Reflections

On Today's Internet "Blackout"

2012-01-18T07:57:00.000-05:00

Today is an interesting time for this “information generation.” If you are not aware, major internet sites, such as Google and Wikipedia, are protesting a bill in Congress that would radically change the way information is shared on the World Wide Web. They are protesting this bill in something they are calling a “blackout,” though each site is going about it differently. For example, if you try to search a topic on the Wikipedia Online Encyclopedia, this is the message you will receive: “For over a decade, we have spent millions of hours building the largest encyclopedia in human history. Right now, the U.S. Congress is considering legislation that could fatally damage the free and open Internet. For 24 hours, to raise awareness, we are blacking out Wikipedia.” If you were to go to Google, you will find that their daily “Google Doodle” is simply their logo covered with a black box. Other internet sites are getting in on this protest by essentially “occupying themselves,” in hopes of motivating users to contact their local Representatives and informing them of their opposition to this proposed legislation.

There is no doubt that people will be inconvenienced by today’s blackout. That is the intent. This blackout got me thinking, however (imagine that). It brought to mind an inspiring passage from the Apostle Paul as recorded in 2 Corinthians 4.6: “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” This verse tells us that even when we are confronted with darkness – whether it is in trying to search on Wikipedia or facing a crisis in life – it is God who allows light to shine in spite of that darkness! That light, my friends, is the knowledge of God’s saving love in Jesus Christ!

The first thing that the Bible records God saying is, “Let there be light” (Genesis 1.3). One of the first things that John tells us in the New Testament is that Jesus is the light of life (John 1.4). Acknowledging that God’s light – Jesus – has the ability to shine out of any darkness is the first step to a brighter and more meaningful reality. You might think that the problems you are facing at home, at work, or wherever are creating an impenetrable darkness, but Scripture is clear, “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all” (John 1.5b).

If you are facing an area of darkness in your life, turn to God and allow Him to shine His eternal light onto and into the situation…there is no such thing as something that is too dark for God! Sure you might have a hard time learning about it today on Wikipedia, but the time will come when even that will go dark forever. You can rest assured, however, in the knowledge that God is eternal and His light shines perpetually. Allow Jesus, God’s eternal light, to shine in your life today. It will change you forever!

Have a great rest of the week!
Pastor Mark

On Christmas, New Year, and a Brand New Epiphany

2011-12-28T10:57:00.004-05:00

I sure hope you had a wonderful and blessed Christmas! I know our family did and we are enjoying the opportunity to have some downtime together.

This coming Sunday we will commemorate and celebrate the Epiphany, otherwise known as the visit of the Magi, or Wise Men. You can read this account in Matthew 2.1-12. Epiphany occurs on January 6 and marks the end of the twelve days of Christmas. The word, epiphany, means a sudden comprehension or awareness of reality. So when we celebrate the Epiphany and the visit of the Wise Men we are called to realize two distinct things: (1) that Jesus is the Son of GOD and (2) that in Jesus, GOD is for all people.

It is important to bear in mind the image that GOD deliberately gives us at Christmas. Jesus is born in apparent scandal to a poor and unwed teenage girl. He makes His entrance to the world not in the posh comfort of royalty, but in a feeding trough in a stable or cave. Yes, angels announced his birth and a star shone brightly overhead, but it was a group of shepherds and dignitaries from a non-Jewish people who came to pay homage to the newborn King. Where the cries of “no room in the inn” were echoing through the Bethlehem night, GOD was declaring that Jesus was born and sent for all people. And if the Son of GOD can come in such a scandalous and humble fashion, then there is no such thing as a person caught up in the same who cannot come to GOD. Period.

The Bible tells us that when the Wise Men made their pilgrimage to Jesus, they brought Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These gifts were indicative of Jesus’ royalty and the fact that He would suffer for our sins and bring forth salvation. Though Jesus could provide a preeminent case of what-kind-of-gift-do-you-get-the-person-who-has-everything, the Magi knew just what to bring to mark this momentous occasion. For us today, we can turn to the sentiments of the beautiful Christmas song, “In The Bleak Midwinter” and say, “what I can I bring him; bring Him my heart.”

As we prepare to usher in a new year this weekend, I want to encourage you to think about how you will bring GOD your heart to mark this year’s Epiphany. Will you allow GOD to bring you a sudden realization that He is Lord? Will you allow GOD to break into your life and show you that He is for you, despite what you might think or feel? Perhaps you did that a while back and need to recommit to living for Him and His purpose for your life…New Year’s Day provides us that unique annual opportunity to acknowledge GOD’s loving sovereignty in the world and in your life.

May you enjoy this blessed Christmas season and prepare for a very Happy New Year. If you are in town, I hope to see you in worship on Sunday as we celebrate a New Year and learn about how we are taking seriously our call to be Jesus’ witnesses to the ends of the earth.

This IS indeed the most wonderful time of the year, so may we commit, or recommit as the case may be, to living for the Lord!

The Change

2011-12-21T16:38:00.001-05:00

I saw a list of ten things identified by Forbes magazine that our kids will never have to worry about. The children being born right now are part of what Forbes calls the Information Generation. Here is that list:

(10) No instant connectivity to the Internet
(9) Sending letters
(8) Having to search for content in resources like dictionaries

(7) Buying and storing music in formats like 8-tracks, records, cassette tapes, or CDs
(6) Renting a movie from a store
(5) Waiting on pictures to be developed from film
(4) Using a pay phone or paying a long distance bill
(3) Buying encyclopedias
(2) Paying bills with checks
(1) Taking a typing class

It is interesting to me that many of the things on this list were actually taught as courses or lessons in school. I can remember going to the library and learning how to research in a library. I can remember learning how to handwrite letters. I have owned recordings by The Beatles in all of the formats listed above, in addition to a digital format on my iPod; and yes, that includes an 8-track! It's pretty funny to me that much of what I learned in school is essentially irrelevant (saying nothing of course about subjects like biology, geometry, political science, or recess).

There is no doubt that the world has changed more quickly and more dramatically in the past 25 years than likely at any other time in history; and some could argue the past five with the proliferation of smartphones like BlackBerrys and iPhones. It is amazing what having seemingly instant access to information has done to change the world. When I think about what we are gearing up for this week, however, I am not so sure that the internet, and instant access to it, is really what ushered the greatest change.

This weekend we will once again celebrate the coming of GOD into our world at Christmas. I love how Eugene Peterson describes it in the Message when he writes that in Jesus GOD moved into our neighborhood (John 1.14). GOD so emphatically wanted us to know His heart, love, and desire for relationship with us that He sent His one and only Son that we might believe and be saved. Friends, this is information that changes the world and it happened over two-thousand years ago! It is information that changed the world and it can change you!

My life has changed pretty dramatically due to technology in this past month. Due to some extreme generosity and some shrewd saving, I have gotten a new iPhone 4S and iPad 2. Let me tell you, I love these new devices! They have definitely changed the way I conduct my business and go about my day, but they have not changed my life...only GOD can do that! And He does that through the saving love of His son, and our savior, Jesus!

May this be the information that changes us this Christmas! Despite what may be wrapped under a tree or being loaded onto a sleigh, may we know that the greatest gift of Christmas came that very first one. There were no tweets, Facebook posts, 4-Square check-ins, or Linked-In connections made, but in Jesus, GOD moved into our "neighborhood" to show us His heart and to let us know He wants us to be saved. It changed the world! May it change your celebration of Christmas. May it change you, too!

Merry Christmas,
Pastor Mark

"Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room"

2011-12-15T17:51:00.000-05:00

Are you getting excited about Christmas? I know I sure am!!! Last week, Tiffany, Ethan, and I had the opportunity to visit Walt Disney World for my birthday. There is little doubt in my mind that this is indeed the “happiest place on earth.” As always, we enjoyed the rides, shows, food, and just the immersive Disney experience. This time of year, however, Disney is extra special as all of their parks are decked out for the Christmas season.

As you could probably imagine, the majority of Disney’s Christmas celebration is what some would call more secular in nature. There is an emphasis on Santa Claus and the fun festive attributes of Christmas. This, however, is not exclusive, though, and that is what helped make the weekend so special. There was a noticeable balance between secular Christmas music and traditional Christmas carols. For every time “Jingle Bells” was heard, there was an “O Come All Ye Faithful.” I often found myself walking through the streets of Disney World singing beloved Christmas carols with enough gusto to embarrass Tiffany and Ethan.

One of the highlights of the trip, however, occurred on Saturday. We had gone to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to see their spectacle of dancing lights. If you have not seen it, it is amazing! There are five-million lights on ten miles of wire adorning all of the structures in one area, and when certain songs come on, the spectators are treated to a choreographed dancing performance of the lights. All of this while snow falls from the sky on an 80-degree day. It’s truly magical. But that alone is not what made the experience.

In the midst of this exquisite spectacle of dancing lights, there is a gorgeous nativity that sits at the front of this one building. It might not be front-and-center in the display, but it is by no means minimized or hidden. There in the midst of this gaudy display is a visual reminder of that very first Christmas, where Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus were in the manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. It caught my eye and warmed my heart to be basking in the glow of American extravagance and see a prominent display of what Christmas is truly all about!

As it caught my eye from across the way, I found myself light up with Christmas cheer and drawn to that place. Sure, Disney is a world-wide phenomenon that has a vast multi-cultural appeal, but for that one moment in time, the thing that impressed me the most is they include the true meaning of Christmas in their celebration. True, it might not be as “in your face” as some would like, hope, or expect, but when mega retailers shy away from wishing someone a Merry Christmas (despite the fact that nearly 75% of their annual income is earned during the Christmas shopping season), I find it quite encouraging that Disney will still wish someone a Merry Christmas, play sacred music, and proudly display a nativity scene. Could this help make it the “happiest place on earth?” Well, I guess it cannot hurt, can it?

All of this begs the question for me…how are you preparing yourself for Christmas? Are you decking your halls with decorations? Are you filling the air with festive scents and sounds? Is your heart being filled with the true meaning of Christmas? It is easy for us to get sidetracked by the commercial celebration of this season, but in the end, it is still about the fact that GOD so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son. Despite cultural cynicism, this truth has the power to melt even the coldest of hearts.

This coming week in worship, we will be asking you to contemplate if you are making room in your heart for Christmas. This Sunday, as we explore the love of Advent, we must seriously, open our hearts to receive the Christ child and the gift that He gives. It is what changes the world and begins with a change in your heart.

I want to leave you today with a line from the famous song, “Joy to the World.” Though this song was not initially intended to be a Christmas carol, it has been adopted as such. In that song, the advice is given, “Let every heart prepare Him room.” As we prepare for the last Sunday of Advent and the glory of Christmas, may this be what orders our prayers. May every heart prepare room for the Lord Jesus, and may it begin with yours!

Merry Christmas!

“Oh hush the noise you men of strife and hear the angels sing!”

2011-12-14T17:15:00.000-05:00

I am sitting in my home office as I type this message. I am listening to one of my favorite Christmas carols, It Came Upon The Midnight Clear, on one of my favorite Christmas albums and I am thinking about everything that I have to get done before I can enjoy Christmas. Believe me, it’s dizzying, yet, a line in the song jumps out of the speakers and seemingly slaps me in the face: “Oh hush the noise you men of strife and hear the angels sing!”

The overall message of this beautiful song is about how in Jesus, GOD came down to earth to bring us His hope, peace, joy, love, and light – the very things we look to in Advent. As I think about the “men of strife” line, I cannot help but think about all the things wrong in the world. Still, the true essence of that line is captured in my heart when I think about my own strife. I am prone to worry. I am prone to pessimism. I am prone to cynicism. I am prone to the very things that fly in the face of true hope, peace, joy, love, and light, and that is precisely why I need Advent to help me prepare for the blessed glory of Christmas.

All of our worship services this season have been focusing on hospitality. As we consider hospitality, we must remember that in the biblical languages, hospitality means love of stranger. We often think of it as entertaining our friends and family – you know, the people we love, like, and/or tolerate – but to GOD, hospitality is about sharing our lives with everyone so we can introduce them to the love of Almighty GOD. If we commit our lives to a sense of hospitality that includes those who we do not (yet) know, then we are fulfilling the desires of Christ who welcomes us into His holy family even in spite of ourselves.

As I sit at my desk listening to Christmas music and admittedly wrestling with what it means to share love with strangers, I am struck by the significance of the first Christmas present I am to wrap this year – a pair of tennis shoes for a teenager that we picked off of the church’s Angel Tree. When Tiffany told me that we picked shoes, I was actually quite happy. Shoes are seen by many young people as a status symbol. As I thought about providing a pair of new shoes to a young person in need, a smile was brought to my heart, because I knew that with this one simple gift, our family would not only help keep someone’s feet warm and protected, but able to meet a need of a different sort.

Beyond the basic needs of food, shelter, and safety, we humans have another driving need…the need to belong. Think about that and allow it to sink in. With all the harshness in the world, we need to know that we matter to someone and that our life makes a difference. This can come from seemingly trivial things like sneakers, but is found in something far more significant. Friends, this is precisely what GOD wants you to know: you matter to Him and your life can make a difference for Him! Amazing, isn’t it? Even in spite of your own worry, pessimism, and cynicism, you matter to the One who created you for Himself and delights in the very beating of your heart. This is a powerful message and one that has the power to change the world.

So as we make our way through this Advent season, focusing on the message that we matter to GOD and GOD’s people should matter to us, I need to ask, how are you living out that message in your daily life? We need to hush the noise of strife that we experience for a myriad of reasons so we can hear the singing of the angels proclaiming GOD’s love and favor for us! In the birth of Jesus, GOD shouts that we matter. As we celebrate Christ’s birth, may our lives also shout the message that others matter, too. May this be the light that we shine this Christmas, the life that is the very light for humanity! (John 1.5) Know you matter and belong to GOD. Go and make it a point to share that with someone else. Do it today!

OPEN Thanksgiving, 2011

2011-11-23T16:19:00.001-05:00

Wow! Can you believe the Holidays are upon us? It is unfathomable for me that Thanksgiving is just a matter of hours away. Just think, with just a few turns of the hands on the clock, turkeys will be cooked and devoured; sweet potatoes will be mashed and inhaled; enough dressing will be baked to feed an army; and the spreads of cakes, cookies, and pies will be so plentiful that even the most modest of appetites will be tempted! Thanksgiving is indeed here!

From humble beginnings, Thanksgiving has become a mega-event for many families. I know personally, on a good year, Thanksgiving will be the only opportunity I will have to see cousins, aunts, and uncles clear on the other side of the state (sad, isn’t it?). It will be a day where others who are too separated by distance will spend time on the phone or perhaps even on a videoconference over the Internet—eat your hearts’ out Pilgrims! And then there is the family tradition I have only garnered a glimpse since marrying into my wife’s family: “The After-Thanksgiving Shopping Extravaganza!”

Thanksgiving has practically become synonymous with unbelievable bargains and shopping galore. I have been seeing signs the last several weeks advertising “Unbeatable Sales!” “Lowest Prices of the Year!” “We Won’t be Undersold,” and “Bargains Beyond Compare!” But perhaps my favorite sign of all came from a marquee not too far from my home that read, “Open Thanksgiving!”

I allowed my mind to dance a little after reading that sign. The more I played with the wording in my mind, the further I moved away from thinking about stores, shopping, and extraordinary shopping deals. It was not long before I moved from “OPEN Thanksgiving” to “Open THANKSGIVING.”

If you’ll bear with me a minute, the difference might seem subtle, but I think it’s worth exploring. When we can look beyond even the greatest of deals and back into the meaning of the holiday, I think we do ourselves some justice. You see Thanksgiving is about exactly what it says, giving thanks. Though we do not need to set aside one day a year to be thankful, it makes for quite a special day when we do pause and show gratitude for our blessings and those we love. But when we can “Open Thanksgiving” in our hearts and minds, perhaps we find that we are more thankful than we ever thought possible.

When we open our hearts and minds—just like when we open windows and doors in our homes—all sorts of things can find their way in. Like a gentle breeze carrying the aroma of a fire from a neighbor’s fireplace, if we are open to the things that swirl around us outside of just what our eyes can see, then we will discover there is so much more to be thankful for than what is right in front of our noses. We live in a wonderful creation that nurtures and cares for us. We have people around us who we’ll never see that protect our wellbeing and that of our families. And we have a God who loves us so much He made the greatest sacrifice in Jesus to make us His own!

So I want to encourage you to have an “Open Thanksgiving” this year. Hug your loved ones. Express gratitude for the blessings from those who you might never see. And above all, from the Thanksgiving feast to the very end of the day, remember what life really means and, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1)

Ablaze with Enthusiasm

2011-11-16T08:10:00.001-05:00

There was a quote that became important for the group that attended the FOCUS Youth Fall Confirmation Retreat this past weekend. I roughly remembered it Saturday morning before we had lunch and then we were to tour the Methodist Museum at Epworth by the Sea on Saint Simons Island. My paraphrase was pretty much butchering one of my favorite things that John Wesley said. Fortunately, this quote was mentioned during our visit to the museum, so we were able to enjoy it the way Wesley intended it to be. The John Wesley quote: “Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn.”

I used this quote to talk to the students about their enthusiasm for GOD. It is easy to have a blazing enthusiasm for GOD while on an event like a retreat…we’re isolated from the world (truly so on this trip, because the students were not given access to their cell phones during the weekend – they survived, but just barely), spending a lot of time in the Bible and talking about GOD’s love for them. Fortunately, there is a bit of a carry-over that occurs for a day, maybe two, after returning home from such a retreat. But by now (Wednesday), real life has crept back in as the students have likely had to manage stress with, friends, family, school, and for some, work. It is times like now when it is important to remember Wesley’s quote and be encouraged to keep our enthusiasm ablaze in the face of life’s trials and tribulations – both the major and the benign.

OK, pastor, so how do you do that? Well, one thing is to stay connected to GOD and His family, the church. I have observed through my years of ministry that frequently when the going gets tough, we tend to flee our support systems. Some of this is because we need to retreat for a bit and lick our proverbial wounds. Another reason is we lack the desire to have to hear and answer numerous questions about what is going on and how we are doing when in the midst of a struggle. This is somewhat natural to human behavior because we seek to protect ourselves from having to rehash our difficulties every time we turn around. The only problem is that when we pull away from our church and/or our support system, we find it harder and harder to deal with our burdens. The Bible is very clear that those who are stronger at any given time need to use their strength to help those in need (Galatians 6.2). Those who are in need, however, need to allow them! As opposed to isolating ourselves from our struggles, we need to allow those who love and care for us to fulfill their commandment to love and help bear those burdens.

Staying connected to the Body of Christ is essential. As you stay connected through life’s trials and tribulations, the next step is to stay active. You do this by praying, attending worship, participating in a small group, reading your Bible, and serving GOD by serving others – even when you might now want to! The bottom line is that your faith-life blazes for others who see you exercising your faith in the midst of your struggles. Knowing that GOD is the flame power for your life in good times and bad is an enormous example of faith in the midst of struggle…your struggle…your faith!

I hope you have been praying for the students who participated in this past weekend’s retreat. Now is the time when their work will begin to show forth as real life kicks back in. As their church family, it is our responsibility to support them in their faith and in their walk. Should they encounter tough times they thought would not come as a result of their newly found faith, it is incumbent upon us to not let them fall away. So this week, as we see a brand new enthusiasm for GOD, may it rekindle our faith as well, and remind us of the power of enthusiasm. It can change a life, beginning with your own!

On Perspectives & Priorities

2011-11-09T16:21:00.001-05:00

I make no bones about being a fan of the University of Georgia Football Team (pun intended). Both of my parents went to UGA, and in fact met at the Georgia-Florida game in Jacksonville, Florida! Needless to say, red and black runs through my veins!

I have been guilty in the past of letting my football fanaticism play a disproportionately important role in my life. There have been times when I allowed the outcome of a football game to dictate my mood and my willingness to engage others in the world with a smile or a scowl. Becoming a dad has tempered a lot of that, but I still love my Dawgs. I can honestly say, however, that I have left my brethren who ascribe to the notion that college football isn’t a matter of life or death…it’s much more than that. I know, I know…you might not agree with me here. And my position might be a tad different come Sunday when I have to face my fellow football fans should UGA not defeat Auburn “between the hedges” on Saturday, but all-in-all, I strive to make sure I keep my football fandom in its proper perspective.

I am not the only one who strives for this. If you did not happen to catch UGA’s Head Football Coach Mark Richt’s press conference this week in advance of the Auburn game on Saturday, he made some comments that truly inspired me. He talked about the perspective he keeps in life between faith and football. Here is the excerpt to which I refer:

“I know you never know what tomorrow is going to bring, so it's not like we've arrived or anything like that. But we have played well lately and we've won lately so that's a big deal. Quite frankly, I love the game of football. I love my job. I love Georgia. But what I do is not who I am. I've said that before. I think sometimes if we become what we do, and then things aren't going just right, then all of a sudden our entire world falls apart. I've got a faith in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and I know that God loves me and is going to take care of me. I just truly believe that. When all the games are done and all the life is lived, I know where I'll be for eternity. Not to say I don't care about what happens in this world because that's not true. Colossians 3:23 says 'whatever you do, do your work heartily as unto the Lord,' so that's what I was doing on a daily basis. I was doing my job as best I could and trying to do it for His glory and try not to worry about anything else. That's kind of how I navigated that time and there will be more tough times I'm sure. That's the way life is."

It takes a lot of courage to put your faith on display in such a public forum. Coach Richt takes seriously, however, the admonition that Paul mentions in Colossians 3 to do everything as though you’re doing it for the Lord. This is the way he conducts himself with his family, with his players, with his church, with his University, and with his God. Sure, he might run upon some criticism when his team is not winning football games, but I also think that it to be expected. He knows it. You know it. I know it. But one thing Coach Richt did not say that I think bears mentioning is found in the other part of Colossians 3.23. You see, Paul said that we do our work for God and not human masters. Wow! That’s impressive.

I know not everyone who reads this is a fan of Georgia Football like I am. I know you might not proudly display your red and black after the outcome of Saturday’s game, but one thing is for sure, Coach Richt appears to be a man who has in priorities in order. Regardless of what our job or role is in life, we can follow this example to make a true difference for Jesus Christ wherever we are! When life is all we hoped it would be, we can let our light so shine for Jesus. When life gets tough, we can also let our light so shine for Jesus. So whatever you do, and wherever you go, “…work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3.23-24)

An Eternal Cheering Section

2011-11-01T11:18:00.003-04:00

Today, the first of November, is All Saints Day. We will celebrate All Saints Day during worship in all three services this coming Sunday, November 6. All Saints is the day in the church when we remember those who have gone to be with the Lord in the past year. Though we most frequently focus on those who we have lost in the past year, it is certainly appropriate to remember all those who have been united with God in heaven.

