility as a parent. When I stand before Him, no excuse will be sufficient.
I want to encourage you, start the adventure today. Embrace your mission at home. Experience the joy that is family worship.
6 Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it.
I have heard this verse all of my life. More often than not, it was in the context of a person sharing that this is why they brought their children to church. I have heard comments such as, "The Bible says to train up a child, that is why I bring them to Sunday School." While church attendance surely fits into this verse, I believe what is most often overlooked is that this verse is all about parental responsibility. No doubt children are trained in Sunday School (if this isn't happening there is a problem), but the emphasis here and all throughout Scripture is that parents train their children. Deuteronomy 6 commands parents to learn God's law and then teach their children. Psalm 78 instructs parents to share with their children so that they may "hope in God." Ephesians 6:4 commands fathers to raise their children in the "training and instruction" of the Lord. There are many other examples I could list but I think you get the idea. The plan is for families to worship and study together first and then the church comes alongside to encourage and strengthen.
I almost titled this article the "adventure" of family worship because that is what it is. I was almost moved to tears last week when we were watching television and a woman shared that she read the Bible with her dad and my youngest son yelled, "Hey we do that!" That moment pales in comparison to some of the discussions we have had on sin, heaven and creation. Of course there are the funny moments. A six year old trying to say "Leviticus" is always interesting, as a matter of fact it came out "Leviboticus" kind of a strange combination of Leviticus and robot I think. Then there was the time that we were praying earnestly for a missionary who was in prison and facing death only to learn later that my son was having us pray for the Apostle Paul (from his Sunday School lesson).
I love seeing my kids connect the dots between the Old Testament and New. I love sharing with them as we read Psalm 2 that they are, in fact, reading about Christ. What I love the most is that we do laugh, we do cry and we do share our burdens together. You see, what they are learning in our home is a picture of something greater. They are learning the Word of God for sure, but they are also learning about what it means to be a part of God's family. They are learning that His family is much bigger than our five and does indeed consist of people from every tribe, tongue and nation. I also believe family worship gives them a preview of the time in the future when we will sit at the Lord's table together.
Is it challenging? Absolutely. Just like every family we are busy with church activities, homework and sports. We have to fight for this time with everything we have some weeks. However, one truth remains. If I don't train my children who will? Am I going to farm them out and hope for the best? God sent all three of them home with me. It is my God-given responsibility as a parent. When I stand before Him, no excuse will be sufficient.
I want to encourage you, start the adventure today. Embrace your mission at home. Experience the joy that is family worship.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
"Tebow Time" and Our Time
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17
Last Sunday night we arrived home from church just in time to catch the end of the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers playoff game. As my son turned on the TV, the coin was in the air and we heard the Steelers player say "tails" and then heard the announcer say, "It is heads - the Broncos win the toss." Then for the first time ever my entire family gathered around the screen to see what was going to happen next. Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow faked a hand-off and then zipped the ball to a receiver who sprinted his way to an 80 yard touchdown. Game over. Another chapter in the legend that has become Tim Tebow. This moment would be one we would never forget. (Partially because we don't like the Steelers but mainly because we want to see Tebow succeed...)
There have been many times in recent months that I have cringed as I listened to sports radio and analysts on TV berate Tebow on everything from throwing motion to being too verbal about his faith. I have been an NFL fan for most of my life and I can't recall a player ever facing such scrutiny. However, one thing that impresses me the most (and drives his critics crazy) is that he always gives the credit to God. In the post game press conference on Sunday night he made a very impressive statement. He simply said, "God has given me a platform and I want to use it for Him." Football is a platform. He sees it as a chance to take Colossians 3:17 literally.
What is great about that statement is that in reality God has given all of us a platform. Yours might be your job, your family or your ministry. They can come in many different forms. The question is are you using that platform to bring glory to God? A few years ago a dear friend of mine and brother in Christ, Charlie Watson, was diagnosed with cancer. After a few surgeries and several treatments he learned the prognosis was not good. He was given only a few months to live. Soon after he learned the news he contacted me and told me he had a simple prayer request. He asked me to pray that he would honor God in all that he did. God answered that prayer. Charlie used the platform of suffering to point everyone (including Doctors and nurses) to Christ. He epitomized Philippians 1:21, "To live is Christ and to die is gain."
What is your platform? Sports? Career? Suffering? Are you taking full advantage of the opportunity to bring honor and glory to God? Tim Tebow's career may be long and successful or like a vapor. You may love him or hate him but the truth is he is using his platform to point people to Christ. Now is the time. Embrace the moment and use it for God's glory!
Last Sunday night we arrived home from church just in time to catch the end of the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers playoff game. As my son turned on the TV, the coin was in the air and we heard the Steelers player say "tails" and then heard the announcer say, "It is heads - the Broncos win the toss." Then for the first time ever my entire family gathered around the screen to see what was going to happen next. Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow faked a hand-off and then zipped the ball to a receiver who sprinted his way to an 80 yard touchdown. Game over. Another chapter in the legend that has become Tim Tebow. This moment would be one we would never forget. (Partially because we don't like the Steelers but mainly because we want to see Tebow succeed...)