All Saints services can be quite emotional, but this is a good thing. It causes us to come to grips with our hope in faith as we wait to come face-to-face with our Savior. We call names, light candles, and offer prayers for those we see no more, but still embrace with the beating of our collective hearts. It is indeed powerful to pause in worship and remember the sting of death, but declare with all cosmic authority that death is not the end, and thanks to Jesus, the grave does not get the last word!

There is another aspect of All Saints Day that I will be embracing this year. Though it has been a few years since I lost an aunt, uncle, three grandparents, and my dad, I cannot participate in an All Saints service without thinking of these loved ones in my life. I am even called to think about those who have departed my life that I never got to see their faces or hold in an embrace, and know that God has a place for us all in Heaven. And since we cannot separate our lives today from the loved ones we no longer see, there is a powerful image that the Bible gives us to help us through each All Saints Day and every day in between; I like to call this, Our Eternal Cheering Section!

In Hebrews 11 and 12, the writer talks about how many faithful people have gone on before us, names like Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, Moses, David, and Samuel. Hebrews talks about how these faith heroes persevered through good times and bad, remaining true to the plan and purpose God had for their lives. Hebrews then goes on to talk about how we, too, must complete our journey, using the image of a road race to help us visualize something beautiful taking place. Hebrews 12.1-2 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Think of it this way: as you are running your life race, there is a great cloud of witnesses standing on the sidelines cheering for you! Think about that for a moment – saints like, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, Moses, David, and Samuel are standing on the sidelines of life, cheering your name, and urging you on to the finish line. And standing there with them are saints of a more modern vintage, calling your name, clapping their hands, and encouraging you to keep on going, even when it’s tough. So your parents, children, spouses, friends, neighbors are joining ranks with the heroes of the faith to cheer you on so you will not lose heart. And at the end, you have our greatest cheerleader beckoning you home…Jesus Christ!

Friends, I know personally just how hard it is to lose a loved one. I have grieved terribly and cried the loudest and longest tears, but there is something stabilizing to know that those who have gone on before us are standing side-by-side with other saints and our very own Lord to encourage us to not lose heart or sight of what lies before us. So on this All Saints Day, may you be encouraged by knowing none of us are alone – we have a loving church family, urrounding us and supporting us through our loss. And our loved ones who have gone on before us have joined your eternal cheering section, standing just down the way from Jesus, calling your name, clapping their hands, and cheering you on until you reach your finish line. We are indeed surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, so keep your eyes fixed firmly on Jesus standing at the finish line, even if it’s hard to focus through all the tears.

Your eternal cheering section is shouting your name. Can you hear it?

Living in the Moment

2011-10-25T07:29:00.001-04:00

I read something that stuck with me and cropped up in a couple of conversations since. It said something to the effect of: If you keep putting off today the things you can do tomorrow, then you end up with a bunch of empty yesterdays. Let that sink in a moment.

How many times have you been faced with something to do, but put it off because it might not have been convenient? Maybe you thought you could get to it tomorrow, but by the time tomorrow comes, you’re met with twice as many things as you were the day before. Now it is harder and harder to do the things that you can do to really make a difference in a person’s life.

There are two things I’ve observed about human behavior that get in the way and can lead to some empty yesterdays. First is a sense of feeling overwhelmed. When we feel overwhelmed, we tend to turn away and take on an attitude of avoidance. Though it isn’t a perfect illustration, here’s an example. Shortly after Tiffany and I were married, we enjoyed making fish sticks and macaroni and cheese for dinner…you know, living the high life! I told my mom that we were enjoying fish sticks, and in a trip to our local wholesale club, she bought us a box of something like a gazillion frozen fish sticks. We had a tiny refrigerator in our apartment and that box of fish sticks took up a disproportionate amount of freezer space. Seeing all those fish sticks in the freezer made us feel so overwhelmed, we never even opened the box, wasting enough fish sticks to feed an army. When we feel overwhelmed, we can do some crazy things to avoid that feeling. When we avoid someone or something, turning back to it can create a sense of guilt, and hence my second point.

We will avoid situations and circumstances when we feel guilty about not doing something we coulda, shoulda, woulda done. Take for example making a phone call. You think, “I can do that tomorrow,” then tomorrow comes, and the next day, and the next day, and so on. Within several days, you know you need to make that call, but guilt creeps in and you are reminded that the call should have been made a week ago. Embarrassment turns to guilt and the call never gets made. The Bible tells us there is no condemnation in Jesus Christ, so if there is something good to do, do it! Even if it should have been done yesterday, last week, month, or year, take the opportunity to do something to brighten someone’s day.

Sadly, we all have some empty yesterdays in our past, but they do not have to be the story of our life! By committing to living for GOD today, we can start a whole new direction for living. GOD has a plan and a purpose for your life, so start that awesome adventure with your very next breath.

“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”
~ Mother Teresa

Freedom and the Day after 4 July

2011-07-06T10:52:00.001-04:00

I sure hope you had a great Independence Day! I got to thinking what it must have been like the days immediately after the Declaration of Independence was signed. The Revolutionary War had been in progress for a little over a year with events like the Boston Tea Party, the Stamp Act, and Paul Revere’s crying that the Redcoats are coming. The American patriots were committed to their quest and the Declaration of Independence was a statement to the world regarding this commitment – “give me liberty or give me death!”

This takes me back to some reflection time I had on Tuesday of this week thinking what it must have been like on July 5, 1776, the day after the Continental Congress declared that the thirteen colonies were now independent states. These words, words that have changed the world, must have been ringing through the minds and hearts of these new Americans: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Independence had been declared to go along with the fight for freedom that was already in process.

Friends, I contend that the fight for freedom did not begin or end right there, because the fight for freedom is an eternal fight! God wants us each and everyone to be free, and this is precisely why He sent us Jesus. As Jesus said in John 8, it is Truth that sets us free. And then again in John 14, that He alone is Truth, sent from God the Father!

Just as freedom did not begin on July 4, 1776, it certainly did not end with the Declaration of Independence either…not by a long shot! The Revolutionary War continued for another 7-plus years, but the struggle for freedom continues today against those who despise the notion that all indeed are created equally. This fight, 235 years and counting, is one that we are continually waging in our nation and across the world. Whether it is fighting terrorism across the globe or disagreeing with a jury’s verdict here at home, we are working and fighting to ensure that we all indeed can enjoy the Rights of Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. Sometimes we get it right and sometimes we get it wrong. So what are we to do?

I believe we are to continue in the struggle for freedom, remembering those who have gone on before us, and fighting for those who are yet to come. This is the sentiment that was expressed by the writer of the Book of Hebrews who wrote, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12.1-2a) While we are engaged in the struggle for freedom, it is essential that we do not get distracted and keep our eyes fixed firmly upon the One who secured our freedom for God in the first place – Jesus. And as we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, remembering those for whom we struggle. This requires us to acknowledge the responsibility we have to live free lives and help others know the freedom that is available in Jesus Christ.

I thank God for the gift of freedom; for the freedom that comes in Jesus; for the freedom we enjoy in this nation; and for the freedom I have to help others realize that freedom is theirs, too. May we all keep our eyes fixed on Jesus! May we all know that He is Truth and it is Truth that sets us free! And from the days immediately following the 4th of July until we are united with the Lord in heaven, may we do all in our might to live and be free for self, God, and others!

On Hope

2011-06-09T20:08:00.001-04:00

What does the word, “HOPE,” mean to you? It is covered a lot in the Bible (it’s mentioned 144 times!) and is something we each and everyone have experienced at one time or another. Maybe you hoped for a certain gift at Christmas or a birthday. Maybe you hoped you would pass a class in school. Maybe you hoped something good would happen to you, or that you would avoid something bad. Regardless, we can relate to the experience of hope in life and know that it means we hold on to something in the face of the unknown.

There are two things in particular that strike me about hope. The first is how Hebrews 6:19 defines hope as the anchor of the soul. Think about that for a moment and what a powerful image it provides – your soul being anchored while sailing through the seas of life with all its storms, wind, and waves. Hope is what can steady you and keep you from succumbing to the unknown, because it confirms in you the power of GOD’s loving presence in your life.

The second comes from Romans 5.5 as Paul writes that hope does not disappoint. The context of that statement is that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character produces hope. Hope is what does not disappoint! I guess when you’ve gotten to the bottom of everything else you had, then hope is all that’s left.

Hope has been on my mind a lot lately. We’ve been helping people all over the world who seem to have nothing left but hope. We know from Scripture that our lives of faith are the powerful projections of GOD in the world, so think about how you can reflect the image of GOD to creation with your life. I concede it isn’t always easy and doesn’t always happen according to our timeframe, but regardless, it’s always worth it! Take seriously your call to live a life of hope, both for yourself and for others who need to see it in you, too!

"May The Fourth Be With You"

2011-05-04T15:39:00.002-04:00

Hello Everyone!
Did you know that today is Star Wars Day; an unofficial holiday for fans of the Star Wars universe? It is just a fun and nonsensical way to reminisce about the movies that helped to shape a generation.

Star Wars Day is a relatively new phenomenon, actually inspired by a simple mistake. In 2005, a German news TV channel interviewed Star Wars creator, George Lucas, and asked him to say his famous sentence, "May the Force be with You." The translator tried a direct translation of Lucas’ famous greeting and salutation, but it came out mistakenly as, We shall be with you on May 4. This was captured by a comedy show and aired on TV later that month. Since then, the fourth of May has been affectionately known as Star Wars Day because of the play on words, "May the Fourth be with You" and "May the Force be with You."

In Star Wars, the Jedi (the good guys!) rely on the Force to be their strength to help them know what they must do. They meditate, consult with others, and let The Force guide them before embarking on even the most trivial task. And while wielding their lightsabers, Jedi use the Force to combat evil and protect the innocent in their care. Christians might be able to learn a little from the pop culture icon the Star Wars saga has become.

When Luke Skywalker was learning the ways of the Force, Jedi Master Obi Wan Kenobi it as the invisible power that "surrounds us, penetrates us, and binds us all together." This reminds me of God, specifically as the Apostle Paul describes God in Acts 17:28 as the One in whom "we live, move, and have our being." Just as the Force gives the Jedi their strength and power, Christians know it is God who gives us the power we need for living.

Paul wrote in Romans 1 that the Good News of Salvation in Jesus Christ is the power to change the world. This being the case, we do not need to wield a lightsaber, be able to jump incredible differences, or move things with our mind (all traits of the Jedi) to make a difference in the world. All we need is to allow the love of God to surge through us so we may be aware of where there is need and how we can help impact someone with the light and love of Jesus!

So on this Star Wars Day, may God and God alone be your source of power! He definitely wants to surround you, penetrate you, and bind you together with others in His love. And if you might playfully wish someone a happy Star Wars Day by saying, "May the Fourth Be With You," remember that every day is a good day to share God with someone.

May The Fourth Be With You!

Palm Sunday

2011-04-12T12:01:00.007-04:00

This week we will celebrate Palm Sunday, which marks Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Palm Sunday gets its name because as Jesus road into Jerusalem, the people waved palm branches, and some laid theirs on the ground, praising GOD for the salvation they believed was at hand.

The Bible gives us the story of Palm Sunday in all four Gospels, but my favorite is found in Luke 19.28-44. Jesus, knowing the time had come for Him to go to Jerusalem and fulfill his role in GOD’s plan of salvation, rode into the holy city on the back of a donkey. He was sending a definite visual message here – when kings rode in processions during war times, they rode on the back of a steed. During times of peace, however, kings often rode on the back of a donkey. When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on the back of the donkey, he was essentially saying He indeed was the King riding into town in peace.

As the story continues, we see that he received a resounding welcome! Luke 19.37-38 says that the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest! Friends, this is a big deal! Jesus is making a statement and the people are receiving it and praising GOD for all they had seen, and specifically, the witness Jesus Himself had given.

It was a powerful day to be sure, but as you could imagine, not everyone was thrilled. The Pharisees did not like the disturbance that was being created by this display and they told Jesus to make His followers be quiet. As verse 40 tells us, Jesus says that if He were to tell them to be quiet, the very rocks themselves would cry out for the salvation Christ represents! Amazing!!!

We know how the story goes from there that Jesus’ triumphant entry quickly turns turbulent. The same crowds who were clamoring for Jesus to be their king were the same ones who just five days later were clamoring for his crucifixion. It’s amazing how quickly things can turn, isn’t it? So sad, but so true.

As Jesus made the statement that the very rocks would cry out for GOD’s gift of salvation, I believe it also played a metaphorical role in describing the hearts of the people. Often in Scripture, you’ll read about how people’s heart’s were hardened due to various circumstances in life. Jesus knew what awaited Him and He knew their cheers would quickly turn to jeers. But what He also knew is that despite a human being’s fragile heart condition, we all have this powerful and innate need to be loved, comforted, and cared for. Sometimes we have to endure hardship before we can enjoy victory. Jesus was not riding into town to be praised; He was going to Jerusalem to provide the ultimate example of the love and grace of GOD.

As we prepare for this Palm Sunday, I want you to think about the condition of your heart. I know there are things going on in your life that make you want to celebrate and cheer the Lord. But I also know that there are so many difficulties we each and everyone face that could easily turn your very own cheers into jeers if it were not for the victory that Jesus has already sealed. I also know that there are some of us – if not many – who are somewhere in between being able to jeer and cheer Christ in the powerful and calming love of GOD due to life’s calamities. If that is where you are right now, allow GOD’s Holy Spirit to intercede for you and let you know that salvation is at hand for GOD has already won the victory.

Check out this awesome passage from Romans 8.22-30 which speaks to this very truth: We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

Saint Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T07:51:00.004-04:00

Today is Saint Patrick's Day…are you be wearing your green? Saint Patrick is known as the Patron Saint of Ireland, and his feast day has become a popular secular celebration, much like Valentine's Day. It is a day when we wear green, add green food coloring to our favorite foods and beverages, and have fun with silly things like pots of gold at the end of a rainbow.

Little is known of Patrick's early life, though it is known that he was born in the 4th century into a wealthy family and his father and grandfather were deacons in the Church. At the age of sixteen, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken captive to Ireland as a slave. It is believed he was held somewhere on the west coast of Ireland, possibly Mayo, but the exact location is unknown. According to his Confession, he was told by GOD in a dream to flee from captivity to the coast, where he would board a ship and return to Britain. Upon returning, he quickly joined the Church and studied to be a priest.

In 432, he again said that he was called back to Ireland, though as a bishop. Irish folklore tells that one of his teaching methods included using the shamrock to explain the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. The idea behind this is the shamrock is one plant with three connected leaves. Looking at this from a Trinitarian point of view, you have one GOD with three manifestations - Father, Son, and Spirit.

After nearly thirty years of evangelism, Saint Patrick died on March 17th 461. Although there were other more successful missionaries to Ireland from Rome, Patrick endures as the principal champion of Irish Christianity and is held in esteem in the Irish Church.

Originally, the color associated with Saint Patrick was blue, but over the years, the color green and its association with Saint Patrick's Day grew. Green ribbons and shamrocks were worn in celebration of Saint Patrick's Day as early as the 17th century and are still prominent today.

So now you see that Saint Patrick's Day, with all of its fun and silly customs, actually originated as a religious holiday! Like Saint Patrick, May you use this time - wearing green and shamrocks if you so care - to think about the love and presence of GOD in your life. And also like Saint Patrick used the green shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity, find a way to use today to share your relationship with GOD with someone else. If you have any questions, or would like some ideas, feel free to contact Pastor Mark.

Have a Blessed St. Patty's Day!
Pastor Mark

(This blog post comes from this week's church e-newsletter)

What Does a White Polar Bear Have To Do With Victory In Jesus?

2011-02-16T10:49:00.002-05:00

In the message I delivered this past week in the 10:55am Contemporary Service, one of the concepts I taught on was being aware of the things that anger and/or attract you. Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount about anger and attraction gets to the heart of placing things in life above our relationship with GOD. And the cold hard truth is that when we allow something to consume and dominate our hearts and minds, we allow that thing(s) to become a god in our lives. The temptation to allow these angering and attracting people, places, and things to dominate us is very real, and we must claim victory over them.

I ran across an interesting story during my quiet time earlier this week about the time when Leo Tolstoy, the great Russian novelist, was a boy, he reportedly started The White Polar Bear Club with two of his friends. In order to become a member, you had to stand in the corner and for thirty consecutive minutes not think of a white polar bear.

Have you ever tried to intentionally not think about something? The more you think about not thinking about it, the more impossible it is to keep it out of your mind! Yet, this is how we handle temptation; when it comes, we try as hard as we can to not to think about it: If I just don't think about it, then I'll have victory over this temptation

Victory over temptation (anger and attraction) is attainable, my friends! As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15.57-58: "…thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." As you face all kinds of temptations, burdens, stresses, struggles, and strain, know you have already achieved victory in Jesus Christ! Pray to GOD, invite His Holy Spirit into your life, and know beyond the shadow of a doubt that GOD is for you and has a purpose for your life.

(This blog comes from the weekly email sent out from Cokes Chapel UMC.
It was inspired by Jon Walker's daily Grace Creates devotion from 2/16/11.)

Happy Groundhog Day!

2011-02-02T07:41:00.003-05:00

I must confess, I always found Groundhog Day to be a little silly. Even the most expensive computers and highly trained meteorologists have a hard enough time knowing what the weather will do tomorrow, so I don’t put much stock in what a groundhog thinks will happen in a couple months. Regardless, Groundhog Day has taken on somewhat of a different meaning in our culture the last several years thanks to the 1993 Bill Murray movie. If you aren’t familiar, with the movie, it is about a weather man who is reluctantly sent to cover a story about a weather forecasting "rat" (as he calls it). This is his fourth year on the story, and he makes no effort to hide his frustration. On awaking the 'following' day he discovers that it's Groundhog Day again, and again, and again. First he uses this to his advantage before coming to the realization that he is doomed to spend the rest of eternity in the same place, seeing the same people do the same thing EVERY day.

It might just be a humorous fictional movie, but there is a lesson in it for us. All the time we see people doing the same thing over, and over, and over again, reminding us of the old definition of insanity – repeating the same behaviors and expecting results. Some might think doing something new is impossible, but the Bible tells us that with GOD all things are possible (Matthew 19.26)! On this Groundhog Day, think about how you might be able to do something NEW for GOD thanks to the love and grace of Jesus Christ. Revelation 21.5 tells us that GOD makes all things new, so let Him begin today with you! Open up your heart to receive the Lord’s invitation to follow and believe!!!

(This blog was written for our church's weekly email)

Belief Beyond The Tightrope Of Life

2011-01-25T11:17:00.000-05:00

There once was a tightrope walker who was going to walk across the Grand Canyon blindfolded pushing a wheelbarrow. On the day he was to do the feat, people from all over came to witness the stunt. Whether they were hoping to see him succeed or the carnage of his failure, they lined up from all around.

When the time came, the tightrope walker made it successfully to the other side! Upon his victory, he turned to a reporter and asked, “Do you believe I can do it?” The reporter responded, “Of course I do, I just saw you do it.” This answer did not satisfy the stuntman as he asked again, “Do you believe I can do it?” Again, the reporter answered, “Of course I do, I just saw you do it.” The tightrope walker asked a third time, “But do you believe I can do it.” Again, the reporter answered, “Of course I do.” With this response, the tightrope walker said, “Get in the wheelbarrow.”

Life is full of challenges. There are times when we only believe we can succeed after we have. Be it a task at work, a test at school, or a confrontation at home, we might think we are doomed to failure until the surprise of finding firm footing at the other end of the tightrope. And there are times when we think life will be much easier than it has been, only to find ourselves gasping for air at the end. Regardless of the tightropes we must walk, in order to succeed, we must first believe that we can! The Little Engine That Could was on to something here.

But when we peer out over the Grand Canyon of doubt we might think the task at hand is utterly impossible. That is where faith comes in! Hebrews 11.1 tells us this about faith, “[Faith] is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see.” (NLT) We might never think we’ll get to the other side, but the Bible tells us that if we believe it, we can achieve it.

There is an awesome story in the Gospel of Mark about the power of faith and belief. A father whose son had been possessed by an evil spirit comes to Jesus asking for help. The man pleads with Jesus saying, “‘if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us.’ Jesus said to him, "If you are able! — All things can be done for the one who believes.’ Immediately the father of the child cried out, ‘I believe; help my unbelief!’(Mark 9.23-24, NLT, emphasis mine)

All too often, we find ourselves in the place of the father—wanting, needing something to happen. We have faith that Jesus can do it, but we do not believe anything can be done. We fear the unknown. We fear a lost cause lost. We fear the inaccurate inevitable. Yet Jesus tells us that all things can be done for the one who believes. What’s left is unbelief! And when we surrender our unbelief to the One who can do something with it, then Jesus says, “I AM able. I can work with that!” I’ll not only help your child, your spouse, your parent, yourself, but I’ll help your unbelief. That, my friends, is where the miracle begins.

So in the midst of life’s tightropes, do not forget that with God nothing is impossible. Do not forget that you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength. Turn in prayerful faith to the One who can cure any ailment, ease any heart, and even conquer the grave. And believe Him when He tells you, “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11.24, NLT)

Veterans Day Blessings

2010-11-11T06:19:00.000-05:00

As you might know, today is Veteran's Day. Veteran’s Day commemorates the Armistice, which is when the Allies and Germans ended their fighting in World War I at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Veteran’s Day has taken several forms throughout the years and been commemorated on different days, but the 1978 Congress set it as a state and federal holiday on November 11th. Veteran's Day was also set aside to remember all who have served, and are serving, in the US military.

In a time of war, it is even more important that we remember the men and women who have served our country so valiantly. Please remember those who are currently engaged in the fight for freedom against tyranny and terrorism. Also, say a special prayer for those who have paid the ultimate price to secure and preserve our freedom.

Here is a prayer I found and adapted for Veteran’s Day. As you read and pray these words, please think of the commitment and courage of those who have given – and give – so much!

God of peace, we pray for those who have served our nation and who laid down their lives to protect and defend our freedom. We pray for those who have fought; whose spirits and bodies are scarred by war; and whose nights are haunted by memories too painful for the light of day. We pray for those who serve us now, especially for those in harm’s way. Shield them from danger and bring them home safely. Let the peace you left us, the peace you gave us, be the peace that sustains, the peace that saves. Christ Jesus, hear us! Lord Jesus, hear our prayer!

Have a great day and pray for our nation’s veterans, past and present!

Swimming In The Murkiness of Sin

2010-09-20T07:23:00.001-04:00

This past weekend, Tiffany and I helped chaperone the youth group’s trip to Lake Wedowee in Alabama. As it turns out, this lake is the location of two pretty significant and related lessons.

When I was youth-aged, I went to Wedowee for a weekend of lake fun. It was there I learned how important it is to wear sunscreen. I spent several hours out on a boat without it and got the worst sunburn of my life! I have the sun damage on my left arm to prove it! As I’ve gotten a little older and wiser, I wear sun screen religiously. And now, I’m supplementing my sun protection by wearing one of those nifty swim shirts, similar to what a surfer would wear. Lesson I.

This past weekend, prior to getting on the boat, I lathered up with an 85 SPF sunscreen. I then donned my swim shirt, which is solid white, to further protect my pasty-white torso. We then struck out on the boat for an afternoon of swimming, tubing, wakeboarding, etc. Once finished, we headed back to shore for the next slate of activities, which for me included lying around on a float – hard work to be sure! While Tiffany and I were swimming in the water, I made some comment about how clean the water appeared to be for lake water. She tacitly agreed and we continued our afternoon of leisure.

When our swimming session was completed, I made my way out of the water with Tiffany right behind me. Once I heaved myself out of the water, Tiffany was able to see my white swim shirt and commented on how dirty I was. I didn’t believe it until I actually pulled my shirt away from my body and saw how it was no longer white, but the color of a latte! While swimming in the lake, the murkiness of the water dyed my shirt a light brown! Returning home, I soaked it in a diluted bleach solution, but guess what? The shirt is still brown! Lesson II.

Having my swim shirt re-colored got me thinking about the murkiness of sin. While we are willingly swimming around in sin-stuff, we look around and think that all’s well. In fact, we look past what we’re really getting ourselves into and think that it isn’t so bad. In fact, it’s fun and probably even exciting. Not experiencing any immediate consequences, we get deceived into thinking that we are above the need to avoid whatever it is we’re doing. It’s all about deception, and while we’re enjoying ourselves, we are deceived that what we’re doing is a-ok. The problem, however, is that it isn’t a-ok, and we’re being tainted while note even knowing it. Quoth Scooby Doo, “Ruh Roh!”

Once tainted with sin, there is nothing we can do on our own to cleanse ourselves. We can try with all our Humpty-Dumptyesque efforts to wash the sin away, but we simply aren’t capable. We need some help. That’s where GOD comes in, because it is GOD alone who cleanses us from the stain of sin. “Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” (Psalm 51.7)

GOD came to us in the person of Jesus Christ, and in Jesus’ sacrifice, broke the strangle-hold that sin has on us forever. In accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life, you can receive the immeasurable blessings of eternal life that begins with the cleansing of sin. Revelation 7.15 tells us that those who believe in Jesus and follow Him will be able to wash their robes in the blood of the Lamb, making them white again—whiter than snow! It’s the blood of Christ that cleanses us better than any bleach ever could.

If you have been swimming in the murkiness of sin, thinking that you’re staying clean, be careful! The honest truth, though, is this applies to us all. Accepting Christ, however, cleanses you from the inside out, purifying you, making you whiter than snow. Accept GOD’s love for you. Embrace Jesus’ sacrifice on your behalf. Go to Him to be cleansed. The murkiness of sin stains even if you aren’t aware of it, but GOD alone makes you clean. So take a dip in the living water of GOD’s love! Get clean, stay that way, and may it change the way you live forever!!!

A Great Quote

2010-09-11T10:07:00.007-04:00

Pastor Rick Warren is someone I follow on Twitter. You may know of Rick as the Pastor of the Saddleback Church in California and the bestselling author of the books, "The Purpose Driven Church" and "The Purpose Driven Life." Earlier in the week, he tweeted something that strikes me in light of my earlier blog post. He tweeted:

"I believe in the separation of church and hate."

~ Rick Warren*

So do I! May we all as we shine the LIGHT and LOVE of GOD!!!

*You can see Rick Warren on Twitter by clicking here.

Remembering 9/11

2010-09-11T08:53:00.003-04:00

I got to sleep in this morning. It was nice. We have a busy day in store for us, as my mom is headed down to Newnan to spend some time with us and to have me help her with some techno-things. I got out of bed, put on my UGA game day gear, and shuffled to the kitchen for my first cup of coffee. Through my overslept stupor, I turned on the TV and was immediately hit with the profound significance of the day ... a day that has forever changed America and the world. Video footage from that day was being replayed, while pictures of those who were lost graced the screen. My stomach turned and I was automatically taken back to that fateful morning.

9/11/2001: a mere month since my dad had died and the time when Tiffany had just learned she was pregnant with Ethan. I was exercising and listening to people vent on sports talk radio about how my beloved Bulldawgs had lost 14-9 to the South Carolina Gamecocks the Saturday before. Once the news started to break, the talk shifted from football Xs-and-Os to what was transpiring in New York. I immediately changed the channel to NBC and the Today Show to watch coverage of this bizarre tragedy. Of course at that time, no one knew the extent of what that day would become.

As the events unfolded, I was glued to the television screen. My heart – which was already conflicted in the grief of losing my dad and the expectancy of welcoming Ethan to the world – began to break for those who had perished. It didn’t take long before the phone rang and it was the senior pastor of the church where I was serving telling me that we were planning a worship service for later that day. He wanted me to begin brainstorming how we would approach this unprecedented (at least in my lifetime) opportunity to shine the light of the Gospel into the lives of a frightened people. The day became very busy from that point, and I can only remember a couple more details, but two things still stand out in my mind.

The first is how after the service, as the sun had gone down for the night, I went out into our backyard and prayed to GOD, just as I had done many times. The oddity of looking up into the sky and seeing no airplanes still makes me cringe.

The second is something from a little earlier in the day, and it was the news of the man who was officially identified as the very first casualty of 9/11 – Father Mychael Judge, the New York Fire Department Chaplain, who was killed by flying debris in lobby of the North Tower as the South Tower collapsed. As news of the attacks reached the emergency responders, Father Judge raced to the scene to offer his help and spiritual support. He was greeted by Mayor Giuliani, who asked him to pray for the victims of the attack and the entire city. He was with other firefighters, helping the victims – many of whom would not survive the day – offering Last Rites as he was killed. His funeral was attended by 3,000 persons, including dignitaries like former President Bill Clinton. In fact, following the funeral, his fire helmet was taken to the Vatican where it was presented to Pope John Paul! This was a man who had given his life to show love in a time and a place where it was practically absent.

Because of the way he lived his life, Father Mychael Judge was known and loved by many, and the story of his impact was shared in our Memorial Service at Saint Andrew UMC in Marietta. You see, I had been scouring the Internet all day long trying to figure out what in the world to include in a service like that! It was then I had found some info about Father Judge and how he died in ministry to the victims of that day. During my simple research, I found a prayer he was known to use to help order his life that we used in our service. I have since used it many times myself, even making it into a bookmark that I carry around in one of my Bibles. That prayer is:

"Lord, take me where You want me to go,
let me meet who You want me to meet,
tell me what You want me to say,
and keep me out of Your way."

Father Mychael Judge

That prayer strikes me today, just as it did then. We are called to give our lives in service to the world, and use every bit of ourselves to make Jesus known, but we cannot do that if we are consumed with hate. That was not how Jesus was, and certainly isn’t how He calls us to live today.

There has been a lot of talk in the news recently that, in my opinion, is giving Christians a bad name. In defense of GOD and the faith, some have fallen into the trap of hating those who aren’t like us. This bothers me! At the time Jesus was being arrested for his mock trial and imminent execution, Peter pulled out a sword to fight off those who were attacking him. Not only did Jesus order Peter to put that sword away, but Jesus healed the man’s ear that Peter had lopped off! (See John 18) The same man who had come to arrest him … now THAT’S grace and love! Jesus had every right to use His cosmic power for defense or retaliation, but He chose a way that strikes us in the heart of our own bent toward hate when confronted with a tragedy, and He did it with love.

I understand why people are up in arms about Bibles being burned, Christians being persecuted, and GOD being forced out of the public awareness, but friend – and this is a growing burden in my spirit – we aren’t doing Jesus any favors by fighting fire with fire! The greatest response we could possibly have is to love with the love of Christ in spite of the problems in the world. This, to me, is a much stronger statement, than falling to the level of others who do hateful things. Love is our only tool and weapon in this fight – loving like Jesus!

Here, on this 9th anniversary of 9/11, and considering all the unrest around us, it is evident to me in a powerful way that love is the answer for the world. It isn’t in burning books or shouting hateful things to people who aren’t like us, it’s about showing love to others in the face of all the reasons we should not. It’s a day we will never forget, and we never should. This isn’t the time for hate, this is the time for love … and LOTS of it!

I want to leave you with words from the Apostle Paul, as paraphrased by Eugene Peterson in The Message, “Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality. Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody. Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it." Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.” (Romans 12.9-21, MSG)

Have a great day, remember 9/11, and find a way to love like Jesus, for this is how we’ll change the world!

You Are Scent

2010-08-02T10:04:00.002-04:00

You might have heard that the sense of smell is the strongest sense tied to memory. This essentially has to do with how we store information. When our brain remembers something, it tries to take in all the sensory information around us. As time goes by, however, only the strongest sense associations’ stay with the memory and that usually is the sense of smell. Think about it ... just a whiff of a certain aroma can transport you through time and space to a certain event or place. Maybe freshly baked goodies, a particular cleaning product, cologne or perfume, or any other fragrance can help you recall something meaningful and important. It really is extraordinary if you think about it!

The Apostle Paul must have known about this phenomenon, too. In II Corinthians 2.14-16 he wrote, "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?" (emphasis mine)

Paul is making a direct connection here between the sense of smell and memory/knowledge! He is saying that as we impact the world, the sweetness of GOD's love lived out in the lives of GOD's people creates an indelible impression on the lives of those impacted. So in essence, when we serve, share, and shine to others for GOD, it is a total sensory experience that impacts this person's life for eternity!

Paul asks in verse 16, "And who is equal to the task?" This is quite a question, isn't it? Living for GOD can seem daunting at times, can't it? We might struggle with loving others, working with and for the poor, getting out of our comfort zone to welcome a stranger, or make sacrifices to be generous. When first faced with such a question we might think we can easily raise our hands and say, "Me, me, me!" but when we really count the cost, we might run the risk of thinking we just can't put ourselves out there like that. It seems pretty easy on the surface, but it becomes quite a challenge in reality, doesn't it!?

Make no mistake about it, our world is in trouble. It doesn't take a lot for the stench of death to remind us of all the struggle and suffering in our midst. You name it, turn on the news and you'll be confronted with enough famine, pestilence, and violence to make you think there isn't any hope. But the promise of the Gospel says that the sweet smell of life is stronger than that of death. The world, my friends, needs GOD's aroma, and every single one of us has been especially selected for the task of being the sweet fragrance of Jesus (NEW LIFE!!!) in the world.

We are called to spread GOD's light, love, and fragrance with the world. Jesus said, "...let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5.16) We are, in other words, GOD's aromatherapy candle shining in the darkness and adding the Lord's sweet fragrance to a world in decay. Are you up for this task, being sent to be GOD's scent in the world?

So let the light of GOD shine brightly in you today and spread the sweetness of GOD's love with the world around you! You are sent to be GOD's scent -- the aromatherapy of new life -- so others can know of GOD's love and remember GOD's promises even when surrounded by the decay of the world.

Shine brightly and smell sweetly, my friends!!!

THE FACE OF JESUS

2010-07-28T11:28:00.002-04:00

There is a story about a father and his son that I used in worship this past Sunday. The father had come home from a long day at work and was eager to get in his easy chair and read the paper. In this story like in many homes across this world, the little boy interrupts his father’s quiet time as all little children have a tendency to do. Wanting his father’s attention, he begs, requests, asks and demands until his father comes up with a clever idea. He flips to the weekly magazine section he had already read and tore out a page. It was a picture of the earth.

The father, thinking he was very clever, tore this picture of the world into many tiny pieces. As he handed his son the handful of confetti, he told him it was a puzzle and to put it together. His son went into the kitchen and sat at the table. With a little peace and quiet the man reclined just a little more into his chair, when suddenly, his boy came bounding into the room!

He jumped into his daddy’s lap as he asked how in the world she could have finished so soon? His son replied, “It was easy! On the back was a picture of Jesus’ face. When I got Jesus’ face all right, the world came out just fine.”

There is no doubt that the world is in chaos right now. Between the fluctuating economy, the threat of terrorism, and a changing political climate, it is easy to get concerned. After all, when it seems everything in which we place our faith is in flux, it is easy to feel unstable. This is not how we were designed to live, however.

Throughout history, things have seemed uncertain for God’s people. From the days of Noah on the ark, slavery in Egypt, being lost in the wilderness, and awaiting the Messiah’s arrival, God’s people have wondered if life could ever get worse. Still, God was there and never left His children alone. Sure times got tough—sure God got tough—but through it all, the Lord was there.

The same is true today. One cannot help but turn on the television or radio and wonder if Chicken Little might be on to something (The sky is falling! The Sky is falling!). We hear reports all of sorts of atrocities and we fall to our knees feeling our worldly home is in a shambled wreck. “When will enough be enough?” we think and pray. We hope in God but our faith wavers. What can happen next? Allow me to make a proactive suggestion…people of faith unite!

It’s time to stand up and show that the answer is found in the loving face of Jesus, praise the Lord! Let’s stand up and shout aloud that this is the message to change the world. Not some political platform. Not some economic policy. Not even the creation of another government office, but the loving face of Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the One who knows our fears. Jesus is the One who knows our voice. Jesus is the One who has calmed the storms and is sure to calm them again. He just needs faithful folk like you and me to get the word out and share the love in His eyes with the world.

Burt Bacharach had it right when he sang, “What the world needs now is love, sweet love,” and there is no sweeter love than Jesus’. So let’s share it and change the world around us, one soul at a time. Because I am convinced when everyone sees the face of Jesus and recognize it as Lord and Savior of all life, the puzzle will be solved and the world will come out just fine.

Happy Memorial Day

2010-05-31T10:07:00.005-04:00

Happy Memorial Day, Everyone!

This is a very meaningful day for my family and me. I have many friends and family members who have, or are, serving in the US Military. In fact, as I sit in my "man cave," I cannot help but see the US flag presented to our family during my maternal grandfather's burial for serving in the Navy during WWII. It is a cherished piece of national and family history, and I know there are many many more like it adorning living rooms, offices, etc. throughout this great land of ours. And even if you do not necessarily agree with all of this country's politics and policies, the brave men and women who have and are sacrificing so much are worthy of our pause.

Memorial Day, like any of our holidays, seems to be better known for the things we do as opposed to the reason we celebrate. It has become synonymous with the end of the school year, time off from work, vacations, grilling, baseball, swimming, etc., but its meaning is so much deeper. I do not think there's anything wrong with enjoying our freedom and liberty on days like today; in fact, this is precisely why those who gave their lives served in the first place! There are a few things we can do, however, to get the most out of this day, and I want to offer these mere suggestions as a way to truly enjoy Memorial Day.

1) Remember: Remember why we have this day to begin with. While we are enjoying our time away from the monotony of everyday life, there are people who awake this morning with a void in their lives as a result of the loss of a loved one who paid the ultimate sacrifice. While you remember your freedom, remember those to whom this day is a reminder of loss.

2) Pause & Pray: Remember to pause and pray to thank God for those who heeded the call to serve. This can be done before getting out of the bed, before the cookout, or while kneeling at your bedside tonight. The bottom line, though, is to pause and remember that sacrifice is an extremely biblical concept, and even God paid it all in Jesus to secure our freedom and way of eternal life.

3) Display: Remember to find a way to display your patriotism, pride, and/or need. I was in a neighborhood the other day that draped small American flags over the mailboxes, as an example. I myself am wearing red, white, and blue today. I also am wearing one of my favorite cross necklaces near my heart to remind me that Jesus paid it all, too, for my freedom and liberation from sin and death.

4) CELEBRATE: Not everything has to be solemn, and I think it's critically important to remember to CELEBRATE!!! After all, like I said previously, we need to celebrate the freedom we enjoy because these brave men and women paid it all, or are currently in harm's way to protect and preserve our freedom. Even with God, we have been granted liberation from the sting of death and are called to enjoy His love and creation. Memorial Day celebrations provide unique opportunities to do that with friends and family, too, so let's celebrate the sacrifice as well as the fun we can enjoy as a result!

Whatever your day has in store for you, I hope it is blessed for you and yours. I, myself, will be remembering those who served (like both my grandfathers, great uncle, and childhood best friend among others); pausing and praying several times today, especially before I devour the burger I'm gonna grill; displaying my pride and faith; and celebrating the freedom that has been secured at such a great price. These freedoms and blessings are first and foremost in my mind today, and I'm going to remember all that was given to make it possible. Will you join me?

Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T07:34:00.003-04:00

I am reminded this Easter morning of a hymn that I sang in the church where I grew up each and every Easter Sunday. It is not in the setlist for worship at The Lighthouse this morning, but I guarantee it will most likely be the song I sing the most through out the day. Here are the lines from the first verse and chorus of "He Lives"*:

I serve a risen Saviour,
He's in the world today;
I know that He is living,
Whatever foes might say;
I see His hand of mercy,
I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him
He's always near.

Chorus:

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and He talks with me
Along life's narrow way.
He lives, He live, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives:
He lives within my heart.

I pray you have an A-mazing Easter with your loved ones today. I know I'm especially excited this year, because directly following the conclusion of worship today, Tiffany, Ethan, and I will join our ENTIRE family on my dad's side in Cordele, GA for Easter dinner. To the best of my recollection, it will be the first Easter dinner I will have ever had with my paternal grandmother. While we're down there, Easter baskets will be opened, eggs will be hunted, and the things that make Easter fun will be celebrated. But my prayer is that while we all enjoy family and some play time, that we remember that this day is as special as it is for one reason, and one reason only: He Lives!

Happy Easter!

*He Lives was written by Alfred Ackley, 1933

BE the Doodle

2010-04-02T08:05:00.008-04:00

Tiffany and I were watching FOX News earlier today while enjoying our morning coffee. During the newscast, they made the observation that the web search giant, Google, did not have a reference to Good Friday in the “doodle” on their homepage. The Google Doodle is the name given to the drawings incorporated in the Google name as a heading for their search page. Despite Google’s practice of honoring birthdays of significant people and major holidays with their doodles, they decided it was best to glance over Good Friday in deference to the 205th anniversary of Hans Christian Anderson’s birth. I’m not kidding.

The people at FOX really wanted to make this a big deal. It even got my dander up or a few minutes, but then I calmed down. Would I like it if Google made a big deal about one of the most significant days in the course of eternity? Sure! Is it sad how political correctness in our culture seems to be taking on the role of a religion? Absolutely! But in the end, will it make that big of a difference? Nope; not at all.

People have tried to quiet or ignore Jesus and His Movement ever since the days He walked the earth in His bodily form. The societal powers-that-be have always tried to squelch His message and downplay His significance. Yet, despite all their efforts, Jesus is STILL the most significant person who ever has – and ever will – live. While a Google Doodle would be a nice way to honor Him, it isn’t by any means the best way to shine light onto Jesus.

So if not a Google Doodle, then how might we best honor Jesus, you might ask? Well the answer is simple and as old as the Jesus Movement itself: use your life! The most profound witness for Jesus always has been, and always will be, the story of a transformed life. Though I don’t have any empirical evidence, my gut tells me that people seeking meaning in this life get turned off by our holy wars on political correctness. The real passion and power behind the Jesus Movement has always been the light and love shared with those in need. The shining light of Christianity has always been when Jesus’ followers engage the world by feeding the hungry, giving the thirsty something to drink, showing hospitality to complete strangers, taking care of the sick, and visiting the imprisoned, all in the name of Jesus. (Matthew 25.36-41) In other words, the tools of proclaiming God’s love in Jesus are in compassion and personal witness inspired by the power of God’s love for us in Jesus.

This does not let us off the hook for shouting Jesus’ love to creation, though…quite the contrary! But in a world that seeks to keep Jesus’ followers quiet for the sake of political correctness, the loudest way to proclaim Christ’s love is to live out loud and let your life be the doodle! Don’t count on Google to do your work for you while you go about passively doing your thang; let your living and loving actions speak as you serve, share, and shine for the Lord!

Since today is Good Friday, it’s the perfect time to start. Let God’s love for you overflow into your life so you can go into the world and proclaim the power and passion of Jesus. Have a great day and BE the Doodle!

Wake-Up Call

2010-03-21T08:03:00.002-04:00

Does God ever wake you up in the morning with something on your heart? There are definite periods of time when I am awakened with scripture verses and/or certain songs burned into my consciousness. I never think of these as coincidences, because I believe God is always at work in our heart, mind, body, and spirit -- even when we sleep! Scour the scripture and see how many times God spoke to people in their sleep; it definitely happens. Perhaps this is because it's harder for us to tune Him out with television, radio, Twitter and Facebook, or any other distraction.

I was awakened this morning with Philippians 2.5 in my heart and head, "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus..." I cannot tell you how many times I've read that verse, but the 'attitude' part really resonated with me. I know about bad attitudes; I've had them and know people who do, too. If we're to have the same attitude as Jesus, that has some serious implications for us, doesn't it?

This attitude adjustment can be summed up in four little words with eternal power: GOD is in control. If you're facing a tough time, GOD is in control. If you're in grief, GOD is in control. If things are going well for you right now, GOD is in control.

I am the kind of person who is guilty of thinking and believing that the sun rises and sets with me. I put way too much responsibility on myself and get burned out and worn out, but the fact of the matter is, GOD is in control. If Jesus, with all He had to do, had the attitude that GOD was in control and He would go and serve wherever and however God the Father chose, then why should I approach my own life any differently? Talk about a wake-up call for life!

Friends, GOD is in control! As Acts 17.28 says, "In Him we live and move and have our being." So may we take our hands of the reins and let God reign for once in our lives -- we're living, moving, and being with Him anyway! Let it be a wake-up call to let GOD be in control and adjust your attitude accordingly.

Have a great day!

Some Thoughts On Prayer, Life, & Change

2010-02-22T09:42:00.006-05:00

I've been thinking about yesterday's talk more than usual. In the message, I talked about X-ponential Growth and what it means for us as God's children. In scientific terms, exponential growth is what happens at the molecular level as our cells divide and multiply to provide basic bodily functions like grow hair, replace skin, and repair muscle. All of this change going on within us isn't necessarily discernable at the time, but the results of it are. We know when we need to cut our hair, when we heal from a sunburn or small wound, and feel better after a workout. This change in the form of growth is just a part of life and who we are. God has designed us this way and takes great joy in watching us become the splendid creature He created. As we acknowledge that this growth process happens within us physically, we can also come to the awareness that it's happening spiritually as well.

God doesn't just download all the information we need to be Jesus followers at our conversion. No, we have a life-long process of learning and growing into the children of God we are created to be. It sure would be easier to have all the perspective in the world – especially when life doesn't go our way – but this learning process is designed to draw us closer to God and others in His family. As we live life with and for God through others, we see similarities and experience common ground we might otherwise not have known was there. We are to look at life through transformed eyes, though I'll be the first to declare this is rarely easy. This is why faith is known as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen (Hebrews 11.1); it requires us to look to God first as opposed to the things we decide are ,or are not, going our way. Friends, this requires a fundamental change in the way we live life, for we might think we're lost in the shadows, but because of God's love, the only shadow that is cast is that of the cross of Jesus Christ, guaranteeing God's victory and our salvation.