There have been many times in recent months that I have cringed as I listened to sports radio and analysts on TV berate Tebow on everything from throwing motion to being too verbal about his faith. I have been an NFL fan for most of my life and I can't recall a player ever facing such scrutiny. However, one thing that impresses me the most (and drives his critics crazy) is that he always gives the credit to God. In the post game press conference on Sunday night he made a very impressive statement. He simply said, "God has given me a platform and I want to use it for Him." Football is a platform. He sees it as a chance to take Colossians 3:17 literally.
What is great about that statement is that in reality God has given all of us a platform. Yours might be your job, your family or your ministry. They can come in many different forms. The question is are you using that platform to bring glory to God? A few years ago a dear friend of mine and brother in Christ, Charlie Watson, was diagnosed with cancer. After a few surgeries and several treatments he learned the prognosis was not good. He was given only a few months to live. Soon after he learned the news he contacted me and told me he had a simple prayer request. He asked me to pray that he would honor God in all that he did. God answered that prayer. Charlie used the platform of suffering to point everyone (including Doctors and nurses) to Christ. He epitomized Philippians 1:21, "To live is Christ and to die is gain."
What is your platform? Sports? Career? Suffering? Are you taking full advantage of the opportunity to bring honor and glory to God? Tim Tebow's career may be long and successful or like a vapor. You may love him or hate him but the truth is he is using his platform to point people to Christ. Now is the time. Embrace the moment and use it for God's glory!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Knoxville, Adoption and the Glory of God
"For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, 'Abba Father!" (Romans 8:15)
Last week I witnessed a miracle. It began as a typical Christmas visit with our families in NC. My mother-in-law is a huge Tennessee Lady Vols fan and so we usually get her tickets to go see them play in Knoxville. My wife and her sister usually make this trip with her as a nice "girls getaway." This year was different. We decided that both families would go (six kids total, yeah I know what you are thinking...). So we laid down our plans and I will admit that I was not real excited to begin with (women's basketball sorry ladies!). Then something amazing happened. I received a text from a friend of mine in SC who informed me that she was sitting in a hospital room holding her newly adopted son. My heart was filled with joy because we had prayed for this couple for over a year. They had faced heartbreak more than once while waiting for a child.
Next, she informed me they were in Knoxville. (6 miles from the arena to be exact - how amazing is that??) We made plans and met up with them for a few minutes before the game. They stepped out of the car and you could just see them glow. I walked over to the car and looked in and it was a sight I will never forget. Here was this little guy strapped into a car seat. He was secure. He was safe. Most of all he was loved. I looked up at the dad and the expression on his face said it all. He had a look of pride that said, "that is my son."
God opened my eyes in that moment. What I had just witnessed was a portrait of the Gospel. Not a generic Gospel that was for someone else - but the Gospel in my own life. God has adopted me into His family. I was hopeless and had no future (just like that little guy) and God brought me into His family. As a result of His care I am safe, secure and yes, I am loved. When God looks at me (through Christ), he says "that is my son."
I could go on and on with the parallels but I believe you get the idea. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of who we are in Christ. We went on to have a great time at the game but the image of the baby snug in the car seat is what stayed with me long after. I pray that if you are a follower of Christ that you will be reminded of whose child you are today.
Last week I witnessed a miracle. It began as a typical Christmas visit with our families in NC. My mother-in-law is a huge Tennessee Lady Vols fan and so we usually get her tickets to go see them play in Knoxville. My wife and her sister usually make this trip with her as a nice "girls getaway." This year was different. We decided that both families would go (six kids total, yeah I know what you are thinking...). So we laid down our plans and I will admit that I was not real excited to begin with (women's basketball sorry ladies!). Then something amazing happened. I received a text from a friend of mine in SC who informed me that she was sitting in a hospital room holding her newly adopted son. My heart was filled with joy because we had prayed for this couple for over a year. They had faced heartbreak more than once while waiting for a child.
Next, she informed me they were in Knoxville. (6 miles from the arena to be exact - how amazing is that??) We made plans and met up with them for a few minutes before the game. They stepped out of the car and you could just see them glow. I walked over to the car and looked in and it was a sight I will never forget. Here was this little guy strapped into a car seat. He was secure. He was safe. Most of all he was loved. I looked up at the dad and the expression on his face said it all. He had a look of pride that said, "that is my son."
God opened my eyes in that moment. What I had just witnessed was a portrait of the Gospel. Not a generic Gospel that was for someone else - but the Gospel in my own life. God has adopted me into His family. I was hopeless and had no future (just like that little guy) and God brought me into His family. As a result of His care I am safe, secure and yes, I am loved. When God looks at me (through Christ), he says "that is my son."
I could go on and on with the parallels but I believe you get the idea. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of who we are in Christ. We went on to have a great time at the game but the image of the baby snug in the car seat is what stayed with me long after. I pray that if you are a follower of Christ that you will be reminded of whose child you are today.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Getting Started!
Welcome to The Journey! I have been praying for the past few months about starting a blog. I have almost started several times in the past but I have always been met with the thought, "why would anyone want to read anything I write??" And the truth is, no one may! At any rate, I hope to share things here that God is teaching me and hopefully those things will minister to others. As Christians we are all on a journey - a journey that should see us going deeper into the Gospel and growing closer to Christ. Thanks for joining me!
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