I contend that prayer is the fundamental and most critical element as we begin to consider how we must change the way we view life. When we go to God in prayer, we look to get on the same page He's on. We might think it's to get God to do what we want, but it's really to find out what God wants us to do. When we approach prayer accordingly, then we'll find ourselves changed. The only problem is, this is rarely how we approach it – all too often we ask God to "give me," or "help me," when in reality, we need to ask God to "change me." As Paul said, we all will be changed (1 Corinthians 15.51), so let's make sure we're being changed into the image of God. And again, this shows the importance of prayer as we seek to conform to God's will as opposed to demanding that God conform to ours.

Here are some quotes on prayer and change that have been resonating within me the last several days:

- The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays. (Soren Kierkegaard)

- Be the change you want to see in the world. (Gandhi)

- Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it. (Unknown)

My prayer as we enter this season of Lent is that we look to God in the midst of life's victories and defeats. To know that the only shadow we truly experience is the shadow of the cross, because our salvation has already been won! We need to Get on God's page and allow Him to steady our restless hearts. He loves us more than we can imagine and has more in store for us than we can conceive.

The Importance of Play

2010-02-04T08:42:00.004-05:00

Playing is important. It's so important that even the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights declared that play is a basic human right for every child! You can click here to read a list of the benefits of play, presented through the University of Delaware. Suffice it to say, play isn’t just for passing time or keeping children occupied; no, it has a very specific design. Prolific Christian author, CS Lewis said something to the effect of since playing is so important, it must have been designed by God. I think this is true.

We’ve gotten away from play. In our hyperactive culture, we put more value on working hard and productivity. As a result, many of us have lost touch with our creative and fun-loving side. Remember the famous saying, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” Just look at Jack Nicholson’s character in, “The Shining.”

I think we need to recapture the importance and benefits of play for our sake, for God’s, as well as our task of bringing people into God’s family. Play is fun, it helps us relieve stress, and it even draws a crowd!

So I ask these questions, and please, let me know what you think:

• What do you think about the importance of playing?
• How can play change the way we worship God?
• How can play change the way we serve God?

Confessions from a Dad Who Is Trying

2010-01-29T06:43:00.010-05:00

I am a dad who is trying to do the best job I can. Some days are better than others. Today was one of those days when I had a, "Oh, ok, I get it" moment.

I was helping Ethan get ready for school while we watched an episode from his favorite cartoon, "Pokémon." If you aren't familiar with Pokémon, there are like a bajillion different characters with a gazillion different attributes, powers, and abilities. I cannot overemphasize this fact: he knows them all. Literally. So while we were watching the show this morning, he wanted to tell me every last little minute detail about the characters highlighted in the program. But it was early and I wasn't in the mood. He wasn't really alert enough yet to frame a coherent thought without infinitely more pauses, "ums" and "uhs" than actual intelligible words. The result was I only heard a fraction of what he was saying. I was looking at him, only half-way listening, and trying to nod and offer verbal cues pretending that I was paying attention. That was when I noticed how totally passionate he was about this moment he was sharing with his dad. I felt guilty and then gave him my undivided attention, although I still cannot tell a Dragonite apart from a Rhyperior.

I felt convicted because I knew I needed to listen. Sharing this moment with me was meaningful to my son, even though it really didn't register in my pre-dawn malaise. He felt it important enough to share something that interests him so much and I was barely paying him a lick of attention. Then it hit me: how often do I, in my prayer time, stammer and stumble through my words while going on and on about things that might seem pretty insignificant in the grand scheme of things? Yet God loves me enough to sit and listen to each and every word with His divine ear tuned especially to the cares of my life; cares that might not mean a whole lot to anybody else and pale in comparison to the full purpose God has for me. But God loves the interaction. God loves it when we share what's going on in our lives, and the opportunity to relate to us in a very loving and personal way.

The Bible tells us over and over again that God loves us like a holy parent; but friends, that doesn't even begin to scratch the surface. In those moments we as parents might tune our little ones out, get frustrated with stories that go on and on and on and on, and not really try to figure out why things mean so much to our beloved about which we could honestly care less, God is really truly listening and showering us with His presence. God really truly cares about the things we care about. He always pays attention, listens to us intently, and enjoys sharing in the things that make us happy. Shouldn't that change the way we interact with others, especially those we love so dearly?

So I confess that there are times I really don't do that great of a job in listening to Ethan when he's talking about his love of Pokémon. But because I love him, he deserves the best out of me. I know there will be days in the not-too-distant-future when I'll long for these innocent conversations from his childhood. So my prayer today is that I can stop what I'm doing to show my son the attention he deserves, knowing full well that God is always there for me. Like I said, I'm a dad who is trying. May love shape us all after the image of God!

God Is The Contractor In The Remodel Of Your Life

2010-01-25T14:41:00.001-05:00

I ran into a local retailer a while back to pick up a few items. On the window was a sign that said something to the effect of, "Pardon our mess, we're renovating to be able to better serve our customers." When I went inside, I was flabbergasted—the store was going through a major remodel. Aisles were all out of place, items were strewn all over, and there was a nearly overwhelming odor of paint and other chemicals. I considered turning right around and walking out. After all, I thought it made perfect sense for the store to have just closed down until the remodel was complete. That way, its faithful customers would not have to see or smell the state of our trusty disheveled market.

I was pressed for time, so I decided to go ahead and get what I needed, and boy am I gad I did! Though I was initially stunned by the unkempt appearance, I could see something magical taking place before my eyes! Fresh paint was going on the walls. New flooring was being laid. All sorts of decorative touches were being added. Shelves and the goods they held were being moved around for better accessibility and visibility. Surely it was inconvenient because everything was in virtual chaos, but it was obvious what was going on: the store was being transformed, enhanced, and improved!

It did not take long before I saw the master of the reconstruction. The store manager was walking around with the contractor, pointing out things that needed to be done, redone, or whatever. The manager was intimately involved with the work to ensure the store under her care was up to her specifications. All the work was being completed according to a plan to make it better, brighter, and more beneficial to the people who counted on it for life-sustaining food, medicine, and other products. I walked in with a grimace but out with a grin because I could not help but see the symbolism!

When we first accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, a great transformation begins to take place. As Paul says, “…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5.17, emphasis mine) God moves and begins renovating according to His holy blueprint. God wants to make sure that accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior of our life transforms us from the inside out until we resemble the image of His Son.

God’s divine remodel in our lives is done according to His holy purpose. These changes might seem a little out of order, hectic, or chaotic, but we must hold on in faith to God’s vision for our life. God sees us not only as we are, but as we will be once the remodel is complete. Things might seem out of place right now, but God knows exactly what He is doing. As He says in Jeremiah 29.11, “‘I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” And the good news is, God is intimately involved in the remodel.

God has a plan and a purpose for your life. He wants to make you new! God wants to see you transformed from the inside out so you too can be better, brighter, and more beneficial for yourself, others, and God. The good news is, too, that this is a plan God has been working on since the beginning of time. Jeremiah 1.5 says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart….” And Romans 8.29 says, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son….” God wants like nothing else for us to resemble Jesus and He will stop at nothing to remodel us accordingly!

So trust in God, His love for you, and the plan He has for your life. Trust in the fact He wants to make you new, and embrace the hope of a new you for a better and brighter life! It might seem crazy at first, but God wants to show and share with you the unsearchable riches of being in a relationship with Him!

Checking In On Your New Year

2010-01-12T15:38:00.000-05:00

I hope the first two weeks of your New Year have been fulfilling. Much is made this time of year about resolutions. I have been amazed at the numerous advertisements for home gyms, workout facilities, diet programs, and nutritional supplements. All this centers on making a fresh start after overindulging at holiday feasts and celebrations. You wake up several days in a row with bloating and indigestion and it doesn’t take much to want to reform. Then when you step on the scale…egad! Experts estimate that the average American gains ten pounds of weight from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day. There is no wonder then that just as there is a season for Thanksgiving and Christmas, January has become the season for fresh starts.

Needless to say, our weight loss efforts (or other New Year’s Resolutions) are only as attainable as we allow them to be. When we set lofty goals that are difficult to reach at best, we set ourselves up for failure. I might have in my mind’s eye a picture of Hollywood’s hottest celebrity for how I want to look, but it simply might not be attainable. Outside of genetics, there are a lot of other factors that play into these equations, ranking from the time for austere workout regimes to the money for top-dollar personal trainers and even cosmetic surgery. Then, when it’s all said and done, they don’t call makeup artists and special effects wizards the magicians of Hollywood for nothing! But I digress.

When we center our quest for fresh starts on bathroom scales or mirrors, then we fall way short. As author James Luceno says, we can look at ourselves in the mirror for an eternity and we no more become our reflection than a map becomes the land you want to visit. So for a true fresh start we must look deeper, and ironically enough, aim higher!

Our God wants to offer you the best fresh start you could ever hope for. God wants you to know the depth of His love and the warmth of His embrace. God wants you to know the power of His Holy Spirit to work on your heart and change your life!

Many of us have lived at times in our lives feeling like we have just gotten through the holidays, bloated with indigestion. Many of us know that feeling of being compelled to make a lasting change in our lives. And we all want to know the power of living life with a clean conscience, empowered for making a difference in the world for good!

So look no further than the God who created you and loves you more than anything. We cannot derive our value or beauty from a mirror or bathroom scale. But when we place our life in the hand of almighty God, then we realize we are priceless: created out of love and redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. Couple that with the lethargic feeling of overindulgences, and we know beyond the shadow of a doubt that we need a new lord in our lives. One that doesn’t judge us by the way we look or how much we weigh, but by the potential only God Himself is capable of seeing.

Whatever your New Year’s resolution might be for 2010, I pray that you aim higher than simply to lose weight (though I confess it’s one of mine, too) or anything else. If it’s a fresh start we crave, there is no better place to turn than our God who loves us so dearly. So turn to Him, allow Him to bathe you in the depths of His love, warm you in His embrace, and empower you with His Holy Spirit! And again, may I wish you a Happy New Year!

Sound Of Hope

2009-12-24T11:17:00.004-05:00

The tree is lit. Presents are everywhere. The anticipation is palpable. Dinner is being cooked. I am home alone as I type this. I am in a sort of self-imposed bunker mode as I get ready for CHRISTmas Eve worship this evening going over the notes for my message, getting my heart and mind lined up for God, and enjoying some of the most beautiful CHRISTmas praise and worship music. The thoughts that are swirling in my mind are about how CHRISTmas means HOPE -- hope that love conquers all; hope that we have a future with God; hope that my life will mean something in the end. This hope comes to us in the Lord Jesus Christ, Immanuel, God with us.

While singing a CHRISTmas Carol the other day with my family, I found myself utterly perplexed. We were singing "Away In A Manger," and as we got to the line about how Jesus didn't cry, I really started to wonder if that was true. Sure, I could see how Jesus was capable of transcending the impulse to cry and let his mommy and daddy know what he needed. But I know Jesus was fully divine AND fully human; completely balanced in His dual nature. That being the case, I bet the baby Jesus cried. We know He did when he was older (remember the Bible's shortest verse that tells us "Jesus wept"?), so why would he not cry when he was a baby? This is the natural order of things and exactly what was supposed to happen.

Isaiah 9.6 says, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Jesus didn't just appear on the stage at 30-years-old, he was born. He lived life, experienced life, and learned to love God with His life. Babies cry and Jesus was a baby; therefore, I bet baby Jesus cried.

I recently heard of a book that helps parents interpret their child's cries. Apparently, it is possible to interpret the difference between a hurt cry, hungry cry, tired cry, frustrated cry, dirty diaper cry, bored cry, cry to be held, and a cry for the sake of crying. I remember being a parent and learning those cries from Ethan. It was an arduous task in those days, but a time in my life I relish above most others. As often as I was frustrated with his crying (especially in the middle of the night), the sound meant so much to me. His cries reminded me he was there, and since he’s the apple of my eye, that means a ton! Tiffany and I both yearn to hear those cries again. We trust God in our infertility and still have hope that we will be able to experience the multiplication of love that comes from guiding a young life for God. It might sound strange, but to me right now one of the most beautiful sounds in the world is that of a baby crying. It spurns a physical and emotion response in me. What is noise to some is music to my ears; music I pray I hear again coming from within the walls of my own home.

Last weekend we had the wonderful opportunity to spend the night with my mom celebrating CHRISTmas. My brother, sister, and their families were all there. It was the first time we had all gathered like that since their babies, Charlie Jordan and Drake Houston, were born into the families. We had people scattered everywhere...in every room, on the floor, and on the couches! The place was full of life. And in the middle of the night, as is prone to occur with tiny babies in the place, the stillness was broken with the cries of tiny children in need. Tiffany and I lay in our spot and just listened to the babies cry. To us, it wasn't an annoyance, a frustration, or a cause to get aggravated. Those precious baby boys’ cries were a sign of hope that we, too, can experience the blessings of a new life in our family. Of course the next morning, the babies parents' apologized profusely for the noise and hoped it didn't disturb us. It didn't. To us, it was the sweet sound of hope.

I imagine that as Mary and Joseph, the angels, shepherds, wise men, and everyone else that gathered at the manger who heard the cries of Jesus relished in the beautiful noise. They didn’t likely try to hush him – they were in a barn for crying out loud – because those cries meant something. The cry of Jesus was the sound of hope that God's people had been waiting for over some 700 years from the time Isaiah prophesied that a baby was to be born to bring hope for all the world. God's people were yearning for the sound that would proclaim that not only was hope still alive, but hope was NOW ALIVE. And hope most definitely was alive – it was alive in the person of baby Jesus, Immanuel, Savior of the World.

My prayer as we celebrate CHRISTmas this year that we will keep our ears tuned to the sounds of hope that God has placed in our lives. Hopefully you will be able to find a place of worship this evening or tomorrow to hear the sweet music and the promise of salvation proclaimed. Hopefully you will be able to hear the gleeful laughter of children finding their CHRISTmas wishes granted. Hopefully you'll be able to hear the satisfied sound of moms and dads as they realize they were able to grant the desires of their precious ones' little hearts. And hopefully, you'll be able to pause in the midst of all of our celebrations to again hear the blessed words echo throughout creation that "unto us a child is born and a son given." This, my friends, in the form of a tiny baby crying for the entire world to hear, is the greatest sound of hope. Hope for me. Hope for you. Hope for us all.

Merry CHRISTmas. Know you are loved. May it change your life now and forever!

Merry CHRISTmas!

2009-12-14T11:32:00.003-05:00

I have really been working on the true meaning of Christmas this year. For me, it’s something I have to do annually, especially since I love Christmas and always have. I love the trees, lights, presents, music, goodies … all of it! But as I mentioned in my weekly message yesterday, I am someone who is guilty of feeling a little blue after the Christmas celebration is complete. It’s as though once the party is over, Christmas is, too. If I’m going to experience true Christmas joy, then I need to embrace the true meaning of Christmas and how it’s there for me every day of my life. I’m going to take a stab here in the dark, but my guess is I’m not alone in this. We all need to get past the potential trappings of the season to find the real joy God has in store for us.

Christmas is all about Jesus as we celebrate His birth. Remember the saying, “Jesus Is the Reason for the Season”? The Scripture says in Matthew 1.21 that God sent us Jesus (Immanuel, or God with us) to save us from our sins. Sin carries the penalty of separation from God. At Christmas we remember how God sent His love to us in the form of Jesus, showing us that no matter how much distance we’ve put between God and us, we’re never too separated to be saved.

There is nothing wrong with the way we celebrate Christmas -- it truly is what makes the season bright -- but we must remember that as beautiful and fun as our Christmas celebrations are, they are not in and of themselves Christmas. I am coming to learn that the more we celebrate a Jesus-centered Christmas, then ironically, the fun parts of our Christmas celebration garners even more meaning! The trees are evergreen, symbolizing the eternal life we receive from God. The lights symbolize how Jesus came to be the light of the world. The presents we give and receive symbolize God's nature of giving. The music helps us keep the message alive while we’re driving, working, and going about our days. The goodies help us remember to taste and see just how sweet Jesus really is. See, it all has meaning! Focusing on Jesus needn’t negate the fun aspects of our celebrations, but give them even MORE meaning!

So as we embrace the fun of Christmas this year, I want us to use them to help redirect the focus on the true meaning of Christmas … Jesus! As a little way to help remind us about this, I want to invite you to join me in modifying the way we write the word, putting and keeping the emphasis where it belongs: CHRISTmas!

Merry CHRISTmas, my friends!

The Holiday Blues

2009-12-04T10:39:00.005-05:00

The holidays (which I am defining as the period of time between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day) are supposed to be a joyful time of good cheer and optimistic hopes. Yet it is not unusual for many of us to feel sad or lonely during the holiday period. This has come to be known as “The Holiday Blues” or “Holiday Depression.”

The Holiday Blues may occur at any holiday or vacation time, but most commonly happens during the December holidays when it seems just about everyone in the world is celebrating in some way. There are many causes for the holiday blues, but the most typical are the loss of a loved one, loss of job, separation or estrangement from family, a move away from a familiar home, or even a change in family traditions.

The symptoms for the Holiday Blues mimic clinical depression:
- Sleeplessness or constant desire to sleep

- Loss of appetite resulting in unwanted weight loss

- Binge eating resulting in unwanted weight gain

- Difficulty in concentration

- Difficulty in functioning normally at work and/or at home

- Feelings of anger, ambivalence, or hopelessness

- Slow reaction times and an inability to make decisions

- Over emphasis on the negative

- Low self esteem

- Isolation from others

- Some very real physical ailments such as headaches, backaches, and melancholy facial expressions.

While these symptoms might be intense and unsettling, The Holiday Blues are usually short-lived, lasting for a few days to weeks before the holiday. The good news is the Holiday Blues usually subside after the holiday as daily routines resume. If they do not, however, it is important to find someone who can help you through this difficult time such as a family member, friend, pastor, or other health care professional. Below, you will find a list of recommended DO’S and DON’TS for managing your Holiday Blues. The most important things to remember are: it’s a normal response to a stress-filled time of year, and you don’t have to suffer unnecessarily.

DO:
1. Do follow the three basics for good health (eat right, get plenty of rest, & exercise)
2. Do set realistic goals to organize your time, make lists, prioritize, and set a budget
3. Do let go of the past and find new ways to celebrate
4. Do allow yourself to feel sad and grieve—this is a normal response
5. Do something for someone else and spend time with people who care about you
6. Do enjoy activities that are free (a local church like The Lighthouse!!!)

DON’T:
1. Don’t overindulge in alcohol or fatty and sugary goodies
2. Don’t have unrealistic expectations of self or others
3. Don’t always count on others to remember your loss and pain
4. Don’t focus on what you don’t have
5. Don’t spend money you don’t have

The Holiday Blues can be a very difficult and sometimes unwanted guest at the holidays, but if you follow some of these simple suggestions and remember the words of Jesus, then you will be well on your way to a holiday season that will be merry and bright!

And remember what Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted,” (Matthew 5:4) and “Blessed are you who weep now for you will laugh.” (Luke 6:21)

Resourced from the University of Maryland Medical School and
The Stephen Ministry Training Manual

Open Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T07:33:00.000-05:00

Wow! Can you believe the Holidays are upon us? It is unfathomable for me that Thanksgiving is just a matter of hours away. Just think, with just a few turns of the hands on the clock, turkeys will be cooked and devoured; sweet potatoes will be mashed and inhaled; enough dressing will be baked to feed an army; and the spreads of cakes, cookies, and pies will be so plentiful that even the most modest of appetites will be tempted! Thanksgiving is indeed here!

From humble beginnings, Thanksgiving has become a mega-event for many families. I know personally, on a good year, Thanksgiving will be the only opportunity I will have to see cousins, aunts, and uncles clear on the other side of the state (sad, isn’t it?). It will be a day where others who are too separated by distance will spend time on the phone or perhaps even on a videoconference over the Internet—eat your hearts’ out Pilgrims! And then there is the family tradition I have only garnered a glimpse since marrying into my wife’s family: “The After-Thanksgiving Shopping Extravaganza!”

Thanksgiving has practically become synonymous with unbelievable bargains and shopping galore. I have been seeing signs the last several weeks advertising “Unbeatable Sales!” “Lowest Prices of the Year!” “We Won’t be Undersold,” and “Bargains Beyond Compare!” But perhaps my favorite sign of all came from a marquee not too far from my home that read, “Open Thanksgiving!”

I allowed my mind to dance a little after reading that sign. The more I played with the wording in my mind, the further I moved away from thinking about stores, shopping, and extraordinary shopping deals. It was not long before I moved from “Open Thanksgiving” to “Open Thanksgiving.”

If you’ll bear with me a minute, the difference might seem subtle, but I think it’s worth exploring. When we can look beyond even the greatest of deals and back into the meaning of the holiday, I think we do ourselves some justice. You see Thanksgiving is about exactly what it says, giving thanks. Though we do not need to set aside one day a year to be thankful, it makes for quite a special day when we do pause and show gratitude for our blessings and those we love. But when we can “Open Thanksgiving” in our hearts and minds, perhaps we find that we are more thankful than we ever thought possible.

When we open our hearts and minds—just like when we open windows and doors in our homes—all sorts of things can find their way in. Like a gentle breeze carrying the aroma of a fire from a neighbor’s fireplace, if we are open to the things that swirl around us outside of just what our eyes can see, then we will discover there is so much more to be thankful for than what is right in front of our noses. We live in a wonderful creation that nurtures and cares for us. We have people around us who we’ll never see that protect our wellbeing and that of our families. And we have a God who loves us so much He made the greatest sacrifice in Jesus to make us His own!

So I want to encourage you to have an “Open Thanksgiving” this year. Hug your loved ones. Express gratitude for the blessings from those who you might never see. And above all, from the Thanksgiving feast to the very end of the day, remember what life really means and, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1)

ReThinking The Storm

2009-11-17T08:19:00.002-05:00

We have had a lot of rain lately, haven’t we? While all that rain can really take a toll on us, it’s also the perfect time to think about how we deal with the storms of life. First of all, we must acknowledge the fact that life can be stormy. When the storms come, we often want to hunker down and pray to GOD to either calm the storm or remove us from it so we can be safe and cozy. I have become convinced, however, that we need to change our prayer posture, so to speak. One way I deal with this is to shift my focus from the things that are going wrong to the One who can do something about it. In other words, instead of talking to GOD about my problem, I started talking to my problem about my GOD. For example, instead of focusing on my anger, fear, anxiety, etc., I focusing on how GOD is grace; GOD is mercy; GOD is peace; GOD is love; GOD is forgiving; GOD is present; GOD is peace, GOD is...

Matthew 14.22-34 is the account of how Jesus walked on water and invited Peter out to join Him. We typically equate that story with having the faith to get out of the boat, yet while I was going through my prayer on the qualities of GOD, this story came back into my consciousness. At first I interpreted it as I needed to have the faith to walk on water by getting out of the boat (and that's still part of it) but another truth came to me. In this story, the disciples are in a boat that is in the middle of a storm while Jesus is on a mountain in prayer. From His vantage point, Jesus could see His friends were in trouble and he came to their aid by walking on the water.

Jesus did not allow the storm to separate Him from those who needed to Him, so He literally overcame the physical limitations of this world to go to their aid. What really struck me is the time lapse, though; you see, I know from hearing this story many times in my life that Jesus calmed the storm. What hit me, though, is the fact that this doesn't happen until the very end of this story…don't miss the significance here, my friend! Jesus didn't wait for the storm to end before he came to His friends' aid. He also didn't spare the moment to calm the storm first ... He came to them in the middle of the storm. And the whole episode of Peter getting out of the boat to walk on the water occurs, again, in the middle of the storm!!!

When we wait or expect for GOD to calm life’s storms before we join Him in His work, we're missing a greater truth. Jesus comes to us and asks us to join Him in the midst of our storm. The chaos we experience is opening us up in faith to follow Him. While we're asking Jesus to calm the storm so we can act for Him, He's telling us to act for Him and let Him worry about the storm. This can be scary faith stuff, because it requires us to quit focusing on the storm and focus on Him. Then the storm-calming work Jesus does first and foremost, therefore, is to calm the storm within us.

I want to encourage you to acknowledge your storm, but quit focusing on it. Instead, focus on the person and character of GOD who is walking to you in the middle of your storm and asking you to join Him in the impossible. He might not calm the storm before you, but He wants to calm the storm within you so you can join Him in every aspect of life. When you can embrace this, it will definitely change you as you realize the storm doesn't have any power over you, but the One who is holding you in the storm certainly does.

Click here to see a YouTube video for the Casting Crown’s song,
Praise You In This Storm

How Deep Is Your Trust?

2009-11-10T08:11:00.002-05:00

How deep is your trust? Trust is an interesting thing. When I flip a light switch, I trust that light will fill the room. When I put my key in the car ignition, I trust my car will crank. When I set my alarm at night, I trust that it will wake me up at the appropriate time the next day. As human beings, we know what it means to trust in things. But how deep is our trust?

Of those three simple things I mentioned above, our trust was formed by experience. We learn through experience that when we flip a light switch, crank a car, or set an alarm, the desired outcome will almost always occur. But what about those moments that we all have when there is no power in the house, or the car battery is dead, or we accidentally set our alarm clocks for 6pm instead of 6am? These instances tend to change our behavior at some level. We might look around to see if there is any evidence of electricity running through the house. We might look to make sure that we turn lights off in our car to ensure the battery doesn’t conk out on us. Or we might double-check the right time on the clock. The experience of things failing us changes our behaviors, at least for a little while. When that’s the case, our sense of trust shifts; if shifts from trust in the device to trust in ourselves to ensure that we manipulate the device properly. This shift might be subtle, but the effects are dramatic.

We need to consider this aspect of human nature in terms of our trust in God. We believe that all we have to do is ask God and He will provide for our needs according to the plan and purpose He has for our lives. The only problem is we believe we know what’s best. We treat God more like a consultant than the Creator and hope that His will lines up with our own. We often approach trust in God like there’s something we can do to manipulate Him. This, unfortunately, never works, and when it doesn’t, our faith and trust in Him is compromised.

I will admit that there are at least two areas in my life where I have a trust problem. All the lip service in the world cannot change the fact that in these areas of my life, I look at God and wonder when He’s going to sign on to MY plan as opposed to me signing on to His. So this morning as I was spending time in prayer and meditation, both of these issues boiled to the top. As I reflected over them and my trust in Him, I was reminded of how even yesterday, I tried at least one thing to push my agenda upon the circumstances in both cases as opposed to carrying them to the Almighty. This begs the question: how deep is my trust?

As I was praying about the depth of my trust, a scripture passage was given to me that comes from Ephesians. Check this out, “I (Paul) pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Eph. 3.16-19, NIV, emphasis mine)

When I don’t see things working out the way I want them to, I have the tendency to try doing things on my own. I am not alone … we all do it! But what does this say about the depth of our trust? I’m afraid it says it’s pretty shallow. The scripture says that the power of God’s love is immeasurable. That’s a sizable difference. That’s an eternal difference. It would do us some good to trust God – who we believe only wants the eternal best for us, which is a far cry from what we think we need – more than we trust our own ability to manipulate a circumstance or our God.

So let me ask you again, how deep is your trust?

_______________________

O Christ Jesus, when all is darkness and we feel our weakness and helplessness, give us the sense of Your presence, Your love, and Your strength. Help us to have perfect trust in Your protecting love and strengthening power, so that nothing may frighten or worry us, for, living close to You, we shall see Your hand, Your purpose, Your will through all things.
(St. Ignatius of Loyola, 1491-1556)

Turning An "Alexander Day" Upside Down

2009-11-02T09:34:00.005-05:00

When I was a kid, one of my favorite stories was Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. This book was such a staple in my house growing up that whenever someone had a bad day, we termed it an "Alexander Day." It still somewhat sticks when I have a conversation with my mom, brother, or sister, but it isn't as prevalent in my everyday vernacular anymore. That is until a couple weeks ago.

I had "An Alexander Day." It seemed that no matter what I did, it turned out poorly. If King Midas had the golden touch... well, I'm not even going to allude to the kind of touch I had. Let's suffice it to say, I wasn't happy.

I was driving to an appointment and I was in a royally bad mood (remember King Midas' antithesis?). I knew I couldn't go into my meeting as a sour puss at best, so I started praying. The only problem was my prayer wasn't all that sincere. I was skirting around the fact that I wasn't happy. One thing about having an omniscient God is He knows when we're not being open and honest with Him. There should be no mystery that my prayers didn't feel like they were going any farther than my steering wheel. I just felt shallow, or maybe even more appropriately, hollow.

I knew I needed to change my prayer if I was going to be worth anything when I arrived, so I focused on God. Novel thought, eh? Instead of focusing on the stuff I was dealing with, I focused on the positive attributes of God that ran directly opposite to what I was feeling. Instead of spewing my negative thoughts as to how my "Alexander Day" was progressing, I began focusing on positive thoughts of God. My prayer then became a series of words that described the personality and character of God. Words like:

Present

Peaceful

Loving

Truthful

Graceful

Merciful

Forgiving

Eternal

Provider

I went on making my mental list as I drove to my next destination. Within just a few moments, I began feeling much better. It was as though the heaviness of my "Alexander Day" was lifting, and so were my spirits. I had been turned upside down in literally just a matter of seconds when earlier I felt as though my whole house of cards was collapsing.

I have been doing this kind of praying a lot more lately. I'm finding that focusing on the person of God is so much more beneficial than focusing on the person of Mark; after all, I get the majority of my attention anyway. When focusing on God, my attention shifts from glorifying myself to glorifying God. Perhaps this is what Paul meant when he wrote, "Set your mind on things above and not on earthly things." (Colossians 3.2)

Changing the latitude of my prayers helped turn an "Alexander Day" upside down. I would like to suggest you give this a shot; you never know how it might change the way you feel and look at the world! Start making your list -- mental or otherwise -- about the character, attributes, and person of God. If you need any assistance, let me know; I'd love to help.

Ethan and the Nightlight

2009-10-29T08:38:00.007-04:00

Something struck me this morning as I went to tidy Ethan’s room once he left for school. He has to get up so early to catch the bus, and like so many homes we are in a 30-minute marathon to get him out the door; we, therefore we allow him to literally roll out of bed and come downstairs to get dressed, have breakfast, and enjoy a little family time before the day begins. So each morning, Tiffany or I saunter upstairs to turn off his fan, alarm clock, and nightlight. This strikes me because last night when I went to check on him after he fell asleep, he was doing everything in his power (i.e., covering his face with his pillow) to block out the light from his nightlight.

I am a very light-sensitive sleeper, so I suppose he comes by it naturally. We both prefer pitch-black darkness in order to sleep. This is why I find it strange that he still chooses to sleep with a nightlight. So I simply asked him, “Why do you want to keep using a nightlight when you need to sleep in total darkness?” I take it he has pondered this existential dilemma as well because he was quick to respond. This is what he said, “Dad, it’s because I want to be able to see if I ever wake up in the middle of the night to get to the bathroom.” His answer had a simple profundity that can hardly be argued.

This got me contemplating the need for a light in the darkness. Ethan wants to know the light is there so he can see to get to the bathroom, but I also think there is another reason: he wants to make sure his room environment looks basically the same at night as it does in the day. Let’s face it – things can look different at 3am, can’t they? Strange shadows can be cast and what is a cute cuddly plush toy can appear to be the boogey man in the middle of the night. So using a nightlight helps him know that there is always a light shining in the darkness to guide him to the bathroom, cast away the shadows that play tricks on his mind in the dark, and help him know the truth that he can rest in comfort and safety.

Jesus said in John 9.5b, “I am the light of the world.” The Bible also says in 2 Corinthians 4.6, “For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” God has given us a light to shine perpetually in our lives. I think there is a great parallel with why Ethan continues to use a nightlight: (a) God gave us Jesus so we can see in the times we walk in darkness; (b) God gave us Jesus to cast away the shadows that play tricks on our eyes; and (c) God gave us Jesus so we’ll know the truth of His love even when we feel all alone, comforting us that He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4.4 – in other words, “Yeah God, and boo devil!”)

I’m not sure if your eyes still play tricks on you in the middle of the night. I know mine do. And my mind still plays tricks on me in the middle of the day when I see or feel darkness all around me. When I’m not sure where to go, when I think all is lost, and when I’m searching for the truth, Jesus is there as an ever present help in times of trouble to help me know I’m not alone. (Psalm 46.1)

The light is always there. If you feel you’re stumbling around in the darkness, open the eyes of your heart to acknowledge the light that shines the face of God in Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 1.18) He’s leading the way. (Matthew 4.16) He’s casting out the shadows. (James 1.17) He’s shining light as the truth. He can do this, my friends, because He IS the LIGHT! May He illuminate your life today!

Be blessed and let the light so shine.

The Sweetest Day

2009-10-14T16:23:00.004-04:00

I was just perusing our family's wall calendar trying to get my ducks in a row before we take a very happy long weekend next week to celebrate the 15th anniversary of my wife's 21st birthday. I noticed that this Saturday, October 17th, is known as The Sweetest Day. I could not recall having heard of this day before, so I decided to consult the bastion of knowledge that is Wikipedia for my burning question, "What in the world is the Sweetest Day?"

The Wikipedia article says: "Sweetest Day is an observance celebrated primarily in the Great Lakes region and parts of the Northeast United States on the third Saturday in October. Once known as a day to spread love and cheer to the unfortunate, this popular holiday in the northern U.S. is now known as a day to show love to the male in your life. It is described by Retail Confectioners International as an "occasion which offers all of us an opportunity to remember not only the sick, aged and orphaned, but also friends, relatives and associates whose helpfulness and kindness we have enjoyed." Sweetest Day has also been referred to as a "concocted promotion.” created by the candy industry solely to increase sales of candy." (click here for more)

Even though I was not aware of Sweetest Day, it makes me a little sad that a day started out to help the less fortunate has turned into an occasion to sell candy and greeting cards. I am going to find a way with my family this Saturday to return to the original meaning of Sweetest Day. I want to encourage you to do so, too. For after all this is how God wants us to live our lives -- in concern and service for the world.

Jesus said in Matthew 25.34-40, "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'"

May Christ's words help us think about what is truly sweet in this world -- to show others how much they mean to you and God. Have a great Sweetest Day and may it be the sweetest day ever in concern and love for the world.

How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
(Psalm 119.103)

A Reminder I Received from a Coffee Mug

2009-09-30T17:37:00.002-04:00

I suffered a tragedy today. It is all relative, of course, but I lost something dear to me nonetheless. You see, I collect coffee mugs—among other things—and I got one on a particularly wonderful family vacation several years ago I loved. This was a special piece of ceramic pottery. It was a strong mug. It was a big mug. It held just the right amount of coffee. And being ceramic it kept it hot for a long time. I loved this mug. Every day, and sometimes a couple times a day, regardless of whatever else was going on in my life, I knew my mug would be there for me. When the days were cold, my mug would be there to warm me up. When I was alone, I could count on my mug not to let me down.

Then it happened! I had enjoyed an afternoon cup of coffee to perk me up in preparation for the rest of the long day ahead of me. I sat it down in the empty sink to wash it next time I needed to use some water. In the meantime, I was cooking something for our small group’s dinner session and had a large baking dish that needed to be washed. While rinsing out the large baking, the soap on my hands made me lose my grip, dropping it on top of my favorite mug. It was doomed.

Now I have pretty good reflexes if you did not know. With my right hand, I attempted to reach under the falling dish to preserve the mug, but to no avail. It was as though the mug was made from powder held together by a seam of glue the way it exploded and disintegrated as the dish landed on top of it. As I watched it crumble and fall in the sink, I saw the mug’s lifetime flash before my eyes. My favorite mug was no more. Despite any valiant attempt on my part, I could not save my mug.

The fact is I am just using the coffee mug as a metaphor for life. Though I loved my mug and when it broke I was upset, it was by no means as precious to me as my relationship with the Lord, a friend, or a family member. Still, there are all sorts of people, places, and things in life where we take their presence for granted. Just as I had placed my coffee mug in the sink as I had many times before, I had no idea I would never be able to use it again. This reminds me that there are times when we hang up the phone for the last time, wave goodbye for the last time, or sign a card for the last time. We never know when any these events will be the inevitable “last time,” so we must cherish any and every opportunity we have while they are ours to enjoy.

Several years ago, my wife lost a young friend to a tragic end. When she got the news, she immediately jumped back in her mind to the last time they spoke and of all the missed opportunities in between. She thought about times when she “should’a, would’a, could’a,” but in the end she knew there was nothing she could do but remember the good times, pray for peace—both her own and the family—and use this as a reminder not to take for granted the blessings of those around us.

When separations occur, they can be quite difficult, even tragic. But I do have good news…endings are not the end of hope! You see, we have a God who has conquered death and promised to never leave us alone in the midst of separation. So when you lose someone, someplace, or something near and dear to you, remember and cherish what they mean and represent. And then remember these words, that they might provide you hope, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39, NIV)

On A Clean Conscience

2009-09-17T12:13:00.000-04:00

I had a great reminder about right living the other day when we were running late to get Ethan to school. I had about five-minutes to get him there before he would be counted as tardy and I was sweatin’ it.

Since we were running late, I was pushing the envelope as to how far I should maneuver my Toyota through the daily obstacle course of other parents in the same predicament. About half way there, I reached down and patted my pocket, realizing that in my rush to get out of the house, I left my wallet at home. IMMEDIATELY, I slowed down, became more aware of my surroundings, and did my best to get Ethan to school without breaking any driving laws or getting into an accident.

I found it strange that I was willing to drive more maniacally when I thought my license was in my pocket. It was almost as though I thought that little card could justify my driving, when in reality, I knew wrong was wrong. If I had been pulled over for speeding, Ethan would have been late. If we had been involved in an accident, Ethan would have been late at best. I experienced that strange sensation of butterflies in my stomach, knowing I had been in the wrong. This feeling – a strong indicator of my conscience kicking in – helped me know I needed to get back to safe driving! My conscience was telling me to watch what I was doing and be more careful when in reality this is how I should have been behaving all along.

It’s amazing how easily we throw caution to the wind when we think it benefits us. We ease into our own isolated bubble either feeling we’re invincible or oblivious to others. Whether it’s aggressive driving or unwise living, we cannot afford to live as though we are the only ones in this world. This is frankly contrary to how God wants us to live. God wants us to always be aware of others and live in such a way that is consistent with what we say we believe. Our conscience, therefore, helps us avoid compromising situations and lets us know when we’re off the narrow path as we slip.

As Christians, we believe that when we accept Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us. The Holy Spirit then informs and transforms our conscience so we can live for God and know when we stray from Him. It is even more important to listen to our conscience then, because it is the power of God within us, helping us to live for Him.

The good news is that with God’s grace, we have the opportunity to turn away from our inconsistent and sinful behavior to return to Him. It’s never too late to turn back to God thanks to Jesus Christ and the confidence we have in God and His amazing grace! God is always willing to welcome us back.

We must be very careful not to take advantage of this, however. There are people in this world who behave however they want with little regard for anyone else and just turn to God when things go badly. Just as in my case, a driver’s license doesn’t provide me license to drive aggressively. God’s forgiving grace doesn’t give us license to behave however we want. The key is to realize God wants us to strive to live right all the time, shining with the glory of His love. It’s because of His love, though, that even when we fall short, we can return to Him and know that there is no condemnation thanks to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

The Scriptures tell us this, “let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 22.21-23, emphasis mine)

God does love you! God is faithful! God wants you in His family! If you aren’t living that way, listen to your conscience. It will let you know what you’re off course and it will help you get back on the right track.

What Memory Foam Helped Me Remember

2009-09-10T15:53:00.005-04:00

Our Walt Disney World vacation this past summer was memorable for many reasons. We had a great time, but strangely enough, one thing stood out to us: the comfort of the bed. Perhaps the beds were so cozy because we were whooped after all the fun and frivolity that is a trip to the "Happiest Place On Earth," but as we investigated the mattresses, we learned they had a memory foam pillow top. After a couple nights of sweet sweet dreams, I knew we needed an upgrade at home.

Upon arriving back home, Tiffany made it her purpose to find us a memory foam mattress topper. She finally found the one she liked best and exemplified patience until the topper went on sale. She brought it home, we unwrapped it, placed it on the bed, and prepared for a good night's sleep.

I'll say this, the memory foam mattress topper is worth the wait and the money (especially after being purchased on sale). I am sleeping so much better. It cradles me just right, isn't too hot, and enables us both to wake up sans the aches and pains with which we had become all too familiar. The memory foam -- and pardon the intended puns and inferences -- is a dream come true!

As my alarm went off this morning, I went through a fairly standard procedure of thinking about all I had to do today and asked God to bless me, my family, my endeavors, and those people with whom I come in contact. In prayer, I was working to remember my role in this world and the sovereignty of God, full of love, grace, and mercy.

I found myself searching the scriptures this afternoon and happening upon a passage that had escaped my consciousness. In Psalm 63, we read these words,

"Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night. "
(vs.3-6, NIV, emphasis mine)

I don't need memory foam to help me remember how much I need the love of God, but the busyness of life, has a tendency to cause me to lose focus. I need to remember that I am simply not capable of being all I need or want to be on my own ... none of us are. With God, though, we are capable of so much more than we could ever dream.

If you do not have a regular practice of giving your day to God, I want to encourage you to do so. You don't need memory foam to make it happen, just something to help trigger within your mind that you need to stop what you're doing and focus on God. It might be every time you touch a door knob, the steering wheel, or hear a phone ring. Regardless, find some way to help you remember to give God His due take your proper place in this world. And don't beat yourself up if you miss it from time-to-time; it happens to me, too. But do make a point to remember the Lord and how His love is better than life. Give Him the glory and offer Him your praise.

Have a great day!

Wear Your Colors Day

2009-09-04T10:02:00.010-04:00

This is one of my favorite seasons of the year, second only to Advent and Christmas. It is the time when football kicks off for both college and pro teams. In preparation for the new football season, today, Friday, September 4, has been declared, "National Wear Your Colors Day."

As I sit here, I am wearing one of my favorite University of Georgia tee shirts. I love my UGA gear: I have a jersey, several other tee shirts, sweat shirts and hoodies, pajama pants, key chains, ball caps, sandals, crocs, a UGA license plate, a static cling window decoration, screensaver, desktop wallpaper, ink pens, lapel pens, and the fight song running through my head on a loop. So when I learned earlier this week that today was "Wear Your Colors" day, I wanted to make sure my favorite shirt was clean and ready to go; except, of course for the one I'm going to wear when the Dawgs kick off the 2009 season tomorrow afternoon.

I have been convicted for several years about the passion and energy I put into my love of sports. Tiffany can attest I am infinitely better than I was when we first married, but I do get pumped up over a big win and deflated over a devastating loss. I have come to put sports into a much more appropriate perspective in my life, though I still have to check myself over how high or low I get in terms of things that mean very little in the grand scheme of things, and mean absolutely nothing in an eternal sense. I don't think God minds us loving sports, but He certainly cares if we allow them to take a god-like status in our lives, becoming an idol that governs our emotions, motives, and actions.

God wants us to live lives of passion for Him as well as those He has placed in our lives. He wants us to share our love and allegiance for Him in a stronger way than we do for our favorite teams. He wants us to wear our love and faith for Him on our sleeves, so to speak, as we seek to share Him with the world.

In Colossians 3.12-14, Paul wrote, "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (NIV) In these lines, Paul is giving us an idea of who it looks when we wear our God-colors; clothing ourselves with the light and love of God.

When we wear the colors of faith, the world takes notice! These colors don't tell people where we went to school or which teams we follow, but they do say to whom we belong ... GOD! ... and we wear these colors to share the incredible love and grace of God with others. Unlike the results from a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, these are things that have eternal consequence and will never let us down. If we could only say the same thing about our favorite teams...

It seems we don't have any problem sharing our sports allegiances with the world. We need to have as much pride and conviction in our faith. We need to clothe ourselves in Christian love and share the colors of God with the world. We don't have any secrets to keep, but to share the greatest story ever told!

Jesus said it this way in the Sermon on the Mount, "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill." (Matthew 5.14, MSG)

Have a great "Wear Your Colors Day" and make sure you're dressing yourself in the colors of faith!

Awesome!

2009-08-26T09:15:00.002-04:00

Human beings are arrogant. There, I said it! I got it off my chest and feel a little better. Well, sort of. I don’t like the thought of being arrogant, but I cannot escape the reality. I have the tendency to look at the world and think that all I see is all there is. Perhaps this is one reason I enjoy the education process, exploring the world and learning new things. It’s an exciting, and again, humbling experience.

I was scanning the Internet this morning in my daily quest for knowledge and information. I take seriously the advice from well known theologian, Karl Barth, to preach with a Bible in one hand a newspaper in the other. I read an article about how a previously unknown species of crustacean was discovered in an undersea lava tube off the coast of Africa. Friends, this amazed me! I have to admit that it’s almost inconceivable to me that there could be things in this world that have yet to be discovered. With all the advancements humanity has made in terms of science, it amazes me that we’re still making discoveries. And speaking of intellectual arrogance, my guess was if humanity can place lava tunnels under the seafloor, or walk on the moon, it stands to reason that we’ve seen it all. But then the awareness of how little we really do know comes to bear, and I am brought back to the awareness that there are mysteries of life and creation I’ll never be privy to. That’s awesome and it excites me!!!

Let’s face it: we live in a mysterious world. We want to think we know it all, have seen it all and done it all, but the reality is we’ve barely scratched the surface. There is more to this world, and the God who created it than we’ll ever know. I can almost hear the voice of my 7-year-old say when discovering something new and cool, “Awesome!”

We throw that word, ‘awesome,’ around quite easily these days. We describe toys, games, movies, music, sports plays, and all sorts of other things by saying they are awesome, but that word has an entirely different meaning. The word, awesome, literally means, holy. I’m serious. It really does. When we discover something nifty and new, and declare that it’s awesome, we are, in a sense, acknowledging the awe of God. Our task as God’s children, therefore, is to share God’s total awesomeness in the world and with the world. We need to step aside and allow our hearts and minds to be filled with the awesome mysteries of God and share them with others.

Paul wrote in his letter to the Ephesians, “Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.” (Ephesians 3.8-9)

God’s world is indeed a mystery and isn’t it a beautiful thing!?!? There are so many things we do not know and so many things we won’t be able to know until we are united with Him in heaven through the grace, mercy, and love of Jesus Christ! Paul also wrote in his letter to the Colossians, “[Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." (1.15-17)

Despite all the things we don’t know and likely will never be able to learn, we can place our faith and hope in Jesus, the most awesome person who has ever lived and lives today. He is holding all things together; not the least of which being you and me! It’s awesome to think about and awesome to share! As we have seen God create, and acknowledge his presence and activity in daily life, we, too, can see just how awesome it is.

Be awesome and have an awesome rest of the week!

A Thought On GOD & Love

2009-08-20T09:34:00.004-04:00

I ran across a thought-provoking quote this morning regarding GOD and love (the topic for this week's Sunday's message).

"We become truly personal by loving God
and by loving other humans...
In its deepest sense, love is the life,
the energy, of the Creator in us."
~ Kallistos Ware

In essence, we come closer to reaching our potential when we love ... loving God and others. This love becomes our life, giving us God's energy, which we desperately need if we are going to continue living lives of love.

Let's face it, love under our own strength becomes tiring. It requires us to give, and give, and give. If we are only living for self, then we have the propensity to get a little selfish and wonder, "What's in it for me?"

This is contrary to GOD's nature and it needs to be contrary to ours, too! GOD wants us to live lives of love and service, helping others know of GOD's eternal love. GOD is also giving us the opportunity to participate in creation -- and re-creation -- as we acknowledge who we are and our role in the world.

So how are you living? Is GOD's love the energy for your life? Is it the motivation for what you do? Is it the essence of how you relate to God and others? This love is how we come to fulfill our humanity and become who we are created and called to be. This cannot be done under our power, for we are called to live in the flow of GOD!

Dear friends, since God so loved us,
we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God;
but if we love one another, God lives in us
and his love is made complete in us.
(1 John 4.11-12)

Birthdays Are Fun, But They're Meant For More Than One

2009-08-10T09:54:00.001-04:00

Birthdays are fun, aren’t they? Well, at least for most. I remember being a kid and counting down to my birthday, which is in December, just a couple weeks before Christmas. The magic and excitement of that time made me want to pop as I thought about all the toys and surprises that awaited me. I loved the attention and couldn’t wait until “my day!”

As I became older, however, my anticipation for my birthday began to change somewhat. It isn’t so much about getting older, that’s never really been an issue for me, but I think now it has more to do about the attention. I enjoy it, don’t get me wrong, but I also realize that my birthdays aren’t just about me.

I remember when this new mindset came to bear; I was a freshman in college and turning 19 years old. The girl I was dating at the time broke up with me (ON MY BIRTHDAY) and I was devastated. As my parents were determined not to let it ruin my day, they ended up calling my closest friends who came over with just a few hours notice to help me celebrate “my day.” What started out to be a wretched evening turned into one of the finest days of my life.

As I processed what my friends and family did for me, it occurred to me that my birthdays aren’t really just for me. They are an opportunity for the people who have loved me, nurtured me, cared for me, and attended to me throughout my life to celebrate the common bond we share.

This coming Thursday, The Lighthouse UMC celebrates its 3rd Birthday! I am excited as I think about how far this church has come in three years time. It has certainly had its ups and downs, but as we prepare to throw the church a party, it isn’t about bricks and mortar (and that’s a good thing since we don’t have any!) as much as it is about the hearts that have been touched and lives that have been changed – I count myself in that number many times over. As we gather on Sunday to celebrate, we will do so joyfully for the common bond we share in Jesus Christ! I am reminded of the words from 1 Peter 2.9-10a, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God…”

As we gather for a wonderful party this coming Sunday, commemorating what has been accomplished and what lies ahead, we aren’t just celebrating an entity’s birthday…we are also celebrating the lives of those who make Lighthouse the church that it is past, present, and future. I cannot wait to be in worship on Sunday, singing, praying, worshipping, meditating, and I’m sure shedding a tear or two for all that God has done and is doing. But as we gather, I acknowledge this isn’t just about a church with a name, as much as it is about the people that make it so special. And as we gather, may we also commitment to stand together for many more years of ministry, impacting the world beginning in our own back yard. For God’s people gathering and joining together for a celebration of life is the best way I can think to celebrate three years of ministry – serving, sharing, and shining in Coweta and Fayette counties and abroad!

Happy Birthday, Lighthouse!

Back To School With The Golden Rule

2009-08-03T14:46:00.001-04:00

The dog days of summer seem to get shorter and shorter, don’t they? Since the local school systems made adjusts to the calendar, students get out earlier but go back earlier, too. This really hit me one day last week while doing a little grocery shopping.

I was passing by the stationary and office supply aisle when my attention was caught by a noticeable buzz. There was a sort of feeding frenzy taking place as parents and children were rustling through bins and baskets to pick out the best folders, pencils, crayons, and paper. It brought back all sorts of memories of picking out the tools that would accompany me into a new campaign in the classrooms of my local school. I wanted to be well equipped.

There was one year in particular as I prepared for a new year by perusing the school supply list when I got excited. The math teacher had asked every student to come prepared with a ruler. To me, that meant we were going to be getting into some cool stuff where I would need to be able to measure and draw a straight line. It was not until later in life that lesson really began to hit home.

School is a vital aspect of young people learning to become adults. School is so much more than just reading, writing, and arithmetic; it is about facing challenges, persevering, making friends, and accomplishing the seemingly impossible. So when we think about measuring up and keeping a straight line, a ruler is a huge help! Beyond the centimeters and inches, we need to make sure we are sending our children and their teachers in to a school year with the best possible chance for success. They need a standard, a “ruler” if you will, to help provide an answer in a world that is slow to give them.

Jesus gives some timeless advice that I am sure you have heard before. “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Luke 6.31) Many know this as the “Golden Rule” and work to live their life by this timeless principle. It helps when we think of the potential consequences of our actions and how we might personally be impacted if those same consequences were to come our way. Thinking this way can help prevent quick tempered and shortsighted reactions to very real circumstances.

If we were able to completely follow this golden rule, the world would be a different place, let alone our local schools. Treat others like you would want to be treated whether you are in the classroom, lunchroom, bathroom, locker room, music room, or art room. Wherever you might come face to face with someone else, remember Jesus’ timeless advice. You could do much worse than to arm yourself with this powerful piece of wisdom and advice to make a difference in the world around you.

We are not but just a few days from a new school year. There is no doubt it will present all sorts of challenges. But if we can remember to treat our neighbors as we would want to be treated ourselves, then we are making great strides toward a wonderfully constructive and educational experience. We need all the help we can get to measure up and keep a straight line. So as you pack your backpacks and briefcases for another day, remember to pack one item you can stand to have in abundance: The Golden Rule!

Have a great school year.

On MapQuest & Life's Direction

2009-07-10T09:39:00.000-04:00

Our family was driving home from visiting Tiffany’s parents the other day when we had to make a detour for Tiff’s job. We had MapQuest directions and were following them, but suddenly the name of the road we were traveling changed. We were supposed to be on this one country road for 16 miles and were barely half way through it. We knew that to backtrack was going to cost us a lot of extra time, but going forward might get us crazy lost. I decided to forge ahead until we got to a fork in the road that was not mentioned on MapQuest. Egad, what to do?!?! I paused, thought for a bit, and considered my direction; I knew how I was supposed to go and let that be my guide, trusting my resource. It turns out that within a mile or two, we saw a familiar landmark and realized we were right where we were supposed to be all along. All the anxiety had passed and we made our way home without incident.

As I think about this driving adventure, it makes me consider life and how this is something we might face quite often. Even if we consider last week’s message Hero in Abraham, God told him He had a plan and purpose for His life, but that didn’t mean He gave Abe every last detail. God placed Abraham in the right direction and asked Abraham to trust in Him. God often does the same thing with us. When we’re be-bopping through life, we might not think about all the details, but certain times arise – particularly when we face crossroads – when we need to pause, think on God and remember the direction He’s placed in our lives.

This can be frustrating because most of us prefer lists over adventure – we’d prefer to know every zig and zag of life so there’s no question as to where we’re going. We don’t have anything to worry about because we know exactly where we’re supposed to go and when. Yet for some reason, God doesn’t often operate like this. God wants us to trust Him and follow His leading. If we had all the details and knew exactly what to do when, then we might be deceived into the thinking that we have all we need to function in life. God would rather us trust in Him, for as the Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3.5)

What is going on in your life that God is asking you to simply trust Him? Where might God be asking you to simply pause, place your focus back on Him, and trust the direction He’s placed in your life? How have certain events when you have or haven’t trusted God changed your life? God is there to give you the direction you need, but is also asking you to trust Him as life unfolds. God is trustworthy and true, so trust in Him, the direction He has placed in your life, and look forward to the adventure ahead of you!!!

THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE

2009-07-03T12:44:00.001-04:00

Here we are on the cusp of Independence Day, and I was thinking about what it means to be free. As a young man, I was prone to choosing the path of least resistance. This might have kept me out of trouble, but I was not truly free. This 4th of July I am thinking more about personal freedom than national liberty, and it is important to think about times when we come to experience true freedom of heart and soul.

My elementary school sponsored an annual trip for 4th and 5th graders to the Rock Eagle camp in Eatonton, Georgia. There was a nominal registration fee ($30 I think) and my parents’ stipulation was that if I was going to Rock Eagle I had to come up with half the money. If I did my chores and stocked away a percentage of my allowance, there would be no problem whatsoever in earning the necessary $15 by the registration deadline. But as the case with most free spending nine-year-olds, I became enamored with the latest toy or sweetest candy, thinking I would be able to make up the money spent with an extra chore or two. As the day of reckoning approached, I went to my piggy bank to get my share of the fee, but to my great surprise, there was only $10; considerably short of the $15 I needed. Then my diabolical mind began to turn. My younger brother had recently enjoyed a birthday and there was little chance, I thought, he would miss a measly $5. So I went into his bank, took the bill, and proudly presented my Mom my share of the registration fee.

Days and weeks went by and my brother never noticed his cash was missing until it was time to fork over the dough for this shiny new remote-controlled boat he wanted. He was $5 short, a conspicuous amount to be sure, since he was certain he had the money. My conscience caught up with me in a mighty way and I confessed my moment of weakness and indiscretion, hoping for leniency in my honesty, but my penalty was severe. First, my dishonesty forfeited me the opportunity to go to Rock Eagle while I stayed at home, grounded. Next, I had to tell my teachers why I had to stay behind. Then, I had to pay back the registration fee out of my allowance. Boy did I think this penalty was stiff because it caused me a financial setback as well as personal humiliation as I watched the bus pull off. One thing is for sure, however, I never stole again and my Mom and Dad instilled within me a deep appreciation for the truth.

In John 8:31-32, I am reminded of a word from the Lord as, Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” As I reflect over how that moment shaped me as an individual, I cannot help but think there are areas in all of our lives where we need to face the truth and allow ourselves the freedom that comes from living in a right relationship with God and our neighbor. Perhaps, we have been selling our partners short and not giving them the love they deserve. Perhaps we are guilty of stealing from ones we love or faceless folks in the community. Perhaps we have even cheated God and ourselves trying to get ahead at the expense of others. But if we hear the words of Jesus, then we know beyond the shadow of a doubt that there is no substitute for doing the right thing. And when we do, we can experience a great freedom for living…freedom from conscience, guilt, and shame.

So this Independence Day, might I impress upon you the importance of discovering a personal freedom by freeing yourself from the trapping of guilt and shame that comes from not living a life according to love, honesty, and a higher truth. So may you be blessed this Independence Day into living a life of true freedom and hope for a better life according to the wishes of God. Happy 4th of July and may you have a truly free Independence Day!

Being Still & Going With God

2009-06-29T08:50:00.004-04:00

I have really been chewing on the scripture I used for this past week’s message at Lighthouse UMC. As I began working on the message, my intent was to focus on Moses parting the Red Sea, enabling the Israelites to cross the riverbed on dry ground. The more I worked on that story, however, three verses (well before the sea was parted) stood out, practically screaming at me for a closer look. Take a gander at Exodus 14.13-15, “Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.’ Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on.”

I’m not sure if you caught that, but in successive verses, we read, “be still” and “move on.” The Israelites were fleeing Egypt after the plague that killed all of the first-born in the country. Suffice it to say, Egypt wasn’t too happy with God and His people. Pharaoh’s anger was getting the best of him, so he pursued the Israelites to kill every last one of them. As terror gripped the Israelites, hearing the Egyptian charge, God reminded them that they would be delivered. As this is taking place, Moses tells the people to be still.

When we perceive a potentially perilous situation, our bodies experience the physiological condition known as “fight or flight.” This means that we go through a conscious and subconscious deliberation to find out if it’s wiser for us to stand and fight or run away. Our pertinent senses become keener. Adrenaline rushes. It often happens in a split second, and while we’re at it, we’re gauging our own well-being. It really is amazing to try and comprehend what our brains can do, and this was happening to anywhere from 20,000 to 2,000,000 individuals hearing the Egyptian battle cries, horse hooves and chariot wheels bearing down on them. Some, I’m sure, wanted to run where some wanted to fight. Through it all, Moses says, be still. What!?!?!

God wants us to be still, but He doesn’t necessarily want us to stay that way. For in Exodus 14.15, He tells the Israelites to move. Is this a contradiction or a mistake? It’s neither. The people – even in the middle of the crisis with Pharaoh – needed to stop, regroup, and focus on God. He had done so much for them to that point, He wasn’t about to leave them at the water’s edge to meet their demise. He did want them to move, but he wanted them to move in His direction under His purpose.

The same is true for us today. It isn’t that God only wants us to be still … He does want us to go … He just wants us to go His way. When “fight or flight kicks” in, God wants us to know that if we are to fight, He is there with us. If we are called to flee, then He is leading the way.

How good are you at standing still? We don’t do that very well anymore, do we? From our hyper-active culture to the rapidly emerging reliance on up-to-the-second technology and media, standing still seems like a need for ages past. Yet, we can see that Scripture tells to be still and know who is God* – not a smart phone, day planner, laptop, or any other modern convenience. Let’s face it, God has been telling us for millennia that we need to be still and we’re making it harder and harder in the name of advancement and convenience.

I want to invite you to join me in a little exercise today and for the remainder of the week. Take some time to be still, and while standing still, look to the Lord to see where He wants you to go. He will show you; He might even be screaming it at you, but the loudness of the world is making you oblivious to His call. Once you know how and where to go, then go; but make sure you are going with God.

The Lord is delivering you. He is fighting for you. He is also leading you to safety. Let’s go with Him and make sure we are going with God!

*Psalm 46.10

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T07:14:00.005-04:00

About 12:03am this morning, just as Tiff and I were getting ready to go to sleep, she looked at me and said, "Happy Father's Day." With a smile, I said, "thank you and I love you for making me a father."

As I wrote in my posting, 25 Things About Me, "Being a dad is the coolest thing I've ever been blessed to do." I remember the day Ethan was born (I wore a Superman tee-shirt given me by Tiff's mom at the baby shower!) and having that profound sense of awe knowing my life would never be the same. How true! As I watched my little guy swim yesterday at a friend's house (I've also blogged on teaching him to swim), I could not help but think about how proud I am that he is who he is and the incomparable love I feel for him and his mother.

I am also grateful this Father's Day for the fatherly love in my life. I have been blessed with a loving father, grandfathers, and now step-father. Their examples in my life have helped me consider how to handle situations with my own son as what to do. From dealing with simple life-lessons to how to handle bullies, I can draw upon my own life experience with the father-figures in my life for how I should love and lead my own son.

I say these glowing things about the father-figures in my life, but they were not perfect. I also realize I am not perfect, either. I strive to be perfect and do the best I can, but I need divine help to meet me where I cannot go. On this Father's Day, I know I must draw upon the love of God to fill in the gaps of my own experience and that in my relationship with Ethan. I turn to God -- though not often enough -- for help in doing and being the best I can be for my family. It can be scary to think of how far I have to go, but it's also inspiring to see how far I've come. It more or less falls into the category of elephant-eating instructions, I take it one bite at a time.

Though I only have a linear sense of time, I know that God has a vertical sense of time that is grounded in love. He does not want us to fear and he does not want us to worry. He has given us the supreme example of love that we might know his eternal concern and desire for us to know Him as our heavenly father. The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8, "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children."

Regardless of your life's impressions of father, may you come to know just how deeply God loves you. Dads aren't perfect, but our Lord is. He can, and will help you, if you give Him the chance. So if you never have before, allow this Father's Day to be one of a new and profound awareness of God's presence in your life.

“Every father should remember that one day his [child] will follow his
example instead of his advice.”
~ Source Unknown.

Happy Father's Day!

Today Is National Doughnut Day!

2009-06-05T08:26:00.003-04:00

I used to love doughnuts! I still think they're tasty, but I got burned out on them. You see, when I worked at Six Flags, and shortly thereafter when I entered the ministry, doughnuts had a perpetual presence in my workplace. Let me tell you, I ate plenty. I repeat, plenty. I ate so many I'm not much of a doughnut eater these days. I learned something today, however, that might lead me to eat a doughnut, or at least make some kind of charitable contribution: Today (Friday, June 5) is National Doughnut Day!*

Here is a blurb regarding National Doughnut Day from http://www.holidayinsights.com/.

"National Doughnut Day honors the Salvation Army "Lassies" of WWI. It is also used as a fund raiser for needy causes of the Salvation Army.

The original Salvation Army Doughnut was first served by Salvation Army in 1917. During WWI, Salvation Army "lassies" were sent to the front lines of Europe. These brave volunteers made home cooked foods, and provided a moral boost to the troops. Often, the doughnuts were cooked in oil inside the of the metal helmet of an American soldier. The American infantrymen were commonly called doughboys. Salvation Army lassies were the only women outside of military personnel allowed to visit the front lines. Lt. Colonel Helen Purviance is considered the Salvation Army's "first doughnut girl".

On National Doughnut Day, look to see if your local doughnut shop, or other organizations, are offering free donuts to solicit donations for the Salvation Army or for another needy cause. If you find them, please be generous."

If you are a doughnut eater, make sure to think about today's significance. If you're like me and not a doughnut eater, find a way to give thanks for your freedom and consider doing something nice for the less fortunate.

Shine On!

*National Doughnut Day is always the first Friday in June

Swimming Lessons Can Change Your Life

2009-05-29T15:09:00.001-04:00

Ethan and I made our first trip to the neighborhood pool the other day. While we were swimming together, he asked me about my teaching him how to swim when he was just about three-years-old. He picked it up pretty quickly, but remembering those days – and one afternoon in particular – made me reminisce fondly.

He had always been a water bug of sorts, the only problem was, he couldn’t swim on his own. He had water wings, noodles, and float suits to aid him, but the time was quickly approaching for him to learn how to truly swim. So one afternoon, our family ventured out to the neighborhood pool. We started by putting him in his float suit. After splashing around a bit, we then put him in his water wings. Shortly thereafter, we took the water wings off and I held him up while he got the feeling of kicking his feet and using his arms without any swim aids. He was getting the hang of it well enough and his confidence was beginning to soar. The time had come for my amphibian-in-training of a son to spread his fins and swim!

We started by standing on the steps to the pool in the shallow end. I stood at arms length from him and coaxed him into swimming to me from the step. After he made it back and forth a couple times—proving to himself he could swim without floats—he was ready to add a little distance. So I stood in front of him, still at arms length, and told him to swim to me. The closer he got the further back I would walk. As he realized what was going on, his eyes widened to the size of saucers and he began to truly swim. I started cheering him on, telling him he not only could do it, he was swimming all on his own.

I kept my arms held out to reassure him he was still within his father’s reach. Then at the moment he could no longer go on, I grabbed him, held him tightly, and gave him all the praise my body and soul could muster. Suddenly, I looked around and realized he swam the entire width of the pool! Just knowing his father was close gave him all the confidence he needed to reach deep down in his heart for strength greater than he could realize!

What a lesson we can glean from my son’s first swimming lesson. Sure he was intimidated and a little scared, but knowing his father was there gave him all the confidence he needed to face the challenge at hand and accomplish something perhaps he never thought possible. We all have a tendency to get comfortable and rely on “life preservers” to achieve things in life—particularly when faced with challenges. But these life preservers often keep us from tapping into the inner strength given by our loving Creator and having the faith to rise above the nearsighted low expectations we set for ourselves. For no matter what challenges lie before us, the hands of our heavenly Father are stretched out, offering us the assurance of His presence and infusing us with divine strength.

Isaiah 59.1 tells us, “Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save...” What an image as we consider just how swimming lessons can change a life! When we realize the Lord is as close as breath, we need not fear the unknown. Knowing the Lord’s power and drawing upon it gives us the strength we need to face life’s challenges with complete confidence. Sure, life preservers can give us peace of mind, but the power of God can steady your heart. Press on, know the Lord is with you, and do not fear the unknown. For God said, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1.9b)

Remember: It's Memorial Day

2009-05-24T16:27:00.005-04:00

I am a patriotic person. I even considered going into the military as a chaplain following 9/11, but decided against it as Tiffany and I started our family. Patriotism and military pride has been instilled in me from a very young age as both of my grandfathers served during World War II (one in the Army and the other in the Navy). For this reason, among others, Memorial Day is very special to me.

Memorial Day was first declared at the end of the Civil War in 1865, and established as a national holiday by the US Congress in 1971 to honor those who have given their lives in service to the country. It is one holiday, therefore, that is born from our loss and pain. We are blessed that we have the freedom and ability to take a day off, fire up the grill, and take a dip in the pool, but Memorial Day is about so much more.

One thing that has always inspired me about American history is the fact that the founders of our nation strove to set a foundation based upon the Judeo-Christian principles of love, grace, sacrifice, and justice. They believed that God cared about human freedoms and we would do well to consult with the Creator in all of our affairs, big and small. In fact, Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying at the Constitutional Convention, "I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth – that God Governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid?"

Now before I go too far and wax poetic, let me assure you that I am aware that the US is not perfect—far from it. Our current situation has us worrying about the environment; industry and the economy; debating over torture vs. enhanced interrogation; and what will come of our personal liberties amidst the threat of terror. When we think about our current state of affairs, it would be easy to wonder if we've lost our way and forgotten the eternal truth espoused by Benjamin Franklin.

If we have indeed lost our focus, I think Memorial Day provides us a marvelous opportunity to return to our roots. Though we are an imperfect nation governed by imperfect people, we would do well to remember just how much God loves ALL his children and the opportunistic responsibility we have to engage the world with the light and love of God. So this Memorial Day, I want to ask you to remember three things:
1) Remember God's desire for us individually and corporately
2) Remember our nation and leaders, regardless if you agree with them politically
3) Remember those who have fought and sacrificed to secure and preserve our freedom

We would do well to remember these truths of life. So on this Memorial Day, may you be thankful for the many blessings in life and remember the source of all things, God! For this holiday is a celebration of memory and allowing it to shape where we go from here.

Happy Memorial Day,
Pastor Mark

Dirty Words

2009-05-19T08:23:00.004-04:00

I remember the first time I learned a dirty word. I was standing in the kitchen of the house where I spent the first seven years of my life. My parents had allowed me to have a spend-the-night guest and we were doing what most little boys would do at that age: splitting time exploring the outdoors and running back inside scouting for snacks. At some point in that back-and-forth, I heard my friend utter a word that had never before graced my innocent ears. I went to ask my dad what that word meant and I was instructed never to say it again. Perhaps you had a similar experience yourself, with a friend, or a child...

While surfing the World Wide Web yesterday, I stumbled upon a story that took me back to that day in the late 70s. I saw where the Christian Children's Fund has decided to drop the word, Christian, from its name for (get this) MARKETING REASONS! The powers-that-be over there have decided that it's better to sacrifice their identity for the potential to raise more money. We must remember that when we sacrifice our core, we are sacrificing everything!

The term Christian was first used at a place called, Antioch, in the years shortly following Christ's death and resurrection (see Acts 11.26). Throughout history, it has carried a number of different connotations, and strangely enough, many negative. From persecution in the early days, to the crusades, to today's wars on political correctness, and every day in between when people who follow Jesus behave in such a ways as to discredit their witness and the ONE they follow, it carries unfortunate consequences to the Faith as a whole.

Let's face it, Christianity has always been controversial! From the days of Jesus himself to this very moment, the very mention of Christ brings joy to some and consternation to others. Jesus knew this; in fact, he said, that he didn't come to bring peace, but a sword. (Matt. 10.33-35) This is a strange thought, but it makes sense, because making a commitment to Christ requires us to make a decision: will we follow or not? Whichever choice we make, we are saying ‘yes’ to one side and ‘no’ to the other. This will thrill some and disappoint others, but unfortunately, we cannot have it both ways.

What causes me pain, however, is to see those who follow(ed) Jesus abandon Him because they are afraid of how it might look to non-Christians, or because they think they can benefit (i.e., make more money) by distancing themselves from the Savior of the world. It’s as though the word, Christian, is a dirty word. As an aside, I was talking with a pastor friend of mine the other day who told me his/her mission in the church he/she serves is to convince them that the word, Christian, is not a dirty word!

In the face all the controversy that His name stirs, we as Jesus-followers need to remember that this has been the case throughout the history of our faith. People – even those closest to us – might turn their backs on us and shun us for our beliefs, but this has been transpiring for millennia! It's time for those who place their faith in Christ to also stake their reputation in Him! For as the Scripture says, "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Phil. 2.10, emphasis mine)

Someone Is Looking For You

2009-05-11T08:17:00.003-04:00

I have been leading a Bible Study this spring called, R(edemption) Rated. The basis of this study is to view some films (many of which I could not use in my teaching during worship due to thematic elements or pure length) and see how God's Truth shines forth. Our small group has viewed movies from all genres, providing unique opportunities to explore the Scripture and see how God might just be working in our own lives.

Last week we were watching scenes from the 1991 Billy Crystal comedy, City Slickers. During one scene toward the end, one of the characters said, "We're lost, but we're making great time." It got some chuckles, not because it was a terribly funny line, but because it dripped with truth.

So many of us, if not all, know exactly what that line is all about. In life, we are all searching for something: significance. We try to find it in so many different arenas, we find ourselves sounding like Eddie Murphy's impersonation of Buckwheat from a classic episode of Saturday Night Live, "Wookin' Pa Nub In Aw Duh Wong Pwaces." Looking in such wrong places leaves us feeling empty and lost until we find what we seek. Unfortunately, we cannot find significance in anything we can own, possess, or manipulate, but when we turn our lives over to the One Thing we were created for: a relationship with God.

Saint Augustine said it well at the start of his Confessions, "God, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you." We can only find the significance in life we seek when we realize that we need God. So often we look elsewhere hoping against hope it's something we can do or achieve on our own, but we just can't. This leaves us feeling like Phil from City Slickers saying, "We're lost, but at least we're making good time."

All this searching can leave us tired and weary, so I have some good news – stop. Stop right where you are and ask the Lord to help. The reason this works without fail is because of a great mystery of faith: God is actually seeking you! Jesus said in Luke 19.10 that he came to seek and save what is lost.

I remember being a child and going to Six Flags with my parents. It was a crowded day and my folks gave me a lesson I'd never forget. If for some reason we get separated, don't go looking for them; just stop and know that they will be looking for me. They will find employees, security guards, and anyone else possible to help them in their search. So if I got lost, all I needed to do was stay right where I was and let somebody know I needed help.

This same lesson can apply to our spiritual life as well. Just like Jesus said, he is out looking to find and save those who are lost. He has rallied together those who believe in Him to help in the mission. If you are lost, stop running in circles trying to make sense of it all. Wait on God and allow His love to bring meaning and significance to your life. It can happen. It will happen. While we might be "Wookin' Pa Nub In Aw Duh Wong Pwaces", God knows just where to find you.

So slow your pace and rest your restless heart. Allow yourself to be found, because God is actively looking for YOU!

“Be Water, My Friend”

2009-05-06T12:15:00.001-04:00

I can remember being a small boy and watching Kung Fu Theater with my dad. It was then I developed an admiration for one of my favorite action movie stars, philosophers, and all-around Hollywood heroes, Bruce Lee. A couple of years ago, I received his book, The Tao Of Jeet Kune Do, as a gift.

In the book, Lee Writes these words, “Be like water making its way through cracks...Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water my friend.”

Lee’s comments regard having a warrior’s attitude, but not just in the martial arts. Lee is suggesting how to approach life by going with the flow, not letting circumstances dictate one’s mood, and being at peace. If we can learn to be water, we can live life according to where we are led and use our unique gifts and abilities to make a difference for the world in which we live.

God has given us each a great task, and that is to share what He has done for us with others. Testifying to God’s grace and glory is not something for the clergy to do alone. After all, preachers, ministers, pastors, and priests can only go so many places and do so many things. But if we each took the glory of God in our lives and spread that where we already live, work, and play, things around us will change!

We are like cups, bottles, and teapots. Without accepting Jesus and having the Holy Spirit in our lives, we are nothing but empty vessels. This is not how we were created to live, however. By accepting Jesus, God gives us the Holy Spirit to fill us and empower us to live according to the plan and purpose for our life. None of us want to be empty vessels; we want to do what we are supposed to do. We need living water! And to receive it, we need the Spirit to fill us and change us from the inside out.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus said, ‘“Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.’ By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive.” (John 7.38-39a) Just as water changes the properties of an empty cup, bottle, or teapot, the Spirit changes our properties and we become partakers of God’s nature.

With the Spirit inside us, living water flows, changing the spiritual landscape of the world. We then become cups, bottles, and teapots able to fulfill their purposes because they are full and ready for action. And as the water from within flows, thanks to God’s Spirit, we are now able to positively change the properties of the people, places, and things around us with faith, hope, and love.

We have the ability to change the world as we fulfill God’s purpose of our lives. So accept Jesus and God’s Spirit as God’s gift. Accept God’s plan for your life. Allow the Spirit to fill you and shape your mind, body, and soul. And get ready for living water to flow! Hang on, and “Be water my friend.”

Safety

2009-04-30T17:02:00.004-04:00

I had the opportunity to witness a S.A.F.E. (Students All For Education) graduation this morning at one of our local schools. A group of 5th graders had been learning about making wise choices and keeping good habits to benefit them throughout life. This program was taught by the county sheriff's department and sought to teach about drugs, alcohol, violence, anger, stress, and other issues that can be so troubling. The idea is to help students learn how to keep themselves safe in a treacherous world.

Safety is one of our primary needs. We all know how anxious it feels to be placed into a situation where we do not feel safe. Though the officers were teaching about things like drugs, gangs, and the like, there are all kinds of places where surprisingly we don't feel safe. This might be due to another person, environment, event, or some other situation.

This really came true for me a couple years ago when I had done something in church that rocked the boat. I thought it was a great idea but for some reason, it didn't work in my setting at the time. I remember going to one of my mentors and pouring out my soul about it. His words were something to the effect of, "It might have been a good idea, but was it safe?" Safe? It was a church activity of all things! He went on to say that one of the first things people will discern when entering into a new situation or environment is if it is safe or not.

The more familiar we are with something will dramatically improve our location on the safe meter. We cannot, however, take this for granted for those who are not as familiar with our church, home, school, business, hangout, etc. We simply need to be mindful about creating an environment, and giving folks the opportunity to answer for themselves, "Is this safe?"

The S.A.F.E. program was all about helping pre-teens make good decisions, but this is something from which we all can learn. Proverbs 28.18 says, "He whose walk is blameless is kept safe, but he whose ways are perverse will suddenly fall." May we live our lives in such a way that we stay in the realm of safety. For those who have the power to help shape environments and experiences, may we do our part to practice meaningful hospitality to help make people feel as safe and comfortable as possible. And when we find ourselves feeling uncomfortable, may we remember, "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." (Proverbs 18.10)

In God we can always feels safe and comfortable. May we live our lives in faith trusting Him and knowing there is always safety in Him.

From the hymn, Leaning On The Everlasting Arms:

What have I to dread, what have I to fear, leaning on the everlasting arms;
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, leaning on the everlasting arms.
Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

On Being A Pin-Head

2009-04-26T16:57:00.004-04:00

During my message in this morning's worship service, I challenged the Lighthouse congregation to spend some quality time today with someone who needed it. I hate to say it, but for my family, that referred directly to us. Tiffany, Ethan, & I have been so busy with a myriad of things (all positive, mind you) that we haven't been able to spend a lot of quality time together. Between both of our jobs, school, church activities, karate, and cub scouts, we have been like Toyotas passing in the streets. So today, as soon as we got home and I got the pertinent Sunday afternoon work put to bed, the three of us went out for a fun-filled family afternoon, sans my second brain, AKA, my Blackberry.

We went to Junction Lanes in Newnan for some bowling and arcade games. Since we're making some necessary ch-ch-ch-changes in our eating, we snacked before we left. When we got to the bowling alley, we each got our shoes, picked out a ball (something was wrong with mine, it was lopsided; that's the only explanation I can come up with for how often it landed in the gutter), and went to our assigned lane. We bowled til our heart's content, leaving me with a smile as Ethan learned that real bowling isn't quite as easy as it is on the Wii. But I digress.

After bowling, and hoping to erase the sting of getting pounded so completely by my wife (who took bowling as a PE elective in college; that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it) we headed over to the arcade game to blow those last few dollars I had in my pocket.

Ethan took his tokens and proceeded to carefully pick out the games he wanted to play. Bear in mind he is quite deliberate when making such choices -- he isn't one to just blow through his tokens. He ended up settling on skee ball. He spent virtually all of his tokens on the skee ball machines.

As he was on his last token, he looked at Tiffany and me, and then invited us to take turns with him throwing his last round of skee ball. It touched my heart deeply. We were taking time out of our insanely crazy schedules to spend time with him and him alone. He rewarded us by sharing the precious last several throws at the skee ball machine with his last token. It was sweet.

He racked up quite a few tickets. Once we counted them all up, we went to the redemption center to see what kind of junk my pocket money was going to turn into, compliments of the Junction Lane Arcade machines. There was this one item he really wanted and was jumping up-and-down with glee at the thought of acquiring this little toy. The only problem was he was one short. ONE lousy ticket!

Tiff and I both went through our pockets hoping against hope we could come up with another quarter so Ethan could get that last ticket he needed, but to no avail. I then began formulating my plea in hopes that the man behind the counter would be so gracious as to grant a generous little 7-year-old his heart's desire. I don't like doing that kind of thing, but desperate times call for desperate measures. The look in my son's eye, thinking he would not be united with that piece of plastic and paper, was enough to motivate any calloused heart to action. And then it became unnecessary.

I spun in a circle there at the redemption counter as though I would find the words to what I needed to say on the walls, ceiling, or anywhere else for that matter. And then I heard the squeal of my one-and-only as he realized I was standing on one lonely renegade ticket. I don't remember seeing it before, but it was there then. As I moved my foot totally out of the way I could not recall seeing that ticket there before, but it was there then. He squatted down, one knee practically touching the floor, and picked up the ticket with a hand full of excitement and wonder.

I looked at Tiffany and said, "manna from heaven", referring to God's promise to Moses in Exodus 16 that He would provide for the Israelite's needs on their wilderness journey. Exodus 16.4 says, "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions."

I could not help but draw a parallel to my practicing what I preached, Ethan's generosity in including his parents in his last skee ball token, and the mysterious arrival of that last necessary ticket, but I'll tell you this: it is 100% true.

When we get so caught up in our daily activities that we neglect those who need us the most, we certainly are being pin-headed. But when we take some time -- in our case less than two hours -- to invest in someone who really needs it, well, that's a gift that has a way of multiplying itself.

My bowling score was putrid -- Tiffany beat me by some 40 pins (did I mention that my ball must have been lopsided and she took bowling for college credit?) -- but the afternoon was a resounding success because we were together, free from interruptions and distractions. I really want to impress upon you to do the same. It's time, and in our specific case, money well spent. And you never know when you might just be paid a visit by the Divine.

Til Death Do Us Part?

2009-04-25T09:48:00.008-04:00

1 Corinthians 13.1-8, 13

I heard a story on the news this morning that puzzled and concerned me. It appears some in Australia and Germany are trying to establish a renewable 7-year marriage contract. The thought is with 50% of marriages ending in divorce these days, if people entered into their blessed union knowing there was a light at the end of the tunnel, maybe the divorce rates would decline. Egad!

Now one thing to consider is something that’s been called the 7-year itch. For some reason, it appears the 7-year mark is one when people take inventory of their relationships and must deal with how reality is measuring up to one’s dreams, ideals, and hopes. There doesn’t appear to be anything scientific behind it, but it has been noted that divorce rates tend to be higher in the 7th year of marriage. So a 7-year contract might seem to make some sense if it gives couples the knowledge that they can take their marriage out on something like an extended lease, knowing they have the option to buy-in for the long run, or turn it in for another model.

In my honest and humble opinion, this temporal notion of marriage is a problem. When I officiate a marriage ceremony, I tell every couple that their vows are a promise they are making between themselves and God. They are deliberately inviting the eternal into their relationship, making a serious promise that requires endurance, perseverance, compassion, communication, and of course, a supernatural commitment to a love deeper than we can comprehend. The vows I lead couples in taking are as follows: "In the name of God, I (name), take you, (name), to be my wedded husband/wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part. This is my solemn vow."

That 'til death do us part' line is important. When we invite the eternal God into our relationships, death is the only thing that should be able to separate our earthly marriage (but acknowledging that nothing can separate us from the love of God, including death). And at that point, our love for each other exists in eternity until we are reunited to all live with God. Within this 7-year marriage contract is an interesting underlying thought, and that is that some people shouldn't get married in the first place; knowing there is an out helps take away some of the sting and pain of divorce. But does it?

Let's face it: whenever relationships end, it's painful. I think back to some of my own fleeting dating relationships that might have lasted only a matter of days. When those breakups happened, it usually hurt in one way or another. Whether it's a loss of a dream or ideal, whenever we see something end for which we had hope, it hurts; therefore, I don't think a 7-year marriage contract will prevent or alleviate any agony if the relationship doesn't work.

In 12-years of ministry, I have run across many couples in crisis – some made it, some did not. For the ones that did, without exception, there was a commitment to the eternal nature of marriage. For those who did not have a commitment to the enduring and eternal power of love, there was no hope. Now as a caveat, some marriages that didn't make it did have that commitment, but they still couldn't make it work. Those really hurt.

May we embrace the eternal in marriage and frankly every aspect of life! Looking past our own issues and problems, and into the unending power of God's love is the only way we can make life work when it seems life isn't working for us. No marriage is perfect, and sometimes we need help. A way out after 7-years, however, does not appear to me to be the answer.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes!

2009-04-24T10:37:00.008-04:00

It's nice to knock the dust off the ole blog. It's certainly something I need to do more frequently, especially since it's been linked to from several outside sources.

Things are changing! I love it. Pastor Shannon, my colleague and friend at Lighthouse, was charged last fall with making a big statement in our church and the way we use technology. Boy, has she! We have a new web site, Facebook pages, Twitter feeds, and personal blogs. The church's technological profile is growing, as are the people we're able to reach in free, quick, & fun ways. Not to mention we're keeping up with the times. It's absolutely fantastic! The only thing is I have to do a better job of writing and updating my stuff.

But something else is changing ... me! Lent and Easter did me some good this year. I dedicated myself to prayer and fasting this Lent and found myself comforted and challenged in ways I haven't experienced since seminary. God was really working within me to grow closer to Him and in my understanding of ministry. It worked.

The very first day I fasted, I sat with my Bible and asked the Lord to reveal to me something I needed. This is the passage that I was immediately led to read: I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. (Revelation 2.2-5, emphasis mine)

WOW!!! It was me, right there in 2-thousand years worth of print. Whether I wanted to admit it or not, I had begun to lose my first love and it was time to realize that though I might have been forsaking my first love, God had never forsaken me. It started changing me from the inside out. I began to rediscover a couple things that had brought me closer to God in the midst of my teen angst when I first became a Christian and heard my call to ministry: music, my guitar, and a commitment to care for the temple God had given me. (1 Cor.6.19-20)

Then came Easter Sunday and this picture that was taken as the Easter Bunny from the Wyndham-Peachtree Conference Center came to offer me "Easter Greetings." When I saw the shot, I could hardly tell myself from the egg. At that point, I was reminded of a morbid thought I had while at Disney with the family last February: I am closer to the age when my dad (and paternal grandfather) passed away than I was the age when I heard my call to ministry. I don't want to go that early if I can help it, and if I continued eating and gaining weight at the alarming rate I was, then I could pretty well guess what my fate would be.

With the last morsel of chocolate cake following Easter dinner, I rededicated myself to caring for the temple God had given me. Since that Monday morning, I have been far better with my health and nutrition than I had done the last five years, or so. I cannot tell you how many pounds I've lost because I'm not getting on a scale right now. I'm just eating much much better and exercising every day. I am feeling infinitely better after just two weeks and based on a picture I saw of myself from a day or two ago, it's already paying dividends.

So here I am: endeavoring to lose weight, grow closer to God, and become a more effective servant in His Kingdom. I invite you to join me as we walk this journey with God together, for as the Bible tells us, we all will be changed (1 Cor. 15.51). Let's make sure we're being changed for the good of ourselves, the world, and of course, God!

25 Things About Me

2009-02-08T21:48:00.003-05:00

I've had this list written for a while, but after watching a Dr. Phil segment on Facebook, I've been a little tentative about posting it there. Still, it's a good list and pretty indicative of the things that swirl around in my mind.

1. I cannot imagine my life without Tiffany; no one has been able to keep me grounded like her.
2. I admit it, I’m a little nuts.
3. Being a dad is the coolest thing I’ve ever been blessed to do.
4. I love movies, especially geeky ones.
5. I sometimes get conflicted over which superhero I would want to be: Superman, Batman, or Spiderman. Superman usually always wins.
6. I wish I could own a lightsaber.
7. My favorite food is the edible kind – except seafood.
8. The Beatles are my favorite music group, though I don’t listen as much as I used to.
9. I once spent a summer trying to talk with a British accent.
10. I sometimes wish I went into the military to be a pilot and even considered enlisting as a chaplain after 9/11.
11. I received my call to ministry the summer before my freshman year in high school; I was 14 yrs. old.
12. Learning to play guitar helped me survive high school.
13. I love the creativity and freedom serving a new church provides
14. Sharing the love of God and Jesus’ story is my life’s passion, but I struggle with the organized side of church.
15. I love Disney World, and every time I go I think about moving down there and starting over.
16. I used to be a religious newspaper columnist and miss doing it.
17. I struggle with my self-confidence, and it usually stems from my battle with food (see #6)
18. I always wished I had straight and soft hair
19. I tried to grow a mullet in 8th grade and it turned out to be an afro
20. I am learning I need to encourage my son to do more social activities, even if I want to stay home and play on Twitter or Facebook.
21. I learned the only lesson I’ll ever need when it comes to honesty and integrity when I was in the 4th grade; it literally changed my life.
22. I miss my dad terribly and wonder what he would think of the man I’ve become.
23. I have gaping holes in my heart as a result of the miscarriages we have had.
24. I believe God wipes the tears away that fall in private.
25. I can’t drink caffeine after 4pm – it’s like feeding a gremlin after midnight.

Wishes

2008-12-30T22:53:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

May the Lord bless you this season and for all eternity!

Love,
Mark

It's Thansgiving Day

2008-11-27T08:39:00.002-05:00

Thanksgiving is here! Wow. Later today Tiffany's family will descend upon our home for a wonderful feast. Well, at least I hope it's wonderful.

We've been working like crazy the last week to get the ole homestead ready for the feast. We cleaned out our garage, finished laying the decking in our attic, re-covered our kitchen chairs, shampooed our carpets, and even put up our Christmas decorations. As I sit here typing this blog post, I cannot help but chuckle because several of the things we did to "get ready" for Thanksgiving have little-to-no bearing on the day itself. Still, we found unfinished business that we needed to tackle.

Yesterday, Nov. 26, marked the 2nd anniversary of our move to this house. When we first made the move, we worked tirelessly to get our house put together. It's amazing, though, how the ardours of home ownership never go away. It requires constant attention, work, and patience (among other things, too).

As I think about the things for which I am thankful, relationships top that list! Maintaining a home and maintaining relationships are alike in some very real ways. When neglected, things get cluttered, dirty, and dilapidated. We might look round and think it hasn't been that long, when in reality times slips by at a greater rate than we realize.

On this day of giving thanks, I think it is appropriate that we focus some much-needed attention on our relationships. We might need to clean out some clutter, re-work the foundations, and enjoy some of the finer things in life that beautify our existence. It isn't just about eating too much and watching football (though I plan on doing plenty of both!) but about connecting and re-connecting with those we love.

So may your day of giving thanks be a momentous occasion for you and yours! And let's keep that same level of attention we have in getting ready for company as we do once they're there!

Happy Thanksgiving.

My, Where Has The Time Gone?

2008-10-19T19:07:00.003-04:00

I decided to take a peek at my blog page today and realized I haven't updated it since March. Egad, that's bad! I must do better because I enjoy this outlet for sharing my thoughts and ideas. It doesn't seem like nearly seven months since that day I was out playing tennis with Tiffany and Ethan. It causes me to ask the age-old question, "My, where has the time gone?"

Recently I have gotten into Facebook. It was one of those things I ventured into without realizing the significance of what it would mean. Early on I was communicating with persons from Lighthouse, which was cool. But it wasn't long before some much older friends began popping up. People I went to church, school, and worked with. As I began reconnecting with these long-lost friends I was amazed at how much has changed. In my minds' eye, these folks are still 18 years old, full of the promise of college, new jobs, military service, and so on and so forth. But to see where these men and women are now, well, suffice it to say that it amazes me.

I have found friends who are living all over the world. Friends who are in Broadway shows in New York. Friends who are seeing their dreams realized of being attorneys, doctors, actors, athletes, etc. and the funny thing is, none of them are 18 any more! They are all a little older, wiser (we can only hope, right?), heavier, thinner (up top), wrinkled, and caring for their own spouses and children. We have all grown up ... it wasn't just me! My, where has the time gone?

When I think about how much has changed, I think about how one thing remains constant, and that is the love of God. That's why two separate connections on Facebook have been very significant for me. I have reconnected with my two best friends from high school; the gents who helped me start the FCA in our school. One is living his life as a Christian singer and songwriter where the other is about to embark on a church planting project in Thailand! These dudes, with me makes three, all followed the call God placed upon their lives to live for Him in service. We are no longer leading prayer services in the stairwells or doing music and messages in the gymnasium, we are out doing what God has burdened our souls to do. All in different parts of the country, let alone the world.

If I am totally honest, then I must admit the these two fellas had as big an impact on me spiritually as as my parents, pastors, and youth ministers along the way. Together we helped teach each other about God's love; about relationships; and about how to navigate the potential pitfalls of high school while maintaining one's spirituality, integrity, and character. I thank God for these two men in my life.

True, we lost touch after school, as so often happens to even the best of friends. But reconnecting with these two people and all the others who I have found -- or been found by -- on Facebook reminds me that my life is a journey that may have seemingly different and confounding routes along the path, but in the end, is in the hand of my maker. I still follow the path God laid out for me, but I at times must scratch my graying head ask the question, "My where has the time gone."

Watch Out...Score Is Being Kept

2008-03-24T08:21:00.002-04:00

I got a stark reminder the other day that score is being kept... Tiffany, Ethan, and I had gone to the neighborhood playground and tennis courts for a little recreation. Ethan hovered between the tennis courts and playground while Tiffany and I reminisced about how we used to play tennis several years and many pounds ago. We had fun getting out, stretching our legs, and taking in some fresh air as a family.

After an hour or so of chasing the tennis ball between the two different courts, we decided it was time to head home and have a nice dinner together. It was then that Ethan came to us with a pen and little notepad he had pulled from his pocket. He informed us that he had been keeping score while we played. Wanting to humor my little guy I asked him, "So what was the final tally?" This was his answer:
. Mommy: 2,000,000
. Daddy: 46

Hmmm. It reminds me that persons of faith are always being watched. Like the old saying goes, "You may be the only Bible someone ever reads." The way we live, words we say, things we do, etc. are always being seen, heard, observed, and processed. As much as we might hate to admit it, some folks will determine whether or not the Christian faith is right for them based on the testimonies they hear and/or see from people who profess faith in Jesus.

That can be a scary thought for some--if not all--of us! We are not perfect beings, but place our faith in the ONE who is. Even when we do stupid, shortsighted, thick-headed things, we can hurt our witness. But it also provides us an opportunity to point to the ONE who takes our shortcomings, redeems us, and makes us whole.

Forgiveness is one of the most critical elements of the Christian faith, and thank goodness for it. Without God's forgiveness, we'd be in a world of hurt as people continuously observe our lives and seek to keep score. There will be days when we feel like we're on the wrong side of a 2million to 46 scoreboard, but in the eyes of the Lord, we are all in need of His forgiveness, redemption, and love.

Happy day after Easter and have a wonderful week!

On Super Tuesday & Choices

2008-02-05T17:43:00.000-05:00

Okay, okay, okay. I'm really interested in Super Tuesday. It's the closest thing to a national primary this country has ever seen. And by all accounts, voter turnout has been significant as people go to the polls so their voices can be heard as to who is most capable of leading this great country. It all comes down to choice. Choices, choices, choices...

When voting in an election, there are so many things to consider--personalities, platforms, and politics. These choices are important and do impact our futures and our lives.

As important as it is to make a wise choice when voting in an election, there are greater things in play...greater choices to be made.

As Joshua is completing his task of leading God's children on the last leg of their Exodus journey, he says to the people, "...choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,.... But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24.15)

May we all use such wisdom in making choices in our lives. Let's choose love. Let's choose GOD!

"We need to teach the next generation of children from day one
that they are responsible for their lives.
Mankind's greatest gift, also its greatest curse, is that we have free choice.
We can make our choices built from love or from fear."
~ Elizabeth Kubler Ross

Hope

2008-01-31T12:03:00.000-05:00

A whole stack of memories never equal one little hope. ~ Charles Schulz

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." ~ The Bible, Hebrews 6.19a

We don't hope just for hope's sake, but in the One who gives us reason to Hope ... God!

Baptism

2008-01-13T15:27:00.000-05:00

I had the opportunity to baptize four adults today in worship. It was a first for The Lighthouse Church. We've done babies, children, and youth, but not adults. And it's the circumstances that makes this so powerful.

The lady who precipitated this is dying of cancer. As I write this she is down to weeks left in her life (based on the docs best guess). She wanted to experience authentic baptism before she went to be with the Lord. As she shared her new faith with her family, they too came to faith in Christ and wanted to be baptized. So we did it! and boy was it special!

I remember speaking by phone with this lady last week when I learned her family would be joining her for the baptism service. She asked if it would okay. My initial reaction was pity the church where it wouldn't be okay.

Words cannot express the power in that worship center this morning. Here is someone who is facing her own mortality, surrounded by those who love her most. The very fact that some churches would not be in favor of doing this is absurd, but true. and the very fact that some serious pastoral care has already begun makes it even more worthwhile.

For after the elation of this day passes and the reality of the illness sets back in, the family will be left in worry and grief. Yet a relationship has begun where we can love, support, and care for this family before, during, and after the loss of their mother and grandmother. Who knows just how powerful the memories of this morning will be in the grand scheme of things.

It was a good day.

God Is Still In The Gift Giving Business

2007-12-20T17:32:00.000-05:00

This is the season for gifts and giving! It is one of the reasons Christmas is so fun and exciting. Speaking of gifts and giving, there is a story my wife loves to tell about her favorite Christmas gift.

It was the year of the Cabbage Patch Doll, one of the greatest phenomena of my generation. Television and radio stations held contests and auctions so parents could get their hands on the commodities. Want-adds displayed the lengths desperate parents would go to commandeer one of these toys. And of course, there were those fortunate enough to buy up several at once to sell them at unbelievable prices to moms and dads who would stop at nothing to see the looks on their precious one’s face on Christmas morning.

My wife was once one of those dreamy-eyed children with her heart set on a brand new Cabbage Patch Doll. To hear her tell the story today you can see her light up as she recalls that special morning. As many children do when they have their eyes set on a particular item, she bargained with her parents as she declared she didn’t need a single other present as long as there was a Cabbage Patch Doll under the tree.

Christmas morning rolled around and the gift-giving extravaganza commenced. As she would tear into each package, she did so with baited breath for the hope of finding her new doll. Package after package was opened but it yielded no doll. As her hopes began to fade, she tried to focus on the gifts she did get and not on the one she did not receive. But as luck would have it, after she thought all hope was lost, her father told her to go to the closet. It was there, hidden in a place she would never expect, she found her Christmas dream come true.

She got her brand new doll, but to hear her tell the story today, the toy was not what was most important. In hindsight, that year brought her the greatest gift to memory because her dad picked it out and gave it to her out of complete and total love. It did not necessarily come at a time or in the manner she expected, but it came nonetheless, and to this day remains the greatest gift she ever received. Sure, there have been fancier and much more expensive gifts through the years (I should know!) but it was that doll that has meant the most.

Friends, I hope you find that your heart’s greatest desire is fulfilled this Christmas. But in the midst of our worldly dreams we can ill afford to overlook the gift that was given long before any of us were ever born. For in a time when it was least expected, in a place where no one even dared to look, God with us, Emmanuel, was born to set us free. A tiny baby born of a virgin and laid in a feeding trough is still the best gift we could hope for. After all, “Jesus is the reason for the season!”

The same God who gave us the gift of Jesus that special night is still in the gift-giving business. Sometimes God’s gifts are difficult to see and even understand, but God is still in the gift-giving business. As we come around to this Christmas season each and every year, we are reminded that the One who gave His Son to be our Savior, the Prince of Peace in a world full of peace-less-ness, still gives us gifts of hope, joy, and love.

So as we have a great time exchanging gifts with those we love, in the midst of the dolls, action figures, clothes, jewelry, and video games, may we also remember that every dream we could ever have has been given in the form of the baby Jesus. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and after all the paper has been torn away and before the thank you notes are written, may we each and every one pause to remember that, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17)

The Holiday Blues

2007-11-26T10:36:00.000-05:00

The holidays are supposed to be a joyful time of good cheer and optimistic hopes. Yet it is not unusual for many of us to feel sad or lonely during the holiday period. This has come to be known as “The Holiday Blues” or “Holiday Depression.”

The Holiday Blues may occur at any holiday or vacation time, but most commonly happens during the December holidays when it seems just about everyone in the world is celebrating in some way. There are many causes for the holiday blues, but the most typical are the loss of a loved one, loss of job, separation or estrangement from family, a move away from a familiar home, or even a change in family traditions.

The symptoms for the Holiday Blues mimic clinical depression: sleeplessness or constant desire to sleep; loss of appetite resulting in unwanted weight loss; binge eating resulting in unwanted weight gain; difficulty in concentration; difficulty in functioning normally at work and/or at home; feelings of anger, ambivalence, or hopelessness; slow reaction times and an inability to make decisions; an emphasis on the negative; low self esteem; isolation from others; and some very real physical ailments such as headaches, backaches, and melancholy facial expressions.

While these symptoms might be intense and unsettling, The Holiday Blues are usually short-lived, lasting for a few days to weeks before the holiday. The good news is the Holiday Blues usually subside after the holiday as daily routines resume. If they do not, however, it is important to find someone who can help you through this difficult time such as a family member, friend, pastor, or other health care professional. Below, you will find a list of recommended DO’S and DON’TS for managing your Holiday Blues. The most important things to remember are: it’s a normal response to a stress-filled time of year, and you don’t have to suffer unnecessarily.

DO:
Do follow the three basics for good health (eat right, get plenty of rest, & exercise)
Do set realistic goals to organize your time, make lists, prioritize, and set a budget
Do let go of the past and find new ways to celebrate
Do allow yourself to feel sad and grieve—this is a normal response
Do something for someone else and spend time with people who care about you
Do enjoy activities that are free (like at a local church)

DON’T:
Don’t overindulge in alcohol or fatty and sugary goodies
Don’t have unrealistic expectations of self or others
Don’t always count on others to remember your loss and pain
Don’t focus on what you don’t have
Don’t spend money you don’t have

The Holiday Blues can be a very difficult and sometimes unwanted guest at the holidays, but if you follow some of these simple suggestions and remember the words of Jesus, then you will be well on your way to a holiday season that will be merry and bright!

And remember what Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted,” (Matthew 5:4) and “Blessed are you who weep now for you will laugh.”(Luke 6:21)

Resourced from the University of Maryland Medical School and The Stephen Ministry Training Manual

the joy of times like these

2007-10-29T09:05:00.000-04:00

Halloween has always been a time I enjoy. It does not seem to be the same anymore because of all the threats to children’s safety, but you have to admit, there is just something fun about dressing up in costumes and going around “Trick-or-Treating.” I still get excited about October 31, wondering what I would go as if I still could get away with donning a costume and begging for candy. Fortunately, I have a little boy who I can live vicariously through and enjoy the true joy of a holiday where you dress up in cute costumes and ask for candy.

As my wife and I began wondering how we would dress up our little boy, we could not help but reminisce over some of our favorite costumes. For me, it had to be the year my Dad made a Ghostbusters suit out of an old jumpsuit and a vacuum cleaner. I would probably still wear it today had it survived multiple trips through the neighborhood during my hay-day.

As I sit here working on this blog post after dropping my boy off at school, I cannot help but think about some of the costumes he’s worn that have been my favorites. There was the year he was a pumpkin, then the one when he was Tigger, not to mention a Power Ranger and The Flash. But my favorite had to be the year he dressed up as Superman! What better way to dress up my little fella than to resemble my favorite superhero? So as I got the suit, took it home, unfurled the cape, and placed it on his little body with that distinctive “S” emblazoned on his chest, I began to well up with pride thinking of just how proud I was of my son. But the really special thing was about to take place….

As he grew bored with just looking at himself in the costume, I took him downstairs to watch a Superman cartoon. I was preparing to explain the Man of Steel’s background, abilities, and weaknesses to someone who was just learning the difference between a dog and a cat; still, it was something that had to be done if he was going to represent the essence of Superman on Halloween! As the show started and Superman began flying around, my little guy looked at the screen with a puzzled expression. He looked down at his shirt and then again at the screen, doing this a couple times before he looked back at me with these eyes of pure excitement. And as he looked at me, he pointed back at the television and exclaimed, “ME!” It was a simple association, but I could not have been a prouder Papa.

Perhaps that’s how my Dad felt as I donned my Ghostbusters suit for the very first time. Regardless, it is fun for us to think back and remember the times we had soaking up the pleasures of childhood. These days, Halloween just isn’t the same. We have to scan our candy and watch around every street corner. But one thing remains, the joy in a child’s eye and the pride in a parent’s heart when a costume turns out just right.

So this year for Halloween, whether you are dressing yourself, a little one, or no one at all, remember the times like these when life is full of joy. Then, think about how you can make it joyful again, for yourself or someone around you. It might be something as simple as a little kid becoming his favorite Superhero for an evening or a Dad reliving the better parts of his life. But whatever it is, let’s make this October 31 one that we all will remember with joy and pride. And above all, be safe!

I'm Baaack!

2007-10-11T09:45:00.000-04:00

Boy did we have a wonderful time on our little trip to Disney. We LOVE that place! This morning as I was driving Ethan to school, he was really moping. I told him the best thing about coming home from a trip like this one is looking forward to the next one. I'm not sure if he bought it.

Perhaps it's because this was a momentous trip for him. You see, with his growth spurt over the summer, he is now tall enough to ride all but a very few rides at Disney. That meant he was tall enough to ride the famous Space Mountain--something he had been looking forward to for the last year-and-a-half. Tiffany and I debated it and decided we would allow him to ride, making his trip.

We spent two days in the Magic Kingdom. The first day, Space Mountain had been shut down for technical difficulties. He was devastated. The second day, however, the ride was up and he was ready. With a pounding heart, the three of us walked up to the ride and stood outside the entrance. He looked up at me and I captured the expression on his face in a picture. It was a moment he'll never forget. Neither will I.

After the ride, he was ecstatic! A dream had come true and a rite of passage reached. Unfortunately, in a small way, it was all down hill from there. So now we look forward to the next one...

As for me, I hate getting back into gear after a trip...especially to Disney. It's so hard when my mind has been logged off for a couple days. But things are going very well at Lighthouse right now and I'm eager to see how God will bless us this week!

I hope you have a great day and I'll blog again later when my head is back on straight.

Stand & Deliver

2007-10-03T11:08:00.000-04:00

I woke up this morning a little bruised...literally and figuratively. Our men's softball team had their first game last night. I had a 2-4 night at the plate with a couple of RBI! In fact, I hit the ball pretty well, much better than most games before. The exciting thing is my last at bat drove in two runs to tie the game. But I have to admit it was more of a relief than cause for celebration.

You see, in the previous inning, we were winning big, 8-0. Playing 1st base (which is my best position, or so I thought), I committed two BIG errors that not only helped the other team score some runs, but take the lead. One ball was thrown a little high, making me have to leap for it. The second one...well, there was no excuse for it. It was a soft grounder back to the pitcher, who fielded it cleanly and lobbed a soft toss over to me. I was trying so hard to make a great play, I totally botched it, dropping it, and helplessly watched it roll out of reach. All I could do was lay face first on the ground, pounding my fist in the dirt, and HOPE no one saw me. No such luck.

When we returned to the dugout, the rest of the team did what they were supposed to do. In the midst of their disappointment, they told me to shake it off and make the play next time. They reminded me that it happens to men who get played gobs of money to play the position. But all I could think about was the literally HUNDREDS of similar plays I've made before and those two that got away. I was disgusted and embarrassed. I was wearing it on my face so much that our coach came up to me saying I needed to clear my head a bit, and that someone else would be manning 1st for the rest of the game...that is if there was a rest of the game. We were now down by a couple of runs at our last at bat.

Fortunately, when I came to the plate with a chance to tie the game, I came through! I hit the ball about as hard as I have--a line drive in the hole between first and second base. Runners on 2nd and 3rd scored on the play. As I stood on first base taking it all in, I heard one of the team leaders holler out from the dugout, "Way to redeem yourself, Mark!"

We went on to win the game, in large part because I came through, even after playing terrible defense. But such is life, I suppose. As I woke up (still reeling over making the errors) my wrist ached from hitting the ground so furiously in my angst. The fact still remains, we won the game, and I played a big part in it. I have to admit, I'm still crying over the milk I spilt.

In life, we mess up all the time...it's called sin. If left to our own devices, we'd mess things up so royally all we could do would be lay on the ground, pound it in humiliation, and HOPE that no one sees us. But you know what, we're aren't left to our own devices. In Jesus, we are more than game winners; we are heirs, brothers to the living God. Despite our failings and shortcoming, in Christ, we are still part of the team, given every opportunity to stand at the plate and deliver in the clutch. That is if we allow Jesus' eternal strength to become our own.

Are you banged up this morning? Is your body worn and bruised? Is your heart tattered and torn? Take Jesus and allow His strength to become your strength. Know that with Him, regardless of life’s circumstances, you can STAND & DELIVER!

It's A 'We' Thing...

2007-09-30T21:46:00.000-04:00

So they did it...the Atlanta Falcons won their first game today! Based on the responses from my first poll, I see they're already 1/3 of the way to their season total.

All teasing aside, it was great to see them win one…and not just pull one out, but win one! It seemed they had just about all aspects of their game together--offense, defense, and special teams. Not even the ghosts of 2 former quarterbacks and all the other hoopla of this early season could tarnish the sweetness of victory.

As humans, we enjoy games, sports, and such. Perhaps it's competition, pride, or simply the nature of play, but we enjoy games. And for those like me--who with the exception of a church softball game--are relegated to observers, there's just something about identifying with a team during the big game or after an exciting victory. Though it was the athletes who made the plays, we all share in the excitement of the event.

When I refer to my teams (Bulldawgs, Braves, Falcons, & Thrashers), I typically do so with the "We" moniker. Sure, I did nothing in the game, but I get so wrapped up in 'fandom' that I feel as though I'm part of the team. After all, with the time, energy, and money I invest in the teams, I am part of it.

We all want to belong to something bigger than ourselves. That's another big part of human nature. We all want to know that we make a difference; that we matter and what we do matters. The truth is we do matter. You matter to God. And when you're on His team, you BELONG!

So may you be blessed today with the notion that you belong; may you know that you can make a difference to God and those you love. And in the end, you'll realize we all share in the sweetness of victory in God's amazing love!

Beginnings

2007-09-27T13:48:00.000-04:00

This is my first blog. 'Bout time, I suppose. It's something I've been wanting to do for a while, but simply didn't take the time/effort to begin working on it. So many new things are happening now, though, I figured it's time to get off the schnide and venture into a new frontier!

Speaking of new things, I find this time of year quite interesting when the networks traipse out their new programming for the fall. It's a time to catch up on favorite shows from last year and get hooked on new ones. It's also a time to break some tired habits and make the difficult decision to part ways with shows that no longer tickle my fancy.

And then there's the always aggravating and inevitable reality that a favorite show got cancelled due to lack of interest. For example, FX had a show out a couple years back called "Over There" about a company of soldiers in the current Iraq War. It was raw, violent, and best I can tell, realistic. That was it's appeal as well as its downfall. Apparently people didn't feel comfortable watching a show about a controversial war currently being fought. Regardless how you feel about the war, I thought it was a good show that met a premature and unfortunate ending.

Life is full of these kinds of endings. Almost a month ago my beloved uncle (and undisputed patriarch of my dad's side of the family) passed suddenly when he fell out of his boat and drowned while fishing. Our family was caught off guard to say the least and left to wonder how this could happen to him and us. He literally lived his life on that lake and fished every single day. He logged more hours on that boat than I have on this earth and for him to meet his maker in such a way is as confounding as just about anything can be.

My Uncle Billy was a man of great faith. Because of this, I know that his tragic death is not the end. Jesus said that he makes all things new and because of the gift of his own life for you and me, we can know beyond the shadow of a doubt that there is hope for tomorrow even when it seems all is lost.

The proof of this came just last weekend as our family gathered for the first time since his funeral for a couple birthday parties--my mom's 60th and my grandmother's 86th. Though his absence was significant, our family got together with a piñata, quesadillas, candy and cake. We played and celebrated the life that we share, knowing that it's always darkest before the dawn and there's more hope in love and togetherness than there is hopelessness in grief!

I am sure that as a new fall TV lineup begins I will grow attached to a story line and group of characters that won't last forever. But alas, nothing ever does. For every "Over There" that comes and goes in the blink of an eye, there is a "Friends", "Seinfeld", and even "The Simpsons". All things come to an end, but are able to love and celebrate the times that we have.

Take this day to make a new beginning; for yourself, your friends, your family, and whoever else that deserves your best. And if you are stuck in the premature and unfortunate loss of something dear to you, be comforted by the words of our Lord..."Behold, I make all things new."